AU2008202648A1 - Fence gate - Google Patents

Description

FENCE GATE 00 0 Field of Invention The present invention relates to gates and fences used in agriculture.

0 Background of the Invention 00 In agriculture and particularly in animal husbandry, such as of cattle, it is common to S surround fields with an electrified fence. The fence itself may often simply be a single electrified 00 wire, or it can be a multi-strand electrified wire fence. The minor shock given to an animal, when S it touches the electrified wire, is sufficient to keep the animals away from the wire.

In other instances, the electrified fence may be constructed in a more substantial manner, consisting of substantially solid fence posts, and a greater amount of wire. In such cases, the electrified wire would be attached to the fence.

0 The diagram in Figure lA includes such a prior art electrified fence 100 which consists of a single electrified wire which is supported by a series of posts 101. Such wire fences often are installed temporarily, for example, to corral or limit movement of the livestock to within a portion of a large field. This can be required to ensure that the livestock eat the grass from only that portion of the field.

Figure lA a shows a type of a type of irrigation apparatus that is used to bring water to the large areas of land, particularly when there is insufficient rain or natural supply of water. The irrigation apparatus 200 essentially consists of a long tube or pipe 102 having water outlets all along the long tube. The long water tube 102 is carried by an elongated strut 103. The strut 103 itself is supported on a transporting vehicle that consists of many wheeled supports 210.

Typically, the wheeled supports 210 can be separated by a distance of 60 meters, for example, and some such irrigators can have up to twenty-two or more wheeled supports 210. These irrigation apparatus 100 can therefore sometimes stretch over a kilometre or more.

In some cases in the prior art, the entire linear irrigator moves about a central point, like a rotating hand of a clock. This latter configuration is known as a centre-point irrigator.

In other cases in the prior art, the entire linear irrigator is designed to move in a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the linear irrigator.

Figure lA illustrates a problem when such a long irrigation apparatus 100 is confronted by an electrified fence 100.

In the prior art, one flawed attempt to solve this problem is to equip the wheels 220 with large ski-tip-like devices, about one metre high, for example, that have the effect of temporarily S pressing down the wire 100 onto the ground while the wheels 220 roll over the wire 100. This approach is flawed for at least four reasons: Firstly, the temporary flattening of the fence 100 can damage the fence, particularly when 0 the fence 100 is flattened many times.

Secondly, if the electrified fence 100, after being flattened, is not restored to its original 00 S height above ground level, the animals can walk over the wire of the fence 100 while it is at N, ground level, and can escape.

N, Thirdly, the fence might be damaged or broken as the wheels 220 roll over the fence 0 5 wire.

C Fourthly, the fence wire might inadvertently become entangled with the irrigation apparatus 100.

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 Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable fence; electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means.

Preferably, the electric current flows through the gate-structure-means.

Preferably, in use, the gate-structure-means includes: 00 a first upstanding structure portion defining said one said of the passageway, a second upstanding structure portion defining said other said of the passageway, and a connector portion that connects the first and second upstanding structures at around ground level.

0 The gate-structure-means may be generally U-shaped.

Preferably, the gate-structure-means includes an electric conductor that allows electric 0- current to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side.

e, The gate-structure-means may include a passage that contains the electric conductor.

,1 The passage may include a hollow channel, and the electric conductor is a wire that 00 0 5 passes through and inside the hollow channel.

C,1 Preferably, he electric conductor is a wire, and the gate-structure-means may be provided with holding-means which holds the wire relative to the gate-structure-means such that the wire generally follows the contour of the gate-structure-means.

The holding-means may include insulated hooks that hold the wire in proximity to the 0 gate-structure-means without electrical conductive contact between the wire and the gatestructure-means.

The electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means may include an elongated projection made of an electrical conductor material which, in use, protrudes from part of the gate-structure-means so as to obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in the unobstructed state.

The temporary-obstruction-means may include at least a pair or more of said elongated projections each projecting into the passageway from opposite parts of the gate-structure-means generally towards each other.

The object may include one or more wheels of a vehicle.

