GB2587087A

GB2587087A - Apparatus, system and method for deploying barbed wire

Info

Publication number: GB2587087A
Application number: GB2012780.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gilday Sean; Davies Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-16
Filing date: 2020-08-16
Publication date: 2021-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-16
Also published as: GB2587087B; GB202012780D0

Abstract

An apparatus for deploying barbed wire or razor wire comprises a driving mechanism 14 and a guidance portion 12, wherein the driving mechanism 14 propels the barbed wire received at least partially along the guidance portion 12. The barbed wire 20 may be fed through a tubular guidance portion 12 and propelled, eg to a remote location, by a toothed gear, or a spaced pair of toothed gears, of the driving mechanism 14. The propulsion force may be sufficient for the leading end of the wire 20 to become embedded into a wooden fence post. The driving mechanism may comprise a mounting element 62 to which the trailing end of the wire 20 is attached and which is rotated by a motor or engine inside a housing 60. Alternatively, the driving mechanism may be linear, eg of the “rail gun” type. The apparatus may have a handle 55, and a trigger 57. A sliding or rotating blocking element 64 having a cutting edge may be provided.

Description

APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING BARBED WIRE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention provides an apparatus, system and method for deploying barbed wire. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for deploying barbed wire to a location remote from a user.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] Barbed wire (also known as razor wire) is commonly affixed to structures as an anti-climb measure to protect against intruders or vandals. In other scenarios, target areas can be filled with barbed wire to inhibit or prevent passage through the target area on foot.

[0003] However, barbed wirc is hazardous to handle without protective gear such as thick gloves. Consequently, barbed wire is difficult to deploy by hand.

[0004] Prior art methods of deploying barbed wire include manually unspooling a length of barbed wire from a spool. Where it is desired to deploy barbed wire over a large area, this can be done from the back of a moving vehicle.

[0005] However, prior art methods of deploying barbed wire suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, using prior art methods it can be difficult for a person deploying barbed wire to adequately direct the barbed wire during deployment. Further, using prior art methods it is difficult to deploy barbed wire to a location remote from the user (e.g. from a user on the ground to a location at the top of a structure, or from a user on one side of an obstacle, such as a ditch or river, to a location on the other side of the obstacle).

[0006] The present invention attempts to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with prior art barbed wire deployment methods, systems and apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for deploying barbed wire as defined in claim 1.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a barbed wire deployment system as defined in claim 13.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for deploying barbed wire as defined in claim 14.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: [0011] Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus for deploying barbed wire; [0012] Figure 2 schematically shows a barbed wire deployment system; [0013] Figure 3 schematically shows a detailed view of area D in Figure 2; [0014] Figure 4 schematically shows an apparatus for deploying barbed wire; [0015] Figure 5 shows a barbed wire deployment system at a first stage of operation; [0016] Figure 6 shows the barbed wire deployment system of Figure 5 in a second stage of operation; [0017] Figure 7 shows the barbed wire deployment system of Figure 5 in a third stage of operation; [0018] Figure 8 schematically shows an apparatus for deploying barbed wire; [0019] Figure 9 shows a view taken along the cross-section H-H in Figure 8 with the apparatus in a first stage of operation; [0020] Figure 10 shows a view taken along the cross-section H-H in Figure 8 with the apparatus in a second stage of operation; [0021] Figure 11 schematically shows a block diagram indicating the relationship between components in a barbed wire deployment apparatus; [0022] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating a first exemplary control regime for a barbed wire deployment apparatus or system; and [0023] Figure 12 shows a flowchart illustrating a second exemplary control regime for a barbed wire deployment apparatus or system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus 10 for deploying barbed wire. The apparatus 10 comprises a guidance portion 12 and a driving mechanism 14. The apparatus further comprises a pathway Pl, along which a length of barbed wire may be at least partially received in use. The pathway P1 is substantially linear, and extends substantially along a longitudinal extent of the guidance portion 12. The guidance portion 12 and the driving mechanism 14 are mounted within a protective housing (not shown), although this can be omitted in other examples.

