AU2016203165A1 - A visual indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 A visual indicator is provided, including a shell, a passage through the shell of a size and shape to accommodate a line, and a locator, wherein the locator is positioned along the passage to retain the line relative to the shell. FIG. lB

Description

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

A VISUAL INDICATOR

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent 5 Application Number 708150, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a visual indicator. More particularly, this invention relates to a visual indicator configured to be secured to a line. Reference will now be made to use of this invention in the 0 agricultural industry, although this should not been seen as limiting.

BACKGROUND

Bungee (elastic cord) gates and fencing are versatile and easy to install. They are commonly used by farmers as they can be used in a variety of conditions (usually as a temporary measure), and can be 5 conductive for use with electrical fencing.

However this type of fencing can be very hard to see from a distance, posing a significant health and safety hazard.

This can cause dangerous accidents, especially when a user of a vehicle such as a quad bike or motorbike does not see the bungee gate or fencing and rides their vehicle into it. This can cause 20 extensive damage to the gate and fencing, and in more serious cases can injure or kill the rider of the vehicle.

Various methods have been used in the past to try and make bungee cords more identifiable.

For example, they can be purchased in bright, reflective colours; however the surface area of the cord is still small and narrow which can result in them being overlooked. 25 Others have attempted to attach separate items to the bungee cord that have a larger surface area and are therefore more noticeable. However, because of the elastic nature of bungee cord it is difficult to attach a separate device to it without restricting the elasticity and therefore the functionality of the cord. 1

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

High visibility flags that are attached along the cord have been used in the past. However, a problem with these is that the flags are often attached by simply threading the cord through a channel that is part of the flag. They are therefore not held in a particular position on the cord, and often move along the cord, for example they may be blown along the cord by the wind. They therefore may end up being 5 positioned in an undesirable location, for example towards the end of the cord by a fence post, where the flag may be hidden. The flag therefore ceases to perform its purpose.

For at least these reasons, it would be desirable to provide a device that can be attached to a bungee cord without restricting the elasticity of the bungee cord whilst remaining in its predetermined position on the bungee cord. It would also be useful for the device to be able to be used with electrical fencing. 0 It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to 5 challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the 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.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or !0 "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. 25

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a visual indicator, including a shell, a passage through the shell of a size and shape to accommodate a line, and 30 a locator, wherein the locator is positioned along the passage to retain the elongate element to 2

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 the shell.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of securing a visual indicator to a line, the visual indicator including a shell, and a passage through the shell of a size and shape to accommodate a line, the method including the step of: 5 locating the line within the passage.

Reference to a "line" should be understood to mean an elongate length of material.

In an exemplary embodiment the line may be an elastic cord (often made of nylon-cased rubber), such as that commonly known as 'bungee cord'. This cord is often used to create temporary elasticated gates. However this is not intended to be limiting and the line may be made from any material, for 0 example it may be made of a plastics material such as polyethylene. For example, the line may be a rope, cord or wire made from metal or plastic. The line may be of any breadth or thickness, and may be of any length.

In an exemplary embodiment, the line may be part of a barrier such as a fence or gate.

Reference to a "shell" should be taken to mean a thin walled structure defining the outer surface of the 5 visual indicator.

Reference will herein be made to various points on the shell - for example ends, top and base. It should be appreciated that reference to these points is made for the purpose of illustrating the relative positioning of various features of the present invention, and is not intended to place limitations on the shape or orientation of the shell unless expressly stated. 20 It is envisaged that the shell may be elongate along the dimension between the first and second ends in an exemplary embodiment. In doing so, a target length of the shell to encompass the line may be achieved while having a comparatively narrow width of the shell. This streamlines the shell - decreasing the overall size of the shell needed to encompass the line and therefore the amount of material required for manufacture and the resultant weight of the shell. Furthermore, the elongate shape may 25 decrease the effect of wind forces on the shell and subsequently on the line.

