Components for interconnection of fencing elements

Abstract

Fencing systems and components thereof are disclosed herein. In one form, systems for interconnecting one or more fencing components to another fencing component are provided. In another form, a method is provided for coupling one or more fencing components to another fencing component, such as a post.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fencing device, comprising:
 an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end;   a plurality of receptacles positioned along the elongate body between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein each of the receptacles includes a lateral opening configured to receive a fencing component;   an elongate passageway extending in communication with the receptacles, wherein the elongate passageway is configured to provide access to a closure member to each of the receptacles; and   a catch positioned on the elongate body and defining an at least partially hollow interior structured to receive at least a portion of the closure member; and   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the lateral openings of the receptacles are positioned laterally of the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the elongate passageway is positioned medially of the lateral openings. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the catch is positioned on or near the proximal end of the elongate body. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the proximal end of the elongate body includes a hollow interior and the catch is positioned in the hollow interior. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate body includes a hollow interior extending between the proximal and distal ends. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the receptacles includes a first surface extending medially from the lateral opening, a second surface spaced apart from the first surface and extending medially from the lateral opening, and a third surface extending between and connecting the first and second surfaces. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each of the first and second surfaces extends transversely to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first elongate surface extending between the proximal and distal ends, a second elongate surface extending between the proximal and distal ends, and an elongate slot positioned between the first and second elongate surfaces. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate passageway extends through one or more guides positioned adjacent to one or more of the receptacles. 
     
     
         11 . A fencing assembly, comprising:
 an elongate member including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the body including a plurality of laterally opening receptacles positioned therealong between the proximal and distal ends and configured to receive a fencing component; and   a closure member removably engageable with the elongate member to prevent lateral access to the receptacles, the closure member including a proximal portion engageable with a portion of the elongate member in an arrangement preventing rotation of the closure member relative to the elongate member.   
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the elongate member includes an elongate passageway extending into communication with the receptacles and the closure member is positionable in the elongate passageway. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the proximal end of the elongate member includes a catch configured to receive the proximal portion of the closure member. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the elongate member includes a hollow interior and the closure member is fully positionable in the hollow interior of the elongate member when engaged therewith. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the closure member includes a main portion extending along a longitudinal axis, and at least a portion of the proximal portion of the closure member is offset from the main portion. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the elongate member includes a hollow interior extending between the proximal and distal ends. 
     
     
         17 . A fencing system, comprising:
 an elongate member including a body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the body including a plurality of laterally opening receptacles positioned therealong;   at least one fencing component positionable in one or more of the receptacles; and   a closure member removably engageable with the elongate member to prevent removal of the at least one fencing component from the one or more receptacles.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the closure member includes a proximal portion engageable with a portion of the elongate member in an arrangement limiting axial movement of the closure member relative to the elongate member. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the fencing component is a wire. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein a proximal portion of the closure member is engageable with a portion of the elongate member in an arrangement limiting axial and rotational movement of the closure member relative to the elongate member while preventing removal of the at least one fencing component from the one or more receptacles.