[0025] The guidance portion 12 is substantially tubular in shape, and comprises a proximal end 16 and a distal end 18. During operation of the apparatus 10, barbed wire received along a part of the pathway P1 is propelled along the guidance portion 12 from the proximal end 16 towards the distal end 18, as will be described in more detail below.

[0026] The driving mechanism 14 comprises a toothed gear arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation C. Rotation of the toothed gear is effected using a motor, such as a DC electric motor (not shown). If the power supply for the motor is provided in the apparatus 10 (e.g. a battery unit), then the apparatus 10 can be provided as a self-contained, portable handheld device. In other examples, the power supply for the motor unit may be provided separately from the apparatus 10 (e.g. a mains power supply).

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 1, the axis of rotation C is positioned such that a perimeter of the toothed gear intersects the pathway P1 substantially tangentially. Using this arrangement, a plurality of toothes on the perimeter of the toothed gear may impart a force on barbed wire received along the pathway P1 as the toothed gear rotates about the axis of rotation C, wherein the force imparted is substantially linear with respect to the pathway P1 and a longitudinal extent of the guidance portion 12. During operation of the apparatus 10, The toothed gear rotates in a clockwise direction as shown in Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 2 schematically shows a barbed wire deployment system 100 comprising the apparatus 10 of Figure 1 and a length of barbed wire 20. Like reference numerals denote the same components as in Figure 1, the description of which will not be repeated for brevity.

[0029] In the system 100, the length of barbed wire 20 is received along a part of the pathway El (omitted for clarity). A leading end of the length of barbed wire has been inserted into the proximal end 16 of the guidance portion 12, and the length has been fed through the guidance portion 12 such that the leading end has emerged from the distal end 18.

[0030] The driving mechanism 14 is engaged with the barbed wire 20, such that rotation of the toothed gear of the driving mechanism 14 will propel the barbed wire 20 along the guidance portion 12 from the proximal end 16 towards the distal end 18.

[0031] The system 100 may propel a discrete length of barbed wire 20, as shown in Figure 2, in a 'burst deployment' mode of operation. Alternatively, the system 100 may continuously propel barbed wire from a separately provided spool or drum of barbed wire in a 'continuous deployment' mode, wherein barbed wire is continuously propelled from the distal end 18 of the guidance means (the driving mechanism 14 drawing in more barbed wire from the spool or drum as needed) in order to fill a large target area with barbed wire rapidly.

[0032] When using the 'continuous deployment' mode, barbed wire can be continuously deployed until the target area is substantially filled, at which point a user may manually sever the barbed wire to detach the deployed barbed wire from the system 100. For example, the barbed wire could be severed at the proximal end 16 or distal end 18 of the guidance portion 12. A user could sever the barbed wire manually (e.g. using a separate scissors or pair of shears). In some examples, a cutting device such as a rotating or reciprocating blade may be provided at or adjacent the proximal end 16 or distal end 18 of the guidance portion 12, said cutting device being integrated with the system 100.

[0033] In either mode, it is preferable not to insert the barbed wire 20 into the pathway P1 until the driving mechanism 14 has accelerated the toothed gear to a predetermined speed. By appropriately setting the predetermined speed, it is possible to ensure that the barbed wire 20 is deployed from the distal end 18 of the guidance portion 12 with a predetermined initial speed capable of deploying the barbed wire 20 to a location remote from the system 100, e.g. a location which is a predetermined distance from the system 100. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to set the predetermined speed such that the barbed wire 20 is deployed from the distal end 18 of the guidance portion capable of exerting a predetermined force when it impacts a target. For example, the predetermined force may be calibrated such that a barb on a leading end of the deployed barbed wire is capable of embedding itself in a target, such as a wooden fence post.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of Figure 2 where the driving mechanism 14 engages the barbed wire 20.

[0035] In Figure 3 it can be seen that the barbed wire 20 comprises a plurality of barbs (three of which are indicated as item 22) spaced along a substantially elongate element 24. The barbs are regularly spaced, with a fixed length T between the center of one barb and the center of an adjacent barb.

