Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to a drill attachment and in particular a drill attachment, or system or kit including same, for the repair, maintenance and/or construction of wire fencing.

Background

[002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[003] On farms and in rural areas wire fencing is often used to mark property boundaries and to provide an enclosure/boundary for residing/grazing animals.

[004] Wire fences are generally simple in nature. In most instances, they are constructed of posts with galvanized steel wiring connected between them. Barbed wire is also sometimes used to discourage crossing of property boundaries by animals.

[005] Due to the simple construction of wire fencing, it can be easily damaged, such as, for example, by animals, weather, and vehicles. Often the connecting wiring needs to be replaced or re-secured to the fence posts. The connecting wiring is typically fastened to the fence posts using steel fence clips. The clips, which are small lengths of steel wire, are looped through apertures in the fence post, and around the connecting wiring. The clips are then twisted to secure the connecting wiring to the fence post.

[006] The process of the twisting the fence clips to tighten the connecting wires to the fence posts is onerous and typically done by hand. Prior art systems have involved the use of simple manual hand operated twisting tools. Whilst the use of these prior art systems/tools means the farmer/builder does not need to directly twist the clips with their fingers, significant effort and time is still required to twist the fence clips.

[007] The present invention seeks to address the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the present invention seeks to make the repair, maintenance and construction of wire fences easier and quicker.

Summary of the invention

[008] In one broad from, the present invention provides a drill attachment including at least one channel therein for receiving the ends of a length of wire or the like, to be intertwined.

[009] In one form, the drill attachment includes two channels therein each for receiving a respective end of the length of wire to be intertwined.

[0010] In one form, the drill attachment is for receiving the arms of a fence clip. [0011] In a further form, the fence clip is substantially U-shaped.

[0012] In another form the drill attachment includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the ends of the wire within the channel(s).

[0013] In one form, the drill attachment includes: a shaft; and a clamping member mounted to the shaft.

[0014] In another form, the channel(s) are provided between the clamping member and the shaft.

[0015] In one form, the clamping member is substantially annular.

[0016] In another form, the clamping member is mounted to the shaft such that its rotation is limited about the shaft. [0017] In one form, the clamping member is rotatable with respect to the shaft between: a non-locking position for receiving/releasing the ends of the wire in/from the channel(s); and a locking position for locking the ends of the wire in the channel(s).

[0018] In another form, each of the at least one channels are provided by a pair of corresponding grooves, one groove of each pair in an outer surface of the shaft and the other groove of each pair in an inner wall of the clamping member.

[0019] In one form, in the non-locking position, the grooves of each pair are substantially aligned, and, in the locking position, the grooves of each pair are substantially misaligned.

[0020] In a further form, rotation of shaft with respect to the clamping member in a first direction misaligns corresponding grooves to clamp the ends of the wire between the shaft and the clamping member.

[0021] In another form, the shaft includes at least one recess to receive a stop element extending from the clamping member, the stop element configured to abut the walls of the recess and limit rotation of the clamping member about the shaft.

[0022] In another form, the stop element is a grub screw.

[0023] In a further form, in the non-locking position, the openings of the channel(s), through which the arms of the fence clip are to be received, are substantially tear shaped being rounded at one end and tapering to a tail at the other.

[0024] In another form, the grooves in the inner wall of the annular clamping member include a curved wall portion meeting a flat wall portion, the flat wall portion extending substantially tangentially to the inner wall of the annular clamping member to meet the curved wall portion of the groove.

[0025] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a fence clip for use with a drill attachment according to any of the forms described herein.

[0026] In one form, the fence clip is formed of a flexible yet inelastic material. [0027] In another form, the fence clip is substantially U-shaped.

[0028] In a further broad form, the present invention provides, a system for repairing, maintaining or constructing a wire fence including: a drill engaged with a drill attachment according to any of the forms described herein; and at least one fence clip, wherein the arms of the fence clip are received in the drill attachment to be intertwined.

[0029] In a further broad from, the present invention provides a kit for repairing, maintaining or constructing a wire fence including a drill attachment according to any of the forms described herein and at least one fence clip.

[0030] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a method for repairing, maintaining or constructing a wire fence, including the steps of: looping a fence clip around a wire and around a portion of a fence post; inserting the arms of the fence clip into a drill attachment according to any of the forms described herein, the drill attachment being engaged with a drill; and operating the drill to thereby intertwine the arms of the fence clip and secure the wire to the fence post.

