Support post for combined use with a fence structure and a retaining wall structure

Abstract

A support post comprising at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post comprising a hollow receiving portion and a slot extending along the receiving portion, the slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the slot, the receiving portion configured to receive a fence post of a fence structure, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to the fence post, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

Description

[0001]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a support post for combined use with a fence structure and a retaining wall structure, as well as a system comprising said support post, a method of using said support post, and a kit of parts. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a support post configured to receive an end of at least one retaining panel of a retaining wall structure, and also to receive a fence post of a fence structure.

[0003] Related application

[0004] The present application claims the benefit of Australian provisional patent application No. 2024904249, filed on 20 December 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0005] Background

[0006] In some situations, it may be desired to install a retaining wall and also a fence directly above the retaining wall. This may be the case, for example, at a property boundary where a low retaining wall and also a boundary fence are needed.

[0007] Achieving this may be complicated in several respects. Firstly, there may be a mismatch between typical dimensions of retaining wall components (such as retaining wall panels, also referred to as plinths) and typical fencing components. For instance, the retaining wall panels I plinths may be longer than a typical span of a fence panel section. This makes it difficult to integrate the construction of the two.

[0008] Secondly, if it is desired to use the vertical posts of the retaining wall structure to also support the fence structure, it is necessary to dimension the vertical posts such that they protrude above the retaining wall panels or plinths, such that the fence structure can be connected to the vertical posts (which are typically square hollow section (“SHS”) posts). Connecting the fence structure to the SHS posts typically entails connecting the fence posts (which receive and retain the fence panels) to the SHS posts, and also connecting the fence posts to the fence panels and to the retaining wall panels or plinths. Due to the number of necessary connections, the fence structure must be installed at the same time, or during the same construction process, as the retaining wall structure. This may be costly, time-consuming and logistically complex, requiring coordination between the retaining and fencing teams to each attend and do their part of the installation at the correct time and in the correct order. For construction occurring at remote locations, transport costs of the required materials may also be an issue.

[0009] Thirdly, in some cases, installing the fence structure over the retaining wall structure requires an offset between the two, or otherwise takes up a relatively significant footprint, which encroaches onto the property.

[0010] Embodiments of the disclosed support post, and associated system, method and kit of parts seek to ameliorate one or more of the shortcomings of the prior art, or at the very least to provide the public with a useful choice.

[0011] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0012] Summary

[0013] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a support post comprising at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post including a hollow receiving portion and a slot extending along the receiving portion, the slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the slot, the receiving portion configured to receive a fence post of a fence structure, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to the fence post, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a support post comprising at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post and having a hollow receiving portion and one or more slots extending along the receiving portion, each slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure, the receiving portion configured to receive one or more fence posts of a fence structure, the fence structure having at least one fence panel wherein respective fence panels are connectable to respective fence posts, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the one or more fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

[0015] The above-described embodiments of support posts of the present disclosure, and those described herein, may respectively comprise, either individually or in combination, any of the following features. It will be appreciated that various operable features may be enabled as steps, actions, or events as part of other aspects of the principles described herein that provide embodiments or implementations or methods of using an embodiment of a support post of the present disclosure.

[0016] At least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0017] At least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged. In this manner, when the fence post is received within the receiving portion of the support post, a connection or interconnection between the fence post and the support post is formed or defined enabling the complementary geometries of both components to operate substantially synergistically (or, in one form, in concert with each other) in providing a join or (interconnection between both components that provides for improved characteristics such as for example, stiffness and / or structural integrity (i.e., improved strength capacity) of the join or (interconnected components. An advantage of this configuration may be seen in improved fluidity in integration of the fencing structure with the retaining system (in terms of time and / or cost, for example). A further advantage can be seen in the prospective reduction or optimisation in the number of fixings that may be required to complete the assembly of the fence post (or related fencing structure) with the support post, thereby seeking to provide for a simpler installation process (yielding, for example, less installation time and / or cost) than many prior art systems.

[0018] Said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post may be formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the or each fence post comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry.

[0019] As used herein, the terms “contour”, “contoured”, or “profile” denote a surface geometry that is defined by one or more curved, angled, or smoothly transitioning portions, and which is not restricted to a planar configuration. The expression(s) encompass any intentional shaping of a surface, whether continuous or discontinuous, symmetrical or asymmetrical, and exact correspondence to a referenced geometry is not required, provided that one or more sufficient portions of the surface substantially conform to or with the geometry in question for achieving the intended technical function.

[0020] Said complementary shape may comprise or host geometrical formations or features comprising (non-exhaustively) any of the following: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions (e.g., convex or concave shaped portions or segments); one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions. Said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post may comprise one or more geometrical transition regions which serve to transition between adjacent geometrical formations or features. The skilled reader would be well aware of what other geometrical formations could be operably relevant to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0021] Substantially the majority of the receiving portion of the support post may be complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0022] Substantially the entirety of the receiving portion may be complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged. Said complementary shape may be formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding wall or portion thereof of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion of the support post and fence post can be established. Such geometrical formations or features may comprise or include any of the geometrical formations or features noted above or as otherwise described herein.

[0023] At least a portion of the receiving portion may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of the fence post.

[0024] The at least a portion of the receiving portion may be at least one side of the receiving portion, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post may be a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion and said complementary shape comprises a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of each fence post, the respective recess and protrusion engaging when each fence post may be received in the receiving portion.

[0025] Said complementary shape may comprise a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the recess and protrusion engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion. The complementary nature of the geometry characters of the recess and protrusion may be configured so as to provide for a snug fit and or affirmative connection when both are brought together into engagement.

[0026] Said complementary shape may comprise two or more recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion. Said complementary shape comprises a plurality of recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions, the respective recesses engaging respective protrusions when each fence post is received in the receiving portion. The complementary nature of the geometry characters of the recess and protrusion may be configured so as to provide for a snug fit and or affirmative connection when both are brought together into engagement. The receiving portion may be formed by way of a plurality of walls or wall portions that are constituent of the receiving portion, wherein any or each of the constituent walls or wall portions may comprise any of the following: one or more recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion; or one or more protrusions complementary to a corresponding number of recesses defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0027] Each of the walls or wall portions may be formed so as to be substantially non-planar.

[0028] The fence post may be formed from a Colorbond® steel material (using an appropriate forming technique, such as a cold roll forming process). The receiving portion of the support post may be shaped or contoured to substantially match the geometrical form of the formed fence posts (whether formed from Colorbond® steel or otherwise). The skilled reader will appreciate that the fence post may be formed from other materials using forming processes appropriate for the relevant material.

[0029] The fence post may be a standard Colorbond® fence section or a custom formed fence section.

[0030] The support post may be formed form an extrusion process (e.g., a suitable extrusion process for the material from which the support post is to be formed from), a fabrication process (e.g., a suitable fabrication process for the material from which the support post is to be formed from), or a cold rolling process (e.g., a suitable cold rolling process for the material from which the support post is to be formed from). In some embodiments, the forming of the support post may be undertaken so as to provide the receiving portion with the requisite shaped or contoured form substantially informed by that of a fence post so as to allow for the snug fitment between the fence post and support post so that both, when joined or (interconnected together, operate in a substantially synergistic manner in at least a structural context.

[0031] A profile of the or each slot may be substantially complementary to a profile of an end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0032] In use, one of the at least one fence panel may abut one of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure. The or each fence post may be received into the receiving portion by sliding the or each fence post downwardly from the top of the support post into the receiving portion.

[0033] The support post may be configured to receive the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure first, and subsequently to receive the or each fence post.

[0034] A lower portion of the or each fence post may extend below the at least one fence panel, said lower portion of the or each fence post being received into the receiving portion and extending adjacent to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when received into the receiving portion.

[0035] The top of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be aligned with the top of the support post.

[0036] The support post may comprise a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving the or each fence post.

[0037] The second sub portion may be disposed behind the first sub portion.

[0038] The first sub portion may be separated from the second sub portion by a dividing wall.

[0039] The or each fence post may be connectable to the support post via at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may be a screw.

[0040] The support post may have a substantially flat rear side opposed to the slot, the substantially flat rear side configured to be disposed in a back-to-back arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, such that the respective support posts can each receive the respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and the respective fence post in opposing directions.

[0041] The support post and the further support post may be connectable together via at least one of: a flange and screw arrangement, wherein each support post comprises one flange and one recess proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side, the flange of each support post configured to engage the recess of the other support post, the respective flanges being connected to the body of the other support post by a screw;

[0042] - a dovetail connection on the respective support posts;

[0043] - a biscuit joiner connection, a portion of the biscuit joiner being received into a corresponding recess on each of the support posts.

[0044] The support post may be formed from one of: aluminium or steel or other metallic material, or from ColorBond® steel material. The support post may be configured so that its receiving portion has a portion that is of a shaped or contoured form that is complementary to or with a portion of the shaped cross-section or profile of a fence post to be received by the receiving portion of the support post. The support post in this manner may be formed by way of an extrusion, cold rolling, or fabrication process. The fence post may be a standard Colorbond® fence section or a custom formed fence section.

[0045] The aluminium may be structural-grade aluminium. The steel may be structural-grade steel.

[0046] The at least one fence panel may comprise a plurality of fence panels.

[0047] The plurality of fence panels may be vertically oriented panels connected together by a top and bottom rail.

[0048] A first fence panel of the plurality of fence panels may be connected to one of the fence posts, wherein the one fence post may comprise a fence post receiving portion with a fence post opening, and the first fence panel may extend through the fence post opening.

[0049] A further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, may be connected to a second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to but oriented oppositely to the first fence post. In another embodiment, the further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, may be connected to a second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to the first fence post.

[0050] The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be formed from aluminium. The aluminium may be structural-grade aluminium. The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may comprise a plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure, the plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure being stacked on top of one another in use.

[0051] The one or more slots may be a single slot and the support post has at least one side without a slot, the at least one side configured to be disposed in a face to face arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, such that the respective support posts can each receive in their respective single slots at least one panel of respective different adjacent retaining wall structure parts.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit of parts comprising: a support post comprising at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post comprising a hollow receiving portion and a slot extending along the receiving portion, the slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the slot, the receiving portion configured to receive a fence post of a fence structure, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to the fence post, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel; and the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, wherein the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure has a neck, wherein a width of the slot is substantially complementary to the width of the neck.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit of parts, comprising: a support post having at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post which includes a hollow receiving portion and one or more slot extending along the receiving portion, each slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of respective parts of a retaining wall structure, the receiving portion configured to receive one or more fence posts of a fence structure, the fence structure having at least one fence panel connected to one of the fence posts, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and each fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

[0054] The above-described embodiments of kits of parts of the present disclosure may respectively comprise, either individually or in combination, any of the following features. The kit of parts may further comprise the one or more fence post of the fence structure.

[0055] The kit of parts may further comprise the at least one fence panel of the fence structure.

[0056] The support post may comprise any embodiment of the support post as described herein.

[0057] The or each fence post may be formed from a ColorBond® steel material. The fence post may be a standard Colorbond® fence section or a custom formed fence section.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising: a first and second support post, the first and second support post each comprising: at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post comprising a hollow receiving portion and a slot extending along the receiving portion; the slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the slot; the receiving portion configured to receive a fence post of a fence structure, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to the fence post; each support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel, the first support post being spaced from and oriented oppositely to the second support post, such that the first support post receives the end, being a first end, of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the second support post receives the end, being a second end, of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and such that the first support post receives the fence post, being a first fence post, and the second support post receives the fence post, being a second fence post, the at least one fence panel being connected to and spanning between the first and second fence post.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising: a first and second support post, the first and second support post each including: at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post having a hollow receiving portion and slot extending along the receiving portion; each slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure; the receiving portion further configured to receive one or more fence posts of a fence structure wherein the fence structure includes at least one fence panel; each support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and each fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel, the first support post being spaced from the second support post, such that opposite ends of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure are receivable in respective slots of the first and second support post, and at least one fence panel is connected to and spans between respective fence posts received in the first and second support posts.

[0060] The above-described embodiments of systems of the present disclosure may respectively comprise, either individually or in combination, any of the following features.

[0061] The first and second support post may be spaced apart by a distance that substantially corresponds to a width of the at least one fence panel.

[0062] A width of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may substantially correspond to the width of the at least one fence panel.

[0063] The width of the at least one fence panel may be between substantially 1000mm and substantially 4000mm.

[0064] The width of the at least one fence panel may be between substantially 2000mm and substantially 3000mm. The width of the width of the at least one fence panel may be between substantially 2100mm and substantially 2500mm.

