Patent Application
20050082085
This invention relates generally to insulators for electric fences. More particularly, this invention relates to insulators mountable to a support structure for supporting and maintaining a pair of electric fence wires in a spaced apart relationship.
Electric fences of the type utilizing a ground wire, a current carrying wire, and a source of electrical current are known. The ground wire and the current carrying wire are conventionally spaced apart and positioned generally parallel to one another using separate insulator devices. The spacing between the wires are such that an animal coming in contact with the fence will contact both wires. This creates a current path to complete the circuit such that the animal receives a mild electrical shock.
The wires are often suspended or supported from a support structure, such as a board, or a metal or wood post. It is important to electrically isolate or insulate the wires from the support structure and to prevent the ground wire and the current carrying wire from contacting one another. It is also important to maintain the wires in a desired spaced relationship so that an animal contacting the fence will be likely to simultaneously contact both wires so that a shock is received by the animal.
Separate insulators have been used to support the spaced apart wires due to the need to electrically isolate the wires from one another. The use of separate insulators, however, is cumbersome and desires improvement.
With regard to the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a fence insulator for maintaining a pair of fence wires in a desired common plane and spaced a desired distance apart.
In a preferred embodiment, the insulator includes a body of molded plastic construction mountable to a support and including a pair of spaced apart sidewalls connected by a connecting wall.
A first pair of aligned grooves are defined across the connecting wall and a first retention member is positioned adjacent the first pair of aligned grooves and configured for receiving one of the wires underneath a portion thereof.
A second pair of aligned grooves is also defined across the connecting wall and spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first pair of aligned grooves. A second retention member is positioned adjacent the second pair of aligned grooves and configured for receiving one of the wires underneath a portion thereof.
One of the wires is positionable underneath the first retention member and within the first pair of aligned grooves and the other one of the wires is positionable underneath the second retention member and within the second pair of aligned grooves.
In one preferred embodiment, the retention members are pairs of oppositely disposed fingers located adjacent the connecting wall and spaced interior the pairs of grooves. In another embodiment, the retention members are flexible tabs defined adjacent the connecting wall with underlying cutouts defined within the connecting wall.
In another aspect, the fence insulator includes an elongate body of molded plastic construction mountable to a support and including a wire mounting face. A first retention member is positioned adjacent the wire mounting face and configured for receiving one of the wires underneath a portion thereof. A second retention member is configured for receiving the other one of the wires underneath a portion thereof and is located adjacent the wire mounting face and longitudinally spaced apart from the first retention member.
In still another aspect, the invention relates to a fence insulator for installation at corners of a fence or other locations where first and second spaced apart fence wires undergo an abrupt change of direction.
In a preferred embodiment, the insulator includes an elongate body of molded plastic construction mountable to a support and including a wire mounting face. A first rigid tab is positioned adjacent the wire mounting face and has an opening for passage of the first wire and a curved closed end configured for bearing against the first wire to provide a radius for the first wire to curve around to reduce stresses on the first wire as it undergoes a relatively abrupt change of direction. A second rigid tab is positioned adjacent the wire mounting face longitudinally spaced apart from the first tab. The second tab has an opening for passage of the second wire and a curved closed end configured for bearing against the second wire to provide a radius for the second wire to curve around to reduce stresses on the second wire as it undergoes a relatively abrupt change of direction.
In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a fence system which preferably includes a current carrying wire connectable to a source of electric current, a ground wire, and a unitary insulator configured to receive the current carrying wire and the ground wire and to maintain the wires in a spaced apart and electrically isolated orientation.
Further features of preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale, wherein like reference numbers, indicate like elements through the several views, and wherein,
With reference to
The insulator 10 is preferably of one-piece molded plastic construction and configured to be mounted to a vertically oriented metal or wood post. For example, the insulator 10 includes arms 16 which extend from rear edges 18 and 20 of a main body 21 of the insulator 10. The arms 16 are spaced and configured to snap fit around a metal post of the type commonly used for fencing.
The insulator 10 also preferably includes an upper mounting member 22 having an aperture 23 and a lower mounting member 24 having aperture 25. Fasteners, such as screws or the like may be passed through the apertures 23 and 25 for mounting the insulator 10 to a support such as a wood post. The mounting members 22 and 24 are preferably substantially planar extensions from the main body 21 of the insulator 10.
The body 21 has a hollow interior defined within a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 26 and 28 connected by a connecting wall or wire mounting face having first and second portions shown as walls 30 and 32 separated by a discontinuity such as gap 34 corresponding to cutaway portions of the sidewalls 26 and 28. The gap 34 is aesthetically pleasing and advantageously reduces the likelihood of electrical communication, e.g., the formation of a carbon arc trail or the like, between the wires. Similarly, cutouts or windows 35 are preferably provided on the sidewalls 26 and 28 to reduce the likelihood of electrical communication and to reduce weight and material costs.
