Electroplastic wire reel

Abstract

An electro-plastic wire reel, without handles or a winding crank, having hexagonal sides to prevent rolling when placed on the ground, and including hooks for connecting and resting the reel on fences. The electro-plastic wire reel of the present application has a fitting for coupling to a collecting device, so that the reel itself has no handles. Also, it comprises an electric connection system for connecting the electroplastic wire line with no need to use connection clamps.

Description

[0001] ELECTROPLASTIC WIRE REEL

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention is related to the technical field of tools used in agriculture and farming activity related to the making of fences for delimitation of plots in an extension of field. More precisely, the present invention refers to the use of a electroplastic wire reel for performing overhead wires and subdivisions of plots in a field.

[0004] Background art

[0005] The use of electroplastic wires for delimitation of plots and subdivisions of sections in fields is nowadays very popular as it is a practical, versatile, comfortable and economic option for performing the farm activity in an efficient manner. This type of wires is made of plastic threads containing thin metallic filaments capable of conducting electric current. They are flexible, light, easy to assemble and disassemble, reusable and versatile for multiple fencing tasks.

[0006] Mainly, the advantage of this resource is the capability to make provisional fences and removable subdivisions in a field. This way, when the objective is to restrict the path of the animals to a determined sector, of they are wanted to be confined to a particular sector, a perimeter may be set up with the electroplastic wire without the need to make a fixed fence. When the task is finished, or animals need to be replaced, the provisional fence is simply rolled up and the electroplastic wire is rolled again in a reel for posterior reuse.

[0007] Currently, the presentations of these electroplastic wires, which are commonly known as "electrocord" or "polywire", comprise plastic reels including an iron shield with two handles. The first one is a grasping hand, where the reel is held; and the second one is a crank handle, which is rolled up to pick up the electroplastic wire. Eventually, the reels may also comprise additional elements, such as hooks to be hanged or complementary grasping elements.

[0008] The regular proceeding for the making of the electrified fences consists in the placing of stakes in the perimeter of the plot to be delimited, and then extending the electroplastic wire from one stake to another. Then, a wire is connected to an electric impeller, which is the source of electric pulses, commonly known as energizer (boyero, in Spanish). For connecting the electric fence energizer to the fence line, connection clamps or "alligator" clips are commonly used to establish the connection.

[0009] Another frequently used variation is to establish sub-divisions of a lot that has a permanently electrified fence around its perimeter. In these cases, the electrified plastic wire is directly connected to the electrified wire of the permanent fence using clamps or simply ties.

[0010] Current commercially available reels typically have approximate dimensions of 30 cm in diameter and 20 cm in width, plus the space occupied by the handles, making the total diameter of the reel greater than 35 cm on average; and the approximate weight of each "reel" is around 2 kg.

[0011] These characteristics pose disadvantages when it comes to storing or transporting the reels due to the volume occupied by the reels and the shape of the handles and cranks.

[0012] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an electro-plastic wire reel that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0013] In particular, an independent electro-plastic wire reel is provided, without handles or a winding crank, having hexagonal sides to prevent rolling when placed on the ground, and including hooks for connecting and resting the reel on fences.

[0014] As detailed below, this electro-plastic wire reel has a fitting for coupling to a collecting device, so the reel itself does not have handles. Additionally, it includes an electrical connection system to connect the electro-plastic wire line without the need for connection clamps.

[0015] Brief description of drawings

[0016] Figure 1 shows a standard reel according to the prior art.

[0017] Figure 2 is a top view of an electro-plastic wire reel according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a side view of an electro-plastic wire reel according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4a is a perspective view of the electro-plastic wire reel according to the present invention, empty, with the collecting device mounted.

[0020] Figure 4b is a perspective view of the electro-plastic wire reel according to the present invention, with the electro-plastic wire wound thereon and with the collecting device mounted.

[0021] Detailed description of the invention As shown in Figure 1, which depicts a standard reel (10) according to the prior art, these devices typically comprise a body composed of two walls (11), commonly circular; and a center (12), of a smaller diameter than the walls (11), where the electro-plastic wire is wound. Additionally, traditional reels (10) also include a bridge (13), to which a handle (14) and, optionally, a hook (15) are attached, which serves to mount the reel on a support so that the weight of the apparatus rests on it and facilitates the task of collecting the wire.

[0022] To this end, a crank (16) is provided on the outer surface of one of the walls (11) of the reel (10), by means of which the reel (10) can be rotated to wind the wire.

