ZA200701492B - Electric security fence system - Google Patents

Description

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STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS ii

This application is based on the Provisional specifications filed in relation to New

Zealand Patent Application Number 549153 and New Zealand Patent Application

Number 545457, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an improved system of producing an electric security fence.

Preferably the present invention may be used to electrically connect sections of an electric security fence together. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other applications for the system provided are also considered, and reference to its use with security fencing (and in particular electrified palisade fencing) only throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

BACKGROUND ART

Electric fences are widely used in stock management and security fence systems to secure an area. Security fences are required to be stronger and more stable than animal management fences as a deterrent to intruders who will attempt to gain access to a restricted area.

Electrified security fences must be sturdy and have an electrified portion to deter

Intruders, but must also comply with safety regulations so that the general public walking past the fence is not in danger of contacting the electrified portions of the fence. To avoid the public being injured by an electrified security fence, it is usual that the security fence is isolated from the public by way of a physical barrier.

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Another way to ensure safety of the general public is to make only the uppermost ¢ 2 portions of the fence electrified. This prevents intruders from climbing over the electrified part of the fence, but keeps the general public still safe while walking past the fence.

Security fences are often configured as palisade fencing, which is an attractive form of fence or barrier with many vertical upright posts and with horizontal cross members connecting the vertical uprights.

Making the upper portion of a security fence electrified has previously been addressed by attaching an electrified section to the top of a fence. The electrified part of the fence is preformed with an insulated cross member which is substantially perpendicular to the upright fence posts and physically connects these posts. The cross member is attached such that a suitable air gap and the insulated cross member is located between the electrified and un-electrified sections of the fence. However, this system uses a cross member formed from an electrically insulative plastic, which may be weak and easily tampered with. Thus, once the cross member is breached, an entire electrified section of the security fence can be detached easily and quickly.

Furthermore, to electrify each section of the palisade fence in this way, each ’ upright post must be electrically connected in series to the post next to it, which is atime-consuming construction process. If one section is cut, it can be removed without any alarm or other deterrent activating.

It would be preferable to have an improved system which allows the simultaneous electrification of an entire section of a security fence. It would also be preferable to have a system which allows a fence to be created in distinct sections, and which allows a top electrified section to be added separately, to give added security to pre-existing palisade fence sections.

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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.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

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 INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric fence system which includes: at least two fencing assemblies for fitting to the top of a supporting fence, each of said fencing assemblies including, at least two electrically conductive palings configured to form part of an

. © , electric fence system, and at least one conductive rail configured to connect the said at least two conductive palings, and a connection element configured to electrically connect the at least two fencing assemblies such that the fencing assemblies are electrically isolated from the supporting fence.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a connection element for use with an electric fence system, which includes a conductive engaging member, and an insulative connector co-operating with a support post of a supporting fence, to connect together at least two conductive rails of adjacent fencing assemblies, the insulative connector including, a base, configured to connect the insulative connector to the support post, and an aperture adapted to receive and locate the conductive engaging member, characterised in that the conductive engaging member is electrically isolated from the support post when located in the aperture.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for creating an electrified section of a fence, characterised by the steps of, - connecting at least two fencing assemblies to the top of a support fence, each fencing assembly including at least two conductive palings and at least one conductive rail, and - connecting at least one insulative connector to a support post of the support fence, and vo. ) Vv - locating a conductive engaging member within an aperture of the insulative connector, and - electrically connecting said engaging member to a conductive rail of each of said at least two fencing assemblies.

Preferably the conductive palings of the fencing assembly are formed as upright fencing palings in a palisade fencing system. These palings may preferably be formed from an electrically conductive material, such as steel. However in alternative embodiments, the conductive palings involved may be formed by any other conductive material which forms part of an electrified palisade fencing system. Examples of such conductive members may be horizontal conductive bars, strong electrically conducting tape, or any other conductive material which may be electrified and used to prevent a user entering an area.

Reference throughout this specification will be made to the electrically conductive palings being formed as upright fencing palings of a palisade fencing system.

However this should in no way be seen as limiting, as one skilled in the art should recognise that the conductive palings involved can be formed by any piece of electrically conductive material.

The conductive rail configured to connect the upright fencing palings may be formed by a horizontal cross bar. This cross bar may be used to physically connect at least two fence palings of a palisade security fence. This cross bar may also preferably be constructed from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal, for example steel. In alternative embodiments the conductive rail can be formed from any other electrically conductive material in which allows a physical and electrical connection between at least two conductive members.