[0065] The width of the at least one fence panel may be substantially 2370mm.

[0066] The system may further comprise an intermediate post disposed at an intermediate location between the first and second support post and connected to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure to provide additional support to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0067] The intermediate location may be substantially midway between the first and second support post.

[0068] The intermediate post may be connected to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure by at least one screw.

[0069] An L-bracket may abut the intermediate post and the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and a pair of, or at least two, screws may connect the L-bracket to, respectively, the intermediate post and the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0070] At least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0071] At least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0072] Said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post may be formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the or each fence post may comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry.

[0073] Said complementary shape may comprise or host geometrical formations or features comprising any of: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions; one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions.

[0074] Substantially the majority of the receiving portion of the support post may be complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0075] Substantially the entirety of the receiving portion may be complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0076] Said complementary shape may be formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding geometrical formation or features of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion of the support post and fence post can be established.

[0077] At least a portion of the receiving portion of each of the first and second support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of a respective received fence post.

[0078] The at least a portion of the receiving portion may be at least one side of the receiving portion of each of the first and second support post, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post may be a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion of a corresponding first and second support post and said complementary shape may comprise a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of the fence posts, the recess and protrusion engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0079] Said complementary shape may comprise a plurality of recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions defined in the cross-section of each fence post, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0080] Said complementary shape may comprise a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the recess and protrusion engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0081] Said complementary shape may comprise two or more recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0082] A profile of the slot may be substantially complementary to a profile of an end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0083] A width or profile of the slot may be substantially complementary to a width or profile of the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0084] In use, the at least one fence panel may abut the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0085] The or each fence post may be received into the receiving portion by sliding the or each fence post downwardly from the top of the respective support post into the receiving portion.

[0086] The support post may be configured to receive the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure first, and subsequently to receive the fence post.

[0087] Each of the first and second support posts may be configured to initially receive respective ends of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and subsequently to receive at least one corresponding fence post. A lower portion of the at least one corresponding fence post may extend below the at least one fence panel, said lower portion of the at least one corresponding fence post being received into the receiving portion and extending adjacent to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when received into the receiving portion.

[0088] The top of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be aligned with the top of the first and second support post.

[0089] The support post may comprise a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving the fence post.

[0090] Each of the first and second the support post may comprise a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving at least one fence post.

[0091] The second sub portion may be disposed behind the first sub portion.

[0092] The first sub portion may be separated from the second sub portion by a dividing wall.

[0093] The fence post may be connectable to the respective support post via at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may be a screw.

[0094] Each of the first and second support post may have a substantially flat rear side opposed to the slot, the substantially flat rear side configured to be disposed in a back-to-back arrangement with a respective further, substantially identical, support post, such that the first support post and the respective further support post can each receive a respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and a respective fence post in opposing directions, and the second support post and the respective further support post can each receive a respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and a respective fence post in opposing directions.

[0095] Each of the first and second support posts may have a single slot extending along one side and at least one other side without a slot, the at least one other side configured to be disposed in a face to face arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, one of the at least one other side being configured to be disposed in a back-to-back arrangement with one of the at least one other side of a respective further, substantially identical, support post, such that the first support post and the respective further support post can each receive a respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and a respective fence post, and the second support post and the respective further support post can each receive a respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and a respective fence post.

[0096] The first and second support post and the respective further support post may be connectable together via at least one of: a flange and screw arrangement, wherein each of the first and second support post and the respective further support post comprises one flange and one recess proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side, the flange of each of the first and second support post and the respective further support post configured to engage the recess of the corresponding support post, the respective flanges being connected to the body of the corresponding support post by a screw; a dovetail connection on the corresponding support posts; a biscuit joiner connection, a portion of the biscuit joiner being received into a corresponding recess on each of the corresponding support posts.

[0097] The support post may be formed from one of: aluminium or steel or other metallic material, or from ColorBond® steel material. The support post may be configured so that its receiving portion has a portion that is of a shaped or contoured form that is complementary to or with a portion of the shaped cross-section or profile of a fence post to be received by the receiving portion of the support post. The support post in this manner may be formed by way of an extrusion, cold rolling, or fabrication process.

[0098] The aluminium may be structural-grade aluminium. The steel may be structural-grade steel.

[0099] The at least one fence panel may comprise a plurality of fence panels.

[0100] The plurality of fence panels may be vertically oriented panels connected together by a top and bottom rail.

[0101] A first fence panel of the plurality of fence panels may be connected to the first fence post, wherein the first fence post may comprise a fence post receiving portion with a fence post opening, and the first fence panel may extend through the fence post opening. A further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, may be connected to the second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to but oriented oppositely to the first fence post.

[0102] The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be formed from aluminium. The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is formed from one of: aluminium or steel or other metallic material. The aluminium may be structural-grade aluminium. The steel may be structural-grade steel.

[0103] The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may comprise a plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure, the plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure being stacked on top of one another in use.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of using a support post, the support post comprising at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post comprising a hollow receiving portion and a slot extending along the receiving portion, the method comprising the steps of: inserting an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure into the slot, such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the slot; and inserting a fence post of a fence structure into the receiving portion, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to the fence post, wherein, when the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the fence post are inserted, the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present disclosure there is provided a method of using a support post, the support post having at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post including a hollow receiving portion and one or more slots extending along the receiving portion, the method comprising the steps of: inserting an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure into at least one of the slots, such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends into the at least one of the slots; and inserting one or more fence posts of a fence structure into the receiving portion, the fence structure having at least one fence panel connected to one of the one or more fence posts, wherein, when the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the one of the one or more fence posts are inserted, the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

[0106] The above-described embodiments of methods for using a support post of the present disclosure may respectively comprise, either individually or in combination, any of the following features.

[0107] At least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0108] At least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0109] Said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post may be formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the or each fence post comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry.

[0110] Said complementary shape may comprise or host geometrical formations or features comprising any of: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions; one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions. Substantially the majority of the receiving portion of the support post may be complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0111] Substantially the entirety of the receiving portion may be complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0112] Said complementary shape may be formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding geometrical formation or features of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion of the support post and fence post can be established.

[0113] At least a portion of the receiving portion may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of the fence post.

[0114] The at least a portion of the receiving portion may be at least one side of the receiving portion, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post is a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion and said complementary shape comprises a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the crosssection of each fence post, the recess and protrusion engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0115] Said complementary shape may comprise a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the recess and protrusion engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0116] Said complementary shape may comprise two or more recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the recesses and protrusions engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion. Said complementary shape may comprise a plurality of recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.

[0117] A width of the slot may be substantially complementary to a width of a neck at the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0118] A profile of each slot may be substantially complementary to a profile of an end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

[0119] The at least one fence panel may abut the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when both are inserted.

[0120] Inserting the or each fence post into the receiving portion may comprise sliding the or each fence post downwardly from the top of the support post into the receiving portion.

[0121] The step of inserting the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be initially performed, and subsequently the step of inserting the fence post may be performed.

[0122] A lower portion of the or each fence post may extend below the at least one fence panel, said lower portion of the or each fence post being received into the receiving portion and extending adjacent to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when received into the receiving portion.

[0123] The top of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be aligned with the top of the support post.

[0124] The support post may comprise a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving the or each fence post.

[0125] The second sub portion may be disposed behind the first sub portion.

[0126] The first sub portion may be separated from the second sub portion by a dividing wall. The method may comprise the further step of connecting the or each fence post to the support post via at least one fastener. The at least one fastener may be a screw.

[0127] The support post may have a substantially flat rear side opposed to the slot, the method comprising a preliminary step of disposing the substantially flat rear side in a back-to-back arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, such that the respective support posts can each receive the respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and the respective fence post in opposing directions.

[0128] The support post may have at least one side without a slot, and the method may comprise a preliminary step of disposing one of the at least one side in a face to face arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, such that the respective support posts can each receive the respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and the respective fence post.

[0129] The method may further comprise connecting the support post and the further support post via at least one of: a flange and screw arrangement, wherein each support post comprises one flange and one recess proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side, the flange of each support post configured to engage the recess of the other support post, then respective flanges being connected to the body of the other support post by a screw; a dovetail connection on the respective support posts; a biscuit joiner connection, a portion of the biscuit joiner being received into a corresponding recess on each of the support posts.

[0130] The support post may be formed from one of: aluminium or steel or other metallic material, or from ColorBond® steel material. The aluminium may be structural-grade aluminium. The steel may be structural-grade steel.

[0131] The at least one fence panel may comprise a plurality of fence panels.

[0132] The plurality of fence panels may be vertically oriented panels connected together by a top and bottom rail.

[0133] A first fence panel of the plurality of fence panels may be connected to one of the one or more fence posts, wherein the one of the one or more fence post may comprise a fence post receiving portion with a fence post opening, and the first fence panel may extend through the fence post opening.

[0134] A further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, may be connected to a second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to but oriented oppositely to the first fence post. In one embodiment, a further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, is connected to a second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to the first fence post.

[0135] The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may be formed from aluminium. The aluminium may be structural-grade aluminium.

[0136] The at least one panel of the retaining wall structure may comprise a plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure, the plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure being stacked on top of one another in use.

[0137] The method may comprise a preliminary step of embedding a bottom portion of the support post into a substrate.

[0138] The support post may comprise a first of first and second support posts, the first and second support posts being spaced from one another and oriented oppositely to one another, the method comprising: simultaneously inserting a first and second end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure into, respectively, one of the slots of the first and second support post, such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the respective slots and spans between the first and second support post.

[0139] The method may further comprise: simultaneously inserting a first and second fence post of a fence structure into, respectively, the receiving portion of the first and second support post, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to and spanning between the first and second fence post. Various aspects described herein can be practiced alone or combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. The various aspects can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features described in relation to the other aspects. Furthermore, optional features described in relation to one example (or embodiment) can optionally be combined alone or together with other features in different examples or embodiments.

[0140] For the purposes of summarising the aspects, certain aspects, advantages and novel features have been described herein above. It is to be understood, however, that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimises one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0141] It is to be understood that each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application, or patent cited in this text is not repeated herein is merely for reasons of conciseness.

[0142] Furthermore, in this specification, where a literary work, act or item of knowledge (or combinations thereof), is discussed, such reference is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the information referred to formed part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. Such information is included only for the purposes of providing context for facilitating an understanding of the inventive concept / principles and the various forms or embodiments in which those inventive concept / principles is / are exemplified.

[0143] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0144] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0145] Figure 1 is an image showing an example of a prior art retaining wall structure and fence structure;

[0146] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are schematics showing examples of prior art methods for installing a co-located retaining wall structure and fence structure;

[0147] Figure 3 is a schematic showing an exploded view of an exemplary prior art fence structure; Figure 4 is a schematic showing a cross-section of a support post according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0148] Figures 5A and 5B are images showing an example of a fence post of a type that can be used with, or as part of, the system of the present disclosure;

[0149] Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are schematics showing means of connecting two support posts according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0150] Figure 6D is a schematic of an embodiment of the support post arranged to receive retaining panels and fence panels from multiple sides of the support post;

[0151] Figures 6Ea and 6Eb are schematics of an embodiment of a single piece integrally formed support post with two slots juxtaposed at right angles to each other;

[0152] Figures 6Fa and 6Fb are schematics of an embodiment of a single piece integrally formed support post with three slots juxtaposed in a “T” like configuration;

[0153] Figures 6Ga and 6Gb are schematics of an embodiment of a single piece integrally formed support post with four slots juxtaposed in an “X” like configuration;

[0154] Figures 6Ha and 6Hb are schematics of an embodiment of a single piece integrally formed support post with two slots juxtaposed at an included angle of 135° to each other;

[0155] Figure 7 is a schematic showing a cross-section of a fence post similar to that of Figures 5A and 5B;

[0156] Figure 8 is a schematic showing an example of a cross-section of a panel of a retaining wall structure (“retaining panel”) of a type that can be used with, or as part of, the system of the present disclosure;

[0157] Figures 9A and 9B are schematics showing the support post and system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0158] Figure 9C shows a perspective view of a portion (end portion) of an embodiment of a retaining wall structure configured consistent with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0159] Figure 9D shows a perspective view of a portion (intermediate-span portion) of another embodiment of a retaining wall structure configured consistent with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0160] Figure 9E shows a plan view of the embodiment of the portion of the retaining wall structure shown in Figure 9C;

[0161] Figure 9F shows a plan view of the embodiment of the portion of the retaining wall structure shown in Figure 9C; and

[0162] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C are schematics showing a cross-section of the support post according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively showing the support post when empty, with the retaining panel(s) in place, and with both the retaining panel(s) and the fence post in place.

