AU2011202801B2

AU2011202801B2 - Support Fitting

Info

Publication number: AU2011202801B2
Application number: AU2011202801A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Derek Christian Bishop; Geoffrey Campbell Gavin Brown
Original assignee: Bioc Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Bioc Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-13
Filing date: 2011-06-13
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-13
Also published as: AU2011202801A1

Abstract

(57) Abstract A support fitting in the form of an electrical fence insulator (1) including a body (2) with a mounting surface (3), an attachment aperture in the form of nail hole (4) orientated towards said mounting surface (3) and a conductor retaining portion in the form of a U-shaped channel (5) between a pair of flanges (6, 7) arranged circumferentially about the body (2). The insulator (1) may be attached to a fence post by placing the mounting surface (3) in contact with the post and driving a single nail (8) through the nail hole (4) into the post. The insulator body (2) prevents a conductive wire or strand secured to the insulator (1) from any unwanted pulse arcing or power leakage to the fence post or surroundings. The insulator body (2) is injection-moulded from polyethylene plastic or the like with a high resistance to electrical breakdown. Figure 1 -- 10 15 ~~~14 7-1 -/ 2 12 a b) c)

Description

2011202801 08 Dec 2016 1

SUPPORT FITTING

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a support fitting and in particular a support fitting in the form of an electrical fence insulator and to means of attaching same to a support 5 structure. The present invention is also suited to a method of attachment to fences and the like, including using a nail-gun or staple-gun.

Background Art

Electric fencing is used widely in farming and other agricultural applications for stock control. Fencing large areas is often subcontracted by landowners to fencing ίο specialists or ‘fencers’, who are typically paid according to the length of fencing erected, not the time taken. It is self-evidentially desirable to such contractors and to most parties erecting a fence to minimise the effort and time incurred.

Attaching a wire strand directly onto a wooden fence post is typically performed by nailing a single U-shaped staple into the post over the wire. Electrical fences naturally is require the charge-carrying conductor strand or wire to be electrically insulated from the fence post or any other connection to earth. Providing the appropriate electrical insulation and mechanical robustness has lead to numerous prior art insulators. Typically, prior art insulators (e.g. US 2002/0025218 Tan et al, or US 5,063,274 Johnson) require the fencer to hold the insulator onto the fence post with one hand, 20 while simultaneously using the other hand to hammer two nails or staples into the post through the upper and lower portions of the insulator.

In addition to the risk of finger injury though hammer strike, the above-process is time-consuming given that manually hammering comprises the largest time component in the attachment process. 2 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 A further disadvantage in some prior art insulators (e.g. US 4,028,486 Berg, Jr et al or US 6,583,363 Wilson, Jr) stems from the need to at least partially strain the conductors in position before the insulator is attached to the post, i.e. it is difficult to position a tensioned wire in the insulators of Berg, Jr et al or US 6,583,363 Wilson, Jr as the wire 5 must be bent to fit in the slot between the hook-like fingers. This disadvantage can be overcome by installing the insulators after the wire is tensioned, though the wire then forms an encumbrance to installing the insulator.

To overcome such disadvantages, yet further prior art insulators utilise pin-locks to retain the conductor in the insulator after the insulator is fitted to the post. However, ίο such pin-locks are configured with the locking pins orientated vertically, orthogonal to the wire-retaining channel, thereby preventing the conductor being retained in the insulator if the pin is dislodged or not yet inserted.

It would thus be desirable to provide the fencer with greater flexibility in orchestrating the sequence of procedures in fitting the insulators and tensioning the fence, a is reduction in the time incurred whilst maintaining the required mechanical and electrical insulating properties necessary for the role.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that although the present invention is described herein with reference to being an electrical fencing insulator, this is for exemplary purposes only and the invention is not limited to same. Support fittings 2o according to the present invention may be formed in a variety of embodiments, including non-electrical fencing applications without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference 25 constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 3 cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. 5 It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or ίο elements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or ’comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention is It should be understood that although the present invention has been described primarily with reference to electrical fences, and to attachment to wooden fence posts and the like, these are not limiting and they are for exemplary purposes only.

