Fencing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a fencing device for supporting a fencing wire, the device comprising: - a body having an inner surface defining an opening through the body, the opening for receiving the fencing wire, - wherein the inner surface is at least partially convex towards the opening. Figure 1B

Description

Title of the invention: Fencing device

[0001] This application claims priority from Australian Provisional Application No. 2021901544, filed on May 24, 2021. Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to a wire fence and, more particularly, to a fencing device for supporting a fence wire.

[0003] Background

[0004] Wire fences, including wire field fences and wire rope fences, are a common type of farm fence. The fences usually have a strainer assembly (or "corner post") at each end and intermediate posts that guide the line wires out of the ground at the correct spacings. The wires run between intermediate posts and are connected together along the length of the fence.

[0005] Attaching fence wires to intermediate posts is extremely labor-intensive. For wooden fence posts, for example, holes must be drilled into the wooden fence posts to pass the wires through, or staples must be hammered into the posts at each point where each fence wire passes through or wraps around a post.

[0006] Steel fence posts are a popular type of post that are both economical and easy to use. Steel posts, also known as T-posts, Y-posts, star posts, star pickets, or steel pickets, typically have three upright members so that the post has a T- or Y-shaped cross-section. Star posts can support various types of wire or wire mesh and have holes spaced along one or more of the upright members used to attach the fence wires. Smooth wires can be passed through the holes in the upright members. However, because this limits installation flexibility, the wires are typically attached by tying the fence wire to the post with a piece of wire inserted into one of the holes in the upright member of the post.This is also necessary for barbed wire that cannot be threaded through holes because of the barbs.

[0007] A product which aims to solve the problems of tediousness and time consumption associated with fixing wires to fence posts is the Clipex® fence post set, where the holes are replaced by slots so that the wires can be slid into a retained position in the vertical member of the star post, and each slot has a striker which is locked onto the slot to retain the wire therein.

[0008] Over time, fence wire tends to sag and needs to be tightened. With one end of the wire securely fastened to a corner post or brace post, the wires are then released from the fasteners at the intermediate posts and the wire is tightened using a number of known methods and a variety of tools such as pliers, fence tensioners, a rope or mechanical fence puller, a pry bar and cable clamp, Gripple® anchors, wire tensioners, ratchet tensioners, etc.

[0009] When the fence wires of a wooden palisade are tightened, the staples holding the wires must be removed before tightening and hammered again afterward. When the fence wires of a star post fence are tightened, the securing wires in the holes of the upright members of the posts are loosened, freeing the fence wire from the post so that the fence wire can move freely during tightening. If the fence wire is not released, the wire could break and / or the post will be pulled (and possibly dislodged) during the tightening of the fence. After tightening, each wire of each fence must be re-secured. If locked star posts, such as Clipex® posts, are used with straight wires, the fence wires can be tightened without releasing them from the Clipex® posts if the slots are sized to accommodate the wire movement.

[0010] When barbed wire is used, tightening the fencing wire has the added complication of barbs on the wire. With Clipex® posts, for example, the barbs cannot move through the slots because the slots are sized to accommodate the diameter of the wire only. The slots cannot, for example, be enlarged to accommodate the movement of the barbs through them at least because the cross-section of a barb can be as much as 20 to 30 mm, whereas the typical width of a star post element is only about 25 mm.

[0011] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like contained in this specification should not be construed as an admission that any or all of such matters form part of the prior art basis or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed prior to the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0012] Summary

[0013] In one aspect, there is provided a fencing device for supporting a fence wire, the device comprising: a body having an inner surface that defines an opening through the body, the opening for receiving the fence wire, wherein the inner surface is at least partially convex toward the opening.

[0014] The inner surface may be at least partially convex to form a ramp in the opening so that, in use, the fence wire is guided across the surface and through the opening.

[0015] The fencing device may further include an inlet in the opening, configured to provide an entry passage for a wire into the opening. The inlet may be formed by a channel connecting an exterior of the body and the opening, a cross-section of the channel being substantially L-shaped. In use, the inlet may be positioned on an upper half of the body.

