AU2432392A - Improvements in or relating to wire and retaining devices - Google Patents

Description

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

"Improvements in or Relating to Wire and Retaining Devices"

I, NEVILLE JOHN LEENSTRA, a New Zealand citizen of R.D.2, Wattle Road, Te Kauwhata hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - The present invention relates to improvements in and or relating to ire end retaining devices such as e.g. as might be used to substitute for a knot in a tensioned wire, or in place of some other connection device or insulation device or indeed even as

a straining device.

The use of tensioned wires is well known in fencing and other industries and a variety of different means of wire straining, wire connecting and the like have been known. With galvanised wire however there is a likelihood of damage to the coating and therefore a risk of early failure owing to the exposure of tightly deformed regions to the weather and thus corrosion. Additionally the work hardening of a tightly deformed section of wire under stress is also a reason for early failure.

While various connections devices have been used that may be substituted for a

traditional knot or for any of the purposes previously stated there is always room for options and it is to this that the present invention is directed.

In a first aspect the invention consists in a wire end retaining device (unitary or fabricated in construction) which defines in use a first passage (e.g. passageway, channel or mixture thereof, skeletally or otherwise), for a wire across the device, a surface about which the wire curves, and a second passage (e.g. passageway, channel or mixture thereof, skeletally or otherwise) for a wire across the device which is substantially a return crossing of the device when compared to the crossing of the first passage, said first passage, at least under the tension of the wire in use, having a wire bend forming surface

which bears under loading on the wire leading into the first passage to result in the wire

under tension being at least held in part by the bend forming the surface and the surface about which the wire curves and the surface of the second passage. Preferably said device includes means (e.g. a hole) to facilitate its location so as to enable the pull of the wire having its end retained to be balanced and to ensure the bend is formed.

In other forms preferably said means to facilitate its location is a third passageway

(preferably different from the first and second passage) through which or around which the wire at a position other than at its end can pass and be located in use (e.g. under

tension, or not, or in part).

Preferably said (additional) third passage is substantially normal to the first and second passages e.g. substantially normal to the plane of the curve to be formed by said surface about which the wire curves.

In other forms preferably said (additional) third passage is substantially divergent to the first and second passages e.g. substantially divergent to the plane of the curve to be formed by said surface about which the wire curves.

Preferably said first and second passages are substantially divergent when viewed from the direction from which the wire in use to be under tension enters the first passage. Alternatively the first and second passage can be substantially parallel. Alternatively the first and second passage can be substantially perpendicular.

Preferably said third passage (e.g. channel) is substantially divergent when viewed from the direction from which the wire in use to be under tension enters the second passage. Alternatively the first passage and third channel can be substantially parallel.

Alternatively the first passage and third channel can be substantially divergent.

In some forms of the present invention, preferably said first and second passage are substantially in the same plane as a curve formed about said surface about which the wire curves.

In other forms (e.g. wire joiners or insulators) the surface about which the wire curves moves the second passage into a plane substantially spaced from that of the first

passage.

Preferably said wire bend forming surface is more adjacent the commencement of the surface about which the wire curves, than the lead in of the wire.

In other forms preferably said wire bend forming surface is more central and perpendicular to the lead in of the wire and the commencement of the surface about which the wire curves.

Preferably said the device is such that an end of a wire can be passed through the first passage beyond the wire bend forming surface, can be curved to a shape substantially according to the surface about which the wire curves (e.g. using a former tool or the equivalent) and can have the free end thereof passed back through the second passage and the device then placed under tension by tensioning the lead in length of the wire to the first passage, thereby causing the formation of the bend in, and the gripping of, the wire by the device.

Preferably said end regions of the wire emerging from the second passage if desired can be bent back onto the device in tension, or not, or in part, or about part of the

device to enhance grip.

In a further aspect the present invention consists the use of apparatus as previously

defined.

