NZ299074A - Turnbuckle tensioning device, turnbuckle rotated by motor, includes a guard and a locking arrangement - Google Patents

Description

299074 _N.Z. PATENT OFFiCS '0 dffaSiA<j5 PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $260.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 299074 Dated: 26 July 1996 Jamas & Wells Ref: 12090/8 BE IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TURNBUCKLE TENSIONING APPARATUS We S. S. M. (NZ) Limited, a New Zealand company of Unit 6, First Floor, 27-33 Nikau House, 27 Nikau Crescent, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which We pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 299074 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO TURNBUCKLE TENSIONING APPARATUS technical field The present invention is directed to apparatus for the rapid tightening 5 and/or release of turnbuckles used as part of lashing systems for securing cargo loads. It is envisaged however, that the present invention may also find other applications.

Background Art Many lashing systems for cargo rely on cables, chains or other lashing 10 devices which are passed about a load and tightened to maintain it in place. Typically some form of link is provided to connect both end cable (or other lashing material) portions together, though provision may also be made for a free end to be coupled to a deck or other suitable support. However, in addition to such connection means, it is generally necessary 15 to have some form of tightening means to allow tension to be applied to the cable or chosen lashing system to ensure a load is maintained in t place. In some instances a buckle arrangement, similar to that on seatbelts, is provided, though this finds limited use. For instance, such arrangements are generally restricted to where a flexible band or web of 20 material is relied upon and do not find use where chains or cables, such as are commonly used for larger loads, are employed.

Commonly turnbuckles, comprising a rotatable element having aligned threaded apertures at either end, are used where high st. <ingth and tension is required. A threaded rod interacts with each aperture, with 25 the free end of each rod being attached to th^ lashing material. By 2 299074 rotation of the tumbuckle element, the threaded rods are drawn either further into the tumbuckle element, or released outwardly therefrom. This provides for the tensioning, or the relaxation, of the lashing cable or material. However, for large loads, such as a consignment of logs on the 5 deck of a ship, significant tension may have to be applied to the load. In addition, for such a large load, there may be a significant amount of slack which needs to be taken up (though a secondary connection arrangement may be provided to allow for a majority of the slack to be taken up). This is then multiplied by the number of lashing cables used to secure the 10 load. As can be appreciated, the (manual) turning of turnbuckles on a large load can be quite time consuming if performed manually. As the securing and release of loads tends to tie up a ship in port, and taking also into account docking and labour costs while a ship, in effect, sits idle, any means of speeding the securing or release of the cargo is of 15 significant commercial value.

A device has appeared which allows for the motorised turning of turnbuckles. This device comprises a petrol driven engine and is, in effect, a modified chainsaw. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with its design and use. For instance, the 20 braking mechanism is essentially a small brake pad (such as used on a bicycle) which bears against a rotating member of the device. To operate the brake, the safety gate must be opened and pulled hard backwardly, so as to cause the brake pad to bear against the rotating member and provide pressure therebetween. However, opening the safety gates also 25 exposes the mouth of the device through which the tumbuckle was originally inserted. This can allow the tumbuckle to exit the mouth which, if the motor of the device is still attempting to rotate the tumbuckle, will cause immediate jamming between the mouth and the 3 299074 rotating turnbuckle which has partially exited through the mouth of the stationary body. This will provide an immediate kickback to the operator who will then have to contend with the fo> ce of the device being thrown upwardly towards them. Any impact of the device against the operator 5 can cause injury, possibly serious. Given also that sometimes the operator may be in a precarious position when tightening the turnbuckles, this may be sufficient to cause serious injury should the operator be caught off-balance and fall a great distance.

Accordingly, there is no means of braking or restricting rotation of the 10 components when the safety locking gate is closed - it is desirable that braking can be applied before the safety gate is opened, or at least at substantially any time the safety gate is open, with minimal danger to the operator.

A further problem with the prior art device is that the drive mechanism 15 rotates in a manner which provides a substantial upwards kickback to the operator when the turnbuckle either becomes tight, or jams. The net outcome of this is that considerable personal injury results to the operator, either by being hit with the body of the machine, or by being thrown over the turnbuckle.

