AU2022215234A1

AU2022215234A1 - Securing device

Info

Publication number: AU2022215234A1
Application number: AU2022215234A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mathew Henry Mckinley
Original assignee: Gallagher Group Ltd
Current assignee: Gallagher Group Ltd
Priority date: 2012-10-11
Filing date: 2022-08-11
Publication date: 2022-09-01
Also published as: AU2017204279B2; AU2020201281B2; AU2017100835A4; AU2020201281A1; AU2013242818A1; AU2014101577A4; AU2017204279A1

Abstract

A fencing reel holder is disclosed. The reel holder has a frame configured to have a reel of fence line secured thereto. The reel holder further has at least one hook extending from the frame and configured to attach the fencing reel holder to an elongate member. A securing mechanism and the hook are moveable relative to each other to retain a portion of the length of the elongate member. 13

Description

SECURING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a securing device and in particular methods of securing reel holders to objects.

The present invention has particular application to the electric fencing industry, and this will now be referenced throughout this specification.

BACKGROUND ART

The use of electric fencing is common for a number of industries, where a current is applied to a fence line to provide an electric shock to any objects that come in contact with it. The application is especially useful for the use of controlling movement of livestock.

A number of variations of the electric fence have been developed, and one of these variations is the electric fence tape and electric fence wire commonly known as polywire. This is developed so that a temporary electric barrier can be created without having to set up a permanent post or fence line.

Typically, the electric tape or wire is supplied in a reel, contained within a reel holder. Often the reel holder includes an insulated handle along with an open hook to physically attach the reel holder to an electrified fence wire and also electrically connect the tape (electrically attached to . the hook) with the electric fence system. The user can hook this end to a fence or post, and extend the electric tape out to another end with another handle connected to the tape. Typically the reel holder is transported between temporary fence locations on the back of a motorbike or a 4 wheel motorbike or ATV.

It is often common for users to connect the ends of the electric tape to existing permanent electric fence wires to provide the electrical charge. However, there are some obvious and common problems with this.

Firstly, it can be reasonably tedious and time consuming to secure the reel end of the fence tape to an existing electric fence wire. This is because the users have to ensure there is sufficient contact between the conductive part of the fence tape with the electric fence wire, so that electricity will be conducted through this contact.

Secondly, there are obvious health and safety issues with regarding to connecting the electric tape to existing electric fence wires. There is a likelihood of electric shocks or injuries when the user makes this electric connection.

Thirdly, the existing electric fence may have to be switched off (i.e. not live) when this installation takes place. This may not be desirable as livestock still need to be retained or deterred during the time of installation.

But most importantly, it is important that the reel holder is securely held with respect to the fence. If the reel holder falls off the fence then the fence created from the tape or wire running out from the reel will no longer be electrified and no longer create a barrier for livestock. Also time will be wasted reinstating the fence through the procedure as outlined above.

Furthermore the open hook of the reel holder is also used to attach it to the carrier of an ATV or 4 wheeled motorbike which is commonly used for moving temporary electric fencing. A common problem is for the reel holder to fall off the vehicle while being transported which often causes damage to the reel holder and also wastes the time of the operator.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Given the simplicity of the technology of electric fencing and equipments thereof, any improvements which lead to operational advantages such as time and effort are considered to be particularly advantageous.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby . incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fencing reel holder including:

a frame configured to have a reel of fence line secured thereto;

at least one hook extending from the frame, and configured to attach the fencing reel holder to an elongate member; and

a securing mechanism configured to be moveable relative to the hook between an engaged position and an open position,

wherein in the engaged position the securing mechanism forms a barrier over at least a portion of an open end of the hook to retain a portion of the length of the elongate member within the hook, and in the open position the elongate member is permitted to pass through the open end of the hook, and

wherein the securing mechanism is biased towards the engaged position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of attaching a reel holder substantially as herein described; the method including the steps of:

positioning the hook onto a portion of the elongate member;

pivoting the securing mechanism to the engaged position from the open position such that the barrier portion is positioned over at least a portion of an open end of the hook to retain the portion of the elongate member within the hook.

. A reel holder should be understood to mean any device or means for retaining a reel.

For the purpose of this invention, the reel should be understood to be a roll of conductive wires or tapes for electric fencing purposes.

Preferably, the hook is made of conductive material so that it can provide the necessary contact for electricity to be conducted.

The elongate member is understood to be any long or slender members of which the reel holder can be attached to. These include fence wire, fences, any existing building structures, parts of a vehicle, such as pipework of bikes and ATV's and the like.

The securing mechanism is understood to be any device, means or mechanism used in combination with the hook to retain the elongate member within the hook portion of the reel holder.

