Strainer

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a wire strainer for straining or tensioning wire. An actuation arrangement is disclosed for use with a wire grab device which may be used in straining or tensioning fence wires for agricultural purposes. The 5 actuation arrangement is attachable to the wire grab device. The actuation arrangement is movable along a chain including chain links to tension a wire fence. The actuation arrangement includes a lever that is movable between a first position and a second position to cause the actuation arrangement to move along the chain, with a first pawl and a second pawl being spaced apart along the lever 10 and pivotally mounted to the lever. As the lever is moved between the first and second positions, the pawls alternately hook into the chain links to move the actuation arrangement along the chain. The actuation arrangement also includes a connector being pivotally mounted in relation to the lever at a location in between the pawls. The connector is configured for attachment to the wire grab device. 15 The actuation arrangement may also include at least one notch in the lever at a location such that the connector is able to move into the at least one notch when the lever moves into the first position or the second position. The connector pivot point may be offset from one or both of the first pivot point and the second pivot point, the offset being in a second direction that is perpendicular to the lever 20 longitudinal axis and laterally opposite to the general first direction of projection of the pawls. [Fig. 1] 22 20904525_1 20 24 20 39 37 11 J un 2 02 4 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 4 2 0 3 9 3 7 1 1 J u n 2 0 2 4 2 2 1 / 6 110 110 108 108 106 106 112 112 112 102b 102a 102b 104100 100 FIGURE 1A FIGURE 1B 1 / 6 112 102b 106 100 104 108 110 FIGURE 1A 106 102a 102b O 110 100 108 112 112 FIGURE 1B 20 24 20 39 37 11 J un 2 02 4 1 1 J u n 2 0 2 4 1 1 2 2 0 2 4 2 0 3 9 3 7 1 0 2 b o o 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 8 1 1 2 1 1 2 F I G U R E 1 B

