WIRE UNROLLER

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a wire unroller. An apparatus includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end and a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member. The pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member and further comprises a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member.

Description

FIELD

This invention relates to wire unrollers and more particularly relates to an attachable and pivotable wire unroller.

BACKGROUND

Wire unrollers may be used to assist with unrolling large coils of wire, such as barbed wire, e.g., for fencing.

SUMMARY

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a wire unroller. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end and a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member and further comprises a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end and comprising a housing at a second end and a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at the housing and a first end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member further includes a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the first end of the pivoting member comprises a sleeve that is configured to sit in a housing on the second end of the coupling member and receive a pin for coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member comprises a hinged portion along a length of the pivoting member that is configured to rotate the wire holder about a hinge along a radial axis.

In one embodiment, a method includes providing a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end, coupling the coupling member to a vehicle at the first end, providing a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member, coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member such that the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member, providing a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member, and coupling the wire holder to the second end of the pivoting member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a wire unroller, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the wire unroller, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the wire unroller, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of the wire unroller, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a coupling member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the couple member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupling member with a pivoting member attached, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupling member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2E illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupling member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2F illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupling member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2G illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupling member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a pivoting member coupled to a coupling member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3C illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3D illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3E illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3F illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of the hinged portion of the pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of a hinged portion, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment of a hinged portion, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4D illustrates one embodiment of a coupling member coupled to a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4E illustrates one embodiment of a coupling member coupled to a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a coil of wire placed on a wire holder, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an underside of a wire holder, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a wire unroller in a loading/unloading configuration, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method for a wire unroller, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is an improved wire unroller, which may be used for fencing or other applications. Wire coils, such as barbed wire, steel wire, chicken wire, or the like, can be heavy and cumbersome to move. The wire unroller described herein provides a means to easily load and unload one or more wire coils.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a wire unroller 100 in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein and FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the wire unroller 100 in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the wire unroller 100 is comprised of two members—a coupling member 102 and a pivoting member 104. In one embodiment, the coupling member 102 and the pivoting member 104 are comprised of heavy duty steel tubing, but other materials may be used that have a material strength great enough to support one or more coils of wire.

In one embodiment, the coupling member 102 is configured to couple, connect, attach or the like the wire unroller 100 to a vehicle 101 such as a truck, skid steer, tractor, side-by-side, or other vehicle. For example, the coupling member 102 may include a first end 106 that includes an insertion portion 108 is configured, shaped, sized, or the like to be inserted into a hitch receiver of a vehicle 101 and secured with one or more pins or other securing mechanisms, e.g., chains.

In one embodiment, the coupling member 102 include a second end 109 that is configured to secure the pivoting member 104 to the coupling member 102. In such an embodiment, the second end 109 forms a housing 110 or mounting unit that is configured to receive a first end 112 of the pivoting member 104.

In one embodiment, the first end 112 of the pivoting member 104 is configured, shaped, sized, or the like as a sleeve 114, pipe, tube, or the like that is oriented along an axis B that is perpendicular to axis A. In one embodiment, the sleeve 114 is hollow and configured to receive a pin 116, or other securing member, that goes through an opening 210 (see FIG. 2D) in the housing 110, through the sleeve 114, and through another opening 210 in the housing 110. In such an embodiment, the pin 116 may be secured with another pin 118 (e.g., a cotter pin) or other securing means, which ultimately secures the pivoting member 104 to the coupling member 102.

In one embodiment, the first end 112 of the pivoting member 104 may include gussets or other support means (not shown) that are connected (e.g., welded) to the sleeve 114 and the main arm of the pivoting member 104. In another embodiment, a strap plate (not shown) may be secured (e.g., welded) to the first end 112 of the pivoting member 104 near the sleeve 114 or to the bottom of the housing 110 to further support the first end 112 of the pivoting member 104.

In one embodiment, the pivoting member 104 is configured to be pivotable about the pin 116 along radial axis D (shown in FIG. 1B). In such an embodiment, the pivoting member 104 may be rotated to a predefined position and locked into place e.g., using pins 121, spring loaded pins, or other securing means. For example, the housing 110 may include holes or openings 120 for receiving a pin 121 that goes through a hole 120 in the top of the housing 110, through the pivoting member 104, and through a corresponding hole 120 in the bottom of the housing 110 to lock the pivoting member 104 in a predefined location/position. In this manner, the wire unroller 100 may rotate about radial axis D within the horizontal plane defined by axis A to position the wire unroller and then secured in place at the desired position.

