AU2012202987B2

AU2012202987B2 - Fence mounting apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2012202987B2
Application number: AU2012202987A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jamie Stenhouse
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-05
Filing date: 2012-05-22
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-22
Also published as: AU2012202987A1; NZ600122A

Abstract

-38 The present invention provides a wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally 5 attached between the two legs. The legs are attachable to a vehicle. The mounting platform includes a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs. Lock means lock the 0 mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position. The mounting platform may accommodate a fence straining attachment.

Description

FENCE MOUNTING APPARATUS

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting fences. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for mounting wire fences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wire fences are widely used, particularly in rural and agricultural environments, to exclude wild animals or contain livestock. Fence construction is usually carried out manually by erecting fence posts and securing wire between the posts to form a fence. Wire fences are generally constructed using commercially available wire fencing products such as wire mesh, barbed wire, plain wire and hinge wire fencing. Prefabricated wire (wire mesh) is supplied in heavy rolls up to 1500 or 1900 mm high and weighing approximately 100-210 kg. These rolls are difficult to lift, carry and generally manipulate by hand. In particular it is difficult to roll the wire mesh out manually and then hold it vertically for straining. US patent No. 7,614,581 B1 describes a fence mounting apparatus attachable to small farm front end loading vehicles and bobcats. This apparatus has the drawback that it relies on hydraulic controls to load and crimp the fencing wire roll (US 7,614,581 B1). Commercially available fence mounting apparatus may not be applicable to all forms of wire fencing. Furthermore, certain types of fencing materials may be damaged by fence mounting apparatus.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide fence mounting apparatus that overcomes at least in part one or more of the abovementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly resides in a wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position; wherein in use the mounting base moves substantially perpendicular to the legs when the arm is inserted into the axial opening of the wire roll.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position; wherein in use the mounting base moves substantially perpendicular to the legs, the arm is inserted into the axial opening of the wire roll, the mounting base is then raised to become substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs by lowering the mounting platform, the mounting base is then locked to one or both of the legs to allow the mounting platform to be raised and transport the wire roll.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position; wherein in use the mounting base is locked with one or both of the legs when it is in the first position and prior to inserting the arm within the axial opening of the wire roll.

Preferably the vehicle is a tractor, Bobcat or similar vehicle fitted with a forklift attachment.

Preferably the two legs are hollow. Preferably the legs are arranged to accommodate forks of a forklift attachment. The mounting platform is preferably securable to the forklift vehicle using chains.

Preferably the mounting base is pivotally attached to a support bar between the two legs. Preferably the support bar is steel. Preferably the mounting base is attached to the support bar by a hinge. Preferably the hinge moves the mounting base through 90 degrees between a horizontal position in-line with the legs, down to a vertical position. Preferably the hinge is a five-leaf hinge including five interacting sleeves accommodated around a central rod; three sleeves are attached to the steel bar, and two sleeves are attached to the mounting base. Preferably complementary parts of the interacting adjacent sleeves have 180 degree flanges and 90 degree flanges to allow the mounting base to rotate between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. Alternatively the hinge may be a simple 90 degree hinge. In one aspect the hinge is mounted on the lower face of the mounting platform. Preferably the hinge is mounted on the upper face of the mounting platform.

Preferably the mounting base is lockable in a horizontal orientation by one or more fastenings. Preferably the one or more fastenings are cam latches. Preferably there are two cam latches, one located on each of the two legs. Preferably each cam latch automatically engages with a cam latch striker located on the mounting base to secure the mounting base in a horizontal orientation.

Preferably there is a lip projecting downwards from the mounting base. Preferably the lip projects downwards from a lower face of the mounting base. Preferably the lip protrudes approximately 15mm from an outer edge of the mounting base.

Preferably the support arm is mounted or mountable in a perpendicular orientation to the mounting base.

In another embodiment the mounting platform is rigid and the mounting base does not pivotally move relative to the legs.

In this rigid embodiment, preferably the vehicle is a tractor, bobcat or similar vehicle fitted with pivotal means. Preferably the pivotal means is a forklift loader attachment or a bucket attachment, such as a 4-in-1 bucket.

When the pivotal means is a forklift loader, preferably the mounting platform is adapted to fit on the forks of the forklift, for example by providing two hollow legs to accommodate the forks of the forklift. When the pivotal means is a bucket, preferably the mounting platform is adapted to attach to the bucket. Preferably the mounting platform is secured to the bucket with one or more fastening means. Preferably the platform is secured to the 4-in-1 bucket by the clamping action of the opening bucket on a T-shaped tab welded onto the underside of the platform.

Wire roll mounting apparatus as described in any of the aspects above may preferably have a support arm adapted to accommodate one or more rolls of wire mesh fencing. Preferably the support arm is adapted to accommodate one roll of wire mesh fencing. Alternatively the support arm is adapted to accommodate one or more spinners of fencing wire or one or more spools of barbed wire. The wire roll mounting apparatus may accommodate a stack of up to four plain wire spinners, or a stack of up to five barbed wire spools. Where more than one wire spinner or spool is mounted on a support arm, preferably adjacent spinners or spools are separated by a spacer.

Preferably the support arm is of sufficiently small diameter to fit inside rolls of wire mesh and barbed wire spools. Where the barbed wire spool has an aperture of 40 mm, the support arm is preferably approximately 35 mm in diameter. Preferably the support arm includes an inner shaft and an outer sleeve. Preferably the sleeve is of a slightly larger diameter than the core, so that the shaft has a snug fit inside the sleeve, but can still rotate freely. Preferably the sleeve is longer than the shaft. Preferably the sleeve is of suitable length to accommodate rolls of wire mesh up to 1900mm in height. Preferably the sleeve is fitted with a transverse end stop at a lower end of the sleeve. Preferably there is a stop at an upper end of the sleeve to secure the wire mesh roll in place. Preferably the stop at the upper end is a three pronged barb stopper with a hollow central prong to accommodate the sleeve. Preferably the three pronged barb stopper has three hollow prongs. Preferably the three pronged barb stopper is fitted with a screw fixing for securing it to the outer sleeve of the support arm.

