Electronic fence systems and methods of use thereof

Abstract

An electric fence including a pair of spaced poles and a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles. The plurality of wires are insulated from the poles, and the plurality of wires are configured to carry current. A barrier extends along a horizontal length between the pair of poles. The insulated barrier extends upwardly from a ground surface, and the barrier is configured to inhibit conductive debris from contacting the plurality of wires.

Description

ELECTRONIC FENCE SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 599,672, filed November 16, 2023, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to perimeter security devices and methods of use thereof. More particularly, the application is related to both temporally and permanently installed electric fencing systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Theft from places of business and from worksites has risen in recent years. Theft of assets necessarily stored outside and intrusion into buildings can severely impact profitability and safety. For example, theft from worksites is a constant problem that all contractors, whether general or sub, have to contend with. Erecting a fence around a worksite is one manner to deter theft and to protect the public from construction site dangers. The use of temporary fencing is preferred because it is constructed in such a way that it allows for easy installation and it can be moved without a great amount of effort. Temporary construction fencing is often required by law and is designed to protect the work site, decrease liability', and improve the aesthetics of the work zone. It also protects nearby vehicles and pedestrians from the dust and debris that an active construction site can create.

[0004] There are multiple types of temporary fencing that can be used on construction sites. Site managers must look at the functionality of the fence, but also at its ease of setup, breakdown, storage, and effectiveness. The addition of an electrical deterrent adds to the security of a perimeter fence. Electric fences generally employ a bare wire through which electricity may be conducted for purposes of imparting an electrical shock to an individual coming into contact with a wire. When an individual comes into contact with an electrically charged wire, voltage in the wire is conducted through the individual and into the ground causing a painful shock and thus deterring the thief from entering the construction site.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for both permanent and portable, temporary fences that may be electrified to aid in the protection of goods and property'.SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosed electric fencing system may include a pair of substantially parallel, vertical elongated poles, a plurality' of horizontal wires that are substantially parallel to each other, and an insulated barrier extending along a horizontal length between the pair of material elongated poles, wherein the insulated barrier is adjacent a support surface beneath the fence system and extends upwardly therefrom.

[0007] In one aspect, an electric fence comprises a pair of spaced poles and a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles. The plurality' of wires are insulated from the poles. The plurality' of wires are configured to carry current. A barrier extends along a horizontal length between the pair of poles. The insulated barrier extends upwardly from a ground surface. The barrier is configured to inhibit conductive debris from contacting the plurality of wires.

[0008] Some alternate embodiments provide a portable electric fence kit for the erection of a portable electric fence kit for the erection of a temporary' electric fence, including a primary' fence section which is portable and non-electrified having two or more poles, a secondary fence section having two or more insulated poles secured to the poles of the primary fence section and having the ability to be electrified using a plurality of wires spanning the distance between the insulated poles, a plurality of wires spanning the distance between the insulated poles, system controls operationally associated with the fence sections, a power source operationally associated with the fence sections and the system controls, the power source providing electricity' to the secondary fence sections and a coupling means which allows for one section of the fence kit and its wires to be coupled to another section of the fence kit and its wires. As well, an insulated barrier preferably extends the length of the secondary' fence section, the insulated barrier extending upwardly from the ground to a level of 2 feet or greater above the ground.

[0009] Also disclosed herein is a sensor comprising a spring having a first end portion and a second end portion spaced along a central axis. A wire extends through the spring. The wire comprises a first insulated portion and a second non-insulated portion extending outwardly from the central axis of the spring. The second non-insulated portion is configured to contact the spring when the spring is elongated by a predetermined length. The wire is configured to couple to an electrical ground.

[0010] Also disclosed herein is an electric fence comprising a pair of spaced poles and a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are insulated from the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to carry current. The electric fence comprises at least one confirmation sensor and a system controls in communication with the plurality of wires and the at least one confirmation sensor. The system controls is configured to detect a change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires corresponding to conduction between the at least one wire and an electrical ground. The system controls is configured to trigger an alarm in response to detecting the in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires and a signal from the at least one confirmation sensor.

