Abstract: A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a winch includes a bearing housing, a one way bearing having an outer ring attached to the bearing housing, a bearing hub having a cylindrical section attached to an inner ring of the one way bearing, a friction disk having a first surface adjacent a disc of the bearing hub, a crank spool having a first disk adjacent a second surface of the friction disk, a crank housing configured for rotatably retaining the crank spool, a crank shaft extending through the bearing hub, through the friction disk, and into the crank spool, wherein a first end of the crank shaft is coupled to the crank spool, and a crank mechanism coupled to a second end of the crank shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for tensioning cables for use in railings includes anchor bodies positioned in posts to receive terminal ends of cables and tensioner members that apply force to the terminal ends of the cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved attachment devices fort support lines in plant growth support systems (e.g., trellis systems) and methods of using the same, and offers significant improvements in efficiency with regard to assembling, adjusting, and disassembling the support systems for plant and crop growth. The attachment devices may be advantageously used for various vine and low-lying plants (e.g., grapes, tomatoes, etc.) that can be grown in a trellis system or other vertical growth support system. The anchoring devices may include a wire loop for slipping over an end support bar and a wire strainer bracket attached to the wire loop.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that electrically insulates an elongate body from a rigid member. The apparatus includes an insulating part and a helically shaped securing part. The insulating part contacts either the elongate body or the rigid member thereby electrically insulating the elongate body from the rigid member. The helically shaped securing part prevents the insulating part from moving. The helically shaped securing part includes a multiple continuous rods, whereby the multiple rods are individual rods or sets of rods where at least two of the continuous rods are adhered together with an adhesive to form a set.

Abstract: A method of deploying temporary fencing includes connecting a first end of spooled fencing wire to a first fencepost, and with the spool rotatably on a vehicle, driving the vehicle toward a second position along a perimeter of an area to be fenced in. During this travel, the rotating spool deploys fencing wire for suspension a distance above ground between the fencepost and the spool. The spool is then removed from the vehicle and mounted on a second fencepost at the second position, thereby suspending the deployed fencing wire between the fenceposts. By mounting the spool onto the second fencepost and leaving deployed fencing wire intact with the remaining spooled wire, time and effort is reduced in later retrieval of the fencing, as there is no need to later re-join a cut length of wire to the spool, or to any wire remaining thereon after the initial fence deployment.

Abstract: A fence tensioner has a frame which may be rigid or articulated. The tensioner carries on each end thereof a rotatable cylindrical member which is provided with an axial slot to accommodate the profile of a section of fence. The cylindrical member is provided a ratchet and a pawl to lock the cylinder against loosening rotation. The pawl has a square end to lock the ratchet and eliminate any backlash and any slack in the fence members. The frame of the device is articulated so that each end of the device may accommodate the angle of the fence relative to the post. The vinyl fencing fits into the tensioner and locks itself therein as the cylinder rotates.

Abstract: A tensioning device attachable to a fence post to tension or adjust fencing material such as barbed wire spanning between fence posts. The tensioning device includes guides to support the fencing material, a curved member to grasp the fencing material between the guides, a base member, and a tensioning member that cooperates with the curved member to pull the fencing material into a channel formed between the guides. One use of the tensioning device is to tension fencing material that has become slack or has sagged after installation. The tensioning device can be installed on a fence post and operated with conventional tools. In one embodiment, the tensioning device includes a rear channel to allow the device to be slid and positioned over the studs of a conventional “tee” fence post. In another embodiment, the tensioning device includes a flat back surface to accommodate other types of fence posts.

Abstract: A portable fencing system in a barricade or corridor arrangement utilizes at a minimum one each of a corner post fixture, and a fence wire. In an enclosure arrangement, the portable fencing system can utilize at least one winch corner fixture, a plurality of corner post fixtures, a plurality of spacer posts and a plurality of fence wires. Spacer posts are spaced from one another and from a winch corner fixture and corner post fixtures such that the winch corner fixture, corner post fixtures, spacer posts and fence wires all together can form any suitable arrangement in relation to one another to provide an enclosure barrier around an area or a barricade or corridor along a side of an area.

Abstract: A portable fencing system in a barricade or corridor arrangement utilizes at a minimum one each of a corner post fixture, and a fence wire. In an enclosure arrangement, the portable fencing system can utilize at least one winch corner fixture, a plurality of corner post fixtures, a plurality of spacer posts and a plurality of fence wires. Spacer posts are spaced from one another and from a winch corner fixture and corner post fixtures such that the winch corner fixture, corner post fixtures, spacer posts and fence wires all together can form any suitable arrangement in relation to one another to provide an enclosure barrier around an area or a barricade or corridor along a side of an area.

