CABLE INTERCONNECTION SYSTEM FOR PIPE FENCING

Abstract

Provided is a bracket for pipe and cable fencing that offers both reduced and zero field welding options, enhancing installation speed and safety. Featuring an integrated cap plate with a saddle plate, or an optional configuration without a top pipe and saddle, the bracket supports and allows for secure placement of the top fence pipe. The design minimizes fire hazards and is adaptable to both flat and sloped terrains. The bracket requires limited welding per bracket/post or none at all, with cable clips shop fabricated to predefined specifications.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/744,950, filed Jan. 14, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for securing cables and/or top rails to fence posts and, more particularly, to techniques that improve the reliability, efficiency, and durability of such connections, especially in agricultural, industrial, and security applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fence systems, commonly used for livestock containment, property delineation, or security purposes, often rely on cables (e.g., tensioned wires, barbed wires, or electric fencing) to form a physical barrier. Fence systems comprised of cables interconnected to posts, rods, or pipes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,924, which is incorporated by reference herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that cables must be securely attached to fence posts to maintain structural integrity. In practice, however, achieving a robust and durable connection between cables and fence posts presents numerous challenges due to environmental factors, tensioning requirements, and material limitations.

One inherent problem in current cable-to-post attachment methods is the risk of slippage or loosening. Changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations, rain, and wind, can exacerbate this issue by causing expansion, contraction, or corrosion of the materials, leading to frequent maintenance.

Another issue arises from mechanical stress concentrated at the cable attachment points. Traditional methods, such as tying cables around posts or using staples, often cause wear and tear on the cable. Repeated tensioning and movement can fray or weaken the cable, compromising its functionality and potentially leading to premature failure. Additionally, post damage can be a common consequence of poorly designed attachment mechanisms.

Safety concerns further complicate existing solutions. Improperly secured cables can snap or loosen under tension, posing risks to humans, animals, and nearby structures. Barbed or electrified wires increase these risks, making secure connections critical for both performance and safety compliance. Current solutions often fail to comprehensively address these safety considerations, leaving room for significant improvement.

Lastly, installation and maintenance processes are labor-intensive with many conventional attachment systems. Techniques often require specialized tools, precise adjustments, or repeated inspections, adding time and cost to fence construction and upkeep. Fence construction often requires welding anchor points in the field, which is cumbersome and inherently dangerous. Stated differently, some pipe and cable fencing require extensive field welding, extending installation time and creating fire risks. A solution is needed to simplify the installation process, reduce or eliminate welding requirements, and enhance safety.

Thus, there is a need for simplified, user-friendly fence construction methods that ensure long-lasting, secure connections between cables and fence posts without requiring excessive effort or expertise.

The preceding background discussion is not an admission that the matters discussed are citable as prior art or common general knowledge. Rather, the general background information disclosed herein is directed at describing the problem(s) associated with the current state of the art, and a need for a better solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a fencing system generally comprised of a bracket for selective interconnection to a pipe that provides reduced and zero field welding options that enhance fence installation speed and lowers wildfire risks. More specifically, a bracket is provided that selectively accepts a pipe of a cable fence. The bracket is generally comprised of a spine that corresponds with the length of a pipe or fence post. The spine has at least one collar interconnected thereto. The spine also includes a plurality of clips for the securement of at least one cable. The clips can also be configured to accommodate insulators and other components common in the fencing arts. The system integrates components to minimize or eliminate field welding. The bracket of one embodiment is constructed entirely from steel for durability, strength, and environmental resistance. The clips can be manufactured to customer specifications.

In some embodiments, the bracket assembly further includes a cap plate at an upper end of the bracket assembly, the cap plate engages an upper end of the pipe post and provides a foundation for a saddle plate/bracket configured to support an uppermost fence pipe (e.g., a top rail). The saddle plate/bracket may be welded to the cap plate or selectively interconnected (e.g., removably attached) to the cap plate. In one embodiment, the saddle plate/bracket is replaced with a clamp ring sub-assembly that captures the top rail. The clamp ring sub-assembly may include a pivot connection to accommodate installation on pitched or sloped terrain.

