PATENT APPLICATION

Attorney Docket No. A07153US (99289.1) PCT Attorney Docket No. A07153WO (99289. IWO) TITLE OF THE INVENTION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING RAZOR WIRE

INVENTOR: Samuel H. ALBRITTON, a U.S. citizen, of 87 Sammy

Jo Road, Lumberton, Mississippi, 39455. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/956,664, filed August 17, 2007, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"

Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to method and apparatus for installing razor wire or concertina wire. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for installing razor wire wherein a wheeled frame is provided with one or more winches or spools (hydraulically powered, electrically powered, manually powered) , each wound with a length of barbed wire and wherein arms support a spool of razor wire, the arms supporting a guide that is receptive of a length of barbed wire that is dispensed from a winch or spool.

2. General Background of the Invention Razor wire is typically provided in a roll or spool form. In order to install a length of razor wire, a military or prison or police unit must typically manually stretch the supplied spool over a desired distance. This manual operation is both time consuming and hazardous. Patents have issued that relate to the dispensing of

razor wire using a machine. One example is the Albritton U.S. Patent No. 7,185,839 which is incorporated herein by reference. Another Albritton patent is U.S. Patent No. 6,860,471 entitled "Fence Dispensing Apparatus", also incorporated herein by reference. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for installing razor wire at a selected locale or along a selected path, wherein a length of barbed wire is dispensed from a powered winch or spool (for example, hydraulically powered) , an upper portion of the coils of razor wire being supported upon the single length of barbed wire .

The present invention thus provides a razor wire dispensing apparatus that includes a wheeled movable frame. Multiple arms extend from the frame, at least two of said arms being configured to support multiple coils or windings of razor wire.

A spool is wired upon the frame, the spool being wound with a length of barbed wire to be dispensed.

The frame can optionally include a guide tube that is spaced from the spool, the guide tube having a barbed wire receptive bore, the guide tube being positioned generally below at least one of the multiple arms. The spool unwinds barbed wire as the frame is moved.

A hydraulic control system can be provided that enables powering of the winches and can power the rotation of the arms relative to the wheeled frame. This hydraulic system can include for example hydraulic cylinders that rotate a transversely extending shaft, the arms being mounted to the shaft. In this fashion, as the shaft is rotated using the hydraulic cylinders, the arms articulate relative to the frame and angled between lower and raised positions. During use, a lowered position is used for paying out or dispensing coils of razor wire. An elevated

or upwardly angled position of the arms is used for transport. A lowered or downwardly angled position of the arms is also used to retrieve the wire. Hydraulic cylinders enable the arms to be raised or lowered. Other power systems can optionally be employed (e.g. electrical, pneumatic) . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

Figure 1 is a partial side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a side fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a side fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating an optional third dispensing portion;

Figure 6 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention taken along lines 6- 6 of figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a side fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a side fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a side fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 13 is a side view taken along lines 13-13 of figure 12;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 15 is a fragmentary elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a partial elevation view taken along lines 16-16 of figure 15; Figure 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing its attachment to an adapter that enables attachment to an automotive vehicle, truck or the like;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating brackets that enable attachment to a bucket of a front end loader;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating attachment to a bucket of a front end loader;

Figure 20 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating attachment to an adapter that can be trailered; Figure 21 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 22 is a fragmentary side view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 23 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment

of the apparatus of the present invention; and

Figure 24 is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the hydraulic control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1-24 show the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention designated generally by the numeral 10 in figures 11-13. Razor or concertina wire dispensing apparatus 10 provides a frame 11. The frame 11 is preferably wheeled. The frame 11 includes a transverse beam 12 that can be fitted with a pair of spaced apart

(preferably removable) wheel supports 13. A wheel or tire

14 is attached to each wheel support 13 as shown in figure

20. A hydraulic control housing 15 is mounted to frame 11. Frame 11 can be provided with any necessary reinforcing, beams, gussets, or the like to provide a substantial frame structure to which components (e.g. wheel supports 13, housing 15, shaft 23, columns 29, spreaders 41) can be attached. Hydraulic control housing 15 can be welded to transverse beam 12. Hydraulic control housing 15 provides a cover 16 that can be attached thereto using a hinge 17 and a latch mechanism 18 (see figures 12, 13) .

