Rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus

Abstract

A rolled wire net and fence dispensing device providing a convenient light-weight component reducing the number of workers required to install rolled wire netting prior to the application of stucco on structures and eliminate the arduous lifting of the netting rolls, along with the possibility of injury occurred when the rolls inadvertently recoil. The device allows the worker to set up a roll of wire mesh on a rotating platform of the device and thereafter pull a short sections of wire mesh from the roll mounted on the device and attach it to a structure. The rotating platform provides easy unrolling of the mounted wire mesh and the angled rear legs restrain the device from moving when the wire is pulled backwards while concurrently maintaining tension in the wire mesh unwound from the device. Additional utility is provided by a guide to maintain the lower edge of the wire mesh above frame holding the rotating platform and by an angled engagement of the pipe member supporting the rolled wire thereby biasing the weight of the load toward the handle end to help the rear legs engage the support surface and enhance resistance to rearward movement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention provides a wheeled device used for supporting, dispensing and transporting rolled wire netting used in the preparation of buildings prior to the application of stucco or plaster. This device will also work in the installation of many other forms of wire used for fencing and other purposes, including chicken wire and chain link fence. This device will hold and transport the wide range of lengths and diameters available.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention describes a new and unique device used to support, dispense and transporting rolled wire netting used to form the foundation under stucco or plaster on buildings and structures. The wire netting supplied for this application comes in cumbersome rolls, to be laid out on the ground and cut into workable lengths, carried to the work area, held up in position and nailed in place with the unwanted remnants trimmed off. Problems arise when laying out cut lengths that resist being flat and spring back into the shape of the original coil. These practices are time consuming and wasteful of materials. Also, in some cases workers have been injured when netting was inadvertently released by a co-worker, springing back at the worker holding the other end. Where the wire net has been cut from the roll the exposed wire ends are very sharp. Standing the roll on end as the workers install the wire does not work well either, because the workers are continuously moving and it would take another person to hold the wire roll. There are many forms of rolled wire available used for fencing, and most fence wire is stiffer than the wire netting and tries to maintain its coiled configuration as it is rolled out being very dangerous if released. Chain link fencing does not have the tendency to recoil back up when it is released, but it is considerably heavier than most wire fencing and harder to lift into position when it is lying flat on the ground. It has been impossible to find a commercially available device for holding a roll erect, for the application of the wire netting, prior to the stucco coating, and for the installation of fencing. With the advent of employers being more responsible for injuries to their employees in the work place, it is imperative that the employer provides the best means available to eliminate undo-lifting and dangerous workplace situations for the employees.