[0163] In the figures, like elements are referred to by like numerals throughout the views provided. The skilled reader will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments exemplifying the principles described herein. Also, common but well understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to provide a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein adopt the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

[0164] It should be noted that the figures are schematic only and the location and disposition of the components can vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiment(s) as well as of the particular applications of such embodiment(s).

[0165] Specifically, reference to positional descriptions, such as ‘lower’ and ‘upper’, and associated forms such as ‘uppermost’ and ‘lowermost’, are to be taken in context of the embodiments shown in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the principles described herein to the literal interpretation of the term, but rather as would be understood by the skilled reader.

[0166] Embodiments described herein may include one or more range of values (eg. pressure ratios, volumetric flow rates, mass flow rates, flow densities, specific gravities, specific densities etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.

[0167] Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found outlined above or within the detailed description below and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiment(s) relate. Detailed Description

[0168] The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is to be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of any aspect of the inventive principles as described herein. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a wide variety of variations, modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above and below described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of any aspect of the invention, and that such variations, modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as falling within the ambit of the inventive concept.

[0169] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0170] Furthermore, throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0171] The present disclosure relates to a support post for combined use with a fence structure and a retaining wall structure, as well as a system comprising said support post, a method of using said support post, and a kit of parts.

[0172] Conventional solutions

[0173] There are a number of prior art solutions for erecting a retaining wall that is co-located with a fence structure. Figure 1 shows a first example of such a solution (generally indicated by 100). The retaining wall panels 102 (also referred to herein as “plinths” or “retaining plinths”) are received by or in retaining posts 104. Separately, the fence panel(s) 106 are received by or in fence posts 108. The retaining wall panels 102 and the fence panels 106 may be made from the same or from different materials. Additionally, the retaining wall panels 102 and the fence panels 106, may be made of the same or different widths in the horizontal direction. For instance, in this example, the retaining panels 102 are made from concrete and the fence panels from steel sheeting, with the retaining wall panels 102 being significantly shorter in width than the fence panels 106. As such, the retaining wall and fence structure must be installed separately, each with their own respective posts 104, 108. This requires two sets of materials, two sets of tradespeople onsite at the appropriate time and sequence in the construction process, potentially two different sets of footings, and relatively significant complexity.

[0174] Figure 2A is a schematic showing a second example of a prior art solution (generally indicated by 200) for achieving a co-located retaining wall and fence structure. In this example, the retaining posts 204 (which are typically steel SHS posts) are used not only for the retaining panels 202 but also to retain the fence panel(s) (not shown in Figure 2A) above the retaining wall. This means that the retaining posts 204 must extend above the retaining panels 202 by approximately the intended height of the fence structure. The retaining posts 204 are then used as connection points for fence posts of the fence structure. This is shown in Figure 2B (which is a top view of Figure 2A but also showing the fence posts 208 and fence panels 206), whereby each retaining post 204 has connected to its side face(s) either one or two fence posts 208, with the fence panels 206 in turn being connected to and extending from the fence posts 208 such that each fence panel 206 spans between two fence posts 208 (the respective connections being effected via screws, such as Tek screws). This setup requires a relatively large amount of materials, with the retaining posts 204 extending upwardly beyond where they otherwise would to be used as intermediaries between the respective fence posts 208. It is also relatively complex in terms of assembly. The fence posts 208 require multiple connection points: to the retaining posts 204, to the fence panels 206, and potentially also to the retaining panels 202. This means that the fence structure must be installed at the same time as the retaining wall, in order to make the required connections; in turn meaning that the relevant tradespeople, who are usually different tradespeople, must be onsite at a particular point in the sequence to install their portion of the structure.

[0175] Another solution is shown in Figure 2C. Here, the retaining posts 204 only extend to the height of the retaining panels (not shown in Figure 2C). Each fence post 208 is then installed, typically at a slight lean or angle, behind the respective retaining post 204 using suitable connection means 210, with the fence panels (not shown in Figure 2C) again extending between adjacent fence posts. The offset between the retaining posts 204 and the fence posts 208, in addition to again being relatively complex to install for the reasons discussed above, may also encroach more than is desired onto the property that is on the high side of the retaining wall.

[0176] Figure 3 shows a typical configuration of a fence structure (generally indicated by 300) of a type that may be used in the prior art solutions of Figures 2A - 2C. This type of fence structure may sometimes be referred to as a Colorbond® fence. The fence structure comprises a pair of fence posts 308, with one or more (in this example, three) vertically-oriented fence panels 306 spanning between the respective fence posts 308. Depending on the situation, the top and bottom of the fence posts 308 may be in alignment with the fence panels 306, or the fence posts 308 may have a bottom portion 316 extending below the fence panels 306, such as when the fence posts 308 are to be embedded in a substrate. Top and bottom rails 312, 314 span between the respective fence posts 308 at the top and bottom of the fence panels 306. The width of the three panels 306, and the length of the top and bottom rails 312, 314, may typically be 2370mm. Like the SHS retaining posts 204, the fence structure 300 is typically formed from steel. In some embodiments, the fence posts 308 (including any embodiment of a fence post disclosed herein) may be formed from ColorBond® steel material (via an appropriate roll forming process). The fence post may be a standard Colorbond® fence section or a custom formed fence section. The top and bottom rails 312, 314 may also be formed from ColorBond® steel material (via an appropriate roll forming process). The fence posts 308. The fence posts may be formed from any appropriate metallic, aluminium, steel material using any appropriate / suitable fabrication or treatment process. The retaining panels (202 in Figure 2A) may also be formed from steel or may be formed from other materials such but not limited to as concrete, laminated structural foam, aluminium, other metallic materials, or timber. This means that, overall, the components required to achieve a co-located fence and retaining wall structure of the kind shown in Figures 2A-2C may be relatively heavy.

[0177] Support post

[0178] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a support post (generally indicated by 400) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0179] The support post 400 comprises a wall 402 that defines a cross-section of the support post 400. The cross-section of the support post 400 includes a hollow receiving portion 404 and in this specific embodiment one slot 406 extending along the receiving portion 404. But as will be described later with reference to Figure 6D, in other embodiments the support post may have two slots on different sides.

[0180] The receiving portion 404 is configured to receive a fence post (not shown in Figure 4), and the slot 406 is configured to receive an end of a panel(s) of a retaining wall structure (also referred to herein as a “retaining panel” or “plinth”). In broad terms the profile of the slot 406 is complementary to the profile of an end 410 of the retaining panel / plinth 408. This provides a snug fit of the end 410 into the slot 406. The retaining panel is indicated in cross-section by 408 in Figure 4. Optionally, as shown in this embodiment, the retaining panel 408 is formed with an end 410 profiled to form by a neck 412 and a pair of shoulder portions 414. When the end 410 of the retaining panel 408 is inserted into the slot 406, the neck 412 forms a snug fit with the slot 406, which is profiled to be complementary to the neck 412; and the shoulder portions 414 of the retaining panel 408 abut corresponding portions 416 of the support post 400 at either side of the slot 406. In other embodiments the retaining panel does not have the neck 412 and shoulder 414. In such embodiments the end 410 of the retaining panel / plinth 408 may take other configurations including but not limited to, being simply squared off. The slot 406 being of a complementary profile to the end 410, would, in the latter instance, likewise have a square socket for receiving the end 410. An example of this is shown in Figure 10C described later. The remainder of the retaining panel 408 extends away from the support post 400, and in use spans between the support post 400 and second, opposed but identical, support post (not shown in Figure 4) at the other end (not shown in Figure 4) of the retaining panel 408. Figure 8 is another schematic showing the cross-section of the retaining panel 408.

[0181] The receiving portion 404 is configured to receive a fence post (not shown in Figure 4) of a fence structure (not shown in Figure 4), the fence post having at least one fence panel (not shown in Figure 4) connected or connectable to it.

[0182] At least a portion of the receiving portion 404 of the support post 400 may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile (e.g., a cross-section profile) of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion 404 in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion 404 and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0183] While reference to the receiving portion 404 is made above (and in the below description) in the context of the embodiment of the support 400, this is for ease explanation and it will be appreciated that the same comments / principles apply to the receiving portions 1404, 1404’ of the respective support posts 1400, 1400’ described below and shown across the arrangements shown in Figures 9C to 9F.

[0184] At least a portion of the receiving portion 404 of the support post 404 may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile (e.g., a cross-section profile) of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion 404 in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion 404 and the fence post are caused to become engaged. In this manner, when the fence post is received within the receiving portion 404, a connection or interconnection between the fence post and the support post 404 is formed or defined enabling the complementary geometries of both components to operate substantially synergistically (or, in one form, in concert with each other) in providing a join or (interconnection between both components that provides for improved characteristics such as for example, stiffness and / or structural integrity (i.e., improved strength capacity) of the join or (interconnected components. An advantage of this configuration may be seen in improved fluidity in integration of the fencing structure with the retaining system (in terms of time and / or cost, for example). A further advantage can be seen in the prospective reduction or optimisation in the number of fixings that may be required to complete the assembly of the fence post (or related fencing structure) with the support post, thereby seeking to provide for a simpler installation process (yielding, for example, less installation time and / or cost) than many prior art systems.

[0185] In some embodiments, the complementary shape of the receiving portion 404 may be formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile (e.g., a cross-section profile) of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the fence post comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry. In other embodiments, the complementary shape may comprise or host geometrical formations or features comprising (non-exhaustively) any of the following: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions (e.g., convex or concave shaped portions or segments); one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions. Said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post may comprise one or more geometrical transition regions which serve to transition between adjacent geometrical formations or features. The skilled reader would be well aware of what other geometrical formations could be operably relevant to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0186] In some embodiments, substantially the majority of the receiving portion 404 may be complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the relevant fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the relevant fence post to be established when the receiving portion 404 and the relevant fence post are caused to become engaged. In some embodiments, substantially the entirety of the receiving portion 404 may be complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the relevant fence posts to be established when the receiving portion 404 and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

[0187] In some embodiments, the complementary shape of the receiving portion 404 may be formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding wall or portion thereof of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile (e.g., a cross-section profile) of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion 404 of the support post 400 and fence post can be established. Such geometrical formations or features may comprise or include any of the geometrical formations or features noted above or as otherwise described herein and shown in the accompanying figures.

[0188] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the receiving portion 404 may have a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of the fence post. The at least a portion of the receiving portion 404 may be at least one side of the receiving portion, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post may be a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion 404 and the complementary shape comprises a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the crosssection of each fence post, the respective recess and protrusion engaging when each fence post may be received in the receiving portion 404.

[0189] In some embodiments, the complementary shape of the receiving portion 404 may comprise a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of the fence post, the recess and protrusion engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion 404. The complementary nature of the geometry characters of the recess and protrusion may be configured so as to provide for a snug fit and or affirmative connection when both are brought together into engagement.

[0190] Again, while reference above has been made to the receiving portion 404 in the context of the embodiment of the support post 400, it will be appreciated that similar comments / principles apply to the receiving portions 1404, 1404’ of the respective support posts 1400, 1400’ described below and shown across the arrangements shown in Figures 9C to 9F.

[0191] Having reference again to Figure 4, the fence post is generally receivable at a region 418 of the support post 400 that is opposed to the slot 406. As such, the support post 400 may generally be described as having a first sub portion 420 for receiving the end of the retaining panel 408, the first sub portion 420 comprising or being co-located with the slot 406, and a second sub portion 422 for receiving the fence post, the second sub portion 422 comprising or being colocated with the receiving portion 404, with the second sub portion being disposed generally behind the first sub portion. In at least one sense, and in some embodiments, the latter mirrors the form and functionality of how Colorbond® product is installed, i.e., in every straight run of fencing, Colorbond® fence posts are strewed together on a back-to-back basis. In one embodiment, this can ensure that the Colorbond® fencing can be installed on top of retaining wall systems without the need for packers between the Colorbond® fencing posts and the receiving portion of the relevant support post. In some examples, there may be a wall 436 dividing the first and second sub portions; this may be referred to as a “dividing wall” 436. In Figure 4, the dividing wall 436 spans the entire width of the slot 406 so that the wall 402 forms a closed loop. But in alternate embodiments the wall 436 may extend for only a part of the way from opposite sides of the slot 406 so as to open into the receiving portion 404. In a further variation there may be no wall 436 dividing the first and second sub portions at all. Furthermore, in another variation the wall 436 may be present for only a portion of the overall height of the support post 400.