Preferably the securing mechanism has an "open" position and an "engaged" position. The "open" position allows the elongate member to escape from the open end of the hooked portion of the reel holder. The "engaged" position retains the fence wire within the hooked portion of the reel holder. This allows the reel holder to be attached or removed from the elongate member.

In the "engaged" position, the securing mechanism preferably forms a barrier over at least a portion of the open end of the hooked portion of the reel holder. This creates a substantially closed cross section between the securing mechanism and the hooked portion of the reel holder, and retains the length of the elongate member within this substantially closed cross section.

However, this should not be seen as limiting as some embodiments may not close the hook but merely restrict movement of the elongate member so it cannot 'escape'from the hook.

Preferably, the securing mechanism is actuated by an actuating mechanism to move the securing mechanism from an "open" position to an "engaged" position to allow for ease of attachment of the reel holder to the elongate member by the user.

The term actuating mechanism should be understood to be any user operable device, means or mechanism to cause a device, means or mechanism to act in a certain way.

The action of the actuating mechanism may be driven by mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or manual force.

Preferably, the securing mechanism is manually actuatable by the user via the actuating . mechanism so that it can be easily and quickly operated by the user while holding the reel holder.

Preferably, the actuating mechanism is made from or substantially coated in an insulating material to prevent electrical shocks or injuries to the user during actuation.

In one embodiment, the securing mechanism uses a biasing means to hold the securing mechanism in the "engaged" position to retain the elongate member within the hook portion of the reel holder. Examples of biasing means can include spring bolts, tension or compression springs, over centre latching arrangements, deformable plastic protrusions, leaf springs or resilient materials.

In some embodiments, the biasing means supplies adequate force to keep the securing mechanism in a position to create the barrier for retaining of the elongate member within the hooked portion of the reel holder. This is the "engaged" position.

However, it should be appreciated that a biasing means is not require in all embodiments.

In one embodiment, the securing mechanism's actuating mechanism can include a handle, lever or toggle and the like. In one operational mode, the actuating mechanism is actuated, creating an opposite force on the biasing means, thus releasing the force supplied by the biasing means to the securing mechanism, subsequently releasing the barrier for retaining the elongate member within the hooked portion of the reel holder. This creates a temporary "open" position of the securing mechanism, as long as the actuating mechanism is actuated.

When the actuating mechanism is released, the biasing means is released from this opposite force created by the actuating mechanism, thus springing back into position to supply force to the securing mechanism, subsequently moving the barrier back into the "engaged" position for retaining of the elongate member within the hooked portion of the reel holder.

In an alternative embodiment, the securing mechanism moves in a predetermined manner between "open" and "engaged" positions via travel means.

The travel means can include any type of mechanism, means, device or system which allows the securing mechanism to travel in a predetermined manner. For example, such system may include a wheel and rail system or a slidable part within a machined slot.

In this embodiment, the actuating mechanism preferably is a handle, or hand grip, so that the user can actuate the securing mechanism to move between the "open" and "engaged" positions.

In operation, the user applies a manual force to the handle or hand grip, which in turn moves . the securing mechanism into the "engaged" position from the "open" position. In the "engaged" position, the structure of the securing mechanism forms a barrier to retain the elongate member within the hooked portion of the reel holder.

To release the elongate member, the user will apply a manual force to the actuating mechanism in the opposite direction, moving the securing mechanism so that it no longer forms a barrier at the opening of the hooked portion of the reel holder, thus the "open" position.

In a further embodiment, the securing mechanism is pivotable between "open" and "engaged" positions.

In this embodiment, the actuating mechanism of the securing mechanism can include a handle, knob, or wing nut and the like configured to rotate or pivot the securing mechanism.

In some embodiments, the securing mechanism uses a combination of biasing means and the actuating mechanism to hold the securing mechanism in the "engaged' position to retain the elongate member within the hook position of the reel holder.

Examples of biasing means can include spring bolts, tension or compression springs, over centre latching arrangements, deformable plastic protrusions, leaf springs or reliant materials.

In this embodiment, the biasing means biases against the actuating mechanism to hold the securing mechanism in its "enaqed" position.

Preferably, the biasing means provides sufficient biasing force to hold the securing mechanism in its "engaged" position.

Preferably, the biasing means provides sufficient biasing force to withstand any forces that may result due to any movements between the reel hook and the elongate member. Examples of the causes of the movement can be weather, transport, animal contact and the like.

Preferably, the biasing means' biasing force can be overcome by the manual force of the user actuating the actuating means.

In another embodiment, the biasing means can be released via a releasing mechanism. Examples of such mechanisms can include pneumatic, mechanic, electric or hydraulic configurations.