[0036] As described above, the driving mechanism 14 comprises a toothed gear. In the toothed gear, toothes are regularly spaced around a perimeter of the toothed gear, with a fixed length R between the center of one tooth and the center of an adjacent tooth.

[0037] It is preferable to provide the driving mechanism 14 with a toothed gear sized according to the barbed wire 20 to be received in the apparatus 10, such that the fixed length R is substantially equal to the fixed length T. In such arrangements, the toothes of the toothed gear will smoothly interleave with the barbs of the barbed wire during operation and prevent jamming of the driving mechanism 14. A similar effect can be achieved where the fixed length R is an integer multiple of the fixed length T, and where the fixed length T is an integer multiple of the fixed length R. [0038] While a single toothed gear is shown in Figs. 1-3, in a modification, the driving mechanism 14 could comprise a pair of toothed gears laterally spaced along the axis C. In such an arrangement, the substantially elongate flexible member of the barbed wire could pass between the cogs, with each barb being engaged by a tooth on each of the pair of laterally spaced toothed gears. Such an arrangement results in balanced forces being applied to each lateral side of each barb, which can help to avoid twisting of the barbed wire

S

within the guidance portion 12.

[0039] Figure 4 schematically shows an apparatus 50 for deploying barbed wire. The apparatus 50 comprises a guidance portion 52 connected to a driving mechanism 58. The guidance portion 52 is substantially tubular in shape, and has a proximal end 54, configured to receive barbed wire, and a distal end 56, configured to deploy barbed wire therefrom.

[0040] The apparatus 50 further comprises a handle 55 and a trigger 57. In use, a user may grip the handle 55 with one hand and an outer surface of the guidance portion 52 with the other hand. Such an arrangement is ergonomic, and gives the user a good ability to precisely control an angle of elevation and an angle of yaw of the guidance portion 52, such that a user can accurately direct barbed wire propelled from the distal end 56 of the guidance portion 52 during deployment of barbed wire. To further increase accuracy of deployment, the guidance portion 52 may include an integral telescopic portion at the distal end 56.

[0041] The driving mechanism 58 comprises a housing 60, with a mounting element 62 provided within the housing 60 and arranged to rotate within the housing 60 about an axis of rotation E. Rotation of the mounting element 62 is effected using a DC electric motor (not shown) which is turned on and off in response to actuation of the trigger 57. The driving mechanism 58 is connected to the guidance portion 52 at the proximal end 54 of the guidance portion 52.

[0042] The apparatus 50 further comprises a blocking element 64, the function of which will be explained with reference to Figures 5-7 below.

[0043] The apparatus further comprises a pathway P2, along which a length of barbed wire can be at least partially received during operation of the apparatus 50. As can be seen in Figure 4, the pathway P2 is substantially linear and extends along a longitudinal extent of the guidance portion 52 into the driving mechanism 58. The pathway P2 extends substantially tangentially to the axis of rotation E of the mounting element 62.

[0044] Figure 5 schematically shows a barbed wire deployment system 200 comprising the apparatus 50 of Figure 4 and a coil of barbed wire 66 in a first stage of operation. Like reference numerals denote the same components as in Figure 4, the description of which will not be repeated for brevity.

[0045] The coil of barbed wire 66 comprises a trailing end 68 and a leading end 70. The trailing end 68 is mounted to the mounting element 62 at a position proximate the axis of rotation E. [0046] When a user actuates the trigger 57, the mounting element 62 is caused to rotate about the axis of rotation E by the electric DC motor. The direction of rotation is anticlockwise as shown in Figure 5. As the barbed wire 66 is mounted to the mounting element 62, the barbed wire 66 is also caused to rotate within the housing 60. As the barbed wire 66 rotates, centrifugal force causes the leading end 70 of the barbed wire 66 to bear against an inner surface of the housing 60.

[0047] Figure 6 schematically shows the barbed wire deployment system 200 of Figure 4 in a second stage of operation. Like reference numerals denote the same components as in Figure 5, the description of which will not be repeated for brevity.