Preferably the mounting platform includes a socket to support the support arm in the mounting base. Preferably the shaft of the support arm is secured in the socket by a threaded bolt inserted on an opposite face of the mounting base to allow the support arm to be detached for easy transport and storage of the apparatus. More preferably the socket passes through the mounting base for extra strength. Where the socket passes through the mounting base, the shaft of the support arm is preferably secured by a threaded bolt and nut on the lower face of the mounting base.

Preferably an additional collar is fitted around the socket to provide extra strength. Preferably the collar is higher than the height of the socket. Preferably the collar has a flange base. In one aspect the collar is secured in place on the mounting base by the interaction of the flange base with a spring loaded catch on the mounting base. More preferably the flange is secured in place by a spring loaded cam latch.

More preferably the support arm sleeve is of wider diameter at the base end thus forming an integral collar such that when the sleeve is in place over the shaft the base end surrounds the socket.

When the support arm sleeve has an integral collar, preferably a transverse end stopper is also integral with the sleeve and collar. The support arm sleeve, collar and transverse end stopper may be connected together by welds.

Preferably the transverse end stopper has a rubber coating on the upper surface to prevent the wire roll from slipping on the stopper.

When the support arm sleeve has an integral collar preferably the collar has a flange at the base. When in position on the fence mounting platform, preferably the base of the sleeve is secured in place by interaction of the flange with a spring loaded catch on the mounting base. More preferably the sleeve is secured in place by interaction of the flange with a spring loaded cam latch.

Preferably the fence mounting apparatus has additional securing means for use when large rolls of wire mesh are being handled. Preferably the additional securing means include arms and ratchet straps to secure the wire roll in position on the support arm and aid in raising the wire mesh roll to an upright position.

Wire roll mounting apparatus as described above in any of the aspects may additionally have a straining attachment. Preferably the straining attachment is detachable. Preferably the straining attachment can be mounted on either side of a mounting platform to allow fences to be constructed at either side of the vehicle. Preferably the straining attachment is adjustable to accommodate different sizes of wire rolls. Preferably the straining attachment is height adjustable to accommodate different heights of wire rolls. Preferably the straining attachment includes three parallel vertical rollers. Preferably the rollers are arranged to dispense the wire, and lock and clamp to strain the wire. Preferably the rollers are positioned in such a way that a vehicle mounted with the straining attachment can be driven forwards or backwards if necessary whilst the wire is being dispensed. Preferably the rollers can be freely rotating to dispense the wire, but are also lockable. Preferably two rollers are lockable, and one is freely rotating. Preferably the rollers are arranged so that they provide resistance during dispensing of the fence wire and clamp the fence wire for straining. Preferably the lockable rollers are locked by a spring catch. Preferably one roller is located on a pivoting arm to clamp the wire. Preferably the clamping means is a vice grip. More preferably the clamping means is a threaded wing nut and locking pin. Alternatively the clamping means may be hydraulically operated. Preferably the rollers are steel. Preferably the rollers are rubber coated steel pipe. More preferably the rollers are fitted with a length of rubber tube. In an alternative embodiment the rollers are fitted with a sleeve of plastic pipe. Preferably the plastic pipe is polythene.

The present invention also provides for a tractor, Bobcat or similar vehicle fitted with a wire roll lifting apparatus as hereinbefore described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein;

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus of the present invention shown mounted on a forklift mechanism (in phantom) of a vehicle;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of the present invention shown mounted on a forklift mechanism (in phantom) of a vehicle;

Figure 3 is a further diagrammatic view of the second embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view showing the attachment of the support arm to the mounting base in the embodiment of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view of a hinge portion of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of the hinge portion of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic plan view of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic side view of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a sleeve for mounting on the support arm of the apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 2 shown with a roll of wire mesh fencing (in phantom);

Figures 10A and 10B are diagrammatic representations showing the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 2 mounted on a forklift vehicle engaging with the sleeve and wire mesh fencing of Figure 9;

Figures 11A and 11B are diagrammatic representations of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 2 in use raising a roll of wire mesh fencing;

Figure 12 is a diagrammatic representation showing wire fencing being dispensed from the fence mounting apparatus;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus shown fitted with barbed wire spools;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic plan view of a wire spinner;

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side view of a wire spinner;

Figure 16 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus shown mounted to a four-in-one bucket at the front end of a vehicle;

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic representation of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 16 in use;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a fifth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus including a wire tensioning frame attached to a loader-type forklift attachment;

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic plan view of a fifth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus including wire tensioning means;

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view of the wire tensioning means of the fifth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus;

Figure 21 is a diagrammatic side view of the wire tensioning frame;

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus shown mounted on a forklift mechanism {in phantom) of a vehicle;

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic plan view of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic side view of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 22;

Figure 25 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a hinge portion of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 22;

Figure 26 is a diagrammatic view of the hinge portion of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 22;

Figure 27 is a diagrammatic view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention shown mounted on a forklift mechanism (in phantom) of a vehicle;

Figure 28 is a diagrammatic view of an eighth preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus;

Figure 29 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view showing the attachment of the support arm to the mounting base in the embodiment of Figure 22;

Figure 30 is a diagrammatic view of a sleeve for mounting on the support arm of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of Figure 23 shown mounted with a roll of wire mesh fencing (in phantom);

Figure 31 is a diagrammatic view of the securing means for the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 30;

Figures 32 and 33 are diagrammatic representations showing the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 2 mounted on a forklift vehicle engaging with the sleeve and wire mesh fencing of Figure 30;

Figures 34 and 35 are diagrammatic representations of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 30 in use raising a roll of wire mesh fencing;

Figure 36 is a diagrammatic representation showing wire fencing being dispensed from the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 30;

Figure 37 is a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus shown fitted with barbed wire spools;

Figure 38 is a diagrammatic representation of a yet further embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus including a wire tensioning frame attached to a loader-type forklift attachment;