As mentioned above, one advantage of embodiments of the present invention is field welding reduction. In some embodiments, each collar is interconnected to the spine with one weld, for example, a 1.5 inch weld. The saddle may require two welds, perhaps 2 inches long, to secure it to the cap plate integrated onto the uppermost collar. On of skill in the art will appreciate that the contemplated interconnections can be made off-site, this is especially true if the planned fence placement is well-defined.

The clips can also be attached to the spine off site. Indeed, ancillary clips can be welded onto the spine to provide the installers increased installation flexibility wherein some clips do not receive a cable. One embodiment provides additional flexibility wherein the spine includes a plurality of tapped holes that selectively receive corresponding threaded portions of the clip. Alternatively, the spine may have a plurality of through holes that receive a threaded portion of the clip that receives a nut to fasten the clip to the spine.

The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. That is, these and other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) described herein. Further, the above-described embodiments, aspects, objectives, and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible using, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described below. Moreover, references made herein to “the present invention” or aspects thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. Additional aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the Detailed Description, particularly when taken together with the drawings.

The above-described benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations are not necessarily complete or exhaustive, and in particular, as to the patentable subject matter disclosed herein. Other benefits, embodiments, and/or characterizations of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, as set forth above and/or described in the accompanying figures and/or in the description herein below.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or,” as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and drawing figures are to be understood as being approximations which may be modified in all instances as required for a particular application of the novel assembly and method described herein.

The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.

It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and in the appended drawing figures.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these inventions.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the system of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the system shown in FIG. 1 installed on a post.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the system of another embodiment of the present invention installed on a post.

The following component list and associated numbering found in the drawings is provided to assist in the understanding of one embodiment of the present invention:

# Component 2 Fence bracket assembly 6 Pipe post 10 Fence cable(s) 14 Top rail pipe 18 Spine 22 Collar 30 Clips 34 Cap plate

# Component 40 Saddle bracket 50 Pivot point

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a fence bracket assembly 2 is shown installed on a pipe post 6. The fence bracket assembly 2 of one embodiment is configured for use in pipe-and-cable fencing systems that employ one or more tensioned cables 10 and, optionally, a top rail pipe 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fence bracket assembly 2 includes a spine 18. At least one collar 22 sized to fit over the pipe post 6 is interconnected to the spine 18 such that the spine 18 may be installed by slipping the collar(s) 22 downwardly over an upper end of the pipe post 6 to position the spine adjacent to an outer surface of the pipe post 6.

Again, the spine 18 can accommodate a plurality of pipe collars 22 spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the pipe post 6. The pipe collars maintain alignment of the spine 18 relative to the pipe post 12 and provide distributed support along the height of the bracket assembly 2. Although three collars are shown, more or fewer collars may be used depending on post height, loading requirements, and the number of cable elevations.

The spine 18 also provides a mounting structure for a plurality of cable clips 30. In the illustrated embodiment, four cable clips are shown positioned at spaced elevations; however, the number, spacing, and geometry of the cable clips 30 may be selected to match customer specifications, including the desired number of fence cables and cable spacing.

Each cable clip 30 is configured to selectively receive and secure a corresponding fence cable 10. In some embodiments, the cable clips 30 are integrally formed with (or welded to) the spine 18 during fabrication. In other embodiments, one or more of the cable clips 30 may be formed as separate parts attached to the spine 18. The cable clips 30 may be shaped and/or dimensioned according to the diameter and type of cable 10 used in the fencing system.

A cap plate 34 is provided at an upper end of the bracket assembly 2. The cap plate 34 is configured to engage an upper end of the pipe post 6 and may function as a structural platform for a top-rail support component and/or a protective cover for an upper end of the pipe post 6.

The top-rail support component of one embodiment is a saddle bracket (or plate) 40 configured to engage and support the top rail 14. In some embodiments, the saddle bracket 40 is welded to the cap plate 34 during fabrication. In other embodiments, the saddle bracket 40 is selectively interconnected to the cap plate 34, such as by a mechanical fastener arrangement, allowing the saddle bracket 40 to be installed, removed, replaced, or adjusted based on the fencing configuration.

In some installation embodiments, the bracket assembly 2 is configured to reduce field welding. For example, after the spine 18 is slipped over and positioned on the pipe post 6, a first weld bead secures a lower pipe collar to the pipe post 6, and a second weld bead secures an upper pipe collar to the pipe post 6. In one example implementation, each of the welds may comprise an approximately 1.5 inch weld bead. After placement of the top rail pipe 14 into engagement with the saddle bracket 40, one or more weld beads are used to secure the saddle bracket 40 to the top rail pipe 14; in one example implementation, two welds of approximately 2 inches may be used. Pre-assembly of the spine 18, collars 22, and/or cable clips 24 reduces additional welding during installation.

