AU2023233222A1 - Wire tensioning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a wire tensioning device for running out barb wire for fencing including a roller for wire and a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from the roller. Operation of the wire tensioning device enables tensioned wire to be provided for fencing or similar. The invention relates to variants thereon, and methods of use. specPA2095123 1/7 4j 28 2 282 3 0 -2 4" 16 44 46 12 48 FIGURE 1

Description

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PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29

Standard Patent

Applicant: Nelson Ron Carucci 65 Macadamia Street Arriga Queensland 4880 Australia

Inventor: Nelson Ron Carucci 65 Macadamia Street Arriga Queensland 4880 Australia

Priority claimed 11 November 2022 from: Australian Provisional Pat. App. 2022903381 lodged 11 November 2022, Australian Provisional Pat. App. 2022903816 lodged 13 December 2022, & Australian Provisional Pat. App. 2023900228 lodged 31 January 2023

Title of Invention: WIRE TENSIONING APPARATUS

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

WIRE TENSIONING APPARATUS

[0001] The present invention relates to a wire tensioning apparatus, and in particular to a wire tensioning system for running out barb wire. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Fencing is hard work, and requires long lengths of barb wire or other similar wire to be applied and tensioned, to secure an area. In Australia and other large land areas, the fencing required may be many hundreds of kilometres at a time. In times gone by the installation of barbed wire was run out and tensioned by hand, a laborious and time consuming job. Some attempts have been made to automate the process but these attempts have lead to machines that may create friction, heat and potential fire as the wire is tensioned.

[0003] With use of the subject invention barb wire can be run out from the wire tensioning machine, and tensioned at the same time, making the job much easier. To address the problems of the prior art the inventor has developed a wire tensioning apparatus that provides appropriate tension in a way that avoids the creation of excess tension and heat. Through use of a hydraulic fluid system and restricting the flow to create tension on the wire as it is run out, a significantly improved wire tensioning apparatus has been developed. The system prevents overheating and future versions may also include an oil cooler, for high ambient temperatures, for additional cooling. The invention has many beneficial features and variants which are under development.

[0004] Multiple wires need to be tensioned, as a fence generally includes multiple rows of tensioned wire to create a strong fence suitable to keep animals contained or other animals out. The inventor has developed a clever new wire tensioning device that can quickly and safely provide tensioned wires, including multiple wires at the same time, in an easy to use apparatus.

[0005] Fencing may need to be attended to in wild areas, at a great distance from towns or from sealed roads. It is useful therefore to be able to transport the heavy apparatus to a remote location for use. The inventor has developed a wire tensioning apparatus that may be usefully transported in the back of a utility vehicle, a significant advantage over the prior art.

[0006] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to a wire tensioning apparatus for fencing. Use for fencing is a particular useful application but is not intended that the invention be limited to fencing other than as defined in the claims. The invention may be used for any suitable purposed, not limited to the example, other than as defined in the claims.

[0007] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a wire tensioning device that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of use of a wire tensioning device that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a wire tensioning device for running out barb wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including: a roller for wire; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from the roller, wherein operation enables tensioned wire to be provided for fencing or similar.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a variant, a wire tensioning device running out barbed wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including: a plurality of rollers for wire; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller; a power source (may be manual); and a control means to control the apparatus, wherein operation enables tensioned wire to be provided for fencing.

[0011] Preferably, the wire is barbed wire. The wire may be any linear material. The wire may be any suitable wire. The wire may be metal wire.

[0012] A roller/spindle arrangement may be included. The roller/spindle arrangement may be an arrangement to hold multiple spools of wire. Preferably, the multiple spools of wire can be used sequentially for tensioning long stretches of wire. There may be a spool arrangement with a rotating 3 lobed spindle arrangement. At least one spool arrangement may be included. There may be any number of spool arrangements. Or there may be 4 or more spool arrangements included. Preferably, the spool arrangements allow free rotation of wire from a spool to run out the barbed wire. The running out may be the pulling of the wire, or may be through a rotation system as appropriate. A fixed spool arrangement may be included instead.

[0013] Preferably, the tensioning is suitable for standard barbed wire fencing. The tension may be any suitable tensioning. The tensioning may be adjustable. Preferably, the tension is highly adjustable. Preferably, the tension is adjustable through use of a hydraulics tensioning system applied to a greater or lesser degree to tension the rolled out wire.

