SECURING DEVICE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2021900338, filed Feb. 11, 2021, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of securing elongate members. More particularly, the invention relates to an elongate member securing device for a fence.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

In construction and other fields, elongate members are required to be secured to structures to maintain an orientation thereof. For instance, some forms of fencing are formed of a plurality of elongate members (such as wires) secured to one or more structures (such as posts). These wires must be secured at intervals to maintain the height of the wire from the ground.

Fences formed of wire, mesh and/or rope are a relatively cheap and effective method of defining a perimeter around a space. In this regard, these fences typically comprise a plurality of horizontal wires that can be secured or anchored to a structure (typically a post, such as a star picket). However, a problem with the presently available methods of securing wires to posts is that they are not easy to install and not effectively secured (e.g., pulled through). In this regard, the wires may become loose and fall away from the structure. This is a significant issue when such wires are utilized to define a perimeter for livestock because livestock may be able to escape between the wires.

One prior art solution to this issue is to utilize ty wire. In this regard, the horizontal wires can be secured to a star picket by surrounding the wire in a loop and attaching the ends of the ty wire to apertures in a star picket. Alternatively, a ty wire may be inserted through an aperture of a star picket and loop either end of the ty wire around the horizontal wire to secure it to the peg at the required height. However, it will be appreciated that using ty wires require substantial manipulation thereof to ensure that the ty wires securely engage the apertures of the star picket. This is particularly problematic when the wire is barbed, as there are also safety concerns.

It would be advantageous to alleviate one or more of the above issues or to at least provide a commercial alternative to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the invention resides in an elongate member securing device comprising:

- a body having a base connecting a first side wall to a second side wall; and
- a first leading member and a second leading member,
- wherein the base, first side wall and second side wall define a first opening and an opposing second opening;
- wherein the first side wall comprises a first extension adjacent the first opening,
- wherein the second side wall comprises a second extension adjacent the second opening,
- wherein the first leading member is connected to the first extension and the first leading member extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall, and the second leading member is connected to the second extension and the second leading member extends substantially perpendicular to the second wall.

In an embodiment, the first extension is substantially in the same plane as the first side wall. In embodiments, the first extension extends from a free end of the first side wall. In one embodiment, the first extension has a width that is less than a width of the first side wall. In an embodiment, a first void is formed adjacent the first extension and the second opening. Preferably, the first void connects the channel to the second opening.

In an embodiment, the second extension is substantially in the same plane as the second side wall. In one embodiment, the second extension extends from a free end of the second side wall. In an embodiment, the second extension has a width that is less than a width of the second side wall. In one embodiment, a second void is formed adjacent the second extension and the first opening. Preferably, the second void connects the channel to the first opening.

In an embodiment, the first void is located between the first side wall and the second leading member. Additionally, the second void is located between the second side wall and the first leading member. The first void and the second void are substantially inverted in the first and second side walls.

In certain embodiments, the first leading member is connected to a free end of the first extension. In a further embodiment, the second leading member is connected to a free end of the second extension.

In one embodiment, the first leading member comprises a first attachment portion. In an embodiment, the second leading member comprises a second attachment portion. In certain embodiments, the first attachment comprises an aperture. In an embodiment, the second attachment portion comprises an aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are aligned.

In an embodiment, the first side wall is substantially parallel to the second side wall. In certain embodiments, the first side wall is substantially perpendicular to the base. In certain embodiments, the second side wall is substantially perpendicular to the base.

In embodiments, the first opening and second opening define a passageway therebetween. In some embodiments, a longitudinal plane is defined by the first opening and second opening, and is parallel to the base.

In embodiments, the first leading member and the second leading member define a channel therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane.

In one embodiment, the elongate member securing device is integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the securing device is for use in a fence. In another embodiment, the securing is when used in a fence.

In another aspect, the invention resides in a method of securing an elongate member to a structure, the method including the steps of:

- locating an elongate member in a channel of an elongate member securing device;
- rotating the elongate member securing device such that the elongate member resides in a passageway of the elongate member securing device;
- securing the elongate member securing device one of the one or more structures, to thereby secure the elongate member to one of the one or more structures.