[0003] It has been found through the endeavors of the inventor and the patent search, that there is no apparatus on the market and no apparent patents reviewed that have similar characteristics to the unique wire dispensing apparatus devised by this inventor.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 1,102,128 by J. A. Bastian describes an invention that relates to improvements in a rotary support for rolled fabric, the object of the invention being to provide a device of this character which will support a bolt of goods and permit the goods to be readily unwound off the bolt when a pull is exerted on the end of the goods. This device has been designed to roll on hard surface flooring and carry a great weight. It would not function on the irregular surfaces of an exterior construction site.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,229,787 by G. J. Abbott teaches of an invention that relates to an improved holder for supporting coils of wire or metal strapping of the kind used for example in binding cases, bales, boxes and the like. The primary object of the invention is to provide a support that will enable the coil to be rotated and the wire or strapping drawn off from the coil by simply pulling on the free end of the wire or strapping. This is another invention designed to operate on a hard surface, most commonly a factory where very heavy coils of wire and strapping are used in the manufacturing processes. The design of this invention is to keep the large, heavy flat load as close to the surface as possible, using steel casters.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,576,267 by Nonnie J. Blevins et al. This invention relates to a towable chassis for lifting and carrying farm implements and other objects. The object of this invention is to provide a transport device that lifts from the ground the implement to be transferred and supports it on the framework of the device in a safe and secure manner. It is adapted for hitching to a pick-up truck or other vehicle for rapid transfer of the implement to another area. This wheeled transport cart, including a system of standards and levers rigidly mounted upon a plate for a swinging movement about the axle of the cart in combination with a power means for lifting and carrying a transportable object, would not be useable in carrying a single roll of wire netting or fencing as described within this patent. This disclosed device could not be handled by a single worker in the uneven environment of a construction site.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,078 by James F. Grenn describes a hoist for raising electrically driven water pumps into or out of a well, the pump being suspended by a length of flexible conduit. The hoist includes a main support member which is mounted on a hand truck-like base member, a pair of reels rotatably mounted on the support member, a main reel for receiving the flexible conduit, and an auxiliary reel for receiving the electrical power cord, and a break gear motor which rotatably drives the main reel selectively in forward and reverse directions. This device has not been designed to carry anything other than what has been wound on its reels, and all the rotation is made in the horizontal direction.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,810,591 by Robert L. Haven relates to a coil stock dispensing equipment and particularly concerns a machine for paying-out strapping and similar coil stock and eliminating the troublesome problem of stock entanglement. This is a stationary device designed for specific factory applications entailing uncoiling heavy coils of stock materials.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,737 by Ernest R. Sigle et al. teaches of an invention to provide a multiple wire dispensing assembly which is readily attachable to a three point hitch assembly on a conventional farm tractor and operable to receive a plurality of spaced spools of wire, thereon, for ease of unraveling during construction of a fence post and wire assembly. This invention designed for dispensing wire, most commonly stranded barbed wire in the construction of a fence while attached to a farm tractor, would be difficult to handle by a single person. Not having any supporting legs it must rely on the support of the tongue assembly to keep the spools of wire erect, being attached to the farm tractor or resting on the ground.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,243 by Ernist R. Sigle discloses a single wire dispensing assembly having two embodiments, the first being a hitch pull wire dispensing assembly operable connected to a hitch member of a vehicle and the second being an operable pull wire dispensing assembly not requiring an external power source. The hitch pull wire dispensing assembly includes a trailer hitch connector assembly having a spindle support assembly mounted thereon. The operator pull wire dispensing assembly includes a handle and wheel support assembly having a spindle support assembly connected thereto. The main handle assembly is used to push and pull the entire structure manually. This invention relates to a device for transporting and installing stranded single wire as in bailing wire for fencing. Supported by the two wheels and the handle, the device relies on the operator to maintain the holder erect unless the handle is rested on the ground. This would make it difficult to handle a roll of wire netting or chicken wire, in that it has no stabilizing elements and to pull the wire from a stationary device without holding it in position would not be possible.

[0011] Consequently there exists a need for an apparatus that will support a roll of wire netting or the like in a vertical, stable position which is the optimum position for use during the installation process. Such a device should be a self-supporting device that can have the heavy wire mesh slid over an upright vertical holding member and thereafter can be easily be rolled into a position where a single workman can pull just enough off the device for attachment to the job. Still further, such a device should be easily rolled to one or a plurality of secondary positions as the wire netting is guided out, to be further attached to the intended structure for the wire without the need for cutting the netting from the roll or having a recoiling problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The preferred embodiment of this invention accomplishes these and other desired effects by providing a light-weight wheeled hand cart with supporting legs and a handle to be used in the process of installing rolled wire netting on a building or structure, prior to the application of the stucco. Stability on construction sites and other rough terrain is accomplished by the provision of rough terrain tires spaced sufficiently apart from each other to keep the device from tipping sideways when a tall load is placed on the rotating platform thereon. Supporting legs are spaced on the framework of the handle sufficiently back from the wheels, and wide enough, along with being angled to the sides to maintain lateral stability when the wire is drawn from the roll without the need for another workman holding the device.