An end wall 36 is located at one end of the body 21 adjacent to and generally perpendicular to the sidewalls 26, 28 and the connecting wall 30. An end wall 38 is likewise located at the opposite end of the body 21.
The junctures between the sidewalls 26, 28 and the connecting walls 30 and 32 are preferably beveled or rounded to define edges 40a and 40b adjacent the connecting wall 30, and edges 42a and 42b adjacent the connecting wall 32. Aligned grooves 44a and 44b are defined across the edges 40a and 40b for receiving the wire 12. Likewise, aligned grooves 46a and 46b are defined across the edges 42a and 42b for receiving the wire 14. The grooves 44a-46b are preferably closely adjacent the end walls 36 and 38, respectively.
A pair of oppositely disposed fingers 48a and 48b are defined adjacent the connecting wall 30 to retain the wire 12 within the grooves 44a and 44b. The finger 48a is preferably spaced slightly interior the groove 44a and extends from adjacent the end wall 36 to a location past, e.g., below the groove 44a in the context of the depicted orientation. The finger 48b is preferably spaced slightly interior the groove 44b and extends from a location below the groove 44b to a point just above the groove 44b. Likewise, a pair of oppositely disposed fingers 50a and 50b are defined adjacent the connecting wall 32 and similarly positioned to retain the wire 14 within the grooves 46a and 46b.
To provide an electric fence, each insulator 10 is installed on a support, such as a post, by use of the arms 16 or the mounting members 22 and 24 in conjunction with fasteners. The insulators are preferably generally aligned in a common horizontal plane. The wires 12 and 14 are installed on the insulators as in the manner shown in
After the wires are installed on all of the insulators, the wires are tightened to a desired tension, with the wire 12 seated within the grooves 44a, 44b of the insulators 10, and the wire 14 seated within the grooves 46a, 46b of the insulators 10. The fingers 48a, 48b cooperate to retain the wire 12 within the grooves 44a, 44b, and the fingers 50a, 50b cooperate to retain the wire 14 within the grooves 46a, 46b.
With reference now to
The insulator 60 is preferably of one-piece molded plastic construction and configured to be mounted to a vertically oriented metal or wood post. The insulator 60 includes arms 66 which extend from rear edges 68 and 70 of a main body 71 of the insulator 60. The arms 66 are spaced and configured to snap fit around a metal fence post.
The insulator 60 also preferably includes an upper mounting member 72 having an aperture 73 and a lower mounting member 74 having aperture 75. Fasteners, such as screws or the like may be passed through the apertures 73 and 75 for mounting the insulator 60 to a support such as a wood post. The mounting members 72 and 74 are preferably substantially planar extensions from the main body 71 of the insulator 60.
The body 71 has a hollow interior defined within a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 76 and 78 connected by a connecting wall 80. Windows 85 are provided on the sidewalls 76 and 78 to reduce weight and material costs. An end wall 86 is located at one end of the body 71 adjacent to and generally perpendicular to the sidewalls 76, 78 and one end of the connecting wall 80. An end wall 88 is likewise located at the opposite end of the body 71.
The junctures between the sidewalls 76, 78 and the connecting wall 80 are preferably rounded to define edges 90a and 90b adjacent the connecting wall 80. Aligned grooves 94a and 94b are defined across the edges 90a and 90b at one end of connecting wall 80 for receiving the wire 62. Aligned grooves 96a and 96b are defined across the edges 90a and 90b at the opposite end of the connecting wall 80 for receiving the wire 64. The grooves 94a-96b are preferably closely adjacent the end walls 86 and 88, respectively.
A flexible tab 98a is defined adjacent the connecting wall 80 and a corresponding and underlying cutout 98b is defined within the connecting wall 80 to retain the wire 62 within the grooves 94a and 94b. Likewise, a tab 100a and cutout 100b are similarly defined and positioned to retain the wire 64 within the grooves 96a and 96b. The tabs 98a and 10a preferably both open toward the middle of the connecting wall 80.
To provide an electric fence, each insulator 60 is installed on a support, such as a post, by use of the arms 66 or the mounting members 72 and 74 in conjunction with fasteners. The insulators are preferably generally aligned in a common horizontal plane. The wires 62 and 64 are installed on the insulators as in the manner shown in
After the wires are installed on all of the insulators, the wires are tightened to a desired tension, with the wire 62 seated within the grooves 94a, 94b of the insulators 60, and the wire 64 seated within the grooves 96a, 96b of the insulators 60. The tab 98a and cutout 98b cooperate to retain the wire 62 within the grooves 94a, 94b, and the tab 100a and cutout 100b cooperate to retain the wire 64 within the grooves 96a, 96b.
