This application claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/846,196 filed May 10, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems and components thereof, and more particularly but not exclusively, to the interconnection of one or more fencing components to another fencing component.

Fencing systems and components thereof may be subject to assembly complications, damage during use and other issues.

In view of the foregoing, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of technology.

The claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate examples of where the present disclosure may be utilized.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems and components thereof, and more particularly but not exclusively, to the interconnection of one or more fencing components to another fencing component.

In one embodiment, a fencing device includes an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a plurality of receptacles positioned along the elongate body between the proximal end and the distal end. Each of the receptacles includes a lateral opening configured to receive a fencing component. The device further includes an elongate passageway extending in communication with the receptacles, and the elongate passageway is configured to provide access to a closure member to each of the receptacles. A catch is positioned on the elongate body and defines an at least partially hollow interior structured to receive at least a portion of the closure member.

In another embodiment, a fencing assembly includes an elongate member including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The body includes a plurality of laterally opening receptacles positioned therealong between the proximal and distal ends, and the openings are configured to receive a fencing component. The assembly further includes a closure member removably engageable with the elongate member to prevent lateral access to the receptacles. The closure member includes a proximal portion engageable with a portion of the elongate member in an arrangement preventing rotation of the closure member relative to the elongate member.

In still another embodiment, a fencing system includes an elongate member including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The body includes a plurality of laterally opening receptacles positioned therealong. The system also includes at least one fencing component positionable in one or more of the receptacles, and a closure member removably engageable with the elongate member to prevent removal of the at least one fencing component from the one or more receptacles.

In another embodiment, a method of attaching at least one fencing component to a vertical member having a plurality of laterally opening receptacles includes positioning the at least one fencing component in one or more of the receptacles and engaging a closure member with the vertical member to close the receptacles and prevent removal of the at least one fencing component from the one or more receptacles.

In alternative embodiments, assemblies, systems, apparatuses, and devices relating to fences, fencing systems, and the interconnection of fencing components are provided.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure l is a side plan view of a fencing system.

Figure 2 is top view of a fencing assembly of the system of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged, side plan view of a proximal portion of the fencing assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a top view of an alternative elongate member which may be used in the assembly of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a top view of another alternative embodiment elongate member which may be used in the assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a top view of another alternative embodiment fencing assembly which may be used in the fencing system of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a side plan view of a proximal portion of the fencing assembly illustrated in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a side plan view of a proximal portion of another alternative embodiment fencing assembly which may be used in the system of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a section view of another alternative embodiment fencing assembly.

Figure 10 is a section view of the fencing assembly of Figure 9 positioned relative to a t- post style fence post.

Figure 11 is a section view of the fencing assembly of Figure 9 positioned relative to a tubular fence post.

Figure 12 is a section view of the fencing assembly of Figure 9 positioned relative to a solid fence post.

Figure 13 is a top view of another alternative embodiment elongate member which may be used in the assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 14 is a side plan view of the elongate member illustrated in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment elongate member which may be used in the assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 16 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment elongate member which may be used in the assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 17 is a side plan view of the elongate member illustrated in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment fencing assembly which may be used in the system of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of promoting an understanding of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the following embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the described subject matter, and such further applications of the disclosed principles as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

By the term "substantially" it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

The present disclosure generally relates to fencing systems and components thereof, and more particularly but not exclusively, to the releasable interconnection of one or more fencing components to another fencing component. Turning now generally to Figures 1-3, there is illustrated a fencing system 10 that may be used for any number of purposes, including for example to corral animals such as livestock or to secure an area from outside intrusion. System 10 includes a plurality of wires 12 (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity) coupled with a fencing assembly 14. Forms in which only a single wire 12 is present are also contemplated, as well as forms where wire 12 is part of a preassembled fencing panel. Wire(s) 12 may be a braided wire, such as barbed wire for example, although other forms of wire(s) 12 are possible. For example, wire(s) 12 could be non-braided or flat, just to provide a few possibilities.

