Fence bottom security device

Abstract

Fencing has a flaw of allowing unwanted access to the fenced area by way of unwanted (predator) animals or humans digging under the base of the fence. The corrective security device consists of an elongated frame with long spikes. The elongated frame may or may not have attachment members attaching the elongated frame with spikes to the post and/or wire of the fenced area or to some post and/or wire of the fenced area or in some cases to no post and/or wire of the fenced area after the device is driven into the ground between posts of a fenced area. This barrier created by this device eliminates the flaw by allowing the fence area to be secured, thus making the fence a workable and financially sound investment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fence bottom security devices. More particularly, the present application involves a fence bottom security device that may be used as a barrier to prevent predator or domestic animals from digging under a fence to prevent the animal from breaching the fence.

BACKGROUND

Fences are used to prevent access to and from a particular area. One common use for fences involves the containment of domestic animals into a desired enclosure. A homeowner often erects a fence in the hope that it will prevent his or her animals from disturbing their neighbors, being hit by vehicles, injuring or breeding with other animals, becoming lost, or hurting children. In a similar manner, fences are often used with the purpose of keeping other animals away from a particular area of the landowner. For instance, the homeowner may wish to protect animals or children within an enclosed area from being attacked by stray animals or taken by strangers. Although various types of fencing are in use to prevent access across the fence, all fences have weak points that can be exploited in order to completely frustrate the intended purpose of having the fence.

For example, a landowner may keep high investment animals such as registered show horses, registered breeding animals, and cattle in addition to other pets or small game or farm animals such as sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and birds within a fenced enclosure. Predatory animals such as coyotes, wild dogs, wolves, or domestic dogs may not be able to jump over the fence or traverse through the fence. However, the predator animal can dig the ground directly under the fence to create an opening under the fence sufficient to enter the enclosed area and kill or injure the animals contained therein. Digging and pushing under a fence made of wire usually pushes out the bottom of the wire to result in the fence being unattractive and less useful for its intended purpose. As such, a fence may be breached by an animal making the owners investment of the fence useless.

The holes can likewise be dug by the owner's animals thus allowing them to escape. Holes left by digging animals will allow animals or children to freely crawl under the fence to both exit and enter the fenced area which facilitates the loss or damage of the homeowner's animals, property, or children. There are known current systems that can be installed at the base of the fence. However, these systems are not designed to prevent an animal from digging under the fence but rather are used for preventing weeds from growing up at the bottom of the fence that will be subsequently difficult to trim or cut. Such systems establish a barrier at ground level that prevents weed growth, but are not tied into or incorporated into the fence such that a system for preventing animals from digging under the fence is realized. Therefore, these systems do not secure or prevent the fence from being breach and thus do not contribute to accomplishing the original purpose of the fence. As such, there remains room for variation and improvement within the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs. in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the fence bottom security device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is cross-sectional view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with a different exemplary embodiment in which a fence member is positioned differently from that shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with a different exemplary embodiment in which a fence member is positioned differently from that shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with a different exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the fence bottom security device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is cross-sectional view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with a different exemplary embodiment in which a fence member is positioned differently from that shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with a different exemplary embodiment in which a fence member is positioned differently from that shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with a different exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fence bottom security device in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.

It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.

The present invention provides for a fence bottom security device 10 that includes an elongated frame 20 and a plurality of spikes 24 for use in preventing animals from entering or escaping an enclosure. The fence bottom security device 10 is positioned at the ground level of a fence 12 and may be attached to one or both adjacent fence posts 14 and 16. The spikes 24 extend into the ground 56 and function as a barrier to prevent animals from attempting to dig under the fence 12 in order to enter or exit the enclosed area. Animals digging under the fence 12 will encounter the spikes 24 and be stopped from digging under the fence 12. The fence bottom security device 10 can be located at ground level between every post section of the entire fenced enclosure so that this protective barrier is maintained at all points as so that a weak spot in the enclosure does not exist. Alternatively, the fence bottom security device 10 can be located along only a portion of the entire fence 12 of the enclosure if desired. The fence bottom security device 10 can be used with a temporary or permanent kennel enclosure. One example of a portable kennel is a galvanized fenced dog pen that sits on the ground 56 and can measure, for example, 10′×10′ in size.