[0023] Other common elements of this type of device can be hooks (17), which generally extend from one of the sides and serve to hang the reels (10) from fences or other supports on which the device is to be rested.

[0024] The arrangement, shape, and utility of the components may vary depending on the commercial model.

[0025] As previously mentioned, these types of reels (10) are excessively bulky and heavy, making them cumbersome to operate, store, and transport. This is due to the combined design of the electroplating wire spool and the collecting mechanism in a single device.

[0026] Another common issue with these devices is the frequent jamming of the wire, which occurs when the cord becomes entangled around the shaft in the space between the outer surface of the wall (11) and the inner part of the bridge (13). Due to the shape and arrangement of the reels (10), it is difficult to untangle the electroplating wire. Consequently, users often resort to cutting the tangled section and retying it to the winding with a knot, resulting in poor electrical conductivity and malfunctioning fences.

[0027] To address the aforementioned issues, a new reel (20) is proposed as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the reel consists of a body comprising two side walls (21) and a center (25) around which the electroplastic wire is wound.

[0029] Being independent from the wire collecting mechanism, the reel (20) does not include an integrated bridge or crank. "This results in a significant reduction in the weight and volume of the device compared to the reels (10) of the prior art. Regarding the geometry, as shown in Figure 3, the side walls (21) of the reel (20) have a hexagonal contour. This shape is useful to prevent the reel (20) from rolling when supported, as it lacks the collection mechanism that would act as a stop in such a situation.

[0030] On the center of the side wall (21), the socket (22) for coupling the collecting device (30) can be seen. When it is desired to operate the reel (20) to set up a fence or to collect the wire when taking down a fence, a collecting device (30) is coupled to the socket (22), and the assembly operates in a manner analogous to previously known devices. "Once the operation is complete, the collecting device (30) is decoupled, leaving the reel (20) as a separate, independent object.

[0031] This socket (22) forms a depression in the side wall (21) of the reel (20), in which the shaft of the collecting device (30) is housed. This shaft transmits rotation to the reel (20) when actuated.

[0032] As detailed in Figure 3, the socket (22) exhibits a circular hole (221) with two transversal slots (222) that prolong radially. This particular geometry allows for the cylindrical shaft of the collecting device (30) to be housed, which in turn comprises two bayonet cams. When the shaft of the collecting device (30) is inserted into the socket (22) and pressure is applied, a compression spring housed within the reel (20) is compressed. With the spring compressed, rotating the reel causes the bayonet cams on the cylindrical shaft of the collecting device (30) to disengage from the slots in the socket (22). Upon release of pressure, the internal compression spring pushes the bayonet cams against the edges of the socket (22), locking the shaft of the collecting device (30) in place and securely coupling the collecting device (30) to the reel (20), as shown in Figures 4a and 4b, with the reel empty and wound, respectively. In this way, the rotation imparted to the shaft of the collecting device (30) is transmitted to the reel (20).

[0033] To disengage the reel (20) from the collecting device (30), pressure is reapplied to the reel (20) against the collecting device (30) to recompress the internal spring and release the bayonet cams. The reel (20) is rotated until the bayonet cams align with the slots in the socket (22), and the collecting device is removed.

[0034] This quick-coupling mechanism, using bayonet cams, allows for the practical and simple exchange of reels (20), utilizing a single collecting device (30) for all coils (20) used in electric fence installation.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the operation of the reels (20) when mounted to the collecting device (30) is exactly the same as that of traditional reels.

[0036] The collecting device (30) includes, among other components, a handle (31) for gripping and a crank (32) for operation, rotating the cylindrical shaft and thus transmitting rotation to the reel (20). Furthermore, as previously mentioned, in the event that the electroplastic wire becomes entangled in the collecting device (30) and jams, the reel (20) can be easily disengaged to solve the problem and quickly re-engaged to continue the operation. This feature is particularly advantageous as it avoids laborious and tedious procedures for untangling the entangled wire or, worse, having to cut the wires and splice them together with ties that result in poor electrical conductivity.

[0037] Additionally, the ability to disengage the reel (20) from the collecting device (30) allows for the eventual use of other types of collecting elements or mechanisms, either manual or motorized, which can be hand-operated or mounted on a vehicle.

[0038] In other words, the reel (20) of the present invention has a wide range of potential uses, and a single collecting device (30) can be used for multiple reels (20); or alternatively, the reels (20) can be mounted on different collecting devices, either manual or automatic.