[0192] Figure 7 shows an example of a cross-section of a fence post (generally indicated by 700) of one of many different types that may be used in conjunction with the support post 400 of Figure 4. The fence post 700 may be part of a fence structure 300 of the type shown in Figure 3.

[0193] In some embodiments, and as noted previously, the fence post 700 (or any fence post of the present disclosure) may be formed from a steel or like material. The fence post 700 may be formed from an appropriate rolling process. The fence post 700 may be formed from a cold formed rolled process. The fence post 700 (or any fence post of the present disclosure) may be formed form a painted steel material, such as for example, ColorBond® steel material. In some embodiments, the fence post 700 (or any fence post of the present disclosure) may be a cold formed rolled fence post made from a painted steel material (such as for example, ColorBond® steel material).

[0194] Furthermore, the skilled reader will appreciate that metallic fence posts for use consistent with the principles of the present disclosure may be manufactured using a variety of fabrication processes, each selected to impart desired structural and functional characteristics. In certain embodiments, the fence post may be formed by cold rolling, wherein metallic sheet stock is passed through rollers to achieve a uniform thickness and predetermined profile. In other embodiments, the fence post may be produced by extrusion, in which a metallic billet is forced through a die to generate a continuous member having a defined cross-sectional geometry. The fence post may further be subjected to hot-dip galvanizing, wherein the metallic substrate is immersed in molten zinc to provide a corrosion-resistant coating. Additional fabrication techniques may include casting, in which molten metal is introduced into a mold cavity to form complex shapes; forging, wherein compressive forces are applied to shape the metal and enhance mechanical strength; and welding or mechanical joining, whereby discrete sections are assembled into a unitary post. Surface finishing operations such as powder coating or painting may also be employed to provide decorative and protective layers. Machining processes, including drilling, threading, or cutting, may be applied to facilitate installation or integration with ancillary components. The foregoing processes may be used individually or in combination to produce metallic fence posts exhibiting enhanced durability, corrosion resistance, and structural integrity.

[0195] Figures 5A and 5B show an extrusion of a fence post whose cross-section generally corresponds to that of Figure 7. As such, the reference numerals from Figure 7 are applied to the fence post of Figures 5A and 5B. Furthermore, Figures 5A and 5B show the fence post superposed on the cross-section of the support post 400 of Figure 4. This is best seen in Figure 5A. In Figures 5A and 5B, certain of the reference numerals from Figure 4 pertaining to the support post 400 have been omitted for clarity.

[0196] As seen in Figure 7, the fence post 700 has a fence post opening 702, through which the fence panel(s) (not shown in Figure 7) extends in use. The fence post 700 also has a pair of protrusions 704 disposed at an opposite side of the cross-section of the fence post 700 from the fence post opening 702. With reference to Figure 4, and with reference to the portion of the support post 400 visible in Figure 5A, the support post 400 comprises a corresponding pair of recesses 424 in the region of the second sub portion 422, the recesses 424 being configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to protrusions 704 of the fence post 700, such that, when the fence post 700 is inserted into the receiving portion 404, the fence post 700 forms a snug fit with the receiving portion 404.

[0197] As seen in Figure 7, the fence post 700 also has a further pair of protrusions 706 disposed closer to the fence post opening 702, the first and second pairs of protrusions 704, 706 being separated by a waist portion 708. With reference to Figure 4, and with reference to the portion of the support post 400 visible in Figure 5A, the support post 400 comprises a corresponding further pair of recesses 426 closer to the slot 406, the first and second pairs of recesses 424, 426 being separated by a waist portion 428. The further pair of recesses 426 and the waist portion 428 may likewise be configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to the further pair of protrusions 706 and the waist portion 708 of the fence post 700, such that these regions of, respectively, the receiving portion 404 of the support post 400 and the fence post 700 establish a snug fit when the fence post 700 is inserted into the receiving portion 404. In this regard, the cross-sectional profile of the support post 400 of Figure 4 may be said to be complementary to substantially the entire cross-section of the fence post 700.

[0198] However, it will be appreciated that the above description is not intended to be limiting, and in some examples the cross-section of the support post 400 may be complementary to only a portion of the cross-section of the fence post 700, such as the first pair of protrusions 704, and the remainder of the cross-section of the fence post may not necessarily follow the cross- sectional profile of the support post 400.

[0199] The specific shape and configuration of the support post and the received fence post are not limited to those shown in Figures 4-7. All that is requires is that one and the same support post is able to interconnect fencing to a modular retaining system. For example, the precise number of recesses in the support post and protrusions on the fence post is immaterial to embodiments of the disclosed support posts, system, method and kit of parts. Rather embodiments of the support post need to have at least one slot to enable engagement with one end of a retaining panel / plinth, and a receiving portion to receive one or more fence posts.

[0200] In use, the fence post 700 is inserted into the receiving portion 404 by sliding the fence post 700 downwardly into the receiving portion 404 from the top of the support post 400. Since the retaining panel(s) 408 are retained in the first sub portion 420 of the support post 400, and are dimensioned in their neck region 412 to only be as wide as the slot 406, the rear and sides of the cross-section of the support post 400 remain free to receive the fence post 700, which, depending on the embodiment, can either follow the entire profile of the wall 402 of the crosssection of the support post 400 and thus overlap with and fit around the retaining panel(s) 408 (as notionally shown in Figures 5A and 5B), or can be received only in the second sub portion 422 of the support post 400, that is to say, behind the first sub portion 420 containing the retaining panel(s).

[0201] To facilitate sliding of the fence post 700 downwardly into the receiving portion 404, the top of the support post 400 may be in alignment with the top of the retaining panel(s) 408, that is to say, the support post 400 may not protrude vertically beyond the top of the retaining panel(s) 408. A portion of the fence post 700 may extend downwardly below the fence panel(s) that are connected to it. Thus, the free lower portion of the fence post 700 slides in to the receiving portion 404, so that the retaining panel(s) 408, which may comprise a plurality of panels 408 stacked on top of one another and which have been inserted into slot 406 of the support post 400 first, come into abutment with the fence panel(s) and are aligned therewith when the fence post 700 is slid down. A second, opposed but identical, fence post may be disposed at the other side of the fence panel(s), as shown in Figure 3, and may be slid into the second, opposed but identical, support post at the same time as the first fence post is slid into the first support post. This is discussed below with reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

[0202] Once the fence post 700 is inserted into the receiving portion 404, the fence post 700 may be connected to the support post 400 via one or more fasteners, such as screws.

[0203] The support post 400 has a flat rear side 430 at a region of its cross-section opposed to the slot 406. The flat rear side 430 may be configured to be disposed in a back-to-back arrangement with a further, opposed but identical, support post, such that the retaining panel(s) 408 and fence structures may extend in opposite directions from the back-to-back support posts in use. In this way, a fence structure having the desired length may be formed. The portions of adjacent fence posts that extend upwardly above the back-to-back support posts may optionally be connected to one another for additional support.

[0204] The respective support posts may be connected in the back-to-back arrangement via connection means, which may assume a variety of different configurations, examples of which are shown in Figures 6A-6C.

[0205] In Figure 6A, a flange and screw arrangement is schematically illustrated. Each support post 600 has a flange 602 and a recess 604 proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side. The flange and recess are also shown as 432, 434 respectively in Figure 4. The flange 602 of each support post 600 is configured to engage the recess 604 of the other support post 600, and then a screw or other fastener (not shown in Figure 6A or Figure 4) is inserted through the respective flanges 602 and into the body of the other support post 600 to connect the support posts 600 together.

[0206] Figure 6B shows a dovetail connection, whereby flanges or protrusions 606 on one support post 600 fit into corresponding recesses 608 on the other support post 600 in an interlocking manner.

[0207] Figure 6C shows a biscuit joiner connection whereby a biscuit joiner component 610 comprises end portions 612 each configured to be received in a corresponding recess 614 on the respective support posts 600.

[0208] However, the connection of support posts 400 / 600 is not limited to a back-to-back configuration. For example, two of the support posts 400 / 600 could be connected together so that their slots 406 are at right angles to each other. This would have application for example to form a corner in a fencing structure. So, more broadly speaking, two, or indeed more, support posts 400 / 600, each having a single slot 406 can be connected along respective sides that do not have a slot 406. When connecting two support posts this would involve disposing one of the support posts so one of its sides without a slot is disposed in a face-to-face arrangement with one side without a slot of a further, substantially identical, support post 400 / 600, such that the respective support posts can each receive in their respective single slots at least one panel of respective different adjacent retaining wall structure parts. With reference to Figure 6B this is exemplified by connecting side S1 of one support post 600, with side S2 of the other support post 600. In this arrangement the respective slots 406 would be at right angles to each other to form a corner of a corresponding fence structure.

[0209] As an alternative to connecting two separate support posts as described above with reference to Figures 6A-6C, in other embodiments, as exemplified in Figure 6D, a single support post 400q may be arranged and configured to accommodate retaining panels / plinths and fence panels on multiple different sides of the post 400q. The support post 400q shown in Figure 6D may be made as a single extrusion. This may include, but is not necessarily limited, a back- back arrangement as described with reference to Figures 6A-6C. In describing the support post 400q of Figure 6D the same reference numbers are used as in the support post 400 of Figure 4 to denote the same or functionally equivalent features.

[0210] The substantive differences between the support posts 400 of Figure 4 and 400q of Figure 6D are that in the support post 400q of Figure 6D: (a) the receiving portion 404 is configured to receive two fence posts 700 and (b) the support post 400 has two slots 406, each configured to receive an end of respective different plinths 408. In the support post 400q the two slots 406 are on opposite sides of the support post 400. It also follows in this arrangement that the receiving portion 404 is configured to receive the two fence posts 700 in a back-to-back juxtaposition. In this specific illustrated embodiment, the wall 402 of support post 400 forms a closed loop. However, the wall 402 in alternate forms of the support post 400q may have the same variations as described above in relation to the support post 400 of Figure 4. The receiving portion 404 may be dimensioned to receive the two fence posts with either an interference fit or with a small amount of play. The support post 400 has multiple regions 428, which can be considered to be protrusions, and the fence posts 700 have waist regions 708, which may be considered to be recesses, that corresponds to and form a snug fit with the corresponding region / protrusion 428.

[0211] Other variations of a single piece integrally formed posts with multiple slots in different relative juxtapositions to facilitate construction of fences with panels lying in different planes and / or extending in different directions are shown as support posts 400r, 400s, 400t and 400u in Figures 6Ea-6Hb.

[0212] Figures 6Ea and 6Eb shown a single piece integrally formed support post 400r with two slots 406. The slots 406 are on mutually adjacent sides of the post 400q. The receiving portions 404 of the slots 406 receive two fence posts 700 at right angles to each other in alignment with the two slots 406. The slots 406 are thus arranged to receive respective fence panels and retaining panels 408 that lie in mutually orthogonal planes. The support post 400r would for example be used to form a 90° comer in a fence.

[0213] Figures 6Fa and 6Fb shown a single piece integrally formed support post 400s with three slots 406, one on each of three different sides of the post 400s in a “T” like configuration. The receiving portions 404 may be arranged to receive three fence posts 700 in vertical alignment with their respective slots 406. Similarly, the respective slots 406 receive one or more retaining panels 408. The support post 400s may accommodate a “T” junction of three retaining walls and three vertically aligned fences.

[0214] Figures 6Ga and 6Gb shown a single piece integrally formed support post 400t with four slots 406, one on each of the four sides of the post 400t in an “X” like configuration. The receiving portions 404 are arranged to receive four fence posts 700 in vertical alignment with their respective slots 406. The respective slots 406 receive one or more retaining panels 408. The support post 40t may accommodate an “X” or four-way junction of four retaining walls and four vertically aligned fences.

[0215] Figures 6Ha and 6Hb shown a single piece integrally formed support post 400u with two slots

[0216] 406. The slots 406 are on different sides of the post 400u. The receiving portions 404 of the slots 406 receive two fence posts 700 at 135° to each other in alignment with the two slots 406. The slots 406 are thus arranged to receive respective fence panels and retaining panels 408 that lie in vertical planes that are juxtaposed at an included angle of 135°.

[0217] The support post 400 may be formed from aluminium, such as structural-grade aluminium. The retaining panel(s) 408 may also be formed from aluminium, such as structural-grade aluminium.

[0218] A fencing and retaining system incorporating embodiments of the disclosed support post 400 may also be provided as a kit of parts. The kit of parts may comprise at least one support post 400 and one or more of:

[0219] - the one or more retaining panels 408;

[0220] - the fence post;

[0221] - the one or more fence panels.

