Patent ID: 6363583
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B21F,E04H,F16G,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of reinforcing a length of fencing having a pair of supports, fence boundary material extending between the supports, and a plurality of wire lengths that extend between a first bracing location on one of the supports and a second bracing location on the other support, the wire lengths being adjacent and generally parallel to the fence boundary material, the wire lengths defining an axis generally parallel to their lengths, the method comprising:providing a tightening tool with a body having an outer surface with generally opposed sides and generally opposed ends, the body being adapted for insertion between respective ones of the plurality of wire lengths, wherein the outer surface of the body includes at least one seating portion adapted to retain the wire lengths generally between the opposed ends of the body, wherein the body has a passage defined between the ends of the body, and further wherein the passage is adapted to receive a lever to facilitate rotation of the body about the axis; inserting the body between respective ones of the plurality of wire lengths so that at least one of the plurality of wire lengths passes around each side of the outer surface of the body, and so that the body extends between its opposed ends in a direction generally transverse to the axis; and rotating the body about the axis to twist the wire lengths around one another and thereby exert a contracting force on the supports until a desired tension is achieved, wherein the step of rotating the body comprises: providing a lever dimensioned so that it can slide through the passage defined through the body; inserting the lever at least partially through the passage; applying a rotating force to the lever to rotate the lever and tool body about the axis until the fence boundary material blocks the lever and thereby prevents further rotation of the lever and body; sliding the lever through the passage so that the fence boundary material no longer blocks the lever; and applying a further rotating force to the lever to further rotate the lever and tool body about the axis.