U.S. patent application number 10/562525 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for fencing including visible band.
Invention is credited to Carolyn Yndra Smith, Michael Alexander Smith.
Application Number | 20060197074 10/562525 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34132432 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060197074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Michael Alexander ;
et al. |
September 7, 2006 |
Fencing including visible band
Abstract
A fence for use on farms comprising a wide steel band of ligth
gauge provided in a roll of convenient length and weigth having
high strength and visibility with an option to provide it with a
colour finish.
Inventors: |
Smith; Michael Alexander;
(Taumarunui, NZ) ; Smith; Carolyn Yndra;
(Taumarunui, NZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael Alexander Smith
R D Ongarue Stream Road
Waimiha
Taumarunui
2658
NZ
|
Family ID: |
34132432 |
Appl. No.: |
10/562525 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 30, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ04/00164 |
371 Date: |
December 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/22 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/266 20130101;
A01K 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/022 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16; B21F 27/00 20060101 B21F027/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 6, 2003 |
NZ |
527406 |
Claims
1. A wide Steel Band of a light gauge produced in a continuous roll
of convenient length and weight, manufactured to a corrosion
resistant specification, when used as a primary fencing medium of
high visibility and strength with the option to apply a colour
finish to both sides.
2. A Stanchion Post fixed to or integrated with an in ground post
or batten with the Steel Band as claimed in claim 1 mounted
horizontally into the slots provided for in the Stanchion Post with
tabs turned over and nailed down to establish a multi-band fence of
precise dimensions.
3. An End Clamp which, when attached to the Steel Band as claimed
in claim 1 securely fastens the Steel Band to the starting and
finishing posts of the fence and locates the Band into the
Stanchion post as claimed in claim 2.
4. A Central Tensioner which, when attached to the Steel Band as
claimed in claim 1 at the centre point of the fence or where
required, enables the Steel Band to be tensioned against the End
Clamps as claimed in claim 3 and securely locates the Steel Band
into the designated slots on the Stanchion Post as claimed in claim
2.
5. A Joiner for joining the Steel Bands as claimed in claim 1 so as
to provide a continuous Band for uninterrupted installation into
the Stanchion Posts as claimed in claim 2, connecting to the
Central Tensioner as claimed in claim 4 or the End Clamp as claimed
in claim 3.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Traditional wire and batten fences have served the farming
industry for over 100 years. However they have a number of inherent
weaknesses.
[0002] Wire fences offer little visible barrier to stock and as a
result stock constantly challenge them damaging themselves and the
fences.
[0003] Wire fences require a high degree of skill to correctly
install and are relatively time consuming. This results in a high
proportion of labour cost in the total expense.
[0004] In those parts of the country subject to adverse weather
conditions wire fences offer little shelter or protection for
stock.
[0005] Once a wire strand breaks the entire length of the fence is
put at risk as the wire is only secured at each end of the fence on
the strainer posts.
[0006] Timber rail fences can to some extent overcome these
deficiencies but are very expensive to install and require a lot of
maintenance. Consequently they are utilized only in high-pressure
control areas such as stockyards.
[0007] The fence covered by this patent application is designed to
overcome the deficiencies of the traditional wire and batten
fence.
[0008] Its primary use is in pressure movement areas where stock
are being consolidated prior to entering holding yards/pens.
[0009] For Lifestyle blocks it offers, through choice of colour an
opportunity to add a creative element to the subdivision of the
block.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] The Invention uses a continuous wide Steel Band to produce a
strong barrier with a high visual impact on stock. These Bands are
secured on pre-punched Stanchion Posts. It is intended to
complement existing farm fencing options providing an effective
link between traditional wire and batten fences and timber
stockyards.
[0011] The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the wire and
batten fence by offering a strong visual deterrent, a doubling of
physical strength, limitation of damage effect to a localized
repair and a significant level of wind and weather deflection.
[0012] Of particular advantage is its ability to be mounted on an
existing fenceline stripped of wire and battens or established from
new. Many different options are possible in the final installation
thereby allowing a flexible approach to specific practical or
appearance needs.
[0013] Adaptations of the basic concept will meet the needs of all
livestock options (sheep, cattle, deer and ostrich for example) as
well as windbreak requirements for orchards and horticulture.
[0014] The invention is best suited to a land contour that is flat
to gently undulating. The Steel Bands can be crimped to follow land
movement.
[0015] The cost of erection is comparable to wire and batten fences
when measuring the added benefits that accrue from the design.
[0016] Material specification will aim for a projected useful life
of 25 years.
DRAWINGS (1-7)
[0017] Drawings 1 to 7 illustrate the various components of the
invention together with the specialized tools required to undertake
an installation. NB: the specialized tools, specifically the "V"
Crimper, the Parallel Crimper and the Low Pressure Lever are NOT
part of this patent application and are included only to clarify
the installation process.
Drawing 1
[0018] FIG. 1: the Steel Band arranged horizontally.
[0019] FIG. 2: a batten on which a Stanchion Post has been
mounted.
[0020] FIG. 3: an electric shock option.
[0021] FIG. 4: a Stanchion Post mounted on a batten or post.