The shell may be of any desired size. In an exemplary embodiment the shell may be large enough to be seen by the naked eye at a distance, for example of 100 meters. This may give the rider of a vehicle such a motorcycle time to slow down and stop before the bungee cord after the shell is spotted. The shell may also be small enough to prevent it from rotating or oscillating in the wind, and to reduce the 30 material needed for manufacture and resultant weight of the shell. 3

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

In an exemplary embodiment the shell may be substantially ellipsoid, that is egg-shaped. This shape may be beneficial as it is aerodynamic to limit oscillation of the line or shell or rotation forces on the shell about the line, or movement of the line and the resulting wear. Also, this shape has curved edges which may allow it to be driven over by a vehicle and retain its integrity. Furthermore, the shape 5 provides a relatively large external surface area to allow the visual indicator to be easily seen. However, this is not intended to be limiting and the shell may be substantially any shape. For example the shell may be cuboid, ovoid, cylindrical or spherical.

Reference will now be made throughout the specification to an ellipsoid shell that is elongated along the dimension between the first and second ends; however this should not be taken as limiting. 0 To maximise visibility of the visual indicator, in exemplary embodiments the shell may be coloured to contrast with the environment in which it is to be used. For example, the indicator may be brightly coloured, for example fluorescent yellow. For this purpose the shell may also be luminescent. The shell may also be painted with reflective paint or have reflective material applied to it. Alternatively, the shell may be white, which has been proven in tests to have increased visibility compared to natural 5 colours or other colours. However, this should not be seen as limiting and the shell may be coloured any colour, for example blue or red. The shell may also optionally include a gate number for identification purposes.

The shell may be made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in exemplary embodiments. HDPE may be well suited to this application as it is low cost, easy to colour and UV stabilise and is a strong, durable !0 and resilient material. This may be beneficial for reducing the likelihood of the shell cracking or breaking when subjected to strong forces, such as a vehicle running over the shell. It also may diminish wearing of the shell from exposure to outside conditions, such as wind or rain. HDPE may also be beneficial as it is relatively lightweight, so as to not weigh the line down. This material may be particularly beneficial in embodiments where the shell is made of two complementary portions 25 (discussed in more detail below), as it may have enough flexibility to allow the portions to detach from each other rather than break when driven over. The portions may later be reattached to the line.

In an exemplary embodiment the shell may define a hollow cavity. This may decrease the overall weight of the visual indicator. This may prevent the line from being weighed down, which, if the line is part of a fence, may cause the fence to no longer be useful as a barrier, or even break. Further, a lightweight 30 shell may cause less damage than a heavier one - if there is injudicious use of the bungee cord to which it is attached.

The cavity may be configured to include structures that are integral with the shell and/or retain separate structures. This is discussed in more detail below. 4

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

If the shell is made in a way that precludes it from being water proof, then it may also include one or more apertures which may act as drainage points to prevent the shell being weighed down with rain water. These apertures may also provide a point of access for additional wire(s); which is discussed in more detail below. 5 In an exemplary embodiment the shell may be made of two complementary portions. The shell may alternatively be made as a single portion, or be made of more than two portions that are configured to be secured together. The use of two or more complementary portions may be beneficial as it allows the shell to be attached to the line without threading one end of the line through the shell. This can be inconvenient, particularly when a gate handle is at one end of the line, or the line is already in tied in 0 place. Furthermore, this may be convenient for reattachment if the shell either comes off the line or is broken.

In an exemplary embodiment the shell may have two complementary portions that each have an open rim that extends along the length of the shell between the first and second end. The portions may be configured to be secured together. Examples of how this is achieved are given below, however these 5 should not be taken as limiting and the portions may be configured to be secured together by any suitable means known in the art. For example, the shell portions may be screwed together, bolted together, secured by a rivet metal or plastic, or a clip commonly known as a CANOE CLIP, or a circumferential snap ring such as that known as a CIRCLIP, or tape, or one side may be hinged, or an over centre latch mechanism may be used. 10 In exemplary embodiment, the shell portions may include an integral split pin and socket clip system within the cavity to secure the portions together.