Figure 39 is a diagrammatic top view of the wire tensioning frame of Figure 38;

Figure 40 is a diagrammatic side view of the wire tensioning frame of Figure 38;

Figure 41 is a diagrammatic side view of the wire tensioning frame showing the clamping means; and

Figure 42 is a diagrammatic top view of the wire tensioning means of the wire tensioning frame of Figure 38 showing a secondary clamp in place.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a fence mounting apparatus 10 having a mounting platform 11. The platform 11 has a pair of hollow legs 12 to accommodate forks when the apparatus 10 is mounted on a forklift vehicle (shown in phantom). Two sets of chains 13 secure the apparatus 10 to the forks of the forklift vehicle. The platform 11 has a steel support bar 16 connecting the two legs 12. A mounting base 14 is attached to the support bar 16 by a hinge 15. The mounting base 14 has a socket 20 to accommodate a steel support arm 19 perpendicular to the mounting base 14. The steel support arm 19 fits inside a sleeve (not shown). The support arm 19 is secured in the socket 20 by a threaded bolt (not shown) located on the opposite face of the mounting base 14 to the socket 20. The support arm 19 can be readily detached from the fence mounting apparatus 10 for easy transportation by unscrewing the threaded bolt to release the support arm 19 from the socket 20.

The mounting base 14 is fitted with two cam latch strikers 18. The platform 11 is fitted with two spring loaded cam latches 17. The mounting base 14 is held in a horizontal position parallel to the platform 11 by engagement of the cam latches 17 with the two strikers 18 on the mounting base 14. The cam latches 17 can be positioned such that they do not engage with the strikers 18. This is useful to enable partly used rolls of wire to be removed from the support arm.

The platform 11 can also be used to carry accessories, tools or wire off cuts. It may also carry an extra roll of wire across the two legs 12. A non-slip surface, such as a rubber pad, may be placed over the upper surface of the platform 11 to prevent slippage of additional rolls of wire being carried.

With reference to Figure 2 there is shown a second embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 30. The fence mounting apparatus 30 is particularly suitable for handling and raising heavy rolls of wire mesh such as rolls of 1900mm wire mesh which may weigh up to 210kg. The mounting apparatus 30 has a mounting platform 31 including a pair of legs 32 to accommodate forks when the apparatus 30 is mounted on a forklift vehicle (shown in phantom). Two sets of chains 33 secure the apparatus 30 to the forks of the forklift vehicle. The mounting platform 31 has a steel support bar 36 joining the two legs 32. A mounting base 34 is attached to the support bar 36 by a hinge 35 mounted on the underside of the mounting platform 31.

The mounting base 34 is fitted with two cam latch strikers 38 and the platform 31 is fitted with two spring loaded cam latches 37. The mounting base 34 is held in a horizontal position parallel to the platform 31 by the interaction of the cam latches 37 with the two strikers 38 on the mounting base 34.

The mounting base 34 has a socket 56 to accommodate a steel support arm (not shown) inside a support arm sleeve 50 in a perpendicular position relative to the mounting base 34. An additional collar (not shown) can be fitted around the socket 56 to provide extra strength where the wire roll mounting apparatus 30 is required to lift heavy rolls of wire mesh (greater than 100kg). Suitably the additional collar may be integral with the support arm sleeve 50. The transverse end stopper 53 may also be integral with the support arm sleeve 50. The mounting base 34 is fitted with a pair of detachable ratchet straps 43 each attached to an L-shaped arm 44. One end of each ratchet strap 43 is attached by a hook 45 to an eye 41 located on the mounting base 34. The opposite end of each of the two ratchet straps 43 has a hook 42 which is attached to an eye 46 at an end of an arm 44.

The wire mesh roll 51 (shown in phantom) is mounted on a steel support arm (not shown) inside a support arm sleeve 50. The wire mesh roll 51 is supported at the base by a transverse end stopper 53. The wire roll 51 is secured at the top end by a three prong barb stopper 47. The barb stopper 47 has a hollow central prong 49, and two hollow outer prongs 48. The sleeve 50 fits inside the central prong 49. The wire roll 51 is secured to the mounting base 34 by inserting the two arms 44 into the two outer hollow prongs 48 of the barb stopper 47. The ratchet straps are tightened until there is strain on the straps to enable them to spread the load of the wire roll whilst it is being raised from horizontal to a vertical position.

With reference to Figure 3 there is shown the mounting platform 31 and mounting base 34 of the second embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 30. The mounting base is shown secured in a horizontal orientation by engagement of two cam latches 37 with two corresponding cam latch strikers 38. The support arm 55 is located in a socket (not shown) in the mounting base 34, and locked in a vertical orientation. The socket is surrounded by a strengthening collar 54 which is secured to the mounting base 34 by a spring loaded flange 57. The strengthening collar 54 may be integral with a support arm sleeve and transverse end stop (not shown).

The mounting base 14 and mounting platform 11 of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 1 is similar to the mounting base 34 and platform 31 of the second embodiment.

With reference to Figure 4 there is shown a socket 56 surrounded by a strengthening collar 54 with a flange base 58. The collar 54 is integral with, and forms the base section of, a support arm sleeve 50. The support arm sleeve 50 and strengthening collar 54 are also connected to a transverse end stopper 53 which supports the lower end of wire fencing (not shown) loaded on the support arm sleeve 50. Suitably the sleeve 50, the collar 54 and the end stopper 53 are connected by welds. The support arm 55 is located inside the sleeve 50 and collar 54. The support arm 55 is suitably made of steel. The sleeve 50 is made of steel tubing, and is of slightly larger internal diameter than the diameter of the support arm 55 to allow the sleeve 50 to fit snugly around the support arm 55, but still allow it rotate around the arm 55. The sleeve 50 is of sufficiently small diameter to allow it to fit easily inside roils of wire fencing with small diameter central holes such as chicken wire netting and barbed wire spools.