FIG. 1 illustrates a fence bottom security device 10 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. A fence 12 that has a first fence post 14 and a second fence post 16 is anchored into the ground 56 in the normal manner. Here, the fence posts 14 and 16 are placed within holes dug into the ground 56 and a fence member 18 is strung between the fence posts 14 and 16. The fence posts 14 and 16 may be metal posts, wooden posts, wrought iron or plastic in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. Likewise, the fence member 18 can be variously configured. As shown in FIG. 1, the fence member 18 is chain link. However, in other arrangements, the fence member 18 can be closely ran barbed wire, wood or metal panels, welded woven wire, or various other types. Although the fence member 18 is capable of preventing animals from going through the fence member 18 itself, it is often the case that a gap is left between the bottom of the fence member 18 and the ground 56 thus creating a weak spot in the overall fence 12. Additionally, even if the fence member 18 extends to and touches the ground 56, an animal can still dig out the ground 56 under the fence member 18 thus traversing the fence 12 even though the fence member 18 remains completely intact or may be only slightly pushed out.

The fence bottom security device 10 may include an elongated frame 20. As shown, the elongated frame 20 extends the entire distance between the subsequent fence posts 14 and 16. However, in other arrangements, the elongated frame 20 need not extend the entire length between adjacent posts 14 and 16 and may instead extend only up to 90%, up to 75%, or up to 50% of the length between posts 14 and 16. With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, the elongated frame 20 may be a pipe. The frame 20 may be variously configured in other exemplary embodiments and may be for instance have a hollow square, hollow rectangular, angled, or solid cross-section. The elongated frame 20 can thus have a hollow interior and a convex outer surface 360° about its outer periphery. The top surface 28 of the elongated frame 20 may be convex in shape. The top surface 28 can be that portion of the elongated frame 20 visible in FIG. 3 which is the outer surface of the upper half of the elongated frame 20 or the upper 180° of the elongated frame 20. The upper half of the elongated frame 20 is that portion of FIG. 1 that extends above the top surface of the ground 56. The spikes 24 can extend from the top surface 24 through the hollow interior of the elongated frame 20 and then out of the bottom of the elongated frame 20 and into the ground 56. The spikes 24 may be rigidly attached to the elongated frame 20 through welding so that these components are attached to one another permanently before they are placed into the ground 56. As such, the spikes 24 may be arranged so that they are not capable of being pushed out of the ground 56 or thus moved with respect to the elongated frame 20 after initial placement. The spikes 24 may penetrate the top surface 24. In other embodiments, the spikes 24 need not penetrate the top surface 24 and can be attached to an inner surface of the elongated frame 20 or even to the bottom of the outer surface. In this regard, the spikes 24 can be welded to any portion of the elongated frame 20.

The spikes 24 can be made of metal or plastic and can be 8, 9, or 10 inches in length. The spikes 24 may be made of steel and may or may not have a coating in accordance with various embodiments. In other exemplary embodiments, the spikes 24 can extend up to 6 inches, up to 12 inches, up to 24 inches, or up to 48 inches into the ground 56 from the elongated frame 20. Any number of spikes 24 and spike 24 spacing may be employed in the fence bottom security device 10. The spikes 24 may have a circular cross-sectional shape and can be up to ⅜^th of an inch wide or wider, or the spikes 24 can have a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape and may be an inch or greater in width. The spikes 24 may be of any width, for example they may be up to one inch in width or greater. The spikes 24 may all be shaped and sized the same, or the various spikes 24 in the plurality of spikes 24 can have sizes and shapes that are different from one another. The spikes 24 may all be spaced the same distance from one another along the length of the elongated frame 20 or their spacing from one another may be varied. Adjacent spikes 24 may be spaced 6 inches from one another in certain embodiments. In accordance with other arrangements, adjacent spikes may be spaced one inch, up to 4 inches, up to 10 inches, up to 15 inches, up to 30 inches, from 1-12 inches, or up to 12 inches from one another.