By way of example only, the clip system may include at least one pin on a first shell portion that has an elongate shaft and a head. The head and at least a portion of the elongate shaft are split into two spaced apart portions. This allows the head to be moved between a compact configuration, in which 25 the head portions are pushed together, and an extended configuration, in which the head portions are in their resting apart state.

The second shell portion includes at least one socket that is positioned so that it corresponds to the pin on the first shell portion. In use, the shell portion(s) are pushed into the compact configuration and then pushed into the socket(s). When they are released they will be caught under a lip on the socket to 30 retain them within the socket. This system may be beneficial in allowing the shell portions to be easily attached and detached by the user.

In an exemplary embodiment, to secure the shells together the open rim of a first shell portion may 5

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 include a lip that is complementary to a depression on the open edge of the second shell portion. This may be used in conjunction with the clip system that was described above.

The end of each socket that is proximate the shell may be open ended so as to create an aperture in the shell. This may provide drainage for the visual indicator. However this is not intended to be limiting and 5 the sockets may be closed ended.

In an exemplary embodiment, the end of the each pin proximate the shell may be substantially encompassed by one or more apertures in the shell. This may provide drainage for the visual indicator. It may also provide an access point for a tool such as pliers to be inserted along the side of the pin in order to push the split head into the compact position so the pin can be removed from the aperture 0 and the shell halves disassociated.

Reference to a "passage" should be understood to mean a relatively unobstructed path through the cavity that is defined by a first and second opening in the shell.

Reference to the passage being "relatively unobstructed" should be understood to mean that the passage is of a size and shape to accommodate a line does not include any structures that would 5 prevent a line from being retained along the length of the passage.

It should be understood that the shape of each opening at the ends of the passage can vary according to the design parameters and line used with the visual indicator. However, in exemplary embodiments each opening may be circular to allow for the insertion of a line that is circular in cross section.

In an exemplary embodiment, the openings may be located on the first and second ends of the ellipsoid !0 shell, and the passage may extend between the openings along the dimension between the first and second ends. This defines the length of the passage. This may ensure that the line extends along the length of the ellipsoid shell, which may contribute to the aerodynamic nature of the visual indicator in use.

In an exemplary embodiment, the passage may be open sided. This should be understood to mean that 25 an elongate aperture runs between the first and second opening. In this embodiment, the line may be retained in the passage by any means that would be understood to be suitable by one skilled in the art. For example, the open side of the passage may include a lip so that the opening is narrower than the line. Alternatively, the open side of the passage may include overlapping teeth. This embodiment may save on materials and cost to manufacture the visual indicator. 30 In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity may include at least one "guide" which in use will direct the positioning of the line within the cavity. 6

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

In an exemplary embodiment the guide(s) may be a structure that is integral with the shell and extends towards the passage.

The guide(s) may have a 'U' shaped end proximate the passage, with the sides of the 'U' located on either side of the passage. However this should not be seen as limiting, and the guide(s) may be of any 5 shape, for example, the guide(s) may have a flat end.

In an exemplary embodiment, each shell half may have at least one of the 'U' shaped guide(s). The guide(s) position on each shell half may correspond so that when the shell halves are secured together the 'U' ends form a substantially oval shape.

The structures may be narrow in order to save on materials and associated cost. 0 The structures may, in an exemplary embodiment, define the passage by preventing the line from being retained along another path through the cavity. To this effect the structures may extend from a first side of the shell to a second side of the shell. Resultantly, the only path through the cavity is through the 'U' or oval gap created by the structures.

The structure(s) may assist the user in placing the line in an appropriate position when assembling the 5 visual indicator, for ease of assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment the visual indicator may include at least one locator.

Reference to a "locator" should be understood to mean a component of the visual indicator that locates the line relative to the shell so as to decrease or prevent lateral movement of the line relative to the visual indicator. 20 The locator may be an integral part of the shell, or a separate component. In an exemplary embodiment both types of locators may be used in a single visual indicator.

If the shell is made of multiple portions, both or all portions may be configured to include a locator.

