AU2021204101B2 - Fencing wire unrolling method and rig - Google Patents

Abstract

For the erection of fences, especially rural wire fences and in particular knotted wire fences comprising hinge joint wire, rig apparatus for use in unrolling rolled wire from a roll mounted on a utility vehicle is provided, as well as a method of using the apparatus in erecting a wire fence. The rig is mountable on a lateral side of the vehicle and the vehicle is advanced along a line of terrain to be fenced while the wire is unrolled for stapling to posts and for tensioning. SHEET 1 / 5 28 10 74 90 26 85 87 89 24 30 52 50 3 38 46 - o 1848 1220 22 H D" 56 58 42 40 60 FIGURE 1

Description

For the erection of fences, especially rural wire fences and in particular knotted wire fences comprising hinge joint wire, rig apparatus for use in unrolling rolled wire from a roll mounted on a utility vehicle is provided, as well as a method of using the apparatus in erecting a wire fence. The rig is mountable on a lateral side of the vehicle and the vehicle is advanced along a line of terrain to be fenced while the wire is unrolled for stapling to posts and for tensioning.

SHEET 1 / 5

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90

26 85

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50 3 38 46 - o

1848

1220 22

H D"

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40 60

FIGURE 1

Fencing wire unrolling method and rig

Field

[01] This disclosure relates to the erection of fences, especially rural wire fences and in particular fences comprising hinge joint wire. It provides for apparatus for use in unrolling wire from the roll in which it is delivered for erection and a method of using the apparatus in erecting a wire fence.

Background

[02] Graziers and farmers in general require wire fencing for demarcating boundaries and separating zones such as pastures and fields from each other and from roadways and utility areas. The fences comprise corner posts and intermediate supports such as pickets, including metal star pickets. Fencing wire is stretched from post to post via the intermediate supports. The wire is generally a knotted fence wire manufactured by known methods and stored in rolls prior to deployment. Knotted fence wire comprises a mesh which is generally of rectangular or square configuration and formed from a series of parallel line wires, intended to extend parallel with the terrain surface when the mesh is fixed in position between adjacent posts, and lengths of stay wire. The latter wire lengths extend laterally across line wires and vertically to generally flat terrain when the fence is erected.

[03] It has been a challenge to erect wire fencing because the knotted fencing wire is delivered in tightly wound rolls, for obvious space-saving reasons to facilitate storage and transportation. The rolls are large and heavy, making them difficult to manhandle. Such rolls have a central bore that is free of wire. This provides an opportunity for the roll to be axially penetrated by a pole, which facilitates handling. Because of the stiffness of the line wires, the wire rolls are difficult to unroll manually and be stretched without mechanical assistance.

[04] An example of the use of the central bore in a roll of knotted wire is demonstrated in patent number US 6360984, which discloses apparatus unwinding or unrolling such a roll in a fence erecting process. The apparatus is specifically for mounting on the rear of a tractor. The tractor advances along or closely adjacent to the line of the proposed fence. The apparatus provides a spindle in the form of a pole erected on a platform that is mounted to the tractor chassis frame. The fencing roll is placed around the spindle. The loose end of the fencing on the roll is released and attached to the corner post. The tractor then advances along the fence line while the roll is allowed to rotate, releasing the fence gradually.

[05] A difficulty with the apparatus disclosed in the above patent is that the combined weight of the roll and the platform are brought to bear on the rear portion of the tractor. It does not lend itself to mounting on a less rugged vehicle, such as a utility vehicle ("ute") or small pickup truck. Such vehicles are widely used by farmers, including hobby farmers and fencing contractors, many of whom have neither the means to acquire a tractor or have regular need for using one. Furthermore, there is added expense involved in mobilizing a tractor from one work site to another. Moreover, such users make use of their "ute" on a daily basis to the extent it is practically a part of their daily working apparel.

[06] US 10,553,341 discloses wire installing apparatus that is in the patent above is mountable on a specialised vehicle such as a skid-steer or similar front end loader or tractor. In this instance, the apparatus is mounted at the front of such vehicle. The apparatus includes a plurality of spindles on which rolls of wire are placed. Separate wire strands are drawn from the spindle-mounted rolls and passed through a threader and then via a clamping device before progressing via a roller to be attached to a fence post in conventional manner. The apparatus threads the single wire stands into the required fence mesh configuration and is not designed for unrolling rolls of pre-knotted wire mesh.