[0016] The fencing device may further comprise a connecting means configured to connect the fencing device to a fence post. The connecting means may comprise: a receiving region configured to receive a portion of a fence post therein; and a locking means configured to secure the device to the fence post. The receiving region may comprise a pair of holding tabs defining a post channel configured to fit over a vertical member of a Y-post; and the locking means may comprise a pin opening in each of the holding tabs, the pin openings being aligned and configured to receive a locking pin.

[0017] The inner surface may be annular such that the opening is substantially round. The body of the device may be substantially annular.

[0018] The fencing device may further include a wire guide attachment configured to be connected to the body, the wire guide attachment for supporting the fencing wire. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Embodiments of the invention are now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] [Fig.1A] is a side view of one embodiment of a fencing device.

[0021] [Fig.lB] is a perspective view of the fencing device of [Fig.lA].

[0022] [Fig.2] is a top view of the fencing device of [Fig.lA] and [Fig.lB], illustrating the functionality of the connecting means.

[0023] [Fig. 3] is a front view of another embodiment of a fencing device

[0024] [Fig.4] shows a fencing device attached to a fence post.

[0025] [Fig.5A] is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fencing device.

[0026] [Fig.5B] is a perspective view of the fencing device of [Fig.5A] when attached to a fence post.

[0027] [Fig.6A] is a perspective view of the fencing device of [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] with a first embodiment of a wire guide attachment.

[0028] [Fig.6B] is the closing device of [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] with the wire guide attachment of [Fig.6A] attached thereto.

[0029] [Fig.7A] is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fencing device with a second embodiment of a wire guide attachment.

[0030] [Fig.7B] is the fencing device of [Fig.7A] with the second embodiment of a wire guide attachment positioned within the fencing device.

[0031] [Fig.8A] is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fencing device with a third embodiment of a wire guide.

[0032] [Fig.8B] is a side view of the fencing device of [Fig.8A].

[0033] [Fig.8C] is an end view of the fencing device of [Fig.8A].

[0034] [Fig.8D] is a top view of the fencing device of [Fig.8A].

[0035] [Fig.9A] is a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for fence just before being attached to a fence post.

[0036] [Fig.9B] is a perspective view of the fencing device of [Fig.9A] once secured to the fence post.

[0037] [Fig.10A] is a perspective view of the fencing device of [Fig.9B] with one embodiment of the wire guide attached to the post having a wire in the wire guide.

[0038] [Fig. 10B] is a close-up of a region of [Fig. 10A].

[0039] [Fig.10] is a perspective view of the fencing device of [Fig.9B] with an embodiment of the wire guide secured with insulating tape in the wire guide.

[0040] [Fig.lOD] is a close-up of a region of [Fig.lOC].

[0041] [Fig. 11 A] is (from left to right) a perspective view, from above and from the side of a portion of an embodiment of the fencing device connected to a T-post.

[0042] [Fig. 1 IB] is (from left to right) a perspective, top and side view of a portion of one embodiment of the fencing device connected to a T-post.

[0043] [Fig.l2A] is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wire guide attachment.

[0044] [Fig.l2B] is a perspective view of another embodiment of a fencing device.

[0045] [Fig. 12C] is a perspective view of the wire guide attachment of [Fig. 12A] connected to the fencing device of [Fig. 12B].

[0046] In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts. Detailed description

[0047] [Fig.lA] and [Fig.lB] of the drawings show a fencing device 100 for supporting a fencing wire. The device 100 has a body 102 having an inner surface 104 which defines an opening 106 through the body 102. The opening 106 is for receiving the fencing wire. The inner surface 104 is at least partially convex toward the opening 106. The inner surface 104 is at least partially convex to form a ramp 111 in the opening so that, in use, the fencing wire is guided across the surface and through the opening 106.

[0048] In the exemplary embodiment, the fencing device 100 includes an inlet 112 to the opening 106, configured to provide an entry passage for a wire into the opening 106. In alternative embodiments, the fencing device 100 does not include an entry passage, and the fencing wire is simply threaded through the opening.

