U.S. patent application number 10/056784 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for pipe clamp wire mount.
Invention is credited to Berto, Joseph J..
Application Number | 20020088645 10/056784 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26807234 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020088645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berto, Joseph J. |
July 11, 2002 |
Pipe clamp wire mount
Abstract
A support is provided for receiving and supporting a hot wire on
a pipe fence. The support includes a wire support member having a
base and an insulated wire supporting portion mounted on the base
for receiving and supporting a hot wire. The wire support member
has at least two fingers for receiving and supporting the hot wire.
The wire support member forms two slots such that one slot of one
of the fingers opens upward. The other slot of the other finger
opens downward. The fingers therein form a channel for installing
the hot wire. The support also has a clamp having a circular shape
attached to the base of the wire support member and is configured
to secure to a cylindrical pipe of a fence.
Inventors: |
Berto, Joseph J.; (White
City, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
26807234 |
Appl. No.: |
10/056784 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10056784 |
Jan 23, 2002 |
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09321698 |
May 28, 1999 |
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6344617 |
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60109678 |
Nov 24, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
174/158F |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/00 20130101;
A01K 3/005 20130101; E04H 17/1465 20210101; E04H 17/10 20130101;
E04H 17/161 20130101; E04H 17/146 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
174/158.00F |
International
Class: |
H01B 017/14 |
Claims
1. A support for receiving and supporting a hot wire on a pipe
fence post, the support comprising: a wire support member having a
base and an insulated wire supporting portion mounted on the base
for receiving and supporting a hot wire, the wire support member
has at least two fingers for receiving and supporting the hot wire,
the wire support member forms two slots such that one slot of one
of the fingers opens upward and the other slot of the other finger
opens downward, and wherein the fingers form a channel for
installing the hot wire; and a clamp having a circular shape
attached to the base of the wire support member and configured to
secure the wire support member to a cylindrical pipe of a
fence.
2. The support according to claim 1, further comprising a
connector, which attaches the base and the clamp.
3. The support according to claim 1, wherein the two fingers are
substantially U-shaped.
4. The support according to claim 3, wherein the substantially
U-shaped fingers have an about 45 degree cut in each respective
finger forming a channel for accepting the hot wire.
5. The support according to claim 1, wherein the clamp has a pair
of flanges for attaching and detaching the fence support member to
the cylindrical pipe.
6. The support according to claim 5, wherein the clamp is secured
to the cylindrical pipe by a fastener which is inserted thorough
the pair of flanges.
7. The support according to claim 1, wherein the wire support
member and the clamp are one piece.
8. The support according to claim 1, wherein the wire support
member and the clamp are two pieces.
9. The support according to claim 8, wherein the wire support
member has a circular protruding shaft having at least one tab or
key for attaching the wire support member to the clamp.
10. The support according to claim 8, wherein the wire support
member has a snap fit connection for attaching the wire support
member to the clamp.
11. The support according to claim 10, wherein the snap fit
connection has a stem having a tapered or conical shaped rim.
12. The support according to claim 11, wherein the stem comprises a
plurality of spring-contact fingers which form a hollow body.
13. The support according to claim 1, wherein the support is formed
of plastic.
14. The support according to claim 1, wherein the clamp has a
plurality of holes for attaching the clamp to the cylindrical
pipe.
15. The support according to claim 1, wherein the base and clamp
are configured to offset the hot wire from the cylindrical pipe by
at least 0.5 inches.
16. The support according to claim 1, wherein the base and clamp
are configured to offset the hot wire from the cylindrical pipe by
at least 1.0 inches.
17. An electric fence system comprising: a plurality of
substantially cylindrical pipe fence posts or rails; a plurality of
wire supports made of electrically insulating material, the wire
supports including a wire support portion for receiving and
supporting a hot wire and a clamp having a circular shape attached
to the wire support portion, the circular shaped clamp securing the
wire supports to the pipe fence posts or rails; and a hot wire
received and supported by the plurality of wire supports.
18. The electric fence system according to claim 17, wherein the
wire supports are connected to posts.
19. The electric fence system according to claim 17, wherein the
wire supports are connected to rails.
20. The electric fence system according to claim 17, wherein the
wire support portion has at least two fingers for receiving and
supporting the hot wire.
21. The electric fence system according to claim 20, wherein the
wire support portion forms two slots such that one slot of one of
the fingers opens upward and the other slot of the other finger
opens downward.