[0011] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top down view of a fence system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of temporarily installed electric fencing of the fence system shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a section of electrical fencing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the section of electric fencing shown in FIG. 3, including an insulated mesh barrier in accordance with embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a section of electrical fencing in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the section of electrical fencing of FIG. 5.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tension spring ground sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the preset invention.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a side view of the tension spring ground sensor of FIG. 7.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tension spring ground sensor of FIG. 7, taken in the plane 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a detail view of a portion of the tension spring ground sensor of FIG. 7, shown in FIG. 9.

[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic bird’s eye view of a fence system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary . It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0025] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0026] As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a loop” can refer to one or more of such loops, and so forth.

[0027] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0029] As used herein, the term “at least one of’ is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each.

[0030] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. In other aspects, when angular values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally.” it is contemplated that angular values within up to 15 degrees, up to 10 degrees, up to 5 degrees, or up to one degree (above or below) of the particularly stated angular value can be included within the scope of those aspects.

[0031] The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and, unless context dictates otherwise, in alternative aspects, can also include any combination of members of that list.

[0032] In the following description and claims, wherever the word “comprise” or “include” is used, it is understood that the words “comprise” and “include” can optionally be replaced with the words “consists essentially of’ or “consists of’ to form another embodiment.

[0033] It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to befollowed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0034] The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.

[0035] Looking now to the figures, in which like numbers indicate like items, one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is shown in FIGs. 1 and 2 and includes a portable electric fence kit 10 for the erection of a temporary electric fence 20. The fence kit 10 includes a primary fence section 30, which is portable and can be either electrified or non-electrified, and which has two or more poles 32, a secondary fence section 50 having two or more insulated poles 52 secured to the poles 32 of the primary fence section 30 by a connector 62 and having the ability to be electrified using a plurality of wires 55 spanning the distance between the insulated poles 52. The fence 20 further includes a plurality of wires 55 spanning the distance between the insulated poles 52, system controls 70 operationally associated with the fence sections 30, 50, where the system controls 70 have the ability to control the electrification of the secondary fence sections 50, a power source 80 operationally associated with the fence sections 30, 50 and the system controls 70, with the power source 80 providing electricity to the secondary fence sections 50 and a coupling means 62 which allows for one electrified fence section 65 and its wires 55 to be coupled to another electrified fence section 65 and its wires 55.

[0036] The term “portable fence." as used herein, refers to any kind of fence known in the art which may be transported to a location, such as a construction site, assembled at that location to create a perimeter fence of whatever length and shape is required to secure the location, left at the location for whatever duration is necessary / required and then disassembled and removed from the location when the portable fence is no longer necessary / required. Note,the portable fence disclosed herein is only used by way of example, with alternate embodiments of the disclosure being associated with permanently installed fences and / or buildings.

[0037] The primary fence section 30 disclosed herein can refer to any fence section that includes two or more poles 32. A primary fence section 30 can be portable and can be attached and / or operationally associated with a plurality of other primary fence sections 30 in order to construct / create a perimeter around a desired location. A primary fence section has an inner side 36 that can generally face an interior of a perimeter fence configuration and an outer side 37 that can generally face an exterior of the perimeter fence configuration. Each primary fence section 30 can be either electrified or non-electrified. The primary fence section 30 can include a top rail 40, a bottom rail 41, a tension wire, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the primary fence section 30 can include a chain-link fence, a mesh fence, barbed wire, or a combination thereof.

