MX2007004708A

MX2007004708A - Wire twisting apparatus.

Info

Publication number: MX2007004708A
Application number: MX2007004708A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Oliver Raymond Cardwell
Original assignee: South Fence Machinery Ltd
Priority date: 2004-10-20
Filing date: 2005-10-20
Publication date: 2007-10-05
Also published as: EP1824624A4; WO2006043844A1; EP1824624B1; US20090272457A1; EP1824624A1

Abstract

<u>ABSTRACT</u> A rotatable member (105) has an aperture (115) substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the member and through which a first length of wire (2a) may extend. A recess (117) is provided in the member. An engagement surface (131) is associated with the recess. With a first length of wire (2a) extending through the aperture and a second length of wire (7) extending across and adjacent to the first length of wire, rotation of the rotatable member will cause the engagement surface (131) to engage with the second length of wire (7) and twist the second length of wire around the first length of wire (2a) to form a twisted wire joint at least substantially within the recess and which includes a plurality of full turns of the second length of wire around the first length of wire.

Description

WIRE TORQUE DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus for twisting a length of wire around another length of wire to form a twisted wire connection. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a mechanism for twisting a support wire around a line wire in a fence forming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fence mesh shapes are known in which the wires forming the fence are joined by knotting at each of the many wire intersections. In general, the knotted fence net is stronger than the wire fence which the fence wires are not knotted together at their intersections and which are typically used in light industrial or home applications. A knotted fence net is used for applications where additional resistance is required, such as containing larger or stronger animals such as horses or deer, for example.

A fence mesh knotted with a rectangular or square mesh, for example, is typically formed from several generally parallel line wires which extend in a generally horizontal manner when the fence mesh is placed in position between the fence posts and the lengths of the support wire which extend laterally through the line wires to regular separations (and generally vertically when the fence mesh is placed in position). In machines for forming knotted fence netting a number of continuous line wires are supplied in a bed of the machine comprising several boxes of similar knots, and the support wire is supplied to the bed of the machine through the line wires. . Said machines typically have a step-by-step operation and form a series of knots along the length of the support wire at each intersection of the support wire and the line wires at each operational stage or "step" of the machine. At each step stage the line wires are advanced forward in parallel through the knot boxes side by side of the bed of the machine, the support wire is supplied into the bed of the machine through the wires of the machine. line in the node boxes, approximately 90 ° to the line wires in the case of a machine to form a rectangular fence mesh, a length of support wire is cut and simultaneously in each node box at the intersection between the line wires and the support wire a knot is formed which secures the support wire with the line wire.

In United States Patent Number 6,668,869 there is described a fence mesh forming machine, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The fence mesh machine is shown generally in Figures 1a and 1b. Figure 1a shows the number of continuous line wires 2 and knot wires 3 that are supplied to a bed 4 of the machine 1, which bed has a plurality of knot boxes 5 side by side. The line wires 2 enter the machine at its base, and rotate approximately 90 ° around the rollers 6 and pass vertically through the knot boxes 5. A line wire 2 and a knot wire 3 pass through each knot box 5 with different orientations. A continuous support wire 7 projects through the bed of the machine via a support wire feeding apparatus comprising two aligned pairs of driven rollers 8 and a guide pulley 8a which runs freely so as to cross transversely each of them. the knot boxes 5 and in this way form a plurality of wire-support wire-wire intersections. The machine 1 has a main drive roller 9 which pulls the fence netting completed through the knot boxes 5, the drive roller is driven by an electric motor 10. The completed mesh fence (indicated generally with the reference number 11 in Figure 1b) then extends around an additional roller 12 and is typically extends to a winding machine or a pick-up unit (not shown) to be formed into a spool for ease of handling and transport. The knotted fence mesh forming machine 1 gener has a stepped operation and forms a series of knots along the length of the support wire 7 at each intersection of wire-line support wire at each stage or "step" of the machine. At each stage or step the line wires 2 are advanced forward in parl through the knot boxes 5, side by side, in the bed 4 of the machine by means of a drive roller 9, a wire 7 is supplied. of support within the bed 4 of the machine through the line wires in the knot boxes 5, at 90 ° to form a square fence mesh, as shown, a length of the support wire 7 cuts and simultaneously at each box 5 of knot at each intersection between the line wires and the support wire is formed a knot that secures the support wire to the line wire. On each side of the fence mesh, the support wire is gener twisted around the side line wires 2a, as in a close-up mesh the support wire does not extend beyond the side line wires. This is obtained using a wire twisting apparatus. With the existing wire twisting apparatus, the twisted knots can be loosened, or as the twisted knots are formed, the knot can move relative to the respective wire line.

