NZ741595B - Prefabricated fence - Google Patents

Abstract

prefabricated wire fence (10) of the type that comprises longitudinal strands (15) and regularly spaced transverse pickets (14). The prefabricated wire fence (10) comprises one or more reinforced regions (20) comprising a plurality of transverse pickets (14) inset from an end of the prefabricated wire fence (10). When the fence is installed, a reinforced region (20) may locate adjacent to anchor/end posts in a fence line and may help to absorb, accommodate, resist, etc. possible excess/large forces, stresses and/or strain should it become a convergence point for cattle against the fence line. wire fence (10). When the fence is installed, a reinforced region (20) may locate adjacent to anchor/end posts in a fence line and may help to absorb, accommodate, resist, etc. possible excess/large forces, stresses and/or strain should it become a convergence point for cattle against the fence line.

Description

PREFABRICATED FENCE TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to fences of the type that are prefabricated.

BACKGROUND ART Fencing is used in a wide variety of applications; generally for the purpose of creating a boundary between two areas. Often fences are supported by way of attachment to a plurality of spaced fence posts.

In some applications, prefabricated fences may be used. Such fences may be formed of several spaced horizontal line wires that extend for the length of the fence, and regularly spaced vertical picket wires that extend between the lowest and highest horizontal wires. The horizontal and vertical wires may be locked together by wire knots (i.e. that wrap around the wires where they intersect).

Such fences may be referred to as ‘mesh’ or ‘grid’ fences/panels.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY Disclosed herein is a prefabricated wire fence of the type that comprises spaced longitudinal strands and regularly spaced transverse pickets, where the spacing of the longitudinal strands is maintained for the length of the prefabricated wire fence. In accordance with this disclosure, the prefabricated wire fence is reinforced at one or more regions, which in some embodiments may be inset from an end of the prefabricated wire fence. The one or more reinforced regions of the prefabricated wire fence comprise a plurality of the regularly spaced transverse pickets. 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ A reinforced region can provide a number of benefits to the prefabricated wire fence. In this regard, in an embodiment where a reinforced region is inset from an end of the prefabricated wire fence, when the fence is installed, this region may locate adjacent to anchor/end posts in a fence line (e.g. which may be located at or adjacent to corners, gates, bends, convergence points, etc. in the fence line). Such locations can represent a “crush point” at which livestock may converge, in which case the fence can be subjected to excess/large forces, stresses, strain etc. at this location. A reinforced region may help to absorb, accommodate, resist, etc. such excess/large forces, stresses and strain. Similarly, in embodiments where the reinforced region is located in use adjacent to each fence post, the reinforced region may both aid in installation and provide additional strength to that region.

In addition, in some embodiments where the reinforced region is inset from an end of the prefabricated wire fence, it may assist in fence handling during manufacture (such as during offtake from a fence fabrication machine), as well as during rolling onto and off fence spools. Further, the reinforced region may assist in fence handling in the field.

Typically, the one or more reinforced regions may comprise transverse pickets that are spaced at a closer proximity to one another than the spacing of the regularly spaced transverse pickets in a remainder of the prefabricated wire fence.

Separate reinforced regions of the prefabricated wire fence may comprise different sized spacings to other reinforced regions in the same prefabricated wire fence. When the reinforced region comprises transverse pickets, the automated machine that manufactures the prefabricated fence may be programmed to provide an increased density of pickets so as to form the one or more reinforced regions.

In a variation, a reinforced region may be formed by other means, such as by wire mesh, wire ties, one or more members incorporated into the fence, etc..

In one embodiment, the transverse pickets in the one or more reinforced regions may be spaced at approximately 2/3 of the regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder. Alternatively, the transverse pickets in the 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ one or more reinforced regions may be spaced at approximately 1/2 of the regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder.

Other increased density transverse picket spacings can be employed as appropriate (e.g. for a particular application in which the prefabricated fence is to be employed).

In one embodiment of the prefabricated wire fence, the one or more reinforced regions may extend for greater than 100 inches (~ 2540 mm) in length, for example, approximately 108 inches (~ 2743 mm) in length. A reinforced region may comprise transverse pickets spaced at approximately 4 inches (~ 102 mm) from each other, whereas the regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder maybe spaced at approximately 6 inches (~ 152 mm) from each other. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more reinforced regions may comprise transverse pickets spaced at approximately 12 inches (~ 305 mm), and regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder may be spaced at approximately 18 inches (~ 457 mm). In a further alternative or addition, the one or more reinforced regions may comprise transverse pickets spaced at approximately 8 inches (~ 203 mm), and regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder may be spaced at approximately 12 inches (~ 305 mm).