[0038] Secondary' fence section 50, as used herein, refers to any fence section which includes two or more insulated poles 52 which are secured to a primary fence section 30. A secondary fence section 50 is portable and may be attached and / or operationally associated with a plurality of other primary fence sections 30 and secondary fence sections 50. A secondary' fence section 50 has an inner side 53 that can generally face the interior of the perimeter fence configuration and an outer side 54 that can generally face the exterior of the perimeter fence configuration. The secondary’ fence section 50 can be secured to a primary fence section 30 so that the inner side 53 of the secondary fence section faces the outer side 37 of the primary fence section. In some aspects, secondary fence section 50 can be electrified using a plurality of wires 55 that extend between the insulated poles 52. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulated poles 52 of the secondary fence section 50 span the same horizontal distance and vertical distance as the poles 32 of the primary fence section 30. In another embodiment, the insulated poles 52 of the secondary fence section 50 span the same horizontal distance, but extend above the height of the poles 32 of the primary fence section to extend both the height and the protection of the secondary’ fence section 50, as shown in FIG. 2. A secondary fence section 50 can be secured to a primary fence section 30 by at least one connector 62. The at least one connector 62 can be any suitable connector known in the art including, but not limited to, a metal or plastic bracket, a weld, or any combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the insulated poles 52 can comprise a conductive material and the wires 55 are secured to the poles 52 using an insulator attached to the pole to keep the cunent from traveling betyveen the wire 55 and the poles 52. That is, insulated poles 52 can comprisepoles formed from conductive material, and the poles themselves can be insulated from the wires 55 by the insulator between the wires and the poles. The connector(s) 62 can secure the secondary fence sections 50 to the respective primary fence sections 32 by a select spacing. In some aspects, the select spacing can be from 5 to 30 cm.

[0039] The wires disclosed herein can include any wire that is capable of carrying an electric current. Wires 55 include uninsulated wire 56, insulated wire 57, and grounded wire 58. A plurality of wires 55 span the distance between the insulated poles 52 of a secondaryfence section 50. In one embodiment, the wires 55 span the distance horizontally between the insulated poles 52 in a pattern alternating between uninsulated wires 56 and grounded wires 58 with one or more insulated live wires 57 at an end of the spanned distance. In still another embodiment, the wires 55 are configured in a serpentine pattern. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of wires 55 may be distributed in any pattern between the insulated poles 52 that can result in an individual coming into contact with one or more of the wires during an attempt to either climb over, crawl under, or cut through a primary fence section 30.

[0040] The system controls 70 disclosed herein can include controls that are operationally (e.g., electrically and / or communicatively) associated or coupled with the primary fence sections 30, the secondary' fence sections 50, the power source 80, and the monitoring module 100. The system controls 70 have the ability to control the electrification of the secondary fence sections 50. The system controls 70 have the ability to configure and operate the monitoring module 100. In one exemplary embodiment, the system controls 70 are portable. In another exemplary embodiment, the system controls 70 include an electric fence energizer (not illustrated), a monitoring module 100, a control panel 75 and a wireless communicator 76. In still another exemplary embodiment, the insulated wires 57 and noninsulated 56 live wires originate at the system controls 70.

[0041] The monitoring module 200 disclosed herein can comprise a device that allows for the temporary electric fence 20 to be monitored on-site and / or remotely. A monitoring module may include an on-site monitor 202 (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other dedicated computing device), a remote monitor 104, (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc ), a wireless communicator 105, or a combination thereof. The monitoring module 200 can be configured to detect a change in cunent or voltage in the wires indicative of an attempted breach. For example, the monitoring module 200 can be configured to detect a change in current, corresponding to current discharge from the wires and / or to a loss of voltage.

[0042] The power source 80 disclosed herein can comprise any device that is capable of supplying electric power to the electric fence. The power source 80 can be selected from the group including, but not limited to, battery power 81, grid power 82, solar power 83, wind power 84, or a combination thereof.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 3, an electric fence portion 100 can be joined with other fence portions to form an entire fence system, as discussed above. As shown, the fence portion 100 may include a pair of insulated poles 102, and a plurality7of w ires 104 can extend between the poles 102. The insulated poles 102 can be vertically oriented. In some aspects, the wires 104 can extend horizontally and parallel. In some aspects, the poles 102 can be supported at their bases by weighted blocks 106. In other aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 5-6, portions 107 of the poles 102 can be embedded in the ground, extending below7ground level 108. In some aspects, the fence section 100 can stand alone as a physical barrier without being used in connection with a standard, non-electric fence. In other aspects, the fence section 100 can be used in conjunction with a standard, non-electric fence.