Turning now to
The previous embodiments of insulators 10 and 60 are preferably utilized for mounting of wires on posts and other generally vertical supports. The insulator 110 is particularly configured and preferably utilized for mounting of wires on boards and other generally horizontal supports. This insulator 110 is thus particularly suitable for providing electric fences for use in thwarting birds from perching on balconies and the like.
The insulator 110 preferably includes a main body 121, with a first mounting member 122 having an aperture 123 and a second mounting member 124 having aperture 125. Fasteners, such as screws or the like may be passed through the apertures 123 and 125 for mounting the insulator 110 to a support such as a board. The mounting members 122 and 124 are preferably substantially planar extensions from the main body 121 of the insulator 110.
The body 121 has a hollow interior defined within a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 126 and 128 connected by a connecting wall 130. Grooves 135 are provided on the sidewalls 126 and 128 to reduce the likelihood of electrical communication between the wires. An end wall 136 is located at one end of the body 121 adjacent to and generally perpendicular to the sidewalls 126, 128 and one end of the connecting wall 130. An end wall 138 is likewise located at the opposite end of the body 121.
The junctures between the sidewalls 126, 128 and the connecting wall 130 are preferably rounded to define edges 140a and 140b adjacent the connecting wall 130. Aligned grooves 144a and 144b are defined across the edges 140a and 140b at one end of connecting wall 130 for receiving the wire 112. Aligned grooves 146a and 146b are defined across the edges 140a and 140b at the opposite end of the connecting wall 130 for receiving the wire 114. The grooves 144a-146b are preferably closely adjacent the end walls 136 and 138, respectively.
A flexible tab 148a is defined adjacent the connecting wall 130 and a corresponding and underlying cutout 148b is defined within the connecting wall 130 to retain the wire 112 within the grooves 144a and 144b. Likewise, a tab 150a and cutout 150b are similarly defined and positioned to retain the wire 114 within the grooves 146a and 146b. The tabs 148a and 150a preferably both open toward the middle of the connecting wall 130.
To provide an electric fence, each insulator 110 is installed on a support, such as a board, window ledge, rooftop, and the like, by use of the mounting members 122 and 124 in conjunction with fasteners. The insulators are preferably generally aligned in a common plane, such as along the railing of a balcony. The wires 112 and 114 are installed on the insulators as in the manner shown in
After the wires are installed on all of the insulators, the wires are tightened to a desired tension, with the wire 112 seated within the grooves 144a, 144b of the insulators 110, and the wire 114 seated within the grooves 146a, 146b of the insulators 110. The tab 148a and cutout 148b cooperate to retain the wire 112 within the grooves 114a, 114b, and the tab 150a and cutout 150b cooperate to retain the wire 114 within the grooves 146a, 146b.
With reference now to
In this regard, insulator 160 is shown in
The insulator 160 preferably includes a main body 171, with a first mounting member 172 having an aperture 173 and a second mounting member 174 having aperture 175. Fasteners, such as screws or the like may be passed through the apertures 173 and 175 for mounting the insulator 160 to a support such as a board. The mounting members 172 and 174 are preferably substantially planar extensions from the main body 171 of the insulator 160.
The body 171 has a hollow interior defined within a pair of spaced apart sidewalls 176 and 178 connected by a connecting wall 180. Cutouts 185 are provided on the sidewalls 176 and 178 to reduce the likelihood of electrical communication between the wires. An end wall 186 is located at one end of the body 171 adjacent to and generally perpendicular to the sidewalls 176, 178 and one end of the connecting wall 180. An end wall 188 is likewise located at the opposite end of the body 171.
The junctures between the sidewalls 176, 178 and the connecting wall 180 are preferably rounded to define edges 190a and 190b adjacent the connecting wall 180. A rigid tab 192a is defined adjacent the connecting wall 180 and the end 186 and a corresponding and underlying cutout 192b is defined within the connecting wall 180. The tab 192a includes a projection 193 on a surface thereof facing the cutout 192b. Likewise, a rigid tab 194a having a projection 195, and cutout 194b are similarly defined adjacent the opposite end 188. Both of the tabs 192a and 194a preferably open toward a common end, such as the end 186, so that the wires 162 and 164 bear against closed ends 192c and 194c of the rigid tabs 192a and 194a. The closed ends 192c and 194c are preferably curved to provide a radius for the wires to curve around to reduce stresses on the wires as they undergo a relatively abrupt change of direction. The cutouts are preferred to facilitate passage of the wires underneath the projections 193, 195 when installing the wires 162, 164 on the insulator 160.
To provide an electric fence, each insulator 160 is installed on a support, such as a board, by use of the mounting members 172 and 174 in conjunction with fasteners. As noted above, the insulator 160 is particularly configured for installations at corners of the fence or other locations where the direction of the wire is to undergo a relatively abrupt change of direction, and is particularly configured for use in conjunction with the insulators 110 described previously in connection with
The foregoing description of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for purposes of illustration only, and it is understood that numerous modifications or alterations may be made in and to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
