Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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An Improved Tool for use in the Fencing Industry or the like
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved tool for use in the fencing
industry or the
like. In particular, the present invention relates to a pair of pliers
suitable for the removal of
staples and the tensioning of fence wires.
BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION
The present invention addresses problems in the fencing industry but may find
application in
other areas. For simplicity of description, the invention will be described
with the problems
and considerations of the fencing industry in mind.
Many farm fences are of wire construction. Posts are placed at intervals and
multiple
parallel wires are strung between them. To help maintain the relative tension
of the wires
and keep them spaced apart, floating (i.e. not planted or secured to the
ground) battens
are regularly spaced between the posts. These are often of wood, and typically
around
40x40mm in cross-section.
The fence wires are usually fastened to the battens and posts by means of
fence staples ¨
U-shaped nails that accommodate the wire in their crook. While easy to hammer
in, they are
actually very difficult to remove ¨ especially without damaging the fence
wire.
Normally, staples only need to be removed during fence repairs ¨ occasionally
battens need
to be replaced or a section of fencing may be altered. In both cases, it is
usually a case of
trying to repair the fence rather than replacing it. Accordingly it is
desirable that the fence
wires remain intact and are not damaged. However, trying to remove staples
(especially
barbed staples) with traditional means often results in damage.
The main causes of damage relate to the fact that the crook of a staple is
quite small and
sometimes smaller than the actual diameter of the wire. Hence the area of the
crook is
completely filled with wire, making it difficult to lift the staple without
the wire (lifting the wire
can damage or introduce a weak point into the wire). Sometimes also, in
softwood battens,
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the staple can be overdriven into the batten, making it even harder (using
conventional
means) to lift the staple. Quite a degree of force is required to lift a
staple, often requiring
some leverage to pull up the staple. Known pliers have jaws with a rounded
head (like the
claw of a hammer) to provide some leverage to pull the staple out (like a
conventional nail
with a claw hammer). The problem is, however, that the rotating leverage
applied by
traditional pliers is transverse to the length of the batten. Since most
battens are around
40mm wide, it is very difficult to effectively use traditional pliers to pull
out staples from
battens ¨ you can pull the staples a short distance if you are lucky, but
can't get any further
leverage due to the lack of an adequate support surface (i.e. you are limited
by the width of
the batten).
Secondly, most traditional pliers for use in fencing are crimping pliers, for
crimping wire
joiners/sleeves. Due to the force required to compress the joiners/sleeves,
they are typically
designed for two handed use. In contrast, a one handed plier suitable for
removing staples
will be quicker and easier to use, and will potentially speed up repair jobs
for the user.
Hence, batten replacement is an often onerous and tedious job and typically
results in
damage to the fence wire.
Accordingly there is a need to provide an improved process and/or apparatus
capable of
more effectively removing metal fence staples from fence battens.
Accordingly there is a need to provide apparatus capable of removing metal
fence staples
from fence battens and posts, and which can be used substantially with one
hand.
Another issue which also needs to be addressed is tensioning the fence wires
as they are
stapled to fencing battens and posts during repairs, temporary fences, and new
installations.
For a new fence, specialised wire strainers are generally used to tension
wires at the strainer
posts. However, sometimes a farmer needs to apply tension to a wire during a
repair, or
when putting up a temporary fence.
Not all farmers have specialised wire strainers/tensioners, as they are a
specialised
professional tool aimed at fencing contractors. Further, it is not generally
something the
farmer will carry around (typically on their quad-bike as they travel around
the farm) as
specialised strainers are only occasionally used. Hence, if in a remote area
of the farm the
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farmer notices that a small repair needs to be made, they will need to make a
special trip
back to the toolshed to retrieve their wire strainer or (most likely)
improvise with some other
tool ¨ typically a pair of standard or fencing pliers, though it is very
difficult to apply a good
degree of tension on a wire using these tools and any repair will need to be
followed up and
done properly.
