FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an insulator. In particular, the present invention relates to an insulator for use with a fence. More particularly the present invention relates to an electric fence insulator for use with a powered stapler.

BACKGROUND

Electric fences are in widespread use in a number of applications, including farming and security. Electric fences are a particularly important tool in farming applications due to their flexibility and ease of use.

An insulator is commonly provided to enable an electric fence barrier element to be secured to a fence post, standard or support. The insulator in addition to securing the electric fence barrier element electrically insulates the fence post, standard or support from the electric fence barrier element.

Fence support fence standard and fence post are used interchangeably throughout. The term is used to refer to an upright or in use a substantially vertical support that is used in a fence to support a barrier element.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term "barrier element" should be understood as meaning a component of a fencing system . In the particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the barrier elements may be an electric wire, or an electric fence ribbon, tape, braid or rope.

One problem for current insulators is that if staples are used to attach the insulator to a support the staples need to be manually hammered using a hammer. This is because it is very difficult to align a powered stapler to an insulator and fire the staple legs in the correct holes in the insulator.

An object of the present invention is to provide an insulator that can be used with a powered stapler.

Each object is to be read disjunctively with the object of at least providing the public with a useful choice.

The present invention aims to overcome, or at least alleviate, some or all of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is acknowledged that the terms "comprise", "comprises" and "comprising" may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning - i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non-specified components or elements.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an insulator comprising : an insulator body having a front and back; a formation for supporting a barrier element; and

at least one mounting formation having a front and a back by which the insulator is attached to a support, the back of the mounting formation in use being proximal to the support, at least one of the at least one mounting formation comprising :

at least one passage extending transversely through the mounting formation from the front to the back of the mounting formation, at least one of the at least one passage being an arc slot.

Preferably at least one passage is at least two passages and wherein at least two of the at least two passages are aligned on a pitch circle.

Preferably the at least one of the at least one mounting formation has at least three passages.

Preferably the at least one of the at least one mounting formation further comprising at least one alignment member, each at least one alignment member having an axis substantially perpendicular to the front of the mounting formation.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage.

Preferably the alignment member is an aperture in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Preferably the alignment aperture has a first end at the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment aperture is tapered such that the alignment aperture is wider at the first end.

Preferably the alignment aperture has a first end at the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment aperture is bevelled at the first end.

Preferably the alignment aperture includes a step.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is a probe and the alignment aperture is a friction fit with the stapler alignment probe.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is a probe, the stapler probe having a ball plunger proximal to the distal end of the probe wherein in use the stapler alignment probe is within the alignment aperture and the ball plunger of the stapler alignment probe is within the alignment aperture step.

Alternatively the alignment member is a probe protruding from the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Preferably the alignment probe has a first end proximal to the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment probe is tapered such that the alignment probe is wider at the first end.

Preferably the alignment probe has a second end distal from the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment probe is bevelled at the second end.

Preferably the alignment probe includes an annular recess proximal to the second end.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment probe together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is an aperture and the alignment probe is a friction fit with the stapler alignment aperture.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment probe together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is an aperture, the stapler aperture having a ball plunger and wherein in use the alignment probe is within the stapler aperture and the ball plunger of the stapler aperture is within the alignment probe annular recess.

Preferably the alignment member allows the insulator to rotate.

Preferably the insulator can rotate up to 360 degrees.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the alignment member and alignment member of the stapler allow the insulator to rotate.

Preferably the insulator can rotate up to 360 degrees.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and wherein the at least one of the at least one mounting formation further comprises a securing member for securing the insulator to the stapler.

Preferably the securing member is a slot in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Alternatively the securing member is an indent in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation. Alternatively the securing member is a passage in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Preferably the insulator body is elongated and has a mounting formation at each end of the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

Preferably the formation for supporting a barrier element comprises:

a forked portion having a pair of limbs extending in a spaced apart relation; a hole set extending transversely through the first and second of the limbs, the hole in each of the first and second limbs being coaxially aligned; and a pin, wherein in use the barrier element is secured between the two limbs by the pin and the pin is secured in the hole set.

