A barbed wire installation tool

Abstract

A barbed wire installation tool and a method of installing at least a wire to a fence post includes a main body including a first wire retaining formation, a barbed wire positioning mechanism includin

Description

Title: A barbed wire installation tool Introduction Embodiments of the present invention relate to a barbed wire installation tool. Fencing is used extensively in the farming and agricultural area as a method of delimitating boundaries of land ownership or for controlling the movement of livestock and / or wild animals. Typically, fencing falls into two categories — temporary and permanent. Temporary fencing is designed to be in place for a short period of time (e.g. weeks or months) and may be altered regularly to achieve a desired field size. For example, temporary fencing may be used to allocate an area for livestock to graze within a larger area of grazing land to limit access to too much food at once. Permanent fencing is designed to remain in place for an extended period of time (e.g. years). As such, it is usually more structurally robust and takes longer to construct. Typically, fencing is constructed with posts that are driven into the ground at spaced intervals. The posts support material stretched between them to create a continuous boundary. In livestock fencing particularly, wire mesh may be connected to the lower part of the posts (i.e. so that the mesh extends from the ground surface) and one or more (often two) single strands of wire are attached to the upper part of the posts. The single strands of wire may be barbed wire to create a better boundary for livestock. Itis important that the top of the fence (formed by the single strands of wire) are connected at a consistent height relative to the wire mesh and / or to the top of the posts to maintain a boundary of constant and adequate height. Typically, each wire location is measured (e.g. with a measuring tape or ruler), marked (e.g. with a pencil or other marking implement) and attached (e.g. with a metal staple or the like) for each wire on each individual post. Thus, fence installation is time intensive to complete to a high standard. Embodiments of the present invention seek to alleviate one or more problems or disadvantages associated with the prior art. According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a barbed wire installation tool including: a main body including a first wire retaining formation, a barbed wire positioning mechanism including a second wire retaining formation, wherein the barbed wire positioning mechanism is moveable / adjustable relative to the main body, so as to alter the distance between the first and second wire retaining formations. According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a method of operating a barbed wire installation tool to attach a wire to a fence post, the barbed wire installation tool including a main body including a first wire retaining formation, a barbed wire positioning mechanism including a second wire retaining formation, the method including: adjusting a position of the barbed wire positioning mechanism to move the second wire retaining formation relative to the first wire retaining formation to a desired position, using the first wire retaining formation to hold a first wire in a position, using the second wire retaining formation to hold a second wire in a position, and attaching one or both of the first wire and second wire to a fence post. Further optional features according to the first and second aspects of the invention are set out in the claims appended to the description. In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a barbed wire installation tool; FIGURE 2 is a second view including an illustration of a fence; FIGURES 3a and 3b are illustrative perspective views of an embodiment of a barbed wire installation tool; and FIGURES 4 and 5 are “top-down” illustrative views of part of an embodiment of a barbed wire installation tool. A barbed wire installation tool 10 (referred to as “tool 10" hereinafter) is illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The tool 10 includes a main body 12 and a barbed wire positioning mechanism 14. The main body 12 includes a first wire retaining formation 20 and the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 includes a second wire retaining formation 22. The barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 is moveable relative to the main body 12 so that the distance between the first and second wire retaining formations 20, 22 is alterable. In embodiments, the main body 12 includes an engagement formation 30 and the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 includes a corresponding engagement formation, which are configured to contact each other for the purpose of supporting the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 relative to the main body 12 and allowing it to move. In other words, the communication / connection between the engagement formation 30 and the corresponding engagement formation permits the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 to move relative to the main body 12. In embodiments, the main body 12 includes a housing 40. The housing 40 includes a substantially square cross-section and extends to form an elongate cuboid shape. It should be appreciated that other housing shapes could also be used, for example, a cylinder or elongate prism, so long as the housing is able to fulfil its function as discussed below. The function of the housing 40 is to protect the inner component(s) of the tool 10 and ensure that moving components do not cause injury, etc.. In embodiments, the housing 40 encloses the engagement formation 30. In some embodiments, the housing 40 includes an elongate channel or slot 42. The elongate channel / slot 42 extends through a wall of the housing 40 and permits the corresponding engagement formation of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 to contact the engagement formation 30 housed inside the housing 40. In other words, this configuration allows the second wire retaining formation 22 to project generally outwardly from the housing while the corresponding engagement formation is located to contact the engagement formation 30 inside the housing 40. Thus, the corresponding engagement formation is positioned in a driving