Accordingly, there is also a need for a tool which is readily able to be
carried around as part
of a farmer's standard tool kit, and which can easily allow a farmer or fencer
to apply a good
degree of tension on a fencing wire during various uses such as repairs, and
stringing
temporary fences.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to address the problems of the prior art,
such as those
discussed above.
At the very least it is an object of the present invention to provide the
public with a useful
alternative choice.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool
comprising:
= a jaw portion comprising a pair of jaws;
= a hinge portion configured to allow each jaw of the pair of jaws to pivot
between open and closed positions relative to each other and form an
aperture adjacent a tip of each of the pair of jaws when the jaws are in the
closed position;
= a handle portion on the opposite side of the hinge portion to the jaw
portion to
allow for opening and closing of the pair of jaws; and
= at least one projection extending outwardly from each of the pair of jaws
in
the plane within which the jaws pivot
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wherein the top surface of the at least one projection distal the jaw from
which the
projection extends, are configured to contact a support surface and act as a
fulcrum
for applying a levering force to an article grasped by the jaws when in the
closed
position.
Preferably, the shape of the projections is selected from the group consisting
of: cylindrical,
conical, frustoconical, pyramidal, cuboid, and a parallelepiped.
Preferably, the projections extend a minimum of 7.5mm from the face of each of
the pair of
jaws.
Preferably, the projections extend a minimum of 12.5mm from the said center
plane of each
of the pair of jaws.
Preferably, the projections are integrally formed into each of the pair of
jaws.
Preferably, a cross-sectional area of the top surface of the projections is at
least 20 mm2.
Preferably, the top surface of the projections comprises a gripping or anti-
slip surface.
Preferably, the top surface of the projections when the pair of jaws are in a
closed position,
is within the inclusive range of 1 to 10mm of a tangential line at the tip of
each of the pair of
jaws, said tangential line being substantially perpendicular to the axis of
symmetry as the
jaws open outwardly into the open position.
Preferably, the distance of closest approach between the primary load-bearing
areas of the
projection on each jaw when the pair of jaws is in the closed position is
within the inclusive
range of 8 to 35 mm.
Preferably, the aperture is substantially circular.
Preferably, the aperture accommodates a wire with a diameter in the range
1.6mm to
4.5mm.
Preferably, the hinge portion comprises a single pivot connecting the pair of
jaws.
Preferably, the hinge portion comprises a multiple pivot point hinge
arrangement with
mechanical linkages connecting the pair of jaws.
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Preferably, the jaw portions are integral with the handle portion.
Preferably, the handle portion comprises one or more of the following
features: cushioning,
gripping modifications, moulded portions for accommodating fingers, closure
limiting features
setting the minimum distance of approach when the pliers are in a closed
position, are
telescoping.
Preferably, the jaw portion also comprises a wire cutting feature.
Preferably, the jaw portion also comprises a cable crimping feature.
Preferably, the tip of at least one jaw of the pair of jaws is fine enough to
insert and fit at
least half-way under the crook of a 2.5mm gauge fencing staple.
Preferably, the tip of at least one jaw of the pair of jaws is fine enough to
insert and fit at
least half-way under the crook of a 4mm gauge fencing staple.
Preferably, the tip of at least one jaw of the pair of jaws is tapered towards
its end.
Preferably, the tip of at least one jaw of the pair of jaws is less than
1.75mm across.
Preferably, the cross sectional area of the tip of at least one jaw of the
pair of jaws is less
than 2mm2.
Preferably, the jaw portion is made of metal.
More preferably, the metal is a stainless steel or an alloy steel.
Preferably, the tip of each jaw of the pair of jaws is bent out from the plane
of jaw pivoting.
Preferably, the tool also comprises a wire gripping portion positioned between
the hinge
portion and the handle portion and comprising a pair of wire contacting
surfaces configured
to contact each other as the handle portion is biased to move each jaw of the
pair of jaws to
the closed position.