In still a further aspect the invention consists in a wire joiner or insulator comprising a device as aforesaid but having two complementary sets of first and second passages (and, optionally third passages) so that in use the tensioned lead of each wire to its respective first passage is substantially aligned with that of the other first passage.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in wire end retaining devices such as depicted in any of the accompanying drawings.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a tool capable of being positioned, for example by yoke means or the like, so as to anchor onto a device in

accordance with the present invention and which additionally has means to grip and pull

away from the device the end of the wire that is not necessarily under tension, thereby allowing the adjustment of its position through the device e.g. by pulling through and reforming of the curve.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention consists in a forming tool suitable for forming a curve in a wire that has been passed through the first passage of a device in accordance with that present invention. Preferably such a forming device as substantially as hereinafter described.

In a further aspect the invention consists in an insulator of a mouldable

nonconductor comprising a unitary body including means defining to opposed wire and retaining devices as claimed in Claim 1 wherein in use the two wire ends are each retained substantially in a plane, the plane of each wire end being in close proximity and being substantially parallel.

Preferably between said planes on either side of and partially about the body a channel or groove each for locating the free end of a said wire is provided.

Preferably the insulator is substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings. In a further aspect the invention consists in a method of providing an insulated wire under tension which involves the use of an insulator and/or joiner as defined substantially as hereinafter described.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a wire joining and/or insulating device comprising a shaped body having (whether staggered or otherwise) four projections providing the legs of a clearly defined, bastardized or otherwise disguised "H" shape.

Preferably each or at least some of the legs having a wire restraining flange at each end thereof, the arrangement of the device being such that in a similar manner (but each

with a different adjacent pair of legs of the "H" shape) each length of the two lengths of wire to be joined is arranged that in sequence from the length of one wire to be in tension is positioned: i) to extend to and against the body under a region of the other wire, ii) to pass around a first leg of the "H" shape and back between the first leg and an adjacent second leg, iii) to pass around the second leg and back between the second and first leg and, iv) pass around the first leg and back between the first and second legs (and preferably against the second leg). The invention also consists in a method of using a wire joining device as previously defined.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a device of any of the kinds shown in any one or more of the accompanying drawings. The invention also consists in any method of wire end retention performed in a manner substantially as hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.

The present invention also consists in fences formed using the device(s) of the present invention and any method of fence line forming using a device or devices in

accordance with the present invention.

In a further aspect the invention consists in a method of retaining the end of a wire using a device in accordance with the present invention wherein an end of a wire is passed through the first passage of the device beyond the wire bend forming surface, is curved to a shape substantially to accord to the surface about which the wire is to curve, its free end is passed back across the device via said second passage and thereafter the wire into the first passage is caused to be in tension with the outcome that the bend forming surface of the first passage bears on the wire and in conjunction with other wire/device contact retains the wire.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a tool capable of being positioned, for example by yoke means or the like, so as to anchor onto a device in accordance with the present invention and which additionally has means to grip and pull away from the device the end of the wire that is not necessarily under tension, thereby

allowing the adjustment of its position through the device, eg. by pulling through and reforming of the curve.

In yet a further aspect of the present invention consists in a forming tool suitable for forming a curve in a wire that has been passed through the first passage of a device in accordance with the present invention. Preferably such a forming device as substantially as hereinafter described. The present invention also consists in fences formed using the device(s) of the present invention and any method of fence line forming using a device or devices in accordance with the present invention.

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a preferred situation where a wire end retaining device has a tensioned wire passing through or adjacent to the centre thereof around a strainer of a post and then has the wire end passed through the first passage of the device, curved about the surface about which the wire curves and the free end passed back through the second passage;

Figure 1A is a variant having an insulating tube;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device of figure 1 showing the tensioned wire as that being arrowed at the end and showing the passage of the wire through the device, the

wire bend in the first passage preferably being such that the line of tension in the straight portion of the lead in wire is preferably intersecting or some distance forward of the central aperture through which the wire is to be passed in a substantially normal direction;

Figure 2A is a variant of Figure 2;

Figure 3 is a sectioned view showing the nature of the first and second passage

which in this form of the present invention are true passageways, the upper passage

being the first passage with the wire bend forming surface, the section being along line

CC of Figure 4;

Figure 3A is a variant of Figure 3; Figure 4 is a view from the direction AA of a non sectioned device;

Figure 4A is a variant of Figure 4;