A further disadvantage of the prior art device is that the safety bar closing the mouth does not provide a positive lock and in several instances has come open during operation. This has allowed wires and other loose objects to enter the tensioner mouth and has resulted in injury to the operator. 4 299074 Further, the prior art device relies on spanners and screw drivers to adjust the drive belt. Such adjustment is achieved alter loosening the attachment bolts in the same manner as a chainsaw bar. This can be time consuming and difficult if a user needs to adjust the belt on the spot.

Finally, the prior art device has a number of fully exposed moving parts, such as the belt drive mechanism etc. Loose items of clothing, or indeed any other loose object, can readily become caught in the machine and again result in injury to the operator.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems 10 or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. disclosure of invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus, comprising: a body housing the components, and having a mouth enabling a turnbuckle to be engaged by rotatable turnbuckle accepting means, and wherein 20 a guard arrangement closes off the mouth of said body, and interacts with a locking arrangement for restricting rotation of said rotatable turnbuckle accepting means, there also being an included power means, or provision for the connection of same, 25 and 29 9 0 74 transmission means coupling the power means to the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means to effect rotation thereof.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in 5 which the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means comprises a disc-like member having a portion removed therefrom.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the removed portion of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means 10 includes a removed region about the centre of said disc which size is sufficient to accommodate and insert a turnbuckle, and a slotted portion extending from the central removed portion to the edge of the disc to allow for the relative sideways insertion of a turnbuckle.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided 15 turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means comprises a circumferentially toothed gear.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in 20 which transmission means comprises an arrangement of at least one of gears, worms, belts and chain and block arrangements.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the power means comprises an electric or fuel powered motor. 6 29 9 0 74 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the power means comprises a modified chainsaw.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided 5 turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means during a tightening operation is such that any kickback forces the power means downwardly.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided 10 turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which a locking arrangement locks, directly or indirectly, the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means against rotation when engaged.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in 15 which the locking arrangement prevents rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means against rotation .in either or both of clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in 20 which the locking arrangement comprises a toothed locking portion capable of engaging teeth on a gear present in the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the locking arrangement includes biasing means acting against 7 # 299074 the locking portion, forcing it towards a position where it engages with teeth on a gear on the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in 5 which mouth closure means prevents exit of a turnbuckle inserted into the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the mouth closure means includes mouth locking means 10 protecting against inadvertent opening.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above in which the locking arrangement is released only when the mouth closure means is in a closed position, or closed and locked closed position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as described above which includes a secondary braking system for retarding, directly or indirectly, the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means.

While the present invention has been designed to be primarily a 20 turnbuckle tensioner it is possible that it may be used for other applications. In some instances, this may involve some modification, typically to the turnbuckle accepting means (to accept other devices such as chain blocks and winching systems), and may also affect other features such as the size, and power unit. 8 299 074 Typically, apparatus according to the present invention comprises a number of components. First and foremost, there is generally provided a body which serves to house the components as well as providing means for the apparatus to be held by a user.

The design and nature of the body can vary, and may comprise one or more various components. It is desirable that the body is able to substantially enclose all moving parts, to prevent contact by loose objects or the operator during use. In a preferred embodiment the only exposed moving portion is the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means, though even this may have suitably positioned guards and/or be designed so as to reduce the possibility of loose objects interfering with its action. Provided guards may operate in conjunction with the mouth closure means to allow access for a turnbuckle when the mouth closure means is open, but shield this region when the mouth closure means is closed.

Typically the apparatus when viewed can be categorised into three main portions. This is: the motor portion, which includes a provided, or attachable power means; the transmission portion, which while it may be incorporated substantially within the motor portion, will generally be intermediary between the motor portion, and the head portion, and finally; the head portion which generally comprises the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means, and any parts of the body which facilitate the insertion of the turnbuckle or other device into the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. For instance, in the prior art r bodiment, and a preferred embodiment of the present invention, % 299 0 74 there is an extended portion operating as an extending jaw or wedge portion which helps lead a turnbuckle resting on same towards ai mouth Tor insertion of the turnbuckle. Typically this lower portion is slid under the turnbuckle and the apparatus 5 pushed forward (by an operator or by other means) until insertion of the turnbuckle occurs.

