AU2018253548A1 - A connector - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A connector for releasably connecting a wire to a post (30) is disclosed. In at least one aspect, the connector (10) comprises a spiral component (11) having an open mouth (12) to receive a wire (20) positioned transversely thereto, and a retainer (15) which enables the connector to be fastened to the post. 10<FIGRE

Description

A CONNECTOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a connector, which can be used in vineyards as a component to assist in a wire lifting system for training vines and managing vine growth.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] In vineyards, a wire lifting system may be used to control the growth of shoots, and train the vines into a configuration which enhances fruit development and harvesting.

[0003] During the active growing season (spring), the foliage requires constant attention, as the shoots are growing rapidly. As a means of controlling the foliage, foliage wires are installed which are anchored at each end of the vine row to strainer posts and then strung between vineyard posts positioned at convenient intervals throughout the row of vines. Foliage wires need to be positioned according to the shoot growth of the vines. As the shoots grow up, the wires need to be lifted up the posts.

[0004] The foliage wires are used to contain the shoots, so that shoots which might originally be growing outwards, into the space between adjacent rows of vines, are contained within the wires. An aim is to produce an open canopy, with even exposure of the leaves to sunlight. Generally, there will be a number of different levels for the lifting wires, depending on how high the vine foliage has grown.

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 [0005] Retaining clips or connectors are used to retain the lifting wires in place, connected to the vineyard posts. These clips and connectors need to be strong and reasonably secure. However, it is advantageous for them to be easily disengageable, when necessary, to facilitate re-positioning of the foliage wires.

[0006] Any discussion of background art, any reference to a document and any reference to information that is known, which is contained in this specification, is provided only for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the background art to the present invention, and is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of that material forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of the application in relation to which this specification has been filed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention provides a connector which can be used as part of a foliage wire retaining system in vineyards, or for other crops which could also benefit from a wire lifting system.

[0008] In first principal aspect (but not necessarily the broadest or only aspect), there is provided a connector for releasably connecting a wire to a post, the connector comprising:

(a) a spiral component, a portion of which defines, at least in part, an open mouth region for receiving a wire orientated substantially transversely thereto, and (b) a retainer which enables the connector to be fastened to the post.

[0009] Generally, coils of the spiral component will have a substantially circular configuration. However, different geometric shapes may be possible, and the coils of

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 the spiral component may (for example) have a substantially polygonal configuration i.e. triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal etc.

[00010] The spiralling of the spiral component (a) enables retention (when required) of the wire, within the spiral, whilst still allowing the wire to be disengaged from the connector when the wire is to be repositioned. The greater the amount of spiralling, and the tighter the spiralling, the more secure is the retention of the wire within the spiral, and the more difficult it is to disengage the wire (whether intentionally or inadvertently). Therefore, the amount (i.e. number of coils) and degree (i.e. tightness) of the spiralling will be determined by the desired balance between security of retention (when required) and ability to disengage the foliage wire for re-positioning (when that is required). Generally, the necessary balance can be achieved if the spiral has two coils - i.e. an inner coil and an outer coil.

[00011] The retainer can be any part or component of the connector which enables the connector to be fastened to a post. It can, for example, be a looped, folded or bent segment, preferably located at an end of the connector, which can attach to a staple or hook (or other attachment means) on a post.

[00012] In one embodiment, the connector is made of metal (in particular, a strong and durable metal, such as galvanised steel), and is used in a wire lifting system wherein the foliage wires are similarly made of metal.

[00013] Accordingly, embodiments of the above described principal aspect may comprise any of the following features.

[00014] In one embodiment, the connector is formed from a metal material.

[00015] In another embodiment, the connector is formed from a metal strip.

[00016] In a further embodiment, the connector is formed from galvanised steel.

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 [00017] In another embodiment, the connector is formed from galvanised steel spring wire.

[00018] In one embodiment, the retainer allows the connector to be rotated from a first position, where it projects outwards from the post, to a second position, where it lies substantially against the post, without projecting significantly outwards therefrom, and vice versa.

[00019] In another embodiment, the retainer is a looped, folded, or bent segment of a metal strip forming the connector.

[00020] In a further embodiment, the retainer is at one end of the connector.

[00021] In another embodiment, the retainer is a looped, folded or bent end of the connector.

[00022] In a further embodiment, the retainer is a looped, folded or bent end of a metal strip forming the connector.

[00023] In one embodiment, the coils of the spiral have a substantially circular configuration.

[00024] In another embodiment, the coils of the spiral have a substantially polygonal configuration.

[00025] In a further embodiment, the coils of the spiral have a substantially triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal or octagonal configuration.