In one embodiment, the sleeve 114 may be coupled to an elongate member 123 that extends to a hinged portion 122. In one embodiment, the hinged portion 122 allows a second end 124 of the pivoting member 104 (also embodied as an elongate member 125) to radially rotate about axis E within a vertical plane defined by axis C. The hinged portion 122 may include a hinge 126 and a locking member 128. When the locking member 128 is released, the second end 124 of the pivoting member 104 is free to rotate about axis E, which allows the wire holder 130 to be placed at an angle for easy loading and unloading of coils of wire. In one embodiment, the locking member 128 may comprise a pin that connects opposing securing members 132, 134.

In one embodiment, the wire holder 130 is configured to hold one or more coils of wire (e.g., multiple coils of wire stacked on top of one another). The wire holder 130, for instance, may be configured such that coils of wire, which may have a donut shape, can be placed and slid on the wire holder 130 so that the wire holder 130 is inserted in the middle of the coil of wire. The wire holder 130 may have a length that allows multiple coils of wire to be stacked on top on one another.

In one embodiment, the wire holder 130 is coupled to the second end 124 of the pivoting member 104 using a pin 135 or other securing means. In one embodiment, the wire holder 130 can freely spin about radial axis F (shown in FIG. 1B) along a horizontal plane defined by axis A. The wire holder 130 may include a base plate 133 for supporting the coils of wire when placed on the wire holder 130. The wire holder 130 may also include bearings 136 or similar means to control the rotation of the wire holder 130 and reduce the friction between the wire holder 130 and the pivoting member 104. The bearings 136 may be located above and/or below the second end 124 of the pivoting member 104, e.g., between the base plate 133 and the pivoting member 104 and/or between the pivoting member 104 and the locking pin 135. The bearings 136 may include 2 bolt bearings, 2 hole flange bearings, or the like.

In one embodiment, the base plate 133 may include a locking mechanism 138 for securing the wire holder 130 to the pivoting member 104 to prevent movement/rotation of the wire holder 130 (e.g., to place resistance on the wire when building a fence). The locking mechanism 138 may include a pin or other means that is inserted into an opening in the base plate 133 and the pivoting member 104 to secure the base plate 133 to the pivoting member 104. In such an embodiment, even though the base plate 133 is locked in place, a coil of wire on the wire holder 130 may still be able to rotate when tension is placed on the wire, e.g., when the wire is pulled.

In one embodiment, to further prevent the coil of wire from rotating, the base plate 133 may include another locking mechanism 140 for securing the coil of wire to the base plate 133 and/or the pivoting member 104 to prevent movement/rotation of the wire holder 130. The locking mechanism 140 may include a pin or other means that is inserted into an opening in the base plate 133 and the pivoting member 104 to secure the coil of wire to the base plate 133 and/or the pivoting member 104. In such an embodiment, a coil of wire may include a spool or frame that includes openings where the locking mechanism 140 can slide through and into the base plate 133/pivoting member 104 to lock the coil of wire in place. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 140 (e.g., the pin) may be long enough to span several coils of wire (as shown relative to the locking mechanism 138 for the base plate 133).

FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the wire unroller 100, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In FIG. 1C, the pivoting member 104 is placed at a 45 degree angle relative to the coupling member 102. In such an embodiment, the pin 121 may be removed from the housing 110 so that the pivoting member 104 can be rotated about the pin 116 to a different location (a location 45 degrees relative to the coupling member 102) and then locked in place with the pin 121. While FIG. 1C shows the pivoting member 104 rotated to towards the right, the pivoting member 104 could also be rotated to the left.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of the wire unroller 100, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In FIG. 1D, the pivoting member 104 is placed at a 90 degree angle relative to the coupling member 102. In such an embodiment, the pin 121 may be removed from the housing 110 so that the pivoting member 104 can be rotated about the pin 116 to a different location (a location 90 degrees relative to the coupling member 102) and then locked in place with the pin 121. While FIG. 1D shows the pivoting member 104 rotated to towards the right, the pivoting member 104 could also be rotated to the left.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a coupling member 102 and FIG. 2B illustrates a front view of the couple member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the housing 110, described above, forms a C-shape which allows the pivoting member 104 to freely rotate about the pin 116 when the pin is inserted into the sleeve of the pivoting member 104, with at least 180 degrees of freedom.