22. The electric fence system according to claim 20, wherein the
fingers form a channel for installing the hot wire.
23. An electric fence system comprising: a plurality of fence posts
and rails; a plurality of wire supports made of electrically
insulating material, the wire supports including a wire support
portion for receiving and supporting a hot wire and a clamp
configured to substantially surround and attach the wire support
portion to one of the fence posts or rails; and a hot wire received
and supported by the plurality of wire supports.
24. The electric fence system according to claim 23, wherein the
clamp is a cylindrical clamp configured to surround a cylindrical
fence post or rail.
25. The electric fence system according to claim 23, wherein the
clamp is a rectangular clamp configured to substantially surround a
rectangular fence post or rail.
26. The electric fence system according to claim 23, wherein the
hot wire is offset from the fence posts or rails by the plurality
of wire supports a distance of about 1 to about 6 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/321,698, filed May 28, 1999, which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/109,678,
filed on Nov. 24, 1998, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a fencing support member for pipe
fencing, and more particularly, the invention relates to a pipe
fence support for connection to conventional metal pipe fences.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are many different fencing options for fencing horses
and other animals such as wood, PVC, high-tensile wire, barbed
wire, wire mesh, metal pipe, and others. Each of these fencing
materials has different advantages and disadvantages in the areas
of strength, visibility, aesthetics, and maintenance.
[0006] Wooden plank or post and rail fencing is both sturdy and
attractive. Wood fencing is also quite visible to horses which
discourages them from crashing into the fence. However, wood
fencing also requires high maintenance in painting and replacing
rotten wooden fence posts and rails. Wooden fencing is also rather
costly.
[0007] Wire fencing including barbed wire and wire mesh fencing is
easy to install and uses a common inexpensive metal "T" post system
for supporting the fencing. However, the metal T-posts of this type
of fencing are narrow and the wire is thin making the fence very
difficult for animals to see particularly in poor light.
[0008] PVC fencing has been used as an alternative to wooden
fencing and provides the superior aesthetics of a conventional
wooden fence without the associated maintenance. However, the new
PVC fencing systems are relatively expensive. In addition, animals
may lean or rub against the PVC fencing causing it to crack in cold
weather.
[0009] Another alternative is conventional metal pipe fencing which
is one of the most versatile types of fencing on the market. Pipe
fences are easy to install because the fence simply attaches to
pipes driven into the ground. However, one of the drawbacks to pipe
fences is the width between the rails which allows animals to reach
through or over the fence causing the fence to bend or break.
[0010] However, attaching a hot wire to a pipe fence is very
difficult because the pipe fence conducts the electricity. In
addition, since the bars on a pipe fence run horizontally as well
as vertically, it is also difficult to orient the apparatus so that
the wire stays attached and is positioned correctly to prevent
animals from sticking their neck through the wires causing bald
spots in their manes and damage to the pipe fence.
[0011] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an apparatus
for easily mounting an hot wire on a pipe fence post to prevent
animals from leaning or rubbing on the fence. It would also be
desirable to allow electric wire to be mounted to both vertical and
horizontal portions of pipe fences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to an apparatus for use with
pipe fences for attaching a hot wire to a conventional cylindrical
metal fence post or rail and for attaching hot wire to other types
of fence rails.
[0013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
support for receiving and supporting a hot wire on a fence includes
a wire support member having a base and an insulated wire
supporting portion mounted on the base for receiving and supporting
a hot wire, the wire support member has at least two fingers for
receiving and supporting the hot wire, the wire support member
forms two slots such that one slot of one of the fingers opens
upward and the other slot of the other finger opens downward, and
wherein the fingers form a channel for installing the hot wire; and
a clamp having a circular shape attached to the base of the wire
support member and configured to secure the wire support member to
a cylindrical pipe of a fence.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an electric fence supporting system includes a plurality of
substantially cylindrical pipe fence posts or rails; a plurality of
wire supports made of electrically insulating material, the wire
supports including a wire support portion for receiving and
supporting a hot wire and a clamp having a circular shape attached
to the base of the wire support portion, the circular shaped clamp
securing the wire support to the pipe fence posts or rails; and a
hot wire received and supported by the plurality of wire
supports.