In exemplary embodiments, the locator and line interact at a single area on the line. This may be particularly beneficial when the visual indicator is used with bungee cord, as the single point of contact 25 may ensure that the bungee cord retains its flexibility and elastic force, while preventing lateral movement of the cord. This may mean that the elastic forces will be transmitted along the cord, instead of being blocked by the locator. For this reason it is envisaged that the single point of contact will have particular use with bungee cord. However this should not be taken as limiting and the line may interact with the locator or multiple locators at multiple areas along the line. However, this is less desirable for 30 us with the bungee as it may result in the elastic forces of the stretched bungee being applied to the 7

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 locators instead of along the bungee. The bungee cord may in this situation be effectively rendered redundant.

In an exemplary embodiment that is to be used with bungee cord the single point of contact should also be as small as possible. In an exemplary embodiment the locator may be 1mm in diameter. However 5 this is not intended to be limiting and the width or diameter of the locator may vary. For example if the shell is made of polyethylene the locator may need to be larger.

The locator may be positioned at a right angle to the length of the bungee. This may minimise the elastic forces of the bungee that are transmitted to the device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locator may be a single protrusion, the free end of which extends 0 into the passage. In use of this embodiment the protrusion may extend into the passage such that when the line is inserted into the passage it will be forced against a surface. In this manner the line is held relative to the shell of the visual indicator.

The protrusion may be an integral part of the shell in exemplary embodiments.

The protrusion may have a pointed end to assist in securing the line. 5 The protrusion may be positioned on the 'U' of an integral structure with a 'U' shaped end in an exemplary embodiment. In use of this embodiment, the line may be placed over the protrusion of a first shell half. A second shell half is then secured to the first shell half, and the protrusion forces the line against a corresponding integral structure on the second shell half. For example, the line may be forced against the 'U' of a corresponding integral structure with a 'U' shaped end. 20 The protrusion may also be a block of material, such as a block of rubber that extends into the passage.

In an exemplary embodiment, the locator may be multiple protrusions that extend into the passage, and therefore interact with the line, at a single point.

The locator may alternatively be a structure or web that extends into the passage from one or more sides. In this embodiment the passage diameter at the position of the locator may be less than the 25 diameter of the bungee when it is extended, in at least one dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the locator may be what is commonly known to those skilled in the art as a 'joint clamp'. This may include bolt with a head and an elongate shaft. The shaft may be configured to threadably engage multiple nuts. Reference to threadable engagement should be understood to mean the interaction between two parts in which at least one of the parts includes a helical thread engaging with a surface of 30 the other. In exemplary embodiments, both parts may include complementary threads - one external and one internal - which engage with each other to prevent linear motion without application of 8

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 external rotational force.

In use of the joint clamp as a locator, the head of the bolt will be placed over the line. At least one nut will then be threaded up the shaft of the bolt until it abuts the line, thereby securing the line between the nut and the bolt head. The joint clamp is then secured to the shell through interaction with multiple 5 protrusions are integral with the shell and extend into the cavity.

The protrusions within the cavity may be configured so that the joint clamp is positioned within the cavity such that the line within the passage can be placed on the elongate shaft of the joint clamp. This may mean that the bulk of the joint clamp is not located along the passage.

The joint clamp means of securing the device is best suited to use when the line is a wire, as it holes the 0 line securely. This may be beneficial as an alternative to the use of one or more protrusions when used with a wire, as wires may be too small in diameter to contact the protrusions within the passage. An exemplary embodiment of such a joint clamp is described in US Patent Application No. 14/631,284.

The joint clamp may be retained within the cavity by structures that extend from the shell. These structures are configured to be complementary to the joint clamp such that the joint claim may be 5 inserted into and confined within the structures.

The joint clamp may be made of an electrically conductive material, such as metal.

At least one nut of the joint clamp may have a plurality of apertures to receive one or more wires. The aperture(s) may also be created by the interaction of two nuts. This may allow the joint clamp to retain electrically conductive wires in order to allow the visual indicator to be used with electric fences. In use !0 of this embodiment, the electrically conductive wires may be threaded through the apertures in the shell and then into the apertures in the joint clamp.