The collar 54 is secured in position on the mounting base 34 by engagement of a spring loaded catch 57 with the flange 58. The socket passes through the mounting base 34 for additional strength. The support arm 55 is secured in the socket 56 by a fastening such as a threaded bolt (not shown). The support arm 55 can be readily detached from the fence mounting apparatus 30 for easy transportation by unscrewing the bolt to release the support arm 55 from the socket 56.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6 there is shown the hinge 15 of the fence mounting apparatus 10 as shown in Figure 1. The hinge 35 of fence mounting apparatus 30 is identical. The hinge 15 is a five-leaf hinge on a steel rod 63 with five interacting sleeves 61,62 located around the rod 63. Three sleeves 61 are attached to the support 16, and two sleeves 62 are attached to the mounting base 14. Complementary parts of adjacent sleeves 61 and 62 have 180 degree flanges 67 and 90 degree flanges 65. The hinge 15 is configured to allow the mounting base 14 to rotate by only up to 90 degrees thus enabling it to rotate from a horizontal orientation down through 90 degrees to a vertical orientation.

In an alternative embodiment a simple 90 degree hinge may be used which allows the mounting base to rotate from a horizontal down through 90 degrees to a vertical orientation.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown the mounting platform 11 and mounting base 14 of the second embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 10. The mounting base 14 is shown secured in a horizontal orientation by cooperation of two cam latches 17 with corresponding strikers 18. The support arm 19 is located in a socket 20 in the mounting base 14, and is locked in a vertical orientation. The support arm 19 is secured in the socket 20 by a threaded bolt (not shown) located on a lower section of the socket 22 on the opposite face of the mounting base 14. The support arm 19 can be readily detached from the fence mounting apparatus 10 for easy transportation by unscrewing the bolt to release the support arm 19 from the socket 20.

With reference to Figure 9 there is shown a support arm sleeve 50 of steel tubing of slightly larger internal diameter than, and longer than, the support arm (not shown) of the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 2. The support arm sleeve 50 is shown inserted through the central void of a roll of wire mesh fencing 51 (shown in phantom). The support arm sleeve 28 is fitted with a transverse stopper 53 to support the wire roll 51 when in an upright position. A three-pronged barb stopper 47 having a hollow central prong 49 is manually threaded over the sleeve 50 and secured in place at the appropriate location on the support arm sleeve 50 at the top of the wire roll 51 by a screw fastener 70. The barb stopper 47 has two hollow outer prongs 48 which can each engage with an L-shaped arm 44. The two arms 44 may each be attached to the mounting base of a fence mounting apparatus by ratchet straps (not shown).

With reference to Figures 10A and 10B there is shown a vehicle 80 fitted with a forklift 81. The forklift 81 is fitted with fence mounting apparatus 30. In Figure 10A the forklift 81 and mounting platform 30 are shown in a raised position, and the mounting base 34 of the fence mounting apparatus 30 has been released down to the vertical position, with the support arm 55 in a horizontal position. The mounting base 34 is held at this maximum rotation by the configuration of the adjacent flanges 65 and 67 of the sleeves 61 and 62 of the hinge 15 of Figure 5. The support arm sleeve 50 has been inserted through the central void of a roll of wire mesh 51 and is secured in position on the support arm sleeve 50 by the three pronged barb stopper 47 and the transverse stopper 53. With reference to Figure 10B the horizontal support arm 55 is inserted into the support arm sleeve 50 by driving the vehicle 80 towards the wire mesh roll 51. Insertion of the support arm 55 into the support arm sleeve 50 may be achieved with manual assistance if necessary. To load the wire mesh roll 51 onto the fence mounting apparatus the horizontal support arm 55 is driven home into the support arm sleeve 50 until the socket 20 meets the transverse stopper 53.

The process to mount the wire roll 51 onto the sleeve 50 is under manual control. This minimizes the risk of damage to wire at the centre of the roll, particularly where the central hole is of small diameter. After the sleeve has been inserted into the wire, there is no danger of wire catching when the vehicle is driven forward to slide the support arm 55 into the sleeve 50.

With reference to Figures 11A and 11B there is shown a vehicle 80 fitted with a forklift 81 and fence mounting apparatus 30. The fence mounting apparatus 30 is loaded with a wire mesh roll 51 on the support arm {not shown) and sleeve 50. Two ratchet straps 43 are each attached to the mounting base 34, and to the L-shaped arms 44 inserted inside the two hollow side prongs of the three pronged barb stopper 47. The ratchet straps are tightened. The vehicle 80 is reversed and the forklift 81 is lowered. The mounting base 34 is forced into a horizontal position due to friction with the ground causing upward movement, and the wire mesh roll 51 is raised to a vertical position on the support arm and support arm sleeve 50. The ratchet straps 43 assist in raising the wire roll 51 by spreading the load. With reference to Figure 11B the mounting base 34 can then be secured in the horizontal position by automatic engagement of the cam latches 37 with the corresponding strikers 38. The two ratchet straps 43 can be removed to allow the wire mesh to be dispensed from the roll.

With reference to Figure 12 the wire mesh fencing is shown being dispensed from the mounted roll 51 to form a fence 83. The relative diameters of the support arm 55 (not shown) and support arm sleeve 50 are such that the sleeve 50 forms a relatively close fit, but also ensures free rotational movement of the sleeve 50 around the support arm. This ensures free rotation of the wire mesh roll 51 since it is secured to the sleeve by the barb stopper 47.

With reference to Figure 13 there is shown a second embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 90 for use with barbed wire spools. The fence mounting apparatus 90 is shown with a support arm 91 inside a support arm sleeve 92. Three spools of barbed wire 93 are loaded on the support arm sleeve 92. The spools 93 are supported on a transverse end stop 94 at the lower end of the support arm sleeve 92 and secured by a three pronged barb stopper 95 held in place at the top end of the stack of three spools by a screw fastener 96. The spools 93 are separated by spacers 97. The support arm 91 is held in a socket 100 surrounded by a strengthening collar 98 attached to a hinged mounting base 99. The collar 98, sleeve 92 and transverse end stop 94 may be integrally formed or connected by welds. The upper end of the support arm 91 and sleeve 92 are secured to the mounting base 99 by ratchet straps 105 and arms 106 as described for the embodiment of Figure 2.