[0031] In a further broad form the present invention provides a drill attachment for intertwining a length of wire of the like, wherein the drill attachment is configured to received the ends of the length of wire and is adjustable between a locking configuration, wherein the ends of the length of wire are securable in the attachment, and a non-locking configuration, wherein the ends of the length of the wire are removable from the attachment. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non-limiting embodiment described in connection with the accompanying figures of which:

[0033] Figure la shows a top view of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention, the drill attachment being in a non-locking configuration;

[0034] Figure lb shows a top view of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention, the drill attachment being in a locking configuration;

[0035] Figure 2 shows a side view of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention;

[0036] Figure 3 shows one example of a fence clip;

[0037] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an annular clamping member of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention;

[0038] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the shaft of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention;

[0039] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention;

[0040] Figures 7a to 7c show a top view, side view (showing internal grooves), and top view (showing internal channels of a clamping member of the drill attachment according to one example of the invention);

[0041] Figure 8a and 8b show a bottom view and side view of the shaft of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention;

[0042] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of one example of a fence post with wiring secured with a intertwined fence clip; [0043] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of one example of a fence post with wiring secured with a intertwined fence clip;

[0044] Figure 11 shows a top view of one example the drill attachment according to the invention with fence clip clamped/locked therein;

[0045] Figure 12 shows a side view of a drill attachment according to one example of the invention;

[0046] Figure 13 shows a top view of the drill attachment of figure 12;

[0047] Figure 14 shows a bottom view of the shaft of the drill attachment of figure 12;

[0048] Figure 15 shows a side view of the shaft of the drill attachment of figure 12;

[0049] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the shaft of the drill attachment of figure 12;

[0050] Figure 17 shows a bottom view of the clamping member of the drill attachment of figure 12;

[0051] Figure 18 shows enlarged view a grooved portion of inner wall of the clamping member of figure 17;

[0052] Figure 19 shows a transparent side view of the clamping member of the drill attachment of figure 12;

[0053] Figure 20 shows a top view of the clamping member of the drill attachment of figure 12; and

[0054] Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the clamping member of the drill attachment of figure 12.

Detailed Description

[0055] Embodiments of the present invention provide a drill attachment for easily intertwining lengths of wire or the like, such as, for example, fence clips. Generally, the drill attachment includes at least one channel therein for receiving the ends of the length of wire to be intertwined and, by rotating the drill attachment, the ends of the wire are intertwined. Typically, the drill attachment includes two channels therein each for receiving a respective end of the length of wire to be intertwined. The embodiments described herein refer in particular to the intertwining of fence clips (typically U-shaped), however, it will be appreciated that the drill attachment may be used for intertwining other lengths of wire or the like

[0056] The drill attachment typically includes a locking mechanism for locking the arms of the fence clip within the channels such that rotation of the drill attachment leads to intertwining of the arms of the fence clip. The drill attachment is typically configured to be releasably secured to an electric drill like a common drill bit.

[0057] Generally the locking mechanism operates so that with rotation of the drill attachment in a first direction (e.g. clockwise), the arms of the clip are locked in the channels of the drill attachment, and during continued rotation in the first direction, the arms of the clip are intertwined with one another. It will be appreciated that, in use, the fence clips are typically looped around, or engaged with, a portion of a fence, fence post or wiring such that the entire clip does not rotate with rotation of the drill attachment. As rotation is restricted at a point along the fence clip (typically the region where the arms join), the arms of the clip intertwine with rotation of the drill attachment. Rotation of the drill attachment in a second direction (e.g. anti-clockwise), opposite the first direction, typically releases the arms of the clip from the channels leaving the intertwined clip securing a portion of the fence.

[0058] The drill attachment typically includes a shaft and a clamping/locking member mounted to the shaft. The channels for receiving the arms of the fence clip are generally provided between the clamping/locking member and the shaft. The clamping/locking member is typically a substantially annular/annular prism shaped and mounted to the shaft such that its rotation about the shaft is limited. In use the clamping/locking member is thus typically rotatable with respect to the shaft between a non-locking position, for receiving/releasing the arms of the fence clip in the channels, and a locking position, for locking the arms of the fence clip in the channels.

