U.S. patent application number 12/589808 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for equine fencing system.
Invention is credited to Larry Stanley.
Application Number | 20100270524 12/589808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991313 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270524 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stanley; Larry |
October 28, 2010 |
Equine fencing system
Abstract
An equine fence system fabricated of high density polyethylene
having a plurality of vertical support posts embedded in the
ground, there being a plurality of horizontal rail members
extending between adjacent vertical posts, the horizontal rail
members having a spiral electrically conductive wire embedded just
below the surface of the horizontal rail to discourage contact
between the horse and rail, the horizontal rails having an
additional stiffener and support member longitudinally positioned
within the horizontal rail to provide additional support for the
horizontal rail and permit the use of longer horizontal rails
therefore increasing the distance between vertical posts and
reducing costs and maintenance.
Inventors: |
Stanley; Larry; (Lakewood,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLIFFORD G. FRAYNE
136 DRUM POINT RD, SUITE 7A
BRICK
NJ
08723
US
|
Family ID: |
42991313 |
Appl. No.: |
12/589808 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61214687 |
Apr 28, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/19 ;
256/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1413 20130101;
A01K 3/00 20130101; E04H 17/1469 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/19 ;
256/59 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/20 20060101
E04H017/20; E04H 17/14 20060101 E04H017/14 |
Claims
1. An equine fencing system comprising: a plurality of vertical
posts embedded into substrate; a plurality of horizontal, tubular
rails circular in cross-section having an inner circumferential
surface and an outer circumferential surface, said horizontal rails
extending between said vertical posts, and supported by a plurality
of horizontal apertures in said vertical posts, said horizontal
rails extending between at least two adjacent vertical posts; a
tubular, rectangular stiffener, slidably receivable within said
horizontal rails and providing four point longitudinal contact with
the inner circumferential surface of said horizontal rails with
each corner of said rectangular stiffener, said tubular rectangular
stiffeners permitting said equine fencing system a greater non-sag
span between adjacent posts for support of said horizontal rail; an
electrically conductive, spirally embedded wire in said outer
circumferential surface of said horizontal rails and partially
extending above said outer circumferential surface of said
horizontal rails, said electrically conductive spirally embedded
wire of longitudinally adjacent horizontal rails in electrical
conduction contact by means of a snap fit conductor; and a power
source in electrically communication with said spirally embedded
wire in said horizontal rails for imparting a non-lethal electrical
charge along the length of said fencing system to animals
contacting said horizontal rails and grazing within the area
defined by said fencing system discouraging contact with the
fencing system.
2. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said vertical support posts and said horizontal rails are formed of
high density polyethylene.
3. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said plurality of horizontal, tubular rails are formed with aligned
apertures at their terminus for the receipt of a spring clip
connector, said spring clip connector being compressibly U-shaped
in configuration and having extending fingers which protrude there
from and are compressibly secured through said apertures in said
rail system, said terminus of said horizontal tubular rails with
said spring clips inserted into said vertical posts temporarily
depressing said extending fingers while passing through the
circumference of said post and reextending through said apertures
after passing through said circumference of said post locking said
rail to said post.
4. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said electrically conductive spirally embedded wire is heated prior
to contact with said horizontal rails fabricated from high density
polyethylene so as to melt said electrically conductive spirally
embedded wire in a spiral configuration into the outer
circumferential surface of the horizontal rail.
5. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 4 wherein the
temperature of the heated electrical charged wire and the speed of
the horizontal rail in passing through an embedding station
determining the depth of the embedded wire.
6. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 1 wherein
said electrically conductive, spirally embedded wire in one of said
horizontal tubular rails is connected to said electrically
conductive spirally embedded wire in a longitudinally adjacent
horizontal tubular rail within said vertical posts by means of a
snap fit flexible electrical conductor secured to the electrically
conductive, spirally embedded wire embedded within each of said
longitudinally adjacent rails prior to their insertion into said
vertical post.
7. An equine fencing system comprising: a plurality of vertical
posts embedded into substrate; a plurality of horizontal, tubular
rails circular in cross-section having an inner circumferential
surface and an outer circumferential surface, said horizontal rails
extending between said vertical posts, and supported by a plurality
of horizontal apertures in said vertical posts, said horizontal
rails extending between at least two adjacent vertical posts; a
tubular, rectangular stiffener, slidably receivable within said
horizontal rails and providing four point longitudinal contact with
the inner circumferential surface of said horizontal rails with
each corner of said rectangular stiffener, said tubular rectangular
stiffeners permitting said equine fencing system a greater non-sag
span between adjacent posts for support of said horizontal
rail.
8. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 7 wherein
said vertical support posts, said horizontal rails are formed of
high density polyethylene.
9. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 7 wherein
said plurality of horizontal, tubular rails are formed with aligned
apertures at their terminus for the receipt of a spring clip
connector, said spring clip connector being compressibly U-shaped
in configuration and having extending fingers which protrude there
from and are compressibly secured through said apertures in said
rail system, said terminus of said horizontal tubular rails with
said spring clips inserted into said vertical posts temporarily
depressing said extending fingers while passing through the
circumference of said post and reextending through said apertures
after passing through said circumference of said post locking said
rail to said post.
10. An equine fencing system in accordance with claim 7 wherein an
electrically conductive, spirally embedded wire in said outer
circumferential surface of said horizontal rails and partially
extending above said outer circumferential surface of said
horizontal rails, said electrically conductive spirally embedded
wire of longitudinally adjacent horizontal rails in electrical
conduction contact by means of a snap fit conductor; and a power
source in electrically communication with said spirally embedded
wire in said horizontal rails for imparting a non-lethal electrical
charge along the length of said fencing system to animals
contacting said horizontal rails and grazing within the area
defined by said fencing system discouraging contact with the
fencing system.
11. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 10 wherein
said electrically conductive spirally embedded wire is heated prior
to contact with said horizontal rails fabricated from high density
polyethylene so as to melt said electrically conductive spirally
embedded wire in a spiral configuration into the outer
circumferential surface of the horizontal rail.
12. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 11 wherein
the temperature of the heated electrical charged wire and the speed
of the horizontal rail in passing through an embedding station
determining the depth of the embedded wire.
13. The equine fencing system in accordance with claim 12 wherein
said electrically conductive, spirally embedded wire in one of said
horizontal tubular rails is connected to said electrically
conductive spirally embedded wire in a longitudinally adjacent
horizontal tubular rail within said vertical posts by means of a
snap fit flexible electrical conductor secured to the electrically
conductive, spirally embedded wire embedded within each of said
longitudinally adjacent rails prior to their insertion into said
vertical post.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant claims the benefit of provisional application Ser.
No. 61/214,687, filed Apr. 28, 2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to fencing systems, and more
particularly, to a reinforced equine fence system which allows for
greater spans between vertical support posts and which includes
electrically charged spirally embedded wire as a safety measure to
deter equine contact and enhance the life of the fencing
system.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Equine fencing systems have been in use since man first
domesticated the horse. Fencing systems are used to enclose
corrals, and grazing areas, and fencing systems are also used to
direct the flow of equine traffic.
[0006] Initially fencing systems were made of wood and timber and
wood and timber remain in wide spread use. However, wood and timber
fences are high maintenance since there is deterioration due to
weather factors and the concommitment requirement of painting and
restoring damaged rails.
[0007] Applicant has used his expertise in commercial and
residential railing systems to develop an equine fencing system
utilizing post and rails fabricated from high density polyethylene
(HDPE) which can be formed with a desired pigmentation and can be
utilized for horizontal fencing styles ranging from two to four
horizontal rails or more. Fabrication from HDPE eliminates much of
the high maintenance of the old wood and timber fence systems, and
allows a spirally embedded electrical wire to be embedded in the
fencing system which further prevents deterioration or damage to
the fencing system from the horses by limiting or discouraging
their contact with the fencing system, yet allows the facile
replacement of rails should they be displaced by contact.
[0008] Another improvement of Applicant's fencing system over that
of the prior art is the ability of Applicant's fencing system to
span greater horizontal lengths without appreciable sagging. The
typical distance between posts in a two, three, or four rail
fencing system, would normally be 4'6''. This is based upon the
weight of the horizontal rails, strength of the posts, and the
desired rigidity to be maintained on the fencing system between the
posts when contacted by a horse. It would be desirable and cost
effective if the distance between posts could be lengthened such
that the length of rail could be increased. This would decrease the
number of posts and further decrease the number of footings
required for each post. Applicant has developed a reinforcing
insert for use in the railing system which allows the distance
between posts to increase to 8' while still maintaining the
integrity and desired rigidity of the horizontal rails.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide for a novel
equine fence system fabricated from high density polyethylene and
which incorporates rail stiffeners so as to increase the allowable
distance between posts for support of the horizontal rails.
[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide for a novel equine fence system fabricated of high density
polyethylene which incorporates a rail stiffener system for
allowance of greater distance between the vertical posts and which
incorporates a spirally embedded electrical wire which decreases
the likelihood of damage or breakage by discouraging the horse from
contact with the fencing system.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a
novel equine fence system which incorporates a rail stiffener which
allows the horizontal rails to span a greater distance, thereby
requiring less vertical posts, and thus encouraging a cost and
materials savings.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a
novel equine fence system which incorporates an acceptable level of
flex to the fence rails wherein all of the connections of one fence
member to another will detach under sufficient pressure, but is
easily replaceable or repaired. It therefore minimizes potential
injury to the horse and property.