The sleeve 92 can be manually threaded through several spools 93 (with intervening spacers 97 if desired). The sleeve 92 can support a stack of up to five barbed wire spools 93. The support arm 91 can then be located within the sleeve 92 and driven home to mount the spools 93 on the support arm 91.

With reference to Figures 14 and 15 there is shown a wire spinner 110 wound with plain wire 114 in a coil 112. The spinner 110 has a hole 113 through the rotational axis of the spinner 113 to allow it to be threaded on the support arm of a fence mounting apparatus (not shown) in a similar manner to the barbed wire spools 93 of Figure 13. The support arm of a fence mounting apparatus can support a stack of up to four plain wire spinners.

With reference to Figures 16 to 17 there is shown a fourth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 120. The fence mounting apparatus 120 is suitable for fitting to a 4-in-1 bucket attachment 131 or a loader-type forklift (not shown) with a dump and tilt capability, such as those typically fitted to a front end of a tractor, Bobcat or similar vehicle 130. The fence mounting apparatus 120 has a rigid platform 121 which, in use, is secured to a base portion 133 of a 4-in-1 bucket by the clamping action of the opening bucket on a T-shaped tab 124 welded onto the underside of the platform 121. The platform 121 has a central mounting base 123 between the two legs 122. The mounting base 123 has a socket 126 to accommodate a steel support arm 125 in a perpendicular orientation to the mounting base 122. The support arm 125 is secured in the socket 126 by a threaded bolt (not shown) located on the lower section of the socket 127 on the opposite face of the mounting base 122 to the socket 126. The support arm 125 can be readily detached from the fence mounting apparatus 120 for easy transportation by unscrewing the bolt to release the support arm 125 from the socket 126. A roll of wire mesh fencing 129 is prepared for lifting as described above for Figure 9 by inserting a steel support arm sleeve 128 through the central void of the wire mesh roll 129 and securing with a transverse stopper 134 at the lower end of the roll 129 and a three pronged barb stopper 132 secured by a screw fastening (not shown) at the upper end of the roll. The bucket 131 is moved to a down position so that the base of the bucket 133 and the platform 121 are in a vertical orientation and the steel support arm 125 is moved to a horizontal orientation. The support arm 125 is inserted into the support arm sleeve by manipulation of the bucket 131 with manual assistance if necessary. After the horizontal support arm 125 is driven home into the sleeve 128, and the wire mesh roll 129 is loaded onto the fence mounting apparatus 120, the bucket 131 is raised to place the platform 121 in a horizontal position, and the support arm sleeve 128 and wire mesh roll 129 is mounted in a vertical position on the support arm 125. The wire mesh fencing can then be dispensed from the mounted roll 129.

Alternatively the rigid fence mounting apparatus 120 may be fitted to a loader-type forklift mounted at the front of a tractor or other suitable vehicle (not shown). The apparatus 120 can be used in a similar way to the rigid fence mounting apparatus 120 mounted on a 4-in-1 bucket attachment. Manipulation of the loader-type forklift can also be used to unload rolls of wire mesh from a truck.

With reference to Figure 18 there is shown a tractor 135 fitted with a forklift attachment 136. The forklift attachment is fitted with a fifth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 140 which is fitted with an outrigger straining/rolling out mechanism 150 for erecting a wire mesh fence 139.

With reference to Figures 19 to 21 there is shown a fifth embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 140 wherein the fence mounting apparatus is fitted with a detachable outrigger fence straining accessory 150. The fence mounting apparatus is similar to that of embodiment one as shown in Figure 1, although the fence straining accessory 150 may also be fitted to the fence mounting apparatus of Figure 7. The fence mounting apparatus 140 has a platform 141 with a pair of hollow legs 142 to accommodate forks when the apparatus 140 is mounted on a forklift vehicle. The platform 141 has a steel support bar 149 connecting the two legs 142. A mounting base 144 is pivotally attached to the support bar 149 by a hinge (not shown). The mounting base 144 has a socket 146 to accommodate a steel support arm perpendicular to the mounting base 144. A roll of wire mesh 145 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

The mounting base 144 is fitted with two bolt holes 148. The platform 141 is fitted with two cam latches 147. The mounting base 144 is held in a horizontal position parallel to the platform 141 by the interaction of the cam latches 147 with the two strikers 148 on the mounting base 144.

The fence mounting apparatus 140 is fitted with a detachable out-rigger straining accessory 150 including aframe152 and tensioning means 151. The frame 152 is mounted to the side of the mounting platform 141, and is attached to a leg 142 of the mounting platform 152 by two screw fasteners 154. The frame 152 is also secured by a brace 153. The straining accessory 150 allows the user to dispense the wire 155 in a forwards or backwards motion whilst the tensioning means clamps and strains the wire.

The straining accessory 150 may be moved to the opposite side of the mounting platform 140 by detaching from one leg 142 and attaching to the second leg 142 as indicated in Figure 19.

The tensioning means 151 as shown in Figure 20 has three parallel rollers 162, 163, and 164 made of solid steel, or rubber coated steel. The tensioning means 151 is clamped using a vice grip 160. The tension can be adjusted by turning tension adjuster 166 on the vice grip 161. The rollers 162 and 163 are cogged (165 and 166), and are lockable with spring catches 165, 166. Roller 164 is able to rotate freely. The wire mesh 155 can be strained by locking the cogged rollers 162 and 163 and clamping the third roller 164 (which remains free turning) down on to the wire, thus rendering all three rollers and wire immovable.

With reference to Figure 22 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 200. The fence mounting apparatus 200 is similar to the fence mounting apparatus 10 as described in Figure 1. It has a mounting platform 211 with chains 213 and hollow legs 212. The fence mounting apparatus 200 is fitted with two cam latch strikers 218 and two spring loaded cam latches 217. The fence mounting apparatus 200 has a mounting base 214 attached to a support bar 216 by a hinge 215 located on the top face of the mounting platform 211. There is a downwardly pointing lip 222 at the outer end of the mounting base 214. Preferably this lip 222 protrudes approximately 15mm from the lower face of the mounting base 214. It assists the mounting base 214 to make contact with the ground and prevents the mounting base from skidding when a heavy load is attached- The mounting base 214 has a socket (not shown) and a support collar 225 with a flange 223. The collar 225 accommodates the support arm 219. The collar 225 and flange 223 are secured in place by cooperation of a spring loaded cam latch 224 with the flange 223.