[0059] Figures 1 and 2 respectively show a top view and side view of a drill attachment (1) according to one particular example of the invention. The drill attachment (1) includes two channels (2, 3) in the head thereof for receiving the arms of a U-shaped fence clip (4) (see fig. 3). The arms (5, 6) of the fence clip (4) are inserted into the channels of the drill attachment (2, 3) to be intertwined. The fence clip once intertwined can secure, for example, wiring to a fence post (e.g. see figures 9 and 10).

[0060] The drill attachment (1) includes a shaft (7) with an annular clamping member (8) mounted at one end (7a). The other end (7b) of the shaft is configured to be engaged with an electric drill (not shown). For example, the end (7b) of the shaft to be engaged with the drill may be similar to common drill bit shanks (e.g. 3-flat, hex etc.).

[0061] The clamping member (8) is mounted to the shaft (7) such that it is limited in its rotation about the shaft (7). The clamping member rotates with respect to the shaft (7) between a locking position (see figure lb), for locking the ends of the fence clip within the channels, and a non-locking position (see figure la), for receiving and/or releasing the arms of the fence clip.

[0062] The channels (2, 3) are provided between the shaft (7) and the annular clamping member (8). As shown in the figures, each channel (2, 3) of the drill attachment is provided by a pair of corresponding grooves (9, 10). A groove (9) in the outer surface of the shaft (7), and a groove (10) formed in the inner surface of the annular clamping member (8) form each pair.

[0063] In the non-locking position, the grooves (9) of the shaft (7) are substantially aligned with the grooves (10) of the clamping member (see fig. la). This provides a channel (2, 3) cross sectional area large enough to permit insertion and removal of the arms of the fence clip (4). [0064] In the locking configuration, the grooves (9) of the shaft are substantially misaligned with the grooves (10) of the clamping member see (fig. lb). The misalignment changes the cross sectional shape of the channels such that the arms of the fence clip become clamped/locked between the shaft and clamping member.

[0065] The profile of the grooves (9) of the shaft include a curved wall portion (20) that meets a flat wall portion (21) at an edge (22). The profile of the grooves (10) of the clamping member (8) are of a similar nature, however the curved and flat portions (23, 24) are slightly larger and the transition therebetween smoother. The flat wall (24) of the groove (10) of the clamping member (8) extends substantially tangentially from the inner wall (31) of the clamping member (8) before meeting the curved wall (23) of the groove (10). When the shaft (7) rotates with respect to the clamping member in the locking direction (8), the curved portion (20) of the shaft groove (9) clamps the wire against the flat portion (24) of the clamp groove (10). The curved wall portion (20) of the shaft groove (9) typically has a curve shaped in line with the radius of curvature of the clip arm. Figure 11 shows a cross section of a fence clip (4) clamped in the drill attachment (1). It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the groove profiles may vary. It will also be appreciated that in some examples the curved walls of the groove may include substantially flat sections/spots.

[0066] In the non-locking configuration, the openings of the channels (2, 3), through which the arms (5, 6) of the fence clip are to be received, are substantially tear shaped being rounded at one end and tapering to an off centre tail at the other. In the non-locking configuration the grooves (9, 10) are substantially aligned such that their respective curved walls (20, 23) are substantially opposite one another and their respective flat walls (21, 24) are substantially opposite one another.

[0067] Typical use of the drill attachment (1) is outlined as follows. Initially, a drill is prepared with the drill attachment (1) engaged therein. The drill attachment is adjusted to the non-locking configuration and the arms (5, 6) of a fence clip (4) are inserted into the channels (2, 3) of the drill attachment. The clamping member (8) is then typically secured in one hand of the drill operator and the drill operated at low speed to rotate the shaft (7) with respect to the clamping member (8). This rotation misaligns the grooves (9, 10), clamping/locking the arms of the fence clip between the outer surface of the shaft (7) and the inner surface of the clamping member (8). Once locked, subsequent operation of the drill at normal speed in the locking direction intertwines the arms (5, 6) of the fence clip (4) (the whole attachment rotates here and the operator does not hold the clamping member).

[0068] It will be appreciated that before insertion into the drill attachment, the fence clip is typically looped around any one or a combination of the fence post and connecting wiring such that a portion of the fence clip (typically the region (30) connecting the two arms (5,6)) is limited in its rotation with the drill attachment (1). As such the whole fence clip (4) does not rotate with the drill attachment (1) and intertwining of the arms (5, 6) is achieved.