Drawing 2
[0022] FIG. 5: the Stanchion Post showing securing tab for
retaining the Steel Band.
[0023] FIG. 6: the securing tab in plan and side elevation.
[0024] FIG. 7: mounting holes for securing the Stanchion Post to
the support post.
[0025] FIG. 8: Insulator mounting points for the electric shock
tape.
Drawing 3
[0026] FIG. 9: detail of the End Clamp showing Steel Band folded
and engaged into slots.
[0027] FIG. 10: the Low Pressure Lever engaged in the End Clamp
prior to fastening.
Drawing 4
[0028] FIG. 11: the Central Tensioner with the Steel Band folded
and engaged into the slots.
[0029] FIG. 12: the bolts used to close up the Central Tensioner
and make the Steel Band taut.
Drawing 5
[0030] FIG. 13: the Low Pressure Lever used to draw the End Clamp
around the strainer post and thereby make the Steel Band taut and
secure.
Drawing 6
[0031] FIG. 14: Joiner showing the Steel Bands folded and engaged
into the slots.
Drawing 7
[0032] FIG. 15: detail of the "V" Crimper tool in plan view.
[0033] FIG. 16: "V" Crimper in side elevation.
[0034] FIG. 17: effect of "V" Crimper on Band to lift angle.
[0035] FIG. 18: combination effect of "V" Crimper to adjust the
Band up and down.
[0036] FIG. 19: side elevation of Parallel Crimper head.
[0037] FIG. 20 impression in band by Parallel Crimper.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FENCING SYSTEM
[0038] Following the establishment of the fence line along
traditional methods using preservative treated posts but not
excluding the use of other materials such as steel, the Stanchion
Posts are attached to the in ground post by nailing (1). These
Stanchion Posts (2) are a press formed "U" profile section with
punched out securing tabs and nailing locations. This predetermined
design eliminates measuring and marking of the post and ensures a
precisely erected band structure.
[0039] The Bands are a wide strip of a light gauge steel to give
good flexibility with a suitable anti-corrosion coating and the
option to have a coloured finish on both sides. The Steel Bands are
dispensed from a large capacity coil, mounted on a rotary stand
referred to in fencing terms as a "spinning jenny".
[0040] The Steel Band is secured at the starting strainer post
using an End Clamp (3). The End Clamp is a galvanized pressing into
which the band is locked by first folding and then inserting in the
designated slots. The Clamp is then nailed to the post on the
opposite side to the Stanchion Post level with the set of tabs to
which it is designated for.
[0041] The Band is then dispensed out along the length of the fence
to the opposite end. In the process the Band is offered up to the
set of tabs for which it is designated and those tabs are then
tapped over to retain the band in position While the Band is still
slack the Central Tensioner (4) is introduced at the mid point of
the Band, or wherelse that maybe determined, by cutting the Band,
folding it and inserting it in the designated slots in a similar
way to the End Clamp. The Central Tensioner is then opened up to a
setting in keeping with the length of the fence. The unfastened end
is now secured to the second strainer post using an End Clamp. For
this installation it is necessary to use the Low Pressure Lever (5)
to draw the slack out of the Band before securing it to the
strainer post. The hook of the Lever is engaged in the End Clamp
slot and pressure applied. The Central Tensioner made from a heavy
gauge galvanised steel plate, punched, pressed and then fitted with
two bolts of a length determined by the span of the fence. Repeat
the process for as many Steel Bands are required or designated for
the installation.
[0042] With the Band in a taut but not tensioned state the "V"
Crimper (7) is used to change the vertical angle of the Bands
relative to any undulation in the ground level. Where the Band
moves up or down the inside edge becomes slack. This is removed by
pressing into that edge a "V" profile to take up the slack material
and ensure a tight finish to the installation.
[0043] Having made any directional changes as required the Band can
now be brought up to tension by cramping up the bolts on the
Central Tensioner. It is necessary to achieve a balanced tension
result across all Bands so it is important to adjust each Band in
turn to get the desired effect.
[0044] When the correct tension has been achieved the retaining
tabs (2) can be nailed down at each Stanchion Post securing the
Band permanently. This form of fastening ensures that any later
damage is isolated to the point of impact and does not weaken the
whole structure.
[0045] For minor repairs at a later date it may only be necessary
to remove a degree of slackness from the band. To do this apply the
Parallel Crimper (7) and by introducing an inverted profile the
slack material will be removed. thereby retensioning the Band. Both
Crimpers utilize a lever/press design to engage the opposing faces
of the required profile
[0046] Where there is a need to join Bands to continue an
installation a pressed/punched galvanised Joiner plate is used (6)
using the previously described technique of folding and inserting
the Band in the designated slots.
[0047] Along with many variations in the final fence structure is
the use of a batten on to which has been mounted a Stanchion Post
(1). This can be used in any multiples where required for
additional stability or at high pressure points for example
adjoining gates.
[0048] The Stanchion Posts also carry a provision for attaching a
variety of electric fence options (1).
[0049] It will be appreciated that the invention broadly consists
in the parts, elements and features described in this
specification, and is deemed to include any equivalents known in
the art which, if substituted for the described integers, would not
materially alter the substance of the invention.
* * * * *