Improvements in the Construction of Fences, and the Apparatus for Straining and Tightening the same, and the Posts and Pillars for the same, which Improvements are also applicable to all Hauling, Straining, and Tightening Purposes, and to Telegraph, Signal, and similar Poles or Posts.
Year: 1895

page_text: Dat's of Application, 4th Mar., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 4th Dec., 1895-Accepted, 18th Jan., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Fences, and the Apparatus for
Straining and Tightening the same, and the Posts and Pillars
for the same, which Improvements are also applicable to all
Hauling, Straining, and Tightening Purposes, and to Telegraph,
Signal, and similar Poles or Posts.
WILLIAM CHARLES MORTON, 18 Angel Road Hammersmith, London, W.
Civil Service do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is the straining and tightening of strands, cords,
chains, wires, wire rope or rods, hoops or bands, as used in the construction of wire
and other fences; and for any purpose where straining and tightening such material
is required; with a winch or winder which can be applied for the purpose to any
part in the length of the strands, cords, chains, wire, wire rope or other material to
be strained or tightened.
Also the providing of a standard, post, or pillar, with automatic foot or foundation
plates; and means to secure, stay, or otherwise set up any standard post or pillar,.
with sufficient firmness to withstand the strain of the wire or other material used in
the fence, without the expense of time and labour required in digging holes in the
earth, and filling up and ramming the same.
While attaining this object; my invention, or different parts of my invention used
separately, is applicable for a variety of purposes, and for use in a variety of ways,
as will be hereinafter mentioned and explained.
That part of my invention for winding and straining, consists of a roller or winch
barrel, which may be of wood, cast or pressed iron, steel, or other metal, at right
angles to a base or end, of the same or other material, solid with the roller, or other-
wise; which base or end may be either an elongated lever arm, with hooks for
Bcotching purposes arranged along its length on the inside, or a flange end, of
octagon or other shape, to allow of a wrench or such like tool being applied,
or pierced to adnit of hand lever bars being used in the larger sizes for heavy
work. The roller or winch barrel is slotted from the unflanged end on the centre
or diameter line, with a slot of sufficient depth and dimensions to allow of the
insertion of the strands, cords, chains, wire, or wire ropes, or other material to be
operated upon. The projections of the slotted or divided portion of the roller or
winch barrel are made oval or rounded in shape, to prevent injury to the strands,
cords, chains, wire, wire rope, or other material, when the roller is turned to
apply the strain. A loose lange end, of wood iron steel or other material, of
cctagon or other shape, pierced through its face and thickness, to receive the
divided parts or ends of the roller, is slipped on and secured by a cotta or pin, to
reader the roller or winch barrel complete and solid after the insertion of
the strands, cords, chains, wire, wire rope or other material to be strained or
tightened.
The roller or winch barrel is then the fulcrum of a lever, the leverage being
applied, either by a fixed elongated arm as before described, by an ordinary wrench
tool; or by a prepared spoked hand wheel, the hub of which is shaped as a wrench
suited for the flanged end of the roller; or by hand bar levers fitted in prepared

page_text: .
places in the roller or flange end, when the larger sizes of the invention are used
for heavy purchases, such as on board ship, or for moving heavy bodies, according
to the character of the work to which the invention is, or may be applied.
By turning the roller or winch barrel, the strands, cords, chains, wire, wire rope,
or other material in the slot, is gripped, and winds round the circumference of the 5
roller, which then has the character of a winch winding from two opposite directions.
To scotch the roller and prevent recoil, when the required tension or strain with
wire fencing is obtained, a wrench shaped, iron, steel or other metal cap, is slipped
over and on the loose flange end of the roller; this cap has projections, or bosses,
from opposite sides of its circumference on the inside, which overlap the strands,
cords, chains, wire, wire rope, or other material winding on the roller from
either side. On the roller being freed or reversed, a prepared slot in the projections
or bosses on the cap, grips the strands, cords, chains, wire, wire rope or other
material, on either side, and scotch the roller. The roller or winch barrel can be
applied at any point in the length of the strands cords, chains, wire, wire rope, or
other material, to be strained, tightened, or hauled, and when left permanent, as in
the case of wire fencing, the rollers on the different lines in the fence, are pinned
or otherwise secured to an iron, steel, wire, wood or other standard, to ensure
uniformity in the appearance of the fence; and in the position of the rollers on, the!
wires or strands.