engagement position with respect to the engagement formation 30. In some embodiments, the engagement formation 30 includes a threaded projection or shaft. The corresponding engagement formation includes a threaded receiving part to receive the threaded projection. In other words, the engagement formation 30 and corresponding engagement formation form a lead screw type arrangement. Thus, the engagement formation 30 may be rotatable to convey linear movement to the corresponding engagement formation (and the remainder of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 — the second wire retaining formation 22)). In embodiments, a user operable part 50 is provided. Inthe example illustrated in the figures, the user operable part 50 is a handle (i.e. an easily graspable portion) that extends from a top surface of the housing 40. The user operable part 50 is connected to the engagement formation 30 (in the illustrated example, the user operable part 50 connects to an end of the threaded projection — through the housing 40) and, as such, rotation of the user operable part 50 conveys / generates rotation to the engagement formation 30. This operation, in turn, generates linear movement of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14. As mentioned above each of the main body 12 and the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 includes a wire retaining formation 20, 22. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second wire retaining formation 20, 22 includes a pair of jaws (in the illustrated example, both the first and second wire retaining formations 20, 22 have the same “jaw” configuration (discussed below) but this does not necessarily have to be the case). Generally, the pair of jaws extends generally transversely from a wall of the main body 12. In some embodiments, the pair of jaws extends generally transversely to a direction “A” / “B” in which the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 is moveable relative to the main body 12. In some embodiments, the pair of jaws includes a lower jaw 24a and an upper jaw 24b, which are spaced to provide a locating zone 24c (i.e. an area where, in use, a wire will be positioned while assessing where the wire should be connected to a fence post) — thus, the lower and upper jaws 24a, 24b have internal surfaces that substantially face each other and define a pathway for a wire to move along when the tool 10 is in use. In the illustrated example, the internal surface of the upper jaw 24b is inclined with respect to the internal surface of the lower jaw 24a. Thus, the entrance mouth of the pair of jaws is wider than the space between the jaws at the locating zone. In some embodiments (such as the example illustrated in the figures), the lower and upper jaws 24a, 24b are in a fixed position with respect to each other. However, it should be appreciated that this does not necessarily need to be the case — one or both of the jaws may be movable, in use, to grasp a wire and hold it in position relative to the rest of the tool 10. Altematively, one or both of the jaws may include a movable portion that provides a locking mechanism for holding / grasping a wire in a specific position. In some embodiments, a projection 25 extends from the main body (this could be as a first wire retaining portion for a single wire installation tool, for example, or in addition to the jaws already ready described as being part of the first wire retaining formation). The projection 25 extends from a base of the main body 12 (and, in this example, is spaced from the jaws 24a, 24b of the first wire retaining formation 22) and functions to provide another reference position if necessary. In some embodiments, the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 includes a third wire retaining formation (not shown). The third wire retaining formation is moveable relative to at least one of the first and second wire retaining formations 20, 22. In some embodiments, the third wire retaining formation is separate and distinct from the second wire retaining formation 22. Thus, it includes an engagement formation that contacts the engagement formation 30 of the main body 12 and can be moved up and / or down (in direction “A” and / or “B") similarly to the second wire retaining formation 22. In an example including a threaded lead screw arrangement (i.e. as in the figures), the engagement formation corresponding to the third wire retaining formation has a threaded portion and is inserted through the channel 42 to engage with the threaded lead screw. In other words, it forms a similar engagement with the lead screw as the corresponding engagement formation (corresponding to the second wire retaining formation) and moves up and down (in direction “A” and “B") in the same way. As discussed above with respect to the first and / or second wire retaining formations 20, 22, the third wire retaining formation also includes a pair of jaws (not shown). That pair of jaws may include one or more of the features already discussed with respect to the illustrated retaining formations 20, 22 (or be the same as those already described). It should be appreciated that more wire retaining formations could be provided / used according to how many strands of wire are to be installed. Each additional wire retaining formation will be formed in a similar manner to that described in relation to the first / second wire retaining formations 20, 22. In some embodiments, the tool 10 includes a calibration formation 52. In the illustrated example, the calibration formation 52 is a cuff portion that extends around the exterior of the housing 40 of the main body 12. In some examples, the calibration formation 52 is slidable over the exterior of the housing 40 to a desired position. The contact between the housing 40 and the cuff portion provides enough frictional force to hold the cuff portion in its set position once it is not being moved by a user. In some embodiments, the calibration formation 52 includes a temporary fixing mechanism for holding to tool 10 to the fence post 100. The temporary fixing mechanism may fit over or on the top surface of the fence post 100 to hold the tool 10 at a desired position. The functionality / method of the using the tool 10 will now be discussed in detail. The tool 10 illustrated in the figures is designed to assist fixing two individual