WO1993012647A1

WO1993012647A1 - Electric tape fencing connector

Info

Publication number: WO1993012647A1
Application number: PCT/GB1992/002398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Robert William Knox
Original assignee: Patrick Robert William Knox
Priority date: 1991-12-31
Filing date: 1992-12-23
Publication date: 1993-07-08
Also published as: GB9127536D0; GB2263023B; EP0619703A1; AU3169693A; GB2263023A; GB9226889D0

Abstract

The present invention concerns a component of an electric tape fence installation and/or repair system for joining lengths of tape which comprises: a connector body (26) comprising a pair of clamp elements (29, 35) movable relative to each other to enable an end of a length of electric fencing tape to be passed therebetween and the tape to then be clamped flat therebetween and incroporating means (30, 31) guiding the tape into the clamp in use and means (35) to facilitate electrical continuity between a first length of electric fencing tape clamped in the connector body and a second length of electric fencing tape clamped in the connector body. Each tape is trapped against the floor (35) of the connector body by a pivotally mounted clamping element (28, 29).

Description

ELECTRIC TAPE FENCING CONNECTOR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and means for installing and/or repairing electric tape fencing.

Background to the Invention

Electric tape fencing is a comparatively recent development in fencing technology primarily for enclosing grazing animals. An example of the electric tape used in this fencing is disclosed in PCT/WO82/04378. The tape is woven from a plurality of resilient force-absorbing textile threads having electrically conductive threads inter-woven and extending longitudinally of the tape.

Various means exist for supporting the tape from electrically insulated support posts. An example of such a support is disclosed in US4866218. However none of these means are suitable for joining lengths of the tape when installing or repairing the electric tape fencing whereas commercial electric fencing tape strainers, or tensioning devices, exist these are incapable of repairing broken fencing tape. Great difficulty and inconvenience can be experienced when attempting to join together two lengths of the tape to achieve suitable tension and good electrical conductivity therebetween.

It is one general objective of the present invention to overcome the above problem and provide an efficient method and means for joining together lengths of electric fencing tape to achieve suitable tension and good electrical conductivity, when installing or repairing electric tape fencing. The tensiomng is especially important to prevent wind damage to the tape.

It is a yet further general objective of the present invention to provide an improved method and means for conveniently fastening and tensioning a length of electric fencing tape to a supporting member.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a component of an electric tape fence installation and/or repair system for joining lengths of tape which comprises:

a connector body comprising a pair of clamp elements, moveable relative to each other to enable an end of a length of electric fencing tape to be passed therebetween and the tape to then be clamped flat therebetween, and incorporating means guiding the tape into the clamp in use and means to facilitate electrical continuity between a first length of electric fencing tape clamped in the connector body and a second length of electric tape clamped in the connector body.

Preferably the pair of clamp elements are formed integrally; either in the sense that they comprise respective portions of a one-piece connector body, or that they comprise initially-separately-formed parts of a multi-part assembly which, when assembled, cannot readily - if at all - be disassembled. Examples of both will be described and illustrated.

The connector body is preferably electro conductive, being of an electro conductive metal or having electro conductive metal strips embedded therein and partially exposed such that electrical contact may be made between the connector body and any electrical tape clamped therein to conduct electricity from one tape to the other. Preferably the connector body is so-arranged that when electrical tape is clamped therein the connector body extends longitudinally of the tape.

The pair of clamp elements may be selectively fixed together or moved apart by frictional tightening means which may comprise a nut and bolt, screw or the like means.

More preferably, the clamp elements are fixed together or moved apart by traction through contact with the electric fencing tape therebetween. One, of said pair of clamp elements is suitably pivotally mounted to the connector body in an over-centre arrangement such that in one direction of pivotal movement the said element will wedge the fencing tape fitted within the connector body against the other clamp element, and in the other direction of pivotal movement, the said clamp element will release the said fencing tape.

Advantageously the component is adapted to guide the respective free ends of two lengths of electric fencing tape to be joined such that the clamped lengths of tape are in substantial longitudinal alignment. This not only optimises the adjustable range of slack in the tape, facilitating bringing together of the lengths of tape and extension thereof, where necessary, but also optimises contact between the tapes, especially where the tapes comprise longitudinally extending electro-conductive threads. The adaptation may comprise constrainment of the electric tape between a pair of frictional tightening means or be construction of the connector body to form lateral walls extending between the clamping faces of the connector body.