[0049] As illustrated in [Fig.lA], the inlet 112 is formed by a channel 114 connecting an exterior 116 of the body 102 and the opening 106. The cross-section of the channel in this example is substantially L-shaped, however any suitable shape may be used for the channel which allows a fencing wire to be slid into the fencing device to be positioned in the opening 106. For example, the channel may be straight, C-shaped, zigzag, etc. The width of the channel 114 may be between 3 and 5 mm, for example 4 mm.

[0050] In alternative embodiments, the inlet 112 may include a cover or latch so as to securely retain the fence wire within the device 100. In some embodiments, the inlet 112 may include a resilient member or resilient means so that the inlet can be pushed open to insert the fence wire, and will then close once the wire has been inserted and any applied pressure has been released.

[0051] In the exemplary embodiment, the inlet 112 is positioned on an upper half of the body 102, or at least spaced from the floor 118 of the opening, the floor 118 being a lower portion within the device 102 when oriented in a substantially vertical use arrangement. This positioning of the inlet 112 tends to prevent the fence wire from accidentally slipping out, as the wire will tend to be pulled downward by gravity and is unlikely to move upward (or upward and laterally, as in this example where the inlet opening 120 in the opening 106 is offset from the vertical and horizontal axes of the body 102).

[0052] In some embodiments, the device is part of a fence post, e.g., is integrally formed or attached to a fence post during manufacture or assembly. In other embodiments, the device is separate from the fence post and is configured to be attachable to a fence post. For example, the fencing device may include a connecting means that is configured to connect the fencing device to the fence post.

[0053] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 2], in the exemplary embodiment, the fencing device 200 has a connecting means 222 which has a receiving region 232 configured to receive a portion of a fence post therein. In this embodiment, the receiving region 232 includes a pair of holding legs 208 defining a post channel 209 configured to fit over a vertical member of a Y-post (also referred to as a "star post" or "star picket"). In alternative embodiments, for example where a different type and shaped post are used, the receiving region may have a different shape to fit the shape of the relevant post.

[0054] The connecting means 222 also includes a locking means 226 configured to secure the device to the fence post. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the locking means 226 includes a pin opening 224 in the form of an eyelet in each of the retaining tabs 208, the two pin openings 224 aligned and configured to receive a locking pin 228. The pin openings are sized and shaped according to the locking pin used, and may have a diameter between 7 and 10 mm, for example 8 to 9 mm. In some embodiments, the locking pin 228 may be part of the device 200, for example the locking pin may be fixed or slidably, hingedly or otherwise connected to the device 200.Various mechanisms may be used to secure the device 200 to a fence post, for example, a simple application of wire threaded through the pin openings 224 and wrapped through or around a portion of the fence post may be used. In the exemplary embodiment, a locking pin 228 is used which is a separate mechanism, and may be any suitable pin that can engage the locking means 226 of the device 200, such as a push-in plastic fastener with resilient split ends and a locking head, such as the Gallagher® nylon pins otherwise used for pinlock® insulators.

[0055] It will be understood that the device 100 may have a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The body 102 of the device may, for example, be substantially square, rectangular, D-shaped, etc. Similarly, the opening 106 may be oval, elongated, or D-shaped.

[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the internal surface 104 of the device 100 is annular so that the opening is substantially 106 round. Also, the body 102 of the device 100 is substantially annular, with an external diameter 140 of 40 to 70 mm, for example 60 to 65 mm, and preferably with a thickness 207 of between 10 and 40 mm, for example 30 mm. In this embodiment, due to the particular configuration and manufacturing method, the thickness 210 supports the convex shape on the inner surface 104 which forms the ramp 111 in the opening, allowing the fence wire to move freely across the surface and through the opening 106.

[0057] However, in alternative embodiments, the body 102 and the ramp 111 may be configured differently. For example, referring to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the body 302 of the fencing device 300 is relatively thin (e.g., formed of sheet metal), and the convex surface forming the ramp 311 provides a bridge 321 that leads into and out of the device 300, bridging the body 302 of the device 300, thereby providing an unimpeded passage for movement of the fencing wire (e.g., barbed wire).

[0058] In the illustrated embodiments, the opening 106 is sized to have a diameter 130 of between 30 and 40 mm, for example 35 mm. Advantageously, this allows movement of the barbs on a typical barbed wire therethrough.