[0048] In the second stage of operation of the barbed wire deployment system 200 shown in Figure 6, the blocking member 64 is moved from a blocking position, in which the blocking member 64 obstructs the passage of barbed wire from the driving mechanism 58 to the guidance portion 52, to an unblocking position, in which the blocking member 64 no longer obstructs the passage of barbed wire from the driving mechanism 58 to the guidance portion 52.

[0049] With the blocking member 64 in the unblocking position, rotation of the mounting element 62 causes the leading end 70 of the coil of barbed wire 66 to enter the guidance portion 52. Rotational force is transmitted from the mounting element 62 along the barbed wire 66, such that the barbed wire 66 is propelled along the guidance portion 52 in a direction F, as shown.

[0050] Figure 7 schematically shows the barbed wire deployment system 200 of Figure 5 in a third stage of operation. Like reference numerals denote the same components as in Figure 5, the description of which will not be repeated for brevity.

[0051] In the third stage of operation of the barbed wire deployment system 200 shown in Figure 7, the blocking member 64 is returned to the blocking position, in which the blocking member 64 obstructs the passage of barbed wire from the driving mechanism 58 to the guidance portion 52.

[0052] In the example shown in Figures 4-7, the blocking member 64 comprises a sliding plate having a sharpened edge, so that the blocking member 64 acts as a cutting device with a reciprocating blade. Therefore, provided that the blocking member 64 is returned to the blocking position with sufficient speed, the sharpened edge of the sliding plate will sever the barbed wire at a point adjacent the proximal end 54 of the guidance portion 52.

[0053] In other examples the blocking member 64 may instead comprise a rotation plate having a sharpened edge, so that the blocking member 64 acts as a cuthng device having a rotating blade. Again, provided that the blocking member 64 is returned to the blocking position with sufficient speed, the sharpened edge of the sliding plate will sever the barbed wire at a point adjacent the proximal end 54 of the guidance portion 52.

[0054] In yet further examples, the blocking member 64 may not comprise a sharpened edge, and a cutting device, such as a reciprocating or rotating blade, may instead be provided separately (e.g. as a separate component to the blocking member 64). In such examples, the cutting device may be provided at any point along the guidance portion 52, or near or adjacent to the proximal end 54 or the distal end 56 of the guidance portion 52.

[0055] In any of the above arrangements, movement of the blocking member 64 (or actuation of the separate cutting device) may be effected by an actuator, such as a linear or rotational actuator, controlled by a button (not shown) on the side of the handle SS. By providing a dedicated button for control of the blocking member/cutting device (i.e. in addition to the trigger 57), a timing of deployment of barbed wire from the system 200 can be controlled independently of the rotation of the coil of barbed wire 66. This advantageously allows deployment of barbed wire from the system 200 to be prevented until the coil of barbed wire 66 has reached a predetermined rotational speed, as will be described in more detail below.

[0056] When the blocking member/cutting device severs the barbed wire, the severed portion of barbed wire on the guidance portion side of the blocking member 54 continues to be propelled along the guidance portion 52 in the direction F by virtue of the momentum of the barbed wire already propelled along the guidance portion 52.

[0057] Figure 8 schematically shows an apparatus 60 for deploying barbed wire. The apparatus 80 comprises a guidance portion 82 connected to a driving mechanism 88. The guidance portion 82 is substantially tubular in shape, and has a proximal end 64, configured to receive barbed wire, and a distal end 86, configured to deploy barbed wire therefrom.

[0058] The apparatus 60 further comprises a handle 65 and a trigger 87. In use, a user may grip the handle 85 with one hand and an outer surface of the guidance portion 62 with the other hand. Such an arrangement is ergonomic, and gives the user a good ability to precisely control an angle of elevation and an angle of yaw of the guidance portion 82, such that a user can accurately direct barbed wire propelled from the distal end 86 of the guidance portion 82 during deployment of barbed wire.