Advantageously the connector body comprises three clamp elements, the first of which is electro conductive and extends longitudinally between the respective free ends of a pair of lengths of electric fencing tape to be joined, the other two clamp elements extending transversely of the first clamp element to clamp a respective one of said pair of ends to the first clamp element.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing and/or repairing electric tape fencing which comprises the steps of:

providing the apparatus of the present invention; and

passing an end of a first length of electric fencing tape between the clamping faces of the pair of clamp elements; passing an end of a second length of electric fencing tape to be joined to the first length of electric fencing tape between the clamping faces of the said pair of or another pair of said clamp elements; and

clamping the said ends within the connector body securely and such as to enable electrical conduction.

Advantageously the connector body is provided with means by which the connector body may be mounted to a support-post. For high versatility, such means suitably comprise adaptation of the connector body to be fastened to a support post by a band of flexible material which may be tightened around the post.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, shown in use;

Figure 1A illustrates in perspective a modified version of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention in which the connector body is extended to provide an easy grip handle;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a yet further embodiment of the present invention, having a self-locking over-centre configuration;

Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 9, showing the apparatus in use in a clamped state;

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a yet further embodiment having a self-locking over-centre configuration and illustrating the apparatus in use;

Figure 12 is a perspective of the base portion of the connector body of the apparatus of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an elevation view of a pivotal clamp element of the apparatus of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a sectional view of the clamping element of Figure 13 taken along the line XIV-XIV in Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of apparatus of the invention having a self-locking over-centre configuration, showing the apparatus in use; and

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the pivotal view of the pivotal clamping element of the apparatus of Figure 15.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a connector body 1 which comprises a suitably robust longitudinally extending base plate 2, and clamping against the plate 2, a pair of end plates 3, 4 each at a respective opposite end of the base plate 2 and extending transversely thereof. The base plate 2 is suitably formed of a metal or an alloy to be electro-conductive, or is moulded from plastics and has one or more electro-conductive elements extending from adjacent one end plate 3 to adjacent the other end plate 4. In such latter case the elements are suitably buried within the base plate, or block, 2 so that the elements are insulated and will conduct electricity from a length of electric fencing tape clamped by end plate 3 to a further length of electric fencing tape clamped by the other end plate 4.

The end plates 3, 4 are adjustably secured to the base plate 2 each by a pair of bolts and co-operating wing nuts 5, 5'. Slackening of the wing nuts 5 5' permits the end plates 3, 4 to separate slightly from the base plate 2 allowing insertion between each end plate 3, 4 and the base plate 2 of a respective free end of a respective length of electric fencing tape of a pair of lengths of tape

6, 7 to be joined. Subsequent tightening of the wing nuts 5, 5' enables the ends of the tapes 6, 7 to be securely clamped against the electro-conductive base plate 2, providing a secure electro-conductive joint between the two tapes 6, 7.

The provision of two independently adjustable end plates 3, 4 facilitates joining of two lengths of tape 6, 7 by enabling one length 6 to be clamped in place before manipulating the other 7 into clamping engagement.

The length of separation of the end plates 3, 4 accommodates for short fall in the lengths of the tapes 6. 7 to enable them to be brought together if they would otherwise not reach. This is of particular value where a line of tape has snapped under tension. However, if the gap to be bridged is excessive, this may be overcome by use of two connectors clamping, in use, a bridging length of tape between them, each connector to be respectively clamped to a respective snapped tape end.

Where, there is excess tape causing slackness the tension may be adjusted at the point of repair by adjusting the clamping point on one length of tape while pulling both lengths together. Where a bridging length of tape is used the length of the tape either side of this may be adjusted.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown a different embodiment in which a connector body 8 has integral clamping elements 9, 10 which are substantially rigid but capable of deflecting sufficiently to enable two lengths of tape 6, 7 to be clamped together thereby. The two inter-joined tapes 6, 7 are shown to be over-lapped within the connector body 8. With this technique the connector body 8 need not, itself, be electro-conductive.

Alignment of the tapes 6, 7 in the second embodiment is, achieved by channelling of the two tapes 6, 7 by the side walls 13, 14 of an aperture 11 in one end of the connector body 9 through which the tapes 6, 7 extend. The screws (or nuts and bolts) 12 which enable the clamping action may also serve to channel the tapes 6, 7.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, this third embodiment, in common with the first embodiment, comprises a connector body 15 which has a pair of clamping elements 16, 17 and 18, 19 at each opposite end thereof. However, in common with the second embodiment, the clamping elements 16-19 are not independent plates but are integrally formed. The connector body 15 of this embodiment resembles a single pair of longitudinally extending plates which are inter-connected by short bridging walls 20 between their lateral edges, substantially centrally of their length. The clamping elements 16-19 can be deflected about the fulcrum formed by the bridging walls 20. A further feature of the third embodiment is the provision of an aperture 24 through one of the clamping elements 17 to enable a length of tape 6 to be drawn between the clamping elements 16, 17 at one end of the connector body 15 when another length of tape 7 has already been drawn through the opposite end of the connector body 15 and secured by the clamping element