With reference to Figures 23 and 24 there is shown the mounting platform 211 and mounting base 214 of the preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 200. The mounting base 214 attached to a support bar 216 by a hinge 215 located on the top face of the mounting platform 211. There is a downwardly pointing lip 222 at the outer end of the mounting base 214. The mounting base 214 is shown secured in a horizontal orientation by cooperation of two cam latches 217 with corresponding strikers 218. The support arm 219 is located in a socket 220 in the mounting base 214 surrounded by a strengthening collar 225 and flange 223.

With reference to Figures 25 and 26 there is shown the hinge 215 of a preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus as shown in Figures 22 to 24. The hinge 215 is a five-leaf steel hinge attached to the mounting base 214 and the support bar 216 of the fence mounting apparatus. It is configured to allow the mounting base 214 to rotate downward by only up to 90 degrees thus enabling the mounting base 214 to rotate from a horizontal orientation down through 90 degrees to a vertical orientation.

With reference to Figure 27 there is shown a further embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 230. The fence mounting apparatus 230 is similar to the apparatus 200 of Figure 22, but is mounted with a wire mesh roll 251 (in phantom) secured in place by a pair of ratchet straps 243. The fence mounting apparatus 230 is operated in a similar way to that described in the embodiment of Figure 2.

The mounting apparatus 230 has a mounting platform 231 including a pair of legs 232 and chains 233 to secure it to a forklift vehicle (shown in phantom). A mounting base 234 is attached to a mounting platform 231 by a hinge 235. The mounting base 234 is secured in a horizontal position by the interaction of two cam latch strikers 238 with two spring loaded cam latches 237. The mounting base 234 has a support collar 256 to accommodate a steel support arm 239 (in phantom) inside a support arm sleeve 250. The wire roll 251 is mounted on the support arm sleeve 250 and is supported on a transverse end stopper 253. The wire roll 251 is secured at its top end by a three prong barb stopper 248 which is mounted on the support arm sleeve 250 and secured in place by a screw fastener 261. A ratchet strap holder 249 is mounted on the support arm sleeve 250 above the barb stopper 248. The ratchet strap holder 249 has two arms 244 attached to a tubular member 247 which threads over the support arm sleeve 250. Each arm has an eye 246 to accommodate the hook 242 of a ratchet strap 243.

One end of each ratchet strap 243 is attached by a hook 245 to an eye 241 located on the hinge 245 of the mounting base 234. The opposite end of each of the two ratchet straps 243 has a hook 242 which is attached to an eye 246 at an end of an arm 244 of the ratchet strap holder 249. The ratchet straps 243 are tightened until there is strain on the straps to enable them to spread the load of the wire roll whilst it is being raised from horizontal to a vertical position.

Figure 28 shows a further embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 270 including a mounting platform 271, two legs 272 and a mounting base 274. The mounting base 274 is attached to the support bar 276 by a hinge 275 and is secured in a horizontal position by the cooperation of two cam latch strikers 278 with two spring loaded cam latches 277. The mounting base 274 is fitted with a sleeve 280 and flange 283 for accommodating a support arm 279. The mounting base 274 also has a downwardly pointing lip 282 at the outer end.

The top face of the mounting platform 271 is fitted with four horizontal locking members 285. These locking members 285 are arranged in pairs to accommodate two legs of a detachable outrigger fence straining accessory (not shown). Each locking member 285 is fitted with a threaded screw 286 to secure the horizontal outrigger legs in position.

With reference to Figure 29 there is shown the attachment of the support arm 225 to the mounting base 234. Figure 29 shows a socket 262 with a strengthening collar 256 supporting a supporting arm 255 in a mounting base 234. A support arm sleeve 250 is mounted on the supporting arm 255. The collar 256 is integral with, and forms the base section of, the support arm sleeve 250. The collar 256 has a flange base 258. The support arm sleeve 250 and strengthening collar 256 are also connected to a transverse end stopper 253 which supports the lower end of a roll of wire fencing (not shown) when loaded on the support arm sleeve 250. The upper surface of the transverse end stopper 253 has a rubber coating 259. This assists in preventing wire rolls from slipping on the transverse end stopper 253 and encourages their rotation with the support arm sleeve 250.

With reference to Figure 30 there is shown support arm sleeve 250 inserted through the central void of a roll of wire mesh fencing 251 (shown in phantom). There is a transverse stopper 253 to support the wire roll 251 when in an upright position. The transverse stopper 253 is mounted on the support arm sleeve 250 and has a support collar 256 and flange 258 to cooperate with attachment means such as a spring loaded cam latch (not shown) to secure the support arm sleeve 250 to the mounting base (not shown). The transverse stopper 253, support arm sleeve 250, support collar 256 and flange 258 may be integrally formed. A three pronged barb stopper 248 is mounted on the support sleeve 250 to hold the wire mesh fencing in place. The three pronged barb stopper 248 has a hollow central prong which is threaded over the support arm sleeve 250 and secured in place at the appropriate height on the support arm sleeve 250 at the top of the wire roll 251 by a screw fastener 261. A ratchet strap holder 249 is positioned on the support arm sleeve 250 above the three pronged barb stopper 248. The ratchet strap holder 249 has two arms 244 each with an eye 246 at an outer end. The two arms 244 are attached to a tube 247 which is adapted to be threaded over the support arm sleeve 250. The ratchet strap holder 249 may be attached to the mounting base of a fence mounting apparatus by ratchet straps {not shown) to secure the wire roll load in position.