The elongate member securing device is as substantially described hereinabove for the first aspect.

In yet another aspect, the invention resides in a system for securing an elongate member to a structure comprising:

- an elongate member securing device comprising:
  - a body having a base connecting a first side wall to a second side wall, wherein the base, first side wall and second side wall define a first opening and an opposing second opening that together define a passageway therebetween adapted to retain the elongate member;
- wherein the first side wall comprises a first extension adjacent the first opening, and the second side wall comprises a second extension adjacent the second opening,
- wherein a first leading member is connected to the first extension and extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall, and a second leading member is connected to the second extension and extends substantially perpendicular to the second wall, wherein the first leading member and second leading member define a channel adapted to receive the elongate member,
- whereby the elongate member securing device is adapted to facilitate rotation of the elongate member such that the elongate member transitions from the channel to the passageway;
- an elongate member adapted to be secured by the elongate member securing device; and
- a structure that is adapted to be secured by the elongate member securing device.

In a further aspect, the invention resides in a securing device comprising:

- two substantially parallel members defining a channel configured to receive a wire therein;
- two side walls connected by a base member, a first side wall of the two side walls connected to a first member of the two substantially parallel members and a second side wall of the two side walls connected to a second member of the two substantially parallel members,
- a first void formed between the first side wall and the second member of the two substantially parallel members, the second channel being connected to the channel extending in a first direction from the channel; and
- a second void formed between the second side wall and the first member of the two substantially parallel members, the second void being connected to the channel and extending in a second direction from the channel, opposite to the first direction of the first void,
- wherein the first void and the second void are substantially parallel and wherein the first void and the second void are substantially perpendicular to the channel.

The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1F show multiple views of the present securing device;

FIG. 1A shows a front view of the securing device;

FIG. 1B shows a right view of the securing device;

FIG. 1C shows a back view of the securing device;

FIG. 1D shows a left view of the securing device;

FIG. 1E shows a top view of the securing device;

FIG. 1F shows a bottom view of the securing device;

FIG. 2 shows the present securing device engaging a wire;

FIG. 3 shows the wire in the passageway of the present securing device;

FIG. 4 shows another view of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the present securing device secured to a structure; and

FIG. 6 shows another view of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a securing device. Accordingly, the device and method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as to not obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

As used herein, the term ‘integrally formed’ refers to being formed of a unitary piece of material. For instance, the securing member of the present invention may be formed by bending or otherwise manipulating a flat sheet into the desired dimensions.

The present invention is predicated on the finding that elongate members can be quickly and easily secured by the present securing device. The present invention generally relates to a securing device for securing an elongate member to another structure. The present invention allows for many different elongate members to be secured, provides a quick and efficient method of securing elongate members and/or allows for an elongate member to be secured without substantial manipulation thereof. The present securing device may be utilized in forming fencing, electric wires/fencing, and cables for walkways. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the above list merely exemplify some of the uses of the present securing devices, and that the securing device may be utilized in other uses not expressly listed.

The elongate member is suitably any elongate member. Non-limiting examples of the elongate member includes wire, mesh, rope and/or similar alternatives. The structure in which the securing device is secured to includes, but is not limited to, pickets, protrusions on a wall, a predetermined anchor point, and steel bars. In particular, the structure is suitably a star picket.

FIGS. 1A-1F show multiple views, front view (FIG. 1A); right view (FIG. 1B); rear view (FIG. 1C); left view (FIG. 1D); top view (FIG. 1E); and bottom view (FIG. 1F) of a securing device. In one embodiment, the securing device is an elongate member securing device 100. The elongate member securing device 100 comprises a body 110. The body 110 comprises a base 111, a first side wall 112 and a second side wall 113. The base 111 connects the first side wall 112 to the second side wall 113. The first side wall 112 and second side wall 113 are connected to opposing terminal ends of the base 111. In the embodiment shown, the first side wall 112 and second side wall 113 are substantially parallel. In the embodiment shown, the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 are substantially perpendicular to the base 111. It will be appreciated that it is not essential that the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113 are perpendicular to the base 111. In this regard, the function of the present invention can be achieved by having the side walls at an angle to the base. Alternatively, the function of the present invention can also be achieved by utilizing curved walls and base to form a ‘U’-like shape.