For light lines such as are required for house, garden, wall fruit tree, and other
purposes, the roller with the fixed arm or lever base, and hooks attached for
scotching purposes, is applicable, the wire, cord, string, or other line material, when
the tension is obtained being placed over the scotch hook on the lever arm, and
preventing its recoil from the torsion of the wire.
The second part of my invention is a standard, post, or pillar, for fencing and
other purposes, with an automatic foot or foundation which fixes itself firmly when
driven into any ordinary digging earth or soil, obviating the necessity of spade
digging and earth ramming. The standard post or pillar, to which the automatic
foot or foundation is attached, is in the first place, simply a length of bar iron;
flat, round, tee, or any convenient or required shape or pattern; the length being
regulated according to the height of the fence, or according to the pattern of the
standard, post, or pillar, for which the automatic foot is to be a foundation. All
varieties of fencing posts and pillars, including timber, angle iron, tee, bulb, bar,
cast iron, steel or otherwise; or telegraph and signal posts can be attached to the
automatic foot by the bar iron; or as above described; standard part, being
inserted in the prepared hollow of a cast iron post, or being pinned, rivetted,
inserted or otherwise secured to iron steel or wooden posts and standards as above
described.
The bar iron; or other kind of iron or steel, or wooden standard or pillar, which
is and forms the central part or upright of the automatic foot or foundation, has two
or more leaf or spade shaped plates of cast, pressed, or stamped, steel, iron, or other
metal, hinged or pivotted, one on either side of its point or lower end, each plate
has a neck or stalk, which may be solid, tubular, three sided, or any convenient
shape, projecting from the base of the leaf plate at an angle of thirty degrees, or
thereabouts, with the surface of the plate. At the lower part of this neck, close
to the base of the leaf plate, the plate is hinged or pivotted to the upright or
standard in such a position, that the points of the leaf plates correspond, or
thereabouts, with the point or lower end of the upright.
The shape of the vertical edge of the plates is a slight curve; when the upright
or standard, with the leaf plates attached, is driven into the earth, the leaf plates
cut their way according to the curve corresponding with their vertical edge line,
so that when driven home, the leaf plates would be at an angle of thirty degrees,
or thereabouts, with the upright or standard, the point of the upright being
perpendicular between them, the relative position being like the barbed head of an
arrow inverted with the point towards the shaft.
The spare neck beyond the point where the plate is hinged or pivotted to the

page_text: upright, closes on the upright as the plates open out on being
ground, and the two necks of the leaf plates with the upright between them, are
secured firmly either by a pin, rivet, ferrule, ring, link, or other arrangement binding
all together, or, by a flat ground plate of cast or pressed iron, steel, or other metal
or material, which is passed over the upright or standard, the central boss or hole
in the plate enclosing the standard and necks of the leaf plates, and being firmly
pinned, rivetted, or otherwise secured to the whole. This flat ground plate is also
intended to act as a super-foundation steadying plate for the post, pillar or standard,
resting on the ground level, and may be of any suitable size, thickness, or shape,
ornamental or otherwise, or, in some kinds of cast iron or steel pillars, standards,
or posts, may be included solid with the pillar or post in the casting.
The third part of my invention consists of a flat spade shaped shield, made of
cast, pressed, or stamped iron, or steel, or other metal, and of various sizes. On
the centre line of the back and front of the shield from the point to the top, raised
ridges extend tapered from the point to the top of the shield. In addition to giving
rigidity to the shield, the ridge on the front side is arranged and used as the means
of attaching, by hinging, pivotting, or otherwise, a wood, iron steel or other metal
bar, pivotted or hinged to the shield bar, leaving freedom of movement in the
direction of the ridge, or in any direction that may be found convenient. The
ridge at the back tapering from the point of the shield, is hollow in its wide and
top part, to receive the end of a wedge or driving tool.