[0044] Referring additionally to FIG. 4, a bam er 110 can be provided to help prevent false alarms that may be caused by trash or debris coming into contract with the wires 104. As shown, the barrier 110 can comprise a mesh material 112 that allow s the passage of air and wind therethrough, but is a fine enough mesh to prevent the passage therethrough of debris such as foil wrappers, metallized chip bags, etc., that could potentially cause a false alarm by coming into contact with the live wires 104. In some aspects, the mesh can have a major dimension of no greater than 5 inches, or no greater than 4 inches, or no greater than 3 inches, or no greater than 2 inches, or no greater than 1 inch, or no greater than 0.5 inches. In additional aspects, the openings of the mesh can have major dimensions from 0. 1 inches to 6 inches, or from 0.2 inches to 5 inches, or from 0.5 inches to 4 inches. As shown, the barrier 110 extends the entire length of the fence portion 100, but only partway up the height of the fence portion. As the overwhelming majority7of windblown debris is found at ground level, a barrier height of 2 to 3 feet can be adequate for false alarm prevention. More generally, in some aspects, the barrier 110 can have a vertical dimension from about 6 inches to about 6 feet, or from about 1 foot to about 4 feet, or from about 1 foot to about 3 feet, or from about 2 feet to about 3 feet. How ever, the barrier 110 may also extend the full height of the fence portion 100 if desired. In some aspects, the barrier 110 can contact the ground. Optionally, in these aspects, a portion of the barrier 110 can extend below ground level. In other aspects, the barrier 110 can be spaced from the ground by a distance of, for example, 1 inch.

[0045] Optionally, the barrier 110 can extend generally parallel to the poles 102. Referring also to FIGS. 5-6. in additional aspects, the barrier 100 can extend away from the poles 102 in an upward direction. For example, the barrier 100 can form an acute angle with the poles 102. For example, the acute angle can be from about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees, or about 45 degrees. In this way, the barrier 100 can inhibit debris from blowing upwardly over the barrier.

[0046] In some aspects, a lower portion of the barrier 110 can couple to the poles 102. In further aspects, a support arm 114 can couple to and extend between the poles 102 and an upper portion of the barrier 110. In additional aspects, both the lower and upper portions of the barrier 110 can be spaced from the poles. For example, optionally, the barrier 110 can mount directly to the ground. The barrier 110 can further comprise support members 116 that extend parallel to the mesh 112.

[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, a tension spring ground sensor 120 can be used to warn of attempted intrusion through an electric fence. The tension spring ground sensor 120 can comprise a fence spring 122 having a first end portion 124 and a second end portion 126 spaced along a central axis 128. The fence spring 122 can have a current running therethrough. For example, the fence spring 122 can couple to a wire 102. In some aspects, the fence spring 122 can have a pulsed voltage (e.g., at least 2000 volts, or from about 2000 volts to 10,000 volts, or about 7000 volts).

[0048] An inner wire 130 can extend through the fence spring 122. The inner wire 130 can have a portion 132 that is insulated by an insulator 134. The inner wire 130 can couple to a ground (e.g., at an eyelet 138). The inner wire 130 can further comprise a portion 136 that is not insulated. The portion 136 can extend outwardly from the central axis 128 of the fence spring 122. For example, the portion 126 can comprise a bent or hooked shape. Accordingly, upon sufficient tension in the fence spring 122, the fence spring can stretch so that the second end portion 126 of the fence spring contacts the non-insulated portion 136. In this event, current can be connected to the ground. The system controls 70 (FIG. 1) can detect the current from the fence spring 122 being conducted to the ground and, in response, can trigger an alarm.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 11, at least one sensor 140, such as a thermal sensor and / or a ground vibration / seismic sensor can be used to detect a false alarm and prevent triggering of the alarm in response to the false alarm. For example, in some optional aspects, one or a plurality of sensors 140 (e.g., ground vibrations sensors) may be placed in proximityto the electric fence at various locations. For example, in some aspects, the ground vibration sensor(s) can be positioned within the interior of the fence. In other aspects, the ground vibration sensor(s) can be positioned exterior to the fence. In further aspects, the system 10 can have only a single sensor 140. For example, a single thermal radar sensor can be configured to capture thermal data within a 360 degree field of view. Optionally, the thermal radar sensor(s) can be positioned at an elevated location to improve field of view.