[0059] The driving mechanism 88 comprises a housing 90, with a mounting element 92 provided within the housing 90 and arranged to rotate within the housing 60 about an axis of rotation G. Rotation of the mounting element 92 is effected using a DC electric motor (not shown). The trigger 67 controls a level of voltage supplied from a power source to the motor in an analogue manner. The speed of rotation of the motor is proportional to the level of the supplied voltage, and so a user can smoothly control the speed of rotation of the mounting element 92 by manipulating the trigger 87. The driving mechanism 68 is connected to the guidance portion 82 at the proximal end 84 of the guidance portion 82.

[0060] The apparatus 80 further comprises an aperture 94 in a wall of the housing 90, which is sized and positioned to allow barbed wire to pass from the driving mechanism 88 into the proximal end 84 of the guidance portion 82. As will be appreciated, compared to the example described with respect to Figures 4-7, the example described with respect to Figure 8 lacks a blocking member. However, the example described with respect to Figure 8 could readily Include a cutting device, as described above.

[0061] Figure 9 shows a view taken along the cross-section H-H in Figure 8 with the apparatus 80 in a first stage of operation.

[0062] As can be seen in Figure 9, the mounting element 92 is rotatably mounted in a bearing 96 on a wall of the housing 94 via an extendable (e.g. telescopic) axle 98. In the first stage of operation shown in Figure 9, the axle 98 has a first length Ll. The length Li is selected such that a coil of barbed wire mounted on the mounting member would occupy a space Si, wherein the space Si does not overlap with the aperture 94 or the pathway P3.

[0063] Figure 10 shows a view taken along the cross-section H-H in Figure 8 with the apparatus 80 in a second stage of operation.

[0064] In the second stage of operation shown in Figure 10, the axle 98 has been extended (e.g. via an actuator) to a second length L2. This results in the mounting element 92 being moved in a direction J along the axis of rotation G. The length L2 is selected such that a coil of barbed wire mounted on the mounting member would occupy a space S2, wherein the space S2 overlaps with the aperture 94 or the pathway £3. If the mounting element 92 is rotated about the axis of rotation G in the second stage of operation, a leading end of a coil of barbed wire mounted on the mounting element would pass through the aperture 94 and into the proximal end 84 of the guidance portion 82 along the pathway P3.

[0065] To deploy barbed wire using the apparatus of Figures 8-10, a user may first manipulate the trigger 87 to rotate the mounting element 92 in the first stage of operation, e.g. in order for a coil of barbed wire mounted on the mounting element 92 to reach a predetermined speed. Once the predetermined speed is reached, the user may extend the axle 98 (e.g. by pressing a button or switch on the handle 85, said button/switch being configured to activate an actuator configured to extend the axle 98) to switch the apparatus 80 from the first stage of operation to the second mode of operation. With the apparatus in the second mode of operation, a leading end of a coil of barbed wire mounted on the mounting element 92 passes Through aperture 94 and into the proximal end 84 of the guidance portion 82 along the pathway P3. Said barbed wire may then be deployed from the distal end 86 of the guidance portion 82 with a predetermined initial speed substantially equal to the predetermined speed.

[0066] The predetermined speed may be selected such that barbed wire deployed from the apparatus 80 will reach a location that is remote from the user by a predetermined distance (e.g. such that barbed wire can be deployed from a surface location to the top of a structure such as a wall or fence, or from a user to a location separated from the user by an obstacle such as a ditch or river). To aid the user a speedometer (not shown) may be provided on the apparatus 80 that indicates the instantaneous rotational speed of the mounting element 92.

[0067] Figure 11 schematically shows a block diagram indicating the relationship between components in a barbed wire deployment apparatus 300.

[0068] The apparatus 300 comprises a guidance portion 301 and a driving mechanism 302 configured to propel barbed wire received in a pathway of the apparatus along the guidance portion 301. However, in the apparatus 300 of Figure 11, a user does not control the driving mechanism 302 directly, but instead does so via a controller 303. In the example of Figure 11, a trigger 304 is provided in the apparatus 300 to enable the user to interact with the controller 303. However, in other examples any suitable user interface may Instead be provided (e.g. switches, dials, touchscreens, etc.).

[0069] The controller 303 may comprise a processor and a memory storing control logic for execution by the processor. The controller 303 may thereby control the driving mechanism in accordance with one or more control regime. Exemplary control regimes are described below with respect to Figures 12 and 13.