The shield can be driven into any ordinary digging earth or soil, to a sufficient
depth for affording a firm foundation for the bar hinged or otherwise attached to it,
to be used as a secure and rigid stay, or as a means of securing and setting up any
stay, for any post, pillar, or standard, used for fencing, telegraph, aigual, or other
similar purposes. The bar for the stay has its front edge sharpened similar to a
knife edge, so that, when the shield has been driven into the earth at a suitable
angle and to a suitable depth for the purpose required, the hinged bar on being
driven or otherwise forced with a forward movement, cuts its way into position at
right angles or any suitable angle with the buried shield to which it is hinged, for
the wire, rope, chain or other material used for fencing or staying purposes, or for
a solid stay to be attached to it. The bar stay attached to the shield being of
sufficient length to reach above the earth when at its proper angle with the buried
shield. The length being adapted to any requirements, the staying power may be
either rigid from the buried shield to the top or other part of the post, pillar, or
standard to be stayed, or the stay, of any suitable material, may be attached to
the prepared end of the bar reaching out of the earth from the buried shield and
the top or any part of the post or pillar or standard to be stayed, or set up.
This part of my invention will effect a great saving in time and labour, and offer
a more firm and reliable foundation for staying and foundation purposes by being
driven into the earth or unbroken soil, as compared with digging a hole planting a
foundation, and ramming the earth in again. The shield may also be used in
conjunction with my new post or pillar automatic foundation, described above as
the second part of my invention, the end of the post, pillar or standard being
inserted into the socket or hollow ridge of the shield, the shield thus forming a
centre rest between the leaf shaped side plates before mentioned.
My invention therefore, consisting of the straining and winding apparatus, the
post, pillar, or standard automatic foundation, and the driving shield with stay for
staying and, foundation purposes; as a whole, or any separate part, is applicable
for a variety of purposes, and for straining, tightening und hauling, all kinds of
strands, cords, chains, wire, wire rope, wire rods, hoops or bands, and for any
winching purposes as a portable winch attachable at any part of the length of the
wire, rope, chain, or other material to be tightened, or, where an equal strain is
required from two opposite directions, such as the equal raising and lowering of a
boat, by the ropes from the purchases at either end, being wound at one centre ;
and as a portable attachable leverage for the moving or lifting of heavy bodies,
and for the erection and staying of all kinds of posts, pillars, and standards,

page_text: telegraph, signal, and similar posts, and any and all other kinds of staying or
setting up purposes.
Dated this Fourth day of March 1895.
WILLIAM CHARLES MORTON.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Fences, and the Apparatus for
Straining and Tightening the same, and the Posts and Pillars
for the same, which Improvements are also applicable to all
Hauling, Straining, and Tightening Purposes, and to Telegraph,
Signal, and similar Poles or Posts.
I, WILLIAM CHARLES MORTON of 18, Angel Road, Hammersmith, Civil
Service do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention relates to improvements in means for winding or straining wire
and the like, and to an improved standard, post or pillar to which the wire is
secured ready for fencing purposes.
The part of my invention relating to winding and straining the wire or cord
consists of a roller or winch barrel, which may be of wood, cast or wrought iron,
steel or other metal. This winding barrel is furnished with a base or end which
may be provided with a lever arm, or may be of octagonal or other shape to allow
of a wrench or similar tool being applied. The barrel is slotted longitudinally
from the extremity to the end plate, the slot being of sufficient size to allow of
the insertion of the wire, rope, or chain. On turning the barrel the wire or rope
is wound up until the required strain is obtained. To prevent the barrel un-
winding, a lever is employed furnished with a hook or similar device, adapted
to engage with the wire, the wire itself thus holding the lever and winding dram
..in position.
This arrangement can be employed both for straining wires or lines, and for
winding purposes where great resistances have to be overcome.
The second part of my invention relating to posts for fencing and other
purposes, provides a foot or foundation which automatically fixes itself in the
ground when driven in by the ordinary means, thus obviating the necessity for
digging. The foot I propose to employ consists of a central spike which may be
formed at the end of the post. To this at a short distance above the extremity,
two plates are hinged adapted to close against the central stem or to be turned out
at an angle. These plates are preferably of leaf or arrow head shape, having
pointed ends and curved outwardly in side elevation. On forcing this device into
the ground, the hinged platos will on entering be spread out until they reach their
fully extended position. These plates are thus embedded in the ground, and
provide a large surface which will resist any efforts to withdraw the post.