Preferably, the gate-structure-means is portable.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in a fence, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in a fence; temporary-obstruction-means adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to moveit into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein the temporary-obstruction-means is pivotally mounted proximate to ground level such that its axis of rotation is parallel to the ground so that a wheel of a vehicle that is rolled S thereagainst causes the temporary-obstruction-means to pivot forward to eventually allow the 0 wheel to roll over the temporary-obstruction-means.

Preferably, electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the

ID

N passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means.

0 N, Preferably, the fence is electrifiable.

00 0 5 Preferably, the temporary-obstruction-means is provided with urging means adapted to C urge the temporary-obstruction-means back to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway.

Preferably, the urging means includes one or more shock absorbers.

0 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of passing an elongated multi-wheeled irrigation apparatus through an electrified fence, the method including: providing the electrified fence with a number of electric fence gate corresponding at least to number of wheels of the multi-wheeled apparatus such that each wheel is able to pass through one of the electric fence gates.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence through which a wheel of an irrigation machine is able to pass through said passageway, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable fence; electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the 0 passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means.

SAccording to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric fence S gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence through which a wheel 0 of an irrigation machine is able to pass through said passageway, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable 00 fence; C, electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and N, adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an 00 0 5 obstructed state; N1 the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object 0 has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means, and wherein, in use, the gate-structure-means comprises an assembly that includes: a first upstanding structure portion defining said one said of the passageway, a second upstanding structure portion defining said other said of the passageway, and a connector portion that connects the first and second upstanding structures at around ground level in which the assembly is in the form of a single unitary entity.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence through which a wheel of an irrigation machine is able to pass through said passageway, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable fence; electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an 00 unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient 0 force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object S has passed through the passageway; 0 wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means, 00 and wherein, in use, the gate-structure-means comprises an assembly that includes: a first upstanding structure portion defining said one said of the passageway, a second upstanding structure portion defining said other said of the passageway, and 00 a connector portion that connects the first and second upstanding structures at around r, ground level in which the assembly is in the form of a single unitary U-shaped entity to facilitate installation of the electrified fence gate by attaching the first and second upstanding structure portions of the assembly to support-means.

0 Drawings In order that the present invention might be fully understood, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A shows an electrified fence in the prior art, and the problem associated with an extremely long irrigator having to traverse that electrified fence; Figure 1B shows an embodiment of the present invention that addresses the problem shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention of a gate for an electrified fence of the embodiment of Figure 1B; Figure 2AA shows the embodiment of Figure 2A with a wheel 220 of an irrigation apparatus 200, passing through the gate; Figure 2B is a top or plan view of the gate of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention of a gate for an electrified fence of the embodiment of Figure 1B; Figure 3B is a side view of the gate of Figure 3A; Figure 4A is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention of a gate for an fence through which an elongated irrigator can pass; and Figure 4B is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 4A showing the wheel of the irrigator moving through the gate; Figures 5A and 5B are birds eye views of circular and linear irrigation machines respectively moving through an electrified fence, where each wheel passes through an S embodiment of a gate opening of the present invention; 0 In the drawings, in the embodiments of various aspects of the invention, like elements are labelled with like reference numerals, merely for the sake of ease of understanding the 00 S specification.

S Description of Embodiments 00 r, Referring to the drawings, Figure 1B shows an elongated multi-wheeled irrigator in the form of a known irrigation apparatus 200 (of Figure 1A). Here, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1B, the irrigation apparatus 200 is able to pass through the electrified fence 100 without upsetting or damaging the fence.

0 This advantage is achieved by providing the electrified fence 100 with a number of electric fence gates 300. One gate 300 is provided for each wheel 220.

Only a portion of the irrigation apparatus 200 is shown in Figure 1B since, in practice, there can be many spans and hence many wheels 220. The number of gates 300 in the fence 100 correspond at least to number of wheels 220, such that each wheel is able to pass through one of the electric fence gates.

Since any open entrances in the fence 100 can potentially allow livestock to escape, each gate 300 is designed to provide a temporary passageway through the fence. In other words, each gate allows the gate's passageway to become unobstructed only when the wheel 220 of the irrigation apparatus is passing through. After the wheel has passed through, the gate 300 returns to an obstructed state, in order to prevent livestock from escaping through the passageway in the gate.