In a preferred mode of operation, the user applies a force to the actuating mechanism to rotate the securing mechanism from the "open" position to the "engaged" position. The structure of the securing mechanism forms a barrier to retain the elongate member within the hooked portion of the reel holder in the "engaged" position.

To release the elongate member, the user will apply a force to the actuating mechanism to . rotate the securing mechanism so that its structure no longer forms a barrier to the opening of the hooked portion of the reel holder, thus the "open" position.

This embodiment does not have a biasing means as described previously.

When the user applies the force to the actuating mechanism it rotates pass a protrusion which moves the securing mechanism to either an open or engaged position with no further force acting on the securing mechanism. To either open or engage the locking mechanism from its opposite position, a force sufficient to overcome the reaction force of the protrusion must be applied.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuating mechanism will be made of an insulating material so that the user can touch the actuating mechanism while the hook portion of the reel holder is in contact with a live electric fence without the user receiving an electric shock.

In some circumstances, the securing mechanism has to withstand higher forces caused by movements between the reel holder and the elongated member retained within. For example, when the reel hook is secured to the pipe works of a farm vehicle, the securing mechanism is under a lot more force due to the movement between the reel hook and the pipe work on a travelling vehicle. Furthermore, this problem is amplified if the pipe's diameter is relatively small compared to the hook of the reel holder.

Because of the above, in a further preferred mode of operation, the user applies a force to the actuating mechanism to rotate the securing mechanism from the "open" position to the "engaged" position. The structure of the securing mechanism forms a barrier to retain the elongate member within the hooked portion of the reel holder in the "engaged position. There is a further biasing means configured to the securing mechanism in order to co-operate with the actuating mechanism to provide sufficient force to retain the securing mechanism in its "engaged" position.

As the actuating mechanism is rotated to the "engaged" position, the actuating mechanism co operates with the biasing means to bias or form a barrier against the actuating mechanism. The force provided by the biasing means is sufficient to hold the actuating mechanism in its "engaged" position.

The actuating mechanism can be in the form of a plastic handle, and the biasing means can be in the form of a leaf spring with a tab. As the handle is turned, the, the handle co-operates with the leaf spring and its tab, thus retaining the securing mechanism in its "engaged position.

To release the elongate member, the user applies a force to the actuating mechanism to rotate it to the "open position", the force exerted by the user sufficiently overcomes the biasing force of . the biasing means, which in turn allows the actuating mechanism to rotate, thus moving the securing mechanism to its"open" position.

In another embodiment, the user will first activate a releasing means, which is configured to provide sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of the biasing means, before proceeding to exert a force to the actuating mechanism in order to rotate the actuating mechanism to its "open" position.

Referring to the plastic handle and plastic leaf spring example above, the releasing means can be the form of the tab as previously described. The user may press the tab down in order counter the biasing force temporarily, allowing the handle to be turned, thus rotating the actuating mechanism to its"open" position.

It may be seen that the present invention may have a number of advantages over the prior art, for example one or more of:

• The reel holder can be attached to other objects quickly and efficiently - such as a fence wire or carrier of a motorbike. This prevents it from falling off either the fence wire or the carrier and either de-energising the electric fence coming off the reel or getting damaged by falling from a moving vehicle.

• Saves time and cost and the adverse effects of wandering stock when a reel has fallen off of a fence.

• Increased operational safety - the user no longer has to touch the electric fence wire/tape.

• The reel holder securing mechanism is relatively cheap to make.

• Simple mechanisms to operate, therefore is simple for anyone to use.

• Caters for all types of elongate members, and pipe works of any diameter.

• Suitable for use on vehicles in rough terrains to retain the reel hook being attached to the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 isometric view of the reel holder with the securing mechanism in the "engaged" position;

Figure 2 front view of the reel holder with the securing mechanism in the "engaged" position;

Figure 3 side view of the reel holder with the securing mechanism in the "engaged" position;

Figure 4 front view of the reel holder with the securing mechanism in the "open" position; and

Fiqure 5 detailed view of one embodiment of the securing mechanism.

Figure 6 view of the reel holder secured to a bike carrier by the securing mechanism.

Figure 7 detailed view of one embodiment of the securing mechanism (assembled).

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a reel holder (1) with a securing mechanism (6) is shown.

Figures 1 to 3 shows a reel holder (1) with a securing mechanism (6) in the "engaged" position.

The reel holder (1) includes a number of components in order to serve the purpose of retaining a reel of electric fence tape or wires. These components include a handle (2), a frame (3), and a body (4).

The reel holder (1) further includes a hook (5). In this embodiment, the hook (5) is substantially U-shaped and has an open end.

