GB2613935A

GB2613935A - Clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2613935A
Application number: GB2215306.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brewer John; Graham Patrick Rawcliffe Stephen
Original assignee: QUICKFENCER Ltd
Current assignee: QUICKFENCER Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-20
Filing date: 2022-10-17
Publication date: 2023-06-21
Also published as: GB202115022D0; GB202215306D0

Abstract

An apparatus for clamping and tensioning wire from a coil. The apparatus comprises a frame 10 for attaching to a wire mounting unit M. An arm 11 is coupled to the frame via a pivot 12. An actuator 13 provides relative rotational movement of the frame and the arm to move the arm between a clamping position and a release position. A clamping member 14 carried on the arm which is arranged, when the apparatus is in use with a wire mounting unit and the arm is in the clamping position, to engage with wire from the wire mounting unit and thereby clamp the wire against the wire mounting unit. Also claimed is a wire mounting unit which co-operatively engages the clamping member with a surface 16 to restrict lateral movement.

Description

FIELD

[1] Example embodiments relate to an apparatus for clamping and tensioning wire from a coil, and to wire mounting units and methods using the same.

BACKGROUND

[2] The installation of fencing for retaining livestock, such as sheep for example, is known for being a manually intensive task. Installing fencing suitable for this purpose requires the correct positioning of a line of fencing posts, followed by the attachment of the free end of a length of wire or netting to one such post. The wire or netting is then unrolled and secured to each post in turn, until it has been secured to the final post and the fence has been installed as required. Any further reference to wire, netting or fencing hereafter should be interpreted as being interchangeable, unless specified otherwise.

[3] A problem when installing fencing for livestock is the ability to tension the fencing sufficiently to withstand pressure exerted on the fence, for example by grazing livestock or weather conditions, for extended periods of time. This is especially difficult the larger the length of wire is used to enclose the field or pasture by the fence.

[4] Patent publication GB 2487244 A describes a tensioning apparatus which requires manual operation of a clamp to secure the wire or fencing for dispensing or tensioning. Manual operation has drawbacks in terms of needing sufficient physical strength to perform, and use of mechanisms as described may be time consuming and therefore inefficient. Providing a powered clamp to reliably achieve sufficient clamping force by mechanising the related earlier apparatus is not straightforward.

SUMMARY

[5] In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for clamping and tensioning wire from a coil. This apparatus comprises: a frame for attaching to a wire mounting unit; an arm which is coupled to the frame via a pivot; an actuator arranged to provide relative rotational movement of the frame and the arm to move the arm between a clamping position and a release position; and a clamping member carried on the arm, arranged, when the apparatus is in use with a wire mounting unit and the arm is in the clamping position, to engage with wire from the wire mounting unit and thereby clamp the wire against the wire mounting unit.

[6] The apparatus allows a user to secure and tension the wire for fencing quickly, conveniently and with a reduction of manual labour, reducing the length of time needed to complete the task and reducing the risk of human error or accident.

[7] In one example, the arm is moved between a release position and a clamped position by the actuator. In one example, motion is generated by a hydraulic ram.

[8] In one example, when the arm is in the release position, clearance is provided for a coil of wire or netting to be used for fencing to be loaded onto the wire mounting unit, and/or unspooled. In one example, when the arm is in the clamped position, the wire is clamped for tensioning between the clamping member and the wire mounting unit. Movement of the arm in this way allows the user to alternate between dispensing and tensioning wire for fencing, without manual operations such as lifting clamping components or applying clamping force using hand tools.

[9] In one example, the arm is arranged to pivot upwards to the release position. In one example, in the release position, the arm extends upwardly. In one example, in the release position, the arm extends above the frame. In one example, in the release position the arm extends above the wire mounting unit. By arranging the arm in this way, the footprint of the wire mounting unit is not significantly increased by the apparatus, and the working space for the wire mounting unit for carrying and unspooling wire is not compromised.

[10] In one example, the apparatus is arranged to hold the arm in an intermediate position. In one example, the apparatus is arranged to hold the arm in an intermediate position such that the arm is not fully released but does not clamp the wire. This may allow the apparatus to be conveniently used in an environment where the motion of the arm is restricted, for example by foliage or narrow pathways.

