MODULAR PERIMETER ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEM
A modular array for a security fence system includes a tension module with a plurality of tension devices, a tensioning compensation module with a plurality of tensioning compensation devices, and a plurality of conductors each extending between a tension device and a tensioning compensation device. The modular arrays may be stacked for increased fence height. A conductor support module individually supports each conductor. An angular deviation module accommodates right, obtuse or acute angles. The tension devices automatically set the tension in the conductors to a predetermined tension. The tensioning compensation devices automatically accommodate expansion or contraction of the conductors due to temperature changes. All of the components of the modular array may be shipped in a standard pallet.
This patent application is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/887,740, filed on Feb. 1, 2007, the right of priority of which is claimed for this patent application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for electronic security systems, and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for modular electronic fence systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONElectric fences are often used for security purposes to restrict unauthorized entry to certain areas such as industrial premises. They are also used for containment in detention centers and for livestock and agricultural purposes.
Electric fences normally include a number of posts from which numerous non-insulated wire conductors are strung such that the conductors are insulated from the posts and therefore the ground. The conductors are coupled to an energizer that periodically outputs a high voltage pulse to energize the conductors so that intruders will receive an electric shock if they contact the energized conductors. While the voltage may be very high, such as about 10,000 Volts peak, the time of the pulse is very short in order to be safe, typically on the order of 100 microseconds. The pulse rate is also limited by international safety standards, such as IEC60335.2.76, to no more than one pulse per second.
The intruder receives a shock by completing the circuit from the energizer, via the live conductors to ground and back to the energizer ground terminal. The spacing and height of the conductors is such that it is difficult to gain access to the protected area without contacting the conductors. The live conductors are often interleaved with grounded conductors so as to make a circuit even if the intruder attempts to insulate him or herself from the ground but touches more than one conductor. If the conductors are cut or shorted to ground, a monitoring circuit, connected to the electrical terminals of the live conductors, detects the change in voltage and can signal an alarm or initiate a call to a guard center.
Traditional electric fence security systems have been assembled on-site by crews of highly skilled workers, who are required to assemble thousands of individual components of hundreds of different types in order to fashion a functional security apparatus. For example, skilled labor may be required for metal fabrication, welding, conduit or tube bending, and cutting of components. The time required for such skilled workers to assemble the required components is typically quite long.
Moreover, the quality assurance and quality control processes for ensuring proper assembly of such prior art electric fence security systems are difficult, time consuming, and expensive. This is due to the need to check each of thousands of component interconnects in field conditions, which may be subject to changing weather conditions and awkward installation locations or configurations.
The difficulty of arranging the electrical circuits in such prior art systems, which is a process known as ‘configuring’, requires years of practice and training to complete successfully on a repeatable basis. Frequently, this configuring results in errors which must be corrected at great time and expense before a system can become operational.
The proper regulation of conductor tension requires the use of various types of tensioning devices, all of which must be installed and regulated by individual workers. This often results in non-uniform tension being placed onto the conductor array. This lack of uniformity in conductor tension increases structural stress on the system and leads to reduced system life and higher maintenance requirements.
Current electric fence security systems require the use of multiple differing types of “strain” assembly in order to allow a system to be adapted to the unique topography of a given installation site. This complexity increases the cost basis of the overall technology to a point which is untenable in the large majority of the potential applications in the marketplace. A great deal of skill is also required to properly select and install the necessary components.
In order to prevent the use of system strain locations as a climb-over point by potential assailants, it is necessary to install an ‘anti-climb’ configuration at each system strain location. This work has to be done by hand, also at great cost and expense.
The components for prior art electric security fences also present shipping issues. For example, end posts and other components for a 16 foot high fence are difficult to ship from a factory to the installation site, and only shipment by truck may be available. Further, it is also typically difficult to ship components of such lengths to a foreign country.
A general object of the present invention is to therefore provide an electric security fence system which is modular and which may be easily shipped to a desired installation site on a conventional pallet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a single pre-manufactured module for the tensioning of multiple conductors in the fence system.