First Embodiment Figure 2A shows a first embodiment of an electric fence gate of the present invention in the form of gate-opening 300A.

The gate-opening 300A includes a gate-structure-means in the form of gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310C.

The gate-opening 300A includes a first upstanding structure 310 A which defines said one 00 side of the passageway. A second upstanding structure 310 C defines the other side of the 0 S passageway.

A connector 310B is used to connect the first 310 A and second 310 C upstanding S structures at around ground level. This connection of the right and left hand parts 3 10 A, 310C 0 means that the gate frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C is a unitary device which can be easily installed.

The gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C defines and provides a passageway in the form of gap 00 S 320. Through this gap 320, it is possible for the wheel 220 of the irrigator to pass through the S electrifiable fence 100, as shown in Figure lB.

00 C 5 Temporary Obstruction The gate-opening 300A is provided with electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means in the form of moveable electrified rods 330A, 330B. The rods 330A, 330B are each in the form an elongated projection made of an electrical conductor material.

0 In Figure 2A, one of the electrified rods 330A is attached to an upstanding part 310 A of the gate-frame, and while the other electrified rod 330B is attached to the opposite upstanding part 310C of the gate-frame.

The rods 330A, 330B project into the gap from opposite sides or parts of the gate-frame.

In the embodiment of Figure 2A, the rods generally project towards each other.

In use, the rods 330A, 330B protrude into the gap 320 so as to obstruct the passageway when the rods are in the positioned in their obstructed state, as shown in Figure 2A. In such a state, the rods obstruct the passageway of the gap. Hence, if an animal, such as a cow, were to attempt to pass through the gap 320, the animal would touch the electrified rods 330A, 330B.

The resulting minor electric shock would discourage the animal from moving through the gap 320.

In Figure 2A the rods 330A, 330B are mounted on springs 331 which allow the rods to swing when pushed aside. Hence, the rods 330A, 330B are able to temporarily move out of the way into an unobstructed state when an object, such as the wheel 220 of the irrigator, moves through the gap 320 and applies sufficient force against the rods to force them to swing out of the way. In other words, the wheel pushes the rods out of the way when the wheel passes through the gap.

In other embodiments, the rods 330A, 330B can be made of resilient material, so that pushing the rod causes it to flex such that the wheel can move past the resilient rod.

In the present embodiment, the rods 320A, 320B revert to the obstructed state after the 00 wheel 220 has finished passing through the gap 320.

0 In further modifications, the movement of the rods may be governed by motors that are controlled by sensors that detect the proximity of an object with respect to the gate.

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0 Flow of Electricity Through the Gate 00 In the gate-opening 300A shown in Figure 1 B, electricity flows through the wire 100A at S one side of to the wire 100C at the other side of the gate. An electric current passes along the S fence 100 to cause it to be electrified. In other words, the gate-opening 300A does not break the 00 electric circuit of the fence wire.

This electric circuit through the gate-opening 300A can be seen in greater detail in Figure 2A, where electric current flows from one side of the wire 100OA, guided by the gate-opening 300A, through to the wire 100C at the other side.

The concept of the wire being "guided" by the gate-opening is not necessarily restricted 0 to case where the wire runs through the inside of the gate-frame structure. In other words, the wire may be guided by the gate-frame structure, with the wire being either inside or outside the gate-frame structure, or a combination of both. Both these alternative manners of guidance are seen in the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3A.

In Figure 2A, the electric current flows from one side of the gap 320 to the other side guided by the gate-frame 310A, 310B, 310C.

In Figure 2A, a dotted line is used to represent the location of a wire 110 as it passes through the parts of the gate-frame 310A, 310B, 310C. This allows the electric current in the wire of the fence 100 to flow through the gate-frame 310A, 310B, 310C.

The gate-frame 3 10A, 310B, 3 10OC includes a passage, in the form of the hollow channel that is inside the parts 310A, 310B, 310C of the gate-frame. The wire 110A, 110B, 110C, which runs through the hollow channel of the gate-frame, acts as an electric conductor that allows electric current to flow from one side 100A of the gap 320 to the other side 100C.