[0015] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, an electric fence system comprising a plurality of fence
posts and rails; a plurality of wire supports made of electrically
insulating material, the wire supports including a wire support
portion for receiving and supporting a hot wire and a clamp
configured to substantially surround and attach the wire support
portion to one of the fence posts or rails; and a hot wire received
and supported by the plurality of wire supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will now be described in greater detail with
reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, in which like elements bear like reference
numerals, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fencing system according
to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top view of the fence rail holder and fence
rails according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fence rail holder
and fence rails of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side view of the fence rail holder;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of a wire support
member;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the wire support member of FIG.
5;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a wire
support member;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a side view of the wire support member of
FIG.7;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view of a PVC fence post, fence rail, and
the wire support member of FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view of an adaptor and the wire support
member of FIGS. 7 and 8;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a front view of the adaptor of FIG. 10;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a top view of the adaptor and wire support member
of FIG. 10;
[0029] FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are front, side, and top views of an
alternative clip for fastening the fence rail holder to a wood
fence post;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a side view of a fence post cap for fastening the
fence rail holder to a fence post;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the fence post cap of
FIG. 16 and a fence post, taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a
fence post cap; and
[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the fence post cap of
FIG. 18, taken along line 19-19.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a top view of a pipe fence support according to
the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 21 is a side view of the pipe fence support according
to the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a side view of the pipe fence support according
to the present invention secured to pipe fence post according to
the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 23 is a front view of one embodiment of a wire support
member according to the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 24 is a rear view of another embodiment of a wire
support member according to the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 25 is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of a
wire support member according to the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 26 is a side view of the wire support member of FIG.
25;
[0041] FIG. 27 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a pipe
fence support according to the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the
pipe fence support according to the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the
pipe fence support according to the present invention secured to
pipe fence according to the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the pipe fence support
according to the present invention secured to a vertical pipe
fence; and
[0045] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the pipe fence support
according to the present invention secured to a horizontal pipe
fence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] The fencing system according to the present invention
provides the advantages of easy installation, low cost, durability,
and visibility. The fencing system also allows the incorporation of
an electric wire or barbed wire onto the front or back face of a
pipe fence post or rail.
[0047] The fence rail holder 10 according to the present invention
provides the visibility of a wooden or PVC fence at a lower cost
because it enables a PVC fence rail to be connected to the
inexpensive metal posts commonly used to install barbed wire and
wire mesh fences. The fencing system of the present invention also
provides a way to attach an electric fence or hot wire to PVC
fencing.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the fence rail holder 10 includes a
hollow body which defines rectangular openings 12 at opposite
sides, configured to receive a commonly available fence rail 100.
The fence rails 100 are easily visible and the cross-sectional area
of each rail is in the range of about 1/2by about 1 inch, to about
5 by about 8 inches. The fence rails may also be square in cross
section. In one embodiment, the PVC fence rail is about 11/2by
about 51/2inches.
[0049] Two clips 16, 18 including a fixed upper clip 16 and a
slidable lower clip 18 are positioned on a rear surface of the
fence rail holder 10, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. These clips 16, 18
have somewhat U-shaped portions which are substantially the same
size and shape and are configured to be received on the
conventional "T" shaped fence posts. The clips 16, 18 have a
configuration which allows the fence rail holder 10 to be easily
snapped onto the "T" posts and to be removed from the posts by
pressing on the elongated lever end 14 of the clip. Attaching the
fence rail holder 10 to a "T" post allows the addition of a very
visible, white or other colored PVC, or other rail to a
conventional barbed wire or wire mesh fence. The PVC rail may be
placed along the top of the fence in place of or in addition to a
top strand of barbed wire.
[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, each clip has a mounting
portion 46 which can be received in an opening 26 in the rear
surface of the fence rail holder 10. In one embodiment, the
mounting portion 46 has a groove 48 disposed about an edge of the
mounting portion. When the clip 16, 18 is inserted in the fence
rail holder 10, the groove 48 engages the side surfaces of the
opening 26. The mounting portion 46 has an optional locking
mechanism 62 which secures the clips 16, 18 in place when inserted
in the fence rail holder 10. The locking mechanism 62 includes a
tail which extends downward from the clips 16, 18 and snaps into
the opening 26 and prevents clips from sliding out of the
opening.
[0051] The conventional metal "T" posts 110 have a plurality of
protrusions 112, shown in FIG. 1, along a front face which prevent
the wire 114 from slipping along the post. Since there is no
industry standard for these metal fence posts 110, the spacing
between the protrusions 112 varies widely between manufacturers.