The fence bottom security device 10 of FIGS. 1-3 has an attachment bracket 26 attached to the upper surface 28 of the elongated frame 20. The attachment bracket 26 can be bolted to the elongated frame 20 or may be welded thereon. The attachment bracket 26 rests on the upper surface 28 and extends vertically upwards from the upper surface 28. The attachment bracket 26 is L-shaped but can be shaped differently in other embodiments. One or more apertures 30 can be disposed through the attachment bracket 26, and an attachment member 22 can be placed through the apertures 30 and into the first fence post 14. As shown, the attachment member 22 is a nail 32, although the attachment member 22 can be a bolt, wire, screw, or other type of fastener in other arrangements. Although a single nail 32 is illustrated, it is to be understood that any number of nails 32 may be used in other embodiments to effect attachment of the first fence post 14 and the attachment bracket 26. The attachment member 22 is driven into the first fence post 14 and thus engages the first fence post 14. The attachment member 22 can likewise contact the first fence post 14 or may be disposed a distance away from the first fence post 14 in other arrangements. The elongated frame 20 may also be attached to the first fence post 14 through additional attachment members 22. As shown, an additional attachment member 22 that is a tie 34 may be disposed through an aperture of the elongated frame 20 and can wrap around the first fence post 14 to effect attachment of the first fence post 14 to the elongated frame 20. The tie 34 may be made of various materials such as metal or plastic. Although shown as being wrapped around the entire outer periphery of the first fence post 14, the tie 34 need only wrap around a portion of the first fence post 14 in other arrangements and various ways of attaching the tie 34 to the first fence post 14 and the elongated frame 20 are possible in other exemplary embodiments of the fence bottom security device 10. The end of the elongated frame 20 can contact the first fence post 14 or may be spaced from the post 14 in certain embodiments.

It is to be understood that the disclosed attachment members 22 are only exemplary and that others are possible. Further, a single attachment member 22 may be used in other versions of the fence bottom security device 10 and a plurality of attachment members 22 are not necessary. The attachment members 22 function to attach the elongated frame 20 to the first fence post 14 so that the fence bottom security device 10 is securely incorporated into the fence 12 system. However, in other versions of the fence bottom security device 10 the elongated frame 20 need not be attached to the first fence post. Here, the elongated frame 20 may contact the first fence post 14, but an attachment member 22 that contacts the first fence post 14 need not be present. The attachment member or members 22 that are used may be located at a vertical height that is completely below that of the top surface 28, completely above that of the top surface 28, or at locations that are both above and below the vertical height of the top surface 28.

The fence member 18 may be attached to the elongated frame 20. In the fence bottom security device 10 of FIGS. 1-3, a series of fence member attachment members 42 are located along the length of the elongated frame 20 and are attached to links in the fence member 18 so as to effect attachment of the fence member 18 to the elongated frame 20. The fence member attachment members 42 can be ties that are made of metal and may be provided in any number. The fence member attachment members 42 may be wrapped completely around the width of the elongated frame 20 and can be positioned through a link of the fence member 18 that is chain link, welded wire, or variously configured. However, it is to be understood that when configured as ties, the fence member attachment members 42 can be variously arranged. For instance, one or more apertures can be disposed through the elongated frame 20 and the fence member attachment members 42 can be positioned through these apertures and then through a link of the fence member 18. Likewise, the members 42 need not be ties in other embodiments, but can be bolts, screws, pins, adhesion, various mechanical fasteners, or hook and loop type fasteners. The members 42 are capable of contacting the fence member 18 and the elongated frame 20. In certain exemplary embodiments, the members 42 function to draw the fence member 18 against the elongated frame 20 so that the fence member 18 and the elongated frame 20 contact one another. However, in other configurations, the fence member 18 and elongated frame 20 do not contact one another when the members 42 are provided to effect attachment. Although described as being used with a chain link fence member 18, it is to be understood that the fence member attachment members 42 can be employed to attach the fence member 18 to the elongated frame 20 even when the fence member 18 is differently configured into a panel, close rail, welded wire, or close barbed wire. Also, although described as employing one or more fence member attachment members 42, it is to be understood that the member 42 need not be present in other arrangements and that the fence member 18 need not be attached to the elongated frame 20.