[0014] Preferably, the apparatus is considered to avoid excess friction creation. Preferably, excess heat and friction are avoided through use of the apparatus to reduce fire risk, and wear of components. Preferably, the apparatus is designed to be rugged and suitable for the harsh conditions of the Australian outback. Preferably, very long lengths of fencing can be provided by use of the apparatus, as is suitable for Australia and other similar areas. Preferably, the apparatus can provide extended lengths of wire for multiple rows of fencing.

[0015] The rollers may take any suitable form. The rollers may be able to hold multiple reels or wire. Multiple rolls of wire may be applied from each roller to enable easy joining once a roll is finished. This is separate from the multiple rollers which enable multiple wires to be tensioned and applied at the same time. The rollers may be capstan rollers.

[0016] Preferably, the wire tensioning means includes one or more form of applying and releasing tension applied as wire is rolled out from a roller.

[0017] Preferably, the wire tension means includes tensioning rollers. Preferably, there are 2 tensioning rollers for each line of wire. There may also be 3 rollers, or any suitable number of rollers. There may be 8 rollers to enable 4 rows of wire to be tensioned and provided at the same time. Any suitable number or rollers and rows may be used instead. Preferably, one or more motors are included. The motors may be any suitable type of motor. The motor may be an orbital motor. Preferably, the motor is a hydraulic orbital motor suitable to apply pressure on the running out barb wire or similar. The running out of the wire may run the motor. Or the motor may be controlled and powered in other forms of the invention through other means. Preferably, each roller has an orbital motor powered by the barb wire passing through the roller. Any suitable power source controlled by the control means may be used. This power and control may be independent power and control. Preferably, as the motor runs as the barb wire runs through hydraulic controls are set to increase or decrease the applied pressure to ease or increase the tension applied.

[0018] Preferably, the wire tensioning means provides appropriate tensions, in such a way to avoid excess friction. Preferably, hydraulic controls are used to provide tension. Preferably, hydraulic oil flow is restricted to cause load to the roller motor creating tension on the wire. The tension is therefore fully adjustable. Preferably, controls enable careful control and adjustment of the tension to be suitable. Most preferably, separate hydraulic controls enable each wire to be tensioned separately. Most preferably, an exact tension may be applied to each wire.

[0019] Preferably, gauges are included to measure the wire tension. Preferably, each wire has a gauge to measure tension. Preferably, each wire has a ball valve and adjustable relief to individually set the tension, when under load. Preferably, the ball valves are in the hydraulic circuit so that wire may be pulled from the spool freely, with no tension when in the on position. Preferably, when loaded the system them provides tension to the wire as it is provided. Optionally, a range of tensions from none through to a strong tension may be applied to the spool to allow or prevent running out of the wire from the spool as required.

[0020] Optionally, a single roller may be provided. Preferably, the number of rollers provided reflects the number of wires to be provided for fencing at the same time.

[0021] Optionally, a break system for each wire is included. Preferably, each wire is provided with a break system whereby an electric break system is provided to cancel internal leakage to the hydraulic system. The electric break system may provide breaking when the apparatus is stopped by engaging electric clutches to reduce turning of the rollers. The stopping of the rollers may be achieved in a similar way, but avoiding undue friction or potential heat which is a significant problem of the prior art.

[0022] Optionally, an automatic picket installation apparatus is used with the wire tensioning apparatus for fencing.

[0023] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a further variant, a wire tensioning device running out multiple strands of barb wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including: a plurality of rollers for barb wire; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller including hydraulics; a power source (may be manual); and a control means to control the apparatus, wherein operation enables tensioned wire to be provided for fencing and multiple lines of barb wire can be run out and tensioned at the same time.

[0024] Accordingly, the present invention provides in a further variant, a wire tensioning device running out multiple strands of barb wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including: a plurality of rollers; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller including hydraulics to apply or ease pressure to apply or ease tension in the wire; a power source; and a control means to control the apparatus, wherein operation enables multiple tensioned wires to be provided for fencing and multiple lines of barb wire can be run out and tensioned at the same time.

[0025] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of use of a wire tensioning device for providing tensioned wires for fencing, the wire tensioning device including a plurality of rollers for wire, a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller, a power source (may be manual) and a control means to control the apparatus, the method including the following steps: a) installing wire on a spool to one or more rollers of the apparatus; b) determining the desired tension to be applied through use of a control means; and c) providing power to the apparatus to roll out the wire under the determined tension for fencing.