[11] In one example, the wire mounting unit comprises a mount for attachment to a vehicle. In one example, when the apparatus is not in the clamped position, a coil of wire or netting to be used as fencing carried by the vehicle may be unwound from the wire mounting unit as the vehicle moves.

[12] In one example, the apparatus is retrofittable to a wire mounting unit. In one example, the frame includes an attachment portion used to attach the apparatus to a wire amounting unit. In one example, the attachment portion includes a reception space into which a component of the wire mounting unit is in use received. In one example, the frame comprises a reception space that is, at least in part, formed by walls of the frame, such as by sides of the frame. In one example, the frame comprises a reception space that is, at least in part, formed by an upper wall that in use rests on a wire mounting unit. In one example, the attachment portion of the frame is arranged such that in use, one or more inner surfaces of the attachment portion contact the wire mounting unit. In one example, the attachment portion of the frame is arranged such that in use the reception space receives part of the wire mounting unit. In one example, the attachment portion of the frame is arranged such that in use the reception space receives part of the wire mounting unit and rests thereon. In one example, the attachment portion of the frame is arranged such that in use the reception space receives part of the wire mounting unit and contacts one or more side surfaces of part of the wire mounting unit. In one example, the apparatus is arranged such that the sides of the frame lie against the inner or outer surfaces of the wire mounting unit when the apparatus is coupled to the wire mounting unit. In one example, the reception space and part of the wire mounting unit comprise complementary shapes. In one example, the attachment portion comprises one or more bolt holes. In one example, the attachment portion comprises one or more bolt holes that correspond to bolt holes of the wire mounting unit.

[13] In one example, the arm is attached to the frame by a pivot such that, when in the clamped position, the clamping member engages the wire mounting unit to clamp on the opposite side of the wire mounting unit to the pivot. In one example, the arm is attached to the frame by a pivot with the actuator provided above the pivot. In one example, the arm is attached to the frame by a pivot with the actuator provided bridging the frame and the arm. In one example, the actuator is arranged to extend either side of the pivot, when the arm is in the clamping position. In one example, the actuator is arranged to lie on one side of the pivot only when in the release position. In one example, movement of the arm around the pivot toward the clamping position brings the clamping member toward the clamping position as the actuator extends from the frame. In one example, movement of the arm around the pivot toward the release position brings the clamping member toward the release position as the actuator extends from the frame. In one example, extension of the actuator from the frame in one direction causes movement of the clamping member into the clamping position in another direction different to the first direction, such as a direction that is of opposite sense to the first. In one example, generally outward movement of the actuator drives generally inward movement of the clamping member, such as toward the clamping position. The pivot arrangement has the advantage of reducing the amount of lateral space the arm occupies relative to the clamping direction, while also allowing a relatively strong fixing for the actuator. Further, retrofitting the frame of the apparatus to a wire mounting unit is facilitated.

[14] In one example, the frame and arm may be arranged against one another to restrict relative lateral motion. In one example, the sides of the arm lie against the inner or outer surfaces of the frame, preventing the relative lateral motion of the arm, such as in the clamped position and/or in the release position. In this way, the strength of the frame reinforces the arm against bending, and enables the apparatus to provide consistent clamping force between the clamping member and wire mounting unit.

[15] In one example, the clamping member is attached to the arm by a pivot. This reduces the amount of space required to allow the arm to move the clamping member to the clamped position, compared to if the clamping member was fixed relative to the arm. As a result, the clamping member attached to the arm by a pivot may allow the apparatus to be more conveniently used in environments with restricted ranges of motion, for example if there is foliage overhead. In addition, clamping force may be applied evenly from the arm to the clamping member as it contacts the wire mounting unit.

[16] In one example, the clamping member is arranged to cooperatively engage with the wire mounting unit to ensure the correct positioning of the clamping member, when in the clamped position. This allows the clamping member to consistently clamp a wire against the wire mounting unit, restricting lateral motion relative to the arm when in the clamped position. In one example, the clamping member comprises an attachment disposed at the end of the clamping member. In one example, the attachment engages with a slot of the wire mounting unit at one or more slanted guides.

