Patent ID: 8955828
Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Classification: A01K,H01R

Abstract:
1. A springless electric gate tensioner, comprising: a female connector having: an elongate, cylindrical sleeve having an open end and a pair of central channels extending axially from the open end along a portion of the sleeve diametrically opposite each other, the central channels each having a plurality of axially spaced apart bayonet slots extending from one side of the channels in the same angular direction; a sleeve handle extending from the sleeve opposite the open end; a ring terminal extending from the sleeve handle for fastening to fence wire, the ring terminal being electrically connected to the sleeve; and a resilient insulator cover disposed over the sleeve handle and the sleeve; and a male connector having: a cylindrical plug having a free end and a pair of lugs extending transversely from diametrically opposite sides of the plug adjacent the free end, the plug being insertable into the sleeve and lugs being slidable in the central channels and into a user selectable pair of the bayonet slots to lock the male connector and the female connector together at a user-adjustable length when the plug is twisted inside the sleeve; a plug handle extending from the plug opposite the free end; a ring terminal extending from the plug handle for fastening to fence wire, the ring terminal being electrically connected to the plug; and a resilient insulator cover disposed over the plug handle and the plug; wherein the lugs selectively engage specific ones of the bayonet slots to adjust the length of the plug extending into the sleeve, thereby tensioning fence wire fastened to opposite ends of the tensioner while maintaining electrical conduction through the fence wire.