Figure 5 is a similar view to that of Figure 4 but from the direction BB;

Figure 5A is a variant of Figure 5;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the arrangement of the device as shown in any of Figures 1 to 5 when viewed downwardly in the direction DD of the arrangement as shown in Figure 1, those lengths of wire under tension being shown with the arrows;

Figure 6A is a variant of Figure 6;

Figure 7 is a joining device or preferably an insulator which is adapted by the

provision of a first and second passage at each end to retain the end of the wire when then passes through a central aperture or individual apertures divergent or

perpendicular, or substantially normal to the plane and back along the device, and between the end of the wire continuous over the first and second passage and the device or contiguous to the first and second passage and the device;

Figure 8 is an alternative version of an arrangement as shown in Figure 7 where in reality the device is two overlayed but opposite devices as depicted in Figures 1 to 5 (but

without the third passageway) but preferably with some intermingling of the passages

(first and second of one wire end retaining device being staggered with respect to the

other);

Figure 8A is an alternative version of an arrangement as shown in Figure 7 and a variant of Figure 8 where in reality the device is two diametrically opposed devices (but without the third passageway), figure 8 and 8A when relating to an insulating device a wire separating flange necessary for electrical insulating properties;

9 STITUTE SHEET Figure 9 is a view EE of the devices shown in Figure 8;

Figure 9A is a view EE of the device shown in Figure 8A, the broken lines as in Figures 8, 8A, 9 and 9A depicting how the free end of the wire that preferably is not

under substantial tension can be deformed so as to enhance the grip of the wire end retaining device by providing a bend in the wire as it emerges from the second passageway;

Figure 10 is the view FF of the device of Figure 8, such view being the opposite side to that of Figure 9;

Figure 10A is the view FF of the device of Figure 8A such view being the opposite

side to that of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the two sections of wire held in a device as shown in any one of Figures 8 to 10 showing how the first and second passage of each of the combined devices is such that there is an intermingling of the passages but not electrical or other potentially damaging contact between the two sections of wire;

Figure 11A is a perspective view showing the two sections of wire held in a device as shown in any one of figures 8A to 10A, showing how the first, second and third

passage of each of the combined devices is such that they are diametrically opposed, with

no electrical or other potentially damaging contact between the two sections of wire;

Figure 12 is a plan view of apparatus such as shown in Figure 8 showing how if

desired an insert can be provided within the confines of the device of a different material

to enhance the strength thereof or to enhance the electrical insulating characteristic

thereof;

Figure 13 is a plan view showing in broken lines a length of wire capable of being

10 bent about the tool, the tool being a former for a loop in a length of wire that has been passed through the device to then have a loop formed that accords to the surface (of the end retaining device) about which the wire is to curve, there being an arm member

shown with a pivot capable of being flipped over the wire passed through the grooved

passage and thus to contour the wire by a deforming over the forming surface;

Figure 14 shows how a yoked or other device can be brought to bear on a device

such as shown in Figure 8A to allow a reaction between the device and a grip between the handles thereof on the wire to allow the pulling through of a length of wire through the device and if required the reforming of the curve thereof in order to take up slack in

the length of wire;

Figure 15 shows a view of another wire end retaining device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 16 is a view AA of the device of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a view BB of the device of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a section CC of the device of Figure 15;

Figure 19 shows a device shown in any one of Figures 15 to 18 in use, the loop of wire for example passing around a strainer, the wire in tension being that associated with the arrow;

Figure 20 shows one form of wire joining device in accordance with the present

invention, wires associated with the arrows being those under tension, the other ends

being the free ends which preferably would be cut back;

Figure 21 is the other side of the device of Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a view from one end of the device;

11 Figure 23 is a view of the other end of the device, as being seen in Figures 20 to the device being substantially of a "H" shape;

Figure 24 shows a joiner which is a variation of the "H" shaped device of Figures to 23;

Figure 25 is an insulator;

Figure 26 is the view AA of the device of Figure 24;

Figure 27 is the view BB with respect to the device of Figure 25;

Figure 28 is the view CC with respect to Figure 24; ^•

Figure 29 is the view DD with respect to Figure 25;