[07] The need therefore exists for wire unrolling apparatus that is suitable for mounting on a utility vehicle.

[08] There is a need for wire unrolling apparatus that is adapted for mounting between the front and rear axles of the vehicle bearing it, while being at a level relatively close to the ground and maintaining a fencing wire roll in an upright orientation so that the fencing wire mesh unrolls vertically, in parallel with, and along the line of the proposed fence.

[09] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[010] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in the inclusive sense of "including, but not being limited to" - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense meaning "including this and nothing else".

Summary of Invention

[011] For addressing the above needs, at least in part, the present disclosure provides fencing wire unrolling apparatus comprising:

a. A rig configured for supporting a roll of unwound fencing wire in an axially vertical orientation with respect to terrain over which a fence is to be erected; and

b. Mounting means attached to the rig and configured for operatively mounting the rig to a side of a vehicle for unrolling of the wire roll as the vehicle traverses the terrain.

[012] The mounting means in an embodiment includes a lower portion configured to engage with a tie rail along the vehicle side. The mounting means may further comprise an upper portion that is connectable to an anchor point on the vehicle.

[013] In an embodiment, the rig includes a frame having a substantially vertical portion, to which the mounting means is attached, and a substantially horizontal portion having a support structure on which the roll is locatable.

[014] The support structure is preferably configured for allowing rotation of the roll when located thereon.

[015] The structure preferably supports a locator comprising a spindle around which the roll is locatable, the spindle having an end connected to extend from the structure in generally upright orientation relative to a plane of the wheelbase of the vehicle to which the rig is mounted.

[016] The spindle includes a free end for being received into an axial bore of the roll of fencing wire.

[017] Further, in an embodiment, the structure includes a roll-supporting feature proximate the supported end of the spindle. The feature is configured to support the roll at a selected level relative to the ground traversed by the vehicle.

[018] The feature may comprise a turntable rotatably attached to the spindle proximate the supported end. Rotation of the turntable facilitates unrolling of the meshed wire from the roll.

[019] In an embodiment, the roll-supporting feature comprises a horizontally disposed plate on which the roll may rest.

[020] In an embodiment, the rig includes adjustment means for adjusting the level at which the support structure supports the roll above the terrain.

[021] The adjustment means may be part of the mounting means and may be operable for holding the rig with the support structure at a selectable height above the terrain.

[022] Preferably, the frame includes a spacer for causing the unrolling wire to be spaced from the vehicle.

[023] In an embodiment, the rig includes lifting apparatus for lifting the roll into position for unrolling. In particular, the lifting apparatus is configured for lifting the roll on to the support plate so that the spindle is received into the bore of the roll.

[024] The lifting apparatus may comprise a winch or a crane. These may be electrically powered from the battery of the vehicle.

[025] In a further embodiment, the rig includes first and second frame units, each configured for supporting at least one wire roll. The units may be detachably engaged.

[026] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of erecting a wire fence, the method comprising the steps of

a. providing a roll of meshed wire and a rig configured for supporting the roll or unwound fencing wire in an axially vertical orientation with respect to terrain over which a fence is to be erected; and

b. Mounting the rig to a side of a utility vehicle using mounting means attached to the rig and configured for operatively mounting the rig for unrolling of the wire roll as the vehicle traverses the terrain;

c. Securing a free end of the wire from the roll to a first post of the fence to be erected, and

d. Causing the vehicle to traverse the terrain along or parallel to the line of the fence to be erected, allowing the motion of the vehicle to cause unrolling of the wire fence from the roll.

[027] According to a third aspect, there is disclosed a method of unrolling fencing wire from a roll for fence construction, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a utility vehicle;

b. mounting on a side of the vehicle a wire unrolling rig configured for supporting a roll of unwound fencing wire in an axially vertical orientation with respect to terrain over which a fence is to be erected

c. locating on the rig, in operative supported orientation for unrolling, a roll of wire to be unrolled;

d. securing a loose end of the wire from the roll to an anchor point associated with a fence to be erected; and e. causing the vehicle to move away from the anchor point, traversing terrain over which the fence is to be erected using wire from the roll, while allowing the wire to unroll parallel and proximate to the intended line of the fence.