[17] In one example, the arm is attached to a plurality of connecting members by a plurality of pivots. In one example, the plurality of connecting members are attached to the frame by pivots. In one example, one of the connecting members comprises an actuator, arranged in use to cause relative rotational movement of the frame and the arm. In one example, the rotation of the arm of the apparatus takes place about an instant centre that moves as the actuator extends / retracts. In one example, factors including: the relative positions of the pivots; the lengths of the connecting members; the dimensions of the frame; and the position of the centre of mass of the arm and connecting member govern the movement of the arm between the release position and the clamping position. In one example, the generation of the clamping force is optimised according to the expected working conditions of the apparatus. Factors including: the relative positions of the pivots; the lengths of the connecting members; the dimensions of the frame; and the position of the centre of mass of the arm and connecting member govern the generation of the clamping force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[18] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 provides a perspective view of an apparatus for clamping and tensioning wire from a coil, the apparatus attached to a wire mounting unit and operating to clamp wire; Figure 2 provides a perspective view of the apparatus, wire mounting unit and wire of Figure 1, with the wire released; Figure 3 provides a partial perspective view of the apparatus, wire mounting unit and wire of Figure 1, giving a close-up of a clamping member operating to clamp wire; Figure 4 provides a partial perspective view of the apparatus, wire mounting unit and wire of Figure 1, giving a close-up of a clamping member with the wire released; Figure 5 provides a partial perspective view of the apparatus, wire mounting unit and wire of Figure 1, giving a close-up of the interface between the apparatus and the wire mounting unit; and Figure 6 provides a perspective view of an alternative apparatus of an upper portion of an apparatus for clamping and tensioning wire from a coil.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[19] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus 1 for clamping and tensioning wire W from a coil, the apparatus attached to a wire mounting unit M that is in use carried by a vehicle to enable mounting of wire to fence posts or the like. In Figure 1, the apparatus 1 and wire mounting unit M are configured to clamp the wire W, being arranged in what is referred to as a clamping position or clamped position. The apparatus 1 comprises a frame 10 that attaches the apparatus 1 to the wire mounting unit M, so that the apparatus 1 and wire mounting unit M can be used to dispense and tension wire W. The wire W is shown in Figure Ito identify the position of clamping, with only a section of wire W shown. The wire W shown in Figure 1 is a wire net as may be useful in fencing. As will be understood, the reel R caries wire W when the apparatus and wire mounting unit M are in use, and the wire mounting unit M enables unspooling of wire W from the reel R and tensioning of the wire Was part of a fencing installation procedure.

[20] The apparatus 1 comprises an arm 11 which is coupled to the frame 10 via a pivot 12. An actuator 13 is provided, arranged to in use cause relative rotational movement of the frame 10 and the arm 11. Such rotation causes the frame 10 and arm 11 to move between a release position and a clamping position. To provide part of the clamping interface, a clamping member 14 is carried on the arm 11. When the apparatus 1 is in use with a wire mounting unit M and the arm 11 moved to the clamping position, the clamping member 14 engages wire W from the wire mounting unit M, thereby clamping the wire W. Clamping force is generated by the actuator 13 driving the arm 11 around the pivot 12, relative to the frame 10. The actuator 13 is provided as a hydraulic ram. As will be appreciated, when the apparatus 1 and wire mounting unit M are carried by a vehicle such as an agricultural tractor, hydraulic pressure provides a convenient mechanism for distribution of mechanical drive to apparatus 1. The clamping member 14 is attached to the arm 11 by means of a pivot 15, enabling the rotational force from the arm to be converted into even clamping pressure from the clamping member 14 along its length.

[21] Figure 2 shows the same example embodiment of the present invention as in Figure 1, with the apparatus in a release position. In this position, the wire W is not held relative to the apparatus by clamping against the wire mounting unit M, so the apparatus is free to unspool wire W from the reel R. In the release position as shown, the arm 11 is fully raised to enable ease of access to the wire W and initial threading of the wire W into position on the wire mounting unit IV1 from the reel R. In Figure 2, the clamping member 14 rests against the frame 10 at a cam 19. The cam 19 is arranged to contact the clamping member 14 and hold it away from the frame 10 and the wire mounting unit M as the arm moves toward the clamping position, at least in the initial part of the movement. The cam 19 may project from the frame 10 in order to produce further separation of the clamping member 14, such as to increase clearance from the wire Win use. Also apparent from Figure 2 is the arrangement of the actuator 13 between the arm 10 and the frame 11.