A clamp may alternatively be used to secure the top rail pipe to the saddle bracket. More specifically, in some embodiments, the saddle bracket 40 is replaced by a pipe clamp ring configured to capture the top rail pipe 14 and secure it relative to the pipe post 6 without welding. As shown in FIG. 2, which omits the top rail pipe for clarity, an elongate saddle bracket 46 is connected to the cap plate 34 via a pivot point 50, enabling the top rail pipe to be installed on a pitch (e.g., to follow sloped terrain) while maintaining secure support. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pivot point can simply comprise a bolt to allow one degree of rotation, or more complex pivot systems can be employed to provide more than one degree of rotational/linear freedom.

Exemplary characteristics of embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the present invention, the preceding description may omit several known apparatus, methods, systems, structures, and/or devices one of ordinary skill in the art would understand are commonly included with the embodiments of the present invention. Such omissions are not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the claimed invention. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. It should, however, be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

Modifications and alterations of the various embodiments of the present invention described herein will occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be expressly understood that such modifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Further, it is to be understood that the invention(s) described herein is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the preceding description or illustrated in the drawings. That is, the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. The scope of the various embodiments described herein is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. And all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the following description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed inventions require more features than expressly recited. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention. Further, the embodiments of the present invention described herein include components, methods, processes, systems, and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various sub-combinations and subsets thereof. Accordingly, one of skill in the art will appreciate that would be possible to provide for some features of the embodiments of the present invention without providing others. Stated differently, any one or more of the aspects, features, elements, means, or embodiments as disclosed herein may be combined with any one or more other aspects, features, elements, means, or embodiments as disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A bracket configured for interconnection to pipe and cable fencing, comprising:

an elongated spine;

at least one collar interconnected to the spine, the at least one collar adapted to selectively receive a pipe post of the pipe and cable fencing to generally align the spine with a pipe post;

a plurality of clips adapted to secure a portion of a cable; and

a cap plate with a saddle plate extending therefrom.

2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the saddle plate is contoured to receive an upper rail pipe.

3. The bracket of claim 2, wherein the saddle plate includes a clamp for securing the upper rail pipe.

4. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the spine, at least one collar, cap plate, and saddle plate are steel.

5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the plurality clips are configured to secure cables of varying diameters.

6. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the saddle plate includes a rotatably interconnected elongate portion.

7. A bracket configured for interconnection to an elongate fence member, comprising:

a spine;

at least one collar configured to receive the elongate fence member interconnected to the spine; and

a plurality of clips adapted to secure a portion of a cable.

8. The bracket of claim 7, further comprising a cap plate associated with an upper end of the spine.

9. The bracket of claim 8, further comprising a saddle plate extending from the cap plate.

10. The bracket of claim 9, wherein the saddle plate includes a contoured portion that is configured to receive an upper rail pipe.

11. The bracket of claim 9, wherein the saddle plate includes a rotatably interconnected portion configured to receive an upper rail pipe.

12. The bracket of claim 9, wherein the saddle plate includes a clamp for securing an upper rail pipe.

13. The bracket of claim 7, wherein the spine, at least one collar, cap plate, and saddle plate are steel.

14. The bracket of claim 7, wherein the plurality of clips are configured to secure cables of varying diameters.

15. The bracket of claim 7, wherein the plurality of clips are selectively interconnected to the spine.

16. A fencing system comprising:

a first pipe adapted to be secured to the ground;

a second pipe adapted to be secured to the ground;

a first bracket associated with the first pipe;

a second bracket associated with the second pipe;

wherein the first bracket and the second bracket are comprised of at least: an elongated spine, at least one collar interconnected to the spine, the at least one collar adapted to selectively receive a pipe, a plurality of clips, and a cap plate; and

a cable interconnected to at least one clip or the first bracket and to at least one clip of the second bracket.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the cap plates of the first and second brackets include a saddle bracket that receives an upper pipe rail that interconnects the first bracket to the second bracket.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the saddle brackets are selectively rotatable relative to their respective spines.