The step-by-step operation of the wire twisting apparatus 21 of the machine of Figure 1a and 1b is shown in Figures 1c to 1g. The wire twisting apparatus 21 comprises a rotatable member with an opening 23 substanti aligned with a shaft of rotation of the member and through which a line wire 2a may extend. A coupling member 27 extends from the top of the rotatable member. Initi, as shown in Figure 1c, the line wire 2a extends through the opening 25 and the support wire 7 extends transversely through and adjacent to the line wire. The support wire extends past the coupling member. Figure 1d shows the wires after a rotation of the rotatable member, figure 1e shows the wires after two rotations of the rotatable member and figure 1f shows the wires after three rotations of the rotatable member. Due to the configuration of the pivotable member and the coupling member 27, it is not possible for the rotatable member to undergo complete rotation and still twist the support wire around the line wire, without forcing the support wire 7 away from the rotatable member. . This is because after substanti one turn of the pivotable member, the support wire may strike on the outside of the coupling member. In addition, there is not enough space between the transversely extending portion of the support wire and the part top of the pivotable member so that the twisted wire connection is formed downwards. The connection that is formed by this configuration is shown in Figure 1g. The final twisted wire connection is rather loose, instead of twisting tightly. In addition, the portion extending transversely from the support wire is "twisted" and moves a significant distance from its initial point of contact with the line wire. The fence formed in this manner can present an irregular appearance and there may be problems during the insttion of the fence due to excessive tension of the fence to correct the bends in the support wires. Wire twisting apparatuses are disclosed in the U.S.A. 3,722,554; 3,338,273; 3,985,162 and 4,223,705. Manual windings are described in the documents of E.U.A. 4,392,518 and 4,634,100. The configurations of the apparatuses are gener such that again it becomes necessary to push the transverse wire away from the rotating member to form a twisted wire connectionit may be necessary to axially move the pivotable member relative to the longitudinal wire during the formation of the connection (as described in US Pat. No. 4,223,705). The result is that the knot will be relatively loose or "twisted" or additional time may be required to axially move the pivotable member.