Description

Technical Field This disclosure relates to a wire strainer device including a lever arrangement for straining or tensioning wire. The wire strainer device and the lever arrangement 5 may have particular, but not exclusive, use in tensioning fence wires for agricultural purposes. Background Art Wire fences are formed by installing fence posts and then attaching fence wire between the posts. In many cases the fence wire must be tensioned in order to 10 form an effective barrier, and so as not to sag between the posts. Tensioning may be performed, for example, by bringing two wire ends together under tension and joining them. This tensioning can be performed by hand, but tools are used when higher tensioning is required. One such tool is a strainer that comprises two grabs (which are each adapted to 15 grip a portion of wire), a chain attached to one of the grabs, and a lever arrangement attached to the other grab that can be moved along the chain to move the grabs towards one another. The lever arrangement moves backwards and forwards to advance a mechanism along the chain, which causes the movement of the grabs towards one another. The operating sweep of the lever limits the degree 20 of forwards advancement of the mechanism along the chain. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary 25   Disclosed herein is an actuation arrangement attachable to a wire grab device. The actuation arrangement is movable along a chain including chain links to tension a wire fence. The wire fence may comprise individual strands to be tensioned, or 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 may comprise a prefabricated fence (e.g. a mesh or grid fence panel). In the latter case, the wire grab device may couple with an elongate clamping bar that has been previously clamped onto an end of the prefabricated fence panel. The actuation arrangement comprises a lever extending along a longitudinal axis 5 between two ends. The lever is movable between a first position and a second position to cause the actuation arrangement to move along the chain. The actuation arrangement also comprises a first pawl and a second pawl that are spaced apart along the lever and pivotally mounted to the lever. As the lever is moved between the first and second positions, the pawls alternately hook into the 10 chain links to move (e.g. drag) the actuation arrangement along the chain. The actuation arrangement further comprises a connector pivotally mounted in relation to the lever at a location in between the pawls. The connector is configured for attachment to the wire grab device (e.g. via a swivel). It is understood that the connector may be directly or indirectly mounted to the lever. 15 In accordance with the disclosure, at least one notch is provided in the lever at a location such that the connector is able to move into the at least one notch when the lever moves into the first position or the second position. In this way, the operating sweep of the lever can be increased and hence the amount / extent of forwards advancement of the mechanism along the chain can be increased. The 20 lever, the pawls, and the connector can have more clearance and a greater angle of movement. This can facilitate greater tensioning of fencing wire(s) and improve the efficacy and efficiency of the actuation arrangement. As a result, the resultant fence can perform better over time. In some embodiments, where there is one notch, the connector may be able to 25 move past the end of the lever in the first position, and move into the notch in the second position, which increases the angle of movement of the connector in relation to the lever. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 In some embodiments, the at least one notch may take the form of two notches. The connector may move into a respective one of the notches when the lever moves into the first or the second position. Again, these two notches can further increase the operating sweep of the lever providing greater clearance and angle of 5 movement, which facilitates greater tensioning of fencing wire(s) and faster and more efficient tensioning. In some embodiments, the first and second pawls and connector may be pivotally mounted adjacent to one of the lever ends. Thus, the other lever end in use can traverse the full operating sweep (arc) of the lever. 10 In some embodiments, the at least one notch may be cut-out of a side of the lever proximal to the connector, such that a portion of the connector is able to move into the at least one notch when the lever moves into the first position or the second position. Such a location can better allow (a portion of) the connector to move into the at least one notch when the lever moves into the first position or the 15 second position. In some embodiments, the lever may pivot (sweep) between the first and second positions. As it pivots between the first and second positions, the lever arc may be about 85° to about 140°. In some embodiments, the lever arc may be about 110° to about 130°. For example, the lever arc may be about 130°. Such lever arcs are 20 considerably increased over known lever arcs of operation. In some embodiments, the at least one notch may be trapezoidal in shape. In alternative embodiments, the at least one notch may be other suitable shapes that increase the lever arc. For example, a semi-circle, rectangle, or parallelogram may be suitable shapes to receive the connector in either the first or second 25 positions. Further, when the at least one notch is in the form of two or more notches, each notch may not necessarily be the same shape (e.g. the shapes of two spaced apart notches may be different). In one form, a portion of one notch may be overlapping with the end of the lever which allows the connector to move past the end of the lever in the first position. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 The first pawl and the second pawl may be pivotally mounted to the lever at a first pivot point and a second pivot point respectively. The connector may be pivotally mounted in relation to the lever intermediate the pawls at a connector pivot point. It is understood that the connector may be directly or indirectly mounted to the 5 lever. The connector pivot point may be offset from one or both of the first pivot point and the second pivot point in a direction perpendicular to the lever longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, an end of the connector that is opposite to the connector pivot point may comprise a swivel that is able to rotate with respect to the 10 connector opposite end. The swivel may in turn be connected to the wire grab device. The swivel can impart extra degrees of freedom to the wire grab device. In use, as the lever moves (e.g. pivots) between the first and the second positions, the connector opposite end effectively moves along an arc of a circle, the radius of which centres on and extends from the connector pivot point. An end of this 15 radius can thus be defined by the connector opposite end - i.e. to define a radial line having a discrete length. Where the end of this radial line first intersects with the lever (e.g. at the lever side edge) can indicate the location of the at least one notch. Further, this radial end can intersect with the lever at two spaced-apart locations (e.g. spaced apart 20 along the lever side edge), which can indicate the location of the two notches, when employed. Additionally, the location of the connector pivot point on the lever (e.g. its spacing from the lever side edge) can determine where this radial end intersects with the lever at the one or two spaced-apart locations. Furthermore, the length of the connector between the connector pivot point and 25 the connector opposite end can also determine where this radial end intersects with the lever at the one or two spaced-apart locations. Yet additionally, the size (e.g. width) of the lever adjacent to the connector pivot point can also determine where this radial end intersects with the lever. And additionally, the configuration 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 (e.g. width) of the connector opposite end can also determine the location at which the connector end itself engages with the lever. In some embodiments, all of these dimensional variables may be optimised to provide for a maximum extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever 5 between the first and the second positions. Also disclosed herein is an actuation arrangement attachable to a wire grab device, similar to that as set forth above (e.g. to tension a wire fence such as may comprise individual strands to be tensioned, or a prefabricated fence such as a mesh or grid fence panel). 10 The actuation arrangement comprises a lever that extends along a longitudinal axis between two ends. The lever is movable (e.g. pivotable) between a first position and a second position to cause the actuation arrangement to move along the chain. The actuation arrangement also comprises a first pawl and a second pawl that are 15 spaced apart along the lever. The first and second pawls are pivotally mounted at first and second respective pivot points to each project laterally in a general first direction from the lever. By a “general first direction” it is herein meant that the first and second pawls need not project in an identical direction. Further, as the lever is moved between the first and second positions, the pawls alternately hook 20 into the chain links to move (e.g. drag) the actuation arrangement along the chain. The actuation arrangement further comprises a connector that is pivotally mounted in relation to the lever intermediate the pawls at a connector pivot point. The connector is also configured for attachment to the wire grab device (e.g. via a swivel). It is understood that the connector may be directly or indirectly mounted 25 to the lever. In accordance with the disclosure, the connector pivot point is offset from one or both of the first pivot point and the second pivot point, the offset being in a second direction that is perpendicular to the lever longitudinal axis and laterally 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 opposite to the general first direction of projection of the pawls. By offsetting the connector pivot point from the first and / or second pivot points in this manner, the maximum extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever between the first and the second positions can be increased. Again, this allows for a greater 5 amount, and provides an easier and faster task, of tensioning of fencing wire(s). In some embodiments, a portion of the lever intermediate its two ends may be reconfigured to be laterally offset with respect to a remainder of the lever. Either the connector pivot point or the first and / or second pawl pivot points may be provided at this laterally offset lever portion to thereby offset the connector pivot 10 point from the first and / or second pawl pivot points. This reconfiguring can provide a greater degree of offset. In some embodiments, the laterally offset lever portion may be defined by a laterally projecting member that projects from (e.g. that is fastened to) a remainder of the lever at a location that is intermediate the two lever ends. 15 In other embodiments, the laterally offset lever portion may be defined by at least first and second bends (e.g. that may be formed) in the lever at respective locations that are intermediate its two ends. The first and second bends can join the laterally offset lever portion to a remainder of the lever. The laterally offset portion may comprise additional bends along its length, such as when the bends 20 define the portion as having a continuous curve, triangular shape, trapezium shape, etc. In some embodiments, the connector pivot point may be provided at the laterally offset lever portion. In some embodiments, the connector pivot point may be offset to the same extent 25 from each of the first pivot point and the second pivot point. The offset may be in the second direction (i.e. the direction that is perpendicular to the lever longitudinal axis and opposite to the general first direction of projection of the pawls). 