The elongated frame 20 is shown as spanning the distance between the first fence post 14 and the second fence post 16. The elongated frame 20 may contact the second fence post 16 or can be spaced a distance therefrom. A second attachment bracket 58 can be provided and may extend vertically upwards from the top surface 28. A second attachment member 60 can be provided to effect attachment of the elongated frame 20 to the second fence post 16. The second attachment member 60 may be a nail that extends through the second attachment bracket 58 and into the second fence post 16. Additionally or alternatively, the second attachment member 60 may be a tie that extends through or around the elongated frame 20 and wrap around the second fence post 16 to effect attachment. The second attachment bracket 58 and second attachment member or members 60 can be configured in the same ways previously discussed with respect to the first attachment member 22 and the first attachment bracket 26 and a repeat of this information is not necessary.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the fence member 18 is shown as being a chain link and is located on the front of the posts 14 and 16 so that the fence member 18 is not located directly above the elongated frame 20. The elongated frame 20 is positioned essentially along the center-to-center distance between the posts 14 and 16 so that the elongated frame 20 is off-center with respect to the posts 14 and 16 in the width direction 64. The fence member 18 between posts 14 and 16 is positioned away from the elongated frame 20 so that no portion of the elongated frame 20 and fence member 18 overlap in the width direction 64. A different exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 in which the position of the fence member 18 is modified such that it is centered in the width direction 64 with respect to the posts 14 and 16. Although positioned completely next to the fence member 18, in other embodiments the fence member 18 may be positioned so that it is completely above the top surface 28 of the elongated frame 20 in the vertical direction 66 and does or does not contact the top surface 28. FIG. 5 is yet a third variation in which the fence member 18 is located on the other side of the posts 14 and 16 from that shown in FIGS. 1-3. The fence member 18 touches the ground 56 so that it is not located completely above the top surface 28 in the vertical direction 66 and is located so as not to be positioned directly over the elongated frame 20. The elongated frame 20 may thus be completely located on the enclosed side of the fence member 18 or fence 12, or the frame 20 may be completely located on the outside of the fence member 18 or fence 12. Again, in this configuration the fence member 18 and elongated frame 20 do not overlap in the width direction 64. The fence member 18 may extend downward in the vertical direction 66 so that it does not touch the ground 56 in other embodiments, or so that it is located completely above the top surface 28 in the vertical direction 66. In such embodiments, the elongated frame 20 may still be spaced from the fence member 18 in the width direction 64 so that these components do not touch one another. Alternatively, the fence member 18 can be directly above the elongated frame 20 so that a portion of the fence member 18 overlaps the elongated frame 20 in the width direction and so that fence member 18 contacts the top surface 28. In yet other embodiments, the elongated frame 20 and the fence member 18 may contact one another.