As the mesh forming machine near FIGS. 1a and 1b has a step-by-step operation, it will be appreciated that a "bottleneck" at any stage of the machine will have a significant overall effect on the speed and overall efficiency of the machine. Consequently, it is desirable to minimize the duration of each stage. An object of at least the preferred embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for twisting a wire length around another length of wire which resolves at least one of the disadvantages indicated in the foregoing, or which provides for at least to the public a useful choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The term "comprising", as used in this specification and in the claims means "consisting at least in part of"; that is, when the sentences are interpreted in this specification and the claims which include the term "comprising", the characteristics preceded by this term in each sentence need to be all present, but other characteristics may also be present. Related terms such as "comprising" and "constituted" should be interpreted in a similar manner. According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for twisting a second length of wire is provided. around a first length of wire to form a twisted wire connection, the apparatus comprises a rotatable member comprising: an aperture substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the member and through which a first length of wire may extend; a recess, at least a portion which is substantially aligned with the opening; and a coupling surface associated with the recess; wherein the apparatus is configured so that with a first length of wire extending through the opening and a second length of wire extending through and adjacent the first length of wire, rotation of the rotatable member will cause the mating surface is coupled with the second length of wire and the second length of wire is twisted around the first length of wire to form a wire connection twisted at least substantially within the recess and which includes a plurality of full turns of the second length of wire around the first length of wire. Suitably, the apparatus is configured to form a twisted wire connection and at the same time allow the remaining portion of the second wire length, other than the portion in the twisted wire connection, to remain substantially undistorted. Advantageously, the apparatus does not require movement of the pivotable member around the first length of wire during the formation of the twisted wire connection or movement of the remaining part of the second wire. length of wire along the first length of wire during the formation of the twisted wire connection. The coupling surface can be configured to direct a free end of the second length of the wire in the general direction of the opening, during the formation of the twisted wire connection. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured such that the second length of wire will have an initial point of contact with the first length of wire before, or as long as the rotatable member is rotated, and the second length of wire can substantially maintain its initial point of contact with the first wire length during the formation of the twisted wire connection, and the twisted wire connection will extend into the recess from the initial point of contact between the first and second wire lengths . Preferably, the recess terminates in a substantially planar surface of the rotatable member and a portion of the remaining portion of the second length of the wire can remain substantially in contact with the generally planar surface during formation of the twisted wire connection. The engaging surface may be inclined and may extend substantially from an outer edge of the rotatable member towards the opening in the rotatable member. Advantageously, the outer edge of the rotatable member defines a coupling portion for initially engaging with the second length of the wire before the rotation of the rotatable member. The recess may comprise a portion of an arched wall placed General ways that are placed centrally adjacent to the opening. Preferably, the opening has a diameter and the arcuate wall portion has a size sufficiently larger than the diameter of the opening so that the portion of the first wire extending through the opening is supported during formation of the wire connection twisted, and sufficient free space is provided in the arched wall portion to allow the twisted wire connection to be formed. Suitably, the recess is generally segment-shaped, and a narrow portion of the recess generally in the form of a segment is defined by the arcuate portion. The mating surface is preferably defined by a wall portion of the recess. The apparatus preferably comprises a positioning member configured to position a free end of the second length of wire so that rotation of the rotatable member will cause the mating surface of the rotatable member to engage with the second length of the wire. Advantageously, the positioning member is configured to bend a free end of the second length of the wire extending beyond the central portion of the rotatable member. The positioning member may comprise a ramp portion that is configured to bend the free end of the second wire length before relative movement between the free end of the second wire length and the positioning member.

The apparatus suitably comprises a cutting member for cutting a free end of the second length of wire prior to rotation of the rotatable member. The apparatus may comprise at least one support plate to help keep the adjacent wires together during the formation of the twisted wire connection. Suitably, the support plate comprises a curved portion to assist in directing a free end of the second length of wire in the general direction of the opening before rotation of the rotatable member. Preferably the apparatus is configured so that the first wire length remains substantially undistorted during the formation of the twisted wire connection. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fence mesh forming machine comprising: a machine bed positioned to pass a plurality of substantially parallel line wires therethrough; a distributed apparatus for supplying a support wire through the line wires; and an apparatus as indicated in the first preceding aspect positioned to twist a free end of the support wire around one of the line wires to form a twisted wire connection. Advantageously, the apparatus is distributed to twist the free end of the support wire around the outermost wire of the plurality of line wires.

The fence mesh forming machine can comprise two apparatuses, as indicated in the first aspect antepor, distributed to twist the free ends of the support wire around the two outermost line wires of the plurality of line wires to form connections of twisted wire. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for twisting a second length of wire around a first length of wire to form a twisted wire connection, comprising: supplying an apparatus as indicated in the first antepor aspect; extending a ppmera length of the wire through the opening of the rotatable member; placing a second length of wire through and adjacent the second length of wire; and rotating the pivotable member so that the mating surface engages the second length of the wire and twists the second length of the wire around the first length of the wire to form a wire connection at least substantially bent within the recess of the wire. member rotatable and which includes a plurality of full turns of the second length of wire around the wire length. Properly, the method comprises, before rotating the rotatable member, bending a free end of the second length of wire so as to be engaged by the coupling surface before rotation of the rotatable member.