Alternatively the formation for supporting a barrier element comprises a pair of opposed claws.

Preferably the barrier element is selected from the group comprising fencing wire, fencing tape, fencing braid and fencing rope.

Preferably the insulator is an electric fence insulator.

Preferably the back side of the insulator body has support gripping members.

Preferably the support gripping members are protrusions.

Alternatively the support gripping members are ridges.

Preferably the back side of the insulator body is oval in cross section.

Preferably the oval cross section is sized for a support of between 100 mm and 250 mm in diameter.

Preferably the support is wooden.

Preferably each of the passages are tapered being narrower at the back side of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides an insulator comprising :

an insulator body having a front and back;

a formation for supporting a barrier element; and

at least one mounting formation having a front and a back by which the insulator is attached to a support, the back of the mounting formation in use being proximal to the support, at least one of the at least one mounting formation comprising :

at least three passages extending transversely through the mounting formation from the front to the back of the mounting formation, with at least three of the at least three passages aligned on a pitch circle.

Preferably the at least one of the at least one mounting formation has at least four passages. Preferably the at least one mounting formation further comprises at least one alignment member, each at least one alignment member having an axis substantially perpendicular to the front of the mounting formation.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage.

Preferably the alignment member is an aperture in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Preferably the alignment aperture has a first end at the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment aperture is tapered such that the alignment aperture is wider at the first end.

Preferably the alignment aperture has a first end at the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment aperture is bevelled at the first end.

Preferably the alignment aperture includes a step.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is a probe and the alignment aperture is a friction fit with the stapler alignment probe.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is a probe, the stapler probe having a ball plunger proximal to the distal end of the probe and wherein in use the stapler alignment probe is within the alignment aperture and the ball of the ball plunger of the stapler alignment probe is within the alignment aperture step.

Alternatively the alignment member is a probe protruding from the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Preferably the alignment probe has a first end proximal to the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment probe is tapered such that the alignment probe is wider at the first end.

Preferably the alignment probe has a second end distal from the front of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation and the alignment probe is bevelled at the second end.

Preferably the alignment probe includes an annular recess proximal to the second end. Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment probe together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is an aperture and the alignment probe is a friction fit with the stapler alignment aperture.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment probe together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the stapler alignment member is an aperture, the stapler aperture having a ball plunger and wherein in use the alignment probe is within the stapler aperture and the ball of the ball plunger is within the alignment probe annular recess.

Preferably the alignment probe allows the insulator to rotate.

Preferably the insulator can rotate up to 360 degrees.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage and wherein the alignment probe and alignment member of the stapler allow the insulator to rotate.

Preferably the insulator can rotate up to 360 degrees.

Preferably the insulator is for use with a stapler and wherein the at least one of the at least one mounting formation further comprises a securing member for securing the insulator to the stapler.

Alternatively the securing member is a slot in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Alternatively the securing member is an indent in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Alternatively the securing member is a passage in the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

Preferably the insulator body is elongated and has a mounting formation at each end of the longitudinal axis of the elongated body.

Preferably the formation for supporting a barrier element comprises:

a forked portion having a pair of limbs extending in a spaced apart relation; a hole set extending transversely through the first and second of the limbs, the hole in each of the first and second limbs being coaxially aligned; and a pin, wherein in use the barrier element is secured between the two limbs by the pin and the pin is secured in the hole set.

Alternatively the formation for supporting a barrier element comprises a pair of opposed claws. Preferably the barrier element is selected from the group comprising fencing wire, fencing tape, fencing braid and fencing rope.

Preferably the insulator is an electric fence insulator.

Preferably the back side of the insulator body has support gripping members.

Preferably the support gripping members are protrusions.

Alternatively the support gripping members are ridges.

Preferably the back side of the insulator body is oval in cross section.

Preferably the oval cross section is sized for a support of between 100 mm and 250 mm in diameter.

Preferably the support is wooden.