The elongated frame 20 is positioned with respect to the ground 56 so that a portion of the elongated frame 20 is located below the top surface of the ground 56 in the vertical direction 66. For example, half of the height of the elongated frame 20 may be located below the top surface of the ground 56. Every portion of the spikes 24 may be located below the top surface of the ground 56 in certain exemplary embodiments. In other arrangements, a majority of the vertical height of the elongated frame 20 can be located above the top surface of the ground 56, or all of the elongated frame 20 can be located above the top surface of the ground 56. In other exemplary embodiments, the entire elongated frame 20 is located below the top surface of the ground 56. In still further embodiments the elongated frame 20 is located with respect to the ground 56 such that the top surface 28 of the elongated frame 20 is at the same vertical position 66 as the top surface of the ground 56. Minimizing the vertical height of the elongated frame 20 above the upper surface of ground 56 may prevent the accumulation of debris against the sides of the elongated frame 20. Further, minimizing the vertical height of the elongated frame 20 above the upper surface of ground 56 will minimize or eliminate the effect of water flow from rains incident upon the elongated frame 20. In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the entire elongated frame 20, and thus all of the fence bottom security device 10 is located below the upper surface of the ground 56 so that no portion of the fence bottom security device 10 is visible.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an alternative exemplary embodiment of the fence bottom security device 10. The elongated frame 20 is an L-shaped bracket that includes a horizontal portion 36 that is attached to and located above a vertical portion 38 in the vertical direction 66. The height of the vertical portion 38 may be the same as the width of the horizontal portion 36. However, in other arrangements, the width of the horizontal portion 36 can be greater than the height of the vertical portion 38. Attachment brackets 26 and 58 are plates that are present on either terminal end of the elongated frame 20. Attachment members 22 and 60 that are ties 34 are present and contact the posts 14 and 16 and the attachment brackets 26 and 58 in order to attach the elongated frame 20 to the posts 14 and 16. The attachment members 22 and 60 can be located within the ground 56 so that they are not visible. A series of apertures 40 can be disposed through the horizontal portion 36. In certain alternative exemplary embodiments, ties 34 can be positioned through the apertures 40 and wrapped around the posts 14 and 16 to effect attachment. However, it is to be understood that the elongated frame 20 can be attached to the posts 14 and/or 16 in a variety of manners. Further, the posts 14 and 16 need not be attached to the elongated frame 20 in other embodiments. For example, such an arrangement may be made when the fence bottom security device 10 is used with a fence 12 that is a dog pen or kennel. One or more fence member attachment members 42 can be disposed through the apertures 40 that are located along the elongated frame 20 to attach the elongated frame 20 to the fence member 18.

The spikes 24 can be attached to the bottom of the horizontal portion 36 and may extend downward therefrom in the vertical direction 66 into the ground 56. The spikes 24 can be welded to the bottom of the horizontal portion 36 and to the side of the vertical portion 38. The spikes 24 can alternatively be welded to the side of the horizontal portion 36 and/or vertical portion 38. The elongated frame 20 can be pushed into the ground 56 so that a portion of the vertical portion 38 is likewise pushed into and located within the ground 56. The elongated frame 20 can be located within the ground 56 so that the bottom of the horizontal portion 36 rests against the upper surface of the ground 56. However, it is to be understood that the entire vertical portion 38 may rest on or above the ground 56 in other embodiments. The fence member 18 can be located completely above the top surface 28 of the elongated frame 20 in the vertical direction 66, or as shown with reference to FIGS. 6-10 the fence member 18 may touch the ground 56. The fence member 18 may or may not contact the elongated frame 20. Also, the fence member 18 can be located on the front of the adjacent posts 14 and 16 so that the fence member 18 is not located directly above the elongated frame 20 such that the fence member 18 and the elongated frame 20 do not overlap in the width direction 64. The elongated frame 20 can be centered with respect to the posts 14 and 16 so that the horizontal portion 36 is centered in the width direction 64 with respect to the center-to-center distance of the posts 14 and 16. In other embodiments, the vertical portion 38 can be centered in the width direction 64 with respect to the center-to-center distance of the posts 14 and 16.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate different arrangements in which the fence member 18 is located at different positions from that shown in FIGS. 6-8 but otherwise are the same. The fence bottom security device 10 of FIG. 9 includes a fence member 18 that is directly centered with respect to the posts 14 and 16 in the width direction 64. The fence member 18 may or may not contact the elongated frame 20. The elongated frame 20 is offset from the fence member 18 so that it is located completely on one side of the fence member 18 and so that no other portion of the elongated frame 20 is located either directly below the fence member 18 or to the opposite side of the fence member 18. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the fence member 18 is on the opposite side of the posts 14 and 16 from that shown in FIGS. 6-8. The fence member 18 is not directly over the elongated frame 20 so that no portions of the fence member 18 and the elongated frame 20 overlap in the width direction 64. The fence member 18 may or may not contact the elongated frame 20. The elongated frame 20 may be arranged so that it is located on only one side of the fence member 18 in the width direction 64 such that it does not extend under the fence member 18 or is located on both sides of the fence member 18 in the width direction 64. The elongated frame 20 of all of the variously disclosed embodiments may be made of metal. In some embodiments, the elongated frame 20 is made of iron or steel. The vertical portion 38 is arranged so that the horizontal portion 36 extends from the vertical portion 38 in a direction away from the fence member 18. However, in other arrangements, the horizontal portion 36 can be configured so as to extend towards the fence member 18 from the vertical portion 38.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of the fence bottom security device 10 incorporated into a fence 12 in which the fence member 18 is a panel. The fence bottom security device 10 again spans the entire distance between the first and second fence posts 14 and 16 in the length direction 62. However, as previously discussed, the fence bottom security device 10 need not extend the entire distance in the length direction 62 between the first and second fence posts 14 and 16 in other embodiments. For example, concrete, rock, utility lines, or other objects may be located in the ground 56 so that one does not want to insert spikes 24. The elongated frame 20 may be sized so that its length is sufficient to extend completely from the first to second posts 14 and 16 in the length direction 62. The length of the elongated frame 20 in the length direction 62 may be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 feet in accordance with certain embodiments. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the length of the elongated frame 20 in the length direction 62 may be 6 inches, from 1 to 5 feet, from 5 to 10 feet, up to 20 feet, up to 35 feet, or up to 100 feet. The elongated frame 20 may have a length greater than 100 feet in certain arrangements. Although described in other arrangements are being a single, integral piece, the elongated frame 20 could alternatively be made of one or more sections to achieve a desired length in the length direction 62. A first section 44 that can include only a single spike 24 or may include zero or from 2-10 spikes 24 is attached to the first fence post 14 through use of an attachment member 22. The elongated frame 20 may have a hollow square, hollow rectangular, pipe shaped, solid, or L-shaped cross-sectional shape. A plurality of apertures 50 are disposed through the vertical portion 38 of the elongated frame 20. The attachment member 22 is disposed through one of the apertures 50 of the first section 44 and is wrapped around the first fence post 14 in order to effect attachment of the first fence post 14 to the elongated frame 20. A second section 46 rests against the first section 44. A splice bracket 54 covers both the first section 44 and second section 46. In this regard, the splice bracket 54 has an open L-shaped center into which the ends of the first and second sections 44 and 46 are disposed. The splice bracket 54 also has a series of apertures that align with the apertures 50 of the abutted first and second sections 44 and 46. Bolts or other mechanical fasteners can be disposed through the first and second sections 44 and 46 and splice bracket 54 in order to effect attachment of the first section 44 to the second section 46. The opposite end of the second section 48 can be attached to the second fence post 16 by use of second attachment members 60 that are disposed through apertures 50.