[0059] The fencing device may be made from any suitable material, for example a metal such as stainless steel or a hard plastic such as a thermoplastic polymer, for example polycarbonate. The preferred embodiment is made from a thermoplastic polymer such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), via an injection molding process.

[0060] [Fig. 4] shows a fencing device 400 secured to a fence post 440, with a barbed wire 401 passing through the opening 406. The fencing device 400 is secured to one of the three upright members 444 of the post: the upright member 444 is received in the post channel 209, and a locking pin 428 passes through the pin openings 424 of the holding legs 408 and a corresponding opening on the upright member 444 of the post 440 with which the pin openings 424 are aligned, thereby securing the fencing device 400 to the post 440. In the event that the wire 401 needs to be removed from the fencing device, it can be slid out via the entrance 112. It can be seen that if the wire were clamped in place, the barbs 403 on each side of the fencing device 400 could move freely through the opening 406.

[0061] [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B] show an alternative embodiment of a fencing device 500. The device 500 has a body 502 having an inner surface 504 that defines an opening 506 through the body 502. The opening 506 is for receiving the fencing wire. The inner surface 504 is at least partially convex toward the opening 506. The inner surface 504 is at least partially convex to form a ramp 511 in the opening so that, in use, the fencing wire fence is guided across the surface and through the opening 506. The fencing device 500 has an inlet 512 to the opening 506, the inlet 512 formed by a channel 514 connecting an exterior 516 of the body 502 and the opening 506, and configured to provide an entry passage for a wire into the opening 506.

[0062] The fencing device 500 has a connecting means 522 that has a receiving region 532 configured to receive a first upright member 544 of a fence post 540 therein. In this embodiment, the receiving region 532 includes a pair of holding legs 508 defining a stake channel 509 configured to receive the first upright member 544 of the fence post therein. The connecting means 522 also includes a pair of connecting legs 510 flanking the holding legs 508.In some embodiments, each connecting leg 510 is configured to extend beyond the retaining legs 508 and the first vertical member 544 with an outwardly projecting flange having a leg end 513. In other embodiments as illustrated in [Fig.l2A] to [Fig.l2C], the connecting legs do not include the extension flanges. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B], the connecting legs 510 are adapted to be positioned parallel and / or adjacent and / or abutting the other two upright members 546 on the remote side of the post 540. The connecting legs 510 each have a pin opening 524' in the form of an eyelet and configured to receive a locking pin (not shown) which passes through the pin opening 524' and a corresponding opening of the upright member 544 thereby securing the fencing device 500 to the post 540.In some embodiments, the connecting legs 510 are at least partially resilient so that the end of the leg 513 can be pushed to rest against the vertical member 546 when the locking pin (or equivalent connecting mechanism) is applied to secure the fencing device 500 to the fence post 540. In some embodiments, the connecting legs 510 also have second pin openings 524 with similar aligned openings in the holding legs 508 so that a pin can be used to secure the fencing device 500 to a vertical member 544 having an opening therethrough.

[0063] The fencing device 500 includes a fastener connector 550 configured to connect a wire guide fastener to the fencing device 500. In this embodiment, the fastener connector 550 includes a fastener guide 552, a fastener seat 534, and a pair of connector ribs 536.

[0064] A first embodiment of a wire guide attachment 660 is shown in [Fig. 6A] and [Fig. 6B]. The wire guide attachment 660 has a connector 662 configured to cooperate with the attachment connector 650 of the fencing device 600 of so as to connect the wire guide attachment 660 to the fencing device 600, and a wire guide 664 configured to support at least one wire (e.g., a single wire, an electrified wire, a barbed wire, a turbo braid, or an electrified tape). In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 6A] and [Fig. 6B], the connector 662 includes a curved bracket 666 formed to rest on the attachment seat 634, and having a pair of inwardly curved handles 668 that cooperate with the pair of connector ribs 636 to hold the wire guide attachment in place on the fencing device 600. The bracket 666 is at least partially resilient to allow the handles 668 to be positioned over the ribs 636 and to push toward the ribs 636 so as to hook the handles 668 under or behind an edge of each rib 636 to thereby secure the wire guide attachment 660 to the fencing device 600.The connector 662 also includes a locating member 670 (in this embodiment formed by a central region of the bracket 666), which is positioned between the attachment guide 652 and the attachment seat 636 so as to guide the wire guide attachment 660 into place during installation, and also to provide additional support, along with the handles 668.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiment, the connector 662 is spaced from the wire guide 664 by a connecting spacer 672. The connecting spacer 672 maintains the wire guide 664 away from the fencing device 600 and away from the post 640. For embodiments where an electrified wire is routed through the wire guide 664, the connecting spacer 672 ensures that a distance is maintained between a wire (e.g., barbed wire) that is supported in the opening 606 of the fencing device and the electrified wire supported by the wire guide 664. This distance may be 10 to 20 cm, for example, 15 cm. According to Electrical Installation Standards AS / NZS 3014-2003, a single wire in an existing fence containing barbed wire or razor wire may be electrified provided the electrified wire is offset horizontally from the plane of the fence wire by at least 150 mm.