18, 19 at that end. A further lateral aperture (not shown) may be formed in the opposite end/side clamping element 18 thereby physically isolating the lengths of tape clamped by the respective end clamps 16, 17 and 18, 19, electrical continuity being provided by a conductor associated with, and preferably buried in, the connector body 15.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the electric fencing tape mounting device shown therein comprises a connector body 21 not dissimilar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4 but having an easy-grip loop handle 22 extending longitudinally therefrom. An aperture 23 is provided in an element of the connector body 21 to enable the lengths of tape 6 to be drawn between the clamping elements of the connector body 21. The amount of tape 6 protruding through the aperture 23 may be adjusted to tighten or slacken the tape 6 when the handle 22 is dragged toward and mounted against support means such as the insulator of conventional rigid metal or concrete ground-mounted electric wire/tape support posts. This last embodiment provides comfortable means by which the electric tape 6 may be handled to adjustably join and/or or tension it and manipulate it into fixture abutting the insulator of the support post and held by the resilience of the tensioned tape.

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown a connector of which the connector body 26 comprises a base member 27 formed as a trough having a pair of clamping elements 28, 29 extending between the side walls 30, 31 thereof. These clamping elements 28, 29 are very broadly analogous in purpose to the end clamps 3, 4 of the first embodiment. These clamping elements 28, 29 are, however, pivotally mounted by pivot pins 32, 33 so as to swivel between a position in which a leading edge 36 of each clamp 28, 29 will trap electric fencing tape between itself and the floor 35 of the trough-shaped base member 27 of the connector body, and a second position in which the leading edge 36 is spaced from the floor 35 sufficiently to allow the tape to be drawn freely therebetween. As illustrated the pivotal clamping elements have sufficient floor 35 clearance to pivot through 360 degrees when the tape is absent. This need not, however, be the case.

To prevent inadvertent release of the tapes, the pivotal clamping elements are locked in place by any suitable means, such as locking pins 38 retained on the connector body 26 by chains. As shown these extend between the side walls close to the outer face of each clamping member 28, 29. they may, however, penetrate the respective clamping member. As a further alternative a lid may be provided to be screwed, or otherwise lowered to fix the pivotal clamping elements 28, 29 in place.

Referring to Figure 10, the device is shown in use with the free ends of two lengths of electric fencing tape wrapped around respective pivotal clamp elements 28, 29. By pulling the free ends 40, 41 of the respective lengths of tape the respective clamp elements 28, 29 are tilted to raise their leading edges, allowing the tape to be drawn therethrough and tensioned. As soon as the free ends 40, 41 cease to be pulled the tension of the tapes exert a turning moment upon the clamp 32, 33 to restore them to a clamping position in which the leading edge of each clamp presses the tape against the floor of the connector body base portion 27.

Referring now to Figures 11 - 14, these show a further variant in which the clamping elements 28', 29' are pivotally mounted to the connector body base portion 27'. As shown most clearly in Figures 13 and 14, however, the cross- sectional profile of the clamping elements 28', 29' provide a stepped under- side which compliments a stepped cross-sectional profile to the base portion

27' of the connector body 26'. Each clamping element 28' and 29' has a limited degree of movement about its respective pivot 32' 33' and clamps and releases in much the same fashion as the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a yet further embodiment, again functionally similar to the embodiments of Figures 9 to 14. In this case, the pivotal clamping elements 42, 43 are formed as rollers having a generally ribbed circumferential surface but with a portion of the circumferential surface being flat for the length of the roller 42, 43. This flat portion 44 is positioned close to the eccentric pivotal axis of the roller 43, 44 and off-set to one side of the axis/pivot pin 45. When the roller 42, 43 is pivoted in one direction about its pivot pin 45 by traction between the fencing tape and the ribbing of the roller 42, 43 the flat portion 44 will be advanced proximate the floor of the base portion of the connector body enabling free passage of the tape therethrough so that the tape may be tensioned. When the tape ceases to be pulled by the free end the turning moment provided by the tension will pivot the clamping element 42, 43 in the reverse direction, away from the flat portion 44 of the roller 42, 43 to bring the ribbed surface of the elements 42, 43 into position to wedge the tape against the floor of the connector body base member.