[0050] The sensor(s) 140 can serve as a validation for another alarm condition. For example, an alarm signal can be produced if a metal object (e.g., metal foil blowing in the wind) comes into contact with the wires 104 of the fence portion 100. An absence of ground vibrations and / or thermal readings detected by the one or plurality of sensors 140 can provide an indication that such an alarm signal is a false alarm. Accordingly, in some aspects, the system controls 70 (FIG. 1) can be in communication with the at least one sensor 140. Optionally, the system controls 70 can be configured not to cause an alarm if no sensor 140 is triggered. In other aspects, the system controls 70 can be configured to provide a first alarm based on a change in voltage or current in the wires 55 and a second alarm (e.g., an escalated alarm or an additional alarm) if the sensor(s) 140 detect ground vibrations and / or thermal readings that may correspond to a potential attempted breach.EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

[0051] In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the ‘‘particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

[0052] Aspect 1 : An electric fence comprising: a pair of spaced poles; a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are insulated from the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to carry current; and a barrier extending along a horizontal length between the pair of poles, wherein the insulated barrier extends upwardly from a ground surface, wherein the barrier is configured to inhibit conductive debris from contacting the plurality of wires.

[0053] Aspect 2: The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the barrier comprises a mesh.

[0054] Aspect 3 : The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the barrier extends upwardly to a height of at least two feet above the ground.

[0055] Aspect 4: The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the barrier extends at an acute angle from the pair of poles.

[0056] Aspect 5: The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to, and providing current through, the plurality of wires.

[0057] Aspect 6: The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the electric wires extend horizontally between the poles.

[0058] Aspect 7 : The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the pair of poles are substantially parallel, vertical elongated poles.

[0059] Aspect 8: The electric fence of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a sensor, the sensor comprising: a spring having a first end portion and a second end portion spaced along a central axis; and a wire extending through the spring, wherein the wire comprises: a first insulated portion; and a second non-insulated portion extending outwardly from the central axis of the spring, wherein the second non-insulated portion is configured to contact the spring when the spring is elongated by a predetermined length, wherein the wire is coupled to an electrical ground, wherein the spring of the sensor is coupled to a first wire of the plurality' of wires of the electric fence.

[0060] Aspect 9: The electric fence of aspect 8, further comprising a system controls in communication with the sensor, wherein the system controls is configured to detect a change in current in the first wire corresponding to conduction between the first wire and the electrical ground.

[0061] Aspect 10: The electric fence of aspect 1, further comprising: at least one confirmation sensor; and a system controls in communication with the plurality of wires and the at least one confirmation sensor, wherein the system controls is configured to detect a change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires corresponding to conduction between the at least one wire and an electrical ground, wherein the system controls is configured to trigger an alarm in response to detecting the change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires and a signal from the at least one confirmation sensor.

[0062] Aspect 11 : The electric fence of aspect 10, wherein the at least one confirmation sensor is a thermal sensor or a ground vibration sensor.

[0063] Aspect 12: The electric fence of aspect 10 or aspect 11, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors positioned about a perimeter of the fence

[0064] Aspect 13: A sensor comprising: a spring having a first end portion and a second end portion spaced along a central axis; and a wire extending through the spring, wherein the wire comprises: a first insulated portion; and a second non-insulated portion extending outwardly from the central axis of the spring, wherein the second non-insulated portion is configured to contact the spring when the spring is elongated by a predetermined length, wherein the wire is configured to couple to an electrical ground.

[0065] Aspect 14: The sensor of aspect 13, wherein the wire comprises an eyelet that is configured to couple to the electrical ground.

[0066] Aspect 15: The sensor of aspect 13 or aspect 14, wherein the second noninsulated portion extends transversely to the central axis of the spring.

[0067] Aspect 16: The sensor of any one of aspects 13-15, wherein the spring is configured to couple to a wire of an electric fence.

[0068] Aspect 17: An electric fence comprising:a pair of spaced poles; a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are insulated from the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to carry current; at least one confirmation sensor; and a system controls in communication with the plurality of wires and the at least one confirmation sensor, wherein the system controls is configured to detect a change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires corresponding to conduction between the at least one wire and an electrical ground, wherein the system controls is configured to trigger a first alarm signal in response to detecting the change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires and a second alarm signal in response to receiving a signal from the at least one confirmation sensor indicative of a potential breach.

[0069] Aspect 18: The electric fence of aspect 17, wherein the at least one confirmation sensor is a thermal sensor or a ground vibration sensor.