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 In some embodiments, at least one notch may be provided in the lever at a location such that (a portion of) the connector is able to move into the at least one notch when the lever moves into the first position or the second position. The at least one notch may be in the form of two notches and the connector may move 5 into a respective one of the notches when the lever moves into the first or the second position. The at least one notch may be shaped as set forth above. In some embodiments, the at least one notch may take the form of two notches. The connector may move into a respective one of the notches when the lever moves into the first or the second position. Again, these two notches can further 10 increase the operating sweep of the lever, providing greater clearance and angle of movement, which facilitates greater tensioning of fencing wire(s) and faster and more efficient tensioning. In some embodiments, the first and second pawls may project laterally from a first side of the lever, and the at least one notch may be located in a second side of the 15 lever that is opposite to the first side. Thus, the connector may be offset towards the notch(es) which can further increase the extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever between the first and the second positions (i.e. the connector offset and location of notch(es) can work together). 20 In some embodiments, the connector pivot point may be positioned on the lever longitudinal axis. This then means that one or both of the first and second pawl pivot points is offset from the lever longitudinal axis. Alternatively, one or both of the pawl pivot points may be positioned on the lever longitudinal axis, and the connector pivot point may then be offset from the lever longitudinal axis. 25 In some embodiments, the connector pivot point may be equally spaced from each of the first and second pivot points. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 In alternative embodiments, the connector pivot point may be unequally spaced from the first and second pivot points, and all three pivot points may be staggered in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. As discussed above in relation to the first aspect, the dimensional variables of the 5 connector and lever may be optimised to provide for a maximum extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever between the first and the second positions. Also disclosed herein is a wire strainer. The wire strainer comprises a wire grab device, a chain attached to the wire grab device, and an actuation arrangement 10 according to the disclosure above. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1A and 1B are side views of a prior art wire strainer; 15          Figs. 2A and 2B are side views an embodiment of a wire strainer disclosed herein; Fig. 3 is a side view of the wire strainer according to Figs. 2A and 2B in a first position; Fig. 4 is a side view of the wire strainer according to Figs. 2A and 2B at a 20 position that is in between the first position and a second position; Fig. 5 is a side view of the wire strainer according to Figs. 2A and 2B in the second position; Fig. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of an end of a lever according to Figs. 2A and 2B; 25          Fig. 7 is a side view of a further embodiment of a wire strainer disclosed herein; 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 Fig. 8 is a side view of a further embodiment of a wire strainer; and Fig. 9 is a side view of a further embodiment of a wire strainer. Detailed Description 5 In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope 10 of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure. 15 Referring to Figure 1, a prior art wire strainer 100 is shown. The strainer 100 comprises first 102a and second grabs 102b, both being adapted so as to be able to clamp a portion of fence wire 104. The first grab 102a is attached or coupled to a chain 106, and the second grab 102b is coupled to a lever mechanism 108. The lever mechanism 108 comprises a lever 110 and biased hook members 112 that 20 are configured to hook into links of the chain 106. In use, the lever 110 may be moved (i.e. levered) back and forth to move the hook members 112, which alternately hook into and move along the chain 106 such that the first 102a and second 102b grabs (and the portions of wire 106 they are clamping) are caused to move towards one another. This enables the wire 104 to be progressively 25 tensioned. Figures 2A and 2B show a wire strainer 10 for tensioning a wire fence. An actuation arrangement 8 forms part of the wire strainer similar to that shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Hence, features that are generally consistent between the 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 wire strainer 100 shown in Figures 1A and 1B and the wire strainer 10 shown in Figures 2A and 2B have been accorded similar reference numerals. In use, the wire strainer assembly 10 includes an actuation arrangement 8; a first wire grab device 2a and either a second wire grab device 2b connected to a chain 5   6 or a chain 6 connected to a fence post by looping the chain 6 around the post and securing the chain 6 in place by a hook 5. The wire grab devices 2a, 2b receive wire in clamped engagement. The wire grab device may be in the form of a clamping device (not shown) which clamps to more than one wire or a singular wire grab. The wire grab device may include a 10 first grab and a second grab both in clamped engagement with wire. The second wire grab device 2b is attached to the actuation arrangement 8. The