With reference to Figure 31 there is shown a three pronged barb stopper 248 fitted with a ratchet strap holder 249. The three prong barb stopper 248 is held in place on the support arm sleeve 250 by a screw thread fastener 261. The arms 244 of the ratchet strap holder 249 each have an eye 246 which cooperates with a hook 242 on a ratchet strap 243.

The ratchet straps are generally only required for wire rolls weighing in excess of 100kg. With this embodiment the ratchet straps can remain in place to help stabilize the wire roll when operating in rough terrain. The arms 244 and ratchet straps 243 act as a brake, giving the wire roll some resistance to rolling out too quickly.

With reference to Figures 32 to 36 there is shown a vehicle 320 fitted with a forklift 321. The forklift 321 is fitted with fence mounting apparatus 330. The fence mounting process is similar to that described in respect of Figures 10A to 12. In Figures 32 and 33 the mounting platform 330 is shown in a raised position with the mounting base 334 in a vertical position and the support arm 339 and wire roll 251 in a horizontal position. The wire roll 251 is fitted with a support arm sleeve 250, a three prong barb stopper 248 and a ratchet strap holder 249.

With reference to Figures 34 and 35 the ratchet straps 243 are tightened. The vehicle 320 is reversed and the forklift 320 is lowered. The mounting base 334 is forced into a horizontal position and the wire mesh roll 251 is raised to a vertical position. The mounting base 334 is secured in the horizontal position by engagement of the cam latches 337 with the corresponding cam latch strikers 338. The two ratchet straps 443 may be removed once the wire mesh roll 251 has been raised to a vertical position. Alternatively the ratchet straps 443 may be left in place to act as a brake and providing resistance to prevent the wire mesh roll from rolling out too quickly.

With reference to Figure 36 the wire mesh fencing is shown being dispensed manually from the mounted roll 251 to form a fence.

With reference to Figure 37 there is shown a further embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 290 for use with barbed wire spools 309. This embodiment may also be used with plain wire spinners such as those shown in Figures 14 and 15. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment represented in Figure 13. The fence mounting apparatus 290 is has a support arm 299 and a support arm sleeve {not shown) accommodating three spools of barbed wire 309. The spools 309 are separated by spacers 310 and are supported on a transverse end stopper 311. A stack of up to five barbed wire spools (or four plain wire spinners) may be accommodated on the support arm sleeve. The spools 309 are secured at the top of the uppermost spool by a three pronged barb 307 held in place on the support arm 299 and support arm sleeve by a threaded screw fastener 308. The upper end of the support arm 299 is secured to the mounting apparatus 290 by ratchet straps 305 attached by hooks 302, 312 and eyes 301, 303 between the fence mounting apparatus 290 and a ratchet strap holder 306 mounted on the support arm sleeve above a three pronged barb stopper 307.

With reference to Figures 38 to 42 there is shown a further embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus 350 wherein the fence mounting apparatus is fitted with a detachable outrigger fence straining accessory 360. The fence mounting apparatus 350 is similar to that of the embodiment depicted in Figure 28, but a fence straining accessory 360 has been attached. The fence mounting apparatus 350 has a platform 351 with a pair of hollow legs 352. A roll of wire fencing 355 (in phantom) is mounted on the support arm 358 on the mounting base 354 and is secured by a three prong barb stopper as described in Figures 27, 30 and 31. The outrigger straining accessory 360 includes a vertical frame 365 and tensioning means 364. The vertical frame 365 has two horizontal legs 361. The vertical frame 365 is shown mounted to one side of the mounting platform 351 and is attached to the mounting platform 351 by passing each of the two horizontal legs 361 through a pair of locking members 356 on the legs 352 of the mounting platform 351. The vertical frame 365 may be height-adjustable to accommodate various heights of wire roll 355. Height adjustment of the vertical frame 365 is achieved using telescopic sections of tubing. Preferably the tubing is rectangular hollow section tubing. Preferably the larger section telescopic tubing is located above the smaller section in order to shed rain. The vertical frame height 365 is typically adjustable to two heights to accommodate wire rolls of less than 1300mm in height and wire rolls of 1300mm to 1920mm in height. The horizontal legs 361 and the locking members 356 have complimentary square cross sectional profiles such that a horizontal leg 361 may be easily located in two locking members 356. The shape and fit is such that, once in position, a horizontal leg 352 cannot rotate in a locking member 356. The straining accessory 360 is secured in place by tightening the threaded screws 357. The vertical frame 365 is stabilized by a pair of diagonally mounted telescopic braces 363 attaching the threaded screw fasteners 357 on the locking member 356 of the mounting platform 351 to an upper part of the vertical frame 365. The straining accessory 360 allows the user to dispense the wire 359 in a forwards or backwards motion whilst the tensioning means clamps and strains the wire.

The straining accessory 360 may be moved to the opposite side of the mounting platform 351 in accordance with requirements.

The tensioning means 364 has three parallel vertical rollers 366, 367 and 368 made of steel pipe. The vertical rollers are each typically approximately 2 inches in diameter. The vertical rollers 366, 367 and 368 are readily replaceable. Roller heights are selected in accordance with the height of the vertical frame 365 and the height of the wire roll 355 being accommodated in the straining accessory 360. Preferably the steel pipe of each vertical roller has a rubber or plastic coating. A rubber coating is preferably in the form of easily replaceable tough rubber hose that fits over each roller. In situations where the rubber may be damaged, such as where barbed or razor wire is being dispensed, hard plastic pipe (such as polyethylene pipe) may be fitted over the vertical rollers instead of rubber hose. The vertical rollers have a fixed male axle 374 at the bottom and an aperture 375 at the top to accommodate a pin 376 to allow the vertical rollers to be easily removed from the vertical frame 365 if required. Temporary removal of the centre roller 367 assists the operator in manually feeding the start of the wire from the wire roll through the tensioning means 264.