[0222] For example, the kit of parts may comprise the support post and the one or more retaining panels.

[0223] System

[0224] Figures 9A and 9B show a system (generally indicated by 900) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 900 comprises a first and second support post 400A, 400B, being spaced from one another by a distance D and being oriented oppositely to one another. The first and second support post 400A, 400B are configured substantially as described with reference to Figure 4. The first and second support posts 400A, 400B are oriented oppositely to one another in that the respective slots (not shown in Figures 9A and 9B) of the support posts 400A, 400B face towards one another. The retaining panels 408 of the retaining wall structure 902 span between the first and second support post 400A, 400B, engaging in their respective slots. Also in the system 900 the fence structure 904 (which may generally be similar to the fence structure 300 of Figure 3) spans between the first and second support post 400A, 400B when the first and second fence post 906A, 906B (which may generally be similar to the fence post 700 of Figures 5A, 5B and 7) are received into the first and second support post 400A, 400B.

[0225] Distance D is selected with regard to the width of the fence structure 904, and in particular with regard to the cumulative width of the fence or fencing panels or sheets 908, 908B, and 908C (hereinafter, fence sheets 908) (when assembled) that are connected together side by side to form the overall fence panel 910 of the fence structure 904. In the illustrated embodiments, three fence or fencing sheets 908 are connected together to form the overall fence or fencing panel 910 of the fence / fencing structure. However, the overall fence / fencing panel 910 could comprise any number of fence sheets 908, such as a single fence sheet or more than three fence / fencing sheets.

[0226] It will be appreciated that the terms ‘panel’ and ‘sheet’ can be used interchangeably, and the skilled reader will appreciate their usual meaning in the context of the present disclosure regardless of usage herein. In the present context, and in at least one embodiment, one or more fence / fencing sheets (908) are constituent components of a formed or assembled fence / fencing panel (910). Furthermore, in one embodiment, a fence / fencing panel 910 may also comprise as constituents components thereof, fence posts 906A, 906B (which are connected at opposite ends of the panel 910 as shown in Figures 9A and 9B), and lower 911 A and upper 911 B rail members (which are connected at opposite upper and lower edges of the panel 910 as also shown in Figures 9A and 9B).

[0227] The objective is for the fence structure 904 to be retrofittable to the support posts 400A, 400B. In at least some embodiments, the fence structure 904 will be preassembled prior to being inserted into the support posts 400A, 400B (although it is within the scope of the system for the fence posts 906A, 906B to be inserted into the support posts 400A, 400B first, followed by attachment of the fence panels 908 to the fence posts 906A, 906B and to one another). Thus, to enable the preassembled fence structure 904 to be engaged with the support posts 400A, 400B, the support posts 400A, 400B should be spaced by a distance D that corresponds to the cumulative width of the fence panel 908 when assembled, or in other words that corresponds to the width of the overall panel 910. In turn, this will correspond to the distance between the first and second fence posts 906A, 906B, to which the overall panel 910 is connected and which are to be inserted into the first and second support post 400A, 400B.

[0228] In some embodiments, distance D is substantially 2370mm, this being the standard overall panel width of a Colorbond® type fence structure. However, this is not intended to be limiting and the overall panel width, and thus distance D, could vary. For instance, the overall panel width, and thus distance D, could be between substantially 1000mm and substantially 4000mm; between substantially 2000mm and substantially 3000mm; or between substantially 2100mm and substantially 2500mm. For many embodiments, the distance D could vary from about 2350mm to about 2400mm. The retaining panels 408 forming the retaining wall structure 902 may be substantially as described above with reference to Figures 4 and 8. Each retaining panel 408 may comprise a first end 410A and a second end 41 OB, configured to respectively be received in the slot (not shown in Figures 9A and 9B) of the first and second support post 400A, 400B. Accordingly, a width of the retaining wall structure 902, and thus a length (in the horizontal direction as shown in Figures 9A and 9B; which can also be described as a “width” of the retaining panels 408 when oriented horizontally) of each of the retaining panels 408, may substantially correspond to distance D.

[0229] Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the first and second support posts 400A, 400B, the fence structure 904, and the retaining wall structure 902 are all dimensioned in a complementary fashion, so as to allow the both the retaining wall structure 902 and the fence structure 904 to be received in the first and second support post 400A, 400B, and the fence posts 906A and 906B.

[0230] The retaining wall structure 902 may comprise one or more retaining panels 408. Where there is a plurality of retaining panels 408, these may be configured to be stacked on top of one another to form the retaining wall structure 902.

[0231] The retaining wall structure 902 may have a height of up to substantially 1 ,5m. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the retaining wall structure 902 may have a different height, such as for example between substantially 0.2m and substantially 3m. The retaining wall structure 902 may primarily be installed in situations where there is no surcharge loading from an adjacent structure. For example, the retaining wall structure 902 may be used in garden settings. However, this is not intended to be limiting.

[0232] In order for the overall panel 910 of the fence structure 904 and the retaining panels 408 of the retaining wall structure 902 to abut one another when the fence posts 906A, 906B are inserted into the support posts 400A, 400B, the fence posts 906A, 906B each comprise a lower portion 912A, 912B that extends below the overall panel 910, and that is configured to be inserted into the support posts 400A, 400B, such that when inserted the overall panel 910 of the fence structure 904 (which may include the bottom rail of the fence structure 904) and the retaining panels 408 of the retaining wall structure 902 abut one another and form a relatively continuous surface with substantially no gap between them. Furthermore, the top of the support posts 400A, 400B is aligned with the top of the retaining wall structure 902. This means that the support posts 400A, 400B do not protrude upwardly beyond the retaining wall structure 904 when installed, which is conducive to installing the retaining wall structure 904 first and then installing the fence structure 904 at a later date.

[0233] While not preferred, it is within the scope of the disclosed support post and associated system and kit for this to be reversed, and for the support posts 400A, 400B to protrude upwardly past the top of the retaining wall structure 904 and the fence posts 906A, 906B to be aligned with the bottom of the overall panel 910 of the fence structure 904 and not protrude downwardly, such that in use the fence posts 906A, 906B and at least a portion of the overall panel 910 of the fence structure 904 is received in the support posts 400A, 400B. This would require the slot of the support posts 400A, 400B to be sufficiently wide for the fence panels 908 to protrude through it; and furthermore it would require the absence of dividing wall 436 at least from the upper (protruding) portions of the support posts 400A, 400B, so as to enable the fence panels 908 to protrude out.

[0234] As shown in Figure 9A, the retaining panels 408 are first received in the respective support posts 400A, 400B, such that an end 410A, 410B of each retaining panel 408 is received in the first sub portion (not shown in Figures 9A, 9B) of the support posts 400A, 400B. The ends 410A, 410B of the receiving panels 408 being received within the support posts 400A, 400B is notionally shown in thin lines at 914A, 914B. The fence structure 904 has not yet at this stage been received into the support posts 400A, 400B, and as such is notionally shown above the support posts 400A, 400B and the retaining wall structure 902.

[0235] As shown in Figure 9B, the lower portions 912A, 912B of the fence posts 906A, 906B are then inserted into the support posts 400A, 400B by being slid downwardly into the support posts 400A, 400B, and are received in the second sub portion (not shown in Figures 9A, 9B) of the support posts 400A, 400B. This is enabled because the ends 410A, 410B of the retaining panels 408 are only received in the first sub portion (not shown in Figures 9A, 9B) of the support posts 400A, 400B, which leaves the second sub portion (not shown in Figures 9A, 9B) free to receive the lower portions 912A, 912B of the fence posts 906A, 906B. With the lower portions 912A, 912B of the fence posts 906A, 906B inserted into the support posts 400A, 400B, the retaining panels 408 and the overall fence panel 910 abut and are in alignment with one another. The fence posts 906A, 906B being received within the support posts 400A, 400B is notionally shown in thin lines at 916A, 916B.

[0236] In Figure 9B, the ends 410A, 410B of the retaining panels 408 and the lower portions 912A, 912B of the fence posts 906A, 906B, which are respectively received in the support posts 400A, 400B as shown in thin lines, are shown as not overlapping. That is to say, they are respectively received in the first and second sub portions of the support posts 400A, 400B in a distinct and non-overlapping manner. However, this is not intended to be limiting and in some embodiments, there may be overlap between the respective components when received in the support posts 400A, 400B, as discussed below with reference to Figure 10C and as also notionally seen in Figure 5A above.

[0237] Once in place, the fence posts 906A, 906B may then be connected to the support posts 400A, 400B, such as via one or more screws or other fasteners. As discussed further above, the support posts 400A, 400B may be disposed in a back-to-back, or side by side configuration with further support posts. In some embodiments, the use of a snug and form hugging and / or affirmative fit is what is considered to allow for additional strength with reduce, minimal or no replication of additional footings. In some embodiments, less fixings should be required.

[0238] Though not shown in Figure 9A or 9B, the system may further comprise an intermediate post disposed at an intermediate location, such as substantially halfway, between the first and second support post 400A, 400B and connected to one or more of the retaining panels 408 to provide additional support to the retaining wall structure 902. The intermediate post may be connected to one or more of the retaining panels 408 via an L-bracket and one or more fasteners, such as screws. This may be substantially as depicted at 220, 222 in Figure 2B.

[0239] Figures 9C to 9F shows two embodiments of componentry operable for use in a retaining wall structure 1100 configured consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. In one use, as will described below, the components of the embodiments shown in Figures 9C to 9F can be used to increase the height of an existing retaining wall structure as required in a retrospective manner. For the example, in situations where the ground height of a region where an existing retaining wall structure consistent with the present disclosure is installed was to increase, the height of the existing structure can be suitably increased as needed.

[0240] To assist in explanation of the componentry shown in Figures 9C to 9F, it will be understood that a retaining wall structure as described and shown in Figures 9A and 9B is already installed in position (this is referred to as the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E) - the upper edge or region of the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E is shown lowermost in Figures 9C and 9D and identified as existing retaining wall structure 1100-E.

[0241] Figure 9C shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of an end region 1100-End of the retaining wall structure 1100 consistent with the present disclosure. The retaining wall structure 1100 comprises the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E having an existing support post 1400-E and a retaining panel 1408-E that is connected with the existing support post 1400-E at one side thereof as shown. The existing support post 1400-E is provided in a form that is similar to the arrangement described with reference above to Figure 4. A cross-section view of the support post 1400-E is substantially the same as that for the support post 1400-A (described below) - which is shown in Figure 9E. The context of the forthcoming explanation is the need to increase the height of the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E due to, for example, an increase in the ground height.

[0242] Figure 9C also shows an additional support post 1400-A, and an additional retaining panel 1408 that is to be introduced to the existing retaining wall structure 1400-E to increases its height. The height (or length) of the additional support post 1440-A may be formed (i.e., cut from a longer length thereof, for example) as required in order to increase the height of the existing support post 1400-E as might be required. Shown also in Figure 9C is an insert 1700 that is to be used to join or connect the existing support post 1400-E with the additional support post 1400-A. A top-down view of the arrangement is shown in Figure 9E. Similarly, the height (or length) of the insert 1700 may be formed from an embodiment of a fence post consistent with the present disclosure (i.e., cut from a longer length thereof, for example) as required in order to serve as a joining / connecting member of the additional support post 1400-A and existing support post 1400-E.

[0243] In one form, the insert 1700 is configured so as to function as a connecting or joining member that will join the existing 1400-E and additional 1400-A support posts together - this is by way of a first portion 1700-1 (which may be its lower disposed portion) of the insert 1700 being caused to be engaged with the receiving portion 1404-E of the existing support post 1400-E, and, subsequently, a second portion 1700-2 (which may be its upper disposed portion) of the insert 1700 being caused to be engaged with the receiving portion 1404-A of the additional support post 1400-A via its underside region (for example, the additional support post 1400-A being handled so that the second portion 1700-2 of the insert 1700 is received by the receiving portion 1404-A of the additional support post 1400-A).

[0244] In one form, the insert 1700 may be shaped having a profile on its periphery or exterior in substantially the same manner as the fence post 700 shown in Figure 7, as will described below with reference to Figure 9E. In this manner, a snug / affirmative fit can be achieved on the interconnection of the insert 1700 with both of the existing 1400-E and additional 1400-A support posts. In the form shown, the insert 1700 may be made from a section or length of the fence post 700 appropriately configured as described herein. In other forms, the insert 1700 (and, indeed, the insert 1700’ to be described below) may be formed from a material fit for purpose (e.g., structurally) and configured / formed so as to offer the required geometrical and / or structural characteristics as has been described above and which are consistent with the present disclosure. In this way, a suitably snug and strong affirmative interconnection can be made between the insert 1700 and the existing 1400-E and additional 1400-A support posts, thereby providing the synergistic (interconnection enabling improved strength / stiffness characteristics as has been described above.