[0013] A rotating platform is releasably attached to the framework of the device by the means of a flanged pipe and supporting gusset welded thereon. The rotating platform, consisting of a mating lower pipe, a circular pipe frame platform or a circular flat sheet of metal, with an upper pipe member of the assembly used to slide the roll over. The mating lower pipe, engaging within the flanged pipe of the main framework provides a means to rotate the platform and thus the wire affixed thereon. The platform may easily be removed from the frame to be inserted into the wire roll or the wire roll can be placed over the platform when it is in position on the framework. An optional wire roll retainer can be placed over the upper pipe of the platform, within the wire roll for additional stability. A wire guide is attached to the framework to guide the wire netting, keeping it on the platform and thereby providing a means to prevent the wire from dropping down into the area of the wheels as it is drawn from the device.

[0014] Pulling the wire from the device is accomplished by drawing the free end of the wire on the roll toward the handle. The rotating platform in the current best mode of the device is tipped toward the handle five degrees to provide a means to adjust the center of gravity between the wheels and the supporting legs. When the wire is pulled out toward the handle, the guide retains the wire netting on the rotating platform and the supporting legs restrain the device from rolling backwards. When pushed forward the device distributes the wire to one side of the operator and the wire disbursement may stopped at any time without the problem of the wire recoiling. The legs of the device can be adjusted in length by use of a conventional spring-loaded ball-detent which interfaces with a plurality of holes used in adjusting pipe lengths. The feet shown in the illustrations as rubber ends may be easily changed for metal shoes to be used in uneven, rough terrain.

[0015] While the device as herein disclosed and describes is directed toward unwinding and installation of wire mesh used for the installation of exterior stucco, those skilled in the art will see that the device would be useful in a wide range of other applications involving the unwinding of wire mesh from a roll. For instance, the wire and paper combination used in the similar processes, installation of light wire fencing commonly called chicken wire or aviary wire. Or, by enlarging the basic structural configuration, the device would work well with other heavier forms of wire fencing up to, and including, chain link fencing. The upper pipe of the rotating platform can be modified to use varying sizes of large tubular sections with a threaded rod through the center. The threaded rod will attach to the solid metal platform plate and a top plate with a hole for the rod and a wing nut to tighten the assembly down. The rotating platform will be attached to the frame on a commercially available lazy-susan style bearing. The wire guide on this embodiment is a metal band incorporated into the framework. This alternate embodiment of the device, although larger, retains all the unique features of the preferred embodiment and clearly stays within the scope of the patent. As such, additional uses of the device are anticipated.

[0016] It is an object of this invention is to supply a means whereby wire netting can be easily and safely installed, prior to the application of stucco, with fewer workers involved.

[0017] Another object of this invention is to supply a means for transporting the rolls of wire netting over rough terrain in a vertical position.

[0018] An attritional object of this invention is to supply a means for holding the rolls in a stationary, vertical position while a single installer nails it into position.

[0019] A still further object of this invention is to solve the natural recoiling problem of the wire netting.

[0020] Another object of this invention is to supply a device that can serve other useful purposes around the construction site.

[0021] Still another object of this invention is to supply a device useful in the installation of a large variety of wire fencing.

[0022] Another object of this invention is supply a means to keep the workers installing all forms of wire products from having to lift and carry each separate roll.

[0023] These together, with other objects and advantages that will become subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 depicts the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus in perspective with the optional wire roll retainer and the rotating pipe platform assembly exploded away from the frame, wheels and handle.

[0026] FIG. 2 depicts the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus in a side view indicating the degree of inclination of the rotating platform.

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus in perspective, showing the engaged wire fencing.

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus indicating the degree of inclination of rotating support platform assembly.

[0029] FIG. 5 depicts the front view of the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus.

[0030] FIG. 6 depicts a rear view of the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus.

[0031] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a section through the frame of the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus, showing the lazy-susan bearing attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring to the drawings in more detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing device 10A with the frame assembly 12 consisting of two tires 14 operatively mounted upon an axle support pipe 16. Welded gussets 18 attache and reinforce the axle support pipe 16 to the central pipe section 20 of the frame assembly 12. The leg cross-member 22 is attached by welding or other conventional means for attachment to the central pipe section 20 with each leg 24 and 26 being independently adjustable by means of height adjustment of the legs in this case a conventional spring loaded ball-detent and hole locking mechanism 28, with the extendable leg members 30 and 32. The rubber leg end caps 34 can be replaced with a metal end for use in rough terrain. A “T” shaped handle 36 is removably attached to the center pipe section 20 along with being adjustable in length by the means of adjustment of the handle length in the form of the same ball-detent and hole locking mechanism 28.