[0026] The method of the invention may be used for the wire tensioning apparatus in any of its forms or variants. The method may use the wire tensioning apparatus of claim 1 to usefully lay out multiple tensioned wires at the same time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a wire tensioning apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figures 2 is a constructional engineering drawing from above of a bottom roller of a pair of rollers as shown in Figure 1;

[0030] Figures 3 is a view from above of a bottom roller of a pair of rollers as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0031] Figures 4 is a constructional engineering drawing of a top roller of a pair of rollers as shown in Figure 1;

[0032] Figures 5 is a view from above of a top roller of a pair of rollers as shown in Figure 1 and 4;

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the plates of a roller of Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 7 is a plan view of the plates of a roller of Figure 6;

[0035]Figure 8 is a front view of the embodiment of the wire tensioning apparatus of Figures 1 to 7 to better illustrate the apparatus;

[0036] Figure 9 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 8; and

[0037] Figure 10 is a further side view of the apparatus of Figures 8 and 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST MODE

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where wire tensioning apparatus 1, has a method of use generally of each roller having an orbital motor powered by the barbed wire passing through the roller with a hydraulic control to provide increased or decreased tension. Restriction of the hydraulic oil flow causes load to the roller and motor creating tension in the wire. The set-up is most advantageous to avoid overheating when tensioning and can provide an easy to use safe system to quickly create multiple tensioned barbed wires for fencing. The embodiment shown is just one way of using the invention, the engine or method in which the hydraulic control controls the rotation and tensioning can be varied within the scope of the invention. The hydraulic oil flow is restricted during use of the invention to cause load to the roller motor creating tension on the wire. The tension is therefore fully adjustable to as high or low as is usable. Controls included enable careful control and adjustment of the tension to be suitable and separate hydraulic controls enable each wire to be tensioned separately.

[0039] Wire tensioning apparatus 1 represents a significant advance on the prior art as a transportable, machine that can be used to safely tension wires, easily and with minimum of effort. The apparatus has a support structure, a rotating part to run out the barbed wire with controls for the hydraulic motors and power provided by the solar panel as described. The apparatus is compact and can be transported through use of a Ute or other similar vehicle to the location where is useful to apply the strained barbed wire.

[0040] Spindle arrangement 5 is an arrangement of three independent spindles each of which can be used to provide a continuous running out of strained barbed wire for fencing. Four may be included so that there are 12 spindles. Each spindle arrangement 5 is sized to be appropriate to the size of the roll of barbed wire. Generally, these multiple spindles of the arrangement 5 will be sized to receive the same size spool, to allow continuous running out of the barbed wire. The spools are held on the arrangement and run out therefrom. As shown a 3 lobed arrangement is used for each set of spindle arrangement 5 with 2 included in the illustrated example. The number of spindle arrangements can be varied to suit the particular set up used. Strong steel with a zinc or similar weatherproof coating is used to prevent corrosion.

[0041] Motor 7 provides the rotation to the spindles to run off the barbed wire in use and shown is a small standard motor linked to power and controls in the usual manner to provide on off and speed controls. Button controls 9 (refer Figure 8) are accessible from the side of the apparatus to enable safe and easy operation. The motor provides the rotation to the spindles and rolls of barbed wire thereon- while the hydraulic tension applies to apply the appropriate tension to strain the wire.

[0042] Relief valves 10 are associated with each set of tensioning plates to set the appropriate pressure and hence the tension of the run out barbed wire. There is a relief valve to each set with a monitoring dial as can be seen best in Figure 8. Ready use of the control panel can allow the operator to set the appropriate pressure and hence the tension necessary by adjusting each of relief valves 10.

[0043] The whole structure includes strong vertical supports 12 with support legs, to provide support between top 14, base 16 and shelves 18. The vertical supports and legs are made of strong steel material with a protective coating. Shelves 18, top 14 and base 16 are stainless steel. Other strong metals or materials may be used for any of these components as appropriate. In this way a strong supportive structure is provided to be provide a stable base to run out the barbed wire. This is important as in order that the appropriate tension may be applied the base needs to be sufficiently solid to provide a point from which the wire is pulled. The tension may then be applied from the spool via the hydraulic pressure applied between the plates as described in detail below. As the apparatus can be transported, it is such a on the tray of a vehicle the strong structure protects the apparatus.

[0044] Pairs of rollers/guides 20 with spools 21 are provided between top 14, shelves 18 and base 16. Wire held on a spool on spool arrangement will pass from the spool to the roller/guides 20 and it is here than the tension is applied through use of the hydraulic system. Each of the 12 spindles 22/28 of the 4 spindle arrangements 5 provide positions for up to 12 spools of barbed wire. Extended lengths of tensioned barbed wire can be in this way provided, most advantageously. Each roller/guide 20 includes a pair of roller/guides 24 (the pair) arranged one above the other between top 14 and a shelf 18 or base 16 and a shelf 18, as can be seen in particular in Figure 8.