[028] According to the method, the rig in an embodiment, includes a wire mesh roll-supporting structure, adapted to rotatably support a roll of fencing wire in operative orientation for unrolling, wherein the bore is disposed to be generally orthogonal relative to terrain to be fenced.

[029] In an embodiment, the supporting structure comprises a laterally extending platform adapted for supporting the roll at an adjustable height above the terrain. The method includes adjusting the height to a desired level according to the terrain over which the fence is to be erected.

Brief Description of Drawings

[030] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view, partly exploded, of the apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of this disclosure.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the roll support assembly of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating use of the apparatus when mounted on a vehicle in unrolling hinge-type wire fencing along a planned fence line.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a modular rig having connected frame modules for bearing a plurality of wire rolls for unrolling.

Detailed Description of an Embodiment

[031] The rig in the embodiments disclosed herein is adapted to be mounted on the side of a load-carrying vehicle, such as a utility vehicle or pickup truck having an open topped tray or similar load carrying space. It may also be mounted on a trailer.

The term "vehicle", where used herein, should be construed to include a trailer towed by such utility vehicle. In this specification, reference to a side of a vehicle is to a lateral side and not to an end, such as the front end or rear end. The rig is mounted using mountings that are adapted according to the configuration of the load carrying space of the vehicle. The rig will be described specifically in relation to a tray-fitted utility of the kind commonly used in Australia, in which the tray is a stand-alone assembly fitted to the chassis of the vehicle, compared with aload-carrying space that is integrally formed in the body mouldings of the vehicle. However, it will be appreciated that the rig may be adapted for application to alternative vehicle types. In the case of the moulded body, the adaptations include spacers and cushioning inserts to protect the paintwork and keep the support structure for the wire roll from striking the body during use, especially when the vehicle is moving. A non-limiting example of an adaptation is a vertical spacer bar, past which the wire is unrolled, as will be discussed below.

[032] With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, in the case of the rig for a separately mounted tray, the rig is denoted by the number 10 and is shown in Figure 1 without a roll of wire in fitted position. Figures 2 and 3 include an illustration of a roll, numbered 100. Figure 2 is a partly exploded view of the apparatus, and Figure 3 shows it mounted to a load-receiving tray of a utility vehicle or a trailer for towing by a vehicle.

[033] The apparatus includes a support structure 12 of frame-like configuration that is mountable to the load-receiving tray 80 (in Figure 3) of a vehicle and a horizontal tie-bar 82 extending laterally for the length of the tray. The structure illustrated is of welded steel construction, comprising cross members 14 and uprights 16. The uprights are spaced from each other, as are the cross members, leaving gaps between pairs that have similar orientation, such as upright pairs and vertical pairs. The uprights and cross members are conveniently 40mm hollow steel bars of 4mm thick steel, but this is not to be considered a limitation of the scope, as other sizes, configurations and materials of these structural elements may be utilized as equivalent alternatives. The bars may be round cylinders or have square or rectangular axial cross-sectional profiles. In further non-limiting examples, the bars may be U-bars H bars, C-bars and the like. In general, the frame elements will be of a suitable metal alloy, but engineered plastics and composite materials of equivalent structural integrity may be used, especially if of lower density than the metal equivalents.

[034] The structure has an inverted generally L-shaped mounting bracket 18 for use in mounting it on the side of a vehicle tray 80. Figure 3 illustrates a location of the structure from the opposite lateral side to which it is mounted. The bracket is configured so that it fits over an external tie rail 82 of the tray usually located a small distance lower than the floor of the tray. The bracket is height adjustable, being attached to vertically slideable sleeve 22, equipped with clamping screw 20. An upper displacement limiter in the form of cross bar portions 14a, 14b prevents excessive travel of the sleeve up the uprights 16. Sleeve 22 is the central part of a subassembly comprising outer sliding sleeve members 27a and 27b, connected by respective flat bars 29 to sleeve 22. Members 27a and 27b slide up or down outer uprights 16 in unison with sleeve 22, and are adjustably secured in position when sleeve 22 is secured by clamping screw 20. Sleeve members 27a and 27b provide added stability to the frame structure when the rig is mounted on the vehicle tray, as it helps maintain the spacing between the vertical elements 16 and 16'.