[22] In other embodiments, to enable the arm 10 to extend out from the frame 10 and clamp inwardly toward the wire mounting unit M with lower overhead clearance, an arrangement with more than one pivot and actuator is envisaged. For example, the arm 10 may be provided with an intermediate pivot and a second actuator in order to be doubly articulating between the release position and the clamping position.

[23] Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the apparatus 1, wire mounting unit M and wire W of Figure 1, giving a close-up of a clamping member 14 operating to clamp the wire W. The clamping member 14 is engaged with the wire W and wire mounting unit M. A surface 16 is provided on the wire mounting unit, against which the wire W is clamped by the clamping member 14. The clamping member 14 comprises an attachment 17 which cooperatively engages with wire mounting unit M when in the clamping position. The attachment 17 engages a tapering slot S of the wire mounting unit, which guides the clamping member 14 into alignment with the surface 16 in the clamped position. In addition to the guiding function, attachment 17 engages the inner surfaces of the slot S reinforcing the end of the clamping member 14 and resisting movement in the direction of wire tension, thereby reinforcing the clamping member 14 and enabling sufficient clamping force to be maintained. Providing the attachment 17 at the end of the clamping member 14 facilitates fabrication, and maximises leverage for the reinforcement effect.

[24] Figure 4 shows a close-up of the clamping member 14 in an example embodiment of the present invention in a release position intermediate between the clamping position and the position of Figure 2. The clamping member 14 is not engaged against the wire mounting unit M but the arm 11 has not been fully raised. The pivot 15 that attaches the clamping member 14 to the arm 11 and the mass distribution of the clamping member 14 allows the clamping member 14 to sit away from the wire W when the clamping member 14 separates from the surface 16 of the wire mounting unit M against which the wire W is clamped in the clamping position. This means that only relatively small movement of the arm 11 provides sufficient separation for unspooling of wire W and there is an easy and effective transition between the clamping position and a release position as shown.

[25] Figure 5 shows the frame 10 of the apparatus 1, the arm 11, pivot 12 and actuator 13 which couples them. The outer surfaces of the frame 10 are arranged against the inner surfaces of the arm 11, preventing the relative lateral motion of the arm 10 when in motion or in the clamped position. The apparatus 1 is attached to the wire mounting unit M by means of bolts 18 attaching the frame of the apparatus to corresponding holes in the wire mounting unit. In a similar manner to the reinforcement provided by abutment of the arm 11 and frame 10, the frame 10 is itself reinforced by its arrangement in contact with upper and side surfaces of the portion of the wire mounting unit M to which it is attached.

[26] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an alternative apparatus 2 for clamping and tensioning wire. In use, the apparatus 2 is attached to a wire mounting unit that is carried by a vehicle to enable mounting of the wire to fence posts or the like. In Figure 6, the apparatus 2 is arranged in a release position and only the upper portion of the apparatus is shown, as the lower portion, including the wire mounting unit, is substantially the same as the apparatus 1 of Figures 1 through 5.

[27] The apparatus 2 comprises a frame 20 that attaches the apparatus 2 to the wire mounting unit, so that the apparatus and wire mounting unit can be used to dispense and tension wire. The apparatus 2 further comprises an arm 21 which is connected to the frame 20 via two connecting members 23, 33. The first connecting member 23 is connected to the frame 20 via a first pivot 22 and is connected to the arm 11 via a second pivot 34. The first connecting member 23 is an actuator, arranged in use to cause relative rotational movement of the frame 20 and the arm 21. Such rotation causes the frame 20 and arm 21 to move between the release position and a clamping position. The first connecting member 23 is extendible between a first retracted position shown in Figure 6, and a second extended position, with the extension of the first connecting member 23 taking place under the influence of hydraulic pressure, in the same manner as described above. The first connecting member 23 changes length and orientation as the clamping member 24 moves, such that the maximum extension occurs in the clamping position and the minimum extension occurs in the retracted position.

[28] The second connecting member 33 is connected to the frame 20 via a third pivot 32 and is connected to the arm 21 via a fourth pivot 35. The second connecting member 23 is a fixed length and pivots around the third and fourth pivots 32, 35 when the first connecting member 23 is extended or retracted.