[0070] The control logic may be contained in firmware which is not editable by a user. Alternatively, the control logic may be contained in software which is editable by a user, such that the user can modify or set one or more control regime for the controller 303.

[0071] A first exemplary control regime is shown in Figure 12. The control regime starts at step 5101. From step 5101 the control regime proceeds to step S102, in which the controller 303 determines whether or not the trigger 304 has been depressed by a user. In step 5102, the controller 303 may simply determine whether the trigger 304 has been depressed by any amount, or the controller 303 may only determine the trigger 304 to be depressed if the trigger has been depressed by an amount exceeding a predetermined threshold. By comparing the trigger depression amount to a predetermined threshold, the controller 303 may filter out accidental trigger depressions (e.g. where a user depresses the trigger 304 slightly without intending to depress the trigger 304). If the controller 303 determines that the trigger 304 has not been depressed, the control regime loops back to repeat step 5102 as shown. If the controller 303 determines that the trigger 304 has been depressed, the control regime proceeds to step 5103.

[0072] In step 5103, the controller 303 controls the driving mechanism 302 to operate in a first stage of operation. As described above, the first stage of operation may comprise a stage of operation in which the driving mechanism 302 rotates a coil of barbed wire without propelling the barbed wire along the guidance means. For example, the driving mechanism 302 may move a blocking element to a blocking position in which a leading end of the coil of barb wire is obstructed from entering the guidance portion 301, or the driving mechanism 302 may rotate the coil of barbed wire in a space that does not overlap with an aperture leading to the guidance portion 301. From step S103 the control regime proceeds to step 5104.

[0073] In step S104, the controller 303 determines whether the coil of barbed wire has reached a predetermined speed. The predetermined speed may be set such that barbed wire deployed with a predetermined initial speed capable of travelling a predetermined distance, such as from a location at ground level to the top of a structure such as a wall or fence (e.g. to a height of 2-3 meters), or from one side of an obstacle to another (e.g. a distance of 2-10 meters laterally). Further, the predetermined speed may be set such that barbed wire deployed at such a speed will strike a target with a predetermined force. For example, while deploying barbed wire it may be desirable for a barb disposed at a leading end of the barbed wire to exert a sufficient force to become embedded in a wooden fence post. If the controller 303 determines that the barbed wire has not reached the predetermined speed (e.g. by monitoring the rotational speed of a mounting element on which a coil of barbed wire is mounted), the control regime loops back to repeat step 5104 as shown. If the controller 303 determines that the barbed wire has reached the predetermined speed, the control regime proceeds to step 5105.

[0074] In step 5105, the conxroller 303 controls the driving mechanism 302 to operate in a second stage of operation. As described above, the second stage of operation may comprise a stage of operation in which the driving mechanism 302 rotates a coil of barbed wire to propel the barbed wire along the guidance means 301. For example, the driving mechanism 302 may move a blocking element to an unblocking position such that a leading end of the coil of barb wire is no longer obstructed from entering the guidance portion 301, or the driving mechanism 302 may rotate the coil of barbed wire in a space that overlaps with an aperture leading to the guidance portion 301. From step 5105 the control regime proceeds to step S106.

[0075] In step 5106 the controller 303 determines whether or not the trigger 304 has been released. If the controller 303 determines that the trigger 304 has not been released, the control regime loops back to repeat step S106 as shown. If the controller 303 determines that the trigger 304 has been released, the method proceeds to step 5107.

[0076] In step 5107 the controller 303 controls the driving mechanism 302 to sever the barbed wire using either a blocking element or a separate cutting device as described above. If neither a blocking element or a separate cutting device is present in the apparatus 300 (e.g. in embodiments where the user cuts the barbed wire manually using scissors or shears) then the controller 303 does not perform step S107 and instead proceeds directly from step S106 to step S108.

[0077] In step S108 the controller 303 controls the driving mechanism 302 to stop and ends the control regime.