[0034] A wire dispenser is formed by a flanged pipe 38 is welded to the center pipe section 20 with the extra support of gusset 40 and wire guide frame 42 thereupon attached to flanged pipe 38. Rotating platform assembly 44 has the lower end pipe 46 of a convenient diameter to slidably engage the flanged pipe 39 and rotate freely thereon. Platform section 48 is shown as, but not limited to, a circular pipe framework with an upper pipe member 50. While the wire might just be slid upon the pipe member 50 in the current best mode an optional wire roll retainer 52 would be used and comes in varying sizes and slides over the upper pipe member 50. The roll retainer 52 may vary in size and diameter as needed to fit the different internal diameters of the wire rolls.

[0035] FIG. 2 depicts the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus 10A in a side view with the near side rough terrain tire 14 not shown, to clearly display gusset 18 attaching to central pipe section 20. Also displayed is the angle “A”, which in the current best mode of the device is preferably but not limited to, five degrees toward the handle end of the frame assembly 12 such that the mounted wire will be inclined toward handle 36 to distribute the load resting on the platform section 48, between the wheels 14 and the legs 24. This distribution of the load toward the handle end provides a means to resist a rearward movement of the frame assembly 12 when a force is exerted on the wire toward the leg end of the device, because the weight from the roll of wire is distributed or biased toward the legs 24 and 26 legs which are angled to contact the ground and thereby resist rearward pulling of the device 10 thereby aiding in the easy unwinding of rolled wire mesh during use.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the alternate preferred embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus 10B with a roll of wire fencing 54 being drawn out the right side of the device. Of course the wire fencing 54 could be drawn from either side of the device depending on user preference. The wheels 14 are held with an axle support pipe 56 attached to frame assembly 58 by means of gusset 60. The center section 62 of frame assembly 58 is comprised of a cross member 64 and a back plate 66. The device 10 may be maintained substantially in a fixed position during use thereby resisting the force of pulling the wire fencing 54 from the its roll through the provision of the means to resist rearward movement which is provided by leg members 68 and 70 which are attached to the back corners of frame 62 at the handle end and angled out to the rear and side for additional lateral support. The handle 72 is attached to the back plate 66. The loop section 74 at the front end of the device opposite the handle end, functions to provide a means to guide the lower edge of the wire fencing and to keep it from dropping below top side of the frame assembly 58 and into the wheel area. This is an especially important function when pulling wire from the device 10 as it aids the smooth transition of the wire fencing 54 therefrom by keeping the lower edge of the wire fencing 54 supported and substantially out of the way no matter which direction the wire fencing 54 is being pulled due to the arched or similar “u” shape covering the area in front of the wire fencing 54 when mounted for disbursement on the device 10. Because of the nature of wire fencing 54 when being unrolled, the material tends to maintain a curved shape when coming off the roll and will arch out in front of the front side of the frame assembly 58. Without the loop section 74 when tension is released from the wire during unwinding, the wire would unwind and drop in front of the frame assembly 58 and cause problems when unwinding recommences.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a side view of the alternate preferred embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing device 10B, displaying the angle “A” of the wire supporting assembly 76, where by the load of the wire will be distributed from its mount between the wheels 14 and the legs 68 and 70. FIG. 5 depicts the front view of the alternate preferred embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing device 10B and FIG. 6 depicts the back view thereof.