The first section 44 may have a distance in the length direction 62 that is less than that of section 46. These lengths may be the same in other arrangements. Also, although both of the sections 44 and 46 are shown as having at least one spike 24, it is to be understood that other arrangements are possible in which at least one of the sections of the elongated frame 20 does not have any spikes 24 extending therefrom. Further, although shown as being spliced together through the use of splice plate 52, these components need not be included in other arrangements. For example, the adjacent sections may be welded to one another, may be joined by construction glue, or may be attached to one another with mechanical fasteners without the presence of a separate splicing component. Further, it is to be understood that although two sections 44 and 46 are present, any number of sections may be attached to one another to make up the length of the elongated frame 20 in other arrangements. For example, from 3-5, from 5-8, or up to 10 sections may be present in certain embodiments.

The fence bottom security device 10 can be installed at the same time the fence 12 is erected. In this regard, the fence bottom security device 10 can be installed once the fence posts are put in place. The fence member 18 can then be installed next and connected to the fence bottom security device 10 if desired. The fence bottom security device 10 can be located below a gate of the fence 12. Normally, the fence bottom security device 10 is not attached to the fence member 18 of the gate of the fence 12 because then it would be necessary every time to detach the fence bottom security device 10 from the gate upon opening the gate. However, one could make such a connection if desired. Alternatively, the fence bottom security device 10 can be an add-on component to the fence system. Here, the fence 12 may already be in place, and the fence bottom security device 10 can be installed into the existing fence structure. If it is not possible to place the elongated frame 20 under the fence member 18, the elongated frame 20 can be positioned so as to be up against the fence member 18 so that these components do not overlap in the width direction 64. In a similar manner, the elongated frame 20 may not be capable of being placed with respect to the posts 14 and 16 so that all of these components overlap in the width direction 64. The elongated frame 20 could be placed next to the posts 14 and 16 so that the elongated frame 20 does not overlap any portion of the posts 14 and 16 in the width direction 64. Alternatively, the elongated frame 20 may not be centered with respect to the center-to-center distance of the posts 14 and 16 but may still overlap some portion of the posts 14 and 16 in the width direction 64.