In exemplary embodiments, the line may interact with multiple locators at multiple areas on the line. For example, the visual indicator may include both a protrusion and a joint clamp. This is envisaged to have particular application to lines that are not bungee cord, to hold the visual indicator more securely 25 to the line where there is no concern over maintaining the flexibility of the line. However this is not intended to be limiting and this embodiment of the invention may be used with any type of line.

The visual indicator may also include additional supporting structures. In an exemplary embodiment the visual indicator cavity may include supporting structures on either side of the passage that are arranged so that they line up together. In an exemplary embodiment the support structure(s) on one shell 30 portion may be longer than the support structure(s) on a second shell portion. This may help provide additional strength along the part line in the embodiment of the invention that has two shell portions, 9

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 as the longer support extends across the part line. Furthermore, it may prevent the shell from being incorrectly assembled, as the different lengths may mean that the shell can only be assembled in one way.

In use of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a bungee cord is placed on top of the 'U' shaped 5 end of multiple structures that are integral with the first shell half. The cord is placed so that it extends over a protrusion on one of the 'U' shaped structures.

The second shell half is then secured to the first shell half. The second shell half includes 'U' shaped structures that correspond to the structures on the first shell half. The 'U' shaped structures align to form an oval shape. This defines the passage. The cord is forced against the wall of a 'U' shaped 0 structure on the second shell half. This secures the cord relative to the visual indicator. As the cord is secured only at a single area the flexibility of the bungee cord is retained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is 5 given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1A FIG. IB FIG. 2A FIG. 2B FIG. 3A FIG. 3B FIG. 3C FIG. 4 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary visual indicator located on a line; is a perspective view of the exemplary visual indicator having a shell half removed; is a perspective view of a first shell half of the exemplary visual indicator; is a front view of the first shell half of the exemplary visual indicator; is a perspective view of a second shell half of the exemplary visual indicator; is a front view of the second shell half of the exemplary visual indicator; is an end view of the second shell half of the exemplary visual indicator; is a side view of an exemplary joint clamp for use in the exemplary visual indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1A illustrates a visual indicator (generally indicated by arrow 100), substantially ellipsoidal in shape, and having a first shell half 102 and a second shell half 104 defining a hollow interior cavity. The shell halves 102, 104 are secured to a line 106 - for example, rope, cord, wire, or polywire. 10

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

Referring to FIG. IB, which shows the visual indicator 100 with the second shell half 104 removed, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated the position of the visual indicator 100 relative to the line 106 is maintained by a joint clamp 108 secured to the line 106 and located by the shell halves 102, 104 - as will be described further below. 5 In FIG. 2A and 2B it may be seen that the first shell half 102 includes four sockets 200a-d, each including a socket aperture 202a-d extending through to the exterior of the first shelf half 102. The socket apertures 202a-d provide drainage to prevent the visual indicator retaining and being weighed down by water, and are configured for the insertion of complementary split pins on the second shell half (as will be discussed in relation to FIG. 3A-C below). Each socket 200a-d has a lip (not clearly seen) which allows 0 the split pins to be retained within the socket apertures 202a-d once inserted.

Distal ends of the first shell half 102 include a first end aperture recess 204 and a second end aperture recess 206. A first longitudinal wall section 208a extends from the first end aperture recess 204 towards the second end aperture recess 206, and a second longitudinal wall section 208b extends from the second end aperture recess 206 towards the first end aperture recess 204. First and second transverse 5 locator walls 210a and 210b intersect the first and second longitudinal wall sections 208a and 208b respectively, at positions offset from the first and second end aperture recesses 204 and 206. A first locator spike 212 extends from the intersection between the first longitudinal wall section 208a and the first transverse locator wall 210a, for engaging with the line 106 when secured between the first and second shell halves 102 and 104 (as shown in FIG. 1A). !0 The first shell half 102 also includes first and second central transverse walls 214a and 214b extending towards a locating recess. The first central transverse wall 214a, second longitudinal wall section 208b, second central transverse wall 214b, and first longitudinal wall section 208a each terminate in a flange 216a-d, which collectively define the locating recess. A stop protrusion 218 is located within the centre of the locating recess, extending from the interior of the first shell half 102. 25 The locating recess is off-centre from the longitudinal axis of the first shell half 102. This off-centre position accounts for the clamping action of the joint clamp 108 onto the line 106 (shown in FIG. IB, and as illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 4) in order to align the line 106 with the longitudinal axis.