[0245] Joining of the support posts 1440-E, 1400-A is by way of the lower disposed end region 1700-1 of the insert 1700 being inserted so as to be received by the receiving portion 1404-E of the existing support post 1400-E (in the direction shown by arrow A-1 shown in Figure 9C). Once the lower end region 1700-1 of the insert 1700 is in position within the receiving portion 1400-E of the existing support post 1400-E (by way of a snug fit due to the complementary engagement of the shaped profiles of the interconnecting components), the additional support post 1400-A is then moved (in the direction shown by arrow A-2) so that its receiving region 1404-A receives the upper disposed end region 1700-2 of the insert 1700 (again, so as to achieve a snug / affirmative fit due to the complementary engagement of the shaped cross-section or profiles of the interconnecting components). Once the additional support post 1400-A is in position and secured snugly with the insert 1700, the additional retaining panel 1408-A can be installed with the additional support post 1400-A.

[0246] For cases where the insert 1700 (and, indeed, the insert 1700’ described below) is provided in the form of a length of a fence post as described herein (for example, comprising a section of the fence post 700 shown in Figure 7), the insert 1700 is formed by cutting a length of the fence post to a desired dimension. The overall length of the insert 1700 is dimensioned so as to, when connecting a first support post (e.g., the existing support post 1400-E) with a second support post (e.g., the additional support post 1400-A), enable sufficient length portions of the insert 1700 to be received within the respective receiving portions of the first, second support posts to provide for sufficient structural capacity of the retaining wall structure that might be relevant to a specific installation while leaving sufficient space in the one of the first, second support posts (for example, the upper disposed support post) so that it is receivable of a fence post configured consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. To further extend the height of the retaining structure, the above can be simply repeated using additional retaining wall structure components, namely an additional support post(s) (1400), additional retaining panel(s) (1408), and an additional insert(s) (1700). This assembly process can be repeated to increase the height of the retaining wall structure as required.

[0247] Figure 9D shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of an intermediate-span region 1100-lnt of the retaining wall structure 1100. The retaining wall structure 1100 comprises the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E but, at this location in the structure, has an existing support post 1400-E’ and existing retaining panels 1408-E’ that are connected with the existing support post 1400-E’ at opposites sides as shown. The existing support post 1400-E’ is provided in a form that is similar to the back-back arrangement described herein with reference to Figures 6A-6D. A cross-section view of the support post 1400-E’ is substantially the same as that for the support post 1400-A’ (described below) - which is shown in Figure 9F. As with Figure 9C, the context of the forthcoming explanation is the need to increase the height of the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E’.

[0248] Figure 9D also shows an additional support post 1400-A’, and additional retaining wall panels 1408-A’ that are connected with the additional support post 1400-A’ at opposites sides thereof as shown, and which are to be introduced to the existing retaining wall structure 1400-E’ to increases its height. The height (or length) of the additional support post 1440-A’ may be formed (i.e., cut from a longer length thereof, for example) as required in order to increase the height of the existing support post 1400-E’ as might be required. Shown also in Figure 9D is an insert 1700’ that is to be used to join or connect the existing support post 1400-E’ with the additional support post 1400-A’ in the manner as described above (with reference to the insert 1700). A top-down view of the arrangement is shown in Figure 9F. Similarly, the height (or length) of the insert 1700’ may be formed from an embodiment of a fence post consistent with the present disclosure (i.e., cut from a longer length thereof, for example) as required in order to serve as a joining / connecting member of the additional support post 1400-A’ and existing support post 1400-E’.

[0249] Similarly, in one form, the insert 1700’ is configured so as to function as a connecting or joining member / element that will connect / join the existing 1400-E’ and additional 1400-A’ support posts together - this is by way of a first portion 1700-1 ’ (which may be its lower disposed portion) of the insert 1700’ being caused to be engaged with the receiving portion 1404-E’ of the existing support post 1400-E’, and, subsequently, a second portion 1700-2’ (which may be its upper disposed portion) of the insert 1700’ being caused to be engaged with the receiving portion 1404-A’ of the additional support post 1400-A’ via its underside region (for example, the additional support post 1400-A’ being handled so that the second portion 1700-2’ of the insert 1700’ is received by the receiving portion 1404-A’ of the additional support post 1400-A’). The skilled reader will appreciate that the same principles as described with reference to that shown in Figure 9C (with reference also to Figure 9E) are applicable to that shown in Figure 9D (with reference also to Figure 9F). The insert 1700’ will be described below with reference to Figure 9E.

[0250] As with the insert 1700, the insert 1700’ may be shaped having a profile on its periphery or exterior in substantially the same manner as that of two fence posts 700 (as shown in Figure 7) that are arranged in a back-to-back juxtaposed configuration, as will described below with reference to Figure 9F. In this manner, a snug / affirmative fit can be achieved on the interconnection of the insert 1700’ with both of the existing 1400-E’ and additional 1400-A’ support posts. In form shown, the insert 1700’ may be made from a section or length of the fence post 700 appropriately configured as described herein. In other forms, the insert 1700’ may be formed from a material fit for purpose (e.g., structurally) and configured / formed so as to offer the required geometrical characteristics as has been described above and which are consistent with the present disclosure. In this way, a suitably snug and strong affirmative interconnection can be made between the insert 1700’ and the existing 1400-E’ and the additional 1400-A’ support posts, thereby providing the synergistic (interconnection enabling improved strength / stiffness characteristics as has been described above.

[0251] Once the additional support post 1400-A’ is in position and secured snugly with the insert 1700’, the additional retaining panels 1408-A’ can be installed in the manner described above. In this manner, the height of the existing retaining wall structure 1100 has been extended by about the height of the additional support post 1400-A’. Extension of the height of the retaining wall structure 1100 can be achieved by simply repeating the assembly process noted above.

[0252] Figure 9E shows a top-down view of the portion 1100-End of the retaining wall structure 1100 shown in Figure 9C, with the top of the additional retaining wall structure 1100-A componentry shown. The existing retaining wall structure 1100-E provides the existing support post 1400-E and existing retaining panel 1408-E that is connected with the existing support post 1400-E as shown in Figure 9C. The additional retaining wall structure 1100-A associates with the existing - M - retaining wall structure 1100-E by way of the existing 1400-E and additional 1400-A support posts being joined / connected by the insert 1700.

[0253] The form of the existing 1400-E and additional 1400-A support posts in the retaining wall structure 1100 are substantially the same as shown. For ease of explanation, the existing 1400- E and additional 1400-A support posts will be referred to as support posts 1400.

[0254] The support post 1400 comprises a wall 1402 that defines a cross-section of the support post 1400. The cross-section of the support post 1400 includes a hollow receiving portion 1404 and in this specific embodiment one slot 1406 extending along the receiving portion 1404. The slot 1406 is in part defined by flanges 1480 that extend outward in parallel relation from one side of the support post 1400 as shown in Figure 9E. The support post 1400 has a flat rear side 1430 at a region of its cross-section opposed to the slot 1406. As will be described below with reference to Figure 9F, in other embodiments the support post 1400 may have two slots on different sides.

[0255] The receiving portion 1404 is configured to receive the insert 1700, and the slot 1406 is configured to receive an end of the retaining panel 1408. In broad terms the profile of the slot 1406 is complementary to the profile of an end of the retaining panel 1408. This provides a snug fit of the end of the retaining panel 1408 into the slot 1406. The remainder of the retaining panel 1408 extends away from the support post 1400, and in use spans between the support post 1400 and the support post 1400’ (shown in Figure 9F) at the other end of the retaining panel 1408.

[0256] As noted, the receiving portion 1404 is configured to receive the insert 1700. The support post 1400 comprises a corresponding first pair of recesses 1424 provided at opposite ends of the rear flat wall 1430, the recesses 1424 being configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to a first pair of protrusions 1704 of the insert 1700 (that are at opposite ends of a wall portion 1710 as shown in Figure 9E), such that, when the insert 1700 is inserted into the receiving portion 1404, the insert 1700 forms a snug fit with the receiving portion 1404.

[0257] The support post 1400 comprises a corresponding second pair of recesses 1426 provided closer or adjacent the slot 1406. The first 1424 and second 1426 pairs of recesses are separated by a respective waist portion 1428. The second pair of recesses 1426 and the respective waist portion 1428 may likewise be configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to a second pair of protrusions 1706 and respective waist portion 1708 of the insert 1700, such that these regions of, respectively, the receiving portion 1404 of the support post 1400 and the insert 1700 establish a snug fit when the insert 1700 is inserted into the receiving portion 1404. Furthermore, about mid-span of the flat rear side 1430 is a protrusion 1431 that projects inward of the receiving portion 1404 that is complementary to a waist portion 1709 of the insert 1700. The protrusion 1431 and the waist portion 1709 may likewise be configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary so as to contribute to the establishment of a snug fit when the insert 1700 is inserted into the receiving portion 1404. In one form, the protrusion 1431 is configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary the waist portion 1709 so as to contribute to the establishment of a snug fit when the insert 1700 is inserted into the receiving portion 1404. In this regard, the cross-sectional profile of the support post 1400 of Figure 9C may be said to be complementary to substantially the entire cross-section of the insert 1700.

[0258] A wall 1436 divides the receiving portion 1404 from the slot 1406; this may be referred to as a “dividing wall” 1436. In Figure 9E, the dividing wall 1436 spans the entire width of the slot 1406 so that the wall 1402 forms a closed loop. A further wall 1437, extending generally normal of the interior disposed face of the dividing wall 1436, is arranged mid-span of the dividing wall 1436 and extends along the length of the dividing wall 1436. In one respect, the dividing wall 1436 and the further wall 1437 contribute to conferring structural capacity to the support post 1400.

[0259] The receiving portion 1404 may be dimensioned to receive the insert 1700 with either an interference fit or snug fit. In the form shown, the insert 1700 comprises a segment or discrete length of a fence post 700. Provided that its exterior shape or profile remains consistent with the described geometrical characteristics of any embodiment of a fence post as described herein, it will be appreciated that the insert 1700 may be formed or configured from any suitable material that is fit for purpose for use as a joiner or connecting member or element in the context of the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0260] Figure 9F shows a top-down view of the portion 1100-lnt of the retaining wall structure 1100 shown in Figure 9D, with the top of the additional retaining wall structure 1100-A’ componentry shown. The existing retaining wall structure 1100-E’ involves the existing support post 1400-E’ and existing retaining panels 1408-E’ that are connected with the existing support post 1400-E’ at opposites sides as shown in Figure 9D. The additional retaining wall structure 1100-A’ associates with the existing retaining wall structure 1100-E’ by way of the existing 1400-E’ and additional 1400-A’ support posts being joined / connected by the insert 1700’. The form of the existing 1400-E’ and additional 1400-A’ support posts in the retaining wall structure 1100 are the same. For ease of explanation, the existing 1400-E’ and additional 1400- A’ support posts will be referred to as support post 1400’.

[0261] As can be seen clearly from Figure 9F, the form of the support post 1400’ is analogous to two support posts 1400 being arranged in a juxtaposed back-to-back configuration, but with the rear flat wall 1430 omitted. In a similar manner, it will be seen that the insert 1700’, for the embodiment shown, is provided in the form of two inserts 1700 being arranged in a juxtaposed back-to-back configuration (fixed together using, for example, mechanical fixings such as, screws - other fixing means may be possible). As such, for efficiency of explanation, reference is made to the description of the support post 1400 above (with reference to Figure 9E) and its operation with the geometrical profile of the insert 1700 in providing a sufficient snug connection. It will be seen in Figure 9F that reference numbers for like features (from the support post 1400 and the insert 1700) have been retained but appended with a ‘prime’ marker / identified to indicate their association with the support post 1400’ and the insert 1700’.

[0262] Briefly, the receiving portion 1404’ of the support post 1400’ is configured to receive respective portions of the insert 1700’. The support post 1400’ has two slots 1406’, each configured to receive an end of respective different retaining panels 1408’ as clearly shown in Figure 9F. The slots 1406’ are each in part defined by a respective pair of flanges 1480’ that extend in parallel relation outward from a respective side of the support post 1400’, as shown in Figure 9F. In the support post 1400’ the two slots 1406’ are on opposite sides of the relevant support post 1400’. In this specific illustrated embodiment, the wall 1402’ of the support post 1400’ forms a closed loop.