While the apparatus and its body has been categorised into three main portions (see preceding paragraph), the distinctions between each portion are not necessarily clear and a certain amount of overlap and merging 10 may occur in various embodiments. These portions have been introduced for the purpose of the description herein, so as to more clearly illustrate the relationship between different components of the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus for a reader. However, these categorisations are not meant to be limiting to the scope of the invention.

The rotatable turnbuckle accepting means comprises a member which is able to accept and then rotate a turnbu /kle. Typically, the turnbuckle accepting means will be substantially disc-like in appearance (though =does not necessarily need to be so) and is capable of rotation. A flange, or other portion, about the periphery of the disc may help locate the 20 turnbuckle accepting means within the body, and allow its rotation within its general plane.

In order to drive the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means, a variety of drive mechanisms may be provided so as to allow the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means to interface with the transmission means 25 and/or power means. However, in a preferred embodiment, teeth provided about the periphery, or other portion of the turnbuckle accepting 299 0 74 means, allows it to interface with other toothed gears or worms to effect its rotation.

As the axis of rotation of the turnbuckle will generally coincide with the centre of rotation of the turnbuckle accepting means, there is generally a 5 central removed portion of the turnbuckle accepting means. This is generally of sufficient size to allow the insertion of a turnbuckle. The removed portion may be lined with a resilient (but still rigid) material, so as to reduce shock and wear between the turnbuckle and turnbuckle accepting means, and may rely on a replaceable insert for same. Many 10 plastics, including a number of nylons and urethanes, have suitable properties.

To allow the relative sideways insertion of a turnbuckle, and its subsequent release, a slot, or removed portion will generally extend between the removed central portion (or aperture) and an edge of the 15 turnbuckle accepting means. This will be generally of sufficient size to allow the sideways insertion of a turnbuckle, and will typically also be alignable with the mouth of the body to facilitate insertion and release of the turnbuckle.

To help alignment of the open portion of the turnbuckLi accepting means 20 and the mouth of the device, some form of detent mechanism may be provided between the body (or other component) and the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. This may merely comprise a biased ball and detent, or other equivalent mechanism, which will not interfere with rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means during use, but will 25 come into effect as it slows. This may also be used to provide some braking action on the rotating turnbuckle accepting means when the power means is cut or turned off. 11 299074 It is also possible that the locking arrangement may also operate in a manner in which the preferential locking position is when the mouth and removed turnbuckle accepting means portion align. It is possible that the locking arrangement (to be described later) will positively lock 5 into place preventing any rotation only when alignment occurs, and perhaps provide only a general braking effect at all other positions of a rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. As can be appreciated, many other variations are possible.

It is also possible in some embodiments, that a secondary braking means 10 is provided. This may be independent of any locking or primary braking arrangement, and may be able to be operated regardless of whether any mouth closure means is in place or not. However, it is generally desirable that the secondary braking means, when provided, can be released during normal operation of the device and only come into play 15 when p-rwer is cut (e.g. release of the trigger by an operator) and/or manually controlled by the operator.

It is desirable that there is some form of locking arrangement for restricting rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. Typically this is at any time when the mouth closure means is either 20 open, or not locked in a closed position. This may be accomplished in a variety of manners including clamping brake pads which act on the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means, or another member in: the transmission train which will indirectly result in braking or halting the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means.

Another alternative is to rely on a toothed portion which interacts with teeth on the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means (when teeth are provided on same) or, again, on any other member of the transmission 12 299 074 train. It is also possible that any locking means may be part of the power or motive means itself.

While the locking arrangement, which may be accomplished by a variety of means, may be manually controlled, it is desirable that it interacts with mouth closure means for safety. The arrangement may be that a locking arrangement, and/or any braking means provided, comes into play at any time when a provided mouth closure means is open and/or when it is not in a locked closed position. Generally this will require some interaction between components and it is possible that the release of the locking arrangement preventing rotation of the turnbuckle accepting means is actuated only when the mouth closure means has been moved to a closed position.