A further object of the present invention is to provide pre-manufactured modules which enable multiple conductors in the fence to be configured in an appropriate electrical array.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular array for the construction of a security fence system which minimizes or eliminates the need for skilled labor trades in the field.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an angular deviation module which can conform to any angular deviation along the boundary or perimeter of fence system, such as a corner, acute angles, obtuse angles and the like.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tension module for a security fence system in which the tension of each conductor may be easily and quickly tensioned to a predetermined value.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a tensioning compensation module for a security fence system which automatically compensates for tension in each conductor over a range of temperature.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a conductor support module for a security fence system for individual electrically isolated support of each conductor at an intermediate point between a tension module and a tensioning compensation module.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a modular array for a security fence system. The modular array may include a tension module with a first upright support having a plurality of tension devices affixed to the first upright support, a tensioning compensation module with a second upright support having a plurality of tensioning compensation devices affixed to the second upright support, and a plurality of conductors, with each conductor extending between a tension device and a tensioning compensation device.
In an embodiment, the modular array may further include a conductor support module disposed intermediate the tension module and the tensioning compensation module for supporting each conductor. The conductor support module has a plurality of through-holes with at least one through-hole for each conductor.
In another embodiment, the modular array may also include an angular deviation module disposed intermediate the tension module and the tensioning compensation module for accommodating a right angle, an obtuse angle or an acute angle along the fence system. The modular array has an upright member with a plurality of pulleys attached thereto, one pulley for separately supporting and bending each of the plurality of conductors about the right angle, the acute angle or the obtuse angle.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the modular arrays may be stacked on top of another modular array to create a fence system of increased height, and may be laterally attached to other array modules to create a fence system of increased length.
The tension module and the tensioning compensation module may include a plurality of tensioning compensation devices affixed to the first upright support to provide a mixture of tensioning compensation devices and tension devices on the tension module. The tension modules and the tensioning compensation module further include a first vertical column with a plurality of tensioning compensation devices and a second column with a plurality of tension devices. The modules may further include a plurality of tension devices in the first column and a plurality of tensioning compensation devices in the second column.
The present invention is also concerned with tension devices for the modular array. The tension devices typically include a bracket, a fastener attached to the bracket; a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor, a tension adjusting plate rotatably mounted on the fastener, a first side of said tension adjusting plate disposed against a first side of the spool, a compression spring disposed between the bracket and a second side of the spool to bias the first side of the spool against the first side of the tension adjusting plate, and frictional means disposed on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate for restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor. The frictional means may be a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape, or a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
The tensioning compensation device typically includes a bracket, a fastener attached to the bracket, a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor, and a torsion spring disposed between the bracket and the spool to hold the conductor in tension. The tensioning compensation device thereby accommodates contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by rotation of the spool.
Methods of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in a modular array, in accordance with the present invention, include the steps of attaching one end of the conductor to a rotatable spool, disposing a first side of a tension adjusting plate against a first side of the spool, disposing frictional means on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate, biasing the spool against the tension adjusting plate and restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor. The frictional means may include a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape. Or a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
In another embodiment, a method for compensating for expansion or contraction of a conductor in a modular array includes the steps of attaching one end of the conductor to a rotatable spool, biasing the spool to hold the conductor in tension, and permitting the spool to rotate to accommodate contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature.
The invention, together with its objects and the advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures, and in which:
It will be understood that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details presented herein.
Illustrated in
Affixed to the upright support 122 of the tensioning compensation module 120, at spaced locations therealong, are a plurality of tensioning compensation devices 124, each for receiving one end of a conductor 102 and for providing an appropriate tension in conductor 102 between tension module 110 and tensioning compensation module 120. Further details on the tensioning compensation device 124 are provided below with respect to
While tension module 110 and tensioning compensation module 120 have been described as including all tension devices 114 and all tensioning compensation devices 124, respectively, it will be appreciated that tension module 110 and tensioning compensation module 120 may contain any mixture of tension devices 114 and tensioning compensation devices 124, as desired. Shown in
Lastly,
In view of the above examples of modules 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170, it is generally preferred that each conductor 102 has a tension device T at one end of the conductor and tensioning compensation device TC at the opposite end.