More preferably, the jaw portion and the handle portion is connected by a
pivot assembly
comprising a double pivot arrangement.
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Preferably, one of the wire contacting portions are positioned on an outer
edge or face of
one of the primary elements.
Preferably, one of the wire contacting portions comprise a portion on a said
primary element
which closes against a wire contacting portion on the outer face of the other
primary
element.
Preferably, the wire contacting portions are positioned between the pivot
assembly portion
and the handle portions of the pliers.
Preferably, the closing of the pliers causes the two wire contacting portions
to come together
in a cam-like action.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided the use
of the tool as
described above for removing staples from a fence batten.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention, according to a first aspect, comprises a tool in the
form of a pair of
pliers for use in removing fencing staples, but may find other uses. For
example, the tool is
useful for for removing staples in power utility applications (wooden power
poles) where the
confines of the elevated bucket (or cherry picker) that is used by the
linesman along with the
bulky protective gloves the linesmen wears makes the feature of the one handed
staple
removal, the long handles and the carefully weighted handle that opens without
having to
prise the tool open very helpful. The one handed operation feature of the tool
of the present
invention is an advantage over known two handed operative tools which can be
clumsy and
bulky to use thereby improving linesman safety.
As per typical pliers there is a jaw portion, a hinge portion (allowing the
jaws of the jaw
portion to open and close), and a handle portion (for effecting opening and
closing of the
jaws).
In the present invention the handle portion may take a number of different
known forms. One
consideration is that the handles of the handle portion are sufficiently
robust for use in the
field, resistance to corrosion, and being able to provide enough mechanical
force to the jaws
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for them to perform their function (though different hinge designs can
influence the effective
leverage). Other considerations may include comfort, grip (avoiding slipping
in wet
conditions), and various ergonomic considerations. The shape of the handle is
preferably
straight with a relatively long length of approximately 190 mm. This
configuration provides
enough leverage and avoids the tool being too clumsy during use.
The hinge portion may also incorporate various known hinge designs. A simple
single pivot
connecting the jaws may be used, though multiple pivot point hinges, and
hinges with
various mechanical linkages to improve leverage (etc.) may also be considered.
These latter
designs may be considered more closely when the jaws provide additional
functionality, such
as the ability to cut wire, or to crimp wire crimps/joiner-sleeves.
In the present invention the jaw portion comprise two jaws pivotable between
open and
closed positions. The jaws have tips, which are the end portions distal the
pivot. The jaws
may be substantially planar, or the ends (adjacent and including the tips) may
be bent out
of plane (the plane being the general pivoting plane in which the arc of
opening and closing
of the jaws lie).
In preferred embodiments the tips (ideally the tip of both jaws, but only the
tip of one jaw
needs to possess this feature) are of reduced cross-section and may be
tapered. This allows
the tip(s) to more effectively insert into the crook of the staple and ideally
above the wire. As
most staples are of wire of round cross-section, suitable tapering can allow
the user to
wiggle/manipulate the fine tip between the wire and staple.
Ideally at least one of the tips should be able to insert into the crook of a
4mm staple ¨ if
both tips are tapered or of reduced cross-section then each tip need only
insert as far as
halfway. Ideally, a versatile tool would fit into the crook of the most
commonly used staple ¨
locally this is a 2.5mm staple but could be in the range 1.6mm to 4.5mm.
Adjacent the tips, when the jaws are closed, is ideally defined an aperture.
This is to
accommodate the head of the staple while it is being lifted. As the reader may
appreciate, in
preferred embodiments the staple head is, rather than being gripped and
pulled, actually
being supported underneath and lifted. This is quite different to prior art
designs which do
not readily provide this functionality.
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The outer surface of the jaws may be rounded (like the outer head of a claw
hammer),
though this is a matter of user choice. However, this allows for the pliers to
lift various
fasteners (etc.) providing there is a suitable support surface.