In order to secure the wires of the fence at their extremities I provide a special
arrangement which enables ordinary posts to be used for the ends of the fence, the
device taking the strain of the wires. This device consists of a plate of shield
shape having a pointed end or ends, and also for preference sharpened edges in
order that it may enter into the ground more readily. To this plate an arm is
hinged at about the centre, which can be turned parallel with the plate and also at
about right angles to it. The plate or shield is forced into the ground at an angle
and the arm is then turned down it being of wedge shape in cross section or
furnished with a cutting edge to enable it to more readily cut the ground. The
wires are connected to the end of the arm, which thus takes the strain.

page_text: the accompanying sheet or drawings, in which
Figs. 1 to 8 illustrate the various forms of my winding arrangement,
Figs. 9, 10, and 11 show my improved post, and
Figs. 12, 13 and 14 the device to which the wires are secured.
Fig. 1 shows one form of our tightening device in side elevation, Fig. 2 is an end
view of the same with a loose portion removed and Fig. 3 shows the loose end.
Fig. 4 shows the device with a key applied and secured in position after
winding,
Fig. 5 is a similar view of a slightly modified arrangement,
Fig. 6 shows another form of key,
Figs. 7 and 8 are two modifications of the winding apparatus,
Fig. 9 is a side view of the foot or foundation, and
Figs. 10 and 11 are views at right angles, the hinged plates being in closed and
open positions respectively.
Fig. 12 is an elevation of the shield to which the wires are attached, and
Figs. 18 and 14 are views at right angles, Fig. 14 showing the arrangement fixed
in position.
The winding barrel A is formed with the base or end plate B, which in the
arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 4 is of octagonal shape, adapted to receive a key.
In the larger sizes this flanged end may be pierced and a hand lever or bar passed
through the hole when it is required to turn the barrel. The barrel is formed
with the slot or groove a extending from the end to a suitable depth. The two-
sides of the barrel are rounded to prevent any injury to the wire or line when
turning. To complete the barrel after the wire C has been placed in position,.
a loose flange end D is secured. This loose plate is formed with the perforations d
through which the two portions of the barrel can pass and the central rib d¹ which
projects into the slot or groove. This plate which is preferably of similar shape
to B is secured in position by the pin d, passing through the extremities of the
drum.
The wire C is passed between the two cheeks of the barrel and when the latter
is turned is wound as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. To fix the winding device after it.
has been turned into the required position, the bar or cap E is employed, furnished
with an octagonal or other suitably formed hole to receive the end plate D. On
each end of this cap a projection or pine is placed which is adapted to engage
with the wire as shown in Fig. 4, effectually preventing the wire un-winding.
According to Fig. 5, the end plate D is made of ratchet shape and pawls e¹ are
secured on the cap E engaging with the teeth on D'.
This winch barrel can be applied at any point in the length of wire, rope or
chain, and when permanent as in the case of wire fencing may be secured to a
standard to ensure uniformity in appearance. To wind the barrel a key of any
suitable form can be employed such as that shown in Fig. 6, consisting of a plate F
with a hexagonal or other hole at the centre and arms by which it is manipulated.
Fig. 7 shows a simple arrangement which can be employed for light lines, such as
those used in houses and gardens and for other purposes. The barrel A is carried
at the end of a lever G of any suitable length. To the other end of this lever a
pin or handle g is secured. This pin is loose and can be pulled out to form
a handle or when the device has been applied pushed through the perforation as
shown in dotted lines, so as to engage with the line.
Instead of the pin or handle, a hook may be employed with equal ease at all the
arrangements shown. The lever G may be formed with a square, hexagonal or
other suitably formed hole, and can be used as a key instead of being formed in one
with the barrel.
A modified form is shown in Fig. 8, in which the barrel is placed at the middle
of the lever G' which may be furnished with the square projection g¹ to receive a
key. To secure this device the small metal loops H are employed which are
slotted or open to permit of being threaded on the wire and then passed over the

page_text: extremities of the lever as shown. In binding the wire and lever, the latter may
he furnished with notches at each end to receive these loops.
This invention can be used for many different purposes such as straining, an I
tightening of telegraph, fence and other wires, and for all kinds of hauling, the
winch being applied to any portion of the wire, rope, chain or other line.
Referring to Figs. 9, 10 and 11, I is the post or the main rod of the foot, which
can be secured to the fence post. The bar I consists of a length of ordinary bar
iron, and all kinds of fencing, telegraph, signal, and other posts can be bolted or
otherwise fixed to it.