As used herein, the terms ‘insulator’, ‘post’, ‘attachment aperture’, ‘nail’, ‘nail gun’ are defined as follows: 20 - An “insulator” is defined as any support fitting capable of being fitted to a support surface (including conductive and non-conductive posts, walls, fences, stakes, lines) and supporting an elongated strand of material. - A “strand” is defined as including conductive and non-conductive strands, wires, cables and lines. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 4 - A “support surface” is defined as being included as part of conductive and non-conductive posts, walls, fences, stakes, lines, battens, beams. - A “post” is defined as including conductive and non-conductive support surfaces, walls, fences, stakes, lines, battens, beams. 5 - A “nail gun” is defined as including any hand-held automated means of driving a projectile into a support surface. - A “nail” is defined as including nails, staples, screws, bolts, slugs, darts and any other attachment fitting. - An “attachment aperture” is defined as including tubes, recesses, and conduits, ίο both partially and fully extending through the insulator. - A “muzzle” is defined as the portion of the nail gun proximal to the nail exit and should also be understood to include muzzle fittings that attach to the nail gun.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a support fitting including a body with: is · a mounting surface; • at least one attachment aperture orientated towards said mounting surface; • an attachment face in a substantially opposing orientation to said mounting face, the attachment face including: • said attachment aperture and 20 · a first part of a male and female coupling, said first part at least partially surrounding said attachment aperture and configured to couple with a second part of said male and female coupling forming a nail gun muzzle; 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 5 • a conductor retaining portion formed as a “U”-shaped or “C”-shaped channel; • a conductor locking element, configured to co-operate with said conductor retaining portion, movable in use from an open position allowing a conductor to be inserted into the conductor retaining portion and a closed position where the 5 conductor is obstructed from removal from the conductor retaining portion wherein said conductor locking element is movable between said open position and said closed position in a substantially horizontal plane in use with respect to the conductor being mounted on a substantially vertically-orientated support surface.

According to different aspects, the present invention further includes one or more of: ίο · at least one mounting surface protrusion; • at least one bearing surface on said attachment face, said bearing surface configured to receive a bearing force substantially orthogonal to said mounting surface; and • at least one grip protrusion on said first coupling part providing a releasable is friction-fit with said second coupling part when said first and second male and female parts couple cooperatively;

Although in widespread use in the construction industry, nail-guns are not known for use by fencing contractors, farmers or the like. This is largely due to the lack of suitable wire insulators that may be safely held by the operator during nailing without difficulty 2o or danger. Unlike the large building components typically involved in nail-gun usage, fencing insulators are small, can only be nailed in specific positions and are predominately fitted to cylindrical posts, which collectively require a high degree of alignment and manual dexterity. These factors, in combination with the inherent 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 6 dangers of nail-guns can mitigate the speed advantages of replacing manual hammering with a nail-gun.

The use of non-conductive or conductive support fittings in vineyards is also confronted with the same attachment issues. Although the support wires used to hold the vines do 5 not carry electrical charge, similar materials to those used in electrical fence insulators are typically used to form the ‘vine clips’ attached to posts supporting the support wires. To aid clarity and readability however, the support fittings used for such vineyard applications are herein encompassed by the descriptions of ‘insulator’ support fittings, irrespective of whether the support fitting is actually electrically insulating. ίο Embodiments of the present invention address these specific difficulties outlined above. Configuring a part of the insulator body and the nail-gun muzzle to form a male/female coupling during attachment of the insulator provides a secure, simple, reliable, rapid and repeatable means of aligning and positioning the insulator for effective attachment to a post or the like. It will be appreciated the first and second is part of the male-female coupling may be configured as the male or female part respectively, or vice versa.

The first coupling part formed as a male or female coupling part may be configured respectively as a projection or recess extending from the attachment face with a shaped cross-section orthogonal to the attachment aperture longitudinal axis. 20 Preferably, said cross-section may be circular, or square or any shape having two or more axes of rotational symmetry. Correspondingly, the second coupling part may be formed with a complimentary cross-section, dimensioned and proportioned to mate with said first coupling fitting.

According to one aspect, said male coupling part tapers inwardly, and said female 25 coupling part tapers outwardly when orientated to couple together. 7 2011202801 08 Dec 2016

Using such coupling cross-sectional shapes with two or more axes of rotational symmetry allows flexibility for the operator to attach the insulator to a post with the nail-gun at multiple angles with respect to the nail gun. Thus, for example, where the nail gun is to be used close to the bottom of a post or where a sloping terrain surface 5 precludes the conventional alignment of the insulator and nail gun without interfering with the ground. Self-evidently, different cross-sectional shapes can provide different ranges of angular increments, e.g. a square cross section provides four separate orientations, while a circular cross-section offers a full 360 degree freedom of movement. An embodiment with a circular cross-section may be constrained to only 10 allow the nail-gun to couple with the insulator at a predetermined range of increments -e.g. 15, 30, and/or 45 degrees.