[00026] In another embodiment, the amount and degree of spiralling of the spiral component is determined by the desired balance between security of retention (when required) and ability to disengage the wire for re-positioning (when that is required).

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 [00027] In a further embodiment, the spiral has two coils, being an inner coil and an outer coil.

[00028] In another embodiment, the spiral component is a coiled segment of the connector.

[00029] In a further embodiment, the spiral component is a coiled end of the connector.

[00030] In another embodiment, the retainer and the spiral component are at opposite ends of the connector.

[00031] Various principal aspects described herein can be practiced alone or combination with one or more of the other principal aspects, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. The various principal aspects can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features described in relation to the other principal aspects. Furthermore, optional features described in relation to one example (or embodiment) can optionally be combined alone or together with other features in different examples or embodiments.

[00032] For the purposes of summarising the principal aspect, certain aspects, advantages and novel features have been described herein above. It is to be understood, however, that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimises one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00033] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

2018253548 24 Oct 2018

FIGURE 1 is a front view of the connector;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the connector shown in FIGURE 1; and FIGURE 3 is a schematic perspective view, illustrating the connector in use. Dimensions of some parts shown in the drawings may have been modified or exaggerated for various reasons, including for the purpose of clarity and/or illustration.

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT [00034] The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is to be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of any aspect of the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of any aspect of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as falling within the ambit of the inventive concept.

[00035] An advantageous embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the above-mentioned drawings.

EXAMPLE(S) [00036] Referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, a connector 10, which can be used in vineyards as a component of a wire lifting system, is illustrated. The connector of this embodiment is manufactured from galvanised steel spring wire.

[00037] In the embodiment shown, the connector 10 comprises a straight portion leading to, at one end, a spiral component 11 defining, at least in part, an open mouth region 12 for releasably receiving a foliage wire 20 (as illustrated in FIGURE 3). This spiral component 11 has two coils, being an inner coil and an outer coil, the configuration of which is essentially that of a couple of concentric circles. However, because of limitations of the machine currently being used to form the spiral, the spiral

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 of the connector 10 has a slightly angular appearance (see FIGURE 2, in particular), having been formed by producing a series of “kinks” in an originally straight piece of spring wire, rather than being a completely smooth curve.

[00038] At the other end, the connector 10 has a retainer 15 for fastening the connector to a vineyard post 30 (as also illustrated in FIGURE 3). The retainer 15 may, for example, be just a loop or bend of that end of the metal strip which forms the connector 10.

[00039] As shown in FIGURE 3, the connector 10 can be fastened to a post 30 by fitting the retainer 15 with a staple (or other attachment device) 31.

[00040] The combination of the loop of retainer 15 with the staple (or other attachment device) 31 allows for some movement of the connector 10 with respect to the post 30, which can assist when engaging (or disengaging) the foliage wire 20.

[00041] This combination also allows the position of the connector 10 to be changed, depending on whether or not it is in use. The connector 10 can, as required, be rotated either downwards or upwards (i.e. into the first, second or third position described in the paragraph below, or to any intermediate or other position).

[00042] In FIGURE 3, the connector 10 attached to the left-hand post 30 is shown in two different positions. The solid form indicates a first position, where the connector 10 has been engaged with the foliage wire 20. The wire 20, held in place within the spirals 11 of the connectors 10 attached to the sides of posts 30 within a row of vines, is then allowed to drop down, so that the wire 20 will rest against, and hence be held in close proximity to, each of the posts in that row (this being the second, “in use” position for the connectors 10). This means that the foliage wire 20, when not in use, is kept out of the way of machinery, workers etc. The dotted form indicates a third position, where the connector 10 is not in use and lies out of the way, straight (vertically) down the post to which it is attached.

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 [00043] As indicated in the previous paragraph, the connector 10 of the present invention is particularly suited for use during periods where there is little or no vine foliage, and therefore no need to have the wires 20 up, in “lifted” mode. Connectors 10, in their second (“in use”) position, are used to keep the foliage wires 20 out of the way of any machinery or workers working in the vineyard midrows. The connectors 10 provide foliage wires 20 with a secure retention system to keep the wires (when not in use) out of the way of machinery or workers, throughout such periods that vineyard managers see fit (primarily during the dormant winter months and during early spring). Without this system, using the connectors 10, foliage wires 20 (when not in use) can easily become detached from the conventional clips or staples used to connect them to the vineyard posts, and then become entangled in vineyard machinery (slashers etc.), causing considerable problems in unproductive downtime.

[00044] The height at which a connector 10 is mounted to post 30 via attachment device 31 is at the discretion of the vineyard manager.