In another embodiment of the prefabricated wire fence, the one or more reinforced regions may be approximately 108 inches (~ 2743 mm) in length and may comprise transverse pickets spaced at approximately 6 inches (~ 152 mm). In this variation, the regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder maybe spaced at approximately 12 inches (~ 305 mm). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more reinforced regions may comprise transverse pickets spaced at approximately 9 inches (~ 229 mm), and regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder may be spaced at approximately 18 inches (~ 457 mm). 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ An issue that may arise with prefabricated fences can be that the end of the wire fencing can be difficult to attach to fence posts or stakes, due to a density of transverse wire pickets at that end. In an embodiment, a number of transverse pickets may be omitted between a first reinforced region and a singular transverse picket located at or in close proximity to the prefabricated wire fence end. For example, where the first reinforced region commences at approximately 18 inches (~ 457 mm) from the prefabricated wire fence end, transverse pickets may be omitted between the end most picket of the reinforced region, and the singular transverse end picket of the prefabricated wire fence. This omission of pickets can be advantageous, in that it may allow for the end of the prefabricated wire fence to be easily fixed to a fence post or stake. Once the end of the prefabricated wire fence is fixed to the fence post or stake, the reinforced region can then be located adjacent to the fence post or stake, which as set forth above may be in areas (such as a corner or nearby a gate, etc.) that are more prone to impact from livestock contained within/by the fencing.

As set forth above, the prefabricated wire fence may be formed by an automated prefabricated fence machine that comprises an electrical drive for the delivery of the picket wires. The automated machine can be capable of being programmed with a picket pattern so as to form the one or more reinforced regions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a prefabricated wire fence, with the Figure showing an outside end and an inside end of the prefabricated wire fence in a separated orientation (whereas in practice these ends would form part of the same prefabricated wire fence); Figure 2 is a front view of a variation of the embodiment of the prefabricated wire fence of Figure 1, showing different picket spacings in a reinforced region; 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ Figure 3 is a front view of another variation of the embodiment of the prefabricated wire fence of Figure 1, again showing different picket spacings in a reinforced region, and separate reinforced regions being of different sized spacings; Figure 4 is a front view of another variation of the embodiment of the prefabricated wire fence of Figure 1, again showing different picket spacings in a reinforced region; Figure 5 is a front view of another variation of the embodiment of the prefabricated wire fence of Figure 1, again showing separate reinforced regions being of different sized spacings, and a reinforced region located in use adjacent to a fence post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

In Figure 1, a front view of a prefabricated wire fence (10) is shown. The fence (10) is of the type that comprises longitudinal wire strands (15) and regularly spaced transverse wire pickets (14), at both the inside and outside ends of the fencing. The wire for the strands and pickets can comprise standard fencing wire of a steel material that may be galvanised, coated, etc.. 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ In the embodiment of Figure 1 the prefabricated wire fence (10) at each of the outside end and the inside end comprises an attachment region (12). The attachment region (12), in each case, comprises the region of the prefabricated wire fence (10) that is nearest to each end of the fence. Each attachment region (12) contains only a singular transverse picket (18) that is located close to (e.g. slightly in set from) the end of the prefabricated wire fence (10). The remainder of the attachment region comprises only the longitudinal strands (15) (i.e. no transverse pickets) and extends for approximately 18 inches (~ 457 mm).

The prefabricated wire fence (10) further comprises a first reinforced region (20) which borders the attachment region (12). The reinforced region (20) comprises a higher density (greater number of more closely spaced) transverse pickets (14) than a remainder (30) of the prefabricated wire fence (10).

Ina variation of the prefabricated wire fence such as in Figures 3 and 5, one or more reinforced regions (20) of the prefabricated wire fence may comprise different sized spacings between transverse pickets (14) than in other reinforced regions (20) in the same prefabricated wire fence (10).

In a preferred variation, the first of the one or more reinforced regions (20) is inset from each of the outside end and the inside end by the attachment region (12). In practice, when the fence is installed, the attachment region (12) can be secured to an anchor or end post in a fence line, and the one or more reinforced regions (20) can then locate adjacent to this anchor or end post. Such an anchor or end post may, in turn, be located at or adjacent to a corner, gate, bend, convergence point, etc. in the fence line. Each of these locations can, in practice, represent a “crush point”, being a region at which livestock can converge during movement. When this happens, the fence at that location can be subjected to excess/large forces, stresses, strain etc. at this location. The one or more reinforced regions (20) can function to absorb, accommodate, resist, etc. such forces, stresses and strains.

Similarly, in another variation such as shown in Figure 5, one or more additional reinforced regions (22) may be manufactured into the prefabricated fence (10) so 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ as to locate adjacently to each fence post (19) when in use. Each of the one or more reinforced regions (22) may comprise two separate reinforced regions (17) that locate on either side of the post (19). The two separate reinforced regions (17) typically do not have a transverse picket (16) located in between them such that the longitudinal wire strands (15) are able to locate in close proximity to the post (19). In other words, typically the transverse picket (16) is removed.