In one embodiment, the pin 116 is inserted through an opening in the top 204 of the housing 110, through the sleeve of the pivoting member 104, and through an opening in the bottom 206 of the housing. The pin 116 may have a length that is greater than the distance between the top 204 of the housing 110 and the bottom 206 of the housing 110 so that portions of the pin 116 protrude from the housing 110. The protruding portions may include means for securing the pin 116 to the housing. For instance, the pin 116 may include a collar 208, ring, seal, or the like that is wider than the opening in the top 204 of the housing 110 and prevents the pin 116 from going through the housing 110. In one embodiment, the opposite end of the pin may include openings, holes, or other mechanisms for accepting a smaller pin (e.g., a cotter pin) to selectively secure the pin 116 to the housing 110 so that the pin can be inserted and removed as needed.

In one embodiment, the coupling member 102 includes one or more support structures 202, baffles, or the like, to secure and increase the strength of the coupling between the housing 110 and the insertion portion 108.

In one embodiment, the housing 110 includes openings 120 in both the top 204 and bottom 206 portions of the housing. The openings 120 may be configured to receive securing devices for locking the pivoting member 104 in one of several positions. For example, a pin may be used that has a length spans the length of the housing 110 from the top 104 to the bottom 206 and through corresponding openings/holes in the pivoting member 104. In another embodiment, the pivoting member 104 may include spring loaded pins on top and/or bottom that can be actuated to secure and release the pivoting member 104 to/from various positions.

FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a coupling member 102 with a pivoting member 104 attached, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIGS. 2D-2G illustrate perspective views of embodiments of a coupling member 102, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a pivoting member 104 coupled to a coupling member 102, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In the embodiment, the first end 112 of the pivoting member 104 includes a sleeve 114 that is positioned between the top 204 and the bottom 206 of the housing 110 and aligned with openings in the top 204 and bottom 206 such that a pin 116 can be inserted into the top 204 of the housing 110, through the sleeve 114, and through the bottom 206 of the housing 110.

In such an embodiment, the pivoting member 104 is pivotable or rotatable about the pin 116. In such an embodiment, the pivoting member 104 may be rotated to a predefined position and locked into place e.g., using pins 121, spring loaded pins, or other securing means. For example, the housing 110 may include holes or openings 120 for receiving a pin 121 that goes through a hole 120 in the top of the housing 110, through the pivoting member 104/elongate member 123, and through a corresponding hole 120 in the bottom of the housing 110 to lock the pivoting member 104 in a predefined location/position. In this manner, the wire unroller 100 may be rotated to a position and then secured in place at the desired position using the locking pin 121.

In one embodiment, the pivoting member 104 may include gussets 302, baffles, or other support means that are connected (e.g., welded) to the sleeve 114 and the main arm 123 of the pivoting member 104. In another embodiment, a strap plate 304 may be secured (e.g., welded) to the first end 112 of the pivoting member 104 near the sleeve 114 or to the bottom 206 of the housing 110 to further support the pivoting member 104.

FIGS. 3B-3F illustrate various perspective views of a portion of a pivoting member, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of the hinged portion 122 of the pivoting member 104, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the hinged portion 122 allows the elongate member 125 to radially rotate about axis E. The hinged portion 122 may include a hinge 126 and a locking member 128. When the locking member 128 is released (e.g., when the pin is removed), the second end 124 of the pivoting member 104 is free to rotate about the hinge 126 (about axis E), which allows the wire holder 130 to be placed at an angle (e.g., to rest against the ground at an angle) for easy loading and unloading of coils of wire. In one embodiment, the locking member 128 may comprise a pin that connects opposing securing members 132, 134. In one embodiment, the hinge 126 may be embodied as another pin such that the elongate members 123, 125 can be disconnected from one another (when the locking member 128 is also removed), for transport, etc.

In one embodiment, FIG. 4A also shows a coil of wire 402 placed on the wire holder. In the depicted embodiment, the coil of wire 402 sits on top of the base plate 133. The base plate 133, in one embodiment, is configured to rotate to allow the coil of wire 402 to spin and release wire (e.g., as a user is building a fence) when the wire unroller 100 is pulled behind a vehicle.

In one embodiment, the base plate 133 includes a locking mechanism 138 for securing the base plate 133 to the pivoting member 104, e.g., to the elongate member 125, to prevent movement/rotation of the base plate. The locking mechanism 138 may include a pin or other means that is inserted into an opening in the base plate 133 and the elongate member 125 to secure the base plate 133 to the elongate member 125.

FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate another embodiment of a hinged portion 122, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the hinged portion 122 includes a first securing member 403 and a second securing member 404. The first and second securing members 403, 404 are fixed, e.g., welded to an elongate member, e.g., elongate member 125 and selectively coupled to another elongate member, e.g., elongate member 123, using a pin 410, or other securement means. The first and second securing members 403, 404 include holes/openings 408 that correspond to an opening in the elongate member 123 such that the elongate member 123 can be secured at different angles when the pin 410 is inserted through the openings 408 in the securing members 403, 404 and the elongate member 123. In such an embodiment, the elongate members 123, 125 may swivel, hinge, rotate, or the like about a hinge 406.