Referring to FIG. 3A-C, the second shell half 104 is configured to be complementary to the first shell half 102. The second shell half 104 includes four split pins 300a-d, each including a barb end 302a-d. The 30 split pins 300a-d are configured to be inserted into the socket apertures 202a-d of the first shell half 102, such that the barbs 302a-d engage the lips of the sockets 200a-d. 11

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016

Distal ends of the second shell half 104 include a first end aperture recess 304 and a second end aperture recess 306, which together with the first end aperture recess 204 and second end aperture recess 206 of the first shell half 102 provide end apertures of the visual indicator 100 defining a passage therebetween. 5 A first longitudinal wall section 308a extends from the first end aperture recess 304 towards the second end aperture recess 306, and a second longitudinal wall section 308b extends from the second end aperture recess 306 towards the first end aperture recess 304. First and second transverse locator walls 310a and 310b intersect, and extend above, the first and second longitudinal wall sections 308a and 308b respectively, at positions offset from the first and second end aperture recesses 304 and 306. The 0 first and second transverse locator walls 310a and 310b include arches aligned with the first and second aperture recesses 304 and 306. When the first and second shell halves 102 and 104 are secured to each other, the ends of the arches in the first and second transverse locator walls 310a and 310b meet the first and second longitudinal wall sections 208a and 208b of the first shell half 102 to provide enclosed apertures for the line 106 insider the cavity of the visual indicator 100. 5 A second locator spike 312 extends from the intersection between the first longitudinal wall section 308a and the first transverse locator wall 310a, for engaging with the line 106 when secured between the first and second shell halves 102 and 104 (as shown in FIG. 1A).

The second shell half 104 also includes first and second central transverse walls 314a and 314b extending towards a second locating recess. The first central transverse wall 314a, second longitudinal !0 wall section 308b, second central transverse wall 314b, and first longitudinal wall section 308a each terminate in a flange 316a-d, which collectively define the locating recess. Stepped walls 318a-d extend from the flanges 316a-d into the second locating recess, at a height lower than the first central transverse wall 314a, second longitudinal wall section 308b, second central transverse wall 314b, and first longitudinal wall section 308a respectively. The locating recess is off-centre from the longitudinal 25 axis of the second shell half 104.

Referring to FIG. 3C, each of the split pins 300a-d extends from the second shell half 104, with a first exterior aperture 320a and a second exterior aperture 320b between the exterior and interior of the second shell half 104 substantially surrounding the split pins 300a-d. FIG. 4 illustrates the joint clamp 104 in greater detail. The joint clamp 104 includes a bolt 400, having a 30 head 402 with a recessed underside 404. A threaded shaft 406 extends from the underside 404 of the head 402. A flat washer 408 may be inserted onto the shaft 406, for clamping the line 106 against the underside 404 of the head 402. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a grooved washer 410 having a first groove 412a and a second groove 412b facing the flat washer 408. A threaded nut 414 is 12

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 provided for engaging with the threaded shaft 406 to bear the grooved washer 410 and flat washer 408 towards the head 402.

In an exemplary embodiment in which the line 106 is an electrically conductive fence element for which it is desirable to connect one or more electrically conductive wires (for example to electrify the line 5 106), the wires may be passed through one of the apertures 202a-d, 320a, or 320b and secured to the joint clamp 108 by locating them within the grooves 412a and/or 412b of the grooved washer 410 and clamping them in place.