[035] An upper bracket 24 is provided to extend from frame 12 so provide an anchor point for the hook 26 of a crane assembly 28 mounted for lifting the roll of wire. An attachment eye 30, attached to frame 12, allows an anchoring ratchet strap 32 (preferably of 2.5T load capacity) to be secured from it to an anchor point 86 of the vehicle, such as a roll bar or, as illustrated in this case, a folding flat eye in the floor of the tray. A second ratchet strap 34, secured to a second attachment eye 36, is secured to the near side tie rail 82 of the vehicle

[036] For supporting a roll of rolled up fencing wire mesh 100, such as knotted wire fencing mesh, the structure has an outwardly extending base section 40, defining a platform 42 on which the wire roll may be brought to rest using a locating sub assembly 38. The sub-assembly comprises a horizontally disposable plate 48 of rounded disc-like proportions to which is attached a spindle 50, which stands upright relative to the plate and generally upright in relation to the plane defined by the wheelbase of the vehicle or its load bed. The spindle, made of round cylindrical steel tubing, provides a locator for seating into the axial bore 102 of the wire roll 100. Once seated, the roll rests on plate 48 and is supported thereby, while the spindle helps retains it on the plate against lateral displacement, when the rig is in motion, mounted on a moving vehicle. As will be described below, the rounded profile of the spindle assists in allowing rotation of the roll relative to the spindle when the roll is being unwound. Conveniently, plate 48 has a diameter of about 575mm, but may be smaller or larger to suit different lengths of wire making up a roll.

[037] The spindle, at its upper end, is equipped with apertures 52, for receiving the crane hook 26 for use in lifting sub-assembly 38, when loaded with a wire roll, as will be described below. A guide sleeve 87 is provided for the hook 26 and crane cable. The sleeve is supported by arms 88 extending from, and pivotally connected to, frame 12 at the upper end thereof by a stirrup and bolt connection 89. The arms are in a stirrup-like configuration for pivotal attachment to guide 87 by means of threaded bolts and nuts 85. Arms 88 and guide 87, being optional features, are omitted from Figure 2 for facilitating understanding of the essential elements of the disclosure.

[038] Spindle 50 penetrates plate 48 so that its hollow lower end 44 is exposed, enabling sub-assembly 38 to be located on upwardly-directed locating pin 56, erectly mounted on platform base 40 through rotatable washer 58. The sub assembly 38, when so located over pin 56 is able to rotate horizontally, relative to vertical structure 12. As the roll rotates on plate 48, the hinged wire is paid out in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle. A rub bar 46 is provided, spaced from frame 12 on mounting brackets, to ensure the wire does not rub against the side of the tray and vehicle, or become snagged.

[039] It will be observed that in the non-limiting embodiment being described, extending base 40 is formed as a horizontally extending frame of three parallel steel bars 60, joined by an outer cross-member 62 and an inner cross member 64, connected to uprights 16. Bracing element, a 50mm steel bar, stabilises the extending platform surfaces 42 of frame 12 by virtue of being welded to horizontally extending bars 60. The capacity to adjust the positioning of sleeves 22 and 27a,b on uprights 16 enables the rig to be positioned as close to the ground as is practical, depending on the roughness of the terrain, so that when the wire is unrolled from roll 100, it unrolls substantially vertically parallel to the ground being traversed, avoiding excessive twisting of the wire mesh.

[040] The top-most crossbar 66 of vertical frame 12 has a slot 68 in its upper exposed surface. Into slot 68, a crane support column 54 of round cylindrical steel construction is inserted to extend to the base end of the central vertical frame upright 16'. Column 54 is of sufficient length for an upper portion to be exposed above collar 70. This is for accommodating crane assembly 28 in this embodiment. Other lifting devices may be used in other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The directions of raising and lowering of the crane assembly on to support column 54 is indicated by arrow E.

[041] Crane assembly 28 has a locating shaft 72 of diameter sufficient for it to be located around steel support column 54, as indicated by the dotted line arrow A, so that it is able to pivot in relation to frame 12. The crane assembly is otherwise comprised of conventional components, including electric motor 74, cable winding mechanism 76, extending gantry arm 78 and cable 90. Power for the motor may be sourced from the vehicle battery, a separate battery or other known power source.