The reel holder (1) further includes a securing mechanism (6) which retains the elongate member (7) within the hooked portion (5) of the reel holder (1). As shown in Figures 1-3, the securing mechanism (6) forms a barrier over at least a portion of the open end of the hook (5). This creates a substantially closed cross section between the securing mechanism (6) and the hook (5), and retains the length of the elongate member (7) within this substantially closed cross section. This is the "engaged" position for the securing mechanism.

The securing mechanism (6) is pivotable via an actuating mechanism (8) to move between the "engaged" position as described above and an "open" position.

With reference to Figure 4, the "open" position is when the securing mechanism (6) does not form a barrier over the open end of the hook (5). This allows the elongate member (7) to escape from the open end of the hook (5).

. In this embodiment, the actuating mechanism (8) is operable manually by the user.

In this embodiment, the actuating mechanism (8) is made from an insulating material.

In operation, the user holds the reel holder (1) via the handle (2).

The securing mechanism (6) is moved to the "open" position by the user's free hand via the actuating mechanism (8).

The user then places the hooked portion (5) of the reel holder over a elongate member (7).

While the fence wire is within the substantial U shape of the hook (5), the user moves the securing mechanism (6) into the "engaged" position via the actuating means (8). The securing mechanism (6) forms a barrier to the open end of the hook (5) thus forming a substantially closed cross section. The elongate member (7) is retained within this section and is not allowed to escape, thus securely attaching the reel holder (1) to the elongate member (7).

Figure 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the securing mechanism (6).

Figure 7 is an assembled view of this embodiment of the securing mechanism (6). The securing mechanism (6) includes an actuating mechanism (8) in the form of a plastic handle. The actuating mechanism (8) is secured onto the frame (3) of the reel holder (1) by a conventional nut (11), bolt (9) and washer (12) in combination with a plastic locator (10). The plastic locator (10) is further configured with a leaf spring (14) to be co-operate with the actuating mechanism (8). In operation, the leaf spring (14) is biased in a manner which at least a part of the leaf spring's (14) structure forms a barrier against the actuating mechanism (8) to hold the securing mechanism in its "closed" position. To release the securing mechanism (6), the user has to unbias the leaf spring (14) so that the structure of the leaf spring (14) no longer forms a barrier o to the actuating mechanism (8), thus allowing clearance for the actuating mechanism (8) to move the "open" position.

Figure 6 shows the reel holder (1) being attached to an ATV (13). In this instance the elongate member (7) is the handle bar of the ATV.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A reel holder including:

at least one hook configured to attach the reel holder to an elongated member; and

a securing mechanism moveable into different positions by an actuating mechanism:

wherein in one of the positions, the securing mechanism forms a barrier over at least a portion of an open end of the hook to retain a portion of the elongated member within the hook.

2. A reel holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member is a fence wire.

3. A reel holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member is a part of a vehicle.

4. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reel holder is configured to hold a reel of conductive material for electric fencing purposes.

5. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reel holder includes a reel.

6. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the securing mechanism is movable between at least two positions,

wherein in one of the positions, the clearance between the securing mechanism and the hooked portion of the reel holder is sufficient for the elongate member to escape from the hooked portion of the reel holder.

7. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the securing mechanism moves between the positions via a system where a slidable part travels within a machined slot.

8. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the securing mechanism is pivotable between the positions.

9. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 8, wherein the actuating mechanism is manually operable.

10. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuating mechanism is substantially coated with electrical insulation material.

11. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the actuating mechanism is made from an insulating material.

12. A reel holder as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the securing mechanism uses a biasing means to hold the securing mechanism in one of the positions.

13. A reel holder as claimed in claim 12, wherein the biasing means provides sufficient biasing force to hold the actuating mechanism in its "closed" position.

14. A reel holder as claimed in any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the biasing means provides sufficient biasing force to withstand any resultant force caused by any movement between the reel hook and the elongate member

15. A method of attaching a reel holder to a fence wire wherein the reel holder has at least one hook configured to attach the reel holder to a fence wire and a securing mechanism;

including the steps of:

a) positioning the hook onto a portion of the elongate member; and

b) actuating the securing mechanism via an actuating mechanism to move into position so that the securing mechanism forms a barrier over the open end of the hook to retain the elongate member within at least a portion of the hook.

16. A method of attaching a reel holder to a fence wire as claimed in claim 15, wherein the securing mechanism is actuated via an actuating mechanism.

17. A method of attaching a reel holder to a fence wire as claimed in any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the method further includes the step of actuating the securing mechanism via an actuating mechanism to release the elongate member from within the hook.