[0038] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of the alternate embodiment of the rolled wire net and fence dispensing device 10B showing the optional metal platform plate 78 with the wire supporting assembly 76 exploded away for clarity. Wire supporting assembly consists of a central rod 80 to be threaded into platform plate 78 in a threaded orifice 82 and locked in place with lock nut 84. Varying sizes of tubular member 86 and mating top plate 88 will be available for the different size of internal diameters in the wire rolls. Wing-nut 90 will tighten the wire supporting assembly 76 together. Tubular member 86 is best made from plastic pipe because of its light weight and availability, but this is not to say that other materials perform equally as well, and consequently anticipated within the scope of the device herein disclosed. FIG. 8 is a cross section through cross member 64 and back plate 66, with a side view of the platform plate 78, showing the lazy-susan 92.

[0039] While the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features, without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth.

Claims

1. A rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus for use in combination with a rolled wire mesh, comprising:

a frame assembly, said frame assembly having two side edges, a top surface, a handle end, and having a front end opposite said handle end;

a handle attached to said frame assembly at said handle end;

a pair of wheels, each of said pair of wheels rotationally mounted to said frame assembly at one of said two side edges;

a pair of legs, one each of said pair of legs having a distal end and having an attachment mounted to said frame assembly at opposite corners of said frame assembly at handle end;

a wire support assembly, attached said frame assembly and projecting above said top surface;

said wire support assembly having a rotating platform rotationally attached to said frame assembly and an elongated roll retainer rotationally attached to said frame assembly and projecting above said rotating platform; and

said roll retainer having a circumference sized to cooperatively engage an elongated interior cavity of said rolled wire mesh, whereby a roll of said rolled wire mesh, engaged with said elongated roll retainer and with a lower edge adjacent to said rotating platform, may be unwound by pulling on the free end of said rolled wire mesh and rotating said rotating platform.

2. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising:

means to resist rearward movement of the frame assembly when rolled wire mesh, engaged with said elongate roll retainer, is unwound by being pulled toward said handle end.

3. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising:

means to guide said lower edge of said rolled wire mesh projecting over said front edge of said frame assembly and maintain said lower edge substantially above said top surface of said frame assembly when projecting over said front edge.

4. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising:

means to guide said lower edge of said rolled wire mesh projecting over said front edge of said frame assembly and maintain said lower edge substantially above said top surface of said frame assembly when projecting over said front edge.

5. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means to resist rearward movement of the frame assembly when rolled wire mesh, engaged with said elongate roll retainer, is unwound by being pulled toward said handle end comprises:

said legs attached to said frame and angling away from said pair of wheels.

6. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means to resist rearward movement of the frame assembly when rolled wire mesh, engaged with said elongate roll retainer, is unwound by being pulled toward said handle end comprises:

said legs attached to said frame and angling away from said pair of wheels.

7. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising said legs attached to said frame assembly and angling away from said pair of wheels and said handle placing said distal ends further apart than said side edges of said frame assembly, thereby providing a means for lateral support of said frame assembly.

8. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 2 additionally comprising said legs attached to said frame assembly and angling away from said pair of wheels and said handle placing said distal ends further apart than said side edges of said frame assembly, thereby providing a means for lateral support of said frame assembly.

9. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 3 additionally comprising said legs attached to said frame assembly and angling away from said pair of wheels and said handle placing said distal ends further apart than said side edges of said frame assembly, thereby providing a means for lateral support of said frame assembly.

10. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 4 additionally comprising said legs attached to said frame assembly and angling away from said pair of wheels and said handle placing said distal ends further apart than said side edges of said frame assembly, thereby providing a means for lateral support of said frame assembly.

11. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

12. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 2 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

13. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 3 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

14. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 4 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

15. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 8 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

16. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 9 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

17. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 10 wherein said elongated roll retainer angles in the direction of said handle end of said frame assembly when said rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus is operatively positioned with said wheels and said distal ends of said legs in contact with the supporting surface thereunder whereby the weight of said rolled wire mounted thereon is biased toward the handle end.

18. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising means to adjust the length of said legs.

19. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising means to adjust the length of said handle.

20. The rolled wire net and fence dispensing apparatus of claim 18 additionally comprising means to adjust the length of said handle.