[0069] To release the arms (5, 6) of the fence clip after intertwining, the drill operator rotates the whole drill manually, with a small movement of the wrist, in a direction opposite the direction of intertwining (i.e. opposite the original direction of rotation). This small wrist movement is enough to causes the shaft to rotate with respect to the clamping member, aligning the grooves (9, 10), and permitting the arms (5, 6) of the fence clip to be removed. It will be appreciated that the operator does not need to operate the drill in reverse to release from the fence clip, however, in other embodiments, with different locking/clamping mechanisms, this may be the case.

[0070] To limit rotation between the annular clamping member (8) and the shaft (7), the outer surface of the shaft includes two recesses (11) spaced between the grooves (9). The recesses are configured to receive a stop element (e.g. a grub screw or other element) protruding from the internal wall (31) of the annular clamping member (8). The grub screws extend from passages (33) in the clamping member (8). On rotation of the annular clamping member the protruding grub screws abut the walls of the recess (11) to limit rotation. It will be appreciated that during operation clamping of the fence clip may also limit rotation of the annular clamping member. The recesses (11) are typically positioned on opposite side of the shaft. [0071] It will be appreciated that the stop elements/grub screws, once extended or screwed into the recesses (11) also act to mount the clamping member to the shaft. Removal of the clamping member from the shaft thereby requires retraction of the stop elements/grub screws from the recesses.

[0072] A further example of a drill attachment according to the invention is shown in figures 12 to 21. In this example, the regions surrounding the channel openings (52, 53) in the top surface of the drill attachment provide a funnel-like shape which helps to guide insertion of the arms of the fence clip into the channels (52, 53). The funnel like shape being provided by angled walls (54, 55, 56, 57) at the rims of the channel openings (52, 53) in the top surface. In this example, angled walls are provided at the rim of the shaft (e.g. 56, 57) and the clamping member (e.g. 54, 55). It will be appreciated in other forms the angled walls may be provided in either part only.

[0073] Other examples may include guide lines or grooves (not shown) on the outer surface (60) of the clamping member that are aligned with the channel openings (e.g. 52, 53). As with the angled walls, these would also assist with insertion of the fence clip when a clear view of the top surface of the drill attachment is not easily available, such as, for example, when the drill is pointed away from the operator.

[0074] It will also be appreciated that in some forms (not shown) the outer surface (60) of the clamping member may have a gripping surface (e.g. ribs, groove or protrusions) to assist with manual adjustment/rotation of the clamping member.

[0075] Figures 9 and 10 show a fence clip (4) that has been intertwined using the drill attachment to secure a wire (12) to a fence post (13). It will be appreciated that the present invention also provides a new fence clip for use with the drill attachment. The fence clip is typically substantially U-shaped and formed of an inelastic material such that once it is intertwined, it does not unravel. For example, the fence clips may formed of galvanized steel. [0076] The drill attachment and fence clip(s) as described herein may form part of a kit or system for the repair, maintenance or construction of wire fencing or the like. The kit or system may further include an electric drill. It will also be appreciated that, in an alternate form, the present invention may be provided as an apparatus or device that includes a rotating head with a drill attachment or locking mechanism as described herein, integrally formed with the apparatus (i.e. the apparatus provided may not be considered a conventional drill). It will also be appreciated that although the fence clips used are typically U shaped, other forms may exist which have different shapes such as a V-shape or shapes that include parallel or appropriately neighboring arms for insertion into the attachment.

[0077] It will also be appreciated that in other variations of the attachment, the ends of the length of wire (e.g. fence clip) may received/secured by the attachment by means other than using two channels (as shown in the embodiment of the figures). For example, other embodiments may have a larger single channel or recess that receives both ends of the wire, or the attachment may simply include a clamping means. Generally, the attachment allows for intertwining a length of wire or the like, is configured to received the ends of the length of wire, and is adjustable between a locking configuration, wherein the ends of the length of wire are securable in the attachment, and a non-locking configuration, wherein the ends of the length of the wire are removable from the attachment. Once secured in the attachment, rotation of attachment intertwines the length of wire, which may, for example, be looped around two items to be secured.

[0078] It is clear how the present invention provides significant advantages to manual prior art methods securing fence clips. For example, in the past fence clips had to be manually intertwined with the connecting wires of fences. This often led to occurrences of injury to the fence worker who would cut themselves on barbed wire and/or strain their wrists/fingers bending the fence clips. It is thus clear that the present invention provides significant advantages in the form of time saved, effort required and safety.

[0079] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0080] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0081] It will be appreciated that various forms of the invention may be used individually or in combination.