Preferably each of the passages are tapered being narrower at the back side of the at least one of the at least one mounting formation.

According to a third aspect, the present invention consists in a mounting formation for use with a stapler comprising :

a front and a back; and

at least one passage extending transversely through the mounting formation from the front to the back of the mounting formation, at least one of the at least one passage being an arc slot.

Preferably at least one passage is at least two passages and wherein at least two of the at least two passages are aligned on a pitch circle.

Preferably the mounting formation has at least three passages.

The mounting formation as claimed in any one of claims 74 to 76 wherein each mounting formation further comprising at least one alignment member, each at least one alignment member having an axis substantially perpendicular to the front of the mounting formation.

Preferably the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention consists in a mounting formation, for use with a stapler comprising :

a front and back;

at least three passages extending transversely through the mounting formation from the front to the back of the mounting formation, with at least three of the at least three passages are aligned on a pitch circle.

Preferably the mounting formation has at least four passages.

Preferably each mounting formation further comprising at least one alignment member, each at least one alignment member having an axis substantially perpendicular to the front of the mounting formation. Preferably the alignment member together with a passage and at least one alignment member of a stapler cooperate to align the stapler so that at least one leg of a staple is fired through one of the at least one passage.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention consists in an electric fence having at least one substantially vertical support, and an insulator as described above.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention consists in an electric fence system having at least one substantially vertical support, and an insulator as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an end view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the insulator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention showing the pitched circle alignment of the passages;

Figure 8 shows the insulator according to another embodiment of the present invention showing the pitched circle alignment of the passages;

Figure 9 shows a diagram of part of an example electric fence system;

Figures 10 to 15 show alternative embodiments of an insulator of the present invention;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 17 shows an end view of the insulator according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 18 shows a cross section of the insulator, stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle of Figure 17 taken along lines A-A; Figure 19 shows a perspective exploded view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 20 shows a side exploded view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 21 shows a further exploded perspective view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 22 shows a further exploded perspective view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 23 shows a further exploded perspective view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle;

Figure 24 shows a further exploded perspective view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle, with the insulator connected to the attachment;

Figure 25 shows a further exploded perspective view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle, with the insulator connected to the stapler muzzle attachment; and

Figure 26 shows a further exploded perspective view of the insulator of the present invention, a stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle, with the insulator connected to the stapler muzzle attachment; and

Figure 27 shows a further exploded perspective view of an alternative insulator, an alternative stapler muzzle attachment and stapler muzzle, with the insulator connected to the stapler muzzle attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures according to a first embodiment, an insulator 1 is provided for securing a fence barrier element 142 to a fence support 120 such as a fence post or fencing standard. The fence barrier element 142 will typically be in an electric fence 141 but the fence may not necessarily be an electric fence. The insulator 1 is suitable for use in a non-electric fence.

An example of an electric fence system 141 is illustrated in Figure 9. An electric fence energizer 140 is connected to electric fence barrier elements 142. The electric fence barrier elements 142 are supported by fence supports 120 and the electric fence barrier elements 142 are secured to the fence supports 120 by insulators 1.

The fence support 120 may be made of wood, plastic, fibreglass, concrete or other suitable material.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the insulator 1 of the present invention has an insulator body 2, integral with the insulator body 2 is a formation for supporting a barrier element 142 and a mounting formation for mounting or securing the insulator 1 to a fence support 120. In one embodiment the formation for supporting the barrier element 142 includes a pair of limbs 12, 13 extending in a spaced apart relation. Each of the limbs 12, 13 has a hole 14, 15 through which a pin 16 can pass. The holes 14, 15 are coaxially aligned. In use a barrier element 142 is secured between the limbs 12, 13 and the pin 16 is secured in the holes 14, 15 with the barrier element 142 secured in a position between the limbs 12, 13 by the pin 16.