The nail-gun muzzle second coupling part and said insulator body first coupling part are preferably configured such that when coupled together, said attachment aperture is orientated to be aligned with a projectile path of a nail fired from said nail-gun towards is said mounting surface.

Providing a bearing surface onto which the nail-gun may be pressed while positioning and nailing the insulator on the post removes the need for the operator to maintain contact with the insulator with their hand. The bearing surface may take a variety of forms. 20 According to one aspect of the present invention, said bearing surface is formed as a substantially planar plate, flange or the like orientated substantially parallel to said mounting surface. Thus, by pressing the muzzle of the nail-gun against the bearing surface, the insulator may be stabilised against the post without further intervention by the operator. 25 In yet further embodiments, said bearing surface may be at least partially provided by at least part of said first coupling part. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 8

Conventional manual nailing may be performed on insulators as well as using a nail-gun. In one such embodiment, an insulator body may include two attachment apertures orientated towards said mounting surface. Each aperture may be individually surrounded by a first coupling part in the form of a male or female 5 protrusion or recess respectively. Provided the aperture is sufficiently unobstructed by the remainder of the insulator body, conventional nailing may also be used for attachment.

In a yet further embodiment, the nail gun muzzle and insulator may be configured such that the outer surface of the nail gun muzzle may be used as a male coupling part with ίο a corresponding female insulator first coupling part while the inner muzzle surface may be used as a female second coupling part with an appropriately dimensioned male first coupling part. Such a configuration enables a single muzzle design to be used with different insulator designs using either male and/or female first coupling parts.

It will be readily seen the present invention includes numerous features that provide is advantages over the prior art both individually and in synergistic combinations. A combination of one or more mounting surface protrusion(s) in conjunction with a nail gun enables a single nail to secure the insulator to a post firmly without subsequent rotation of the insulator under tension from the fence wire/conductor. The mounting surface protrusions may take numerous forms such as spikes, pointed ridges or the 2o like, shaped to be impressed into the surface of wooden fence posts.

In a further embodiment the present invention may further enhance the process of securing the insulator to a post. It may be desirable that the positioning of the nail-gun with respect to the attachment aperture does not require any excessive visual alignment and monitoring by the user during nailing. It may also be desirable that the 25 insulator does not need to be held against the post with one hand while the user aligns 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 9 the nail-gun with the attachment aperture and then applies pressure on said bearing surface.

Thus, in a yet further embodiment an enhancement is provided by the implementation of grip protrusions on said first coupling part. These may take any convenient form 5 such as distensions, nodules, protrusions, mounds, bumps, ridges, hairs, spikes and/or any other configurations and/or materials capable of providing a friction fit between the insulator first coupling part and the nail-gun muzzle sufficient to retain the insulator in contact with the muzzle and provide a releasable friction-fit with said first coupling part when the first and second coupling parts interlock cooperatively. This enables the user ίο to couple the insulator with the mating portion of the nail-gun muzzle and position the nail-gun with respect to the post while the insulator remains attached to the muzzle. Thus, there is no further need for the user to touch the insulator further in the nailing process, saving time and reducing risk of injury.

It will be appreciated that grip protrusions may also be used in the second coupling is part. In one embodiment, said protrusions are formed from at least partially-deformable materials to facilitate said releasable friction-fit. As the nail-gun muzzle may be formed as a rigid fitting for the purposes of robustness and longevity, the second coupling part grip protrusions may be rigid or semi-rigid and/or formed as blades, tines, prongs, or the likes. Thus, as the second coupling part is coupled with the first coupling part, the 2o grip protrusions in the form of blades, for example, may cut into the insulator surface slightly producing a gripping effect.

In one embodiment, a nail-gun muzzle may be formed as a separate fitting attachable to known nail guns either as a replacement for an existing muzzle fitting or as an addition to an existing muzzle fitting. In a further embodiment, said muzzle is formed as 25 an integral part of a nail-gun. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 10

Embodiments of the present invention provide still further advantages over the prior art relating to the performance of the insulator after nailing to a fence post. As previously discussed, several prior art insulators require the wire/conductor to be already in position between end strainer posts before the insulator may be attached to the 5 intermediate fence posts. Similarly, it is difficult to then remove the conductive strand from the insulator once fitted to the post without relieving the tension in the strand or de-nailing the insulator. Attempts to address this have resulted in so-called ‘pin-lock’ insulators in which a plastic pin is inserted into a vertical hole through the mouth of a “C” shaped recess to close the mouth with the conductor strand retained between the ίο recess and the pin. The ‘mouth’ of the “C” shaped recess is thus orientated substantially horizontally facing outwards from the post.