strands of barbed wire to a fence post 100 specifically. However, it should be appreciated that the tool 10 can be used differently to assist with fixing just one strand of barbed wire and can easily be altered to assist with fixing more than two strands of barbed wire — these options are discuss in more detail below. In normal use, the tool 10 is used to create the fence configuration illustrated in figure 2. A fence post 100 is present with a mesh fence part 110 already attached. There are two unattached barbed wire strands — a first wire (a lower strand 102) is spaced from the top of the mesh fence part 110 and a second wire (an upper strand 101) is higher (and closer to the top of the fence post 100). The distance required between the upper and lower strands 101, 102 is decided. The second wire retaining formation 22 is moved to the desired distance from the first wire retaining formation 20 (i.e. the distance need between the two strands of wire 101, 102). In other words, a position of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 is adjusted to move the second wire retaining formation 22 relative to the first wire retaining formation 20 to a desired position In embodiments, the user operable part 50 is rotated in the desired direction, which causes rotation of the threaded shaft. Thus, the coresponding engagement formation (and, therefore, the second wire retaining formation 22) is moved up or down on the thread of the engagement formation 30 in direction “A” or “B” depending on the direction of rotation. Once the second wire retaining formation 22 is in the desired position relative to the first wire retaining formation 20, the user stops rotating the engagement formation 20 and the second wire retaining formation 22 is maintained in the same position (until the user decides to alter it). Thus, the tool 10 maintains a set reference for positioning the two strands of wire 101, 102. In embodiments, a locking mechanism is provided that can be activated selectively when the user operable part 50 has been adjusted / moved to the desired position. Thus, the measurements of the tool 10 are locked in position for subsequent wire strand installation. This may be advantageous to prevent unwanted / undesirable rotation of the user operable part 50. Optionally, the projection 25 at the lower end of the tool 10 can be used to provide a set distance between the top of a mesh fence and the lower barbed wire strand 102. Thus, once the second wire retaining formation 22 is positioned in the desired location, both strands of barbed wire can be easily and quickly positioned using the top of the mesh fence 110 as a reference point. The first wire retaining formation 20 is used to hold the lower strand 102 and the second wire retaining formation 22 is used to hold the upper strand 101. In more detail, the lower wire strand 102 is positioned in the jaws of the first wire retaining formation 20 and the upper wire strand 101 is positioned in the jaws of the second wire retaining formation 22. Thus, using the projection 25 to reference the mesh fence 110, the two strands of wire 101, 102 are in the desired position and ready to be fixed to the fence post 100. An alternative option is available if it is deemed more important to position the wire strands in a specific location relative to the top of the fence post 100. The calibration formation 52 can be moved to the desired position relative to the first and second retaining formations 20, 22. Thus, when the upper and lower wire strands 101, 102 are held in their respective pair of jaws, the calibration formation 52 is matched to the top of the fence post 100 and, thus, the tool 10 provides the desired location for the wires 101, 102 to be attached. In use, the tool 10 is held (or temporarily fixed) at the correct height on the fence post 100 — i.e. the tool 10 is held substantially parallel to a vertical fence post 100 (as illustrated in figure 2). Furthermore, it is advantageous for the tool 10 to be in contact with or close to the fence post 100 to provide an accurate location for the wires 101, 102. As mentioned above, the calibration formation 52 for providing a reference location to the top of the fence post 100 could include a temporary fixing mechanism. In that example, once the tool 10 is adjusted to place barbed wire positioning mechanism 14 in the desired position, the tool 10 is temporarily attached to the fence post 100. This provides a “hands free” option that allows the installer to position the wires at the desired height and maintain them there for an indefinite amount of time (e.g. while they collect a staple and hammer to fix the wires — other options to fix the wires to the fence post are available and well known) The tool 10 can easily be used if only one barbed wire strand is being fixed to the fence post. In this case the first wire retaining formation 20 could be used to provide the measurement from the mesh fence part. The second wire retaining formation 22 is used in the same manner as described above. It is moved using the user operable part 50 to the desired distance between the mesh fence part and the single strand of barbed wire. The tool 10 is positioned against the fence post 100 as described above and the mesh fence part is held by the first wire retaining formation 20 and the barbed wire strand is held by the second wire retaining formation 22. If more than two barbed wire strands are to be fixed to the fence post 100, either the extra wire can be attached using a subsequent measuring action (i.e. two wires strands are attached at a time) or, alternatively, an additional wire retaining formation is used. In the later example, the third wire retaining formation includes an engagement formation similar to that of the corresponding engagement formation. The engagement formation is placed into driving contact with the engagement formation of the main body, so that action that altered the position of the second wire retaining formation 22 also alters the position of the third wire retaining formation. In other words, the third wire retaining formation is inserted against the threaded projection at a desired distance from the second wire retaining formation 22 (and this distance is not altered by rotation of the threaded shaft because both formations move up (in direction “A”) or down (in direction “B") at the same