The position of the joint clamp 108 relative to the visual indicator 100, aligning the clamping position of the line 106 with the elements defining the passage through the visual indicator 100, is maintained by 0 the respective locating recesses of the first and second shell halves 102 and 104. The nut 414 is received within the flanges 216a-d of the first shell half 102, with the free end of the threaded shaft 406 resting against the stop protrusion 218. The head 402 is received within the flanges 316a-d of the second shell half 104, with the head 402 also resting against the stepped walls 318a-d of the second shell half 104. In addition to maintaining the position of the joint clamp 108, the flanges 216a-d and 5 316a-d prevent undesired rotation of the bolt 400 relative to the nut 414, which could release the line 106 (and wires if secured by the joint clamp 108).

When installing the visual indicator, the line 106 may be located within the first end aperture recess 304, the arches of the first and second transverse locator walls 310a and 310b, and the second end aperture recess 306 of the second shell half 104, acting as guides for the line 106. The first shell half !0 102 may then be clipped to the second shell half 104, engaging the first and second locator spikes 212 and 312 in the line 106.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or 25 indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments 30 described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its 13

James & Wells ref: 300802AU/73 2016203165 16 May 2016 attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.

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 5 thereof as defined in the appended claims. 14

Claims (21)

1. A visual indicator, including a shell, a passage through the shell of a size and shape to accommodate a line, and a locator, wherein the locator is positioned along the passage to retain the line relative to the shell.

2. The visual indicator of claim 1, wherein the shell includes a first end and a second end, and the shell is elongate between the first and second ends.

3. The visual indicator of claim 2, wherein the shell is substantially ellipsoid.

4. The visual indicator of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shell has an exterior and an interior defining a hollow cavity.

5. The visual indicator of claim 4, wherein the shell is made of at least two complementary portions configured to be secured together.

6. The visual indicator of claim 5, wherein the shell includes an integral pin and socket clip system within its interior to secure the portions together, including at least one pin extending from one of the shell portions and at least one socket in another one of the shell portions configured to receive the pin.

7. The visual indicator of claim 6, wherein each socket includes a socket aperture between the interior and exterior of the shell.

8. The visual indicator of either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the end of the each pin proximate the shell is substantially encompassed by one or more apertures between the interior and exterior of the shell.

9. The visual indicator of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the visual indicator includes a guide structure within the interior of the shell to direct the positioning of the line within the interior of the shell.

10. The visual indicator of any one of claims 4 to 9, including at least one internal locator to locate the line relative to the shell so as to decrease or prevent lateral movement of the line relative to the visual indicator.

11. The visual indicator of claim 10, wherein the at least one locator includes a protrusion, a free end of which extends into the passage to bear against the line in use.

12. The visual indicator of claim 11, wherein the free end of the protrusion is pointed.

13. The visual indicator of any one of claim 11, wherein the at least one locator includes a locating structure within the interior of the shell configured to receive a joint clamp configured to clamp onto the line in use, the locating structure limiting movement of the joint clamp within the shell.

14. A method of securing a visual indicator to a line, the visual indicator including a shell, and a passage through the shell of a size and shape to accommodate a line, the method including the step of: locating the line within the passage.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the line is an elastic cord.

16. The method of either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the shell has an exterior and an interior defining a hollow cavity and wherein the shell is made of at least two complementary portions configured to be secured together, and wherein locating the line includes securing the line between the at least two complementary portions.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the shell includes an integral pin and socket clip system within its interior to secure the portions together, and the method includes engaging at least one pin extending from one of the shell portions with at least one socket in another one of the shell portions.

18. The method of either claim 16 or claim 17, wherein locating the line includes engaging the line with at least one internal locator to locate the line relative to the shell so as to decrease or prevent lateral movement of the line relative to the visual indicator.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one locator includes a protrusion, a pointed free end of which extends into the passage to bear into the line.

20. The method of either claim 18 or claim 19, wherein locating the line includes clamping a joint clamp onto the line in use, and locating the joint clamp within a locating structure within the interior of the shell to limit movement of the joint clamp within the shell.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the joint clamp is made of an electrically conductive material, and the shell includes at least one aperture between its exterior and interior, wherein the method includes passing at least one electrically conductive wire through the apertures in the shell and securing the wire to the joint clamp.