However, as prior art pin-lock configurations utilise a vertically orientated pin, this may lead to the wire/conductor falling out if the pin is removed. Pin removal is commonly caused by animal interference or may be deliberate if the fence requires adjustment of is some form.

In the first aspect of the present invention referred to above, a conductor locking element is provided, configured to co-operate with said conductor retaining portion and movable in use between an open position and closed position in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the conductor being mounted on a substantially 20 vertically-orientated post. .

Thus, when used in conjunction with a conductor retaining portion positioned in an upper side of the insulator when fitted to the post, the conductor will not fall from the insulator when the conductor locking element is located substantially in the open position. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 11

It should be appreciated that configuring the insulator to utilise a horizontal conductor locking element may be applied to a variety of insulator types and is not restricted to embodiments specifically adapted for nail-gun attachment.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said conductor locking 5 element may be locatable in said closed position by insertion into a conductor locking element recess. According to one aspect, said conductor locking element and conductor locking element recess are a tapered pin and a corresponding tapered recess respectively.

It will be appreciated however that the pin and corresponding recess need not ίο necessarily be cylindrical or frusto-conical. The pin and recess may for example be formed as a plate and slot (i.e. a letter-box configuration), thereby providing greater insulating coverage along the length of the conductor inserted into the conductor retaining portion. A disadvantage of some prior art pin-lock insulators is their susceptibility to the pin is being dislodged. This may occur by pressure applied via the conductor by animals pressing on the fence (particularly if the energiser is not functioning), or chewing the insulator itself. Prior art pins used in pin-lock designs are typically attached to the design via a thin elongated flexible leash formed as part of the mould for the insulator body. These plastic pin leashes often project outward from the insulator body when the 20 pin is inserted allowing greater access to the animal’s mouth without contacting the conductor.

Embodiments of the present invention addresse these difficulties in a number of ways.

Firstly, in one embodiment, the present invention may provide an insulator body with a fully enclosed recess for the pin to be inserted into. This provides a high degree of 25 structural integrity to resist lateral flex loads applied to the inserted pin. It also enables 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 12 a high ratio of contact-surface/pin length, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the friction fit between the pin and insulator body.

Secondly, in one embodiment, the degree of insertion of the pin into its recess may be maximised, thereby providing a more robust means of pin retention. A difficulty in 5 achieving full insertion of a pin into a corresponding recess is the trapped air. In one embodiment, a small vent is provided in the form of a conduit formed into the surface of the pin and/or the recess providing an egress for the trapped air to be expelled during insertion of the pin. Although it will be well understood that the vent could be formed on either (or both) of the pin or insulator body, it is more convenient to ίο manufacture as part of the pin. The vent also provides a means to expel trapped rainwater from the recess.

Thirdly, in one embodiment, an optional feature is provided to hinder inadvertent withdrawal of the pin from its recess. In one embodiment, the pin may be configured to pass through one or both arms of the “U” or “C” shaped conductor retaining portion, is The pin may be configured with a lateral enlargement along its length that is located in the span between the arms when the pin is in the closed position. This lateral enlargement may take the form of a unidirectional barb, ramp, detents or the like thereby greatly hindering the removal of the pin. Alternatively, if the ability for deliberate removal of the pin is important, the enlargement may simply be configured 2o and dimensioned to provide a lower level of removal force without causing any damage to the insulator or pin.

In further embodiments of the present invention the pin may pass through one or both arms of a “U” or “C” shaped conductor retaining portion without the distal end of the pin being enclosed in a pin recess. The exposed end of the pin may also be provided with 25 lateral enlargements as referred to above in addition to, or instead of those located intermediate the ends of the pin. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 13

The use of horizontal pins is also highly suited to embodiments of the present invention for attaching the insulator to posts such as metal or plastic ‘standards’, stakes, and the like having longitudinal ribs with a series of mounting holes. The insulator is thus mounted to the stake via an additional horizontal pin locatable in a retaining portion 5 similar or the same as the conductor retaining portion, but on an opposing side to the conductor retaining potion. This second horizontal pin, may secure the insulator to the stake by passing the pin through the mounting hole and retaining portion. Such an embodiment may be preferably combined with a horizontal pin used to retain the conductor in the conductor retaining portion, thus maintain the aforesaid advantages in ίο flexibility and convenience during fencing erecting and maintenance operations.