actuation arrangement 8 generally includes a lever 1, two pawls 12, and a connector 14. The first pawl 12 and the second pawl 12 are designed to alternately hook into chain links 7 of the chain 6 to move the actuation 15 arrangement 8 along the chain 6 in one direction either towards the first grab device 2a or the fence post to tension the wire(s). The lever 1 generally extends along a longitudinal axis between two ends 16, 18. The first pawl 12 and the second pawl 12 are spaced apart and pivotally mounted to the lever 1, and the connector 14 is also pivotally mounted to the lever 1 in 20 between the pawls 12. The connector 14 is attached to the second wire grab device 2b, which secures the wire to be tensioned relative to the actuation arrangement 8. The pawls 12 are adapted to engage with the links 7 of the chain 6 using hooks 20 located at one end of each pawl 12. The pawls 12 are actuated by the lever 1. The lever 1 is movable between a first 25 position and a second position, which actuates the movement of the first pawl 12 and then the second pawl 12 respectively. The pawls 12 are biased together by a biasing device 22 in the form of a spring. By moving the lever 1 in one direction and then in an opposite direction from the first position to the second position, the pawls 12 advance along the chain 6 towards either the first grab device 2a or the 10 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 fence post, and at least the wire(s) being clamped by the first grab device 2a is tightened. If the pawls 12 are advancing along the chain 6 towards the first grab device 2a, then both the wire(s) being clamped by the first grab device 2a and the second grab device 2b are tensioned. When the desired tension is reached the 5   wire(s) previously secured to the first grab device 2a can be secured to the fence post, or the wires previously secured to the first and second grab devices 2a, 2b can be secure together. The tension is then released and the wire strainer assembly 10 is removed. Now referring to Figs. 3 to 5, Fig. 3 illustrates the first position, Fig. 4 illustrates a 10 neutral position, and Fig. 5 illustrates the second position. As the lever pivots between the first and second positions, the lever 1 has an operating angle (i.e., sweep or lever arc) of between about 85° to about 140° in relation to the first wire grab and the chain. In some embodiments, the lever arc may be about 110° to about 130°. For example, the lever arc may be about 130°. In contrast, the lever 15 illustrated in prior art Figs. 1A and 1B has an operating angle of under 85°. The lever arcs according to the present disclosure are considerably increased over known lever arcs of operation. The greater operating angle of the lever 1 is partly due to the at least one notch 24 cut-out of the lever 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one notch 24 is 20 in the form of two notches 24. The notches 24 accommodate the connector 14 pivoting into the notches 24 when the lever 1 moves into the first and the second position respectively. The notches 24 increase the operating sweep of the lever 1 providing more clearance, which facilitates greater tensioning of fencing wire(s) and faster and more efficient tensioning. 25 The notches 24 are cut-out of the lever 1 proximal the connector 14 and are defined along the same edge of the lever 1. The length of the connector 14 will generally determine the position of the notches 24. Such a location allows (a portion of) the connector 14 to move into the notches 24 when the lever 1 moves into the first position or the second position. One end 26 of the connector 14 is 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 pivotally connected to the lever 1 by a bolt / lug. The other end 28 (or opposite end 28) of the connector 14 pivots about this point 30 which may be referred to as the connector pivot point 30. The opposite end 28 of the connector 14 travels along an arc of a circle between the first and second positions, the radius of which 5 centres on and extends from the connector pivot point 30. An end of this radius is defined by the connector opposite end 28- i.e. to define a radial line having a discrete length. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 14 is longer and wider at its second, distal end 28 than the corresponding distal end of the prior art connector shown in 10 Figs. 1a and 1b. The longer sides of the connector 14 are also concave to provide the connector with a “waist”. The connector’s 14 shape, with the concave sides, its longer length, its hollow interior, and the larger second end 28, allow the connector 14 to provide more clearance and a larger angle of movement. The first position occurs when the opposite end 28 of the connector 14 abuts 15 against the edge of the lever 1 in one of the notches 24. The second position occurs when the opposite end 28 of the connector 14 abuts against the edge of the lever 1 in the other of the notches 24. Where the end of the radial line first intersects with the lever 1 (e.g. at the lever side edge) indicates the location of one of the notches 24. Further, this radial end can intersect with the lever 1 at two 20 spaced-apart locations (e.g. spaced apart along the lever side edge), which indicates the location of the two notches 24, when employed. Additionally, the location of the connector pivot point 30 on the lever 1 (e.g. its spacing from the lever side edge) determines where this radial end intersects with the lever 1 at the one or two spaced-apart locations. Furthermore, the length of the connector 14 25 between the connector pivot point 30 and the connector opposite end 28 can also determine where this radial end intersects with the lever 1 at the one or two spaced-apart locations. Additionally, the size (e.g. width) of the lever 1 adjacent to the connector pivot point 30 also determines where the end of the radial line intersects with the lever 1. And additionally, the configuration (e.g. width) of the 30 connector 14 itself and the connector opposite end 28 determines the location at 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 which the connector end 28 engages with the lever 1. All of these dimensional variables can be optimised to provide for a maximum extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep / angle of operation) of the lever 1 between the first and the second positions. 