Figure 30A to Figure 30T or its option Figure 30T' shows the use of, for example an "H" shaped joiner as shown in any one of Figures 20-29, the broken lines for the wir showing the wire passage underneath the device while the unbroken lines show the wir on top, the two wires being shown as a different thickness to ease explanation, it being appreciated that as between Figure 30G and Figure 30J the body has been rotated to wrap the wire around (so that the wire that was underneath is now on top), between Figure 30J and 30K the other wire has been brought in for the first time, Figure 30K shows how the wire that is introduced is wrapped around the existing wire, and betwee

Figure 30S and option of Figure 30T or Figure 30T' has the finishing off by a cutting or twisting of the ends (other than those that are to be in tension);

Figures 31A through to Figure 31R or Figure 31R' is another use of the "H" form of Figures 20 to 29 but this time as an in insulator i.e. there is no crossing over of the

wires as shown in Figures 30L through Figures 30T and Figure T' where there was

electrical contact between the wires, it being appreciated that as between Figure 311 an

12 Figure 31 J the second wire has been brought in and the finishing step between Figure 31Q and the options of Figure 31R and Figure 31R' either has the end cut off or the end twisted about that which is in tension;

Figure 32A to Figure 320 shows an insulator or joiner of any exterior configuration (here the exterior configuration is shown simply as a block) showing how the characteristics of the plastic are being relied upon, it being appreciated that there can be channels, passageways etc in addition to the two small openings shown on one face and

the projection shown on one face adapted to retain the wire as shown, it additionally being appreciated that as between Figure 32G and Figure 32H the tail is twisted around the tensioned wire or can be cut;

Figure 32H to 320 shows the bringing in of a second wire which has the effect of providing the joining or insulating effect reliant upon the conducting property of the material, there being a finishing off by twisting the tail around the tensioned wire or a cutting thereof between Figure 32N and Figure 320; and

Figure 33 is a diagram of a preferred form of insulator.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate how devices in accordance with the present invention can be used

1. simply to ensure reduced impact stress in a tensioned wire spanning between strainers and perhaps even as shock absorbers (eg, rotating about the axis of the tensioned wire), one device preferably at each end,

2. as shown in for example Figure 7 or 8 as a joining device between such strainers to

join a length of wire,

3. be preferably provided adjacent each strainer so as to electrically insulate the

13 length of wire between the devices from the strainer encircling loops of wire, or

4. tension or retention.

In a preferred form of the present invention the device is preferably formed from an electrically insulating material such as an appropriate plastics material e.g. a strong form of nylon or the like. Where it is not required to serve an electrically insulating function, but a joining function, other materials including metals can be used. If desired composite products such as shown in Figure 12 can be provided having an insert of a

stronger material than the remainder of the device.

In the preferred form of the present invention there are preferably three main forms i.e. that as shown in Figures 1 through 6 and preferably that as shown in Figures 8A through 11A and 24 through 27.

In the device as shown in Figure 3 there is defined a first passage 1 and a second passage 2, a surface 3 about which the wire is curved and means 4 which is to bend the wire under tension which passes into and through the first passage 1.

The lead in wire 5 is that which is under tension while the free end 6 is preferably

not under tension and thus does not require twisting from a condition as shown in Figure

6 although that in an option and indeed is a preferred option in the forms of the device depicted in Figures 8 to 11 and 8A to 11A inclusive and Figures 1A and 6A inclusive.

In use therefore the length of wire 7 has its free end passed through the aperture 8 of the device and that portion 7A thereof then encircles the strainer post or other member that is to be engaged thereby before the free end 5 is passed through the first passage 1 around the surface 3 and back through the second passage 2 whereupon the device can then be tensioned by pulling on the length of wire 7 or the end of the wire.

14 Such tensioning results in the bend occurring in the wire length passing through the first passage 1 owing to the deformation of the wire under such loading and its interaction with the bend forming surface 4.

Preferably the projected axis of the lead in of the ben (4A of Figure 2) is such that

it does intersect the aperture 8. It is felt that a better engagement occurs if that projected axis falls forward of the aperture 8 (see the broken line 9 in Figure 2 which ha such a projection).