The hydraulic control housing 15 (see figure 24) can contain known/commercially available hydraulic components such as a reservoir 19, pump 20, control valving 21, and hydraulic hoses for interconnecting the various hydraulic components (reservoir 19, pump 20, control valving 21, cylinders 25, 49 and motors 48) . The hydraulic system is used to extend and retract hydraulic cylinders 25 and elevating cylinders 49. The hydraulic system operates hydraulic motors 48 that rotate spools 44. Housing 15 can contain receiver 22, which can be a commercially available receiver that receives instruction from transmitter 60. Receiver 22 and transmitter 60 are commercially available

such as from BASF Engineering, Inc.

A part of frame 11 is rotating shaft 23. The rotating shaft 23 can be attached to frame 11 using rotary bearings 24. Such rotary bearings 24 are commercially available. Shaft 23 is rotated using hydraulic cylinders 25. Each hydraulic cylinder 25 is provided with an extendable push rod 26. The push rod 26 is connected at pinned connection 27 to lever arm 28. The lever arm 28 can be welded or otherwise attached to rotating shaft 23. In this fashion, when the hydraulic cylinders 25 are expanded extending push rod 26, the rotating shaft 23 rotates in one direction. When the hydraulic cylinder 25 retracts pulling push rod 26 inwardly, the rotating shaft 23 rotates in an opposite direction (see figures 4, 12, 13) . Frame 11 includes columns 29 and booms 30. The columns 29 extend upwardly, preferably two columns 29 being supported by frame 11. There are also a pair booms 30, one attached to each column as shown in figure 1.

Each boom 30 can include an upper wear strip 31 that is receptive of multiple coils of razor wire or concertina wire which is designated generally by the numeral 67. Such razor wire or concertina wire 67 is commercially available. Boom 30 includes a diagonal support 32 that is also attached to a column 29. A hanger 33 extends downwardly from boom 30, being connected (e.g. welded) thereto. Hanger 33 supports a barbed wire guide 34.

Barbed wire guide 34 includes a cylindrically shaped section 35 and can include tapered sections such as the frustoconically shaped sections 36 shown in figures 1, 9 and 13. During use, a barbed wire strand 38 is dispensed or unwound from spool or winch 44. This barbed wire strand 38 is routed through the open ended bore 37 of barbed wire guide 34 and is then attached to an anchor point such as a fence post. Barbed wire guide 34 is thus positioned below boom 30. In this fashion, the barbed wire strand 38 will

not tangle with the concertina or razor wire 67 until the razor wire or concertina wire 67 has been dispensed from booms 30 of apparatus 10.

To initiate a dispensing of the concertina wire or razor wire 67, an end portion that is designated by the numeral 68 in figure 23 is anchored to a selected object such as a fence post 94. When installing razor wire 67 and a strand of barbed wire 38, both the barbed wire strand 38 and an end portion 68 of the razor wire 67 are attached to an initial object such as fence post 94. If, for example, the coils of razor wire/concertina wire 67 are about 3 feet in diameter, the razor wire 67 is attached to the fence post so that an upper end portion of the razor wire 67 is about 3 feet off the ground. The lower end portion of the razor wire 67 rests upon the earth. The strand of barbed wire 38 would be attached to the post 94 at ground level so that the barbed wire strand 38 secures the lower end portion of the unwound razor wire 67 to the earth or underlying support. Tow vehicle 59 moves in the direction of arrow 119 when dispensing concertina wire or razor wire 67. (See figures 13 and 23.)

Horizontal section 39 joins to columns 29 using a T joint 40 connection. The horizontal section 39 can support one or more spreaders 41. Each spreader 41 has a tapered or v-shaped end 42 and a pair of spaced apart rods or bars 43 (see figure 23) . The tapered end 42 helps during retrieval of concertina wire or razor wire 67 as the tapered section 42 is placed at the open center 69 of the coils of razor wire 67. The barbed wire can be purchased in a coil or spool 45 which is commercially available. The barbed wire coil 45 can be mounted to the spool or winch 44 by removing removable end 46. End 46 is replaced after the coil 45 of barbed wire has been placed on spool 44. The removable end 46 is then replaced and held into position using locking pin 47. The spools 44 in figure 12 are

empty, not having been loaded with a barbed wire coil 45.

Each column 29 can provide a larger diameter section

51 and a smaller diameter section 50. The sections 50, 51 are thus telescoping sections. The sections 50 can be cross braced using a cross bar 52.

Elevating cylinders 49 can be used to elevate larger diameter section 51 relative to smaller diameter section 50. Elevating cylinders 49 enable the larger diameter section 51 relative to the smaller diameter section 50. Smaller diameter section 50 is attached to rotating shaft 23 using a plate, gusset, connection, welding, or the like which is designated generally by the numeral 71 in figure 1. Elevating cylinder 49 is also connected to shaft 23 using connection 72 which can be a plate, gusset, bracket, or the like.