[00045] Although FIGURE 3 shows posts 30 each having a single connector 10 attached thereto, the connectors can also be used as part of a double-sided foliage wire retention system. In this case, where there are two strands of foliage wire 20, one on each side of the row of vines and posts 30, there will be two connectors 10 attached (at substantially the same height from the ground) to the same post. The two connectors 10 can conveniently be attached directly opposite each other on the post, with one facing toward the mid row space on one side of the row of vines and posts 30, and the other facing toward the mid row space on the other side.

[00046] Also, if there are foliage wires (whether single-sided or double-sided) at more than one level, additional connectors 10 can be attached, at the appropriate heights from the ground, to the posts 30.

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 [00047] To engage the foliage wire 20, the wire is easily dropped in through the mouth portion 12 of the spiral 11, and manoeuvred through the outermost coil and thence into the central cavity 13 of the spiral 11.

[00048] To disengage the foliage wire 20, so that it can be repositioned, this process is reversed.

[00049] While a specific embodiment of the invention has been described in the EXAMPLE above, it should be appreciated that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention.

[00050] In particular, the connector is not limited to being of any specific dimensions and (for example) its overall length can be shorter or longer than how it appears in the accompanying drawings, so as to suit the contour of the land, or otherwise suit the vineyard manager’s needs (or for any other reason).

[00051] Also, although the spiral component 11 of the connector 10 is shown, in FIGURES 1 to 3, as being a coiled end of the connector 10, it can instead be formed at an intermediate position of the connector, by coiling a doubled-up segment of the connector to form a spiral. Alternatively, the spiral component can branch off the spine of the connector 10.

[00052] Furthermore, although the spiral 11 of the connector 10 described in the EXAMPLE above has a substantially circular configuration, the “kinks” being formed in the wire strip of the connector, by the machine forming the spiral, may be exaggerated and located further apart, thereby giving the coils of the spiral a far more angular appearance. Thus, the coils of the spiral may (instead of being substantially circular) be of a substantially polygonal configuration - i.e. triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal, octagonal etc.

[00053] Similarly, although the connector 10 described in the EXAMPLE above has the retainer 15 being a looped or bent segment of the metal strip forming the ίο

2018253548 24 Oct 2018 connector 10, and being located at the opposite end of the connector from where the spiral component 11 is located, the position of the retainer 15 can be varied, as appropriate. Also, another type of fastener (such as a hook or clasp) can be substituted for the looped or bent segment of the connector’s metal strip (depending on the type of attachment mechanism provided on the post 30, to which the retainer 15 is to fasten).

[00054] Although the connector 10 described in the EXAMPLE above is made of galvanised steel spring wire, depending on the specific situation in which the connector is to be used, it may be made of other metallic materials, or possibly even from non-metallic material (such as plastic).

[00055] Also, while it is anticipated that the primary application for this connector will be in vineyards, there may be other crops which can utilise a wire lifting (or similar) system to manage and control crop growth, and where this connector could therefore find a use. Possible alternative crops might, for example, be hops, tomatoes or peppers.

[00056] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[00057] Furthermore, throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (18)

1. A connector for releasably connecting a wire to a post, wherein the connector comprises:

(a) a spiral component, a portion of which defines, at least in part, an open mouth region for receiving a wire orientated substantially transversely thereto, and (b) a retainer which enables the connector to be fastened to the post.

2. A connector according to Claim 1, wherein the connector is formed from a metal material.

3. A connector according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the connector is formed from a metal strip.

4. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is formed from galvanised steel.

5. A connector according to Claim 4, wherein the connector is formed from galvanised steel spring wire.

6. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer allows the connector to be rotated from a first position, where it projects outwards from the post, to a second position, where it lies substantially against the post, without projecting significantly outwards therefrom, and vice versa.

7. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer is a looped, folded or bent segment of a metal strip forming the connector.

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8. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer is at one end of the connector.

9. A connector according to Claim 8, wherein the retainer is a looped, folded or bent end of the connector.

10. A connector according to Claim 9, wherein the retainer is a looped, folded or bent end of a metal strip forming the connector.

11. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coils of the spiral have a substantially circular configuration.

12. A connector any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the coils of the spiral have a substantially polygonal configuration.

13. A connector according to Claim 12, wherein the coils of the spiral have a substantially triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, septagonal or octagonal configuration.

14. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount and degree of spiralling of the spiral component is determined by the desired balance between security of retention (when required) and ability to disengage the wire for re-positioning (when that is required).

15. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spiral has two coils, being an inner coil and an outer coil.

16. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spiral component is a coiled segment of the connector.

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17. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spiral component is a coiled end of the connector.

18. A connector according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retainer and the spiral component are at opposite ends of the connector.