The pin 16 for securing the barrier element 142 is optionally attached to the insulator 1 by a tie 21 and for ease of insertion an insertion assistance member 22 may be provided. The insertion assistance member 22 makes it easier for the pin 16 to be inserted using a thumb, a finger, fingers or any combination thereof. The pin 16 may have barbs 29 for securing the pin 16 in the holes 14, 15. One part of the pin 16 may have a shoulder portion 30 so that the part of the pin 16 with the shoulder portion 30 is a friction fit in at least one of the holes 14, 15.

Alternatively referring to Figure 6 the formation for supporting a barrier element 142 may be a pair of opposed claws 45, 46.

The formation by which the insulator 1 is attached to the fence support 120 has referring again to Figures 1 to 6 at least one mounting formation 40. In an alternative embodiment the insulator may have two mounting formations 40, 41.

Mounting formations 40 and 41 have a front side 43 and a back side 44 by which the insulator 1 is attached to a support 120. The back of each mounting formation 44 when the insulator 1 is being used is proximal to the support 120.

Each mounting formation 40, 41 has a number of passages 50 extending transversely through the mounting formation 40, 41 from the front side 43 to the back side 44 of the mounting formations 40, 41.

In one embodiment of the invention there is at least one passage 50 in each mounting formation 40, 41 and the passage 50 is an arc slot. In other embodiments there may be multiple passages 50 which may be arc slots or other shaped passages 50 including circular holes.

Referring to Figure 7 and 8 in one embodiment at least two of the passages 50 are aligned on a pitch circle 302.

Many other combinations of passages 50 are possible including three or four substantially circular passages, some or all of which may be aligned on a pitch circle 302. The end of the passage 50 at the front side 43 of the mounting formations 40, 41 may in one embodiment be bevelled 61.

The insulator 1 in the preferred embodiment has an alignment member 70 in each mounting formation 40, 41. The axis of the alignment member is substantially perpendicular to the front 43 of the mounting formation. In use with a stapler having a suitable muzzle attachment the alignment member 70 cooperates with a respective first alignment member of a stapler attachment and a passage 50 cooperates with a second alignment member of the stapler muzzle attachment to align a stapler with the mounting formation so at least one leg of a staple is fired though a passage 50. In the preferred embodiment each leg of a staple is fired through a passage 50.

Referring to Figure 7 the axis 301 of the pitch circle 302 is in one embodiment the same axis as the axis of the alignment member 70.

The alignment member 70 is preferably an aperture or passage through the mounting formation 40, 41. Alternatively the alignment member 70 may be a protrusion. The alignment member 70 is preferably tapered and has a bevelled opening 71 if a passage or bevelled end if a protrusion

In one embodiment the alignment member 70 has a step 72 that matches a step on an alignment member of a stapler attachment to assist in securing the insulator 1 to the stapler. The alignment member 70 of the insulator 1 and the first alignment member of a stapler muzzle attachment are in the preferred embodiment a friction fit.

The alignment member of a stapler muzzle attachment if a probe may have a ball plunger proximal the distal end of the probe, in use the ball plunger fits within the alignment passage step 72 of the insulator 1. Alternatively the alignment member of a stapler muzzle attachment may have a split ring in a slot on the probe that fits within the insulator alignment passage step 72.

If the alignment member 70 of the insulator 1 is a protrusion/probe and the alignment member of the stapler attachment is a passage a ball plunger may be located within the passage and the alignment member 70 of the insulator may have a step proximal the distal end into which the ball plunger ball fits.

Alternatively if the alignment member 70 of the insulator 1 is a protrusion/probe and the alignment member of the stapler attachment is a passage a split ring may be located in a slot within the passage and the alignment member 70 may have a slot proximal the distal end into which in use the split ring fits.

The alignment member 70 is preferably substantially circular and allows the insulator 1 to rotate when the insulator 1 alignment member 70 and the alignment member of a stapler muzzle attachment are mated. Preferably the insulator can rotate up to 360 degrees.

The insulator 1 may additionally have a securing member for securing the insulator 1 to a stapler attachment. In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 the securing member is a slot 402, 403 in the mounting formation 40, 41. However the securing member may be an indent or a hole in the mounting formation 40, 41. The insulator 1 may have multiple securing members.

