AU2006235859A1

AU2006235859A1 - Fence Accessory

Info

Publication number: AU2006235859A1
Application number: AU2006235859A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wendy Elaine Butler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-11-06
Filing date: 2006-11-06
Publication date: 2008-05-22

Description

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Fence Accessory

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Field of Invention 0 The present invention relates to fences and related parts, fittings or attachments.

C"l Background of the Invention

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S In domestic homes, it is common to keep domestic pets. Generally, the pets are confined to the owner's property by a fence around the property.

There are some types of pets, however, notably cats and some dogs, for example, that are not deterred by the height of typical fences that surround domestic properties, and are able to scale or jump over the fences. Cats, in particular, have no difficulty in scaling and jumping over a typical fence that demarcates domestic properties.

When cats are not confined to their owners' properties, it can cause many problems. Neighbours may object to strange cats prowling in their garden and property.

Free-ranging cats can irritate and get into fights with pets in neighboring properties, and can also desecrate neighbouring properties with their faeces. Moreover, domestic cats that are not prevented from roaming freely are a major threat to native wildlife, killing numerous wild birds and small animals. When domestic pets roam freely, they are exposed to a greater risk of being subjected to risks of cruelty from other humans, being hit by cars, producing unwanted pregnancies, and becoming feral.

To address this problem, it is an inadequate solution to tie up the pets or put them in cages, because this could be distressing to the animals and to their devoted owners.

An object of the present invention is to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the problems in the prior art, or to provide an improved alternative.

0 5 Summary of Invention

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According to the present invention, there is provided an animal-containment fence 0 z accessory adapted to be attached to an upright fence to deter an animal from scaling or jumping over the fence, wherein the accessory comprises:

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panel-means adapted, in use, to be attached to the fence so as to laterally project from a side of the fence to act as a deterrent to an animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

Preferably, the panel-means is adapted, in use, to be attached to the fence at a downward sloping angle so as to laterally project from a side of the fence, with the panel-

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means generally facing skyward; the sloping angle being sufficiently steep to ensure that the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence will be unable to gain a grip, hold or other support on the panel-means by virtue of the sloping angle inclination.

Preferably, the panel-means includes an upper-surface which, in use, faces generally skyward, and which is devoid of claw-catching-means that would otherwise provide a grip, hold or support for the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

The absence of claw-catching-means may include the absence of mesh.

The panel-means may include a lower-surface which, in use, faces generally towards ground, and which is devoid of claw-catching-means that would otherwise provide a grip, hold or support for the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

The lower-surface may be adapted to be arranged, in use, at an inclined angle relative to the fence to deter the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

The fence accessory may be provided with fence-attachment-means adapted to attach the panel-means to the fence.

The panel-means, together with an upright surface of the fence, may together forms a triangular enclosure when the accessory is attached to the fence.

Preferably, the panel-means, when attached to the fence, does not form or act as a ledge on which the animal, attempting to scale or jump over the fence, could otherwise alight.

The panel-means may be made of solid panel material.

v0 5 Alternatively, the panel-means may be made of flexible panel material that 0 O disallows an animals claws from digging and catching therein.

Cl According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method 0 z of preventing an animal from scaling or climbing over a fence, comprising the steps of: attaching to an upright fence an animal-containment fence accessory having 0 panel-means, wherein the accessory is attached to the fence so as to laterally project from a side of the fence to act as a deterrent to an animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence comprising an upright fence portion, and an animal-containment fence accessory attached 0 O 15 to an upper portion of the fence portion, as mentioned above.

Cl Drawings In order that the present invention might be more fully understood, embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a fence accessory that deters animals from scaling or jumping over the fence; Figure 2 shows a side view of another embodiment, shown in the process of being attached to the upright fence; Figure 3 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a fence accessory; Figure 4 shows a further variation that has a rounded leading edge; and Figure 5 shows another modification that has a panel structure with only an upper surface, with no lower surface.

In the embodiments, like components are labeled with like reference numerals merely for the sake of ease of understanding the different embodiments and modifications.

In the drawings, the embodiments are shown in cross-section, and it is understood that the actual articles can be made in a range of lengths, or parts, depending on the particular length of fence on which it is installed.

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o Description of Embodiments Cl 0 z Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of an animal-containment fence accessory in the form of an animal barrier-

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projection In Figure 1, the animal barrier-projection 10 is attached to an upright fence 0 The barrier-projection 10 is positioned above ground level, and may be at a height that is just below the top of the fence 20, or slightly below the top level of the fence. In any case, the purpose of locating the barrier-projection 10 on the fence is to deter an animal from scaling or jumping over the fence.

Often, when an animal scales an upright fence, it has to grasp, or, to some degree, hold part of the fence. Often, the animal will attempt to grab hold of part of the fence, figuratively speaking. Sometimes the animal will grab hold of the fence at several places as it attempts to scale the fence. On occasions, cats may attempt to reach the top of the fence in one leap.