Another exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12. Here, the elongated frame 20 is again composed of multiple sections 44, 46, and 48 that may or may not be of the same length in the length direction 62. The elongated frame 20 is inserted into the ground 56 so that the top surface 28 of the elongated frame 20 is flush with the upper surface of the ground 56. The first section 44 includes attachment brackets 26 and 68 on opposite terminal ends. The attachment brackets 26 and 68 extend from the top surface 28 of the first section 44 in the vertical direction 66. The attachment bracket 26 is used again with an attachment member 22 that may be a nail 32 such that the nail 32 is driven into the first fence post 14 to secure the elongated frame 20 to the first fence post 14. The adjacent section 46 is likewise provided with a pair of attachment brackets 70 and 72 on its terminal ends. Attachment bracket 68 is located adjacent to attachment bracket 70 and a bolt or bolts 76 is disposed through brackets 68 and 70 in order to attach the first and second segments 44 and 46 to one another. In a similar manner, the third segment 48 is provided with attachment brackets 74 and 58 and a bolt or bolts 78 are used to attach brackets 72 and 74 to one another so as to effect attachment of sections 46 and 48. Attachment bracket 58 has a second attachment member 60 driven therethrough so as to effect attachment of the elongated frame 20 to the second fence post 16. The various attachment brackets may thus be used to either effect attachment to another section of the elongated frame 20 or to one of the fence posts 14 or 16. Although described as using mechanical fasteners such as bolts and nails, it is to be understood that various types of fasteners such as ties, screws, or clips can be employed in other exemplary embodiments.

However, it is to be understood that the attachment brackets 68, 70, 72 and 74 need not be present in other exemplary embodiments. For example, the sections 44, 46 and 48 can be attached to one another may various mechanisms not requiring the presence of attachment brackets 68, 70, 72 and 74.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12 that shows the first section 44 as having a cross-sectional shape that is square tubing. The entire cross-sectional shape of the elongated frame 20 may be square tubing, or the various sections 44, 46 and 48 can have different cross-sectional shapes. The cross-sectional shape of the elongated frame 20 can be differently shaped and it is to be understood that the fence bottom security device 10 is not limited to a particular cross-sectional shape of the elongated frame 20. For instance, the elongated frame 20 may have a triangular, rectangular, or oval shape in certain embodiments and may have a hollow interior or may be completely solid. The fence member 18 extends in the vertical direction 66 so as to touch the upper surface of the ground 56. The elongated frame 20 may or may not contact the fence member 18. Also, the fence member 18 may be located completely above the top surface 28, at the same height as the top surface 28, or below the top surface 28 in the vertical direction 66 in accordance with various embodiments. As such, the entire elongated frame 20 absent or including the various attachment members may be completely located below all portions of the fence member 18 in certain arrangements.

FIG. 14 illustrates a different exemplary embodiment in which the fence member 18 rests on and contacts the top surface 28 so that no portion of the fence member 18 is below the top surface 28 in the vertical direction 66. The fence member 18 is located with respect to the elongated frame 20 so that a portion of the elongated frame 20 is on one side of the fence member 18 and so that a portion of the elongated frame 20 is on the other side of the fence member 18 in the width direction 64. A portion of the elongated frame 20 may extend beyond the side of the post 14 in the width direction 64.