The insulator of Figure 7, 8 or 8A is another preferred form of the present invention. The member 10 has a central aperture 11 through which the portion 5 passes

to then be pulled away from the device in the respective directions 5" and 5".

The device as shown in Figures 8 to 11 inclusive has two complementary sets of first and second passage such as shown in relation to the device of Figures 1 to 6. The device as shown in figures 8A to 11A inclusive is preferred. This device has two complementary diametrically opposed sets of passages. In this instance however the length of wire 12 passes through the device in a first passageway past the bend forming region at 13, passes through the device, is then curved at the angle as shown in Figure 10 and 10A before being passed back through its second passage and then preferably having its free end 14 deformed as depicted in Figure 11 and 11A and shown by broken lines in Figures 8, 8A, 9 and 9A. The curved region of that wire is depicted by reference

numeral 15.

Conversely the wire length 16 has its bend formed at 17 and its free end 18 as

depicted. Its curved surface is designated 19.

As can be seen preferably there is some angling of the curved region opposite each

15 other at each end so that the two lengths of wire as depicted in Figure 11 and HA within the device do not come into electrical contact.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the advantage such a device provided over many wire joining devices and particularly the prospect it offers of an insulated or not, joint capable of adjustment to take up tension in due course using, for example, a yoked

device such as depicted in Figure 14 which includes a yoke or the equivalent means 20 and a wire gripping device 21 which enables the pulling of the wire, for examples 22,

back through its second passageway to allow the reforming of the position of the curve therein, disengaging the bend of the first passage, and then the pulling through of more wire through the second passage, a device to retain the wire 24, prior to the release of the device which then rotates to reform the bend of the first passage, and a device to release the retaining device 25, thus effectively increasing the tension in the overall interconnected lengths of wire and the disengagement of the yoke device.

As indicated earlier the broken outline in Figure 13 is preferably a length of wire 23 that has been passed along a channel or other open passageway 24 to be formed about the surface 25 by the sweeping thereover of the pivoted arm 26, preferably carrying a cam, roller or other rubbing surface that rubs the wire over the forming

surface 25 which preferably is of much the same contour as the curve forming surface of the device. In the preferred form of the device which normally will engage a fencing wire such a curve forming surface can be curved to a circle of curvature of, for example,

about 12 mm for 2.5 mm wire.

Figure 15 shows a view of another wire end retaining device in accordance with the

present invention, Figure 16 is a view AA of the device of Figure 15, Figure 17 is a view

16 BB of the device of Figure 15, Figure 18 is a section CC of the device of Figure 15 and Figure 19 shows a device shown in any one of Figures 15 to 18 in use, the loop of wire for example passing around a strainer, the wire in tension being that associated with the arrow.

Figure 20 shows one form of wire joining device in accordance with the present invention, wires associated with the arrows being those under tension, the other ends being the free ends which preferably would be cut back, Figure 21 is the other side of the

device of Figure 20, Figure 22 is a view from one end of the device and Figure 23 is a

view of the other end of the device, as being seen in Figures 20 to 23 the device being

substantially of a "H" shape.

Figure 24 shows a variation of the "H" shaped device (being a joiner) of Figures 20 to 23, Figure 25 is another variation being an insulator, Figure 26 is the view AA of the device of Figure 24, Figure 27 is the view BB with respect to the device of Figure 25, Figure 28 is the view CC with respect to Figure 24 and Figure 29 is the view DD with respect to Figure 25.

Figure 30A to Figure 30T or its option Figure 30T' shows the use of, for example, an "H" shaped joiner as shown in any one of Figures 20-24, the broken lines for the wires

showing the wire passage underneath the device while the unbroken lines show the wires on top, the two wires being shown are as a different thickness to ease explanation,

It should be appreciated that as between Figure 30H and Figure 30J the body has been rotated to wrap the wire around so that the wire that was underneath is now on

top, between Figure 30J and 30K the other wire has been brought in for the first time and between Figure 30S and option of Figure 30T or Figure 30T' the finishing off has

17 -' . been by a cutting or a twist of the ends other than those that are to be in tension.