[0078] The first exemplary control regime described above with respect to Figure 12 may be considered to be a 'continuous deployment' mode, as through this control regime barbed wire is continuously deployed from the guidance means as long as the trigger is depressed. Such a control regime is suitable for deploying barbed wire over large target areas to prevent passage through the target area.

[0079] A second exemplary control regime is shown in Figure 13. The first five steps of the control regime S1-S5 are identical to those of the first exemplary control regime described above, and so the description of these steps will not be repeated for brevity.

[0080] In the second exemplary control regime, after determining that the barbed wire has reached the predetermined speed in step 5104 and changing the operation of the driving mechanism 302 from the first stage of operation to the second operation in step S105, the control regime proceeds to step S206.

[0081] In step S206, the controller 303 waits for a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be set to correspond to a predetermined length of barbed wire deployed from the guidance portion 301 of the apparatus 300, calculated using the formula: length = speed x time. From step 5206 the control regime proceeds to step 5207.

[0082] In step 5207, the controller 303 determines whether or not the trigger 303 has been released. If the controller 303 determines that the trigger 304 has not been released, the control regime proceeds to step 5208. In step 5208, the controller 303 controls the driving mechanism 302 to sever the barbed wire using either a blocking element or a separate cutting device as described above. In embodiments where this step involves moving a blocking element to a blocking position, the blocking element is returned to an unblocking position after severing the barbed wire. Thereafter, the control regime loops back to repeat step 5206 as shown. If, in step 5207 the controller 303 determines that the trigger 304 has been released, the control regime proceeds to step S209.

[0083] In step 5209 the controller 303 controls the driving mechanism 302 to stop and ends The control regime.

[0084] The second exemplary control regime described above with respect to Figure 13 may be considered to be a 'burst deployment' mode, as through this control regime barbed wire is repeatedly deployed from the guidance means in predetermined lengths as long as the trigger is depressed. Such a control regime is suitable for deploying barbed wire onto structures or over obstacles.

[0085] Using a controller 303 programmed with control regimes, the user does not need to manipulate a dedicated button or switch in order to switch the apparatus 300 between a first stage of operation and a second stage of operation. This is beneficial, as the user can operate the apparatus 300 to deploy and sever barbed wire using only a single trigger 303. This is a simpler operation that allows the user to focus more on manipulating the angles of inclination and yaw of the guidance portion 301 during deployment of barbed wire. The controller 303 can also be considered to implement a safety function. For example, in apparatuses that use a dedicated button or switch in order to switch the apparatus between a first stage of operation and a second stage of operation, a user may prematurely switch the apparatus from the first stage of operation to the second stage of operation (e.g. before the barbed wire has reached a predetermined speed), which may result in barbed wire being deployed close the user in an unsafe manner.

[0086] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above for the purpose of illustration it will be appreciated that the invention is not so limited, and various alternatives and modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0087] For example, while a DC electric motor is described to power the driving mechanism in the apparatuses and systems of Figures 1-11, any suitable motive force could be used in practice, e.g. an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, etc. [0088] Further, while the examples described above use driving mechanisms involving rotating members, such as toothed gears and rotating mounting elements, the invention is not limited to these, and other types of driving mechanisms may be used in other embodiments. For example, some implementations of the invention may use driving mechanisms with linearly moving or reciprocating driving mechanisms such as spring-loaded actuators, linear pneumatic actuators or 'rail gun' type mechanisms.

[0089] While the guidance portion used in the examples above is substantially tube or pipe shaped, this is not an essential feature of the invention. In other examples, guidance portions with U-or V-shaped profile could be used. The only requirement is that the guidance portion has a sufficient longitudinal extent to impart directionality on barbed wire propelled along it.

[0090] While the mounting element in the examples described with respect to Figures 4-10 is a substantially circular plate-like element, in other examples the mounting element could comprise a spool or drum around which a coil of barbed wire may be mounted, or any other suitable mounting element capable of imparting a speed to barbed wire within the driving mechanism.

[0091] While an optional integral telescopic portion is described with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, in other examples a separate telescopic portion could be provided with the apparatus, which is attachable to a distal end of the guidance portion.