The invention consists of the foregoing and also encompasses constructions of which the following provides only examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which: Figures 1a and 1b are perspective views of an existing knotted fence mesh forming machine, which includes an existing apparatus for twisting one end of the support wire around the lateral knot wire; Figure 1c to 1f are top perspective views showing the formation of a twisted wire connection using the existing apparatus of the machine of Figures 1a-1g to twist an end of the support wire around a side knot wire; Figure 1g is a side view of the apparatus of Figures 1 c to 1g showing the twisted wire connection that is formed; Figure 2 shows schematically part of a typical fence mesh formed by a machine such as that shown in Figures 1a to 1g; Figure 3 is a front top perspective view of part of the wire twisting apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a front view of the rotatable member of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a front top perspective view of part of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of Figure 3 showing the support wire ready to be twisted around the line wire; Figure 6a is a top side perspective view showing the support wire ready to be twisted around the line wire and showing the support plates in position; Figure 6b is a front top perspective view of the apparatus in the same configuration as Figure 6a; Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the rotatable member showing the support wire and line wire in position; Figure 8a is a front perspective view showing the support wire bent into position ready to be twisted by the pivotable member; Figure 8b is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 8a showing the support wire folded in position; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the underside similar to that of Figures 8a and 8b showing the support wire in position and the support plates for holding the wires; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the underside of one of the support plates showing a generally helical cutout to assist in the twisting of the wire; Figure 11 is a front perspective view showing a twisted wire connection once formed, of a rotatable member; Fig. 12 is a further view of the rotatable member with the twisted wire connection formed therein; Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of the rotatable member; Fig. 14 shows a top side perspective view of the preferred embodiment apparatus with the plates in a separate part configuration so that the twisted wire connection can be ejected; Figure 15 is a front perspective showing the apparatus in the same configuration as Figure 14; Figure 16 is an inverted perspective view of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment with a support wire and a line wire in position; Figure 17 is a view similar to that of Figure 16 but from a different side; Figure 18 is an inverted perspective view showing the support wire after a cut and pushed along a ramp to a position from which it will be twisted; Figures 19a to 19d show the steps of forming a twisted wire connection using the apparatus of the preferred embodiment; Figure 20 is an inverted perspective view of part of an alternative preferred embodiment apparatus with a support wire and a line wire in position; Figure 21 is an inverted perspective view of part of the apparatus of Figure 20, showing the support wire after cutting and being pushed along a ramp to a position from which it will be twisted; and Figure 22 is a top perspective view of an existing wire twisting apparatus and a wire twisting apparatus of the preferred embodiment, for comparison.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The present invention has application in a closely knotted mesh forming machine such as that shown in Figures 1a and 1b. The general operation of the machine is described in the patent of E.U.A. No. 6,668,869 and will not be described in detail here again. The content of the patent of E.U.A. No. 6,668,869 is hereby incorporated in its entirety by way of reference. Figure 2 shows the displacement of the wires through a fence forming machine, as shown in the drawings.

Figures 1 a-1g. The line wires 2 move in a generally parallel distribution in a direction indicated by the arrow L. After the line wires have moved a predetermined distance, a support wire 7 is supplied through the line wires in the direction indicated by the arrow S. Then a mounting bracket wire mount can place and hold the support wire. The support wire is then cut to the desired length and the nodes indicated by X are formed in all or most of the wire-line wire-support intersections. Generally, on each side of the fence mesh, the support wire will be twisted around the line wire instead of being connected to it by a knot. Said twisted wire connection is generally indicated by X 'in Figure 2. An apparatus of the preferred embodiment for twisting a second length of wire - in this case, a support wire 7 - around a first length of wire - in this case In this case, a line wire 2a- is shown and deciphered with reference to figures 3 to 19d. Although the apparatus of the preferred embodiment has applications in other types of fence forming machines also has applications in the machine of Figures 1a-1g. An apparatus of the preferred embodiment can be placed in each area indicated by T in Figures 1a-1g to twist the free ends of the support wires around the two outermost line wires in the fence mesh.