It is also possible that a fastenable closure means provided on mouth closure arrangement, interacts with a locking arrangement for the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means to cause it to release. Once the mouth closure means becomes unlatched and/or opens, then the locking arrangement for the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means would immediately come into play.

A number of different mechanical arrangements allowing these functions to be provided may be employed, and would be well within the scope of a skilled addressee of the art to implement given the description given herein. Accordingly, no further discussion of these mechanical arrangements will be included.

The mouth closure means may merely be a guard arrangement which closes off the opened portion of tho body through which a turnbuckle accesses the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. Various 33 299 0 74 arrangements of guards may be relied upon to obstruct entry to and from the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. In a preferred embodiment, to be described later, a sliding arcuate member positioned within the body rotates about the outside of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means to 5 close off the access mouth provided on the body. A handle is provided to effect closure or opening. A separate locking mechanism for the mouth closure means may also be provided which may lock automatically into place when closure occurs, or may require both manual locking and release.

Various embodiments may have different transmission means to transmit power from a motor means to the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. In a preferred embodiment a series of gears are provided, which interact with a belt connected to the motive means. A clutch mechanism may be provided, though may also form part of the 15 motor means (clutch mechanisms are generally provided on most chainsaws) which is the power plant of choice in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Various other transmission means may be relied upon, including the use of worm drives which can reduce the possibility' of kickback should for 20 some reason jamming occur. Torque ieleasing clutches, such as commonly found on battery powered drills and screwdrivers, may also be employed, again to reduce the likelihood of kickback.

Typically, and preferably, the arrangement is such that rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means during turnbuckle tightening will 25 cause, if kickback occurs, the motive means to be forced downwardly towards the deck or load, rather than upwardly towards the operator. 14 299 0 74 This can address safety issues for the operator when the turnbuckle either becomes tight, or jams.

The power means may be incorporated or removable from the remainder of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the body is adapted to 5 attach to a chainsaw. Typically the chainsaw bar is removed, and a belt drive used in lieu of the chain so as to drive the transmission means and other components. The prior art device also had such an arrangement, though relied on a combination of spanners and screwdrivers to adjust the drive belt after loosening the attachment bolts in the same manner as 10 a chainsaw bar. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a belt adjustor which can allow for adjustment of the belt tension without the need for loosening the attachment. This can make adjustment significantly faster and more efficient. jBRBGF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS _ Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side cut away view of the head and transmission portions of a preferred embodiment of the 20 present invention; and Figure 2 is a plan cut away view of the embodiment of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a side diagrammatic view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, showing the motive portion and drive belt.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the head and 25 transmission portions in cut-away relief. 299074 best modes for carrying out the invention With reference to the drawings and by way of example only there is provided turnbuckle tensioning apparatus comprising: a body 1 housing the components, and having a mouth (generally 5 indicated by arrow 2) enabling a turnbuckle (not shown) to be engaged by rotatable turnbuckle accepting means 3, and wherein a guard arrangement 4 closes off the mouth 2 of said body 1, and interacts with a locking arrangement (generally indicated by arrow 5) for restricting rotation of said rotatable turn buckle accepting means 3, there also being an included power means (generally indicated by arrow 6), or provision for the connection of same, and 15 - transmission means (generally indicated by arrow 7) coupling the power means 6 to the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means 3 to effect rotation thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, as shown particularly in Figures 3 and 4, the motive means comprises a chainsaw motor. In this embodiment, the 20 standard chainsaw is modified to accept the body 1 and the components that it houses. As can be seen in Figure 3, connected to the saw's clutch 8 is a belt 9 which drives a pulley 10 which is connected to gear 11 (see Figure 1). The main body 1 connects to the chainsaw 6 by an extending plate 12 provided with suitable mounts (generally indicated by arrows 13). 25 In various embodiments, this extending plate 12 may be modified or altered to allow attachment to different brands or types of motive means. 16 299 0 74 However, for economy, it is envisaged that the described embodiment will make use of a commercially available chainsaw as the motive means.

The plate 12 in effect replaces the bar of the chainsaw and the belt 9 replaces the chain of the chainsaw. To allow adjustment of the tension 5 on the belt 9, a belt tensioner 14 comprising an idler wheel and adjuster screw is provided.