5 Upon manual movement of the lever 1 in one direction, the connector 14 pivots from the first position (Fig. 3) through the neutral position (Fig. 4) to the second position (Fig. 5). Upon manual movement of the lever 1 in an opposite direction to the one direction, the lever 1 moves in the opposite direction back to the first position. As discussed above, the notches 24 intersect with the arc of travel of the 10 opposite end 28 of the connector 14 to accommodate the connector 14 when the lever is in the first and the second position respectively. When the lever 1 is moved in the one direction the first pawl 12 pivots about a pivot point 32, the biasing device 22 is actuated, moving the first pawl 12 forward and then inward to engage with the chain 6. Both pawls 12 are engaged with the 15 chain 6. Movement of the lever 1 in the opposite direction causes pivoting of the second pawl 12 at a second pivot point 34, release the second pawl 12 from the chain 6, as the lever 1 continues to move in this opposite direction the biasing device 22 is actuated, thereby moving the second pawl 12 inwards to engage with a different link 7 of the chain 6. Both pawls 12 are engaged with the chain 6. 20 Movement of the lever 1 the one direction again causes pivoting of the first pawl 12 again, releases the first pawl 12 from the chain 6, as the lever 1 continues to move in the one direction, the biasing device 22 is actuated, moving the first pawl 12 inwards to engage with the chain 6 at a different link 7. Both pawls 12 are now engaged with the chain 6 again. 25 In the illustrated embodiment, both pawls 12 are provided with the hook 20 at each end adapted to engage with links of the chain 6 and to retain the pawls 12 on the chain 6. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 In the illustrated embodiment, each notch 24 is shaped like a trapezoid. In alternative embodiments, the depth, width and shape of the notches can vary which may affect the operating angle of the lever. Referring to Fig. 6, the greater operating angle of the lever 1 is also partly due to 5 the position of the pivot points 30, 32, 34 of the first pawl 12, the second pawl 12 and the connector 14. The first pawl 12 and the second pawl 12 are pivotally mounted to the lever at a first pivot point and a second pivot point respectively. The first and second pivot points 32, 34 are spaced apart along the lever. When mounted to the lever 1, the first and second pawls 12 each project laterally in a 10 general first direction from the lever 1. It is understood that the pawls do not necessarily project in an identical direction (or parallel direction). The first pivot point 32, the second pivot point 34 and the connector pivot point 30 are offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector pivot point 30 is located along the 15 longitudinal axis of the lever 1. The longitudinal axis C of the lever is substantially central. The first and second pivot points 32, 34 are located along a pivot point axis P parallel to the central longitudinal axis and positioned away from the edge of the lever 1 which includes the notches 24. By offsetting the connector pivot point 30 from the first and / or second pivot points 32, 34 in this 20 manner, the maximum extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever 1 between the first and the second positions can be increased. Again, this allows for a greater amount, and easier and faster task, of tensioning of fencing wire(s). The first pivot point 32, the second pivot point 34 and the connector pivot point 30 are equally spaced apart and positioned towards one end of the lever 1. In the 25 illustrated embodiment, the first pivot point 32 is positioned 15 mm from the end of the lever 1. The first pivot point 32 is also positioned 35mm from the connector point 30, and the connector pivot point 30 is positioned 35 mm from the second pivot point 34. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 Fig. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the wire strainer 10. Like reference numerals are used for like features. The primary difference is the position of and size of notches 224, 225 along the edge of the lever 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot end 26 of connector 214 is positioned the same distance 5 from the end 16 of the lever 1, but the connector 214 is longer than the connector 14 shown in the first embodiment. The longer connector 214 provides more leverage and a larger operating angle in use. The other end 28 of the connector 214 travels along an arc of a circle and in the first position intersects with the lever 1 in the notch 225. The notch 225 at the end 16 of the lever 1 is of the same 10 depth as the other notch 224 but is only a portion of the length of the other notch. The notch trails off the end of the lever, so only a portion of the notch is cut-out of the edge of the lever. In the first position, the connector may abut the edge of the lever when moving into the smaller notch 225, or may move past the end 16 of the lever 1. In this embodiment, the first pivot point 32 will be located proximal the 15 end 16 of the lever 1. In an alternative embodiment, there is only one notch, and in the second position, the connector moves into the one notch when the connector abuts against the edge of the lever. In the first position, the connector is able to move past the end of the lever. In this embodiment, the first pivot point will be located at the end of the 20 lever. In an alternative embodiment, the pivot points may be spaced apart at different distances including unequally spaced apart. The pivot points may also be offset by positioning one of the pivot points along a different axis of the lever in the longitudinal direction. All three pivot points may be staggered in the direction 25 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The position of the pivot points in relation to each other and their position on the lever will affect the operating angle of the lever. The connector offset can cooperate with the at least one notch to further increase the extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever between the first and the second positions. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate further alternative embodiments of the wire strainer 10. Like reference numerals are used for like features. The primary difference between Figs. 8 and 9 and the first two embodiments is the configuration for offsetting the location of the connector pivot point in relation to the first and 5 second pivot points 32, 34. The laterally offset portion allows the lever to have a greater operating angle when moving between the first and second positions. In Fig. 8, the connector pivot point 30 is located on a laterally offset portion 340 of the lever 1, i.e. that is laterally offset from the remainder of the lever 1, or is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the lever 1. 10 In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8, the laterally offset portion 340 includes a projecting member 342 and at least first and second bends 344, 346 located at the lever 1. The first and second bends 344, 346 each join the member 342 to the remainder of the lever 1. The laterally offset portion 340 comprises two additional bends along its length (i.e. adjacent to the member 342). The member 342 is also 15 located intermediate the bends 344, 346 which configures the laterally offset portion 340 with a trapezium shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the member 342 extends generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the lever 1. In alternative embodiments, the laterally offset portion 340 may comprise other bends along its length (i.e. in addition to the first and second bends 344, 346) to 20 laterally offset the connector pivot point 30 from the remainder of the lever 1 and from the first and second pivot points 32, 34. For example, the laterally offset portion may include one bend that is semi-circular, with the ends of the semicircle connecting to the first and second bends 344, 346. In other examples, these other bends define the portion as a triangular shape, square shape, etc. In a further 25 embodiment, the first and second bends may be different lengths. Fig. 9 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the wire strainer 10. In this embodiment, the actuation arrangement 8 includes a second variation of a laterally offset portion 440. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 The laterally offset portion 440 extends between two ends 448, 450. One end is connected to the lever 1 intermediate the pawls 12 and the other end 450 is laterally remote from the lever and includes the connector pivot point 30. Again, the laterally offset portion 440 is designed to offset the connector pivot point 30 5 from the first and second pivot points 32, 34 to increase the operating angle of the lever 1 between the first and second positions. In this embodiment, the one end of the laterally offset portion 440 is fixed to the connector (e.g. by welding, riveting, crimping, clamping, etc.), but it may also be pivotally connected to or integrally formed with the lever 1. 10 In both embodiments illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, it is to be noted that the lever is not required to include at least one notch. However, it is understood that the lever may include notches in the embodiments shown in Fig. 8 and 9 as discussed in relation to the first and second embodiments. For example, notch(es) may be provided in the laterally offset portion 340 adjacent to one or both the bends 344, 15   346, or notch(es) may be provided in the lever 1 on one or both sides of offset portion 440 (i.e. where the end of connector 14 engages the lever in use). Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. As discussed above, the dimensional variables of the connector and lever may be 20 optimised to provide for a maximum extent of movement (e.g. pivoting / sweep) of the lever between the first and the second positions. For example the notches (when employed) may take any shape suitable for receipt of the lever in the first and second positions. The shape and size of the notches may be determined by the required operating angle of the lever. 25 The pawls and the connector may be permanently (e.g. integrally) or temporarily connected to the lever. In the illustrated form, the pawls and the connector are connected by a mechanical fastener in the form of a bolt or lug. It is understood that any suitable fastener may be used such as snap fit, or a rivet. 2024203937   16 Jun 2026 The strainer device, including its components such as the lever, pawls and connector may be formed of metal (e.g. steel) or plastic, and may have a surface coating so as to be resistant to corrosion, wear, etc. The components may be formed by metal printing, machining, casting, etc. 5 The lever may include a handle with ridges, and be shaped to a user’s hands to facilitate manual movement of the lever. In some forms, the lever may be formed of plastic. Advantageously, the actuation arrangement according to the present disclosure facilitates a larger operating angle which makes the task of tensioning fencing 10 wire faster, more efficient and easier to perform. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the actuation arrangement, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the 15 stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the actuation arrangement.