The fence bottom security device 10 can be installed during the installation of a new fence 12. Alternatively, the fence bottom security device 10 can be an add-on component to a pre-existing fence 12 and installed at a later time. Generally, a fence 12 will be installed so that the fence member 18 extends to the upper surface of the ground 56 in most locations around the perimeter of the fence 12. The fence bottom security device 10 can thus be installed in such instances so that the spikes 24 and the elongated frame 20 are inserted into the ground 56 completely on one side of the fence member 18 in the width direction 64. The fence bottom security device 10 can be arranged so that only a single row of spikes 24 extend between the first fence post 14 and the second fence post 16. In this regard, all of the spikes 24 of the fence bottom security device 10 can be located on one side of the fence member 18 in the width direction 64. The spikes 24 may be made of metal and can be made of the same material as the elongated frame 20.

While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A fence bottom security device, comprising:

an elongated frame that is attached to a first fence post of a fence;

an attachment member that contacts the first fence post and functions to attach the elongated frame to the first fence post; and

a plurality of spikes extending from the elongated frame and located within ground.

2. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an attachment bracket that extends upwards from a top surface of the elongated frame, wherein the attachment bracket defines an aperture therethrough, and wherein the attachment member contacts the attachment bracket.

3. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the attachment member is a nail that is disposed through the aperture of the attachment bracket and is located within the first fence post.

4. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the attachment member is a tie that is wrapped around the first fence post and that contacts the attachment bracket.

5. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated frame is a metal tube.

6. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated frame is an L-shaped member that has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion is located above the vertical portion.

7. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 6, wherein the horizontal portion has a plurality of apertures disposed therethough, and further comprising a plurality of fence member attachment members that are disposed through the apertures of the horizontal portion and contact a fence member of the fence and are used to attach the horizontal portion to the fence member of the fence.

8. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fence has a fence member that extends between the first fence post and a second fence post of the fence, wherein the fence member does not contact the elongated frame.

9. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fence has a fence member that extends between the first fence post and a second fence post of the fence, wherein the fence member is not located directly above the elongated frame, and wherein a portion of the elongated frame is located under the upper surface of the ground.

10. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated frame is made of multiple sections that are spliced to one another.

11. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 10, wherein at least two of the multiple sections of the elongated frame are of different lengths.

12. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the elongated frame is made of metal.

13. A fence bottom security device, comprising:

an elongated frame that is located between a first fence post and a second fence post of a fence, wherein the elongated frame is positioned such that a fence member of the fence that extends from the first fence post to the second fence post of the fence is located vertically completely on one side of the elongated frame in a width direction that is perpendicular to a length direction that runs from the first fence post to the second fence post; and

a plurality of spikes extending from the elongated frame and located within ground.

14. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 13, wherein the fence member is a panel.

15. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 13, wherein the spikes are spaced from one another such that at least four inches of space are present between subsequent ones of the spikes, wherein the spikes are at least six inches in length.

16. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 13, further comprising:

a first attachment bracket that extends upwards from a top surface of the elongated frame;

a first attachment member that contacts the first attachment bracket and contacts the first fence post, wherein the first attachment member functions to attach the first fence post to the elongated frame;

a second attachment bracket that extends upwards from the top surface of the elongated frame; and

a second attachment member that contacts the second attachment bracket and contacts the second fence post, wherein the second attachment member functions to attach the second fence post to the elongated frame.

17. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 13, wherein the elongated frame is an L-shaped member that has a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion is located above the vertical portion, wherein the horizontal portion has a plurality of apertures disposed therethough, and further comprising a plurality of fence member attachment members that are disposed through the apertures of the horizontal portion and contact the fence member of the fence and are used to attach the horizontal portion to the fence member of the fence.

18. A fence bottom security device, comprising:

an elongated frame that is located between a first fence post and a second fence post of a fence, wherein the fence has a fence member that extends from the first fence post to the second fence post of the fence, wherein the elongated frame is positioned such that no portion of the elongated frame is located directly under the fence member of the fence; and

a plurality of spikes extending from the elongated frame and located within ground.

19. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 18, wherein the elongated frame is made of multiple sections that are spliced to one another.

20. The fence bottom security device as set forth in claim 18, further comprising:

a first attachment member that contacts the first fence post and functions to attach the elongated frame to the first fence post; and

a second attachment member that contacts the second fence post and functions to attach the elongated frame to the second fence post.