To this central bar the leaf shaped plates J are pivoted at ja single pivot being 1
employed for the two plates. The plates extend for some distance above the pivot
so as to form stops to prevent the plates being turned out too far. The extension
or neck J¹ forming the stop can be of any convenient shape, and projects from the
plate at an angle of about 30 degrees.
The plates are curved slightly in side elevation and when thrust into the ground
they will be caused to turn downward at an angle as shown in Fig. 11 making an
angle of about 30 degrees with the central standard. The neck or npper end of
these plates close on the standard as the plates open out, and are then secured
firmly with a pin, rivet, ferrule, ring or other suitable device such as the ground
plate K of iron or steel formed with a hole through which the necks can pass
and resting on the ground. This plate will also serve as a steadying plate for the
posts, pillar or standard to be secured to this foot, and can be of any suitable size, '
thickness or shape. It may be made in one with the pillar or post when the latter
is of cast iron.
Referring to Figs. 12, 13 and 14, L is the spade shaped shield of cast, wrought,
or stamped iron or steel or other suitable metal. On one surface of this plate or
shield the ridge or boss is formed to which the arm M is pivoted, this arm being
capable of turning through a suitable angle. The boss or ridge tapers towards the
Foint so as not to interfere with the insertion of the shield in the ground at the same
time giving it greater strength. A ridge projects on the other side of the plate
allowing for a groove in which the arm M can rest when in a vertical position or in
line with the plate as shown in Fig. 13. This groove or recess can also receive the
end of a wedge or driving tool. The front edge m of the arm or bar Mis
sharpened so that it can cut into the earth after the plate has been forced in. The
position taken up by the bar and plate is shown in Fig. 14. The wire chain, or
other line is secured to the extremity of the bar which extends preferably above
the earth.
The plate L is shown pointed only at its lower end, but it may also be pointed at
the top so that when forced into the earth it will take a better grip, and cannot be
pulled out of position. The stays may be rigid from this shield to the top or other
portion of the base or standard to be stayed, or connections of wire, chain, or rope
may be employed. This arrangement would effect a great saving in time and
labour as the device is driven into unbroken soil, and there is no necessity for
digging. The shield may also be used in conjunction with the post or pillar
foundation above described, the ends of the post being inserted into the socket or
hollow ridge in the shield, the shield thus forming a central rest between the
projecting side plates above described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
(1.) A new or improved appliance for tightening and winding lines consisting of
a barrel having a central slot or formed with two cheeks between which the line is
placed, formed with a suitable base and secured in position after winding by means
of a projection engaging with the line, substantially as described and for the
purposes specified.
(2.) An improved tightening and winding device for lines, consisting of a slotted

page_text: barrel secured to a base adapted to receive a key and a flange plate secured to the
barrel adapted to receive a locking plate formed with projections engaging with
the lines, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(3.) In an improved winding and tightening device for lines, the combination
with a split barrel and a base plate, of a detachable plate fitting on the open end
of the barrel, and a locking plate secured to the said flange plate and furnished
with projections engaging with the line, substantially as described and shown in
Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, and for the purposes specified.
(4.) The improved winding aud tightening device for lines formed with a split
or slotted barrel fixed on the end of a lever arm furnished with a pin or hook
engaging with the line, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(5.) The improved winding and tightening device for lines, consisting of a
slotted harrel at the end of a lever arm and handle or pin engaging with the said
line, substantially as described and shown in Fig. 7, and for the purposes specified.
(6.) An improved foot or foundation for posts, consisting of a central bar to
which two pointed plates are pivoted adapted to extend outwardly for a considerable
angle when inserted in the ground substantially as described and for the purposes
specified.
(7.) The improved foot or foundation for posts, consisting of a central bar, of a
leaf shaped plate projecting at each side and stops formed by necks or extensions
on these plates, substantially as described and shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11 of the
accompanying drawings, and for the purposes specified.
(8.) The improved shield employed for staying purposes, consisting of a pointed
plate inserted in the ground at a suitable angle and furnished with an arm or bar
pivoted to one face, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(9.) The improved shield or foundation for staying purposes, consisting of a
pointed plate formed with tapering ridges or ribs, and an arm pivoted to the said
plate and formed with a sharp edge, substantially as described and shown in
Figs. 12, 13 and 14 of the accompanying drawings, and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 30th day of November 1895.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.