speed. Thus, once the third retaining formation is positioned, both the second and third wire retaining formations can be moved relative to the first wire retaining formation 20. In the same way as already described in the two wire scenario, each of the first, second and third wire retaining formations is used to hold a single barbed wire strand in position vertically on the fence post, so that they can be fixed / attached. The tool 10 is beneficial because it permits an installer to attach barbed wire to multiple fence posts more quickly — this is because the positions do not need to be measured for each fence post. The tool 10, once set to the desired setting, can be used over and over without the need for additional measurement. Further, the tool 10 reduces the possibility of an installer getting injured on the barbs of the wire as they install the fence — the barbs are often sharp and typically metal, so can cause cuts and / or other injuries. The tool 10 maintains a distance between the installer and the wires themselves, which reduces the chance of injury. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a different mechanism that holds and supports barbed wire positioning mechanism relative to the main body. The features that are similar or the same as features already described above are assigned the same numerical reference number with the addition of a prime () symbol. The tool 10" includes the main body 12’ and the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’. The main body 12’ still includes the first wire retaining formation 20’ and the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’ still includes a second wire retaining formation 22". The way in which the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’ (and more specifically the corresponding engagement formation of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’ and the engagement formation of the main body 12’) is configured is different. The engagement formation includes a channel 42’ for receiving the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’. Multiple apertures / openings 44’ are positioned along the main body 12". The openings 44’ extend along a substantial length of the main body 12" and in the present example, extend from an outer surface of the main body 12’ through to the inner surface and interior of the channel 42° The corresponding engagement formation includes at least one opening 46’ (in this case, towards an opposing side of the barbed wire positioning mechanism to the second wire retaining formation 22'. Further included is a holding member 48’ (in the illustrated example, a pair of holding members 48) which is positioned to extend through the opening 44’ in the main body and the openings 46' in the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’ (and hold the second wire retaining formation 22’ in a desired position). Figure 3a illustrates the tool 10° prior to the second wire retaining formation 22’ being inserted in the channel and “pinned” in position. Figure 3b illustrates the tool 10’ formed and ready to use for installing wires. It should be appreciated that the mechanism of adjusting the position of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14’ discussed here is an alternative way of adjusting the tool 10" and the other features discussed above in relation to the tool 10 are equally implementable with this embodiment (e.g. the projection 25' and calibration formation, etc.). Figures 4 and 5 illustrate different mechanisms that hold and support barbed wire positioning mechanism relative to the main body. The features that are similar or the same as features already described above are assigned the same numerical reference number with the addition of a double prime (“) symbol. In this example, the corresponding engagement formation of the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14” includes a movable sleeve portion 60". The second wire retaining formation 22" is positioned on / attached to a side of the sleeve portion 60". In some embodiments (for example, figure 4), the sleeve portion 60” includes a holding part that extends towards (the surface of) the main body 12”, so that a force is exerted against the main body to hold the barbed wire positioning mechanism 14” in position. The holding part that extends inwards may be separate member 64” that extends through an opening and engages the surface of the main body 12". The holding third wirepart may be a threaded screw or similar that rotates towards and away from the surface to provide more or less force against the surface. Thus, the second wire retaining formation 22” is held in a single position or can be moved to a desired position depending on where the holding part is with respect to the surface of the main body 12”. In some embodiments (for example, figure 5), the sleeve portion 60" is configured so that it can be selectively reduced in size / circumference, so that it provides a friction fit against the outer surface of the main body 12” (and holds the second wire retaining formation 22" in position once the sleeve portion 60” has been adjusted). In other words, the sleeve portion is tightenable against the surface. This configuration includes a tightening member 62" which is operable to reduce the circumference of the sleeve portion 60”. In some embodiments, the tightening member 62” may be a threaded screw of similar that is rotated to bring two faces of the sleeve portion 60” closer together. Thus, the sleeve portion 60” is tightening around the main body 12”. When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components. The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and / or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein. Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure. Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and / or to encompass equivalents. Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of the specification.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A barbed wire installation tool including: a main body including a first wire retaining formation, a barbed wire positioning mechanism including a second wire retaining formation, wherein the barbed wire positioning mechanism is moveable / adjustable relative to the main body, so as to alter the distance between the first and second wire retaining formations.

2. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 1 wherein the main body includes an engagement formation and the barbed wire positioning mechanism includes a corresponding engagement formation, which engagement formations engage to allow the barbed wire positioning mechanism to move relative to the main body.

3. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 2 wherein the engagement formation includes a threaded projection and the corresponding engagement formation includes a threaded receiving part to receive the threaded projection.

4. A barbed wire installation tool according to ciaims 2 or 3 wherein the engagement formation is configured to be rotatable relative to the corresponding engagement formation.

5. A barbed wire installation tool according to claims 2 to 4 wherein the main body includes a housing, which houses the engagement formation, which housing further including a channel through which the barbed wire positioning mechanism extends.

6. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of the preceding claims including a user operable part that is operable to move the barbed wire positioning mechanism.

7. A barbed wire installation tool according to claims 6 and 5, wherein the user operable part extends from the housing to provide an easily graspable part from a user to operate.

8. A barbed wire installation tool according to claims 7 and 4 wherein the user operable part is attached to an end of the engagement formation so that rotation of the user operable part generates rotation of the engagement formation.

9. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 2 wherein the engagement formation includes a channel for receiving the barbed wire positioning mechanism and multiple openings and the corresponding engagement formation includes al least one opening and a holding member.

10. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 2 wherein the engagement formation includes a surface of the main body and the corresponding engagement formation includes a movable sleeve portion that is tightenable against the surface.

11. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 10 wherein the corresponding engagement formation includes a tightening member which is operable to hoid the sleeve portion in position relative to the main body by either reducing the circumference of the sleeve portion or exerting a force against the surface of the main body.

12. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first and / or the second wire retaining formation includes a pair of jaws.

13. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 9 wherein the pair of jaws extend generally transversely from a surface of the main body and / or generally transversely to a direction in which the barbed wire positioning mechanism is moveable relative to the main body.

14. A barbed wire installation tool according to claims 12 or 13 wherein one of the pair of jaws includes an inclined surface, 10 urge a wire towards a locating zone.

15. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of claims 12 to 14 wherein each jaw of the pair of jaws is in a set location relative to the other jaw of the pair of jaws.

16. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the pair of jaws includes a moveable portion to provide a locking mechanism capable of holding / grasping awire.

17. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first wire retaining formation includes a projection that extends from the main body.

18. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 17 wherein the projection extends from a base of the main body.

19. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of the preceding claims including a third wire retaining formation which is moveable relative to at least one of the first and second wire retaining formations.

20. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 19 wherein the third wire retaining formation includes a pair of jaws having any one or more of the features of the jaws according to claims 6 to 10.

21. A barbed wire installation tool according to any of the preceding claims including a calibration formation to set a specific location of the main body relative to a fence post.

22. A barbed wire installation tool according to claim 21 wherein the calibration formation includes a portion for holding the fence post relative to the main body.

23. A method of operating a barbed wire installation tool to attach a wire to a fence post, the barbed wire installation tool including a main body including a first wire retaining formation, a barbed wire positioning mechanism including a second wire retaining formation, the method including: adjusting a position of the barbed wire positioning mechanism to move the second wire retaining formation relative to the first wire retaining formation to a desired position, using the first wire retaining formation to hold a first wire in a position, using the second wire retaining formation to hold a second wire in a position, and attaching one or both of the first wire and second wire to a fence post.

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