Fencing assembly 14 includes closure member 16 and an elongate member or device 18 which includes an elongate body 20 extending along longitudinal axis L between a proximal end 22 and an opposite distal end 24. Elongate body 20 also includes a plurality of receptacles 26 (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity). In the illustrated form, receptacles 26 are configured as notches into elongate body 20 such that a portion of elongate body 20 defines a sidewall 28 which surrounds receptacles 26 on three sides while the remaining side of each of receptacles 26 defines a lateral opening 30. However, it should be appreciated that alternative configurations for receptacles 26 are contemplated, including those where sidewall 28 has, for example, an arcuate or partially arcuate configuration. For each receptacle 26, sidewall 28 includes a first surface 28a extending medially from lateral opening 30, a second surface 28b spaced apart from first surface 28a and extending medially from lateral opening 30, and a third surface 28c extending between and connecting first and second surfaces 28a, 28b. One or more of surfaces 28a-c may rounded or chamfered to assist in guiding wire(s) 12 into receptacle 26. As suggested above, each of receptacles 26 includes a lateral opening 30 (only a few of which have been identified to preserve clarity). By way of non-limiting example, lateral openings 30 provide access to receptacles 26 so that wire(s) 12 may be positioned in or removed from one or more of receptacles 26 along elongate body 20. While not previously mentioned, it should be appreciated that receptacles 26 may be uniformly spaced along elongate body 20, or the spacing between receptacles 26 may be varied. Moreover, depending on the application for which assembly 14 is utilized, wire(s) 12 may be positioned in all or only some of receptacles 26 in order to establish a desired spacing between wire(s) 12.

With particular reference to Figure 2 for example, elongate body 20 generally includes a tubular configuration having a partial conical cross section shape defined by a triangular or conical portion 32, a flange portion 34, and tabs 36, 38 positioned between triangular portion 32 and flange portion 34. However, as will be discussed in greater detail below, other cross sectional shapes/configurations for elongate body 20 are possible. In the configuration illustrated in Figure 2, elongate body 20 is shaped similar to a t-post style fence post. As such, it is contemplated that assembly 14 could be utilized in conjunction with an existing t-post or other post by positioning elongate member 18 over the t-post or other post. However, assembly 14 may also be utilized as a stand-alone component by driving or burying distal end 24 of elongate body 20 into ground G as illustrated in Figure 1

The cross-sectional configuration of elongate body 20 also provides a hollow interior 40 which may extend between and open at proximal and distal ends 22, 24 of elongate body 20. In the illustrated form, hollow interior 40 has a configuration which is substantially defined by a sidewall 42 which forms triangular portion 32, flange portion 34, and tabs 36, 38. In other forms however, hollow interior 40 may have a different configuration if, for example, one or more of flange portion 34 and tabs 36, 38 has a solid configuration. It should be appreciated that receptacles 26 are positioned on triangular portion 32 of elongate body 20 and extend into communication with hollow interior 40. In this arrangement, hollow interior 40 provides an elongate passageway which extends in communication with receptacles 26, and closure member 16 can be positioned through the elongate passageway to each of receptacles 26 in order to close lateral openings 30 and prevent removal of wires 12 therefrom as illustrated in Figure 1. In order to facilitate such closure, it should be appreciated that the elongate passageway is positioned medially of lateral openings 30. Elongate body 20 also includes a catch 44 positioned in hollow interior 40. Catch 44 is configured to receive a portion closure member 16. Although other variations are possible, in the illustrated form catch 44 includes an at least partially hollow interior structured to receive a portion of closure member 16. More particularly, but not exclusively, catch 44 may define a sleeve or pocket positioned in hollow interior 40. Without being limited to any particular configuration, it is contemplated that catch 44 may be formed integrally with elongate member 18 by punching a portion of sidewall 42 into hollow interior 40. In other forms however, it is contemplated that catch 44 may be physically coupled to elongate member 18 through any suitable fashion, including for example, through welding, adhesives, and/or mechanical fasteners.