The preferred embodiment apparatus is generally indicated by the reference number 101. As indicated in Figure 3, the wire twisting mechanism 101 includes a bed 103 and a rotatable member 105 which can be rotated relative to the bed about an axis AA which extends through the center of the member. 105 rotatable (figure 4). As can be seen clearer in Figure 4, the rotatable member 105 includes a body portion 107 having an arcuate wall portion with a raised upper flange 109 above the arched wall portion and an enlarged lower ridge 111 below of the arched wall portion. An upper surface 110 of the body portion preferably comprises a substantially planar surface. A transversely extending portion of the support wire, which defines a remaining portion of the support wire, will preferably remain substantially in contact with the surface 110 of the body portion in use. The pivotable member also has a substantially cylindrical base portion 113 which extends into or below the bed 103 when the rotatable member is mounted for rotation in the bed of the machine and the base portion can support a gear, pulley or the like. to boost member rotation. An opening 115, which can be seen more clearly in Figures 7 and 8a, which is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation A-A is extends through the center of the pivotable member and is configured for reception, and for the support of the line wire 2a. In the plan view, the enlarged upper flange 109 and an upper portion of the body portion 107 have a recess 117 substantially in segment form. The upper end of the recess is defined by a substantially V-shaped opening in the surface 110. The part of the inner recess, generally centrally positioned, is defined by an arcuate surface 119 above the central opening 115. The arcuate surface preferably extends to approximately half the depth of the body portion. The arcuate surface 119 is sufficiently larger than the opening 115 compared to the twisted wire connection that can be formed within the arcuate surface of the recess. The recess portion defined by the arcuate surface 119 is substantially aligned with the opening 115. A recess wall 121 extends from the arcuate surface 119 and terminates at an extemporal edge of the body portion. The wall 121 also diverges to end at the base of the body portion adjacent to the enlarged lower flange. The opposite wall 123 of the recess is tapered upwards and outwards from the arcuate surface and made the top flange 109. The wall 123 terminates at an outer edge of the body portion, which defines a coupling hook or portion 125 extending outwardly within the shoulder above the wall 123 at an angle to the wall 123. The coupling portion preferably has a non-radial operation, as shown. The hook or engaging portion 125 serves the purpose described in the following. Adjacent to the wall 121, the body portion 107 has a perimeter defined by substantially parallel upper and lower edges defined by the upper and lower flanges 109 and 111. Adjacent to the wall 123, the perimeter of the body portion has a taper at the edges above and below defined by a surface 127 which slopes downwardly and inwardly from the top flange 109 and a surface 121 which inclines upwards and inward from the lower ledge 111. That portion of the cube ends at or near the arched portion 119. In operation, the rotatable member 105 is configured to rotate clockwise about the central axis AA, as indicated by the arrow R in Figure 3. It will be appreciated that the characteristics of the pivotable member can be reversed in a manner that the rotating member will work when it rotates in a counterclockwise direction. A coupling surface 131 extends from the upper flange 109 enlarged in the coupling portion 125 and is inclined downwardly and inward towards the center of the body portion and preferably terminates adjacent the upper edge of the opening 15. Coupling surface 131 is defined by the edge of wall portion 123, more particularly by the intersection of wall portion 123 and surface 127.