[0066] In this embodiment, the wire guide 664 includes a pair of guides 674, each having a support formation 678 for supporting or guiding a wire, and an entry slot 676 for inserting a wire into the support formation 678.

[0067] [Fig.7A] and [Fig.7B] show another embodiment of a fencing device 700, having a second embodiment of a wire guide attachment 760. The fencing device 700 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1A] and [Fig.1B], and has a body 702 having an inner surface 704 that defines an opening 706 through the body 702. The opening 706 is for receiving the fencing wire. The inner surface 704 is at least partially convex to form a ramp 711 in the opening so that, in use, the fencing wire is guided from end to end. the other of the surface and through the opening 706. The enclosure device 700 has an inlet 712 to the opening 706, the inlet 712 formed by a channel 714 connecting an exterior 716 of the body 702 and the opening 706, and configured to provide an entry passage for a wire into the opening 706.

[0068] The fence device 700 has a connecting means 722 that has a receiving region 732 configured to receive a vertical member of a fence post therein. In this embodiment, the receiving region 732 includes a pair of holding legs 708 defining a post channel 709 configured to receive a vertical member of a fence post therein. Each holding leg has a pin opening 724', the two pin openings 724' being aligned and configured to receive a locking pin 728 therethrough when the guide device 700 is attached to a star post.The connecting means 722 also includes a pair of connecting flanges 710 each extending outwardly at right angles from a respective holding tab 708, each connecting flange 710 having a mounting opening 724 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the opening 706 of the fencing device 700 lies. The mounting openings 724' may be used for nails, screws, or similar fastening means when the fencing device 700 is attached to a fence post such as a wooden fence post.

[0069] The fencing device 700 includes an attachment connector 750 configured to connect a wire guide attachment 760 to the fencing device 700. In this embodiment, the attachment connector 750 includes an attachment channel 780.

[0070] In this embodiment, the wire guide attachment 760 has a connector 762 configured to be received in the attachment channel 780 of the fencing device 700 to connect the wire guide attachment 760 to the fencing device 700. In some embodiments, the attachment connector 750 of the fencing device 700 and / or the connector 762 of the wire guide attachment 760 includes a locking mechanism for securing the wire guide attachment once inserted into the attachment channel 780, such as a locking pin arrangement.

[0071] The wire guide attachment 760 also has a wire guide 764 configured to support at least one wire (e.g., plain wire, electrified wire, barbed wire, or electrified tape). In the exemplary embodiment, the connector 762 is spaced from the wire guide 764 by a connecting spacer 772. The connecting spacer 772 positions the wire guide 764 away from the fencing device 700 and away from the post. For embodiments where an electrified wire is routed through the wire guide 764, the connecting spacer 772 ensures that a distance is maintained between an iron wire (e.g., barbed wire) that is supported in the opening 706 of the fencing device 700 and the electrified wire supported by the wire guide 764. This distance may be from 10 to 20 cm, for example 15 cm. The wire guide 764 may be in the form of one or more openings spaced towards the end or spaced along the connecting spacer 772.