[042] In an alternative embodiment, the crane winch is omitted and pin 56 is mounted to base 40 so that it swivels from its upright operative unrolling position to a generally horizontal loading position. The rig is mounted to the tray of the vehicle. The spindle is inserted into the roll of wire with its axis lying horizontally on the ground. The lower, open end of the spindle is then located on to the horizontally disposed pin and the opposite end of the spindle, protruding from the roll is lifted, so that the spindle and pin are pivoted upward into vertical orientation from which the wire is able to be unrolled in vertical orientation. Spindles of different lengths may be provided for selective use according to the vertical height of the wire roll to be unrolled.

[043] A crane, winch, block-and-tackle and similar lifting devices may be employed to lift the free, protruding top end of the spindle into vertical operative orientation.

[044] It will be appreciated that when the pin is in horizontal orientation, ready for loading, the plate of the subassembly will be able to travel along it, but only until the outer member of the base is encountered. However, as the spindle is pivotally raised on the pin, the loaded plate will descend under gravity until it is fully supported on the base.

[045] It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that the structure may be suitably adapted for mounting on other utility vehicle configurations, for example a flat-bed, or a pickup truck with a moulded body surrounding the load space. In the case of the moulded body, suitable spacers and guards will be attached to the structure to protect the vehicle paintwork and body from the effects of interactions with the apparatus, especially when the vehicle is traversing rough terrain.

[046] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating use of the apparatus when mounted on a vehicle in unrolling hinge-type wire fencing along a planned fence line.

[047] Before unrolling the wire from roll 100, the roll is placed with its bore 102 horizontal, relative to the ground. A human operator inserts shaft 50 of spindle subassembly 38 into the bore until the wire locator shaft 50 penetrates the bore 102 of the roll to the extent that the free, distal end of the shaft protrudes or is at lease accessible from the opposite end of bore 102. The operator then attaches a winch cable from the crane to the free end of locator shaft 50 using hook 26 and one or more of apertures 52 in the shaft end, and then operates crane 28 to lift the subassembly, bearing roll 100 to a vertical orientation and then to a height sufficient for the base plate to be rotatably located about shaft stub 56 upstanding from the frame base 40, as shown in Figure 3. The operator then lowers the subassembly with the roll as indicated by directional arrow D. A lead length 106 of wire from the roll is pulled away to the rear of the vehicle tray 80 by rotating the roll and is secured by looped wire 108 to an end post 110 of the planned fence, already planted. The operator then causes the vehicle to advance in the general direction of arrow F (Figure 4). As the vehicle moves forward, roll 100 rotates on subassembly 38, causing more of the wire to unroll. A human operator then fastens the released sections of fencing to successive posts 112, 114, 116 and so on as the vehicle passes them, using known fastenings, such as staples. Tensioning of the final fence structure is carried out lastly, using a conventional wire strainer.

[048] The embodiments described above are based on the fence height being 1.2m. However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to rolls of this or any particular height. It will be appreciated that by making suitable extensions to the length of the spindle, roll heights of 1.8m or 2.4m fencing can be accommodated to fit on to the frame, by way of non-limiting examples. One method of extending the spindle is to provide it in a telescopic configuration. Another is to provide the spindle 50 with a section of narrower diameter at its free end, for receiving over it a portion of a tube of internal diameter sufficient to fit over the narrower section, but not to descend over the entire spindle length. Referring to Figure 2, a tubular metal extension piece 92, having a lower end section 94 of relatively smaller outer diameter than the remainder of the piece, is illustrated above shaft 50. The narrower end section 94 is sized to fit snugly into the open end 52 of spindle 50. Other configurations for providing extensions to the spindle will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[049] To accommodate the longer rolls, the support frame 12 may be suitably extended, for example by employing uprights 16, 16' of increased length, or by providing an extension assembly locatable on top of crossbar 66 in Figure 2. The extension assembly may include elements for raising the position of crane 78. In such an embodiment, the length of collar 70 may be increased to receive and stably support a crane mounting column 54 of increased length.

[050] The apparatus itself may be laterally extended to receive and support additional rolls or wire in upright orientation.

[051] As an alternative to the use of winching or mechanised lifting means, the spindle 50 is pivotally connected to the structure, allowing its distal free end to be lowered relative to the pivotal connection, so that it is inclinable to the extent it may come to a position in which it lies substantially horizontally. The roll of wire may then be located with its bore over and around the spindle. The free end of the spindle emerging from the roll may then be lifted, pulling the roll up with it and releasably secured into vertical position for controlled unwinding.