Closure member 16 extends between a proximal end 46 and a distal end 48. As best seen in Figure 3 for example, proximal end 46 of closure member includes a“J” or“U” shaped configuration. More specifically, proximal end 46 includes a transverse portion 50 and a return portion 52 which is offset from the main body of closure member 16 and extends toward distal end 48 of closure member 16. In this configuration, closure member 16 may be positioned relative to elongate member 18 by inserting distal end 48 into hollow interior 40 and distally advancing closure member 16. While not shown, it should be appreciated that elongate member 18 may include one or more internal guides to assist in positioning of closure member 16 along and through hollow interior 40. Closure member 16 may be distally advanced until a portion of proximal end 46 engages with catch 44. In particular, return portion 52 may be positioned into catch 44 until distal surface 54 of transverse portion 50 bears against a proximal surface of catch 44. Once positioned in this manner, catch 44 prevents further distal movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 18, as well as rotational movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 18. In this arrangement, wires 12 are locked in receptacles 26 by closure member 16. It should be appreciated however that closure member 16 may be removed in order to facilitate rearrangement of wires 12 and/or removal of the fencing system.

While not previously discussed, it should be appreciated that catch 44 and proximal end 46 of closure member 16 may be sized/configured such that proximal surface 56 of transverse portion 50 is positioned flush with or distally of proximal end 22 of elongate body 20 when closure member is seated in catch 44. For example, distance Di between distal surface 54 and proximal surface 56 of transverse portion 50 may be the same as or less than distance D2 between the proximal surface of catch 44 and proximal end 22 of elongate body 20. In this arrangement, it should be appreciated that closure member 16 may be entirely positioned in hollow interior 40 in order to avoid tampering or interference therewith by livestock or other external forces, while still retaining wires 12 in receptacles 26 and rotational and axial movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 18 is prevented.

As suggested above, forms where the cross sectional shape/configuration of elongate member 18 vary relative to the form illustrated in Figure 3 are possible. For example, referring to Figures 4 and 5, where like numerals refer to like features previously described, cross sectional shapes/configurations of alternative embodiment elongate members 1 18, 218 are illustrated. While not shown in Figures 4 and 5, it should be appreciated that elongate members 118, 218 include the features described and illustrated in connection with elongate member 18 unless otherwise noted. Elongate member 118 includes a hollow interior 40 surrounded by a sidewall 120 that includes a generally conical portion 122 which extends from a generally circular portion 124. Catch 44 is positioned in conical portion 122, and the receptacles extend into elongate member 118 along conical portion 122. Elongate member 218 includes a hollow interior 40 surrounded by a sidewall 220 that includes a generally conical portion 222 which extends from a generally square portion 224. Catch 44 is positioned in conical portion 222, and the receptacles extend into elongate member 218 along conical portion 222. Similar to elongate member 18, elongate members 118, 218 may be used with an existing t-post or other post by positioning a respective elongate member 118, 218 over the t-post or other post. However, elongate members 118, 218 may also be utilized as a stand-alone components by driving or burying the distal ends thereof into ground G similar to the illustration of Figure 1. While not previously mentioned, it should be understood that elongate members 118, 218 may receive and interact with closure member 16 in the manner described above in connection with assembly 14. Also, while not shown, it should be appreciated that elongate members 118, 218 may include one or more internal guides to assist in positioning of closure member 16 along and through hollow interior 40.

Another alternative embodiment elongate member 318 is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. As shown in Figure 6 for example, elongate member 318 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape/configuration defined by an external sidewall 320. Similarly, elongate member 318 generally has a hollow cylindrical configuration. Receptacles 26 are formed into sidewall 320 to accept wires 12, and closure member 16 is positionable in hollow interior 40 to close lateral access to receptacles 26. Catch 44 is positioned in hollow interior 40 and may receive and interact with closure member 16 in the manner described above in connection with assembly 14. While not shown, it should be appreciated that elongate member 318 may include one or more internal guides to assist in positioning of closure member 16 along and through hollow interior 40. Similar to elongate member 18, elongate member 318 may be used with an existing t-post or other post by positioning elongate member 318 over the t-post or other post. However, elongate member 318 may also be utilized as a stand-alone component by driving or burying the distal end thereof into ground G similar to the illustration of Figure 1