Cylinder 49 is connected to the upper end portion of larger diameter section 51 at pinned connection 72. Both boom 30 and spreader 41 are connected to larger diameter section 51. When elevating cylinder 49 lifts the larger diameter section 51 in relation to the smaller diameter section 50 by elevating the pushrod 73 of elevating cylinder 49 in the direction of arrow 74, this action also elevates boom 30, spreader 41, and the razor wire 67 that is contained thereon, which elevates in the direction of arrow 75 (see figure 3) .

Figure 4 illustrates the movement of columns 29 and the boom 30 and spreader 41 connected thereto in a tilting fashion when shaft 23 is rotated using cylinders 25. Larger diameter section 51 of column 29 is slotted at 76 (see figures 1 and 2) for enabling larger diameter section 51 to travel above and below attachment 71 as shown in figures 13 and 14.

Frame 11 includes one or more hitch receptacles 53 that can be used to attach any number of implements to frame 11 for transporting frame 11 (see figures 17-22) .

For example, a tow bar 54 can be fitted to hitch receptacle 53 using locking pins 57 such as the commercially available locking pins that are used on common automobile or truck receiver type trailer hitches. Tow bar 54 could provide openings for attaching it to a tow vehicle 59 such as a Jeep®, Humvee®, trailer, or the like. A trailer could also provide openings that correspond in size and shape to the openings provided on tow bar 54 of figure 17. Tow bar 55 can be a tow bar that could be attached to any smaller vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV) , pickup, truck, or a tractor. Tow bar 56 is a tow bar that could be used to interface bucket 70 (e.g. a backhoe bucket or loader bucket of a tractor) with frame 11. It should be understood that other types of tow bar arrangements could be provided for enabling the moving of frame 11 using a selected tow vehicle.

In figures 21, 22 there is shown an arrangement for towing the frame 11 using a common, known three point hitch of a tractor. The hitch receptacles 53 are fitted with a lower tow bar 111 that have opposed horizontal pins 112, each connectable to the lower part of a three point hitch 117. An additional pair of hitch receptacles 113 that can be connected to frame 11 (e.g. bolted) are connectable to an upper tow bar 114 having plates 115 with openings 116 for connecting the bar 114 to the upper part of a three point hitch 117.

One or more retainer arms 58 could be mounted on frame 11 to help retain a desired position of razor wire 67 prior to and during dispensing. Such retainer arms could be attached using any fastener or connection such as bolted connection at a position near the edges of frame 11.

If a powered system is employed to power spools 44, cylinders 25, and cylinders 49, a remote control can be used. However, manual controls or joystick type controls could also be employed to operated spools 44, cylinders 25,

and/or cylinders 49. An optional remote control transmitter 60, is shown in figure 24 having 6 keys. These keys 61-66 can be used to control various functions of the razor wire dispensing apparatus 10. For example, the key 61 can be used to lift an upper section 50 of column 29 relative to lower section 51. In such a case, the keys 61, 62 would be used to respectively lift or lower the upper section 50 relative to the lower section 51 using an elevating cylinder 49. Keys 63 and 64 control operation of the hydraulic cylinders 25 that rotate shaft 23 for articulating or angling booms 30 and spreaders 41 relative to frame 11. The keys 65 and 66 are labeled as "in" and "out" respectively for winding a strand of barbed wire 38 upon a spool or winch 44 (key 65) or for dispensing (unwinding) a strand of barbed wire 38 from spool or winch 44 (key 66) .

In figures 5 and 6, a third or auxiliary system is provided for dispensing razor wire 67. In figures 5 and 6, beam 77 is attached to inner section 50 of column 29, being connected thereto using bolted or pinned connection 79. Beam 77 can be braced with diagonal support 78. Openings 80 are provided in inner section 50 of column 29 enabling an adjustment of beam 77 up or down to a selected elevation upon inner section 50 as illustrated schematically by the arrows 118 in figure 5. A spool 44 of barbed wire can be mounted on beam 77. The spool 44 can be powered using a hydraulic motor 48. Barbed wire guide 34 can be attached to beam 77 or boom 30 as shown in figures 5 and 6. In this fashion a single strand 38 of barbed wire can be dispensed from spool 44 and fed through guide 34 before installation. The auxiliary, optional dispensing arrangement of figures 5 and 6 can be used for dispensing razor wire 67 and barbed wire 38 upon an elevated structure such as a fence, wall, roof, or other elevated surface. In figures 7-10, a method and apparatus for

compressing razor wire 67 is shown (such as after retrieval) . An additional hydraulic cylinder or other powered cylinder 84 is provided which can be attached to frame 11 at outer section 51 of column 29 using a pinned connection 86. An end 85 of extensible cylinder 84 is attachable to sleeve 82 of compression frame 81. A set screw or pin 83 enables a connection to be formed between sleeve 82 and end portion 85 of cylinder 84.