The conductor retaining portion may also be formed in numerous configurations. Key characteristics for the conductor retaining portion are to prevent electrical discharge between a charged conductor placed in the conductor retaining portion and any other conductive intermediary such as the mounting surface/fence post, the attachment nail, is and/or rain water which may otherwise allow the charged conductor to be short-circuited to earth. Such electrical insulation is provided by both the insulating dielectric properties of the material used to form the insulator plus the physical separation achieved between the aforementioned conductors.

Thus, in one embodiment, the conductor retaining portion is formed as an annular 20 channel formed between a pair of plates or flanges extending outwards along the axis of the charged conductor. Said channel may extend circumferentially around part or all of the insulator in a plane substantially parallel to said mounting surface. In further alternative embodiments, the conductor retaining portion may be a substantially linear recess in a channel, groove or the like. 25 As referred to above, the attachment face includes said attachment aperture and a first coupling part at least partially surrounding said attachment aperture. If the attachment 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 14 face is formed with a male first coupling part protruding outwards from the mounting surface away from the conductor retaining portion, the exposed head of a nail driven through the attachment aperture is correspondingly separated from the conductor. In alternative embodiments with a female first coupling part formed as a recess in the 5 attachment face, the exposed head of the nail driven through the attachment aperture is still separated from the conductor by virtue of said recess. Consequently, the risk of short-circuiting in both embodiments is reduced.

Embodiments of the present invention are thus highly suitable for use for attachment with a nail gun. Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is ίο provided a method of attaching an insulator substantially as hereinbefore described to a support surface such as a fence post using a nail-gun, said method comprising the steps: • bracing the insulator against said support surface with said mounting surface confronting or in contact with said support surface, said nail-gun being pressed is against said insulator body and with a muzzle of said nail-gun aligned with said attachment aperture; • forcing a nail from the nail-gun, through said insulator attachment aperture into the support surface.

In a further embodiment, the first method step above is preceded by attaching said 20 insulator to the muzzle of said nail-gun such that: • said first and second coupling parts at least partially surround said attachment aperture when coupled together.

Embodiments of the present invention may thus provide significant advantages over the prior art including (but not limited to) one or more of: 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 20 15 • improved convenience and speed in erection of fencing, particularly electric fencing using a nail gun; • greater resistance to inadvertent removal of pin-locks; and • ability to attach the insulator securely with a single nail. 5 Brief Description of Drawings

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1a) shows a plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the present 10 invention in the form of an electric fence insulator;

Figure 1b) shows a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1a;

Figure 1c) shows a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1a; is Figure 2a) shows a rear elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1;

Figure 2b) shows a section view along line AA of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 2a;

Figure 3) shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1 including a nail gun muzzle fitting; 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 16

Figure 4) shows a section view of figure 2b of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 1 coupled with the nail-gun muzzle fitting of figure 3;

Figure 5a) 5 shows a front perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of an electric fence insulator;

Figure 5b) shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 5a;

Figure 6a) shows a rear elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 5; ίο Figure 6b) shows a section view along line AA of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 6a;

Figure 7) shows a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 5 including a nail gun muzzle fitting;

Figure 8a) 15 shows a front perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of an electric fence insulator;

Figure 8b) shows a section view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 8a;

Figure 9) shows a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 8 including a nail gun muzzle fitting; 2 0 Figure 10a) shows a front perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention in the form of an electric fence insulator; 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 17

Figure 10b) shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 10a.

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

Figures 1-10 show support fittings according to different embodiments of the present 5 invention, and in particular, embodiments in the form of an electrical fence insulator (1).

Figures 1-4 show a first embodiment of an insulator (1) including a body (2) with a mounting surface (3), an attachment aperture in the form of nail hole (4) orientated towards said mounting surface (3) and a conductor retaining portion in the form of a U-shaped channel (5) between a pair of flanges (6, 7) arranged circumferentially about ίο the body (2). The insulator (1) may be attached to a fence post (not shown) by placing the mounting surface (3) in contact with the post and driving a nail (8) through the nail hole (4) into the post.