The slidable lower clip 18 which slides in the elongated lower
opening 26 allows the fence rail holder 10 to be mounted on posts
from different manufacturers. Generally, the upper clip 16 will be
snapped onto the fence post between the top two protrusions 112 and
the lower clip 18 will be adjusted by sliding the clip vertically
in the lower opening 26 in the fence rail holder 10 so that the
lower clip can be received on the fence post without obstruction
from the protrusions.
[0052] The fence rail holder 10 is preferably constructed of
plastic, such as PVC, and includes a wire support member 20 on a
front surface which allows the mounting of an electric wire 116,
barbed wire, electric tape, electric rope, or other wire along a
front face of the fence rails 100. The wire support member 20 is
fabricated from an electrically insulating material and may be
integral with or separate from the fence rail holder 10. Examples
of wire support members will be described in further detail below
with respect to FIGS. 5-9.
[0053] The fence rails 100 are inserted into the openings 12 on
either side of the fence rail holder 10 and may be held in place by
tangs on the rail or by other fasteners. For example, the fence
rail holder 10 may be provided with a plurality of holes 24 in the
front or rear surface. After the fence rails are inserted into the
openings 12 in the sides of the fence rail holder 10, a hole may be
drilled in the fence rail through the holes 24 in the fence rail
holder 10 and a pin 64 or tab is inserted into the hole. The fence
rail 100 is prevented from being removed from the fence rail holder
10 by the ends of the pin 64. This provides an easy attachment
system for attaching the fence rails 100 to the fence rail holder
10 in a removable manner which prevents the fence rails from
falling out of the fence rail holder if the posts shift. The
attachment system also allows some amount of give between the fence
rail holder 10 and the rails 100.
[0054] FIGS. 5-9 illustrate two embodiments of wire support members
20A, 20B having two different connections for connecting to a PVC
fence post, rail, or to the fence rail holder 10.
[0055] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate one example of a wire support
member 20A having two fingers 38, 40 for receiving and supporting a
hot wire or other wire. The fingers 38, 40 are generally U-shaped
and have a wire receiving slot 42. One slot 42 of one of the
fingers 38 opens upward and the other slot of the other finger 40
opens downward so that one finger 38 limits vertical upward
movement of a wire (not shown) resting in the slot 42 while the
other finger 40 limits vertical downward movement of the wire.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a rear view of the first embodiment of
the wire support member 20A. According to this embodiment, the wire
support member 20A is provided with a circular protruding shaft 68
having two tabs 70 or key members which extend from the shaft for
locking the member into place. In use, an opening is formed in the
fence rail holder 10 or other fencing member which is configured to
receive the shaft 68 and the tabs 70. The wire support member 20A
is inserted into the opening and rotated 90 degrees to lock the
member in place.
[0057] An alternative embodiment of a wire support member 20B, as
shown in FIGS. 7-9, has a snap fit connection for quick mounting
the member into a fencing system. The snap fit connection includes
a stem 44 having a tapered or conical shaped rim 72. The stem 44
mounts the wire support member 20 on the fence rail holder 10. As
shown in FIG. 8, the stem 44 is provided with at least one
longitudinal slot 50 which the slot allows the stem 44 to be
compressed to a smaller diameter to snap into an opening in a
fencing member. The opening in the fencing member has a smaller
diameter than the rim 72 such that when the stem 44 is inserted in
the opening, the stem and rim compress to create a close fit
between the fencing member and stem. FIG. 9 is a top view of a
conventional PVC post 120 and PVC rail 100 system having a circular
opening 28 drilled in the post for attaching the wire support
member 20B in a snap fit arrangement.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the stem 44 comprises a
plurality of spring-contact fingers which form a hollow body. When
inserting the stem 44 in the opening, the spring-contact fingers
deflect and allow the stem to pass through the opening. Examples of
the attachment means for attaching the wire support member 20 to a
fence member have been described. Other examples of attachment
means include but are not limited to clamping, snap fitting
mechanisms, turn-keys, lipped surfaces, and welding.