The base 111, first side wall 112 and second side wall 113 define a first opening 150 and an opposing second opening 160. That is, the base 111, first side wall 112, and the second side wall 113 define a first face having an opening 150. The opposite sides of the base 111, first side wall 112, and second side wall 113 define a second face having the opposing second opening. The first opening 150 and the second opening 160 define a passageway therebetween (mentioned in more detail hereinafter). The passageway is adapted to receive and retain an elongate member. A longitudinal plane may be defined by the first opening 150 and the opposing second opening 160, and is parallel to the base 111.

The first side wall 112 comprises a first extension 112a adjacent the first opening 150. The first extension 112a extends from a free end of the first wall 112. In one embodiment, the first extension 112a is substantially in the same plane as the plane of the first side wall 112. The first extension 112a has a width that is less than the width of the first side wall 112. It should be clear from the figures that a first void 114a is formed adjacent the extension 112a (discussed in more detail hereinafter). This first void 114a is also adjacent the second opening 160. For completeness, the first void 114a is formed in the first face. That is, the first void 114a is in the form of a depression from the first face.

The first void 114a connects the channel 115 to the second opening 160 (mentioned in more detail hereinafter). That is, the first void 114a connects and is continuous with the channel 115 and the passageway.

The second side wall 113 comprises a second extension 113a adjacent the second opening 160. The second extension 113a extends from a free end of the second wall 113. The second extension 113a is substantially in the same plane as the plane of the second side wall 113. The second extension 113a has a width that is less than the width of the second side wall 113. It should be clear from the figures that a second void 114b is formed adjacent to the second extension 113a (discussed in more detail hereinafter). This second void 114b is also adjacent the first opening 150. For completeness, the second void 114b is formed in the second face. That is, the second void 114a is in the form of a depression from the second face.

The second void 114b connects the channel 115 to the first opening 150 (mentioned in more detail hereinafter). That is, the second void 114b connects and is continuous with the channel 115 and the passageway.

The first void 114a is located between the first side wall 112 and the second leading member 113b. Additionally, the second void 114b is located between the second side wall 113 and the first leading member 112b. The first void 114a and the second void 114b are substantially inverted in the first and second side walls 112, 113.

The elongate member securing device 100 further comprises a first leading member 112b and a second leading member 113b. In one embodiment, the first leading member 112a is substantially parallel to the second leading member 112b. In certain embodiments, the first leading member 112a is parallel to the second leading member 112b

The first leading member 112b is connected or attached to a free end of the first extension 112a. The first leading member 112b extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall 112. In some embodiments, the first leading member 112b extends perpendicular to the first wall 112.

The second leading member 113b is connected or attached to a free end of the second extension 113b. The second leading member 113b extends substantially perpendicular to the second wall 113. In embodiments, second leading member 113b extends perpendicular to the second wall 113

The first leading member 112b and the second leading member 113b define a channel 115 therebetween. The channel 115 is adapted to receive the elongate member. The channel 115 is continuous with the passageway defined by the first opening 150 and the second opening 160 mentioned hereinabove. In one embodiment, the channel 115 is orthogonal to the longitudinal plane.

The first leading member 112b comprises a first attachment portion. The second leading member 113b comprises a second attachment portion. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion may be in the form of an aperture 112c, 113c respectively. A fastening device or assembly may be utilized to secure the first leading member 112b and/or the second leading member 113b to a structure. In one embodiment, the aperture is a circular aperture or a square aperture. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the aperture may be in any form as long as a fastening device can be utilized to secure the securing device 100. For instance, a wire may be utilized to secure the aperture 112c in the first leading member 112b and/or the aperture 113c in the second leading member 113b with an aperture in a structure to be fastened.