[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide for a novel equine fence system in which a spiral
electrically conductive wire is embedded just below the surface of
the fence rail which eliminates scratching the horse, and will
discourage the horse from trying to chew, rub or graze through the
fence, the electrical conductive wire being charged by a voltage
sufficient to discourage a horse from contacting the fence, this
voltage supplied by direct current or solar panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] An equine fence system fabricated of high density
polyethylene having a plurality of vertical support posts embedded
in the ground, there being a plurality of horizontal rail members
extending between adjacent vertical posts, the horizontal rail
members having a spiral electrically conductive wire embedded just
below the surface of the horizontal rail to discourage contact
between the horse and rail, the horizontal rails having an
additional stiffener and support member longitudinally positioned
within the horizontal rail to provide additional support for the
horizontal rail and permit the use of longer horizontal rails
therefore increasing the distance between vertical posts and
reducing costs and maintenance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following
illustrations wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a planar front view of a section of an equine
fence of the present invention illustrating a three rail
system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective sectional view of area A of FIG. 1
illustrating the construction of the horizontal rail utilized in
the system;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial side cutaway view of a rail illustrating
a spring clip connector for the horizontal rails;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an end view of a horizontal rail with the
stiffener positioned therein;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective partially assembled view of a
horizontal rail with the stiffener partially extended; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a planar front view illustrating the assembly of
the equine fence.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a portion of an equine fence
system of the present invention fabricated out of high density
polyethylene (HDPE). The equine fence 10 comprises a plurality of
vertical posts 12 in spaced apart relationship, the lower portion
14 of the vertical post embedded into the ground and in most
instances, into a footing 16. Vertical post 12 is formed with a
plurality of apertures 18 for the slidable receipt of a plurality
of horizontal railing members 20. In FIG. 1, the equine fence 10 is
illustrated with three horizontal railing members 20, however, it
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the
number of horizontal railing members 20 may vary depending upon the
height of the fence.
[0023] The horizontal railing members 20 are slidably received
within the apertures 18 formed in the vertical posts 12 and snap
fit therein as more fully described hereafter. For straight
sections of the equine railing system 10, the apertures 18 in a
particular vertical post 12 would be in 180.degree. relationship
with each other so that a horizontal rail member 20 could be
secured to the aperture on one side of the vertical post 12 and a
separate horizontal rail member 20 would be slidably inserted into
the corresponding aperture 18 positioned in 180.degree.
relationship with the first aperture. In those situations where the
equine railing fence 10 is required to angle or turn at 90.degree.,
the respective apertures 18 in the vertical post 12 would be
angularly positioned so as to accommodate the turn angle.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a horizontal
railing member 20 from area A of FIG. 1. The railing member 20 is
fabricated from HDPE and is tubular in shape having in a preferred
embodiment, a 3'' outer diameter, with a wall thickness of 0.170
inches. The state of the current art dictates that the vertical
posts 12 are spaced approximately 5'5'' apart on center. The
horizontal rail members 20 may be fabricated to fit between
adjacent vertical posts 12 or maybe of a longer length so as to
span two, three, or possibly four vertical posts before an end of
one horizontal rail member is juxtaposed to an end of another
abutting horizontal railing member 20. In the preferred embodiment
the ends of horizontal rail members 20 juxtapose adjacent
horizontal rail members within the circumference of vertical posts
12.
[0025] FIG. 2 also illustrates the spiral embedded electrical wire
30 which is positioned in the horizontal rail members 20 prior to
their positioning between the vertical posts 12. Depending upon the
number of horizontal rails, the owner may chose to spirally embed
the electrical wire 30 in all of the horizontal rails 20, or only
select horizontal rails. The electrical wire 30 spirally embedded
in a horizontal rail is electrically connected to the electrically
embedded spiral wire in an adjacent horizontal rail 20 by means of
a flexible electrical connection 28, commonly referred to as a
pigtail and illustrated in FIG. 6, which is positioned within the
vertical post 12 where adjacent horizontal rails 20 abut.
[0026] The horizontal rail members 20 and the spirally embedded
electrical wire 30 are fabricated in the following manner. The
horizontal rail member 20 is first extruded from high density
polyethylene into an extended tubular form and is allowed to set
before entering an embedding station. The embedding station
comprises a coil or spool of electrical conductive wire, the
unspooled portion being under tension. Still further, the wire is
electrically heated. The temperature of the wire is sufficient that
as the wire is spirally contacted to the outer circumferential
surface of the horizontal railing member 20 as it passes through
the embedding station, the heat of the wire causes the wire to melt
a spiral groove in the outer circumferential surface of the
horizontal rail member such that the electrical wire becomes
spirally embedded over the length of the horizontal rail member.