[0263] The receiving portion 1404’ may be dimensioned to receive the insert 1700’ with either an interference fit or snug fit. In the form shown, the insert 1700 comprises two fence posts arranged in a back-back juxtaposed configuration. The support post 1400’ has first and second pairs of waist portions 1428’ which can be considered to be protrusions, and first 1424’, second 1425’ and third 1426’ pair of regions which may be considered to be recesses, and separated by the first and second pairs of waist portions 1428’.

[0264] The first pair 1424’ of recesses and the respectively adjacent pair of waist portions 1428’ may be configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to a pair of protrusions 1706’ and respective waist portions 1708’ of the insert 1700’ such that these regions of, respectively, the receiving portion 1404’ of the support post 1400’ and the insert 1700’ help establish a snug fit when the insert 1700’ is inserted into the receiving portion 1404’. Similarly, the second pair 1425 of recesses may be configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to respective sets of protrusions 1704’, 1705’ such that these regions of, respectively, the receiving portion 1404’ of the support post 1400’ and the insert 1700’ help establish a snug fit when the insert 1700’ is inserted into the receiving portion 1404’. Likewise, the third pair 1426 of recesses and the respectively adjacent pair of waist portions 1428’ may be configured and dimensioned to be substantially complementary to a pair of protrusions 1703’ and respective waist portion 1708’ of the insert 1700’ such that these regions of, respectively, the receiving portion 1404’ of the support post 1400’ and the insert 1700’ help establish a snug fit when the insert 1700’ is inserted into the receiving portion 1404’. In this regard, the cross-sectional profile of the support post 1400’ of Figure 9F may be said to be complementary to substantially the entire cross-section of the insert 1700’.

[0265] The receiving portion 1404’ may be dimensioned to receive the insert 1700’ with either an interference fit or snug fit. In the form shown, for the embodiments shown in Figures 9C-9F, the insert 1700’ has been provided in the form of the fence post 700, and the insert 1700’ has been provided in the form of two fence posts 700 arranged in a back-to-back juxtaposed configuration. Provided that its exterior shape or profile remains consistent with the described geometrical characteristics of any embodiment of a fence post as described herein, it will be appreciated that the insert 1700’ may be formed or configured from any suitable material that is fit for purpose for use as a joiner or connecting member or element in the context of the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] The support posts 1400, 1400’ and / or insert 1700, 1700’ may be formed as a single extrusion. They may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., suitable plastics, metallic, composite materials, or combinations thereof) that is fit for purpose for use in the context of the present embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0267] Figure 10A shows a cross-section of the inside surface of support post 400 (being the support posts 400A, 400B of Figures 9A and 9B), the cross-section being substantially similar to the cross-section of Figure 4 except that in the embodiment of Figure 10A the cross-section does not have a dividing wall equivalent to the wall 436. Figures 10B and 10C show the crosssection of the support post 400 corresponding to, respectively, the stages of the installation process illustrated by Figures 9A and 9B. In Figure 10B (in which the reference numerals of Figure 10A are omitted for clarity), similarly to Figure 4, the end 410 of the retaining panel 408 has been inserted into the first sub portion 420 of the support post 400 through the slot 406. This corresponds to Figure 9A. The optional neck 412 of the end 410 of the retaining panel 408 which are shown in this embodiment protrude into the support post 400 through the slot 406, which is dimensioned to be complementary to the neck 412. The shoulders 414 of the end 410 of the retaining panel 412 abut corresponding portions 416 of the support post.

[0268] In Figure 10C ((in which some of the reference numerals of Figures 10A and 10B are omitted for clarity), the lower portion of the fence post 906 has also been inserted into the support post 400, and in particular into the second sub portion 422 of the support post 400, which has remained free due to the end 410 of the retaining panel only occupying the first sub portion 420. This corresponds to Figure 9B, except that, as depicted in Figure 10C, when both the end 410 of the retaining panel 408 and the fence post 906 are inserted into the support post, the fence post 906 extends forwardly so as to overlap with and partially envelop the end 410 of the retaining panel 408. As discussed above, this may be the case in some embodiments and may not be the case in other embodiments, depending on the relative size and configuration of the components.

[0269] Figure 10C also shows a minor variation where support post receives a retaining panel / plinth 408x (depicted in phantom line) without the optional neck and shoulder. In this example the end of the retaining panel 408x is square.

[0270] The cross-section of the fence post 906 is generally similar to that discussed above with reference to Figures 7, 5A and 5B, and accordingly its features have been assigned like numerals to Figures 7, 5A and 5B. It can be seen that the protrusions 704 of the fence post 906 correspond to and form a snug fit with the corresponding recesses 424 of the support post 400. Likewise, the further protrusions 706 correspond to and form a snug fit with the corresponding recesses 426 of the support post 400, and the waist region 708 corresponds to and forms a snug fit with the corresponding region 428 of the support post 400. The corresponding configuration and snug fit promotes sturdy retainment of the fence post 906 by the support post 400. While in this embodiment the entire cross-section of the fence post 906 corresponds to and forms a snug fit with that of the support post 400, this need not necessarily be the case and it is within the scope of the invention for only a portion of the cross-section of the fence post 906 to correspond to and form a snug fit with that of the support post 400; and / or for the cross-section of the fence post 906 to only occupy a portion, such as the rear portion, of the cross-section of the support post 400, and not extend to the front portion (as schematically indicated in Figure 9B). For instance, it is possible that only the rear protrusions 704 and the waist region 708 could engage with corresponding portions 428 of the support post 400, with the front portion of the cross-section of the fence post 906 terminating early and I or deviating in profile from the support post 400.

[0271] The fence panel 908 is notionally indicated in a thin line, to illustrate that the fence panel(s) 908 and the retaining panel(s) 408 are in alignment with one another when the fence post 906 is inserted into the support post 400.

[0272] Method

[0273] An embodiment of a method of using a support post configured substantially as described above, including as part of a system substantially as described above, is described below.

[0274] The method may comprise the steps of: inserting an end of at least one retaining panel of a retaining wall structure into at least one of the slots of the support post, such that the at least one retaining panel of the retaining wall structure extends into the at least one of the slots of the support post; and inserting one or more fence posts of a fence structure into the receiving portion of the relevant support post, the fence structure having at least one fence panel connected to one of the one or more fence posts. When the at least one retaining panel of the retaining wall structure and the one of the one or more fence posts are inserted, the at least one retaining panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

[0275] Another embodiment of a method of using a support post configured substantially as described above, including as part of a system substantially as described above, is described below.

[0276] The method comprises, firstly, inserting an end of one or more retaining panels into the slot of the support post; and secondly, inserting the fence post into the receiving portion of the support post such that the retaining panel(s) and the fence panel(s) are aligned with one another, and preferably abut one another either directly or via the bottom rail of the fence structure.

[0277] Where there is a first and second support post, inserting the retaining panel(s) comprises simultaneously inserting either end of each retaining panel into the respective posts. Where the fence structure is preassembled, inserting the fence post comprises simultaneously inserting the first and second fence post, between which the fence panel(s) are connected, into the respective posts.

[0278] The fence post(s) may then be connected to the support post(s) via one or more fasteners such as screws.

[0279] The method may involve preliminary steps. One of these may be to embed a bottom portion of the support post(s) into a substrate.

[0280] Another may be to connect the support post, or each of the first and second support posts, to a further support post(s) in a back-to-back configuration. The bottom of the support post(s), connected to the further support post(s), may then be embedded into the substrate.

[0281] The method may also comprise backfilling of the retaining wall structure, such as with free draining granular fill.

[0282] The method may also comprise connecting an intermediate post to the retaining panel(s), such as via an L-bracket and fasteners such as screws.

[0283] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a number of optional advantages over the prior art, including one or more of:

[0284] - providing a single support post that is capable of receiving both the retaining wall panel(s) and the fence post (with connected fence panel(s)), meaning that the fence post is able to engage with the support post simply and directly as opposed to requiring complex connections to intermediate components as in the prior art;

[0285] - generally providing a support post and a system that is simpler and more cost-effective to install than conventional solutions;

[0286] - providing a support post that is shaped in a manner complementary to both the retaining panel and the fence post, ensuring a simple but sturdy and reliable fit connection with both components;

[0287] - providing a support post that can be installed together with the retaining wall and remain in place unobtrusively until such later time as the fence structure is ready to be installed, at which point the fence post can be easily retrofitted to the support post. Furthermore, fence panels (such as, for example, ColorBond® fence panels) can be retrospectively added as and when required;

[0288] - providing a support post that is easily connectable in a back-to-back configuration with another support post, enabling installation of the retaining wall and fence structure to either side;

[0289] - snug engagement or connection between retaining posts and the fence posts results in a more efficient and stronger join or (interconnection between the connecting components.

[0290] - providing a system of components that are complementary to one another in terms of shape, configuration and materials;

[0291] - providing a system that enables a retaining and fencing structure to be erected more efficiently with less encroachment onto the property;

[0292] - provide a support posts as a part of a retaining system that can be used with other types of fencing not just Colorbond® products - i.e. slats, garrison, tubular, pinelap;

[0293] - at the very least, providing the public with a useful choice.

[0294] Consistent with that noted above, in the claims that follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0295] Modifications and variations may be made to the principles described herein within the context of that described herein and shown in the drawings. Such modifications as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A support post comprising at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post and having a hollow receiving portion and one or more slots extending along the receiving portion, each slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure, the receiving portion configured to receive one or more fence posts of a fence structure, the fence structure having at least one fence panel wherein respective fence panels are connectable to respective fence posts, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the one or more fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

2. The support post of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

3. The support post of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

4. The support post of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post is formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the or each fence post comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry.

5. The support post of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said complementary shape comprises or hosts geometrical formations or features comprising any of: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions; one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions.

6. The support post of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein substantially the majority of the receiving portion of the support post is complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

7. The support post of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein substantially the entirety of the receiving portion is complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

8. The support post of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said complementary shape is formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding geometrical formation or features of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion of the support post and fence post can be established.

9. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of each fence post, and wherein the at least a portion of the receiving portion is at least one side of the receiving portion, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post is a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion and said complementary shape comprises a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of each fence post,the respective recess and protrusion engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.

10. The support post of claim 9, wherein said complementary shape comprises a plurality of recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions, the respective recesses engaging respective protrusions when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.11 . The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a profile of each slot is substantially complementary to a profile of an end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

12. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, one of the at least one fence panel abuts one of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

13. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fence post is received into the receiving portion by sliding each fence post downwardly from the top of the support post into the receiving portion.

14. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support post is configured to receive the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure first, and subsequently to receive each fence post.

15. The support post of claim 14, wherein a lower portion of each fence post extends below the at least one fence panel, said lower portion of each fence post being received into the receiving portion and extending adjacent to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when received into the receiving portion.

16. The support post of claim 15, wherein the top of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with the top of the support post.

17. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support post comprises a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving each fence post.

18. The support post of claim 17, wherein the second sub portion is disposed behind the first sub portion.

19. The support post of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the first sub portion is separated from the second sub portion by a dividing wall.

20. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each fence post is connectable to the support post via at least one fastener.21 . The support post of claim 20, wherein the at least one fastener is a screw.

22. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support post is formed from one of: aluminium or steel or other metallic material or ColorBond® steel material.

23. The support post of claim 22, wherein the aluminium is structural-grade aluminium.

24. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fence panel comprises a plurality of fence panels.

25. The support post of claim 24, wherein the plurality of fence panels are vertically oriented panels connected together by a top and bottom rail.

26. The support post of claim 25, wherein a first fence panel of the plurality of fence panels is connected to one of the fence posts, wherein the one fence post comprises a fence post receiving portion with a fence post opening, and the first fence panel extends through the fence post opening.

27. The support post of claim 26, wherein a further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, is connected to a second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to the first fence post.

28. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is formed from aluminium.

29. The support post of claim 28, wherein the aluminium is structural-grade aluminium.

30. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure comprises a plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure, the plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure being stacked on top of one another in use.31 . The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more slots is a single slot and the support post has at least one side without a slot, the at least one side configured to be disposed in a face to face arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, such that the respective support posts can each receive in their respective single slots at least one panel of respective different adjacent retaining wall structure parts.

32. The support post of claim 31 , wherein the support post and the further support post are connectable together via at least one of: a flange and screw arrangement, wherein each support post comprises one flange and one recess proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side, the flange of each support post configured to engage the recess of the other support post, the respective flanges being connected to the body of the other support post by a screw; a dovetail connection on the respective support posts; a biscuit joiner connection, a portion of the biscuit joiner being received into a corresponding recess on each of the support posts.