[0039] As can also be seen in Figure 3, two engagement notches (23, 24) are located on opposite vertices of the hexagons that make up the side faces (21) of the reel (20). One engagement notch (23) is marked with a graphic indication (231) to identify it as the live, or electrically conductive, engagement; while the other notch (24) will be the neutral, or electrically insulating, engagement. The graphic indication (231) can be a graphic icon, a color signal, or a combination of both, and may also include a raised or recessed relief on the side face (21).

[0040] The neutral engagement notch (24), on the other hand, may be identified by a graphic indication that is distinguishable from the graphic indication (231) of the live engagement notch (23), or it may not have any particular indication.

[0041] These engagements (23, 24) allow the reel (20) to be hung from a wire fence or line for resting.

[0042] A common practice in temporarily subdividing land parcels with electric fences is to run a temporary electroplastic wire from a section of permanent electric fence, i.e., a permanent electrified wiring. In this regard, when installing the temporary electroplastic wire, connection clamps are used to bridge the energized wire and conduct the electric current along the temporary fence.

[0043] Using the live engagement notch (23), the reel (20) can be rested on the conductive wire while simultaneously energizing the entire coil and the installed line. Conversely, if the reel (20) is hung from the neutral engagement notch (24), the electric current from the permanent fence is isolated from the temporary electroplastic wire. To understand this characteristic function of the reel (20) of the present invention, observing the detail of Figure 1, it can be appreciated that a conductive wire (26) is disposed over the center (25), located in a channel cut into the reel's molding (20) for this purpose, internally connecting the ends of the live engagement notches (23) of both lateral faces (21), and allowing the transmission of electricity and the creation of a connection bridge from the energized wire of the permanent fence to the electro-plastic wire of the coil with which the temporary fence was made.

[0044] As depicted in the figure, the conductive wire (26) is curved into a loop (261) to hold the starting point of the electro-plastic wire. In this way, regardless of the length of the electro-plastic wire used, the electrical connection through the conductive wire (26) is ensured.

[0045] This feature allows for an efficient connection of the fence without the need for connection clamps, splices, or other external elements, making it highly advantageous and practical for the construction of temporary fences.

[0046] Conversely, if the temporary fence to be constructed were powered by a mobile electric pulse generator or energizer, the connection could be made using the traditional methods currently employed.

[0047] In summary, the structural and functional characteristics of this reel (20) for electro-plastic wire provide a better utilization of the coils commonly used for constructing electrified fences for land subdivision, such as for rotational grazing.

[0048] The reduced volume and weight of the reels (20), due to the absence of built-in retrieval mechanisms, make them more practical and convenient to store and transport, while also reducing transportation costs.

[0049] The ability to use a single collecting device (30) significantly simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the lines; and the quick coupling and uncoupling feature facilitates the resolution of jams.

Claims

Claims1. A reel (20) for electro-plastic wire characterized in that it comprises: two hexagonal side walls (21), linked to a center (25) where the electroplastic wire is rolled up; wherein one of the lateral walls (21) comprises, in its center an insert (22), which forms a depression in the center of said lateral wall (21) and also shows a circular hole (221) with two radial transversal slots (222); and wherein said insert also comprises a fast engaging mechanism formed by a compression spring; wherein both lateral walls (21) also comprise: on one of the corners of the hexagonal perimeter, a live engagement notch (23), identified by graphic indication (231); on the opposite corner, a neutral engagement notch (24); wherein the center (25) comprises a conducting wire (26), located in a center located in said center (25), which internally connects the ends of the live engagement notch (23) of both side walls (21).

2. The reel (20) for electroplastic wire of claim 1 characterized in that the conducting wire (26) comprises a curve (261) forming a loop with the center (25) of the reel (20). 3 . The reel (20) for electroplastic wire of any of prior claims characterized in that the graphic indication (231) of the live engagement notch (23) is chosen from the group comprising: a graphic icon, a color signal, or a combination of both; over-raised or declined.

3. The electro-plastic wire reel (20) of claim 1, characterized in that the neutral engagement notch (24) comprises a graphic indication that is distinguishable from the graphic indication (231) of the live engagement notch (23).

4. The electro-plastic wire reel (20) of claim 1, characterized in that the neutral engagement notch (24) comprises a graphic indication that is distinguishable from the graphic indication

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