Advantage of a single piece of Apparatus In Figure 2A, an advantage of the connector 310B which joins the upstanding parts 3 10 A, 3 10 OC together is that it provides an electric circuit from one side of the wire 100 OA to the wire 100C at the other side, in a form that can be pre-assembled and sold as a unit. This means that a user can purchase the gate-frame 3 10A, 310B, 3 10OC and install it in the matter of minutes.

00 The main task is to connect the two ends of the wire 100A, 100C to the gate-frame 310.

0 Moreover, the wires 100 A, 100 OC pull from opposite directions, hence the fact the two upstanding parts 110 A, 110 OC are connected together as one entity means that the two parts 1 10A, 1 10C are better able to withstand the pull of the wires 100A, 100C. If there was no 0 connector 110B, the pull of the wires would tend to make it difficult for the upright parts 1 1 OA, 1 10C to each withstand the pull of the wires.

00 Also, if there were no connector 310B, the user would have to dig a trench in the ground N, 50 to bury the part of the wire 110B that spans one side of the gate to the other. This would be C very time-consuming.

00 In the embodiment of Figure 2A, the gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 3 10 C in the embodiment is N, generally U-shaped. However, in other embodiments, such as in the later Figure 4A, the connection of the upright portions to each other by a connector preferably produces a square-U shape. In the embodiment, an advantage of the two upstanding portions being connected by a connector is that, when tension is applied to the upstanding portions, the connection of the two 0 parts by a connector gives more structural rigidity to each of the upstanding parts.

Simple Installation Process In Figure 2A, the installation process for the electric fence gate-opening 300A is fast and simple, because there is no need to take time to bury an electric wire in the ground Also, the installation is efficient because the present design avoids the need for the large posts, typically wooden posts, that need to be driven into the ground using heavy machinery such as tractors.

In the present embodiment in Figure 2A, since connection of the upright parts 1 1 OA, 1 10C of the gate frame one to another, by the connector 110B, provides a degree of structural rigidity for these parts, it is possible to omit the need for large-diameter posts which are typically used in agricultural fences and which often require heavy machinery to drive into the ground.

The U-shaped gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310C is positioned on the ground 50. Then the wires 100A, 100C of the fence 100 are connected to each side of the gate opening 300A.

In order to keep the gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310C upright in use, support-means in the form of thin posts (not shown) are pushed or driven into the ground. In the plan view of Figure 2B, the upright parts 3 10A, 3 10C of the gate-frame are provided with ringlets 312. The upright posts (not shown) fit through the ringlets 312 in order to hold the gate frame upright when the posts are pushed into the ground. In the embodiment, a small steel posts (not shown) can be 00 driven into the ground with a hammer.

0 SThe embodiments in Figure 2A, and also in Figure 3A would be used for temporary electrical fencing, where it is desired to temporarily corral livestock in a specific part of a larger S field. Hence, these gate-frames in Figures 2A and 3A can be set up rapidly to provide a 0 passageway for the wheels of the irrigator to pass through.

Shown in Figure 2AA, the upstanding frame 3 10 A of the gate-frame is provided with a 00 S short connecting wire 340A.

C, In Figure 2AA, the user connects the short wire 340 to the end of the fence wire 1 OOA N, using an end-insulator 350. The end-insulator is in the form of a nut-like component that has 00 C 5 eyelets at either end of the component for connecting with the two wires 340A, 100 OA together, in S a manner that ensures that the two wires 340A, 100 OA do not actually contact each other. This enables the two wires to be in tension with one another, as shown in Figures 2A and 2AA, but avoiding an electrical contact between the two. This avoids a situation where the electrified wire 100 OA could inadvertently be in electrical contact with the frame 310 A, which would cause a 0 short circuit.

In other words, the use of the end-insulator 350 ensures that the wire 100A can apply a tension or pull on the frame 310 A, because it is connected to it, but avoids electrical contact between the frame 310 A and the fence wire 100 OA.