[29] In Figure 6, a clamping member 24 is pivotally connected to the arm 21 by a pivot 25. The clamping member 24 provides part of the clamping interface. When the apparatus 2 is in use with a wire mounting unit and the arm 21 is moved to the clamping position, the clamping interface engages wire from the wire mounting unit, thereby clamping the wire.

[30] As the actuator / first connecting member 32 extends between the first retracted position and the second extended position, the apparatus 2 moves between the release position and the clamping position. The rotation of the arm 21 of the apparatus 2 is about an instant centre that moves as the first connecting member 23 extends or retracts. In the clamping position, clamping force is generated by the first connecting member 23 providing a rotational driving force relative to the frame 20 about an instant centre. In the clamping position, further extension of the first connecting member 23 increases the pressure between the clamping interface and the wire.

[31] Factors such as the relative positions of the pivots 22, 32, 34, 35, the lengths of the connecting members 23, 33, the dimensions of the frame 20 and the position of the centre of mass of the arm 21 and clamping member 24 may be chosen such that both the movement of the arm 21 between the release position and the clamping position and the generation of the clamping force is optimised according to the expected working conditions of the apparatus 2.

[32] The apparatus 2 is configured such that the clamping member 24 is held away from the frame 20 as the arm 21 moves from the release position towards the clamping position, at least in the initial part of the movement, without the need for a cam. The configuration of the connecting members 23, 33, arm 21, frame 20, wire and clamping member 24 is such that there is separation or clearance between the clamping member 24 and the wire at least during the initial part of the movement between from the release position towards the clamping position.

[33] As described herein, example embodiments are retrofittable to suitable wire mounting units, but it is also envisaged that embodiments are provided as the combination of clamping apparatus and wire mounting unit, and further a fencing apparatus comprising a vehicle to position and drive the combination.

[34] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[35] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[36] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[37] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSAn apparatus for clamping and tensioning wire from a coil, the apparatus comprising: a frame (10) for attaching to a wire mounting unit; an arm (11) which is coupled to the frame (10) via a pivot (12); an actuator (13) arranged to provide relative rotational movement of the frame (10) and the arm (11) to move the arm (11) between a clamping position and a release position; and a clamping member (14) carried on the arm (11), arranged, when the apparatus is in use with a wire mounting unit and the arm (11) is in the clamping position, to engage with wire from the wire mounting unit and thereby clamp the wire against the wire mounting unit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the clamping position, the frame (10) and arm (11) are arranged against one another to restrict relative lateral movement.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein, during movement between the clamping position and the release position, the arm (11) is arranged to move against a side surface of the frame (10).
4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein, during movement between the clamping position and the release position, the inner surfaces of the arm (11) are arranged to move against outer side surfaces of the frame (10).
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping member (14) is mounted to the arm (11) via a pivot (15).
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the arm (11) is coupled to the frame (10) via a pivot (12) on the opposing side of the surface of the wire mounting unit to the clamping member (14) when in the clamped position.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame (10) comprises an attachment portion by which the apparatus is attachable to a wire mounting unit, the attachment portion comprising: a reception space into which a component of the wire mounting unit can be received.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame (10) comprises an attachment portion by which the apparatus is attachable to a wire mounting unit, the attachment portion comprising: a bolt hole (18) with which a component of the wire mounting unit can be attached.
The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame (10) comprises an attachment portion by which the apparatus is attachable to a wire mounting unit, the attachment portion arranged against a side surface of the wire mounting unit.
10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the frame (10) comprises an attachment portion by which the apparatus is attachable to a wire mounting unit, the inner surfaces of the attachment portion arranged against the outer side surfaces of the wire mounting unit.
11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator (13) is a hydraulic ram.
12. A wire mounting unit comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wire mounting unit additionally comprises a fixed surface (16) which engages with wire and the clamping member (14), thereby clamping the wire when the arm (11) is in the clamping position.
13. The wire mounting unit of claim 12, wherein the clamping member (14) has an attachment (17) which engages co-operatively with the fixed surface (16) of the wire mounting unit to restrict relative lateral movement when the arm (11) is in the clamping position.
14. The wire mounting unit of any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the fixed surface (16) of the wire mounting unit is detachably connected to the wire mounting unit.
15. A method of installing wire fencing using an apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.