[0092] In all the above embodiments, the driving mechanism may optionally be provided with a high/low speed selector switch capable of capping the speed of deployment of barbed wire. For jobs involving precision deployment of barbed wire, a user may wish for the speed of deployment not to exceed a predetermined threshold speed.

[0093] In the foregoing description, the term 'barbed wire' should be interpreted broadly to mean any type of substantially elongate flexible member (wire) having one or more protuberances (barbs) spaced along the flexible member. While the exemplary piece of barbed wire shown in Figures 2 and 3 comprises a single elongate member having a plurality of spaced barbs, the term 'barbed wire' is also intended to encompass wires constructed of a plurality of interconnected segments of wire, each wire having one or more barb. Examples of barbed wire include: razor wire, barb wire, bob wire, and bobbed wire.

[0094] In any of the examples used above, the guidance portion could be treated or coated to provide the guidance portion with a friction-reducing and/or abrasion-reducing coating. Such coatings can reduce instances of barbed wire snagging on the guidance portion, and can extend the usable lifetime of a given guidance portion (i.e. the length of time before the guidance portion needs to be repaired or replaced). Examples of suitable coatings include epoxy coatings, Teflon (RTM) coatings, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coatings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for deploying barbed wire, the apparatus comprising: a pathway along which a length of barbed wire may be received; a driving mechanism; and a guidance portion, wherein the driving mechanism is configured to propel barbed wire received at least partially along the pathway along the guidance portion.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting element configured to mount a coil of barbed wire thereon.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the driving mechanism is configured to propel barbed wire along the guidance portion by rotating the mounting element.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cutting device configured to sever a length of barbed wire in or adjacent the guidance portion.
5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the cutting device comprises a reciprocating blade and/or a rotating blade.
6. An apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a controller configured to control the driving mechanism and/or the cutting device.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to execute control logic in order to control the driving mechanism and/or the cutting device in accordance with one or more control regimes.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the one or more control regimes includes a continuous deployment mode of operation and a burst deployment mode of operation.
9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the guidance portion comprises a friction-reducing and/or abrasion-reducing coating.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the coating comprises an epoxy coating and/or a PTFE coating.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is portable handheld device.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the driving mechanism is configured to propel barbed wire received at least partially along the pathway along the guidance portion with a predetermined initial speed.
13. A barbed wire deployment system comprising an apparatus according to any preceding claim and a length of barbed wire received at least partially along the pathway.
14. A method for deploying barbed wire, the method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising a pathway along which a length of barbed wire may be received, a driving mechanism and a guidance portion; receiving a length of barbed wire along the pathway; propelling, using the driving mechanism, the barbed wire received at least partially along the pathway along the guidance means.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises a mounting element, the method further comprising the step of mounting a coil of barbed wire on the mounting element.
16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the step of propelling, using the driving mechanism, the barbed wire received along the pathway along the guidance means comprises rotating the mounting element using the driving mechanism to propel barbed wire along the guidance portion.
17. A method according to any of claims 14 to 16, further comprising the step of severing the length of barbed wire in or adjacent the guidance portion with a cutting device.
18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the cutting device comprises a reciprocating blade and/or a rotating blade.
19. A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the steps of propelling, using the driving mechanism, the barbed wire received along the pathway along the guidance means and severing the length of barbed wire in or adjacent the guidance portion are performed by a controller.
20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the controller is operable to execute control logic in order to perform the steps of propelling, using the driving mechanism, the barbed wire received along the pathway along the guidance means and severing the length of barbed wire in or adjacent the guidance portion in accordance with one or more control regimes.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the one or more control regimes includes a continuous deployment mode of operation and a burst deployment mode of operation.
22. A method according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the guidance portion comprises a friction-reducing and/or abrasion-reducing coating.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the coating comprises an epoxy coating and/or a PTFE coating.
24. A method according to any of claims 14 to 23, wherein the apparatus is a portable handheld device.
25. A method according to any of claims 14 to 24, wherein the step of propelling, using the driving mechanism, the barbed wire received at least partially along the pathway along the guidance means comprises propelling the barbed wire along the guidance means with a predetermined initial speed.