The present invention includes on at least one jaw (and preferably both) at
least one stud-
like projection. This extends outwardly from the general planar surface of the
jaw. This may
be better explained as follows:
- in a substantially planar jaw set (i.e. no bent out-of-plane tip
portions) the general
planar surface is also the plane of pivoting (as mentioned before);
- in a case where the ends of the jaws are bent out of the pivoting plane,
then the
stud-like projections extend from the general plane of the end portions of the
jaws
which are bent out of plane.
The main purpose of these stud-like projections is to provide a contact point
for leverage.
Hence, instead of relying on pivoting leverage in one plane (such as described
above where
some embodiments may use the outer surface of the jaws like a claw hammer),
the pliers
can be levered in a plane orthogonal to the pivoting plane. A significant
potentially realizable
advantage is that (due to the orientation of an inserted staple) the claw-
hammer type
leverage action is limited as it acts across the width of the batten (which is
not wide enough
for a staple to be more than slightly pulled out). In contrast, the stud-like
projections provide
a fulcrum for leverage along the length of the batten, which is more
effective.
Further, given that in preferred embodiments the stud-like projections are
ideally positioned
near to the tip of the jaws for maximum leverage, they also allow the pliers
to be more
effectively used (much more so than the claw hammer type action) transversely
across the
width of a batten. Hence there is the provision for a potentially more useful
and effective
levering action.
These stud-like projections can be provided on just one, or both, sides of a
jaw though
preferred embodiments have the projection on only one side (as the free sides
gives a better
view of what is happening near the tip).
The exact shape of the stud-like projection is not too important, providing it
can provide an
effective contact point (primary load bearing area) on a support surface to
act as a fulcrum.
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Various embodiments (by way of example) may have projections substantially of
the
following general shapes (but need not be limited to same) ¨ cylindrical,
conical,
frustoconical, pyramidal, cuboid, and a parallelepiped.
The height of the projection (at the contact/load bearing area) above the
general surface of
the jaw with which it is associated is generally 7.5mm or more. Measuring from
the centre
plane of the jaw (this plane being through the centre of the jaw and parallel
to the pivoting
plane (see above), except in the case of bent tip pliers in which case it is
the centre plane of
the tip/end portion of the jaws) the projection will typically extend at least
12.5mm therefrom.
There is room for user optimization here, for specific applications.
The contact/load bearing area of the projections should be close to the top of
the jaws. This
is best referenced to a tangential line across the top of the tips of the
closed jaws, said
tangential line being substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry as
the jaws open
outwardly into an open position (and best seen in the accompanying diagrams).
Ideally the contact / primary load bearing area of a projection, at its
distance of closest
approach to said tangential line, should be within the inclusive range of Ito
10 mm.
In terms of the distance of separation of the projections present on two
closed jaws, their
distance of closest approach is ideally within the range of 10 to 30 mm.
The other aspect of the invention comprises a wire gripping portion in
conjunction with stud-
like projections such as described above. In combination, the projections
allow greater
leverage to be applied to tension a wire. In simple tests by the inventor,
tensions of around
100-150kgf can be readily obtained without too much effort ¨ 150kgf being the
recommended tension for most farm fences.
However, in further trials, a preferred embodiment of the invention utilises
pliers with a
double pivot arrangement. Here, there is quite a different type of wire
gripping portion. In
preferred embodiments the wire gripping portions comprises two wire contacting
face
portions, of which one is actually present on the outside face of one of the
primary elements
of the pliers ¨ a primary element being one of the two main body parts of most
preferred
embodiments of the invention, and characterised in that one end comprises a
jaw portion
and the opposite end comprises a handle portion.
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The other primary element comprises an extended body modification or element
which
presents a wire contacting face portion which is able to close against the
wire contacting
face portion on the outer edge/face of the first primary element. This
arrangement will be
clearer in the drawings (see below).