Therefore, positioning the barrier-projection 10 somewhere on the upper levels of the side of the fence 20, for example, close to the top of the fence, creates a physical obstacle in the path of the natural trajectory usually taken by the animal when scaling or climbing over the fence.

Figure 1 shows that the barrier-projection 10 includes panel-means which includes a panel portion, in the form of an upper surface The upper surface 30U is attached to the fence 20, so as to laterally project from a side of the fence 20, to act as a deterrent to an animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

The upper surface 30U of the panel-means generally faces skyward, in the sense that it points upwards and away from the ground.

V0 5 Sloping Surface

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In Figure 1, the upper surface 30U of the panel-means is oriented at an incline, 0 z with a downward sloping angle that is sufficiently steep to ensure that the animal, attempting to scale or jump over the fence, will be unable to gain a grip, hold or other

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support thereon, by virtue of the sloping angle inclination.

For instance, when the cat attempts to scale the fence, it might jump or scale to a 0 height at which the cat would then attempt to hang onto the upper surface 30U by digging in its claws therein. Therefore, the steep sloping angle of the upper surface 30U makes it much more difficult for the cat to grasp and secure a hold on the barrier-projection

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S 15 The embodiment is not limited to a particular angle of inclination, since there can be a wide range of angles which would create problems for an animal attempting to gain a grip on the surface of the upper surface 30U of the panel-means.

The word "grip" is used loosely here in this specification, since it is perfectly understood that typical domestic animals cannot grip an object with their claws, in a humanlike manner, so the term refers generally to the animal's attempt to use its claws to somehow catch onto the surface of the upper part of the panel-means.

One reason that the upper surface 30U of the present embodiment is inclined at an angle is that, if the upper surface were sufficiently steep, or even horizontal, then such a flat surface would allow an animal to use it as a ledge, from which the animal could then continue to jump completely over the fence. Therefore, the panel-means, when attached to the fence, does not form, act as, or provide a ledge on which the animal, attempting to scale or jump over the fence, could otherwise alight. This is why, in the embodiment, the sloping angle of the upper surface 30U is sufficiently steep to ensure that the animal cannot gain a "grip", hold or other manner of support thereon.

The term "downward slope" or "downward sloping angle" refers to the notion that the upper surface 30U slopes from the fence in the downward manner, as shown in the drawings.

V.0 5 Surface Devoid Of Claw-Catching Means

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Cl In the example of cats and perhaps dogs, the animals attempt to use their claws to 0 z catch onto parts of the fence. Therefore, in the embodiment, the sloping upper surface 30U is devoid of claw-catching-means that would otherwise provide a grip, hold or other

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type of support for the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

The term "claw-catching-means" shows that the embodiment seeks to avoid any 0 manner of construction, shape or configuration of the surface that could otherwise enable an animal to use its claws to catch onto, however temporarily, to secure itself onto or to Cl the upper surface

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S 15 For example, it is noted that the term "claw-catching-means" excludes the use of meshing that comprises small holes, because the cat's claws could catch onto these small holes or gaps in the meshing.

For example, it would be regarded as unsuitable to use a wire mesh, or wire grille material, because such mesh or grille material is likely to provide the cat with the opportunity to use its claws to catch onto the mesh or grille.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the upper surface 30U is made from a smooth metal panel material.

In other embodiments, the material of the panel-means need not be perfectly planar, just so long as it does not provide some device for the claws of an animal to catch onto. For example, in other modification, the upper surface 30U can include linear grooves that run straight downwards, which can act as channels for water to flow down.

Referring to this example, the linear grooves would not be parallel to the ground, otherwise that orientation could possibly allow an animal to catch its claws onto such a horizontal groove.

Lower Surface The panel-means also includes a panel portion in the form of a lower-surface which faces generally towards the ground.

\O 5 In the embodiment of Figure 1, for the same reasons as above, the lower-surface 0 O 30L is preferably also devoid of claw-catching-means that could otherwise provide a grip, hold or other support for the animal attempting to scale the fence.

0 z In Figure 1, the lower-surface 30L is generally transverse or preferably horizontal, 2 however, in another embodiment in Figure 3, the lower-surface 30L may be arranged at 0 an inclined angle relative to the fence.

0 Triangular Shape In the embodiments, the lower-surface 30L and upper-surface 30U of the panel- 0 O 15 means, together with the upright surface of the fence 20, together form a triangular enclosure when the barrier-projection 10 is attached to the fence. However, in other modifications, the lower surface 30L can be replaced by thin rods or struts, which means that having a triangular enclosure is not mandatory.

Example of Dimensions In the embodiment of Figure 2, some typical dimensions are as follows: i) the upper surface 30U is 250 mm; ii) the lower surface 30L is 170 mm; iii) the upper and lower rims 30R are 30 mm.

In other modifications, these dimensions can be varied to suit the size of the overall fence.

In the embodiments, the panel materials are made of solid sheet material, such as metal, however other examples can be made from other suitable panel material, such as wood, plastics materials, and even flexible materials that are sufficiently strong to disallow an animal's claws from catching or clawing into the material.