[0045] The barbed wire used is a standard form, and can be any suitable form of barbed wire. The invention could be used to tension and apply other forms of wire or linear materials, as required. Standard rolls of barbed wire 26 can be positioned on as many spindles 22/28 or spindle arrangements 5 as are to be put into use. Rolls of barbed wire 26 can be seen in particular in Figure 1 but are omitted from the other Figures for ease of illustration. If all are used multiple wires and for long lengths can be applied in a single action. More or less spindles 22/28, and spindle arrangements 5 can be used as required and in different forms of the invention these arrangements may be varied.

[0046] Turning to the details of roller/guides 20, these are illustrated in particular in Figures 2 to 5, spool 21 lies between external plates 33, 34, 37 and 38 and internal plates 35, 36, 39 and 40. Not separately labelled washers are included as needed to protect the rotation. Grease may be used and grease nipples and access holes can be included in the usual manner. Hydraulic pressure could be applied to external plates 33, 34, 37 and 38 and internal plates 35, 36, 39 and 40 to apply the specific pressure to the barbed wire, so it is rolled out under appropriate tension. Tension may also be applied by increasing or decreasing the resistance of rotation of roller/guides 20 adding the appropriate tension in this way as a capstan roller.

[0047] The strained barbed wire strands 42, 44, 46 and 48 are shown from the rolls 26 in Figure 1, in place with fence post 50.

[0048] Spindle arrangement 5 may be rotated to present one of the three rolls of barbed wire 26 on spindle 22/28 of arrangement 5 from which the wire is to be run out. Each has spinner plates 52, to provide the necessary support to each roll of wire 26. For standard rolls of barbed wire 26 spinner plates 52 of spindle arrangement 5 have a diameter of 365 millimetres and are in a three lobed arrangement. Other numbers of arrangements may be used instead for the particular application of the invention.

[0049] Further support is provided to the structure through use of medium wall pipe support and legs 53 from top 14 to base 16 through shelves 18. The support is a strong metal pipe support suitable to support the weight of the apparatus. Other numbers of kinds of support may be used instead.

[0050] The hydraulic system is an important part of the apparatus and as such includes a number of connected components. These include hydraulic oil return 54 from relief valves 10 which can be seen in particular in Figure 1, hydraulic tank 55. The hydraulics system is of a known form able to create and release the necessary pressure to apply as required through controls from tank 55, relief valves 10 and hydraulic oil return 54 (refer Figure 10). Gauges 56 are included in order that the pressure in each hydraulic pipe can be monitored visually as can be seen in particular in Figure 8. The arrangement may be adjusted as required to suit the particular use, such as having a single monitor and control screen incorporating any suitable data. Diversion valves 57 (Figure 8) are included for each set of hydraulic controls together with a supply of oil to the motor/pump.

[0051] To provide power to the system battery 59 (Figure 8) and solar panel 60 are included. Solar panel 60 can be usefully positioned on top of hydraulic tank 55. The transportable power source means that the apparatus can be used remote from mains power or without access to generator power. Battery 59 and solar panel are of a standard form usable outside. other forms the invention could be adapted to use mains AC or DC power.

[0052] Oil is provided from the motor to valve labelled 61 (Figure 8) as part of the system.

[0053] Roller 62 motor/pump (Figure 8) lines below roller/guide 24 on base 16, with wireless controller for electric clutches 63 shown on shelf 18 above. Solar regulator 64 can be seen to the right in Figure 8 to connect to battery 59 and solar panel 60 for control and power supply to other parts of the apparatus.

[0054] Each electric clutch 66 is controlled wirelessly from the controller through controller 63.

[0055] Locking plate 65 (Figure 10) prevents over-rotation of spindle arrangements in use.

[0056] Electric clutches 66 (Figure 9) are arranged in two pairs, 4 in all.

[0057] Wire funnel 67 into roller/guides 25 can be seen in Figure 10.