The depth of the embedded electrical wire is crucial in that if it
is embedded too deeply, the melted high density polyethylene will
reset and completely cover the electrical wire, which would then
prevent it from performing as required. The correct depth is
achieved by the speed of the horizontal rail member 20 moving
through the embedding station and the speed and the temperature of
the electrical wire 36 as it spirals about the horizontal rail
member 20.
[0027] Once the horizontal rail member has had the spirally
embedded electrical wire 30 positioned on its circumferential
surface, the horizontal rail member 20 can be cut to the desired
length. Due to the fact that the electrically embedded wire 30 is
spirally bound about the outer circumferential surface of
horizontal rail member 20, regardless of the length to which the
horizontal rail member 20 is cut, each end will have a terminus of
a spirally embedded electrical wire 30.
[0028] The horizontal rail members 20 are maintained in position
relative to vertical posts 12 by means of spring clips 22. Spring
clip 22 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is a U-shaped polymer clip having
two outwardly extending fingers 24. Spring clip 22 is inserted into
the ends of each horizontal rail member 20 such that the extending
fingers 24 project through two opposing apertures 23 in the
circumferential side wall of the horizontal rail member 20.
[0029] The extending fingers 24 are beveled 25 such that the spring
pin is compressed when the end of the horizontal rail member 20 is
inserted into the vertical post 12. Extending fingers 24 compress
into their respective apertures until they have passed through the
circumferential side wall of the vertical post 12. Spring clip 22
then causes the extending fingers 24 to biasly extend back through
the apertures in the circumferential side wall of horizontal rail
member 20 and thus engage the interior circumferential surface of
vertical post 12. Each end of a horizontal rail member 20 is so
secured to vertical post 12.
[0030] Prior to the ends of horizontal rail members 20 being
inserted into the vertical post 12 and secured by the spring clips
22 as previously described, the flexible electrical connection 28
(pigtail) is secured to the terminus of the spirally embedded
electrical wire 30 in one of the juxtaposed horizontal rail
members. This flexible connector 28 is then extended through the
apertures in vertical post 12 so that it can be electrically
connected to the terminus of the spirally embedded electrical wire
30 in the adjacent or juxtaposed horizontal rail member 20. This
continues a circuit between juxtaposed horizontal rail members.
Rail members so electrically connected can then be secured to the
vertical post by means of the spring clips 22 as previously
described. A power source 21 in the form of a solar cell or
conventional power source would be converted to the embedded
electrical wire 30 with appropriate voltage and/or amperage control
to electrify the system. (See FIG. 6).
[0031] FIG. 4 is an end view of a horizontal rail 20 of the current
equine railing system with a stiffener positioned therein, and FIG.
5 is a perspective partially assembled view of the horizontal rail
with the stiffener partially extended. The horizontal rail 20
fabricated of high density polyethylene (HDPE) has a outer diameter
of three inches and a wall thickness of 0.140 inches. The rail
stiffener 40 which is slidably receivable within the horizontal
rail member 20 is square in shape having two inch sides 42, and a
thickness of 0.125 inches. Since the stiffener 40 is positioned
within the tubular horizontal rail member 20, and protected from
sunlight and the ambient weather, the stiffener can be fabricated
from PVC or other suitable lightweight polymer. The corners of
horizontal rail stiffener 40 are rounded with a radius of 0.156
inches. FIG. 3 illustrates the stiffener 40 within the tubular
horizontal rail 20 whereby once slidably inserted, the four rounded
corners 44 of the stiffener contact the inner wall 22 of the
horizontal rail member 20 at four distinct points which would
extend along the length of the rail member 20. The stiffener 40
allows the horizontal rail member 20 to span a larger distance
between vertical posts 12 without sagging and provides a stiffener
to the horizontal rail member 20, but does not interfere with the
ability of the horizontal rail member 20 to flex under load, such
as if a horse were to bump into the fence.
[0032] Any dimensions relating to diameter, circumference, or
length mentioned in the specification are for explanatory purposes
only. It will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the diameters and circumferences and lengths may vary in a
particular fencing system with respect to posts and rails.
Therefore any dimensions cited should be treated as exemplary with
the changes in size being concomitant with larger or smaller
internal stiffeners and apertures for receipt of rails.
[0033] Therefore, while the present invention has been disclosed
with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes and modifications can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore manifestly
intended that the invention be limited only by the claims and the
equivalence thereof.
* * * * *