[0072] [Fig.8A], [Fig.8B], [Fig.8C] and [Fig.8D] show an alternative embodiment of a fencing device 800. The device 800 has a body 802 having an inner surface 804 which defines an opening 806 through the body 802. The opening 806 is for receiving the fencing wire. The inner surface 804 is at least partially convex toward the opening 806. The inner surface 804 is at least partially convex to form a ramp 811 in the opening so that, in use, the fencing wire is guided across the surface and through the opening 806. The fencing device 800 has an inlet 812 to the opening 806, the inlet 812 formed by a channel 814 connecting an exterior of the body 802 and the opening 806, and configured to provide an entry passage for a wire into the opening 806.

[0073] The fencing device 800 has a connecting means 822 for connecting the device 800 to a fence post. The connecting means 822 has a receiving region 832 configured to receive a first vertical member of a fence post (not shown) therein. In this embodiment, the receiving region 832 includes a pair of holding legs 808 defining therebetween a staking channel configured to receive the first vertical member of the fence post (not shown) therein. The connecting means 822 also includes a pair of connecting legs 810 flanking the holding legs 808, each configured to extend beyond the holding legs 808 and the first vertical member of the fence post, and adapted to be positioned parallel and / or adjacent and / or abutting the other two vertical members on the side remote from the post.The connecting legs 810 each have a plurality of pin openings 824 in the form of eyelets, each configured to receive a locking pin which could in use pass through the respective pin opening and a corresponding opening of the vertical member thereby securing the fencing device 800 to the post. By providing a plurality of openings, the position of the fencing device 800 can be adjusted to allow alignment of the corresponding openings in the device 800 and the post. If the post is made of wood, the pin openings 824 in the connecting legs 810 can be used to secure the device 800 to a wooden fence post using one or more of the openings 824 as a fastening means for a screw or nail.In some embodiments, the connecting legs 810 are at least partially resilient so that the ends of each can be pushed to rest against the vertical member of the fence post.

[0074] The fencing device 800 includes an attachment connector 850 configured to connect a wire guide attachment 860 to the fencing device 800.

[0075] The wire guide attachment 860 has a connector 862 configured to cooperate with the attachment connector 850 of the fencing device 800 so as to connect the wire guide attachment 860 to the fencing device 800, and a wire guide 864 configured to support at least one wire (e.g., plain wire, electrified wire, barbed wire, or electrified tape). The fencing device 800 has a attachment guide 852. The attachment guide 852 may take the form of a removable locking pin 828. The connector 862 has a locating member 870, which is positioned between the attachment guide 852 and the attachment connector so as to guide the wire guide attachment 860 into place during installation, and also to provide additional support, with the handles of the connector 862.Once the wire guide attachment 860 is in place, the removable locking pin 828 can be removed and inserted into the opening 824'.

[0076] The removable locking pin 828 (which may be referred to as a breakaway pin) may be manufactured connected to the body 802 of the device 800. The removable locking pin 828 may be broken using force such as a twisting force applied by the user's fingers. The removable locking pin 828 may be configured so that it can be easily grasped and twisted with the fingers. Thus, the locking pin 828 may have one end formed into finger loops that may be made M-shaped or similar, so that the user can insert their fingers therein, grasp the locking pin 828, and remove it from the body 802.

[0077] A close-up of the locking pin 928 attached to the body 902 can be seen in [Fig.9A]. The weak connection point 939 can be broken by twisting the locking pin 928 using finger force. The locking pin 928 can then be inserted into the aligned openings 924 in the body 902 of the device 900 and the opening 945 in the fence post 940. As shown in [Fig.9B], once inserted into the aligned openings 924 (openings in the body of the device 902 and the fence post 940), the ends 958 of the head of the locking pin 928 can push into the slots 956 defined in the body 902. These slots 956 can be positioned to serve as guides so that the user knows in which orientation to push the locking pin 928 into the opening 924 to ensure a tight fit.

[0078] Returning to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 8], the connector 862 is spaced from the wire guide 864 by a connecting spacer 872. The connecting spacer 872 keeps the wire guide 864 away from the fencing device 800 and away from the post. For embodiments where an electrified wire is routed through the wire guide 864, the connecting spacer 872 ensures that a distance is maintained between a wire (e.g., barbed wire) that is supported in the opening 106 of the fencing device and the electrified wire supported by the wire guide 864. This distance may be 10 to 20 cm, for example 15 cm. According to the Electrical Installation Standards AS / NZS 3014-2003, a single wire in an existing fence containing barbed wire or razor wire may be electrified provided that the electrified wire is offset horizontally from the plane of the fence wire by at least 150 mm.