In FIGS. 2 to 6, the structure is a star picket 200. In use, an elongate member (such as a wire 190) may be located between the first leading member 112b and the second leading member 113b and in the channel 115. FIG. 2 shows a wire being located in the channel defined by the first leading member 112b and the second leading member 113b. Once the wire 190 engages an end of the first side wall 112 and the second side wall 113, the securing device 100 can be rotated such that the wire is now captured in the passageway. FIG. 3 shows the wire rotated.

As shown in FIG. 4, the wire is now captured in the passageway between the first opening 150 and the second opening 160. In this configuration, the securing device 100 can be simply moved easily along the wire 190. The securing device 100 can then be moved to the structure 200 to which it is to be secured to form a fence.

Once in the passageway, the securing device 100 can be moved along the wire until it reaches the structure to be secured. At this point, the securing device can be secured or attached to the structure. This is particular advantageous where the wire 190 is barbed as the dimension of the barb can fit in the passageway.

FIG. 5 shows the securing device 100 engaging a star picket 200. FIG. 6 shows an alternative view of the securing device 100 engaging a star picket 200. It should be appreciated that the wire 190 is captured in the passageway whilst the star picket 200 is located between the first leading member 112b and the second leading member 113b. Typically, a star picket 200 comprises apertures which can be utilized to secure certain members thereto. The apertures in the first leading member 112b and the second lead member 113c are suitably aligned and can be aligned to the apertures of the star picket 200 or other structures, and a fastening member of assembly can be inserted therethrough to secure the components together. In the present example a wire is utilized to maintain the position of the securing device. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciated that other fastening devices known in the art may be utilized. It will also be appreciated that the securing device may suitably comprise one or more apertures. In certain embodiments, the securing device may suitably comprise 1, 2, 3, 4 . . . n apertures. The greater number of apertures allows for easier installation of the securing device by a consumer.

Advantageously, the present securing device captures the wire such that it alleviates the problem of the wire slipping from the device. In this regard, the wire cannot escape from the passageway as it is in the wrong orientation to exit out of the channel between the first leading member and the second leading member. Furthermore, the wire cannot escape from the passage way because the star picket 200 is located and secured between the first leading member and the second leading member.

The present securing device is adapted to be engage the elongate member and moved freely along the length thereof. The present securing device can be utilized with elongate members of uneven diameter (for example, barbed wire). The present securing device provides the consumer a choice to move it to a desired section of the elongate member without taking it off or rearranging installation points (such as star pickets).

The present securing device is also able to be installed through sides of steel posts. In this regard, a wire can be hung from the steel posts and engage the present securing device and does not jeopardize the surface area of wire contact to the post as the wire is contained within the securing device. This may improve the lifespan of the wire and thus boundary.

It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that a number of securing devices can be utilized with a single wire to ensure that it is maintained at the appropriate height along the boundary. In this regard, a number of securing devices can be utilized with a number of structures to maintain a wire at the appropriate height.

In one embodiment, the securing device is formed of steel, alloy and/or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the securing device may be formed of a conductive or non-conductive material. A non-limiting example of a conductive material is stainless steel. A non-limiting example of a non-conductive material is a polymer (such as a plastic). In one embodiment, the securing device is coated in a non-conductive material. However, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the securing device can be formed with essentially any material.

In an embodiment, the securing device is suitably formed by casting or pour molding. Alternatively, the securing device may be formed of a providing a die cut template of the securing device and subsequently manipulating the template to form the securing device. In this embodiment, the template may be welded or otherwise maintained in manipulated form.

Advantageously, the present invention, in use, allows for a wire to be tensioned and pulled through without requiring the wire to be released from the present securing device. This is a significant advantage as wires that are directly connected to the structure (such as a post) are required to be released from the post in order to re-tension. This can take a significant amount of time, require significant effort and is inefficient.

The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

SECURING DEVICE

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Priority Claims (1)