Fences – Wire – Connections
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-09
2001-10-02
Kim, Harry C. (Department: 3629)
Fences
Wire
Connections
C256S010000, C256S054000, C256SDIG003, C174S15800R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296233
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a retainer clip or latch that is attached to a fence post for securing fence strand members to the fence post, particularly for use in electric fencing systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A fence is generally constructed of a plurality of spaced, vertically extending fence posts with fence strand members, such as electric wire or tape, barbed wire, etc. extending between the fence posts at spaced vertical locations along the fence posts. The fence strands are typically secured to each fence post in order to secure the fence strands in place and maintain the vertical spacing thereof. Previous systems for securing fence strand members to fence posts include forming holes or slots in the fence posts to receive the fence strands, as shown in U.S. Pat. 2,861,122; providing tabs or projections on the fence posts for securing the fence strands, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,821,365 and 4,070,007; and by using retainer members which are secured around the fence post and fence strands for securing the fence strands in place, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,977,653. These previous securement systems however are generally designed for use with a single type of fence strand member and thus do not allow for a wide range of fencing materials to be secured to the fence post. Additionally, many of the previous securement systems are difficult to use, often times requiring a physical deformation of the securement structure, in order to both secure the fence strands in place and to permit removal of the fence strands, thus usually requiring the use of a deformation tool.
What is needed then is a system for securing fence strand members to a fence post that can be used with a wide variety of fence strand members, and that does not require a physical deformation of a securement member in order to secure the fence strands in place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a retainer clip or latch attached to a fence post, such as a plastic fence post, for use in electric fences, that can be used with different types of fence strand members, and that is operated by hand to permit easy securement and removal of the fence strand members.
A preferred embodiment of the retainer clip in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a first portion attached to a support base member of the fence post and a second, moveable portion hingedly attached at a first end thereof to a first end of the first portion and disposed over the first portion. The first and second portions are made of a non-conducting material, such as plastic. The first ends are preferably integrally attached to each other, thus forming a film hinge at the first ends. The second portion includes a second end that is in selective engagement with a second end of the first portion, whereby when the second ends are engaged, a generally circular loop and an elongated, rectangular shaped area are defined between the portions. The loop is located adjacent the first ends for holding a slender strand member, such as wire or rope. The elongated area is located between the loop and the second ends for holding a relatively wide strand member, such as tape, therein. The second, moveable portion includes a finger extending therefrom toward the first portion, and the first portion includes a notch that receives the finger when the second ends are engaged. The finger separates the loop from the elongated area, to prevent movement of the strand member from its respective area. In addition, the first portion includes a tapered locking shoulder at the second end thereof, and the second portion includes a tapered locking tab at the second end thereof, so as to form a selectively releasable connection between the first portion and the second portion. A finger actuated tab is connected to the tapered locking tab for releasing the connection between the locking tab and the locking shoulder. The clip can be attached to various portions of the fence post, such as the head portion of a T-shaped fence post, an elongate bar which spaces the clip from the post, or an end cap secured to an end of the fence post.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying description, in which there is described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
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Information Sheet entitled POSTS, Polycarb QuikPost III, 1997 Premier Sheep Supplies, Ltd.
Berg Jon A.
Buelow David F.
Langlie Ronald H.
Kim Harry C.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
North Central Plastics
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