[0079] In this embodiment, the wire guide attachment 864 includes a pair of guides 874, each having a support formation 878 in the form of an arm for supporting or guiding a wire, and an entry slot 876 for inserting a wire into the support formation 878. The guides 874 are shown in close-up in [Fig. 10A], [Fig. 10B], [Fig. 10C], and [Fig. 10D]. A first guide 1074 has an upwardly curved arm and a second guide 1074 has a downwardly curved arm, such that together they form a passageway. Once the wire 1001 is located below and above each arm 1074 respectively, through the passage, any movement of the wire 1001 in use can be accommodated with a reduced likelihood of the wire 1001 being accidentally dislodged.Although the wire 1001 may be difficult to accidentally dislodge from the device 1000, it may be relatively simple to intentionally remove it from the guides 1074 by lifting the wire above and below the respective guides 1074 during tightening or replacement and / or maintenance. An elongated guide region 1086 may be provided as part of the wire guide attachment 1064 and may be particularly suited to housing the electrical tape 1088 which tends to be flat. The electrical tape 1088 (illustrated in [Fig. 10C] and [Fig. 10D]) may be used in place of the electrical wire 1001 (illustrated in [Fig. 10A] and [Fig. 10B]) or turbo braid. The elongated guide region 1086 may include one or more arms 1084 configured to form an elongated (e.g., ovaloid) channel 1086. In some embodiments, the elongated guide region 1086 is the only region provided as a wire guide attachment 1064.

[0080] When selecting the embodiment of the fencing device to be used, one skilled in the art may first determine whether to attach the device to a T-post or a Y-post. The apparatus of [Fig.l] and [Fig.2] for example may be suitable for connection to any post that has a vertical member that may be located in the receiving region 232 of the connecting means 222. The connecting means 722 of the device of [Fig.7] for example may be better suited to a T-post since the connecting tabs 710 are oriented to fit the T-shape of the vertical members of the fence post. The connecting means 822 of [Fig.9] for example may be better suited to a Y-shaped post since the connecting legs 810 are oriented to fit the Y shape of the vertical members of the fence post. The connecting legs of the exemplary devices may provide additional structural stability by engaging the vertical members of the fence post in use.

[0081] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 11 A] and [Fig. 11 B], the fencing device 1100 is connected to an embodiment of a T-post 1140 that has an upright member 1143 with a series of projections 1141. To engage the device 1100, the upright member 1143 is gripped between pairs of teeth 1190 provided on connecting legs 1110. Once in position, the locking pin 1128 passes through the opening 1124'. Depending on the size of the T-post, the upright member 1143 may be gripped between a front row of teeth (1190) or a rear row of teeth (1190'). The locking pin 1128 may pass through an opening 1124' formed forwardly in the body 1124' or rearwardly in the body 1124”. In [Fig. llA], the T-post is slightly smaller than that shown in [Fig. 11B]. It can be seen in [Fig.l IB] that to accommodate the slightly larger upright member 1143 of the fence post, the locking pin 1128 passes through the opening 1124” and the teeth 1190' engage the upright member 1143 to hold the device firmly in place on the post 1140. The indentations between the teeth 1190 on the connecting legs 1110 may act like a vice when slid over the metal of the fence post 1140. It should be understood that by providing additional teeth and possibly additional openings spaced along the connecting legs 1110, the fencing device may be adapted to fit multiple different sizes of T-post. There may be additional holes in the connecting legs 1110 which may, in some embodiments, be useful in draining any water trapped in and around the device.

[0082] [Fig.l2A], [Fig.l2B] and [Fig.l2C] show another embodiment of a fencing device 1200, having an alternative embodiment of a wire guide attachment 1260. The fencing device 1200 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.5A] and [Fig.5B]. The fencing device 1200 has central holding legs 1208 (each with an opening) and external connecting legs 1210 with pin openings 1224 aligned with the openings in the central holding legs 1208, the openings being configured to receive a locking pin for securing the fencing device to a fence post. The securing guide 1252 may take the form of a removable locking pin with a resilient tapered end for insertion into the pin openings 1224, having an arrow-shaped end so that the pin is secured once inserted.At the other end, the removable locking pin has a widened end. forming a larger surface area allowing the user to more easily push the pin into the opening.