The conductive rail should preferably be sturdy, strong as well as electrically conductive. This allows all of the fencing palings to be electrified through connection to the conductive rail, but also deters tampering as the conductive rail is strong and durable. :

Alternatively, the at least two conductive palings may be physically connected together by something other than the conductive rail. There may be a non- conducting rail or other support means connecting the conductive palings. In this embodiment, the conductive rail may be provided by a conductive electric fence tape, a thick wire, or any other conductive means that electrically connects the conductive palings together, without necessarily providing a physical connection or support between the conductive palings.

Reference throughout this specification may be made to the conductive rail being formed by a metal horizontal cross bar of a palisade fencing system. This should in no way be seen as limiting, as one skilled in the art should recognise that the conductive rail may be formed by any conductive material which electrically connects at least two conductive palings.

Preferably the base of the insulative connector is configured to allow the connector to connect with a support post. Preferably the base of the insulative connector allows the insulative connector to be firmly fixed to the support post via holes in the base of the insulative connector. The connector can then be nailed through these holes to the support post. However, in alternative embodiments the base may be formed in such shape that it is able to slide onto the support post or it may be connected in another way to the support post.

Preferably the support post may be an I-beam. This may preferably be a heavy duty metal bar, which is a supportive vertical post configured to support the palisade security fencing. Preferably the I-beam is electrically conductive and is fixed in between two sections of an electric fence. Alternatively the support post may be any post or means of supporting the insulative connector. This may be made of any material, conductive or not. ;

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Reference throughout this specification will made to the support post being an I- beam. This is a standard vertical support post in a palisade fencing system.

However, those skilled in the art should realise that other support posts can be used and reference to the above only throughout the specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

Preferably the aperture of the insulative connector is electrically isolated from the base. This allows the insulative connector to be fixed on a support post which may or may not be electrically conductive. Preferably the aperture is configured to receive and locate an electrically engaging member. The aperture being electrically isolated from the support post allows the electrically engaging member to be located within the aperture without creating a conductive path to the I-beam.

This allows the support post to be conductive and also connected and located in the ground without causing the circuit involving the conductive engaging member to be shorted.

Preferably the conductive engaging member to be located within the aperture of the insulative connector may be formed by an electrically conductive plate.

Preferably this plate may be constructed from a metal such as steel. Alternatively } the plate may be formed from any other electrically conductive material such as a semi conductive material, a conducting polymer or any other material which provides an electrical path. Preferably the plate is formed in a shape which allows it to be located through the aperture in the insulative connector.

Reference throughout this specification will made to the engaging member being a metal plate. However, those skilled in the art should realise that other engaging members can be used and reference to the above only throughout the specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

Preferably a conductive engaging member is used to connect two or more : electrified portions of a palisade security fence. However, in alternative embodiments it should be recognised that the insulated connector and therefore the conductive engaging member may be used with other systems.

Preferably, the fencing assembly provided may be electrified. A fencing assembly may be electrified by connection to an electric fence energiser. This energiser may preferably transmit high voltage pulses periodically along the fence. In a preferred embodiment, this electric fence energiser may be directly linked to a cross bar of the fencing assembly.

The present invention provides many advantages over the prior art

The present invention provides a prefabricated electrified fencing assembly which may be fitted to an existing palisade fence. The fencing assembly can be mounted above and behind a previous palisade fence at a height. This ensures that passers-by are not in danger of inadvertently harming themselves by touching the electric fence.

As the cross bars are conductive, there is no need for each fencing paling to be subsequently electrically connected, as the panels are electrically connected as well as physically connected through the electrically conductive horizontal cross bar.

As each conductive paling of the fencing assembly can be electrified at the same time, this decreases installation time and complexity.

The conductive rail connecting the conductive palings is also electrified in this process. This deters people from tampering with the rail, attempting to breach the fence as they may receive a strong electronic shock in the process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 shows a perspective drawing of an electric fence system configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 2 shows an enlarged version of the system of Figure 1, and

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an insulative connection configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an electric security fence system as configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an electric security fence system including a pre-existing palisade fence (1) a fencing assembly (2), and a connection system (6) as configured in conjunction with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Each fencing assembly (2) includes at least two electrically conductive palings formed as electrified upright fencing posts (3), supported by electrically conductive rails formed as horizontal cross bars (4).

The two fencing assemblies are connected together by a connection system. This system includes electrically engaging members, formed by metal plates (5), which are supported by an insulative connector (6) attached to a support post, formed by an |-beam (7), in between two portions of the electric fence.

The present invention allows many such sections of palisade fencing to be connected together, electrifying long sections of the top of a security fence and ; allowing a pre-existing fence to be electrified quickly and easily.