The first reinforced region (20) is also located such that it can assist in fence handling. For example, during fence manufacture, such as when the prefabricated fence is being taken off a fence fabrication machine, a reinforced region (20) can tend to stiffen and hold together the fence at that end. The one or more reinforced regions (20) can also assist with rolling of the fence onto and off fence spools (i.e. the spools on which the fence is stored, transported, and removed from during use in the field) stop. Further, the one or more reinforced regions (20) can assist with fence handling in the field.

In the fence variation of Figure 2, the transverse pickets (14) in the one or more reinforced regions (20) are spaced at approximately 2/3 of the regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder (30).

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the one or more reinforced regions (20) are approximately 108 inches (~ 2743 mm) in length and comprise transverse pickets (14) spaced at approximately 4 inches (~ 102 mm). In the embodiment of Figure 2, the regularly spaced transverse pickets (14) in the prefabricated wire fence remainder (30) are spaced at approximately 6 inches (~ 152 mm).

In the variation of Figure 3, the one or more reinforced regions (20) are approximately 108 inches (~ 2743 mm) in length and comprise transverse pickets (14) spaced at approximately 12 inches (~ 305 mm). In the variation of Figure 2, the regularly spaced transverse pickets (14) in the prefabricated wire fence remainder (30) are spaced at approximately 18 inches (~ 457 mm). 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ In the fence variation of Figure 4, the transverse pickets (14) in the one or more reinforced regions (20) are spaced at approximately 1/2 of the regularly spaced transverse pickets in the prefabricated wire fence remainder (30). More particularly, in Figure 4, the one or more reinforced regions (20) are approximately 108 inches (~ 2743 mm) in length and comprise transverse pickets (14) spaced at approximately 6 inches (~ 152 mm). In the variation of Figure 3, the regularly spaced transverse pickets (14) in the prefabricated wire fence remainder (30) are spaced at approximately 12 inches (~ 305 mm).

In use, an automated fencing machine can be used to manufacture the prefabricated fence (10). Such machines tend to be programmable, whereby the machine can be programmed to provide an increased density of pickets so as to form the one or more reinforced regions (20). For example, the machine can be programmed to locate the one or more reinforced regions (20) at any given distance from a given end of the fence, the number of transverse pickets (14) in the reinforced region (20) can be programmed, the spacing of those transverse pickets (14) can be programmed, and this may or may not be relative to the picket spacings in a remainder of the fence, etc.. In a specific variation the first reinforced region (20) commences at approximately 18 inches (~ 457 mm) from the prefabricated wire fence (10) end.

Whilst specific embodiments and variations of the prefabricated fence have been described, it should be appreciated that the fence can be embodied in many other forms.

For example, and as set forth above, the reinforced region can be formed by other means, such as by wire mesh (e.g. integrated into the fence), wire ties can be added to the fence adjacent to its end, one or more members can be incorporated (e.g. tied or otherwise fastened) into the fence, etc..

For example, whilst 2/3 ratios of 4”/6” (~ 102 mm/~ 152 mm) and 12”/18” (~ 305 mm/~ 457 mm) have been described, other possible variations include e.g. 8”/12” (~ 203 mm/~ 305 mm), etc.. In addition, whilst a 1/2 ratio of 6”/12” (~ 152 mm/~ 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ 305 mm) has been described, other possible variations include e.g. 9”/18” (~ 229 mm /~ 457 mm), 3”/6” (~ 76 mm /~ 152 mm), 4”/8” (~ 102 mm /~ 203 mm), 8”/16” (~ 203 mm/~ 406 mm), etc.. These different possibilities can be programmed into the fence fabrication machine, and different variations can be made within the constraints of that machine.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the prefabricated fence, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the prefabricated fence. 10918736_1 (GHMatters) P105413.NZ

Claims (1)

1. A prefabricated wire fence of the type that comprises spaced longitudinal strands and regularly spaced transverse pickets, the spacing of the longitudinal strands maintained for the length of the prefabricated wire fence, wherein the 5 prefabricated wire fence comprises one or more reinforced regions inset from an end of the prefabricated wire fence such that the one or more reinforced regions of the prefabricated wire fence comprises a plurality of the regularly spaced transverse pickets. A prefabricated wire fence according to claim 1, wherein the one or more 10 reinforced regions each comprise transverse pickets spaced at a closer proximity to one another than the spacing of the regularly spaced transverse pickets in a remainder of the prefabricated wire fence. A prefabricated wire fence according to claim 2, wherein the transverse pickets in the reinforced region are spaced at approximately