Although most fence insulators require two nails or staples to be adequately secured to a post without risk of the insulator twisting on the post, the embodiment shown in is figures 1-4 requires a single nail (8). The insulator (1) is prevented from any unwanted rotation by a plurality of mounting surface protrusions in the form of spikes (9) distributed about the mounting surface (3), which grip the wooden post surface after being driven inwards by the nail (8). A primary purpose of the insulator body (2) is to prevent a conductive wire or strand 2o (not shown) secured to the insulator (1) from any unwanted pulse arcing or power leakage to the fence post or surroundings. Thus, according to the preferred embodiment shown, the conductor is placed in the upper portion of the U-shaped channel (5) formed between flanges (6, 7) which are dimensioned to mitigate any such power leakage. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 18

The insulator body (2) is injection-moulded from polyethylene plastic or the like with a high resistance to electrical breakdown. The enlarged lateral (parallel to the mounting surface (3)) and thickness dimensions of the flanges (6, 7) ensure the conductor is enclosed by insulating material for a sufficient separation from the fence post and nail 5 (8) to prevent sparking.

Advantageously, due to the configuration and vertically upwards facing orientation of conductor retaining portion (i.e. the U-shaped channel (5)), the conductor strand may be retained in the channel (5) during fencing operations without need to be restrained from falling out. After fitting to a post, the conductor is secured in the channel (5) by a ίο conductor locking element in the form of a pin (10) attached to the insulator body (2) by a flexible leash (11). Even if the pin (10) becomes dislodged from securing channel (5) by unwanted interference from stock chewing the leash (11) for example, the conductor strand will not automatically fall out of the insulator (2). Prior art insulators utilising comparable pin-lock conductor retaining channels are orientated with the ‘mouth’ of the is “U” shaped channel facing outwards from the post substantially horizontally. Consequently, if the locking pin is removed, the conductor is easily dislodged from “U” shaped channel.

The embodiments shown in figures 1-10 are particularly suited for attachment to a post or the like using a nail gun, although manual nailing may also be employed. 2o Embodiments of the present invention enables the insulator (1) to be held against the post and aligned prior to nailing by pressing the nail-gun against a bearing surface provided in the form of the outer-most surface of flange (7) which is substantially orthogonal to said mounting surface (3). The enlarge surface also helps ensure the nail-gun is orientated orthogonal to the post. 25 A particularly advantageous feature of the embodiments shown in the drawings is a complementary, interlocking male - female coupling in which a first coupling part is 19 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 formed as part of the insulator (2) and the second coupling part is formed as the muzzle of the nail gun. Embodiments of the present invention may be configured with first coupling part as being either a male or female part, and the second part as a female or male part respectively. 5 Figures 1-4 show an embodiment in which the first coupling part is a male part in the form of extension portion (12). The extension portion (12) also surrounds and supports the nail hole (4).

Although the extension portion (12) may take numerous forms, in the embodiment shown, the extension portion (12) is a substantially cuboid volume with a pointed ίο outermost surface, centred at the entrance to the nail hole (4). This configuration enables an advantageous usage of a nail-gun fitted with a second coupling part in the form of corresponding female part configured to co-operatively couple with the male portion of the insulator, i.e. the extension portion (12). Figures 3 and 4 both show a nail gun muzzle fitting (13) which forms one embodiment of the complementary female is part.

The second coupling part of the muzzle fitting (13) and the extension portion (12) is specifically configured such that a nail (8) expelled from the nail gun (not shown) travels on a projectile path that is aligned with the nail hole (4). Thus, no timeconsuming alignment is required by the operator once the insulator (1) is coupled to 20 the fitting (13).

In contrast to prior art usage of nail-guns with fittings (13), a further enhancement, which greatly aids efficiency and reduces errors during nailing operations, may be provided. It is advantageous for the first and second male-female coupling parts to be interlocked prior to placement on the post so that the operator may ensure their hand is 25 well clear of nailing. Flowever, due to the bulk of the insulator body (2) being outside the muzzle fitting (13), the operator must take care to manoeuvre the nail gun and 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 20 attached insulator (1) carefully to prevent the insulator (1) falling out. This hindrance is overcome by virtue of grip protrusions. In the embodiment shown in figures 1-4, the grip protrusions are located on the first coupling part in the form of male extension portion (12). As shown in figure 1, grip protrusions are provided in the form of a pair 5 raised nodules (14) that are located on the side surfaces of the extension portion (12). The nodules (14) provide a sufficient friction fit between the insulator (1) and the nail-gun muzzle fitting (13) to allow them to stay coupled together whilst being manoeuvred by the operator onto the post for nailing, but not prevent withdrawal of the nail-gun from the insulator (1) after nailing. ίο Moreover, having the insulator (1) position in a specific orientation with respect to the nail gun by insertion of the extension portion (12) into the nail gun muzzle fitting (13) (as shown in section view in figure 3), ensures positive alignment of the projectile path of the nail with said nail hole (4).