Similarly, the user attaches other side of the wire 100C to a corresponding short wire 340C. This manner of attachment of the fence gates opening 300A to each side of the fence wire 100A, 100C allows the wire 100 to be taut on either side of the fence gate opening 300A. Thus, the end-insulator 350 ensures that no electric current passes from the fence wire 100 A to the frame 3 10 A. This is to avoid a short circuit by ensuring that the outer surface of the frame 31 OA is not electrically charged during use.

The next step in the installation process is to establish an electric contact between the fence wire 100 A and both the internal wire 110 A inside the frame 310 A, and also with the electrified rod 330A. This is achieved as follows: Shown in Figure 2AA, a thin conductive wire 311 A is used to connect the electrifiable fence wire 100 A with the internal wire 110 A (shown as a dotted line) inside the frame 310 A. In the embodiment in Figure 2AA, the thin wire 31 1A is a continuation of the same internal wire lI1A.

The conductive wire 311 A is wrapped or shielded by an insulator in order to minimise or avoid electrical contact of the wire and the inner wall of the frame 31 GA.

Also shown in Figure 2AA, a thin conductive wire 332A is used to connect the 00 electrifiable fence wire 100A to the electrified rod 330A. In the embodiment of Figure 2AA, the 0 S conductive wire 332A is formed from the same piece of wire as the rods 330A, however, in other modifications these can be made from separate pieces.

Figure 2B shows a top or plan view of the gate of Figure 2A 0 Second Embodiment 00 Figure 3A shows a second embodiment of an electric fence gate of the present invention S in the form of gate-opening 300B.

00 The gate-opening 300B includes a gate-structure-means in the form of a light-weight r, gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C. In this embodiment, the frame is made of light-weight, hollow tubing. In other modifications, the frame can made of solid, non-hollow material.

In this second embodiment, the gate-opening 300B resembles a wire frame which includes a upstanding portion 3 10 A which defines one side of the passageway. A second 0 upstanding portion 310 C defines the other side of the passageway. A connector 310B connects the first 310 A and second upstanding portions 310 C at around ground level.

The gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C defines and provides a passageway in the form of gap 320. Through this gap 320, it is possible for the wheel 220 of the irrigator to pass through the electrifiable fence 100.

The gate-opening 300B is also provided with electrified rods 330A, 330B. These rods of the second embodiment function similarly to those of the first embodiment, as described above.

In Figure 3A, the electric current is able to flow from one side of the gap to the other side guided by the gate-frame 310A, 310B, 310C.

In Figure 3A, a solid line represents the wire 110 IA, 110B, 110C that is held close to the parts of the gate-frame 3 10A, 310B, 3 10C. The electric current of the fence 100 passes through this wire 110A, 110B, 110C.

In the embodiment of Figure 3A, the wire 1 10A, 110B, 1 10C that roughly follows the contour of the gate-frame 3 10A, 310B, 3 10C is actually one and the same as the wire 100A of the electrified fence. In use, the temporary electrified fence consists of a wire 100 A that stretches across a portion of a field. The user, for example a farmer, will erect the gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C at a location where the irrigator wheel 220 will cross the fence wire. Then, the user hooks the wire 100 A to the gate-frame. For this, the gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C is provided with holding-means in the form of insulation-covered hooks 360. These hooks 360 hold the wire 1 10A, 110B, 1 10C close to the gate-frame such that the wire generally follows the contour of the S gate-frame. Thus, the farmer is able to very rapidly create a gate in a temporary electrified fence.

The hooks 360 are designed so as to hold the electrified wire 100A, 110 IA, 110B, 110C out of contact with the gate-frame 310A, 310B, 310C.

In the preferred embodiment of Figure 3A, the gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 OC is generally 0 U-shaped.

In Figure 3A, an advantage of the gate-frame is that it can be pre-assembled as a unit. A 00 S user can purchase the gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C of Figure 3A, and install it quickly, in a S similar manner to the earlier embodiment.