Abstract: A fence tensioner includes a bracket adapted to be secured to a fence post, the bracket having upper and lower horizontal plate portions with vertically aligned cylinder openings and vertically aligned locking pin reaction holes therein. A tensioning cylinder is received in the vertically aligned cylinder openings for rotation relative to the upper and lower horizontal plate portions, the tensioning cylinder having at least one slot extending along the cylinder for receiving a fence slat, and flanges at opposite ends thereof that retain the tensioning cylinder in the aligned cylinder openings. Each of the flanges has a circular array of selectively useable locking apertures therein. The upper flange is provided with a profiled opening for receiving a similarly profiled tool for rotating the cylinder. A locking pin is provided that is adapted to extend through the aligned locking pin reaction holes and through a selected pair of aligned locking apertures to lock the fence slat in the tensioned position.

Abstract: A fence tensioner includes a bracket adapted to be secured to a fence post, the bracket having upper and lower horizontal plate portions with vertically aligned cylinder openings and vertically aligned locking pin reaction holes therein. A tensioning cylinder is received in the vertically aligned cylinder openings for rotation relative to the upper and lower horizontal plate portions, the tensioning cylinder having at least one slot extending along the cylinder for receiving a fence slat, and flanges at opposite ends thereof that retain the tensioning cylinder in the aligned cylinder openings. Each of the flanges has a circular array of selectively useable locking apertures therein. The upper flange is provided with a profiled opening for receiving a similarly profiled tool for rotating the cylinder. A locking pin is provided that is adapted to extend through the aligned locking pin reaction holes and through a selected pair of aligned locking apertures to lock the fence slat in the tensioned position.

Abstract: A tensioner device for applying tension to a flexible fence slat includes a bracket assembly having attachment webs for attachment to a fence post and a pair of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented flanges. A tensioning cylinder is mounted for rotation within a pair of apertures provided, respectively, in the horizontally oriented flanges, the tensioning cylinder formed with a through-slot extending longitudinally between a pair of radial flanges. The through-slot has a length substantially equal to a width of the flexible fence slat and adapted to receive one end of the fence slat. A ratchet wheel is formed at one end of the cylinder, between one of the radial flanges and one of the horizontally oriented flanges, and a pawl is pivotably mounted on the adjacent one of the horizontally oriented flanges for engagement with the ratchet so as to permit rotation of the tensioning cylinder in a tensioning direction but to prevent rotation of the tensioning cylinder in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A retainer bracket for mounting on a fence post and for tensioning and support of a strip of fencing material includes a plate which is attached to the fence post, first and second support arms projecting outwardly from the plate and a rotatable bolt having a slot therethrough for receipt of the fencing material mounted. The support arms include a cam which cooperates with the head of the bolt to hold the bolt in position after it has been rotated to tension the fencing material.

Abstract: Mounting devices for mounting items such as signs to chainlink fences. The devices have at least one tab punched out of each end of the mounting and a portion of the chainlink fence is received between the tab and the remainder of the mounting device, which attaches the mounting device to the fence. The mounting device has apertures which will receive fasteners to secure a sign to the mounting device which in turn is secured to the fence.

Abstract: A fence line layout including a first and second termination post, and optional intermediate fence posts. Each termination post is braced to provide tension on fencing material which is attached between them. The fencing material is attached to the first termination post by means of a friction insert process. The fencing material is attached to the second termination posts by means of a tensioning device operated by a single person which can be used to tighten the entire length of the fence line. The fence line system disclosed is less expensive and easier to set up then existing systems.

Abstract: An insulator is provided for supporting an electric wire or ribbon associated with an electric fence, including a pair of brackets that may be positioned about any location or elevation on a rectangular fence post or rail and then snappably secured thereto. The all plastic insulator is thus mounted without penetrating the post or rail with any hardware such as nails, bolts or staples. This assembly also allows easy removal of an insulator without damaging the post. The bracket assembly is also adjustable to accommodate a plurality of rectangular post sizes. Rubberized pads inside the bracket assembly provide friction and grip to more securely maintain the desired position. The bracket assembly integrally includes an elongated insulator body having a wire support holder attached thereto for easily receiving an electric wire or ribbon while substantially preventing accidental removal of the same.

Abstract: A line wire tensioner is received in a channel extending longitudinally of a post, and the tensioner can be slid along the channel to a desired height where it is retained by suitable means such as one or more screws.