Rotation of pulley 10 results in rotation of gear 11 which forms part of the main transmission means to the turnbuckle accepting disc 3. A sequence of gears 15 a-d transmit rotation of the gear 11 to the turnbuckle 10 accepting disc 3 which is toothed about its periphery 16. The arrangement is such that in Figure 1, normal rotation of the disc 3 is counterclockwise. This ensures that if any jamming or kickback occurs, the main body of the device (to the right in Figure 1) will be forced downwardly, rather than upwardly, thereby protecting the operator.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the turnbuckle accepting means 3 comprises a recess 20 capable of accepting a turnbuckle, which are generally substantially rectangular in cross-section. A resilient insert s (not shown) may be positioned in this slot 20 to help accommodate the turnbuckle accepting means, prevent slipping, and also reduce shock 20 transmission to an operator during use of the invention.

To aid insertion of the turnbuckle, the body 1 generally has an extending portion (generally indicated by arrow 21). This tapered jaw 21 can be used to guide a turnbuckle into the slot 20.

A guard 4 is provided to close off the mouth 2 of the body 1 during 25 operation of the device. This comprises an arcuate guard which is able to rotate to the outside of the turnbuckle accepting disc 3. A series of pin 17 299 0 74 guides 22 are provided to guide the guard 4. A handle 23 is provided to control the guard 4.

When the guard 4 has been fully closed (in Figure 1 the guard is shown in a partially open position) it interacts with a pivoting plate 25 which is 5 toothed 26 at one end. These teeth 26 engage with the peripheral teeth 16 of the turnbuckle accepting disc 3 thereby preventing its rotation and locking it into position. At any position of the guard 4 other than fully closed, these teeth 26 on the pivoting lock plate 25 will be freed to engage with the peripheral teeth 16 of the turnbuckle accepting means 3 due to 10 the action of biasing means 27. This acts as a safety mechanism and brake to prevent rotation of the turnbuckle accepting disc 3 at any point except when the guard is latched fully closed. A positive latching system, preventing inadvertent opening of guard 4 during operation, is provided (not shown for clarity) and requires an additional action by the user 15 rather than just pulling back on the handle 23.

For use, the guard 4 is withdrawn to open the mouth 2 to the slot 20 in the turnbuckle accepting means 3. A turnbuckle is inserted, ensuring that the user has approached the turnbuckle from the correct side to perform the require tightening or loosening operation. The guard 4 is then closed, 20 which releases the locking plate 25 from the teeth 16 of the turnbuckle accepting means 3. The motive means can then be operated to effect rotation of the tumbuckle accepting means 3 to perform the desired tightening, or loosening, operation on the tumbuckle. When this has been completed, the mouth 2 is opened by a withdrawal of the guard 4 into 25 the body 1, and the tumbuckle released by withdrawal of the device. Control of the motive means is by controls normally provided on the 18 299 0 74 chainsaw which also enables the user to correctly orientate the disc 3 to align with the mouth 2.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 19 2 9 9 0 7 4

Claims (1)

1. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: Tumbuckle tensioning apparatus, including: a body housing the components, and having a mouth enabling a tumbuckle to be engaged by rotatable tumbuckle accepting means, and wherein mouth closure means closes off the mouth of said body, and interacts with a locking arrangement for restricting rotation of said rotatable tumbuckle accepting means, there also being an included power means, or provision for the connection of same, and transmission means coupling the power means to the rotatable tumbuckle accepting means to effect rotation thereof. Turnb'Wide tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rotatable tumbuckle accepting means includes a member for accepting and subsequently rotating a tumbuckle. ■Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the rotatable tumbuckle accepting means is a disc-like member. Tumbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the disc-like member includes a flange about the periphery of the disc-like member to facilitate the alignment, insertion and rotation of a tumbuckle accepted into the rotatable tumbuckle accepting means. 20 29 9 0 7 4 Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in either claim 3 or 4 wherein the disc-like member includes an aperture, the size of which is sufficient to accommodate an inserted turnbuckle, comprising a central removed portion, and a slotted portion extending from the central removed portion to the edge of the disc-like member to allow for relative sideways insertion of a turnbuckle. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the slotted portion is aligned with the mouth of the body to facilitate insertion and release of a turnbuckle into and from the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein alignment of the slotted portion of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means with the mouth of the body is facilitated by the action of a detent-type mechanism. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the operation of the detent-type mechanism occurs as rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means either or both slows and stops. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the operation of the detent-type mechanism effects a braking action on the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means is retarded, directly or indirectly, by a braking system included in the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus 21 29 9 0 7 4 11. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the braking system operates when either or both the power to the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus is cut, and the braking system is manually operated by the operator of the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus. 12. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the mouth closure means is moveable about the outside of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means to close off the opened portion of the body through which a turnbuckle accesses the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. 13. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein the mouth closure means is a guard arrangement. 14. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the mouth closure means is separate from, but works in conjunction with, a guard to allow access to the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means when the mouth closure means is open, but shield the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means when the mouth closure means is closed. 15. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the mouth closure means includes a locking mechanism. 16. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the locking mechanism of the mouth closure means protects against inadvertent opening of the mouth of the body of the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus. 17. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the locking mechanism of the mouth closure means is activated when 22 e 29 9 0 7 4 closure of the opened portion of the body by the mouth closure means is effected. 18. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 17 wherein the locking mechanism of the mouth closure means can be either or both activated and released manually. 19. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims where a locking arrangement locks, directly or indirectly, the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means against rotation when engaged. 20. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the engaged locking arrangement prevents rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means when the mouth closure means is open. 21. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 20 wherein the engaged locking arrangement prevents rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means when the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means is not locked in a closed position. 22. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 21 wherein the locking arrangement is released only when the mouth closure means is in a closed position, or in a closed and locked position. 23. Turnbucklo tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the locking arrangement includes clamping apparatus which acts on the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means. 24. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the locking arrangement includes clamping apparatus which acts on the transmission means. PAravn 23 299 0 74 Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the locking arrangement comprises a toothed locking portion capable of engaging teeth on a gear present in or on the components of the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein the locking arrangement includes biasing means acting against the toothed locking portion, forcing it towards a position wherein it engages with the teeth on a gear present in or on the components of the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus. 27. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means includes & drive mechanism capable of interfacing with either or both the transmission means and the power means. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the drive mechanism of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means comprises a circumferentially toothed gear. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the power means comprises an electric or fuel powered motor. 30. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in as claimed in claim 29 wherein the power means comprises a modified chainsaw. 3L Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein transmission means comprises an arrangement of at least one of gears, worms, belts, clutch mechanisms, and chain-and-block arrangements. 26. 28. 29. 24 299074 Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the arrangement of the transmission means coupled with the power means ensures that rotation of the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means during a tightening operation is such that any kickback forces the power means downwardly. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body includes holding means to enable the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus to be held by a user. A method of operating turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33 including the steps of; a) opening mouth closure means; and b) releasing locking arrangement; and c) moving turnbuckle tensioning apparatus towards turnbuckle; and d) directing turnbuckle into mouth of the body until turnbuckle is inserted into the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means; and e) activating both the power means and transmission means to effect rotation of the turnbuckle by the rotatable turnbuckle accepting means until required rotation achieved; and f) deactivating either or both power means and transmission means. A method as claimed in claim 34 in which the turnbuckle is inserted into the apparatus such that on jamming or halting of the turnbuckle while the apparatus is being powered, any kick back directs the main body of the apparatus towards the deck or ground. 25 299 0 74 36. A method of constructing turnbuckle tensioning apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33 using a chainsaw as a power means, including the steps of; a) removing the chainsaw bar from the chainsaw body; and b) replacing the chain of the chainsaw with a belt drive; and c) attaching the chainsaw and belt drive to the transmission means and/or components of the body of the turnbuckle tensioning apparatus. 37. Turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as claimed herein, described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying diagrams. 38. A method of operating turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as claimed herein, described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying diagrams. 39. A method of constructing turnbuckle tensioning apparatus substantially as claimed herein, using a chainsaw, described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying diagrams. N.Z. PATENT OEQ'JS. WM 1997 received S.S.M. (NZ) LIMITED by their Attorneys JAMES & WELLS END OF CLAIMS 26