N, In Figure 3A, the gate-frame is provided with support means that, in use, are used to keep 00 the frame upright. The support-means are in the form of pins 313 that are located near the base of N, the gate-frame. In order to install the gate-frame, the pins 313 are pressed into the ground. Since the gate-frame in the embodiment is intended as a temporary gate for a temporary electrified fence, the degree of support provided by the pins 313 is sufficient for this temporary purpose.

Moreover, part of the support for the gate-frame comes from the tension that comes from the pull 0 of the fence wires 100A, 100C from both directions.

Figure 3B is a side view of the gate of Figure 2A.

Operations In use, in Figure 1B, the elongated multi-wheeled irrigation apparatus 200 is able to pass through the electrified fence 100. Each of the wheels 220 of the apparatus 200 are able to pass through an embodiment of an electric fence gate. For example, either of the embodiments in Figures 2A or 3A can be used.

Figure 2AA shows an object, in the form of one single wheel 220 of the irrigator apparatus, moving through the gap 320 in the electric fence gate opening 300A. The wheel temporarily pushes aside the rods 330A, 330B to allow the wheel to pass through the gap.

In other embodiments, two or more wheels 220 can move through the gap, for example, some vehicles have double-wheels. Also, a motorbike could move through these gates, and some motorbikes have two wheels while some have four wheels.

When the wheels have passed through, the rods 330A, 330B spring back to the obstructed state to continue acting as an electrical deterrent to livestock. This prevents the animals from passing through the gap 320 in the gate.

Embodiments of the invention may be used with irrigation apparatus of both the centrepivot irrigators, as well as linear irrigators.

An example of embodiments of the invention being used with a circular, centre-pivot irrigation apparatus is shown in Figure 5A, which is a birds eye view of a centre-pivot irrigator 0 200 which rotates like a hand of a clock around a central point 201. In Figure 5A, the wheels 220 of the irrigation apparatus move around in concentric circles 202. In the example, the temporary S fence wires 100 intersect the concentric circular paths of the wheels 220. It is at these points of 0 intersection that embodiments of the gate openings 300A are created in the temporary electrified fence 100, in order to enable the wheels 220 of the irrigator to pass through the temporary fence 00 S 100, while maintaining an electrified enclosure for the livestock and animals.

C, In Figure 5B, the wheels 220 of the linear irrigation apparatus move straight lines 203. In N, the example, the temporary fence wires 100 intersect the straight paths of the wheels 220. It is at 00 these points of intersection that embodiments of the gate openings 300A are created in the temporary electrified fence 100, in order to enable the wheels 220 of the irrigator to pass through the temporary fence 100, while maintaining an electrified enclosure for the livestock and animals.

0 Modifications Throughout this specification, the reference to an electric fence or other electrified item is understood to mean that the item only becomes electrified when connected to an electric circuit, and is not electrified when disconnected from the electric power source.

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

For instance, the temporary-obstruction-means, which are embodied as rods, can also be embodied in any structure that presents a physical barrier in the gap 320. For instance, the temporary-obstruction-means may be in the form of a panel having a surface area.

Different Aspect of the Invention Figure 4A shows an embodiment of a modification according to this different aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention, the fence may or may not be electrified, and the drawing of Figures 4A and 4B show a non-electrified fence, In Figure 4A and 4B, the temporary-obstruction-means is in the form of a gate-member 330.

In terms of structure, the gate-opening 300C includes a gate-structure-means in the form of gate-frame 310A, 310B, 310C.

(In Figures 4A and 4B, the same reference numerals are used as for the earlier 00 embodiments, for ease of understanding).

C

In Figures 4A and 4B, the gate-opening 300C includes a first upstanding structure 310A which defines said one side of the passageway. A second upstanding structure 310 C defines the S other side of the passageway.

0 A connector 310B is used to connect the first 310 A and second 310 C upstanding structures at around ground level. This connection of the right and left hand parts 3 10 A, 310C 00 S means that the gate frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C is a unitary device which can be easily installed.

N The gate-frame 310 A, 310B, 310 C defines and provides a passageway in the form of gap N, 320. Through this gap 320, it is possible for the wheel 220 of the irrigator to pass through the 00 electrifiable fence 100, as shown in Figure lB.