As referred to above, after the insulator (1) has been attached by a nail (8) to a post, a is conductor (not shown) is placed in the channel (5). The pin (10) is movable in use from an open position (shown in figures 1-4) allowing a conductor to be inserted into the channel (5) and a closed position (not shown) where the conductor is contained in the channel (5). In contrast to the prior art, the horizontal orientation (when attached to a vertically orientated post) of the pin (10) allows a channel (5) configuration which 20 enables the conductor to remain in the channel (5) even if the pin (10) is removed, i.e. as the conductor strand is normally tensioned toward the insulator body (2).

To prevent undesirable and inadvertent dislodging of the pin (10) from the insulator body (2), the embodiment shown includes several advantageous features. The pin (10) is placed in the closed position by insertion through both flanges (6, 7) and into an 25 enclosed recess (15). The friction fit between the pin (10) and the insulator body material of the recess (15) provides a high degree of structural resistance to lateral flex 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 21 loads applied to the inserted pin (10). In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the pin (10) is a substantially cylindrical frusto-conical configuration, while pin recess (15) has a complimentary configuration.

Dependant on the relative strength of the material forming the insulator body (2) and 5 the insertion force applied to the pin (10), the insulator body (2) surrounding recess (15) may be configured to deform slightly during the insertion process, thereby increasing the degree of friction fit. To avoid air or rain water being trapped between the pin (10) and the recess (15) during insertion and thus oppose and even prevent further pin insertion, a vent may be included in the form of a conduit (16) formed into ίο the surface of the pin (10). Axiomatically, the vent could alternatively be formed as part of the recess (15). A further means to hinder inadvertent withdrawal of the pin (10) from its recess (15) is provided by lateral enlargements on the pin surface in the form of detents (17) located in the open span of the channel (5) between the flanges (6, 7) when the pin (10) is in is the closed position.

Figures 5- 7 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which like features in common with the first preferred embodiment in figures 1-4 are like numbered.

In contrast to the first preferred embodiment, the second embodiment shown 20 incorporates an alternative configuration of the male - female coupling between the insulator (2) and the nail gun muzzle (13). Instead of a male first coupling part on the insulator (2), the first coupling part is a substantially circular cross-section female coupling part recess (18). The attachment aperture in the form of nail hole (4) is concentric with the centre of the circular recess (18) and extends though to the 25 mounting surface (3). 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 22

The female recess (18) extends from the bearing surface provided by the outer-most surface of flange (7) towards the mounting surface (3) (as shown most clearly in the cross-section in figure 6b) for approximately 1/3 - 1/2 of the distance between the two surfaces (7, 3). 5 The circular recess (18) interlocks with a corresponding circular cross-section nail-gun muzzle (19), as shown in figure 7.

The opening of the nail hole (4) at the base of the recess (18) is surrounded by an annular locating wall (20). When the circular cross-section nail gun muzzle (19) is inserted into the recess (18), it is guided and located into the annular space between ίο the walls of the recess (18) and the locating walls (20). This aids the alignment of the nail trajectory and the axis nail hole (4) and allows for an increased friction fit between the coupling parts.

The configuration of the second preferred embodiment provides the following advantages over the first preferred embodiment of figures 1-4. The use of a female is recess (18) instead of a male projection (12) results in less material volume required to produce the insulator body (2) with an attendant manufacturing cost saving. As shown in figure 7, the circular cross-section of the recess (18) allows the nail gun muzzle (13) to be coupled with the insulator body (2) at any angular orientation, thus allowing the nail gun to avoid obstructions or interference from sloping terrain during insulator 2o attachment.

It will be clear that the angular orientations possible to couple the nail gun muzzle (13) to the recess (18) may be restricted by appropriate subdivisions to any chosen increments, e.g. 15, 30, or 45 degrees.

Figure 8 shows a third preferred embodiment, differing from the second preferred 25 embodiment only in that the circular recess (18) is replaced by a square-sectioned 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 23 recess (21) with an associated inner square-sectioned locating wall (22). It will be evident that when the insulator (2) is coupled with a corresponding square-section nail gun muzzle (23), there are four possible relative angular orientations, at 90 degrees between adjacent positions. 5 Figure 10 shows a fourth preferred embodiment utilising a pair of attachment apertures in the form of nail holes (24, 25) located above and below a central extension portion (12) extending from the attachment face with a conductor retaining portion in the form of a U-shaped channel (5) between a pair of circumferentially flanges (6, 7). The extension portion (12) is essentially identical to that shown in the first, second and third ίο preferred embodiments, with the omission of the central nail hole (4). The twin nail holes (24, 25) are surrounded by circular protrusions which form male first coupling parts (26, 27) respectively.