[0059] FIGS. 10-12 show the construction of another embodiment of
the fencing system having an adaptor 52 for mounting the wire
support member 20B to a fence rail. The adaptor 52 is received on a
fence rail and supports the wire support member 20. The adaptor 52
may be used when an owner does not wish to drill holes directly
into the PVC fence rails 100 or when it is desirable to offset the
electric wire a distance from the fence rails. The adaptor is
particularly useful when a spacing between adjacent "T" posts 110
becomes longer than a suggested 8 foot interval. The adaptor 52
clips on to the fence rail 100 so that a wire support member 20 can
be installed mid span to ensure that the electric wire does not sag
against the fence wire 114. The adaptor 52 includes a bracket 60,
which is adapted to be positioned around at least a portion of the
fence rail 100, and a connector 58 supported by the bracket. The
bracket 60 may be provided with a roughened and/or tacky surface to
facilitate gripping the fence rail. The roughened surface enhances
the friction between the surfaces and may comprise any suitable
means, including but not limited to grooves, ridges, ribs, or the
like. The bracket 52 may be adapted to be mounted on rectangular,
circular, square fence rails, or fence rails set at an angle.
Further, the adaptor 52 allows electric wire mounting on fence
rails without drilling holes in the fence rail.
[0060] The connector 58 forms a cavity 56 with an opening 54 for
receiving the stem 44 of the wire support member 20B in a snap fit
connection. In combination, the fence rail holder 10 and the
adaptor 52 allow the fencing system to support a wire at the fence
posts and along fence rails. The connector 58 extends from the
bracket 60 a distance such that a wire held by the wire support
member 20 does not contact the fence post, fence rail, or wire
fencing.
[0061] The fence rail holder 10 according to the present invention
may also be used with other types of fence posts such as round or
square wooden posts. FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an alternative
embodiment of a clip 30 which is configured to allow the fence rail
holder 10 to be attached to round or square fence posts. The clip
30 includes holes 32 which allow the clip to be nailed to a round,
square, or other shaped wooden fence post or screwed or riveted to
a square, round, or other shaped metal fence post. The clip 30
takes the place of the clips 16, 18 for supporting the fence rail
holder 10 on the post.
[0062] FIGS. 16-19 illustrate two embodiments of a fence post cap
for fastening a fence rail holder 10 to a top of a fence post. The
fence post cap 80A of FIGS. 16 and 17 has a D-shaped cross section,
a domed top 82, and a mounting portion 86 to be received in a top
opening 26 of the fence rail holder 10. An interior of the cap 80A
includes two pairs of ribs 88 for contacting the front and back of
the T-post 110. The fence post cap 80B of FIGS. 18 and 19 has a
circular cross section. Other shaped fence post caps may also be
used.
[0063] The fence post caps 80A, 80B support the fence rail holder
10 at a top of the fence post. The caps 80A, 80B prevent animals
from injuring themselves on the tops of the fence posts. The caps
also prevent animals from being able to push the fence rail holder
10 down on the post 110. The fence post caps may be integral with
the fence rail holder 10 or separated as shown.
[0064] Several fence rail holders 10 may be used on a single post
to form a multi-rail fence. The fence system of the present
invention may be used with or without a wire mesh fence.
[0065] The fencing system according to the present invention
provides the advantages of easy installation, low cost, durability,
and visibility. In addition, the fencing system helps to shield the
dangerous exposed top of the metal post. The fencing system also
allows the incorporation of an electric wire or barbed wire onto
the front face of the fence rail holders and fence rails.
[0066] The wire support members 20 according to the present
invention provide a simple low cost manner of attaching an electric
wire to PVC fencing systems. Animals tend to lose "respect" for
vinyl fencing without electric wire and cause damage to the fence
by leaning, scratching, kicking, or reaching through the fence. The
wire support members 20 provide a way to attach an electric wire to
the PVC fencing system.
[0067] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, FIG. 20
illustrates a support 200 for receiving and supporting a hot wire
on a pipe fence post. The support 200 includes a wire support
member 220, having an insulated wire supporting portion 210 mounted
on a base 230 for receiving and supporting a hot wire (not shown),
and a clamp 280 attached to the base 230 of the wire support member
220 and configured to secure the wire support member 220 to a
cylindrical pipe of a fence.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 20, the wire support member 220 has at
least two fingers 238, 240 for receiving and supporting a hot wire.
Each of the fingers 238, 240 is generally U-shaped and is provided
with a wire receiving slot 242. The fingers 238, 240 open upwardly
and downwardly so that one finger limits vertical downward movement
of a wire resting in the slot and the other finger limits vertical
upward movement of the wire. Each of the fingers 238, 240 are
provided with an upper groove 250 and a lower groove 252. The upper
groove 250 and lower groove 252 on the fingers 238, 240 are aligned
with each other and serve to hold a wire which may be wound around
a pair of fingers rather than inserting the wire in the grooves or
slots. The spacing of the fingers 238, 240 is at a distance to
receive a section of wire vertically which is then turned to a
horizontal position which will hold the wire in the slots 242 of
the fingers 238, 240. It can be appreciated that the support 200
can be used both horizontally and vertically, such that the terms
upward and downward are not intended to limit the use of the
support 200 and is merely for illustrative purposes only.