With reference to Figures 40 and 41 there is shown the tensioning means 364 and the clamping system 371. The clamping system 371 moves the central roller 367 by means of a screwing action using a threaded wing nut 373. The central roller 367 can be used to restrict the passage of the wire as it is dispensed by creating resistance. When the central roller 367 has been adjusted to the required position to effect the desired resistance on the wire, the central roller 367 is then held in position by engaging a locking pin 372. When the wire has been dispensed and it is necessary to clamp and strain the wire, the pin 372 is released and the threaded wing nut 373 is tightened to clamp the roller down hard on the wire.

In an alternative form the clamping system may be operated using hydraulic rams.

With reference to Figure 42 the tensioning means 364 is shown with a secondary clamp in the form of an f-clamp 369. The centre roller 367 of the tensioning means 364 may be clamped using the f-clamp 369. The tension in the tensioning means 364 can be adjusted by turning tension adjuster 370 on the f-clamp 369. The secondary clamp 369 locks the rollers 366, 367 and 368 and prevents rotation. Use of the secondary f-clamp 369 also reduces the likelihood of the rollers flexing and thus maintains sufficient clamping pressure evenly across the wire.

The detachable outrigger fence straining accessory 360 may be used with the fence mounting apparatus 290 of Figure 37 to dispense barbed (or plain) wire. The fence straining accessory 360 may be used to pull wire simultaneously from each of the stacked spools or spinners accommodated on a stationary fence mounting apparatus 290. The fence mounting apparatus 290 may be secured on a stationary vehicle. Alternatively the fence mounting apparatus 290 may be secured to the ground with, for example, pegs Alternatively the ends of each wire may be connected to a post and the wires dispensed using a fence mounting apparatus 290 and fence straining accessory 360 mounted on a vehicle.

The embodiments of the present invention can be adapted to fit a standard tractor 3-point linkage hitch.

The embodiments of the present invention as described above may be used for dispensing, and optionally tensioning, wire roll fencing materials such as wire mesh, hinge wire, barbed wire and plain wire. The invention may also be used for dispensing electrical cable, or for dispensing wire rope or conventional textile rope from wooden spools. The invention may also be used to dispense temporary screening materials such as shade cloth or hessian. Bird netting, such as fruit zone netting, may also be dispensed in vineyards and other fruit growing situations using embodiments of the present invention.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus is that a roll of prefabricated wire can be raised to a vertical position and dispensed without any manual handling of the heavy rolls of wire.

The preferred embodiment of the fence mounting apparatus is of a simple design. There is no need for hydraulics. It is relatively cheap to manufacture, and can be repaired easily if damaged or mistreated.

The preferred embodiments of the fence mounting apparatus have the advantage that they can handle a variety of different types of wire fencing materials such as rolls of hinge wire fencing or wire netting and spinners of plain wire or spools of barbed wire which have a small centre hole which other fence mounting apparatus cannot accommodate.

The preferred embodiments of the fence mounting apparatus can also be used to dispense bird netting and screening materials such as shade cloth or hessian. The invention may also be used to dispense electrical cable, wire rope or textile rope.

The process to mount the wire on the sleeve is under manual control. This minimizes the risk of damage to the fencing wire at the centre of the roll, particularly in situations where the central hole is of small diameter such as that found in commercial wire mesh or barbed wire spools. After the sleeve has been inserted into the wire, there is no danger of wire catching when the vehicle is driven forward to slide the support arm into the sleeve.

The preferred embodiments of the fence mounting apparatus can be fitted to most small farm vehicles with front end loader or forklift assemblies.

The apparatus is relatively light, but can still handle large, heavy rolls of wire.

The apparatus is easy to transport as it is light and takes up little space since disconnection of the support arm leaves a substantially flat platform.

The apparatus is easily modified to dispense and strain wire.

VARIATIONS

It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position, wherein the mounting base is movable through 90 degrees, between a horizontal position in-line with the legs, down to a vertical position.

2. A wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position; wherein, in use the mounting base moves substantially perpendicular to the legs when the arm is inserted into the axial opening of the wire roll, wherein the mounting base is movable through 90 degrees, between a horizontal position in-line with the legs, down to a vertical position.

3. A wire roll lifting apparatus including a mounting platform having two spaced apart legs with a mounting base pivotally attached between the two legs; said legs are attachable to a vehicle; a support arm mounted or mountable to the mounting base and moveable between a first position where the mounting base has a planar axis substantially in line with the planar axis of the legs and a second position wherein the mounting base is substantially perpendicular to the legs; and a lock means to lock the mounting base to one or both of the legs when the mounting base is in the first position; wherein in use the mounting base is locked with one or both of the legs when it is in the first position and prior to inserting the arm within the axial opening of the wire roll, wherein the mounting base is movable through 90 degrees, between a horizontal position in-line with the legs, down to a vertical position.

4. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the legs are arranged to accommodate forks of a forklift attachment.

5. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the mounting base is pivotally attached to a support bar between the two legs.

6. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the mounting base is attached to the support bar by a hinge and the hinge moves the mounting base through 90 degrees between the horizontal position in-line with the legs, down to the vertical position.

7. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the mounting base is lockable in a horizontal orientation by one or more fastenings.

8. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the one or more fastenings are cam latches.

9. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the support arm is adapted to accommodate one roll of wire mesh fencing.

10. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the support arm is adapted to accommodate one or more spinners of fencing wire or one or more spools of barbed wire.

11. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the support arm includes an inner shaft and an outer sleeve.

12. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the sleeve is fitted with a transverse end stop at a lower end of the sleeve.

13. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein there is a stop at an upper end of the sleeve to secure the wire in position.

14. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein there are additional securing means for use when large rolls of wire mesh are being handled.

15. A wire roll lifting apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the additional securing means include arms and ratchet straps.

16. A wire roll mounting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 including a straining attachment.

17. A wire roll mounting apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the straining attachment is detachable and can be mounted on either side of a mounting platform.

18. A wire roll mounting apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the straining attachment includes three parallel vertical rollers arranged to dispense the wire, and lock and clamp to strain the wire.

19. A wire roll attachment according to claim 18 wherein the rollers are arranged so that they provide resistance during dispensing of the fence wire and clamp the fence wire for straining.

20. A wire roll lifting apparatus as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.