The rotation of the rotatable member 105 will be obtained by the operation of a driving mechanism 133 such as an electric motor. The rotatable arrow of the electric motor can extend below the bed 103 and can be operatively connected to the rotatable member by means of a gear or a pulley distribution or the like. In a preferred embodiment, a gear is connected to the base of the rotatable member 105 and an additional gear is connected to the motor shaft 133 where a free gear interconnects the other gears. The motor can be controlled via a control system which preferably controls the operation of the other parts of the fence forming machine. A cutter 135 adjacent to the rotatable member 105 is provided. The cutter includes a channel 136 which, when the support wire is supplied inside or outside the apparatus, receives part of the support wire. This is shown in Figure 5 and in the inverted figures 16 and 17. As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the apparatus includes first and second support plates 137 and 139. The first support plate 137 includes an opening or recess 141 for receiving the support wire 7 and for helping to hold the support wire 7, as well as a recess or opening 143 for the reception of the wire 2a of line and to assist Hold the line wire. The support plates 137 and 139 can be moved between the coupling position shown in Figure 6b and a separate position shown in Figure 15. The support plates can be hydraulically actuated, for example and can be moved by respective booms 145 and 147. The cutter 135 is preferably also operably connected to the driving bar 145 so as to move concurrently with the first support plate. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the infepor side of the first support plate 137 is preferably provided with a cut or recess 149 formed generally helical or curved, which aids in the formation of the upper part of the connection of wire twisted in the correct way. During operation of the machine, after the formation of a line of wire knots of support wire-line, the line wires move one stage through the machine in the direction indicated by the arrows L in FIGS. and 5. A support wire 7 is supplied through the line wires using the mechanism described in the US patent. number 6, 668,689 for example and can be held in place by a support wire laying assembly (not shown) for positioning and securing the support wire. At each edge of the fence mesh an apparatus 101 of the preferred embodiment will be provided. The function of the apparatus is to twist the support wire around the two outermost line wires 2a (one on each side of the fence mesh). Initially, support plates 137 and 139 of each apparatus 101 will be placed in a separate configuration and a line wire 2a will be will extend upwardly through opening 115 in a rotatable member. The support wire is urged to extend from one apparatus 101 to the other. In each apparatus 101, the support wire will extend through the upper surface of the member 105 rotatable through the channel 136 in the base of the cutter 135, and preferably in a fixed member 106 (or outside the member 106 fixed on the side of the machine from which the support wire is supplied). This can be seen more clearly in the inverted views of FIGS. 16 and 17. The wires will initially be in the position shown in FIGS. 5 and 16, with the support wire 7 extending transversely and adjacent to the line wire 2a. As shown, the support wire 7 extends transversely suitably through the entire rotatable member, to be cut by the cutter 135. The following description will be for an apparatus 101 only, however, it will be appreciated that in the Forming machine of fence mesh can concurrently operate two of said apparatuses. The driving rods 145 and 147 move to move the supporting plates 137 and 139 one towards the other to place them in the position shown in Figure 6a and 6b. As the cutter 135 also operatively connects the driving bar 145, which also moves the cutter, resulting in the cutting of the support wire to a desired length. The inward movement of the cutter 135 and the support plate 137 pushes the support wire towards the wire 2a of line and down to a ramp 104a which in the embodiment shown is part of a positioning member 104 which is fixed in relation to the bed 103 of the machine, for bending the free end of the support wire 7 extending beyond a cel portion of the rotatable member. . Once the movement is complete, the support wire will be in the position shown in Figures 8a, 8b, 9, 17, 18 and 19, where the free end of the support wire 7 has been folded as a result of the downward movement of the ramp 104a so that it is in a position where it will engage before the rotation of the rotatable member. Although the ramp is shown in an upward direction in Figures 16 to 18, it will be appreciated that these figures are inverted and consequently the ramp will extend down into the apparatus. Once the support plates have been moved to the positions of Figures 6a, 6b, 9, 17 and 18 the support wire 7 is held against the line wire 2a by the edge of the opening 141 and the wire 2a of the wire 2a. line is held in opening 115 and opening 143 against the face of support plate 139. The motor 133 is then operated to cause a clockwise rotation of the rotatable member 105 as shown by the arrow R in FIG. 3. As the rotatable member rotates, the free end of the support wire bent inwardly it will be coupled by the coupling hook or portion 125 and additional rotation of the rotatable member will result in the twisting of the support wire around the wire 2a line The line wire 2a will remain stationary as the rotatable member is rotated. The helical or curved recess 149 on the underside of the second support plate 139 shown in Figs. 9 and 10 causes the free end of the support wire to initially move downward as it is rotated about the line wire 2a. . The engagement surface 131 of the pivotable member which begins with the coupling portion 125 also results in a downward movement of the free end of the support wire in the general direction of the opening 115 to assist in the formation of the torsions. The apparatus produces a twisted wire connection where the support wire is twisted around the line wire which initially is substantially straight, that is, the line wire remains substantially undistorted. The portion of the member rotatable between the surface 127 and 129 provides a clearance of the wire as the twist occurs. The step-by-step formation of the twisted wire connection is shown in Figures 19a to 19d. By way of example, the rotatable member 105 'of these figures is a mirror image of the pivotable member described above, so as to be configured to rotate in a counterclockwise direction to engage the support wire 7 and twist the free end of the support wire around the wire 2a of line. However, the functionality and operation are the same. The configuration of the support plate 137"also differs in that it does not have the helical recess. What would be provided instead of the opposing support plate (not shown) as the pivotable member is configured to rotate counterclockwise. As can be seen in Figures 19a to 19d, the apparatus of the preferred embodiment can form a twisted wire connection with multiple full turns of the support wire around the line wire. The twisted wire connection is formed at least substantially, and preferably completely, in the recess 117. As can be seen, during the formation of the twisted wire connection, the coupling surface 131 directs the free end of the wire of support in the general direction of the opening 115 of the rotatable member as the twisted wire connection occurs. This causes a knot to be formed downwardly within the recess 117 which forms a tightly compressed knot. Furthermore, as can be seen in these figures, it is not necessary for the remaining portion extending transversely of the support wire 7 to move from its initial point of contact with the line wire 2a. The remaining portion of the support wire remains substantially undistorted. The transversely extending portion of the support wire 7 can maintain its initial point of contact with the line wire and can remain in contact with a substantially planar upper surface 110 of the rotatable member 115.