Figures 31A through to Figure 31R or Figure 31R' is another use of the "H" form of Figures 20 to 29 but this time as an insulator (i.e. there is no crossing over of the wires as shown in Figures 30L through Figures 30T and Figure 30T^; where there was electrical contact between the wires), it being appreciated that as between Figure 311 and Figure

31J the second wire has been brought in and the finishing step between Figure 31Q and the options of Figure 31R and Figure 31R' either has the end cut of or the end twisted

about that which is in tension.

Figure 32A to Figure 320 shows an insulator or joiner of any exterior configuration (here the exterior configuration is shown simply as a block) showing how the characteristics of the plastic are being relied upon, it being appreciated that there can be channels, passageways etc in addition to the two small openings shown on one face and the projection shown on one face adapted to retain the wire as shown, it additionally being appreciated that as between Figure 32G and Figure 32H the tail is twisted around the tensioned wire or can be cut

Figure 32H to 320 shows the bringing in of a second wire which has the effect of

providing the joining or insulating effect reliant upon the conducting property of the

material, there being a finishing off by twisting the tail around the tensioned wire or a cutting thereof between Figure 32N and Figure 320.

Figure 33 is a diagram of a preferred form of insulator. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate how the present invention is no way

dependant upon a choice of material(s) and indeed it is not necessary for it to be a unitary member since composite forms or fabricated forms are capable of being

18. provided. In addition persons skilled in the art will appreciate how the first and/or second passages need not be true closed passageways but can if desired be channelled, be provided with or without constricted openings or have partial closed regions or the like i.e. a channel but with some tunnels.

19

Claims (25)

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A wire end retaining device (unitary or fabricated in construction) which defines in use a first passage (e.g. passageway, channel or mixture thereof, skeletally or otherwise) for a wire across the device, a surface (intermittent or continuous) about which in use a wire curves from said

first passage, and a second passage (e.g. passageway, channel or mixture thereof, skeletally or otherwise) for a wire across the device from said surface about which wire curves which is substantially a return crossing of the device when compared to the crossing of the first passage, said first passage, at least under the tension of the wire in use, having a wire bend forming surface which bears under loading on the wire leading into the first passage to

result in the wire under tension being at least held in part by the bend forming surface,

in part by the surface about which the wire curves and in part by the or a surface of the

second passage.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein it includes means to facilitate location of a wire so as to enable in use the pull of the wire having its end retained to be balanced

and to ensure the bend is formed.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said means to facilitate location of a wire is a hole.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said means to facilitate location of a wire

20 is a third passage through which or around which the wire at a position other than at its end can pass and be located in use (whether under tension, or not, or in part).

5. A device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said third passage is different from the first and second passages.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said third passage is substantially normal to the first and second passages e.g. substantially normal to the plane of the curve to be formed by said surface about which the wire curves.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said third passage is substantially divergent with respect to the plane of the curve to be formed by said surface about which the wire curves.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said first and second passages are substantially divergent when viewed from the direction from which the wire in use to be under tension enters the first passage.

9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first and second passages are substantially parallel.

10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first and second passage are substantially perpendicular.

11. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7. wherein said third passage is a channel which is substantially divergent when viewed from the direction from which the

wire in use to be under tension enters the second passage.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the first passage and third channel are

substantially parallel.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the first passage and third channel can be

21 substantially divergent.

14. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said first and second passage are substantially in the same plane as a curve formed about said surface about which the wire curves.

15. A device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the surface about which the wire curves moves the second passage into a plane substantially spaced from that of the first passage.

16. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said wire bend forming surface is more adjacent the commencement of the surface about which the wire curves, than the lead in of the wire.

17. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said wire bend forming surface is more central and perpendicular to the lead in of the wire and the commencement of the surface about which the wire curves.

18. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an end of a wire can be passed through the first passage beyond the wire bend forming surface, can be

curved to a shape substantially according to the surface about which the wire curves (e.g.

using a former tool or the equivalent) and can have the free end thereof passed back through the second passage and the device then placed under tension by tensioning the lead in length of the wire to the first passage, thereby causing the formation of the bend in, and the gripping of, the wire by the device.