The system may be created quickly and easily, and is more robust than previous systems. The cross bars are made from an electrically conductive material, so that if a cross bar is tampered with, the other(s) may still electrically connect all the conductive members of the electrified portion of the palisade fencing. Multiple cross bars, as shown in Figure 1, ensure the conductive members are electrified even if one of the conductive rails is tampered with. This provides a back up system maintaining the electrification of the fencing element.

Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of an electric fencing system configured in accordance with Figure 1. Figure 2 shows two fencing assemblies, connected by conductive rails, formed as metal cross bars (4). These are connected electrically via an electrically conductive engaging member, formed as a metal plate (5). This metal plate (5) is electrically isolated from a support post, (formed from |-beam 7).

An insulative connector (6) locates the metal plates (5) so that the metal plates are not touching the I-beam 7 and therefore will form a circuit. The insulative connector (6), which receives and locates the metal plate (5), allows many prefabricated fencing assemblies to be quickly and easily connected providing a solution for electrifying a long section of fence quickly. This connector can be easily connected to a support post and allows any type of support post to be used.

This flexibility ensures that the system is not limited to non conductive support posts.

Figure 3 shows an insulative connector (6) configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The insulative connector includes a base (8) , including holes (9) which allows the insulative connector to be nailed or bolted to the support post. Also included is an aperture (10) which is physically separated from the base (11) and is configured to receive and locate a conductive engaging member metal plate (not shown) which connects two conductive rails in an electric fencing system together.

The present invention provides a readily installed electrified palisade fence system which is quickly and easily added to pre-existing electrified fencing system. The fencing assembly provided is quickly connected to an electric fence system, deterring intruders from entering a restricted area.

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 (19)

- v WHAT WE CLAIM IS: | Ili I :

1. An electric fence system which includes: at least two fencing assemblies for fitting to the top of a supporting fence, each of said fencing assemblies including, at least two electrically conductive palings configured to form part of an electric fence system, and at least one conductive rail configured to connect the said at least two conductive palings, and an insulative connector configured to attach to a support post of the supporting fence and locate a conductive engaging member to electrically connect the at least two fencing assemblies such that the fencing assemblies are electrically isolated from the supporting fence.

2. An electric fence system as claimed in claim 1 where the conductive palings of a fencing assembly are formed as upright fencing palings in a palisade fencing system.

3. An electric fence system as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2 where the palings are formed from steel.

4. An electric fence system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 where the conductive rail configured to connect the palings is a cross bar orientated horizontally with respect to the fence it is attached to.

5. An electric fence system as claimed in claim 4 where the cross bar is constructed from an electrically conductive material.

6. An electric fence system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 where fencing assembly is electrified by connection to an electric fence energiser. 12 Amended 24 August 2007

7. An electric fence system as claimed in claim 6 where the electric fence energiser is directly linked to a cross bar of the fencing assembly.

8. A connection element configured to connect together at least two conductive rails of adjacent fencing assemblies which includes, a conductive engaging member configured to electrically connect the at least two conductive rails, and an insulative connector including, a base, configured to connect the insulative connector to a support post, and an aperture which may receive and locate the conductive engaging member, characterised in that the conductive engaging member is electrically isolated from the support post when it is located in the aperture of the insulative connector.

9. A connection element as claimed in claim 8 where the support post is made of an electrically conductive material.

10. A connection element as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 where the support post is fixed in between two sections of an electric fence.

11. A connection element as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 where the aperture of the insulative connector is electrically isolated from the base.

12. A connection element as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 where the conductive engaging member is used to connect two or more electrified portions of the fencing assemblies.

13. A connection element as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 where the conductive engaging member is formed from an electrically conductive plate.

14. A connection element as claimed in claim 13 where said plate is constructed from steel.

15. A method for creating an electrified section of a fence, characterised by the 13 Amended 24 August 2007

LE > steps of, i) connecting at least two fencing assemblies to the top of a support fence, each fencing assembly including at least two conductive palings and at least one conductive rail, and ii) connecting at least one insulative connector to a support post of the support fence, and iii) locating a conductive engaging member within an aperture of the insulative connector, and iv) electrically connecting said engaging member to a conductive rail of each of said at least two fencing assemblies.

16. A method for creating an electrified section of a fence as claimed in claim 15, where the at least two fencing assemblies are connected so that the lower portions of said fencing assemblies extend below the top of the support fence.

17. An electric fence system substantially as herein described with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

18. A connection element substantially as herein described with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.

19. A method for creating an electrified section of a fence substantially as herein described above with reference to and illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples DATED THIS 20™ DAY OF FEBRUARY 2007 SPOOR & FISHER APPLICANTS PATENT ATTORNEYS 14 Amended 24 August 2007