When this gripping arrangement is used there is effectively a cam closing
action between
the two wire contacting face portions, and particularly when a double pivot is
used. This
provides a relative lateral motion between the wire contacting face portions
as their
distance of separation alters. It has been found in preliminary trials by the
inventor that this
subjectively seems to provide a slightly firmer gripping action on the wire
being grasped.
The cam closing action also seems to provide a finer closing action on the
wire,
particularly on a double pivot type plier. As the handles are closed at a
constant rate, the
rate of closure of the two wire closing portions slow slightly, the closer
they come together.
This gives the user slightly more control on gripping pressure, particularly
if using a wire
type which can be easily damaged.
In a prototype of this embodiment, preliminary bench tests by the inventor
indicated that the
nominal wire tension of 150kgf could be readily achieved without too much
effort and using
one hand ¨ leaving the other hand free to secure the wire to a post, etc.
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 shows a diagrammatic front view of one preferred embodiment of the
present invention in the form of a pair of pliers;
Figure 2 shows a top end view of the jaw portion of the preferred
embodiment shown
in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a partial front view of the preferred embodiment shown in
Figure 1 in
typical use;
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Figure 4 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 in
typical
use;
Figure 5 shows a side view of another preferred embodiment of the present
invention
in the form of a pair of pliers with a bent nose portion;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the
present
invention in the form of a pair of pliers incorporating a wire gripping
portion;
and
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in
figure 6
gripping a length of wire and tensioning it.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention addresses the problems identified in the prior art above
by enabling
improved ease of use of removing staples from a fence and/or improved ease of
use in
tensioning fence wires.
In a preferred form of the invention, and with reference to Figures 1 to 4, an
improved tool for
use in the fencing industry or the like is generally indicated by arrow 1.
With reference to Figure 1 a pair of pliers is generally indicated by arrow 1.
The pliers (1)
comprise a jaw portion (generally indicated by arrow 2), a hinge portion
(generally indicated
by arrow 3), and a handle portion (generally indicated by arrow 4).
The jaw portion (2) comprises a first (5) and second (6) jaw. The tip (7, 8)
of each jaw (5, 6)
respectively is tapered to a relatively fine tip to facilitate insertion into
the crook of a fence
staple (10) and above the wire (11). The aperture (12) formed between the
closed jaws (5, 6)
accommodates the head of the staple to prevent it being cut or damaged (making
removal
impossible).
Adjacent the tips (7, 8) are raised stud-like projections (15, 16) whose top
surfaces (17, 18)
(primary load bearing surface) can act as fulcrums. Their distance of closest
approach to
each other (indicated by line 20) is ideally within the inclusive range of 10
through 20mm.
Figure 2 shows the case of inwardly slanted projections, by way of example
only.
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Referring to Figure 2, the primary load bearing surface (17, 18) rises above
the face (21) of
the jaw (5) by distance (22) which is ideally at least 7.5 mm. Alternatively
the height can be
measured from the center plane (24) of the jaw (6) by distance (25) which
ideally is at least
12.5mm.
The projections (15, 16) should also be close to the top of the jaws (5, 6).
This is best
reference by the distance of closest approach to a tangential line (30; see
Figure 1)
perpendicular to the axis (31) of opening symmetry for the jaws. This distance
of approach is
ideally within the inclusive range of 1 to 10mm.
In use the tips (7, 8) of the jaws (5, 6) may be inserted under the staple
(10) and above the
wire (11; see figure 3) and the projections (15, 16) used as a fulcrum for
leverage and using
the batten (14) as a support surface (see figure 4). This allows the pliers
(1) to act as a lever
along the length of the batten, though the user can change the angle and use
the pliers (1)
transversely (across the batten) as well ¨ the close proximity of the
projections (15, 16) to
the top (30) of the jaws (5, 6) allows this despite the narrowness of a
typical batten (14).