The back or rear side 44 of the insulator 1 is in the preferred embodiment substantially oval 90 in cross section as seen in Figure 5. The back side 44 of the insulator 1 may additionally have support gripping members 80. The support gripping members 80 may be protrusions or ridges. The oval cross section 80 assists the insulator 1 in gripping to round fence posts (including full round, half round and quarter round). The oval cross section in one embodiment is sized for a fence post of between 100 mm and 250 mm in diameter.

The insulator 1 of the present invention is formed using injection moulding techniques that are well known in the art. The insulator 1 may be made from polyethylene, or other plastic type materials such as, for example, acetal, polypropylene, nylon, polyurethane and the like having electrical insulation properties.

Figures 10 to 15 show alternative implementations of the insulator of the present invention. The passages 50 may for example be open as shown in Figure 10. Alternatively the passages 50 may be a trefoil of three overlapping substantially circular passages as seen in Figures 11 and 12. More than one alignment member 70 may be provided on each mounting formation 40, 41 and the alignment member of the stapler muzzle attachment may be configured to partially surround the shaped mounting formation such as shown in Figures 13 and 14 or fit into indents 402, 403 in the mounting formation as shown in Figure 10. Figure 27 shows an alternative muzzle 100 having forks 350, 351. In use the forks 350, 351 fit into ridges 352-359 in the insulator 1.

Figures 16 to 26, illustrate the insulator 1 and the staple muzzle attachment with a muzzle of a stapler. Referring to Figures 16 to 26 the insulator 1 is secured to an attachment 100 via a securing member 105. The stapler muzzle attachment 100 has a passage 130 into which the muzzle 200 of a stapler may be inserted. The staples 400 are aligned by staple alignment member 210. The securing member 105 also acts as a first alignment member.

The staple muzzle attachment 100 has a securing member 105 having a ball plunger 110 and a second alignment member 124. The second alignment member 124 is sprung using a spring 121 and is held in a passage 101 of the staple muzzle attachment 100 by a screw 122. The second alignment member protrudes from end 123 of the passage 101.

Referring to Figure 18 in use the securing member 105 is inserted into the alignment member 70 of the insulator 1 and the ball of the ball plunger 110 is located within the step 72 of the insulator alignment member 70. The securing member 105 allows the insulator 1 to rotate while being held to the staple muzzle attachment 100. In one embodiment the insulator 1 can rotate 360 degrees while the insulator is attached to the attachment 100.

The second alignment member 124 of the staple muzzle attachment 100 protrudes into a passage 50 of the insulator 1 such that when that the legs 401 of a staple 400 are fired the legs 401 pass through other passages 50 of the insulator 1. In use a user rotates the attachment 100 with respect to an insulator 1 until the second alignment member 124 is within a passage 50. The bevel 61 assists the process. When the second alignment member 124 is within a passage 50 a staple 400 when fired will fire each leg 401 of a staple though another passage 50 in the insulator 1. The passages 50 are located on the pitched circle 302 such that when the second alignment member 124 is within a passage 50 the legs 401 of a staple 400 are located such that each leg 401 passes through another passage 50 of the insulator 1. Alternatively the passage into which the alignment member 124 is located may be the same passage through which a leg 401 of a staple 400 passes.

With the securing member 105 centre as the axis of a pitched circle 302, if the second alignment member 124 is located at zero degrees, the legs 401 of the staple 400 fire at 90 degrees and 270 degrees respectively. When the securing member/first alignment member 105 is engaged with the securing member 70 of the insulator and the second alignment member 124 is located in a passage 50, the second alignment member 124 may be swept freely within the arc slot passages 50, thereby allowing a limited sweep. The second alignment member 124, being spring-loaded, provides a resistance to, but not prevention of, rotation if swept between any two passages 50, to encourage correct alignment between a staple leg and a passage 50.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Further, the above embodiments may be implemented individually, or may be combined where compatible. Additional advantages and modifications, including combinations of the above embodiments, will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.