C It is noted that, in Figure 4A, the fence on either side of the gate 300C need not be electrified.

In the present embodiment of Figure 4A, the gate-member 330 is pivotally mounted proximate to ground level on a hinge 370. The gate-member is kept in its equilibrium-upright 0 orientation by a pair of pneumatic shock absorbers 371A, 371B, best seen in the side view of Figure 4B.

In Figure 4B, when the gate-member 330 is pushed in one direction (as shown in Figure 4B), one of the pneumatic shock absorbers 317A is compressed. When the wheel moves past the gate-members, this pneumatic shock absorber 317A acts to restore the gate-member 330 to its equilibrium upright orientation. Similarly, when a wheel pushes the gate-member 330 in from opposite direction, the other absorbers 317B is compressed. When the wheel moves past the gate-members, this pneumatic shock absorber 317B acts to restore the gate-member 330 to its equilibrium upright orientation.

The hinges 370 each have an axis of rotation is parallel to the ground. As a consequence, in Figure 4B, when a wheel 220 of a vehicle that is rolled against the gate-member 330, it is pivoted forward to eventually allow the wheel 220 to roll over the gate-member.

Hence, in use, when the wheel 220 of the irrigator needs to pass through the gate, the wheel 220 rolls forward and pushed against the gate-member 330, eventually rolling over.

Then, when the wheel 220 has passed through the gate, the pneumatic shock absorbers 371 push the gate-member 330 back into the upright position shown in Figure 4A.

In modifications of this aspect of the invention, the pneumatic shock absorbers 371 can be replaced with other means of urging the gate-member, such as with spring-mounted hinges or even motorised mechanisms. Other types of shock absorbers can be used, such as fluid-filled shock absorbers.

In the embodiments of Figures 2A to 3B, the moveable electrified rods 330A, 330B are 0 0 supported so as to pivot in a plane that is generally parallel to the ground. In other embodiments, Sthe rods can be supported so as to pivot in a plane that is general perpendicular to the ground. In further embodiments, the rod or rods can move in a plane that is not necessarily parallel or 1 perpendicular to the ground, for instance, the plane can be at forty-five degrees to the ground.

0 In the embodiment in Figure 4A, the gate-member 330 is hinged close to ground level, and pivots about an axis that is generally parallel to ground level. In other embodiments, the 00 01- gate-member 330 may alternatively be hinged to one of the upright portions 3 10A, 3 10C of the N gate-frame, such that the gate-member 330 would then pivot about an upright axis.

N, The components of the fence gates can be made from a range of suitable materials. For 00 0 5 instance, the gate frames 310A can be made from metal, wood, or even rigid plastics materials or C fibreglass or other reinforced composite materials.

In the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3A, a pair of electrifiable temporary-obstructionmeans in the form of moveable electrified rods 330A, 330B are provided, but in other embodiments three or more such objects or rods can be provided. For example, there may be two 0 or more pairs of rods at different levels.

Embodiments of the gates may also be used in fields which are used to grow vegetable and various fodder crops, where the gates are needed to keep livestock in and out of different fields.

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

Claims (25)

1. An electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable fence; electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and OO 00 adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an 00 0 unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient 0 C force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means.

2. An electric fence gate of claim 1 wherein the electric current flows through the gate- structure-means.

3. An electric fence gate of either claim 1 or 2 wherein, in use, the gate-structure-means includes: a first upstanding structure portion defining said one said of the passageway, a second upstanding structure portion defining said other said of the passageway, and a connector portion that connects the first and second upstanding structures at around ground level.

4. An electric fence gate of any one of the preceding claims wherein the gate-structure- means is generally U-shaped.

An electric fence gate of any one of the preceding claims wherein the gate-structure- means includes an electric conductor that allows electric current to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side.

6. An electric fence gate of claim 5 wherein the gate-structure-means includes a passage 00 that contains the electric conductor.

7. An electric fence gate of claim 6 wherein the passage includes a hollow channel, and the electric conductor is a wire that passes through and inside the hollow channel.