FIGS. 4D-4E illustrate embodiments of a coupling member 102 coupled to a pivoting member 104, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a coil of wire 402 placed on a wire holder 130, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In such an embodiment, the wire holder 130 (e.g., the rod) is placed through the middle of the coil of wire 402 and the coil of wire 402 is positioned against the base plate 133 (or stacked on/against another coil of wire 402 if one is already placed on the wire holder 130).

In one embodiment, the base plate 133 may be locked to prevent the base plate from rotating/spinning freely. However, in such an embodiment, even though the base plate 133 is locked in place, a coil of wire on the wire holder 130 may still be able to rotate when tension is placed on the wire, e.g., when the wire is pulled.

In one embodiment, to further prevent the coil of wire 402 from rotating, the base plate 133 may include another locking mechanism (e.g., 140 shown in FIG. 1A) for securing the coil of wire 402 to the base plate 133 and/or the pivoting member 104/elongate member 125 to prevent movement/rotation of the wire holder 130.

The locking mechanism may include a pin or other means that is inserted into an opening in the base plate 133 and the pivoting member 104/elongate member 125 to secure the coil of wire to the base plate 133 and/or the pivoting member 104/elongate member 125. In such an embodiment, the coil of wire 402 may include a spool 502 or frame that includes openings 504 where the locking mechanism 140 can slide through and into the base plate 133/pivoting member 104/elongate member 125 to lock the coil of wire 402 in place. Accordingly, the locking mechanism (e.g., the pin) may be long enough to span several coils of wire 402.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an underside of a wire holder 130, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the wire holder 130 (e.g., the rod) is placed through the base plate 133 and the elongate member 125 (and other components such as bearings 136, described below) and secured using a pin 135, or other securing device.

In one embodiment, the wire holder 130 includes or is coupled to bearings 136 or similar means to control the amount of rotation of the wire holder 130 (e.g., control the resistance) and/or reduce the friction between the wire holder 130 and the pivoting member 104/elongate member 125. The bearings 136 may be located above and/or below the second end 124 of the pivoting member 104, e.g., between the base plate 133 and the pivoting member 104 and/or between the pivoting member 104 and the locking pin 135. The bearings 136 may include 2 bolt bearings, 2 hole flange bearings, or the like. In one embodiment, the bearings 136 may be part of the base plate 133.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a wire unroller 100 in a loading/unloading configuration, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the locking member 128 is removed from the hinged portion 122 and the elongate member 125 is angled downward toward the ground, rotating about the hinge 126. In one embodiment, the base plate 135 may rest on the ground so that coils of wire may be placed onto or taken off of the wire holder 130. In this manner, coils of wire, which may be heavy or cumbersome to maneuver, may be easily and quickly installed or removed from the wire unroller 100. After placing the coils of wire on the wire holder 130, the elongate member 125 may be rotated back up to align with the other elongate member 123 and then locked into place using the locking member 128 of the hinged potion 122 to couple the opposing securing members 132, 134 together.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method for a wire unroller, in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method begins and provides 802 a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end. In one embodiment, the method couples 804 the coupling member to a vehicle at the first end. In one embodiment, the method provides 806 a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the method couples 808 the pivoting member to the coupling member such that the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member. In one embodiment, the method provides 810 a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the method couples 812 the wire holder to the second end of the pivoting member, and the method ends.

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a wire unroller. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end and a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member and further comprises a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member.

In one embodiment, the first end of the pivoting member comprises a sleeve that is configured to sit in a housing on the second end of the coupling member and receive a pin for coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member.

In one embodiment, the pivoting member is rotatable about the pin within the housing. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is securable within the housing in one of a plurality of positions about a radial axis. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of positions, the pivoting member securable to the housing at one of the plurality of positions using a securing device and the plurality of openings. In one embodiment, the pin is secured to the housing using a secondary pin.

In one embodiment, the pivoting member comprises a hinged portion along a length of the pivoting member that is configured rotate the wire holder about a hinge along a radial axis. In one embodiment, the hinged portion comprises a first securing member of a first elongate member of the pivoting member and a second securing member of a second elongate member of the pivoting member, the first and second securing members selectively coupled with a first pin.

In one embodiment, the hinge comprises a second pin such that the first elongate member and the second elongate member are uncoupled from one another when the first and second pins are removed.