33. The support post of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each fence post is formed from a ColorBond® steel material.

34. A kit of parts, comprising: a support post having at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post which includes a hollow receiving portion and one or more slot extending along the receiving portion, each slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of respective parts of a retaining wall structure, the receiving portion configured to receiveone or more fence posts of a fence structure, the fence structure having at least one fence panel connected to one of the fence posts, the support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and each fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

35. The kit of parts of claim 34, further comprising the one or more fence posts of the fence structure.

36. The kit of parts of claim 35, further comprising the at least one fence panel of the fence structure.

37. The kit of parts of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the support post comprises an embodiment of the support post of any one of claims 1 to 33.

38. The kit of parts of any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the or each fence post is formed from a ColorBond® steel material.

39. A system comprising: a first and second support post, the first and second support post each including: at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post having a hollow receiving portion and slot extending along the receiving portion; each slot configured to receive an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure; the receiving portion further configured to receive one or more fence posts of a fence structure wherein the fence structure includes at least one fence panel; each support post being configured to receive the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and each fence post such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel, the first support post being spaced from the second support post, such that opposite ends of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure are receivable in respective slots of the first and second support post, and at least one fence panel is connected to and spans between respective fence posts received in the first and second support posts.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein the first and second support post are spaced apart by a distance that substantially corresponds to a width of the at least one fence panel.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein a width of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure substantially corresponds to the width of the at least one fence panel.

42. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 41 , wherein the width of the at least one fence panel is between substantially 1000mm and substantially 4000mm.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the width of the at least one fence panel is between substantially 2000mm and substantially 3000mm.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the width of the width of the at least one fence panel is between substantially 2100mm and substantially 2500mm.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the width of the at least one fence panel is substantially 2370mm.

46. The system of any one of claim 39 to claim 45, wherein the system further comprises an intermediate post disposed at an intermediate location between the first and second support post and connected to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure to provide additional support to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the intermediate location is substantially midway between the first and second support post.

48. The system of claim 46 or claim 47, wherein the intermediate post is connected to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure by at least one screw.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein an L-bracket abuts the intermediate post and the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and at least two screws connect the L- bracket to, respectively, the intermediate post and the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

50. The system of any one of claims 39 to 49, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.51 . The system of any one of claims 39 to 50, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

52. The system of claim 50 or claim 51 , wherein said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post is formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the or each fence post comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry.

53. The system of any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein said complementary shape comprises or hosts geometrical formations or features comprising any of: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions; one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions.

54. The system of any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein substantially the majority of the receiving portion of the support post is complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

55. The system of any one of claims 39 to 54, wherein substantially the entirety of the receiving portion is complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profileof the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

56. The system of any one of claims 39 to 55, wherein said complementary shape is formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding geometrical formation or features of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion of the support post and fence post can be established.

57. The system of any one of claims 39 to 56, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of each of the first and second support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of a respective received fence post, and wherein the at least a portion of the receiving portion is at least one side of the receiving portion of each of the first and second support post, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post is a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion of a corresponding first and second support post and said complementary shape comprises a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of the fence posts, the recess and protrusion engaging when the fence post is received in the receiving portion.

58. The system of claim 57, wherein said complementary shape comprises a plurality of recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions defined in the crosssection of each fence post, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.

59. The system of any one of claim 39 to claim 58, wherein a width or profile of the slot is substantially complementary to a width or profile of the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

60. The system of any one of claim 39 to claim 59, wherein, in use, the at least one fence panel abuts the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.61 . The system of any one of claim 39 to claim 60, wherein each fence post is received into the receiving portion by sliding each fence post downwardly from the top of the respective support post into the receiving portion.

62. The system of any one of claim 39 to claim 61 , wherein each of the first and second support posts is configured to initially receive respective ends of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and subsequently to receive at least one corresponding fence post.

63. The system of claim 62, wherein a lower portion of the at least one corresponding fence post extends below the at least one fence panel, said lower portion of the at least one corresponding fence post being received into the receiving portion and extending adjacent to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when received into the receiving portion.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the top of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with the top of the first and second support post.

65. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 64, wherein each of the first and second the support post comprises a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving at least one fence post.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein the second sub portion is disposed behind the first sub portion.

67. The system of claim 65 or claim 66, wherein the first sub portion is separated from the second sub portion by a dividing wall.

68. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 67, wherein the fence post is connectable to the respective support post via at least one fastener.

69. The system of claim 68, wherein the at least one fastener is a screw.

70. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 69, wherein each of the first and second support posts has a single slot extending along one side and at least one other side without a slot, the at least one other side configured to be disposed in a face to face arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, one of the at least one other side being configured to be disposed in a back-to-back arrangement with one of the at least one other side of a respective further, substantially identical, support post, such that the first support post and the respective further support post can each receive a respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and a respective fence post, and the second support post and the respective further support post can each receive a respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and a respective fence post.71 . The system of claim 70, wherein the first and second support post and the respective further support post are connectable together via at least one of: a flange and screw arrangement, wherein each of the first and second support post and the respective further support post comprises one flange and one recess proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side, the flange of each of the first and second support post and the respective further support post configured to engage the recess of the corresponding support post, the respective flanges being connected to the body of the corresponding support post by a screw; a dovetail connection on the corresponding support posts; a biscuit joiner connection, a portion of the biscuit joiner being received into a corresponding recess on each of the corresponding support posts.

72. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 71 , wherein the support post is formed from one or aluminium.

73. The system of claim 72, wherein the aluminium is structural-grade aluminium.

74. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 73, wherein the at least one fence panel comprises a plurality of fence panels.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the plurality of fence panels are vertically oriented panels connected together by a top and bottom rail.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein a first fence panel of the plurality of fence panels is connected to the first fence post, wherein the first fence post comprises a fence post receiving portion with a fence post opening, and the first fence panel extends through the fence post opening.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein a further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, is connected to the second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to but oriented oppositely to the first fence post.

78. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 77, wherein the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is formed from one of: aluminium or steel or other metallic material.

79. The system of claim 78, wherein the aluminium is structural-grade aluminium.

80. The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 79, wherein the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure comprises a plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure, the plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure being stacked on top of one another in use.81 . The system of any one of claims 39 to claim 80, wherein the support post is an embodiment of the support post of any one of claims 1 to 33.

82. A method of using a support post, the support post having at least one wall defining a cross-section of the support post including a hollow receiving portion and one or more slots extending along the receiving portion, the method comprising the steps of: inserting an end of at least one panel of a retaining wall structure into at least one of the slots, such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends into the at least one of the slots; and inserting one or more fence posts of a fence structure into the receiving portion, the fence structure having at least one fence panel connected to one of the one or more fence posts,wherein, when the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure and the one of the one or more fence posts are inserted, the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with and below the at least one fence panel.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

84. The method of claim 82 or claim 83, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion of the support post has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a shape or profile of the or each fence post having geometry of variable or varying character for enabling the relevant fence post to be received by the receiving portion in a substantially snug fit manner in an affirmative engagement when the respective complementary shaped portions of the receiving portion and the fence post are caused to become engaged.

85. The method of any one claims 82 to 84, wherein said complementary shape of the receiving portion of the support post is formed or contoured so as to complement one or more portions of a shape or profile of the or each fence post, which shaped or profiled portions of the or each fence post comprise one or more regular or irregular geometrical forms which enable a variable or varying geometry.

86. The method of any one of claims 82 to 85, wherein said complementary shape comprises or hosts geometrical formations or features comprising any of: one or more recesses; one or more protrusions; one or more curved portions; one or more chamfers, bevels, or angled segments or portions.

87. The method of any one of claims 82 to 86, wherein substantially the majority of the receiving portion of the support post is complementarily shaped or contoured to a substantial cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

88. The method of any one of claims 82 to 87, wherein substantially the entirety of the receiving portion is complementarily shaped or contoured to the cross-section or profile of the or each fence post for enabling a snug fitting (interconnection between the support and the or each fence posts to be established when the receiving portion and the relevant of the fence post are caused to become engaged.

89. The method of any one of claims 82 to 88, wherein said complementary shape is formed or defined by way of one or more walls or wall portions, or a plurality of wall portions, configured comprising or hosting one or more geometrical formations or features which are complementary to or with a corresponding geometrical formation or features of varying or variable geometrical character of a portion of a profile of the fence post so that, when such complementary geometrical formations or features are brought or assembled together, a snug and or affirmative connection between the receiving portion of the support post and fence post can be established.

90. The method of any one of claims 82 to 89, wherein at least a portion of the receiving portion has a complementary shape to at least a portion of a cross-section of each fence post, and wherein the at least a portion of the receiving portion is at least one side of the receiving portion, the at least a portion of a cross-section of the or each fence post is a side of each fence post in adjacent face to face juxtaposition with the at least one side of the receiving portion and said complementary shape comprises a recess complementary to a protrusion defined in the cross-section of each fence post, the recess and protrusion engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.91 . The method of claim 90, wherein said complementary shape comprises a plurality of recesses complementary to a corresponding number of protrusions, the respective recesses and protrusions engaging when each fence post is received in the receiving portion.

92. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 91 , wherein a profile of each slot is substantially complementary to a profile of an end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure.

93. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 92, wherein, the at least one fence panel abuts the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when both are inserted.

94. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 93, wherein inserting each fence post into the receiving portion comprises sliding each fence post downwardly from the top of the support post into the receiving portion.

95. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 94, wherein the step of inserting the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is initially performed, and subsequently the step of inserting the fence post is performed.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein a lower portion of each fence post extends below the at least one fence panel, said lower portion of each fence post being received into the receiving portion and extending adjacent to the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure when received into the receiving portion.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the top of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is aligned with the top of the support post.

98. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 97, wherein the support post comprises a first sub portion and a second sub portion, the first sub portion being for receiving the end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure, and the second sub portion being for receiving each fence post.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the second sub portion is disposed behind the first sub portion.

100. The method of claim 98 or claim 99, wherein the first sub portion is separated from the second sub portion by a dividing wall.101 . The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 100, wherein the method comprises the further step of connecting each fence post to the support post via at least one fastener.

102. The method of claim 101 , wherein the at least one fastener is a screw.

103. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 102, wherein the support post has at least one side without a slot, and the method comprising a preliminary step of disposing one of the at least one side in a face to face arrangement with a further, substantially identical, support post, such that the respective support posts can each receive the respective at least one panel of a retaining wall structure and the respective fence post.

104. The method of claim 103, further comprising connecting the support post and the further support post via at least one of: a flange and screw arrangement, wherein each support post comprises one flange and one recess proximate opposite ends of its flat rear side, the flange of each support post configured to engage the recess of the other support post, the respective flanges being connected to the body of the other support post by a screw; a dovetail connection on the respective support posts; a biscuit joiner connection, a portion of the biscuit joiner being received into a corresponding recess on each of the support posts.

105. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 104, wherein the support post is formed from aluminium, or steel or other metallic material.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein the aluminium is structural-grade aluminium.

107. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 106, wherein the at least one fence panel comprises a plurality of fence panels.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein the plurality of fence panels are vertically oriented panels connected together by a top and bottom rail.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein a first fence panel of the plurality of fence panels is connected to one of the one or more fence posts, wherein the one of the one or more fence post comprises a fence post receiving portion with a fence post opening, and the first fence panel extends through the fence post opening.

110. The method of claim 109, wherein a further fence panel, at an opposite side of the plurality of fence panels from the first fence panel, is connected to a second fence post, the second fence post being substantially identical to the first fence post.

111. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 110, wherein the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure is formed from aluminium.

112. The method of claim 111 , wherein the aluminium is structural-grade aluminium.

113. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 112, wherein the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure comprises a plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure, the plurality of panels of the retaining wall structure being stacked on top of one another in use.

114. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 113, the method comprising a preliminary step of embedding a bottom portion of the support post into a substrate.

115. The method of any one of claims 82 to claim 114, wherein the support post is a first of first and second support posts, the first and second support post being spaced from one another and oriented oppositely to one another, the method comprising: simultaneously inserting a first and second end of the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure into, respectively, one of the slots of the first and second support post, such that the at least one panel of the retaining wall structure extends through the respective slots and spans between the first and second support post.

116. The method of claim 115, the method further comprising: simultaneously inserting a first and second fence post of a fence structure into, respectively, the receiving portion of the first and second support post, the fence structure comprising at least one fence panel connected to and spanning between the first and second fence post.

117. The method of any one of claims 82 to 116, wherein the support post is an embodiment of the support post of any one of claims 1 to 33.

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