Adjustable livestock panel
This invention is an expandable or retractable fence panel for adjusting fence runs and quick changing corral sizes.
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of livestock fencing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002] The fencing art is very old, including the introduction of wire fencing at the turn of the century. Recently, with the advent of large feed lots, there arises a need for fencing which is flexible in its sizing. It is overly cumbersome to re-string wire, and it is sometimes necessary to divide pens into smaller areas and not necessarily areas of equal size.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION[0003] A first object of the invention is to provide a fence panel of adjustable length which can be used to create fencing that will fit in conjunction with other fencing panels that can extend 14 feet or collapse to 8 feet.
[0004] A second object of the invention is providing a panel that can act as a gate with the appropriate hinge attachment.
[0005] A third object of the invention is a modular design which allows ease of manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS[0006] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of fence panel.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a fence panel.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows an isolation view of a connecting bolt.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows a front view in extension mode.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a top view of fence panel.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of a clamp portion.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view through top bar.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows an isolated view.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of alternate embodiment panel.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment panel.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows isolation on clamp.
[0017] FIG. 12 shows sectional view of clamp.
[0018] FIG. 13 shows front view of expanded alternate embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 14 shows exploded view of alternate embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT[0020] FIG. 1 shows a fence panel having a top rail 1 and at least two vertical sides 2. In a preferred embodiment there are multiple middle rails 3. The rails 1 and 3 are made from round or box-ended tubing or angle iron, such that one side telescopes or lays within the other side. The telescoping components are then clamped into place with angle iron clamps or bolts that run through the tubing and compress against the inner tubing for a friction fit. In an alternate embodiment a hole pattern is drilled in one tube to allow a pin or bolt to lock the width of the panel at preselected lengths. These panels can be used in conjunction with standard fencing material to complete a fence run with a final dimension. This fencing is sturdy and durable and capable of performing as a permanent corral or section thereof, even with heavy stock use.
[0021] In an alternate embodiment the fencing can be made of lighter materials such as aluminum and have electrical insulation and conductors to prevent stock from over-burdening the lighter materials.
[0022] This invention contemplates the insertion of a smaller cross section bar into a larger cross section bar of different cross section shape as well. This invention also contemplates intermediate vertical supports.
[0023] The invention contemplates welding multiple members at 90° angles and contemplates bending members into an “L” or a “U” shape to form an outer framework.
[0024] Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims
1. A fence panel comprising at least two upright members and at least one cross member attached to each of said upright members wherein one of said cross members mates with said other cross member to form a supportive frame.
2. A fence panel as described in claim 1 wherein said mating of said cross members is parallel in orientation.
3. A fence panel as described in claim 2 wherein said mating is telescopic.
4. A fence panel as described in claim 1 wherein said members have cross sections selected from the following group: rectangular, square, round, oval, triangular, flat bar and angle iron.
5. A fence panel as described in claim 1 wherein a material for said members is selected from the following materials: thermoplastic, resins, nylon, duralon, steel, iron, aluminum, alloy, titanium, chromimoly, fiber glass, composite, and magnesium alloy.
6. A fence panel as described in claim 1 further comprising means for holding the cross members position relative to each other.
7. A fence panel as described in claim 6 wherein said means comprises at least one clamp.
8. A fence panel as described in claim 6 wherein said means comprises at least one bolt through a cross member.
9 A fence panel as described in claim 6 wherein said means comprises at least one pin through both cross members.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 25, 2001
Publication Date: Jul 25, 2002
Inventor: Mary Siel (Janesville, CA)
Application Number: 09770346