[052] Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a further embodiment of the invention. Like parts already encountered in Figures 1 to 4 are given like numbering. Features having numbering that exceeds by 100 the numbers allocated in the earlier figures are used for labelling equivalent parts identified in those figures. Hence double frame unit 112 has a function equivalent to frame 12. Frame unit 12 has horizontally extending base 40, which supports a single spindle 50 and load plate 48. Frame 12 is connected to frame 112, which has extending base 140, which supports two spindles 150, which are associated with rotatable load plates 148. The two frame units are detachably connected to each other by complementally engaging connectors 98. Alternative suitable known connecting devices may also be used. Detachable connectors are preferred so that the frame units may be individually mounted and demounted according to the needs of the fencing project being undertaken with the rig.

[053] Spindles 150 are longer than spindle 50, so as to support a wire roll of greater height that would be supported by spindle 50 on frame 12. However, the spindles are interchangeable between the plates so that wire rolls or any selected size may be supported on both frame units 12 and 112 by fitting a spindle of suitable length.

[054] The rig made up of the two units 12, 112, is mounted on the tie bar of a waiting vehicle as previously described, using L-brackets (18 in Figure 1, but not visible in Figure 5) connected to sliding crossbar portions 27, 127. These are secured by a fixing bolt to a suitable height for the horizontal base portions 40, 140 to be at a selectable level in relation to the terrain to be traversed. Slideable sleeves 122 function in the way of sleeve 22, allowing adjustment of the level of crossbar portions 27,127 relative to bases 40, 140 in the vertical directions of arrow H.

[055] The spindles are stabilised in upright orientation by means of round cylindrical guide caps 87 that are pivotally attached by bolts and nuts to guide arms 88, which are pivotally attached to crossbar 114. The pivotal attachments enable guide cap 87 to be raised out of its operative location in the open top of spindle 150 and be pivoted backward towards frame 112, as suggested by directional arrow t. With the guide cap removed, the spindle can be tilted toward the horizontal for removal loading of a fresh roll of wire. It can also be left upright and, with guide cap 87 and arms 88 pivotally raised clear of spindle 150 about the axis provided by bolts 89, a fresh roll is able to be lowered from crane 78 to locate about the spindle.

[056] The frames in this embodiment occupy substantially the same vertical planes. However, it is feasible for one of the frames to be supported in a different plane offset from the other to facilitate unrolling of the wire. This specific arrangement enables a vehicle to be loaded with three rolls of wire in upright orientation ready for unrolling. Additional rolls of knotted wire may be stored in the vehicle tray. It will be appreciated that a second set of frames and spindles may be mounted to the opposite lateral side of the vehicle to maximise its starting load and minimise return trips from the field for reloading with wire rolls.

[057] The crane unit 78 in Figure 5 is mounted on the single spindle frame unit 12 and capable of being rotated as suggested by directional arrow K to overhang each of the spindles. With suitable modifications to frame 112, it may be mounted thereon for optimal access to all spindles 50 and 150. It is also within scope to mount a crane on each frame 12, 112.

[058] Although reference has been made to the rig being mounted on to the tie bar alongside the tray of a vehicle, it will be appreciated that other means of mounting may be employed. For example, bespoke brackets may be fixed to the tray to receive a mating connected fixed to the frame. The rig may be suspended from the tie rail or other suitable structure on the vehicle with further securing devices and spacing devices being used to limit impact with the vehicle when moving with the rig in operative use. The person skilled in the art will contemplate other methods for achieving successful mounting without departing from the scope of this invention.

[059] An advantage of the invention lies in the rig being at a side position relative to the vehicle. When so positioned, the driver's forward and rear views are not obstructed: From the vehicle cab, the driver is better able to observe the wire unrolling and is able to approach as close as possible to the fence post line. This proximity means the wire mesh does not have to be dragged laterally more than a minimum distance before it is fastened, for example, by being stapled to the posts. This improves work rate and minimises the risk of the mesh twisting. The closeness of the rig to the ground because of its height being adjustable helps realise these advantages.