[0058] In use button control 9 has the standard options to turn on and off, and adjust the speed and tension as would be understood. Motor 7 is a hydraulic orbital motor. The motor may be operated through button control 9 in the usual fashion. The particular power source and format of the motor and hydraulics is less important that the application of tension through use of the hydraulic fluid increasing or decreasing the load. As shown a solar battery system is used to provide power to the system.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 1, a fence is created in the usual fashion 4 rows of barb wire, the rows labelled 42, 44, 46 and 48 for convenience from top to bottom, for fence post 50. Fence post 50 provides support for the 4 rows of wire. To create the fence the 4 rows are being run out and tensioned from wire tensioning apparatus 1 to create a secure barb wire fence. Each of the pairs of rollers 24, rollers 30 and 32 (the other individual rollers not labelled) for example, together can run out the rows of barb wire 48 and 46 together so as to be similarly tensioned and appropriately spaced, one to the other for the fence. Likewise the top two rollers are together able to tension and roll out barb wire for rows 42 and 44.

[0060] The number of rollers, rolls of barb wire, rows can all be varied to suit the particular application but the illustrated arrangement is particular useful.

[0061] The barb wire application of the invention is particularly useful but other wires or similar materials may be used with the invention instead. The whole apparatus, about 750 kilograms or so can be transported to the desired location for use in the back of a utility vehicle. Once loaded with the multiple rolls of barb wire per roller, weight increases to around 1.2 tonnes and so the apparatus may then be used in situ.

[0062] A frame is included to support the rotary coil system. This is strongly attached to the utility vehicle to provide the support to the tensioning. Other forms of support can be used or the apparatus could be placed on the ground and the weight is sufficient to act against the applied tension.

[0063] Folded plates are included 4 millimetres thick and roughly 1700 w x1200L x1500 h. Each segmented roller works like a capstan roller and the barbed wire

passes through at the suitable heights for the rows of fencing. Power is supplied through use of a motor to each roller motor, controlled through a central controller, with alinked hydraulic tensioning system, and breaking system. The design makes the apparatus efficient, and more productive over existing apparatus, with reduced stopping time. Other direction and controls to apply to the appropriate height or location may be included. The cleverly designed rotary coil system holds three coils of barb wire per line, ready to join as each roll is used up for a particular wire row. The system can therefore be used for very large scale fencing for long distances. The system provides continuous appropriate tensioning, but can still run for many kilometres.

[0064] The tensioning system to the barb wire is through use of a control on hydraulic system to tension each wire individually. The system uses restriction of the hydraulic oil flow which creates load on the roller motor to tension each wire. Wire tension gauges are included and are monitored and controlled through the controls to determine, set and monitor the appropriate tension. Each wire line has tension gauge, ball valve and adjustable relief set each wire individually, when under load. The ball valve is in the hydraulic circuit so that the wire can be pulled freely from the roller, when under no tension in the on position. Various settings and controls can be provided in this way. So appropriate tension can be applied to each wire as it is provided, the rows provided together with separate tension controls.

[0065] An electric brake system is included with electric clutches to engage as the machine stops, whereby the rollers are prevented from turning due to internal leakage in the hydraulics system. The system acts to prevent excess friction or heat creating when braking.

[0066] The system can be used with an automated picket system to drive the pickets in, to further facilitate the fencing.

[0067] This clever invention is a further step to improve fencing in terms of efficiency and safety, in particular for bushland areas.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0068] The wire tensioning apparatus may be manufactured industrially and supplied direct to users, or to retailers.

[0069] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: 1 Wire tensioning apparatus 42 Strained barbed wire 44 Strained barbed wire Spindle arrangement 46 Strained barbed wire 48 Strained barbed wire 7 Motor 50 Fence post 51 Rotating barbed wire spool holders 9 Button control 52 Spinner plates (365 mm diameter) Relief valve to set pressure 53 Medium wall pipe support and leg 12 Vertical supports & legs 54 Hydraulic oil return from relief valves 14 Top 55 Hydraulic tank 16 Base 56 Gauge for pressure control 18 Shelves 57 Diversion valve Rollers/guide 58 Supply oil to motor/pump 21 Spools 59 Battery 22 Spindles (12) 60 Solar panel 24 Pairs of rollers 61 Oil from motor to valve 26 Barbed wire roll 62 Roller (motor/pump) 28 Spindle 63 Wireless controller for electric clutches /32 Roller of 24 64 Solar Regulator 33/34 External plate 65 Locking plate /36 Internal plate 66 Electric clutches (x4) 37/38 External plate 67 Wire funnel into roller 39/40 Internal plate

Claims (36)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A wire tensioning device running out barbed wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including: a plurality of rollers for wire; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller; a power source (may be manual); and a control means to control the apparatus, wherein operation enables tensioned wire to be provided for fencing.