The first coupling protrusions (26, 27) are dimensioned to; • provide sufficient contact surface area to couple with a corresponding circular is cross-section female muzzle, e.g. muzzle (19), • allow the inner circular surface of the previously described circular cross-section muzzle (19) to be used as a female second coupling part, and • allow conventional manual nailing of standard nails through the twin nail holes (24, 25). 20 Thus, a single nail-gun muzzle (19) may be used to attach the insulators (1) shown in both the second and fourth preferred embodiments.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 2011202801 08 Dec 2016 24

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except 5 where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

The Claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A support fitting including a body with: • a mounting surface; • at least one attachment aperture orientated towards said mounting surface; • an attachment face in a substantially opposing orientation to said mounting face, the attachment face including • said attachment aperture and • a first part of a male and female coupling, said first part at least partially surrounding said attachment aperture and configured to couple with a second part of said male and female coupling forming a nail gun muzzle; • a conductor retaining portion formed as a “U”-shaped or “C”-shaped channel; • a conductor locking element, configured to co-operate with said conductor retaining portion, movable in use from an open position allowing a conductor to be inserted into the conductor retaining portion and a closed position where the conductor is obstructed from removal from the conductor retaining portion wherein said conductor locking element is movable between said open position and said closed position in a substantially horizontal plane in use with respect to the conductor being mounted on a substantially vertically-orientated support surface.
2. A support fitting as claimed in claim 1, further including one or more of: • at least one mounting surface protrusion; • at least one bearing surface on said attachment face, said bearing surface configured to receive a bearing force substantially orthogonal to said mounting surface; and, • at least one grip protrusion on said first coupling part providing a releasable friction-fit with said second coupling part when said first and second male and female parts couple cooperatively.
3. A support fitting as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first coupling part is formed as a male or female coupling part and is configured respectively as a projection or recess extending from the attachment face with a shaped cross-section orthogonal to the attachment aperture longitudinal axis.
4. A support fitting as claim in claim 3, wherein said cross-section is circular, square or any shape having two or more axes of rotational symmetry.
5. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein said bearing surface is formed as a substantially planar plate or flange orientated substantially parallel to said mounting surface.
6. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 5, wherein said bearing surface may be at least partially provided by at least part of said first coupling part.
7. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 6, wherein said mounting surface protrusion is formed as a spike or pointed ridge.
8. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 7, wherein said at least one grip protrusion is formed as a distension, nodule, protrusion, mound, bump, ridge, hair, spike capable of providing a friction fit between the support fitting and the nail-gun muzzle sufficient to retain the support fitting in contact with the muzzle and provide a releasable friction-fit with said second coupling part when the first and second coupling parts interlock cooperatively.
9. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 8, wherein said at least one grip protrusion is at least partially-deformable, rigid, semi-rigid and/or formed as blades, tines or prongs.
10. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2 - 9, wherein said conductor locking element is locatable in said closed position by insertion into a conductor locking element recess.
11. A support fitting as claimed in claim 10, wherein said conductor locking element and conductor locking element recess are a tapered pin and a corresponding tapered recess respectively.
12. A support fitting as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein said conductor locking element and/or said conductor locking element recess includes a conduit providing an egress for air or fluid during insertion of the conductor locking element.
13. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2-12, wherein said conductor locking element being configured to pass through one or both arms of the “U” or “C” shape to said closed position with a lateral enlargement located in the span between said arms when in the closed position.
14. A support fitting as claimed in any one of claims 2-13, wherein the conductor retaining portion is formed as: • an annular channel formed between a pair of plates or flanges extending outwards along the axis of the charged conductor extending circumferentially around part or all of the support fitting in a plane substantially parallel to said mounting surface; or • a substantially linear recess.
15. A method of attaching a support fitting substantially as claimed in any one of the previous claims to a support surface using a nail-gun, said method comprising the steps: • bracing the support fitting against said support surface with said mounting surface confronting or in contact with said support surface, said nail-gun being pressed against said support fitting and with a muzzle of said nail-gun aligned with said attachment aperture; • forcing a nail from the nail-gun, through said support fitting attachment aperture into the support surface.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first method step is preceded by attaching said support fitting to the muzzle of said nail-gun such that: • said first and second coupling parts at least partially surround said attachment aperture when coupled together.