As shown in
In a similar fashion,
The modular array 100 in
The angular deviation module 190 in
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, all of the components of the modular array 100 are preferably sized to accommodate shipping in a standard pallet 200, as shown in
The exploded view of
Spool 210 and tension adjusting plate, including teeth 222 and 223, may be formed from thermoplastic materials. However, a portion of the bottom of spool 210 is metallic to provide an electrically conductive path for conductor 102 to fastener 218 and then to bracket 216.
In general, the mating and opposing teeth 222 and 223 on the spool 210 and on the tension adjusting plate 212 form a frictional clutch. Other types of frictional clutches may similarly be employed between spool 210 and tension adjusting plate 212, in combination with the selection of the force exerted by compression spring 214, to automatically limit the tension in conductor 102 to a desired tension. Thus, the conductors 102 can be quickly tensioned without the need for torque or tension measuring tools, or the like.
In the embodiment shown in
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
The exploded view of
When the tension in tension device 114 is adjusted, as explained above with respect to
In order to complete electrical circuits, which typically include a plurality of conductors 102 in the module array 100, a jumper wire 260 may be connected to pairs of tension devices 114, to pairs of tensioning compensation devices 124, or to a tension device 114 and a tensioning compensation device 124, as shown in
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broader aspects.
Claims
1. A modular array for a security fence system, said modular array comprising:
- a tension module including a first upright support with a plurality of tension devices affixed to the first upright support;
- a tensioning compensation module including a second upright support with a plurality of tensioning compensation devices affixed to the second upright support; and
- a plurality of conductors, with each conductor extending between a tension device and a tensioning compensation device;
- wherein a plurality of array modules may be shipped on a standard pallet.
2. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, said modular array further comprising:
- a conductor support module disposed intermediate the tension module and the tensioning compensation module for supporting each conductor.
3. The modular array in accordance with claim 2, wherein the conductor support module has a plurality of through-holes with one through-hole for each conductor.
4. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, said modular array further comprising:
- an angular deviation module disposed intermediate the tension module and the tensioning compensation module for accommodating a right angle, an obtuse angle or an acute angle along the fence system.
5. The modular array in accordance with claim 4, said angular deviation module further comprising:
- an upright member, said upright member having a plurality of pulleys attached thereto, one pulley for separately supporting and bending each of the plurality of conductors about the right angle, the acute angle or the obtuse angle.
6. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said modular array may be vertically arranged on top of another modular array to create a fence system of increased height.
7. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said modular array may be laterally arranged to another array module to create a fence system of increased length.
8. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tension module further comprises:
- a plurality of tensioning compensation devices affixed to the first upright support to provide a mixture of tensioning compensation devices and tension devices on the tension module.
9. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tensioning compensation module further comprises:
- a plurality of tension devices affixed to the second upright support to provide a mixture of tensioning compensation devices and tension devices on the tensioning compensation module.
10. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tensioning compensation module or said tensioning compensation module further comprises:
- a first vertical column including a plurality of tensioning compensation devices and a second vertical column including a plurality of tension devices.
11. The modular array in accordance with claim 10, wherein said first vertical column also includes a plurality of tension devices and said second column also includes a plurality of tensioning compensation devices.
12. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tension device comprises:
- a bracket;
- a fastener attached to the bracket;
- a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;
- a tension adjusting plate rotatably mounted on the fastener, a first side of said tension adjusting plate disposed against a first side of the spool;
- a compression spring disposed between the bracket and a second side of the spool to bias the first side of the spool against the first side of the tension adjusting plate; and
- frictional means disposed on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate for restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor.
13. The modular array in accordance with claim 12, wherein frictional means comprises a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape.
14. The modular array in accordance with claim 12, wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
15. The modular array in accordance with claim 12, wherein the frictional means comprises a frictional material disposed on the first face of the spool and on the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
16. The modular array in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tensioning compensation device comprises:
- a bracket;
- a fastener attached to the bracket;
- a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;
- a torsion spring disposed between the bracket and the spool to hold the conductor in tension.