Compression frame 81 is comprised of a pair of beams 89, 90 that can be connected together (for example welded), also being welded to sleeve 82. When retrieving strands of razor wire 67, frame 11 is advanced in the direction of arrow 91 which spreader 41 and boom 30 gathering the razor wire 67 as shown in figures 7-9. Once the razor wire 67 is stored upon the combination of spreader 41 and boom 30, it can be compressed tightly as indicated by arrow 93 in figure 10 by retracting the push rod 92 and thus moving compression frame 81 in the direction of arrow 93 until the razor wire 67 is compressed. The compressed razor wire (see figures 9-10) can then be bound using wire 88 dispensed from spool 87.

Figure 11 illustrates that the apparatus 10 of the present invention can support a boom 96 and driver

(pneumatic or hydraulic) 95 that can be used to drive posts 94 that support wires 38, 67. Boom 96 can be braced using extensible cylinder 97. A winch line 101 can be controlled using winch 98 to raise or lower driver 95. Line 101 can be rigged to sheaves 99. Boom 96 can be mounted to column 102 so that it swivels or pivots as indicated by arrow 100 in figure 11.

Figures 14-16 illustrate the use of an additional hydraulic cylinder and a second telescoping column for placing an auxiliary barbed wire 38 and razor wire 67 installation unit at an even greater elevation. In figure 16, second telescoping column 105 is seen connected at

connection 110 to column 29. This connection 110 can be for example a welded or bolted connection. Hydraulic cylinder 103 is attached at bracket 109 to second telescoping column 105. Hydraulic cylinder 103 has an extendable rod 104 that is attached at pinned connection 108 to the inner section 107 of second telescoping column 105. In this fashion, when the outer section 51 of column 29 reaches its highest elevation as shown in figure 16, additional elevation can be achieved by extending inner section 107 relative to outer section 106 of second telescoping section 105 using hydraulic cylinder 103. This elevates beam 77 and its supply of barbed wire 38 and razor wire 67 such as during installation on the top of a wall or building. The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention: PARTS LIST

Parts Number Description

10 razor wire dispensing apparatus

11 frame

12 transverse beam

13 wheel support

14 wheel

15 hydraulic control housing

16 cover

17 hinge

18 latch mechanism

19 reservoir

20 pump

21 control valving

22 receiver

23 rotating shaft

24 rotary bearing

25 hydraulic cylinder

26 pushrod

27 connection

28 lever arm 29 column

30 boom 31 wear strip

32 diagonal support

33 hanger

34 barbed wire guide

35 cylindrical section 36 frustoconically shaped section

37 open ended bore

38 barbed wire strand

39 horizontal section

40 joint 41 spreader

42 tapered end

43 rod/bar

44 spool/winch

45 barbed wire coil 46 removable end

47 locking pin

48 hydraulic motor

49 elevating cylinder

50 inner section 51 outer section

52 cross bar

53 hitch receptacle

54 tow bar

55 tow bar 56 tow bar

57 lock pin

58 retainer arm

59 tow vehicle

60 remote control transmitter 61 lift key

62 lower key

63 back key

64 forward key

65 in key 66 out key

67 razor wire/concertina wire

68 end portion

69 open center

70 bucket 71 connection

72 connection

73 pushrod

74 arrow

75 arrow 76 slot

77 beam

78 diagonal support

79 bolted/pinned connection

80 opening 81 compression frame

82 sleeve

83 set screw or pin

84 cylinder

85 end 86 pinned connection

87 spool

88 wire 89 beam 90 beam 91 arrow

92 pushrod

93 arrow

94 post

95 driver 96 boom

97 cylinder

98 winch

99 sheave

100 arrow 101 line

102 column

103 hydraulic cylinder

104 extendable rod

105 second telescoping column 106 outer section

107 inner section

108 pinned connection

109 bracket

110 connection 111 lower tow bar

112 horizontal pin

113 receptacle

114 upper tow bar

115 plate 116 opening

117 three point hitch

118 arrow

119 arrow

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise .

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.