A proximal portion of another alternative embodiment elongate member 418 is illustrated in Figure 8, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. Elongate member 418 includes a number of receptacles 26 and lateral openings 30. In contrast to the other embodiments described above, elongate member 418 includes a number of guide members 420 positioned on an external surface thereof. Guide members 420 may be, for example, a number of sleeves that cooperate to define a passageway structured to receive and guide closure member 16 as it is engaged with elongate member 418. In this configuration, the passageway is positioned laterally of lateral openings 30. Once closure member is engaged with elongate member 418 through guide members 420, lateral access to receptacles 26 is prevented and wires 12 are retained in receptacles 26. While not shown, elongate member 418 may be provided with a feature similar to catch 44 to receive a portion of closure member 16 to limit its proximal/distal and rotational movement relative to elongate member 418. Similar to elongate member 18, elongate member 418 may be used with an existing t-post or other post by positioning elongate member 418 over the t-post or other post. However, elongate member 418 may also be utilized as a stand-alone component by driving or burying the distal end thereof into ground G similar to the illustration of Figure 1.

Referring now to Figures 9-12, where like numerals refer to like features previously described, a cross section view of another alternative embodiment elongate member 518 is provided. While not shown in Figures 9-12, it should be appreciated that elongate member 518 includes the features described and illustrated in connection with elongate member 18 unless otherwise noted. Similar to elongate member 18, elongate member 518 includes a triangular or conical portion 532 which extends from tabs 536, 538. In contrast to elongate member 18 however, there is no flange portion positioned between tabs 536, 538. In this arrangement, tab 536 defines an elongate surface 560 which extends along the length of elongate member 518, and tab 538 defines an elongate surface 562 which also extends along the length of elongate member 518. An elongate slot 564 is positioned between surfaces 560, 562, and a hollow interior 540 opens through slot 564 such that sidewall 542 does not entirely circumscribe hollow interior 540. In one or more forms, the presence of elongate slot 564, along with the material from which sidewall 542 is formed, may facilitate movement of elongate surfaces 560, 562 toward or away from one another as indicated by direction arrow A. While not previously mentioned, it should be understood that elongate member 518 may receive and interact with closure member 16 in the manner described above in connection with assembly 14. Also, while not shown, it should be appreciated that elongate member 518 may include one or more internal guides to assist in positioning of closure member 16 along and through hollow interior 540.

Similar to elongate member 18, elongate member 518 may be used with an existing t-post. For example, as illustrated in Figure 10, elongate member 518 has been positioned over t- post 600. However, elongate member 518 may also be used in a number of other arrangements. As illustrated in Figure 11 for example, elongate member 518 has been coupled to a tubular post 602 with a band 604. Band 604 may be positioned in one of the receptacles of elongate member 518 and then positioned around post 602. Band 604 includes a tightening arrangement which facilitates secure coupling of band 602, and in turn elongate member 518, to post 602. In the illustrated form, the tightening arrangement includes a threaded member 606 which may be received in a correspondingly threaded aperture 608. As threaded member 606 is rotated in a first direction, the distance between flange 610 and threaded aperture 608 is reduced and elongate member 518 is tightened against and secured to post 602. Rotation of threaded member 606 in an opposite, second direction will result in releasing band 602 and elongate member 518 from post 602. While currently illustrated and described in connection with elongate member 518, it should be appreciated that band 602 may also be used with one or more of the alternative elongate members disclosed herein.

In Figure 12, elongate member 518 is coupled with a solid post 612 by fasteners 614, 616. More particularly, fastener 614 extends through tab 536 into engagement with post 612, and fastener 616 extends through tab 538 into engagement with post 612. Fasteners 614, 616 may be provided with any suitable form and may be, for example, in the form of a nail or screw, just to name a few possibilities. It should be appreciated that use of fasteners 614, 616 to secure one or more of the alternative elongate members disclosed herein is possible and contemplated. Moreover, use of fasteners 614, 616 to couple an elongate member to posts other than post 612 is also possible.