2. The wire tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the wire is barbed wire.

3. The wire tensioning device of claim 1 or 2, wherein a roller/spindle arrangement is included and the roller/spindle arrangement is an arrangement to hold multiple spools of wire.

4. The wire tensioning device of claim 3, wherein the multiple spools of wire can be used sequentially for tensioning long stretches of wire.

5. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one spool arrangement is included.

6. The wire tensioning device of claim 5, wherein, the spool arrangement is included with a rotating 3 lobed spindle arrangement.

7. The wire tensioning device of claim 5 or 6, wherein 4 or more spool arrangements are included and the spool arrangements allows free rotation of wire from a spool to run out the barbed wire.

specPA2095123

8. The wire tensioning device of claim 7, wherein, the running out of the wire is the pulling of the wire, and may be through a rotation system.

9. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tensioning is suitable for standard barbed wire fencing.

10. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tensioning is adjustable.

11. The wire tensioning device of claim 10, wherein the tensioning is adjustable and the tension is highly adjustable and the tension is adjustable through use of a hydraulics tensioning system applied to a greater or lesser degree to tension the rolled out wire.

12. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the apparatus avoids excess friction creation to reduce fire risk, and wear of components.

13. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein very long lengths of fencing can be provided by use of the apparatus, as is suitable for Australia and other similar areas.

14. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus can provide extended lengths of wire for multiple rows of fencing.

15. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rollers are able to hold multiple reels or wire and multiple rolls of wire can be applied from each roller to enable easy joining once a roll is finished, and this is separate from the multiple rollers which enable multiple wires to be tensioned and applied at the same time.

specPA2095123

16. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the rollers are capstan rollers.

17. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the wire tensioning means includes one or more form of applying and releasing tension applied as wire is rolled out from a roller.

18. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the wire tension means includes tensioning rollers.

19. The wire tensioning device of claim 18, wherein there are 2 tensioning rollers for each line of wire.

20. The wire tensioning device of claim 18 or 19, wherein there are 8 rollers to enable 4 rows of wire to be tensioned and provided at the same time.

21. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the power source includes a motor, being a hydraulic orbital motor suitable to apply pressure on the running out barb wire.

22. The wire tensioning device of claim 21, wherein the running out of the wire runs the motor.

23. The wire tensioning device of claim 21 or 22, wherein each roller has an orbital motor powered by the barb wire passing through the roller.

24. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the wire tensioning means provides appropriate tensions, in such a way to avoid excess friction.

specPA2095123

25. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the wire tensioning means provides appropriate tensions, in such a way to avoid excess friction and uses hydraulic controls to provide tension.

26. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein as the barb wire runs through the wire tensioning means including hydraulic controls, these hydraulic controls are set to increase or decrease the applied pressure to ease or increase the tension applied to the wire.

27. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein separate hydraulic controls enable each wire to be tensioned separately and an exact tension may be applied to each wire.

28. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein each wire has a gauge to measure tension.

29. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein each wire has a ball valve and adjustable relief to individually set the tension, when under load.

30. The wire tensioning device of claim 29, wherein the ball valves are in the hydraulic circuit so that wire may be pulled from the spool freely, with no tension when in the on position.

31. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein each wire is provided with a break system whereby an electric break system is provided to cancel internal leakage to the hydraulic system to reduce turning of the rollers avoiding undue friction or potential heat.

specPA2095123

32. The wire tensioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein an automatic picket installation apparatus is used with the wire tensioning apparatus for fencing.

33. A wire tensioning device for running out barb wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including:

a roller for wire; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from the roller,

wherein operation enables tensioned wire to be provided for fencing or similar.

34. A wire tensioning device running out multiple strands of barb wire for fencing, the wire tensioning device including: a plurality of rollers; a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller including hydraulics to apply or ease pressure to apply or ease tension in the wire; a power source; and a control means to control the apparatus, wherein operation enables multiple tensioned wires to be provided for fencing and multiple lines of barb wire can be run out and tensioned at the same time.

35. A method of use of a wire tensioning device for providing tensioned wires for fencing, the wire tensioning device including a plurality of rollers for wire, a wire tensioning means for applying tension to the wire as wire is provided from each roller, a power source (may be manual) and a control means to control the apparatus, the method including the following steps: a) installing wire on a spool to one or more rollers of the apparatus; b) determining the desired tension to be applied through use of a control means; and

specPA2095123 c) providing power to the apparatus to roll out the wire under the determined tension for fencing.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein the wire tensioning apparatus is the wire tensioning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 34.

specPA2095123