In any of the last three described embodiments the pivotal clamping elements may be resiliently biased to a clamping position by, for example, compression springs, or the like. In each case the pivotal clamping elements act like a pawl, allowing movement of tape therepassed in one direction and preventing movement in the reverse direction.

As shown in Figure 15, the connector body is suitably provided with a channel to receive a band extending therethrough for tying or otherwise securing the connector body to a support post. This is of particular use in that it avoids the need for nails and is usable with concrete or metal posts.

As illustrated in Figure 15, the channel for receiving the band to secure the connector body to the post is formed in a rear portion of the connector body which is independent and separably coupled by a dove-tail joint. This joint may, alternatively, be a snap-fit or other type of joint or the rear portion may be integrally formed on the connector body. This rear portion suitably performs a further function in insulating the electro-conductive members of the connector body from the support post. Suitably, therefore, this rear portion is formed of plastics material or other insulative material and is dimensioned to space the connector body away from the post by sufficient distance to prevent arcing due to rain water.

The provision of a member such as the rear portion for enabling the connector body to be fastened to a support post renders the connector very versatile enabling it to be used for repair and tensioning or tape connection and tensioning at installation, at any point between support posts or even at the support posts.

As an alternative to being adapted to receive one or more bands for securing to a post, the connector body may be adapted to receive a rigid hoop or any other suitable securing means; including screws, nails or other fasteners.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to several specific embodiments hereinabove, numerous alternative embodiments involving a wide range of modifications are conceivable. For example, the connector body may be constructed such as to be telescopic enabling the device to span varying sizes of gaps between the free ends of broken electric fencing tape. The clamping faces of the clamping elements of the connector body need not be completely planar and may be ridged.

In a yet further embodiment where the material of the connector body serves as the electrical link between joined lengths of electric fencing tape, the body is advantageously narrowed at an intermediate region of its length to reduce weight and cost while not compromising the strength, security and effectiveness of the device (see Fig 1A). The movable clamping elements 3', 4' are arched to improve the distribution of the clamping forces, thereby improving conduction and reducing damage to the tape.

For the other described embodiments, weight reductions may be achieved by providing, for example, clamping elements with hollow cores, reinforced by internal webs where necessary. This applies especially to the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16 in which the rollers may be substantially lightened by honey-combing without compromising gripping performance.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A component of an electric tape fence installation and/or repair system for joining lengths of tape which comprises:

a connector body comprising a pair of clamp elements, movable relative to each other to enable an end of a length of electric fencing tape to be passed therebetween and the tape to then be clamped flat therebetween, and incorporating means guiding the tape into the clamp in use and means to facilitate electrical continuity between a- j first length of electric fencing tape clamped in the connector body andajj second length of electric fencing tape clamped in the connector body.

2. A component as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the connector body is electro-conductive, being of an electro conductive material or having one or more electro-conductive elements extending such that electrical contact may be made between the connector body and each electrical fencing tape clamped therein and to conduct electricity from the first length of tape to the second length of tape.

3. A component as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the clamp elements are fixed together or moved apart by traction through contact with the electric fencing tape therebetween.

4. A component as claimed in Claim 3, wherein one of said pair of clamp elements is pivotally- mounted to the connector body in an over-centre arrangement such that in one direction of pivotal movement the said element will wedge a fencing tape fitted within the connector body against the other clamp element, and in the other direction of pivotal movement, the said clamp element will release the said fencing tape.

5. A component as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the connector body comprises three clamp elements, the first of which is electro conductive and extends longitudinally between the respective free ends of a pair of lengths of electric fencing tape to be joined, the other two clamp elements extending transversely of the first clamp element to clamp a respective one of said pair of ends to the first clamp element.

6. A component as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the connector body is provided with support post attachment means.

7. A component as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the support post attachment means insulates the connector body from the post in use-

8. A component as claimed in Claims 6 or 7 wherein the support post attachment means is detachably mountable to the connector body.

9. A component as claimed in any preceding claim wherein locking means are provided to lock the pivotal clamp elements in their clamping state.

10. A method of installing and/or repairing electric tape fencing which comprises the steps of:

providing the apparatus of the present invention;

passing an end of a first length of electric fencing tape between the clamping faces of the pair of clamp elements; passing an end of a second length of electric fencing tape to be joined to the first length of electric fencing tape between the clamping faces of the said pair of or another pair of said clamp elements on the connector body; and

clamping the said ends within the connector body securely and such as to enable electrical conduction. 11, An electric tape fence connector substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to any suitable combination of the accompanying drawings.