The projections (15, 16) also span across the fence wire (11) avoiding contact
with the wire
(11) when levering the staple (10) out of the batten (14). In this way, the
wire (11) is not
crushed on the side of the tool (1) that the projections (15, 16) act as a
fulcrum as the staple
(10) is rotated out of the batten (14). This wire damage can be a problem with
known staple
removing tools which can cause stripping of the galvanized coating of the wire
which leads
to oxidation, rust and wire failure leading to costly repairs.
The projections (15, 16) can also be used to wind a fence wire (11) as an
alternative to a
known daisy type wire tensioner device. In use, the fence wire is placed
between the
projections (15, 16) and the tool rotated while the pair of jaws (5, 6) grips
the wire (11). In
this way the wire is effectively coiled up increasing its tension. During this
use the body of
the tool (1) would need to be resting against the batten (14) to increase wire
tension by using
the projections (15, 16) in conjunction with the wire gripping portion (101)
using the winding
action.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the projections (15, 16)
could take different
forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,
the exterior
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surface of the projections (15, 16) can either have a smooth exterior surface
or comprise an
indentation U-shaped guide around the circumference of each projection (15,
16).
Figure 5 illustrates a bent tip jaw embodiment (generally indicated by arrow
40). Here the
jaws (41 ¨ only one jaw visible in image) are connected by pivot (44), though
the end portion
(42) of the jaw (41; both jaws) are bent (center plane 45) out of the plane of
pivoting (46).
The pliers work in substantially the same way as the other embodiments using
projection 43.
Some embodiments may include features such as wire cutters (36, 37; see
Figures 1 and 3)
though could also include other features such as wire joiner crimpers (e.g.
for crimp/sleeve
type joiners).
Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention,
incorporating a wire
gripping portion (generally indicated by arrow 101). This is typically located
between the
pivot (106) and handle (105) portions of the pliers.
The wire gripping portion (101) comprises a first wire contact face portion
(102) on the outer
edge/face of a first primary element (110), and a second wire contact face
portion (103) on
an extended body portion (104) on the second primary element (111).
In the pliers closed position there is optionally a small distance of
separation between the
wire contacting face portions (102, 103) to reduce likelihood of damage to a
typical wire.
Positioning the wire gripping portion (101) on the outer face of the pliers in
the manner
generally illustrated in figure 6 also provides a further potentially
realisable advantage ¨ it
makes it easier, in use, for a user to guide a wire within the wire gripping
portion (101) as
opposed to those of the prior art where the wire is grasped in a position
between the handle
portions. This can be quite an important feature when tensioning wires in
cold, wet, or
extreme conditions in the field.
Figure 7 illustrates use of the embodiment of figure 6, where a length of wire
(not numbered)
is grasped between the wire contacting face portions (102, 103). The stud like
projections
(15, 16), which are not visible in figure 7, are positioned against the post
and act as a
fulcrum as the handles are pivoted away from the post to provide tension on
the wire. The
stud projections potentially provide a good grip against the post and help
avoid slipping, as is
typically the case in prior art pliers where the tip of the jaws act as a
fulcrum. Hence the wire
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gripping portion in conjunction with the stud like projections can potentially
provide additional
advantage over the prior art.
The present invention offers notable advantages over the prior art by
including:
= Improved ease of use in removing staples from fence battens or the like;
and
= Improved ease of use in tensioning a fencing wire.
The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited
above and below, if
any, are herein incorporated by reference.
Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be
taken as, an
acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of
the common
general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.
The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and
features
referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually
or collectively, in
any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.
Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or
components
having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if
individually
set forth.
It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently
preferred
embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Such changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention and
without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that
such changes and
modifications be included within the present invention.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and
the claims, the
words "comprise", "comprising" and the like, are to be construed in an
inclusive sense as
opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of
"including, but
not limited to".
This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor
regarding the prior art.
The prior art description should not be regarded as being authoritative
disclosure on the true
state of the prior art but rather as referencing considerations brought to the
mind and
attention of the inventor when developing this invention.
14
CA 02843622 2014-02-21
Staple Mate; ITW Case No. 65457; JAWS Ref. 701863/53
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.