[0070] Aspect 19: The electric fence of aspect 17 or aspect 18, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors positioned about a perimeter of the fence.

[0071] Aspect 20: The electric fence of any one of aspects aspect 17-19, wherein the second alarm signal is an escalated alarm signal corresponding to both the change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires and the signal from the at least one confirmation sensor indicative of a potential breach.

[0072] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An electric fence comprising: a pair of spaced poles; a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are insulated from the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to carry current; and a barrier extending along a horizontal length between the pair of poles, wherein the insulated barrier extends upwardly from a ground surface, wherein the barrier is configured to inhibit conductive debris from contacting the plurality of wires.

2. The electric fence of claim 1, wherein the barrier comprises a mesh.

3. The electric fence of claim 1, wherein the barrier extends upwardly to a height of at least two feet above the ground.

4. The electric fence of claim 1, wherein the barrier extends at an acute angle from the pair of poles.

5. The electric fence of claim 1, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to, and providing current through, the plurality of wires.

6. The electric fence of claim 1, wherein the electric wires extend horizontally between the poles.

7. The electric fence of claim 1 , wherein the pair of poles are substantially parallel, vertical elongated poles.

8. The electric fence of claim 1, further comprising a sensor, the sensor comprising: a spring having a first end portion and a second end portion spaced along a central axis; and a wire extending through the spring, wherein the wire comprises: a first insulated portion; and a second non-insulated portion extending outwardly from the central axis of the spring, wherein the second non-insulated portion is configured to contact the spring when the spring is elongated by a predetermined length,wherein the wire is coupled to an electrical ground, wherein the spring of the sensor is coupled to a first wire of the plurality of wires of the electric fence.

9. The electric fence of claim 8, further comprising a system controls in communication with the sensor, wherein the system controls is configured to detect a change in current in the first wire corresponding to conduction between the first wire and the electrical ground.

10. The electric fence of claim 1, further comprising: at least one confirmation sensor; and a system controls in communication with the plurality of wires and the at least one confirmation sensor, wherein the system controls is configured to detect a change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires corresponding to conduction between the at least one wire and an electrical ground, wherein the system controls is configured to trigger an alarm in response to detecting the change in current in at least one wire of the plurality' of wires and a signal from the at least one confirmation sensor.

11. The electric fence of claim 10, wherein the at least one confirmation sensor is a thermal sensor or a ground vibration sensor.

12. The electric fence of claim 10, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality' of sensors positioned about a perimeter of the fence13. A sensor comprising: a spring having a first end portion and a second end portion spaced along a central axis; and a wire extending through the spring, wherein the wire comprises: a first insulated portion; and a second non-insulated portion extending outwardly from the central axis of the spring, wherein the second non-insulated portion is configured to contact the spring when the spring is elongated by a predetermined length. wherein the wire is configured to couple to an electrical ground.

14. The sensor of claim 13, wherein the wire comprises an eyelet that is configured to couple to the electrical ground.

15. The sensor of claim 13, wherein the second non-insulated portion extends transversely to the central axis of the spring.

16. The sensor of claim 13, wherein the spring is configured to couple to a wire of an electric fence.

17. An electric fence comprising: a pair of spaced poles; a plurality of wires extending between and supported by the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are insulated from the poles, wherein the plurality of wires are configured to carry current; at least one confirmation sensor; and a system controls in communication with the plurality of wires and the at least one confirmation sensor, wherein the system controls is configured to detect a change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires corresponding to conduction betw een the at least one wire and an electrical ground, wherein the system controls is configured to trigger a first alarm signal in response to detecting the change in current in at least one wire of the plurality of wires and a second alarm signal in response to receiving a signal from the at least one confirmation sensor indicative of a potential breach.

18. The electric fence of claim 17, wherein the at least one confirmation sensor is athermal sensor or a ground vibration sensor.

19. The electric fence of claim 17. wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors positioned about a perimeter of the fence.

20. The electric fence of claim 17, wherein the second alarm signal is an escalated alarm signal corresponding to both the change in current in at least one ware of the plurality of wares and the signal from the at least one confirmation sensor indicative of a potential breach.

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