0 5 Manner of Attachment

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C"l The fence accessory is provided with fence-attachment-means adapted to attach 0 z the panel-means to the fence. In the embodiments of Figures 1 to 3, the barrier-projection is designed to be nailed or screwed into the fence, however, the embodiments are not

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limited to a particular manner of fastening to the fence, so long as it provides a secure connection or attachment to the fence. More complex attachment systems can be used, such as an engagement of corresponding slots that enable convenient attachment and detachment.

S 15 Practice Cxl In practice, for example, when the cat or other animal attempts to scale a fence that is provided with an embodiment, such as the barrier-projection 10 of Figure 1 or 2, the cat will either not attempt to jump, or will jump back down. After a while, after several unsuccessful attempts to scale the fence, the cat will become accustomed to staying within the confines of the property of its owner.

Using embodiments of the invention, the cat or other animal has the freedom to roam within the territory of its owner's property, without the need to be restricted to indoors, or an outdoor cage.

Thus, use of the embodiments of the invention avoid cats from irritating and getting into fights with pets within neighboring properties, and prevent them from desecrating neighbouring properties with their faeces. The embodiments also prevent them from roaming freely thus minimising their threat to wildlife. The embodiments also remove or minimise the risk of the pets being subjected to cruelty from other humans, being hit by cars, and becoming feral.

,0 5 Modifications

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C"l In the further example of Figure 2, the very top 30T of the barrier-projection 0 z may be shaped with a flat summit.

In yet a further variation in Figure 4, the barrier-projection 10 may have a rounded

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leading edge.

In other variations, such as in Figure 5, an embodiment can consist of a panelomeans that only has an upper surface 30U, with no lower surface. In such embodiments, the attachment system would be capable of firmly supporting such a structure, without the need for the added support from the lower portion. For instance, the peak of the

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S 15 barrier-projection 10 in Figure 5 would be securely nailed or otherwise fastened to the top of the fence, and a system of brackets could be added to provide further strength.

The embodiments have been advanced by way of example only, and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In this specification, where the words comprise or comprises or derivatives thereof are used in relation to elements, integers, steps or features, this is to indicate that those elements, steps or features are present but it is not to be taken to preclude the possibility of other elements, integers, steps or features being present.

Claims

1. An animal-containment fence accessory adapted to be attached to an upright fence 0 z to deter an animal from scaling or jumping over the fence, wherein the accessory comprises: C panel-means adapted, in use, to be attached to the fence so as to laterally project from a side of the fence to act as a deterrent to an animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence. C'-I

2. A fence accessory of claim 1 wherein the panel-means is adapted, in use, to be O o attached to the fence at a downward sloping angle so as to laterally project from a side of the fence, with the panel-means generally facing skyward; the sloping angle being sufficiently steep to ensure that the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence will be unable to gain a grip, hold or other support on the panel-means by virtue of the sloping angle inclination.

3. A fence accessory of claim 1 or 2 wherein the panel-means includes an upper- surface which, in use, faces generally skyward, and which is devoid of claw-catching- means that would otherwise provide a grip, hold or support for the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

4. A fence accessory of claim 3 wherein the absence of claw-catching-means includes the absence of mesh.

A fence accessory of any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel-means includes a lower-surface which, in use, faces generally towards ground, and which is devoid of claw-catching-means that would otherwise provide a grip, hold or support for the animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence.

6. A fence accessory of claim 5 wherein the absence of claw-catching-means includes the absence of mesh. 11 O O

7. A fence accessory of claim 5 wherein the lower-surface is adapted to be arranged, in use, at an inclined angle relative to the fence to deter the animal attempting to scale or O jump over the fence. z C

8. A fence accessory of any one of the preceding claims wherein the fence accessory is provided with fence-attachment-means adapted to attach the panel-means to the fence. 0O

9. A fence accessory of any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel-means, together with an upright surface of the fence, together forms a triangular enclosure when C o the accessory is attached to the fence.

Cxl A fence accessory of any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel-means, when attached to the fence, does not form or act as a ledge on which the animal, attempting to scale or jump over the fence, could otherwise alight.

11. A fence accessory of any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel-means is made of solid panel material.

12. A fence accessory of any one of the preceding claims wherein the panel-means is made of flexible panel material that disallows an animals claws from digging and catching therein.

13. An animal-containment fence accessory substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. A method of preventing an animal from scaling or climbing over a fence, comprising the steps of: attaching to an upright fence an animal-containment fence accessory having panel-means, 12 0 wherein the accessory is attached to the fence so as to laterally project from a side 0 O of the fence to act as a deterrent to an animal attempting to scale or jump over the fence. O z

15. A method of claim 14 wherein the fence accessory is according to any one of claims 1 to 13. 0

16. A method of preventing an animal from scaling or climbing over a fence, the 0 method substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. O

17. A fence comprising an upright fence portion, and an animal-containment fence Cxl accessory attached to an upper portion of the fence portion, wherein the animal- containment fence accessory is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13.