[0069] The base 230 is a rectangular plate which is attached to the
wire supporting portion 210. It can be appreciated, however, that
the base 230 may be circular, rectangular or any other shape.
[0070] The clamp 280 attaches to the base 230 of the wire support
member 220. As shown in FIG. 20, the clamp has a circular shape
having a pair of flanges 282, 284 which defines an open end 286.
The flanges 282, 284 allow the clamp 280 to be positioned around
the cylindrical pipe with minimal effort. The clamp 280 attaches to
the cylindrical pipe by tightening a screw or other fastener 290
which clamps the flanges 282, 284 together. Each of the flanges
282, 284 have a hole 292, 294 designed to accept the screw 290.
Each of the holes 292, 294 have a diameter 296 for flange 282, and
a diameter 298 for flange 284 to assist the screw 290 in attaching
or detaching the clamp 280 to the cylindrical pipe post. The
diameter 296 of flange 282 is greater than or equal to the diameter
298 of flange 284 for ease of tightening the screw 290. The clamp
280 preferably has an internal diameter of about 1 inch to 4
inches, depending on the type of cylindrical pipe rail. It can be
appreciated, however, that the clamp 280 is not limited to
cylindrical pipes. For example, the clamp 280 can be configured to
allow the wire support member 220 to be attached to a rectangular
or a square fence post or rail as described above with respect to
FIGS. 10-12.
[0071] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the clamp
280 includes a plurality of holes 288 which allow the clamp to be
screwed or riveted to a square, round, or other shaped metal fence
post or nailed to a round, square, or other shaped wooden fence
post or rail to further secure the clamp to the post or rail.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 20-22, the pipe
fence post support 200 has a connector 260 between the base 230 of
wire support member 220, and the clamp 280. The connector 260
extends the wire support member 220 a distance such that the wire
held by the wire support member 220 does not contact the pipe fence
posts or rails causing a short. The connector 260 can be from about
0 inches to about 10 inches in length depending on the distance
that the wire needs to be offset from the pipe fence post or rail.
The offset distance between the wire and the cylindrical pipe is at
least 0.5 inches, and preferably about 1 inch to about 6
inches.
[0073] FIG. 22 illustrates the support 200 as shown in FIG. 20
secured to a cylindrical pipe 295. In use, the support 200 is
secured to the cylindrical pipe 295 by sliding the open end 284 of
the support 210 around the cylindrical pipe 295 and sliding the
support 210 to a desired location along the pipe fence system. The
support 210 is then secured to the cylindrical pipe 295 by
tightening of the screw 290.
[0074] In the preferred embodiment, the wire support member 220 and
clamp 280 are one piece. However, it can be appreciated that the
clamp 280 and the wire support member 220 can be two pieces.
[0075] FIG. 23 illustrates a front view one example of a wire
support member 220 having two fingers 238, 240 for receiving and
supporting a hot wire. The fingers 238, 240 are generally U-shaped
and have a wire receiving slot 242. One slot 242 of one of the
fingers 238 opens upward and the other slot of the other finger 240
opens downward so that one finger 238 limits vertical upward
movement of a wire (not shown) resting in the slot 242 while the
other finger 240 limits vertical downward movement of the wire. As
shown in FIG. 23, the substantially U-shaped fingers 238, 240 have
a 45 degree cut in each respective finger 238, 240 forming a
channel for accepting the hot wire.
[0076] FIG. 24 illustrates a rear view of another embodiment of the
wire support member 320. According to this embodiment, the wire
support member 320 is provided with a circular protruding shaft 368
having two tabs 370 or key members which extend from the shaft for
locking the member into place. In use, an opening is formed in the
pipe fence post clamp which is configured to receive the shaft 368
and the tabs 370. The wire support member 320 is inserted into the
opening and rotated 90 degrees to lock the wire support member 320
in place.