In one embodiment, the hinged portion comprises a hinge between a first elongate member and a second elongate member, the first and second elongate members secured to the hinge by first and second securing members located opposite one another, the first and second securing members comprising openings for receiving a pin for selectively preventing one of the first and second elongate members from rotating about the hinge.

In one embodiment, the wire holder is inserted through an elongate member of the pivoting member and secured to the pivoting member using a pin. In one embodiment, the wire holder is freely rotatable about a radial axis parallel to the second end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the wire holder comprises a base plate for supporting one or more coils of wire installed on the wire holder. In one embodiment, the base plate comprises an opening that corresponds to an opening in the elongate member such that the base plate is securable to the pivoting member using a pin to prevent rotation of the wire holder.

In one embodiment, the base plate comprises a second opening that corresponds to a second opening in the elongate member and wherein the wire holder comprises a second pin for securing one or more coils of wire to the base plate and the elongate member. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more bearings for controlling a rotation of the wire holder. In one embodiment, the one or more bearings are situated between the base plate and the elongate member. In one embodiment, the one or more bearings are situated between the pin and the elongate member.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end and comprising a housing at a second end and a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at the housing and a first end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member further includes a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member. In one embodiment, the first end of the pivoting member comprises a sleeve that is configured to sit in a housing on the second end of the coupling member and receive a pin for coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member. In one embodiment, the pivoting member comprises a hinged portion along a length of the pivoting member that is configured to rotate the wire holder about a hinge along a radial axis.

In one embodiment, a method includes providing a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end, coupling the coupling member to a vehicle at the first end, providing a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member, coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member such that the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member, providing a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member, and coupling the wire holder to the second end of the pivoting member.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one or more of” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one of” includes one and only one of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C” includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C,” includes one and only one of A, B, or C, and excludes combinations of A, B, and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C and combinations thereof” includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising: a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end; anda pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member, wherein the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member and further comprises a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the pivoting member comprises a sleeve that is configured to sit in a housing on the second end of the coupling member and receive a pin for coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pivoting member is rotatable about the pin within the housing.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pivoting member is securable within the housing in one of a plurality of positions about a radial axis.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of positions, the pivoting member securable to the housing at one of the plurality of positions using a securing device and the plurality of openings.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pin is secured to the housing using a secondary pin.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivoting member comprises a hinged portion along a length of the pivoting member that is configured rotate the wire holder about a hinge along a radial axis.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the hinged portion comprises a first securing member of a first elongate member of the pivoting member and a second securing member of a second elongate member of the pivoting member, the first and second securing members selectively coupled with a first pin.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the hinge comprises a second pin such that the first elongate member and the second elongate member are uncoupled from one another when the first and second pins are removed.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the hinged portion comprises a hinge between a first elongate member and a second elongate member, the first and second elongate members secured to the hinge by first and second securing members located opposite one another, the first and second securing members comprising openings for receiving a pin for selectively preventing one of the first and second elongate members from rotating about the hinge.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the wire holder is inserted through an elongate member of the pivoting member and secured to the pivoting member using a pin.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the wire holder is freely rotatable about a radial axis parallel to the second end of the pivoting member.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the wire holder comprises a base plate for supporting one or more coils of wire installed on the wire holder.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the base plate comprises an opening that corresponds to an opening in the elongate member such that the base plate is securable to the pivoting member using a pin to prevent rotation of the wire holder.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the base plate comprises a second opening that corresponds to a second opening in the elongate member and wherein the wire holder comprises a second pin for securing one or more coils of wire to the base plate and the elongate member.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising one or more bearings for controlling a rotation of the wire holder.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more bearings are situated between the base plate and the elongate member.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more bearings are situated between the pin and the elongate member.

19. An apparatus, comprising: a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end and comprising a housing at a second end;a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at the housing and a first end of the pivoting member,wherein the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member,wherein the pivoting member further comprises a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member,wherein the first end of the pivoting member comprises a sleeve that is configured to sit in a housing on the second end of the coupling member and receive a pin for coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member, andwherein the pivoting member comprises a hinged portion along a length of the pivoting member that is configured to rotate the wire holder about a hinge along a radial axis.

20. A method, comprising: providing a coupling member configured to selectively connect to a vehicle at a first end;coupling the coupling member to a vehicle at the first end;providing a pivoting member configured to selectively connect to the coupling member at a second end of the coupling member and a first end of the pivoting member;coupling the pivoting member to the coupling member such that the pivoting member is rotatable about the second end of the coupling member;providing a wire holder for holding a coil of wire at a second end of the pivoting member; andcoupling the wire holder to the second end of the pivoting member.