17. The modular array in accordance with claim 16, wherein said tensioning compensation device accommodates contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by rotation of the spool.
18. A tension device comprising:
- a bracket;
- a fastener attached to the bracket;
- a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;
- a tension adjusting plate rotatably mounted on the fastener, a first side of said tension adjusting plate disposed against a first side of the spool;
- a compression spring disposed between the bracket and a second side of the spool to bias the first side of the spool against the first side of the tension adjusting plate; and
- frictional means disposed on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate for restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor.
19. The tension device in accordance with claim 18, wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape.
20. The tension device in accordance with claim 18, wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
21. The tension device in accordance with claim 18, wherein the frictional means comprises a frictional material disposed on the first face of the spool and on the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
22. The tension device in accordance with claim 18, further comprising:
- means for simultaneously adjusting the tension provided by a plurality of tension devices with a single tool.
23. A tensioning compensation device comprising:
- a bracket;
- a fastener attached to the bracket;
- a spool rotatably mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor;
- a torsion spring disposed between the bracket and the spool to hold the conductor in tension.
24. The tensioning compensation device in accordance with claim 23, wherein said tensioning compensation device accommodates contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by rotation of the spool.
25. The tensioning compensation device in accordance with claim 23, wherein rotation of the spool incrementally adjusts the length of the conductor.
26. A method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor, said method comprising the steps of:
- attaching one end of the conductor to a rotatable spool;
- disposing a first side of a tension adjusting plate against a first side of the spool;
- disposing frictional means on the first side of the spool and on the first side of the tension adjusting plate;
- biasing the spool against the tension adjusting plate; and
- restricting rotational movement of the spool with respect to the tension adjusting plate until reaching a predetermined tension in the conductor.
27. The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with claim 26, wherein frictional means comprises a plurality of raised teeth which are of triangular shape or of ramp shape.
28. The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with claim 26, wherein the frictional means comprises a plurality of balls contained within a plurality of channels disposed in the first face of the spool and in the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
29. The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with claim 26, wherein the frictional means comprises a frictional material disposed on the first face of the spool and on the first face of the tension adjusting plate.
30. The method of automatically setting the tension in a conductor in accordance with claim 26, wherein the tension provided by a plurality of tension devices is simultaneously adjusted.
31. A method for compensating for expansion or contraction of a conductor, the method comprising the steps of:
- attaching one end of the conductor to a rotatable spool;
- biasing the spool to hold the conductor in tension; and
- permitting the spool to rotate to accommodate contraction or expansion of the length of the conductor due to changes in temperature by providing incremental adjustment of the length of the conductor.
32. A conductor support module for supporting conductors in a security fence system, said conductor support module comprising;
- an elongate member formed of an insulating material, said elongate member having a plurality of through-holes with one through-hole for each conductor to space the conductors with respect to each other.
33. A tension device comprising:
- a bracket;
- a fastener attached to the bracket;
- a spool mounted on the fastener for receiving one end of a conductor, said spool permitted to rotate in only one rotational direction; and
- said spool having boss for receiving a tension adjusting tool.
34. The tension device in accordance with claim 33 wherein the tension adjusting tool has a clutch mechanism to limit the tension in the conductor to the desired tension.
35. The tension device in accordance with claim 33 further comprising:
- a plurality of teeth disposed on the periphery of the spool; and
- a pawl in contact with the teeth in a ratchet and pawl arrangement to permit the spool to rotate in only one rotational direction.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 1, 2008
Publication Date: Sep 4, 2008
Inventors: Andrew Jonathan Gilmour (Oak Park, IL), Robert Andrew Gilmour (River Forest, IL), Eric John Schmidt (Forest Park, IL), Scott James Rote (New Lenox, IL), Abner Satterthwaite-Phillips (Chicago, IL), Daniel Ryan Somen (Chicago, IL)
Application Number: 12/024,845
International Classification: E04H 17/14 (20060101); B65H 59/40 (20060101);