The pivotable member will generally be rotated by at least 720 ° to form at least two full revolutions of the support wire around the line wire. The arcuate portion of the recess 117 is of sufficient depth so that a required number of revolutions of the twisted wire can be created. Preferably, the twisted wire connection will comprise three full turns of the support wire around the line wire. The depth of the preferable arcuate recess is such that there is a reasonably tight coupling to form the final revolution of the twisted wire connection and thus a relatively tight compressed twisted wire connection is produced. Once the twisted wire connection is formed the support plates 137 and 139 and the cutter 135 are retracted to a separate position shown in Figure 15 and the line formed of knots and twisted connections can be moved up another stage, after which the procedure is repeated. The preferred embodiments described above provide a relatively tight twisted wire connection between the line wire and the support wire and the connection can be formed without any significant upward movement of the support wire twisted over the respective line wire. The foregoing describes preferred embodiments and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the following claims.

For example, the preferred embodiment is described above with reference to the twisting of a support wire around a line wire in a knotted fence mesh forming machine. However, it will be appreciated that the preferred embodiment has applications for forming twisted wire connections between other wires in other types of machines. The components may differ from those shown and described. As an example, in the preferred embodiment a ramp 141 is formed on the underside of a fixed member 104. Instead, a ramp may be provided on the underside of one of the support plates or in the bed of the machine itself. This last configuration is shown in Figures 20 and 21. Unless described, the characteristics and operation are the same as for the modality described in the foregoing and similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar parts, with the addition of 100 As can be seen, the ramp 204 is a fixed part of the bed 203. As the cutter 235 and the support plate 237 move to place the support wire in a position where it is adjacent to the line wire 102a, the free end of the support wire 107 is cut and moved down the ramp 204 to a position in which it will engage before rotation of the rotatable member 205. The description and accompanying drawings describe and show a preferred embodiment of rotatable member. Although it is a modality preferred, it will be appreciated that other forms can be used and still obtain the functionality that is desired. For example, the pivotable member may have a different outer body shape and still be provided with a recess and an associated coupling surface for coupling and twisting the wire around the line wire. In addition, preferred embodiments show ramp portions for bending the free end of the support wire prior to rotation of the rotatable member. For some applications, it is not necessary to provide said ramp portion. Instead, the transversely extending wire may be pre-bent, or alternatively the transversely extending wire may initially be at an angle relative to the other wire, such that it is inclined and moves along the surface of the wire. coupling during rotation of the rotatable member.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An apparatus for twisting a second length of wire around a first length of wire to form a twisted wire connection, the apparatus is characterized in that it comprises a rotatable member comprising: an opening substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the member and through from which a first length of wire can be extended; a recess, at least a portion of which is substantially aligned with the opening; and a coupling surface associated with the recess, wherein the apparatus is configured such that with a first length of the wire extending through the opening and a second length of the wire extending through and adjacent to the first length of the wire, rotation of the rotatable member will cause the mating surface to engage the second length of the wire and twist the second length of wire around the first length of wire to form a wire connection at least substantially twisted within the recess and which includes a plurality of full turns of the second length of wire around the first length of wire.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized in that the apparatus is configured to form a twisted wire connection and at the same time allow a remaining part of the second wire length, different from the part in the twisted wire connection, to remain substantially without deformation.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further characterized in that the apparatus does not require the movement of the rotatable member along the first length of wire during the formation of the twisted wire connection or the movement of the remaining part of the wire. the second length of wire along the first length of wire during the formation of the twisted wire connection.