[060] Inclusion of the crane or other lifting assistance device is advantageous in assisting the operator with handling of the bulky rolls of wire. The crane may be mounted on the vehicle so that it is separate from the rig so that the crane may be used for lifting the rig on and off the vehicle to and from operative position.

[061] These embodiments described should not be construed as limiting of the scope of the present disclosure, as the person skilled in the art is likely to envisage other ways of putting this invention into practice without departing therefrom.

Claims (19)

1. Fencing wire unrolling apparatus comprising:

a. A rig configured for supporting a roll of unwound fencing wire in an axially vertical orientation with respect to terrain over which a fence is to be erected, the roll having an axial bore, and

b. Mounting means attached to the rig and configured for operatively mounting the rig to a side of a vehicle for unrolling of the wire roll as the vehicle traverses said terrain.

2. The rig of claim 1, wherein the mounting means includes an upper portion connectable to an anchor point on the vehicle.

3. The rig of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mounting means includes a lower portion configured to engage with a tie rail along the vehicle side.

4. A rig according to any one of claim 1 to 3, wherein the rig comprises a roll supporting structure that includes an upright frame and, extending laterally therefrom, a support structure on which the roll is locatable.

5. The rig of claim 4, wherein the support structure includes locating means for the bore of the roll.

6. The rig of claim 5, wherein the support structure is rotatable relative to the structure.

7. The rig of claim 6, wherein the spindle is fixed to the support structure.

8. A rig according to any one of claims 4 to 7, in which the support structure comprises a plate.

9. A rig according to any one of claims 4 to 7, including adjustment means for adjusting the level at which the support structure supports the roll above the terrain.

10. The rig of claim 9, wherein the adjustment means is part of the mounting means and is operable for holding the rig with the support structure at a selectable height above the terrain.

11.A rig according to any one of claims 1 to 10, including mechanical lifting apparatus operable to lift the roll of wire on to the rig into operative orientation for unrolling.

12. A rig according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including first and second detachably connectable frame units, each configured for supporting at least one roll of wire.

13.A method of erecting a wire fence, the method comprising the steps of

a. providing a roll of meshed wire and a rig configured for supporting the roll or unwound fencing wire in an axially vertical orientation with respect to terrain over which a fence is to be erected; and

b. Mounting the rig to a side of a utility vehicle using mounting means attached to the rig and configured for operatively mounting the rig for unrolling of the wire roll as the vehicle traverses the terrain;

c. Securing a free end of the wire from the roll to a first post of the fence to be erected, and

d. Causing the vehicle to traverse the terrain along or parallel to the line of the fence to be erected, allowing the motion of the vehicle to cause unrolling of the wire fence from the roll.

14. The method of claim 13, including fastening the unrolled wire to a support post.

15. A method of unrolling fencing wire from a roll for fence construction, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a utility vehicle; b. mounting on a side of the vehicle a wire unrolling rig configured for supporting a roll of unwound fencing wire in an axially vertical orientation with respect to terrain over which a fence is to be erected c. locating on the rig, in operative supported orientation for unrolling, a roll of wire to be unrolled, wherein the roll has an axial hollow bore; d. securing a loose end of the wire from the roll to an anchor point associated with a fence to be erected; and e. causing the vehicle to move away from the anchor point, traversing terrain over which the fence is to be erected using wire from the roll, while allowing the wire to unroll parallel and proximate to the intended line of the fence.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the rig includes a wire mesh roll-supporting structure, adapted to rotatably support a roll of fencing wire in operative orientation for unrolling, wherein the bore is disposed to be generally orthogonal relative to terrain to be fenced.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the roll-supporting structure includes a spindle around which the roll of fencing wire is locatable for unrolling by inserting the spindle for receiving into the bore.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the structure comprises two or more frame units, each configured for operatively supporting a wire roll.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the structure comprises a laterally extending platform adapted for supporting the roll at an adjustable height above the terrain.

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28

102 100

88 E S 14

66 12

30 36 16 14 34 84 32

86

80

82

82

FIGURE 3

SHEET 4 / 5 18 Jun 2021 2021204101

116

114 F

12 50 46 102 32

80 100

112

22 56 40 106 108 110 FIGURE 4

SHEET 5 / 5 18 Jun 2021 2021204101

78 K 26

72 112 98 114 70

16 87 88 89 t 12

27 85 H 122 22

50 127

48 40 150

98 148 140 FIGURE 5