Figures 13-14, where like numerals refer to like features previously described, illustrate another alternative embodiment elongate member 718. To the extent they may not be shown in Figures 13-14, it should be appreciated that elongate member 718 includes the features described and illustrated in connection with elongate member 18 unless otherwise noted. As shown in the top view of Figure 13, elongate member 718 includes a“V” sectional configuration similar to a conventional angle iron. More specifically, elongate body 720 includes a first portion 721 which extends from end 722 to point 723 where it meets second portion 724 of elongate body 720. Similar to first portion 721, second portion 724 extends from end 725 to point 723. Elongate member 718 also includes an at least partially hollow interior 740 which is defined by elongate body 720. In some forms, for example when cooperating with an existing post or an internal guide is positioned along elongate body 720, interior 740 may be entirely hollow or open.

While not previously mentioned, it should be understood that elongate member 718 may receive and interact with closure member 16 in the manner described above in connection with assembly 14. Also, while not shown, it should be appreciated that elongate member 718 may include one or more internal guides to assist in positioning of closure member 16 along and through hollow interior 740. Also, elongate member 718 may be used in connection with an existing post. For example, one or more bands, clamps, or fasteners could be utilized to couple elongate member 718 to the existing post. However, elongate member 718 may also be utilized as a stand-alone component by driving or burying the distal end thereof into ground G similar to the illustration of Figure 1.

Another alternative embodiment elongate member 818 is illustrated in Figure 15, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. Elongate member 818 is substantially similar to elongate member 718. In contrast to elongate member 718 however, elongate member 818 includes a catch 844 defined by a notch which is formed in an upper surface of elongate member 818. Catch 844 is configured to receive a portion of closure member 16 in a manner which limits rotational movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 818, and also limits distal movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 818.

A similar embodiment is illustrated in Figures 16-17, where like numerals refer to like features previously described. More specifically, elongate member 918, which is also similar to elongate member 318, includes a catch 944 defined by a notch which is formed in an upper surface of elongate member 918 and extends distally along the sidewall of elongate member 918. Similar to catch 844, catch 944 is configured to receive a portion of closure member 16 in a manner which limits rotational movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 918, and also limits distal movement of closure member 16 relative to elongate member 918. While catches 844, 944 have been described in connection with elongate members 818, 918, it should be appreciated that one or more of the other elongate members described herein may include a catch which is formed by a notch in a fashion similar to that described in connection with elongate members 818, 918.

In addition to alternative configurations for the catch on the elongate members described herein, variations in the closure member are also contemplated such that the closure member provides a catch in lieu of provision of the same by the elongate member. For example, with reference to Figure 18, closure member 1016 is positioned relative to elongate member 318. Closure member 1016 includes a clasp 1018 which is configured to be positioned over and receive a portion of body 320 of elongate member 318, and likewise provides a catch which engages closure member 1016 with elongate member 318. In this configuration, the proximal end of closure member 1016 may still have a generally J- shaped configuration which is, in part, defined by clasp 1018. Clasp 1018 may be provided with a configuration that closely matches the size and shape of the elongate member with which closure member 1016 is used. In one form for example, clasp 1018 may be configured to provide a press fit between it and the elongate member in order to inhibit or prevent circumferential movement of closure member 1016 around the elongate member. Similar to closure member 16, it should be appreciated that engagement of closure member 1016 with an elongate member may prevent rotational movement between closure member 1016 and the elongate member, as well as distal movement of closure member 1016 relative to the elongate member.

One or more of the receptacles of any embodiment disclosed herein may include an electrically insulative material which provides a barrier between the wires and the post. Alternatively, when in an elongate member is coupled with an existing post, an electrically insulative material may be positioned between the elongate member and the post.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.