4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that the coupling surface is configured to direct a free end of the second length of wire in the general direction of the opening during the formation of the connection of twisted wire.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further characterized in that it is configured so that the second length of the wire will have an initial point of contact with the first length of wire before, or to the extent that the rotatable member is rotates and where the second wire length can substantially maintain its initial point of contact with the first wire length during the formation of the twisted wire connection and the twisted wire connection will extend into the recess from the initial point of contact between the first and second wire lengths.

6. - The apparatus according to claim 5, further characterized in that the recess terminates in a substantially flat surface of the rotatable member and wherein a portion of the remaining portion of the second length of wire can remain substantially in contact with the generally flat surface during the formation of the twisted wire connection.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 6, further characterized in that the coupling surface is inclined and extends substantially from an outer edge of the rotatable member toward the opening in the rotatable member.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, further characterized in that the outer edge of the rotatable member defines a coupling portion for initially engaging the second length of the wire before the rotation of the rotatable member.

9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the recess comprises an arcuate wall portion positioned in a generally central manner that is positioned adjacent to the opening.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, further characterized in that the opening has a diameter and the arcuate wall portion has a size sufficiently larger than the diameter of the opening so that the portion of the first wire extending through of the opening is held during the formation of the connection twisted wire and sufficient free space is provided in the arched wall portion to allow the twisted wire connection to be formed.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further characterized in that the recess is generally segment-shaped and wherein a narrow portion of the recess generally formed as a segment is defined by the arcuate portion.

12. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the coupling surface is defined by a wall portion of the recess.

13. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises a positioning member configured to place a free end of the second length of wire so that the rotation of the rotatable member will cause the coupling surface of the member rotatable is coupled with the second length of wire.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, further characterized in that the positioning member is configured to bend a free end of the second length of wire extending beyond a central portion of the rotatable member.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, further characterized in that the positioning member comprises a ramp portion that is configured to bend the free end of the second wire length before relative movement between the free end of the second wire length and the positioning member.

16. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises a cutting member for cutting a free end of the second length of wire before the rotation of the rotatable member.

17. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises at least one support plate to help maintain the adjacent wires together during the formation of the twisted wire connection.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, further characterized in that the support plate comprises a curved portion to assist in directing a free end of the second length of wire in the general direction of the opening before rotation of the rotatable member.

19. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it is configured in such a way that the first wire length remains substantially without deformation during the formation of the twisted wire connection.

20. A fence mesh forming machine, characterized in that it comprises: a machine bed positioned to pass a plurality of substantially parallel line wires therethrough; an apparatus placed to supply a support wire through wires of line; and an apparatus as described in any of claims 1 to 19, positioned to twist a free end of the support wire around one of the line wires to form a twisted wire connection.

21. The fence mesh forming machine according to claim 20, further characterized in that the apparatus is arranged to twist the free end of the support wire around a line wire further outside the plurality of line wires.

22. The fence mesh forming machine according to claim 20 or 21, further characterized in that it comprises two apparatuses according to any of claims 1 to 19, distributed to twist the free ends of the support wire around two of the outermost line wires of the plurality of line wires to form twisted wire connections.

23. A method for twisting a second length of wire around a first length of wire to form a twisted wire connection, characterized in that it comprises: supplying an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 19; extending a first length of wire through an opening of the rotatable member; placing a second length of wire through, and adjacent to the second length of wire; and rotating the pivotable member so that the mating surface engages the second length of wire and twists the second length of wire around the first length of wire to form a twisted wire connection at least substantially within the recess of the pivotable member and which includes a plurality of full turns of the second length of wire around the first length of wire.

24. The method according to claim 23, further characterized in that it comprises, before rotating the pivotable member, bending a free end of the second length of wire so that it is coupled by the coupling surface before the rotation of the member rotatable