19. A device as claimed in Claim 18 wherein said end regions of the wire emerging from the second passage if desired can be bent back onto the device in tension, or not,

or in part, or about part of the device to enhance grip.

20. The use of a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

22

21. A wire joiner or insulator comprising a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 but having two complementary sets of first and second passages (and optionally third passages) so that in use the tensioned lead of each wire to its respective first passage is

substantially aligned with that of the other first passage.

22. Wire end retaining devices substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to

any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

23. A tool capable of being positioned, for example, by yoke means or the like, so as to

anchor onto a device as claimed in any one of Claims 1-19, 21 and 22 and which additionally has means to grip and pull away from the device the end of the wire that is

not necessarily under tension, thereby allowing the adjustment of its position through the device e.g. by pulling through the reforming of the curve.

24. A forming tool substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings suitable for forming a curve in a wire that has been passed

through the first passage of a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, 21 and 22

25. A method of fence line forming using a device or devices as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, 21 & 22 to retain wire at or adjacent the end thereof in conjunction with a fence strainer, a join between wires and/or to provide for electrical insulation.

26. A method of retaining the end of a wire using a device as claimed in any one of

Claims 1 to 19, 21 and 22 wherein an end of a wire is passed through the first passage of

the device beyond the wire bend forming surface, is curved to a shape substantially to

accord to the surface about which the wire is to curve, its free end is passed back across

the device via said second passage and thereafter the wire into the first passage is caused to be in tension with the outcome that the bend forming surface of the first passage

23 bears on the wire and in conjunction with other wire/device contact retains the wire.

27. An insulator or joiner of a moulded non/conductor comprising a unitary body including means defining two opposed wire end retaining devices as claimed in Claim 1

wherein in use the two ends are each retained substantially in a plane, the plane of each wire end being in close proximity and being substantially parallel.

28. An insulator or joiner of Claim 27 wherein between said planes on either side of and at least partly around the body is a channel or groove each for locating the free end of a said wire.

29. An insulator or joiner of claim 27 or 28 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

30. A method of providing an insulated or joined wire under tension which involves the

use of an insulator or joiner of any one of Claims 27 to 29 substantially as herein described.

31. An insulator or wire joining device comprising a shaped body having (whether staggered or otherwise) four projections providing the legs of a clearly defined, basterdized or other disguised "H" shape.

32. An insulator or wire joining device of Claim 31 wherein each or at least some of

the legs having a wire restraining flange at each end thereof, the arrangement of the

device being such that in a similar manner (but each with a different adjacent pair of legs of the "H" shape) each length of the two lengths of wire to be joined is arranged

that in sequence from the length of one wire to be in tension is positioned:

i) to extend to and against the body under a region of the other wire, ii) to pass around a first leg of the "H" shape and back between the first leg and an adjacent second leg,

24 iii) to pass around the second leg and back between the second and first leg

and, iv) pass around the first leg and back between the first and second legs (and preferably against the second leg).

33. An insulator or wire joining device of Claim 31 or 32 substantially as

hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

34. A method of joining or insulating wire using an insulator or a

device of any one of Claims 31 to 33 substantially as herein described with reference to any of the drawings.

35. A tool capable of being positioned, for example, by yoke means

or the like, so as to anchor onto a device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 19, 21, 22, 27 to 29, 31 and 32.

36. A tool capable of being positioned, for example, by yoke means or the like, so as to anchor onto a device as claimed in any one of

Claims 1 to 19, 21, 22 and 27 to 29, and which additionally has means

to grip and pull away from the device the end of the wire that is not necessarily under tension, thereby allowing the adjustment of its position through the device, eg. by pulling through and reforming of the curve.

37. A fence formed using a device(s) and/or a method of fence line forming using a device or devices in accordance with any of Claim

1 to 19, 21, 22, 27 to 29, 31 and 32.

38. A wire end retention device or the use thereof within said device

is substantially of a form as described herein reference to any one or

more of the accompanying drawings and the use thereof is substantially

as herein described.

25. .