Claims

1. An actuation arrangement attachable to a wire grab device, the actuation arrangement being movable along a chain including chain links to tension a wire fence, the actuation arrangement comprising:5                  a lever extending along a longitudinal axis between two ends, thelever is movable between a first position and a second position to cause the actuation arrangement to move along the chain;a first pawl and a second pawl spaced apart along the lever and pivotally mounted at first and second respective pivot points to each10           project laterally in a general first direction from the lever and such that, asthe lever is moved between the first and second positions, the pawls alternately hook into the chain links to move the actuation arrangement along the chain; anda connector pivotally mounted in relation to the lever intermediate15          the pawls at a connector pivot point, the connector being configured forattachment to the wire grab device,wherein the connector pivot point is offset from one or both of the first pivot point and the second pivot point, the offset being in a second direction that is perpendicular to the lever longitudinal axis and laterally20           opposite to the general first direction of projection of the pawls.

2. The actuation arrangement according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the lever intermediate its two ends is laterally offset with respect to a remainder of the lever, and wherein the connector pivot point is provided at this laterally offset lever portion to thereby offset the connector pivot25          point from the first and / or second pawl pivot points.

3. The actuation arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the laterally offset lever portion comprises:2024203937   16 Jun 2026a laterally projecting member that projects from a remainder of the lever at a location that is intermediate the two lever ends;at least first and second bends in the lever at respective locations that are intermediate its two ends, the first and second bends5                  joining the laterally offset lever portion to a remainder of the lever.

4. The actuation arrangement according to claim 3, wherein:the connector pivot point is located at a remote end of the laterally projecting member;the first and second bends extend to a laterally offset projecting10                  member of the lever, and the connector pivot point is located at thelaterally offset projecting member.

5. The actuation arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector pivot point is offset to the same extent from each of the first pawl pivot point and the second pawl pivot point, the offset being 15           in the second direction.

6. The actuation arrangement according to any one of preceding claims, wherein at least one notch is provided in the lever at a location such that the connector is able to move into the at least one notch when the lever moves into the first position or the second position.20       7. The actuation arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the at least onenotch is in the form of two notches and the connector is able to move into a respective one of the notches when the lever moves into the first or the second position.

8. The actuation arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and 25          second pawls project laterally from a first side of the lever, and wherein2024203937   16 Jun 2026the at least one notch is located in a second side of the lever that is opposite to the first side.

9. The actuation arrangement according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the at least one notch is trapezoidal in shape.5       10. The actuation arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the connector pivot point is equally spaced from each of the first and second pivot points.

11. The actuation arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector pivot point is positioned on the lever longitudinal10          axis, such that one or both of the pawl pivot points is offset from the leverlongitudinal axis.

12. A wire strainer comprising:a wire grab device;a chain attached to the wire grab device; and15          an actuation arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims.

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