[0077] In an alternative embodiment of a wire support member 320,
as shown in FIGS. 25-29, the wire support member 320 has a snap fit
connection 350 for quick mounting the wire support member 320 onto
a clamp 380 of a fencing system. The snap fit connection 350
includes a stem 344 having a tapered or conical shaped rim 372. The
stem 344 mounts the wire support member 320 on the clamp 380. As
shown in FIG. 26, the stem 344 is provided with at least one
longitudinal slot 350 wherein the slot allows the stem 344 to be
compressed to a smaller diameter to snap into an opening 328 in the
clamp 380. The opening 328 in the clamp 380 has a smaller diameter
than the rim 372 such that when the stem 344 is inserted in the
opening, the stem 344 and rim 372 compress to create a close fit
between the post clamp 380 and stem 374.
[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the stem 344 comprises a
plurality of spring-contact fingers which form a hollow body. When
inserting the stem 344 in the opening, the spring-contact fingers
deflect and allow the stem to pass through the opening. Examples of
the attachment means for attaching the wire support member 320 to a
fence member have been described. Other examples of attachment
means include but are not limited to clamping, snap fitting
mechanisms, turn-keys, lipped surfaces, and welding.
[0079] FIG. 27 is a top view of a support 300 formed from two
pieces. The support 300 has a wire support member 320 having a snap
fit connection 350 and a clamp 380. The clamp 380 has a circular
opening 328 for receiving the wire support member 320 into the snap
fit connection 350. The clamp 380 also has two flanges 382, 384
which defines an open end 386. The flanges 382, 384 allow the clamp
380 to be positioned around the pipe fence post with minimal
effort. The clamp 380 attaches to the pipe fence by tightening a
screw 390 which clamps the flanges 382, 384 together. Each of the
flanges 382, 384 have a hole 392, 394. Each hole 392, 394 has a
diameter 396 for hole 392, and a diameter 398 for hole 394 to
assist the screw 390 in attaching the clamp 380 to the pipe fence
post or rail. The diameter 396 of flange 382 is greater than or
equal to the diameter 398 of flange 384 for ease of tightening the
screw. The clamp 380 preferably has an inner diameter of
approximately 1 inch to 4 inches depending on the type of pipe
fence posts and rails.
[0080] The two piece support 300 illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28
allows the installation of the wire support member 320 at different
orientations with respect to the clamp 380. The variable
orientation of the wire support member 320 allows a hot wire to be
supported on vertical, horizontal or even angled fence members.
[0081] FIG. 28 is a side view of a wire support member 320 having a
snap fit connection 350 and clamp 380. As shown in FIG. 9, the
clamp 380 has a plurality of holes 388 for securing the clamp 380
to a pipe fence or wooden fence post or rail.
[0082] FIG. 29 illustrates the pipe fence support 300 secured to a
cylindrical pipe 395. In use the support 300 is secured to the
cylindrical pipe 395 by sliding the open end 386 of the clamp 380
around the cylindrical pipe 395 and sliding the support 300 to a
desired location along the pipe fence system. The support 300 is
then secured to the cylindrical pipe 395 by tightening of the screw
390.
[0083] The pipe fence support 200 (or 300) according to the present
invention may also be used with other types of fence posts such as
round or square wooden posts. In order to accommodate other types
of fence posts, the clamp 280 (or 380) is preferably shaped to
accommodate the shape of the fence post. Accordingly, the clamp 280
(or 380) can be rectangular, triangular or any other shape.
[0084] In the preferred embodiment, the wire support member has an
overall length of about 1 inch to 6 inches depending on the type of
pipe fencing and the desires of a consumer. However, it can be
appreciated that the overall length of the wire support member will
depend on the diameter of the pipe fence post and distance that the
wire support member extends out from the pipe fence post.
[0085] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the support 200 easily attaches
to a vertical cylindrical pipe 400 or a horizontal cylindrical pipe
rail 500. The term hot wire as used herein means all types of
electric fencing including electric wire, electric tape and
electric rope. However, it can be appreciated that the support may
also be used for supporting barbed wire or any other type of wire
which prevents animals from reaching through the fence posts or
rails.
[0086] The support 200 (or 300) is preferably constructed of
plastic, such as PVC, and includes the wire support member 220 on a
front surface which allows the mounting of an electric wire, barbed
wire, electric tape, electric rope, or other wire along a front
face of the fence posts or rails. The wire support member 220 is
fabricated from an electrically insulating material and may be
integral with or separate from the fence rail. It can also be
appreciated that the support 200 can be attached on either side of
the fence post or rail.
[0087] While the invention has been described in detail with
reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent
to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be made and equivalents employed, without departing from the
present invention.
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