8. An electric fence gate of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the electric conductor is a wire, OO S and wherein the gate-structure-means is provided with holding-means which holds the wire 0 S relative to the gate-structure-means such that the wire generally follows the contour of the gate- 00 OO structure-means.

9. An electric fence gate of claim 8 wherein the holding-means includes insulated hooks that hold the wire in proximity to the gate-structure-means without electrical conductive contact between the wire and the gate-structure-means.

An electric fence gate of any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means includes an elongated projection made of an electrical conductor material which, in use, protrudes from part of the gate-structure-means so as to obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in the unobstructed state.

11. An electric fence gate of claim 10 wherein the temporary-obstruction-means includes at least a pair or more of said elongated projections each projecting into the passageway from opposite parts of the gate-structure-means generally towards each other.

12. An electric fence gate of any one of the preceding claims wherein the object includes one or more wheels of a vehicle.

13. An electric fence gate of any one of the preceding claims wherein the gate-structure- means is portable.

14. An electric fence gate substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to Figures 1A-2B or Figure 3A-3B of the accompanying drawings.

A fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in a fence, the gate including: Sgate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in a fence; temporary-obstruction-means adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to moveit into the unobstructed state; 00- the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object N has passed through the passageway; 0 N, wherein the temporary-obstruction-means is pivotally mounted proximate to ground level 00 0 such that its axis of rotation is parallel to the ground so that a wheel of a vehicle that is rolled C,1 thereagainst causes the temporary-obstruction-means to pivot forward to eventually allow the wheel to roll over the temporary-obstruction-means.

16. A fence gate of claim 15 wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means.

17. A fence gate of either claim 15 or 16 wherein the fence is electrifiable.

18. A fence gate of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the temporary-obstruction-means is provided with urging means adapted to urge the temporary-obstruction-means back to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway.

19. A fence gate of claim 18 wherein the urging means includes one or more shock absorbers.

A method of passing an elongated multi-wheeled irrigation apparatus through an electrified fence, the method including: providing the electrified fence with a number of electric fence gate corresponding at least to number of wheels of the multi-wheeled apparatus such that each wheel is able to pass through one of the electric fence gates.

21. A method of claim 20 wherein each of the electric fence gates is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14.

22. Use of an electrified fence gate according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to provide a series of gates in an electrified fence such that each of the gates allows a wheel of an elongated multi- wheeled irrigation apparatus to pass therethrough. S

23. An electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence through which a wheel of an irrigation machine is able to pass through said passageway, the gate including: 00- gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable C, fence; C, electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and 00 adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an C,1 obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means.

24. An electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable fence through which a wheel of an irrigation machine is able to pass through said passageway, the gate including: gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable fence; electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means, and wherein, in use, the gate-structure-means comprises an assembly that includes: 0 0 a first upstanding structure portion defining said one said of the passageway, a second upstanding structure portion defining said other said of the passageway, and a connector portion that connects the first and second upstanding structures at around ground level in which the assembly is in the form of a single unitary entity.

25. An electric fence gate adapted to provide a temporary passageway in an electrifiable N fence through which a wheel of an irrigation machine is able to pass through said passageway, 0 N, the gate including: 00 0gate-structure-means adapted to provide a passageway therethrough in an electrifiable r,1 fence; electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means attached to the gate-structure-means and adapted to temporarily obstruct the passageway when the temporary-obstruction-means is in an obstructed state; the electrifiable temporary-obstruction-means adapted, in use, to temporarily move to an unobstructed state when an object moves through the passageway and is able to apply sufficient force against the temporary-obstruction-means to move it into the unobstructed state; the temporary-obstruction-means adapted to revert to the obstructed state after the object has passed through the passageway; wherein electric current passing through the fence is able to flow from one side of the passageway to the other side guided by the gate-structure-means, and wherein, in use, the gate-structure-means comprises an assembly that includes: a first upstanding structure portion defining said one said of the passageway, a second upstanding structure portion defining said other said of the passageway, and a connector portion that connects the first and second upstanding structures at around ground level in which the assembly is in the form of a single unitary U-shaped entity to facilitate installation of the electrified fence gate by attaching the first and second upstanding structure portions of the assembly to support-means.