[0083] The wire guide attachment 1260 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 8A] to [Fig. 8D], and has an attachment connector with inwardly curved handles 1268 that cooperate with the connector ribs. As illustrated, the ribs provided around the fencing device include transverse ribs such as the connector ribs, and also include diagonal reinforcing ribs (in this embodiment in both directions to form a cross).

[0084] Those skilled in the art of the invention will understand that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0085] In the following claims and in the foregoing description of the invention, except where the context requires a different interpretation because of express language or necessary implication, the word "include" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the features indicated but not to exclude the presence or addition of other features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0086] All promises made in this description are to be understood as relating to certain embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be promises made regarding the invention as a whole. Where there are promises deemed to apply to all embodiments of the invention, the applicant / patent holder reserves the right to subsequently delete them from the description and does not rely on such promises for the subsequent acceptance or grant of a patent in any country.

Claims

Claims

1. A fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) for supporting a fencing wire, the device comprising: a body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902) having an inner surface (104, 504, 704, 804) defining an opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906) through the body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902), the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906) for receiving the fence wire, wherein the inner surface (104, 504, 704, 804) is at least partially convex toward the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906); and an attachment connector (550, 650, 750, 850) for connecting a wire guide attachment (660, 760, 860, 1060, 1260) for a second fence wire to the fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200).

2. A fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface (104, 504, 704, 804) is at least partially convex to form a ramp (111, 211, 511, 711, 811) in the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906) so that, in use, the fencing wire is guided across the surface and through the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906).

3. A fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an inlet (112, 212, 412, 512, 712, 812) in the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906), configured to provide an entry passage for a wire into the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906), wherein, in use, the inlet (112, 212, 412, 512, 712, 812) is positioned on an upper half of the body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902).

4. A closing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) according to claim 3, wherein the inlet (112, 212, 412, 512, 712, 812) is formed by a channel (114, 214, 514, 714, 814) connecting an exterior of the body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902) and the opening (106, 406, 506, 706, 806, 906), wherein a section transverse of the channel (114, 214, 514, 714, 814) is substantially L-shaped.

5. A fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) according to any preceding claim, further comprising connecting means (222, 522, 722, 822, 1222) configured to connect the fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) to a fence post, wherein the connecting means (222, 522, 722, 822, 1222) comprises: a receiving region (232, 732, 832) configured to receive a portion of a fence post therein; and locking means (226, 228, 428, 928, 1128) configured to secure the device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) to the fence post.

6. The fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) of claim 5, wherein: the receiving region (232, 732, 832) comprises a pair of holding legs (208, 508, 708, 808, 1208) defining a stake channel (209) configured to fit over a vertical member of a Y-post; and the locking means (226, 228, 428, 928, 1128) includes a pin opening (124, 224, 424, 524, 724, 924, 1224) in each of the retaining tabs (208, 508, 708, 808, 1208), the pin openings (124, 224, 424, 524, 724, 924, 1224) aligned and configured to receive a locking pin (228, 428, 928, 1128).

7. A closure device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner surface (104, 504, 704, 804) is annular such that the opening (106) is substantially round, and wherein the body of the device (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902) is substantially annular.

8. A fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment connector (550, 650, 750, 850) comprises connector ribs (536, 636) and reinforcing ribs.

9. The fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) of claim 7, wherein the connector ribs (536, 636) comprise transverse ribs on an exterior (116) of the body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902), and wherein the reinforcing ribs comprise diagonal ribs on an exterior (116) of the body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902).

10. The fencing device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200) of any preceding claim, further comprising the wire guide attachment (660, 760, 860, 1060, 1260) configured to be connected to the body (102, 202, 302, 502, 702, 802, 902) via an attachment connector (662), wherein the wire guide attachment (660, 760, 860, 1060, 1260) comprises a wire guide (664, 864) configured to support the second fence wire.

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