BALUSTRADES

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail. The present invention also relates to a method for forming balustrades and a balustrade kit.

Background of the Invention Balustrades may be formed with tensioned wires

(usually of a high tensile strength metal such as stainless steel) extending vertically or horizontally between top and bottom rails or side rails respectively. Constructing the balustrades with the tensioned wires is a time consuming process. Typically it requires pushing one wire at a time trough an aperture in the upper rail or one of the side rails until the wire extends out the end of that rail/ attaching a connector to the end of the wire having a head portion of greater diameter than the diameter of the aperture and drawing the wire back through the aperture until the connector head portion abuts the inner surface of the rail about the aperture. This process is repeated for all the wires. The wires are then each cut to length and connected to the opposing bottom or side rail in a similar manner. Once connected to the rails, the wires are subsequently tensioned by spacing apart the rails.

Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising: a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture; an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is

located in the tubular body; and a deflector for deflecting the wire at an angle to the wire end portion which is held in the tubular body, when the wire is under tension. In an embodiment, the tubular body is cylindrical.

However, in other embodiments, the tubular body may be square or rectangular in cross- section or any other shape as desired. The tubular body may be open or may be closed at its ends.

Preferably, the tubular body has a diameter which is less than the diameter of the rail aperture.

Preferably, the tubular body has a length which is greater than the diameter of the rail aperture.

In an embodiment, the tubular body is straight.

In another embodiment, the tubular body is bent.

In an embodiment, the tubular body comprises a first portion and a second portion. In an embodiment, the first and second portions are axially aligned.

In another embodiment, the second portion is bent with respect to the first portion.

In an embodiment, the second portion is curved. In an embodiment, the tubular body also comprises a middle portion, the first and second portions arranged either side of the middle portion.

In an embodiment, the first portion defines a closed space in which the wire end portion may be received.

The opening is preferably a lateral opening in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the opening is formed at least in part, in the middle portion. In an embodiment, the opening comprises an aperture .

In an embodiment, the connector aperture is

formed in a middle portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the first and second portions of the tubular body are located on either side of the connector aperture. In another embodiment, the opening comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the cut-away portion extends between an end of the tubular body and the middle portion of the tubular body. In an embodiment, the cut-away portion is formed at least in part in the second portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the deflector deflects the wire at least 30°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when the wire is under tension.

In an embodiment, the deflector also deflects the wire at an angle which is preferably at least 30°, more preferably at least 60°, more preferably approximately perpendicular to the first portion of the tubular body when the wire is under tension.

In an embodiment, the deflector is located in the middle portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the deflector comprises the edge of the opening.

In an embodiment, the deflector comprises the rim of the connector aperture.

In another embodiment, the deflector comprises the edge of the cut-away portion at the middle portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body.

Preferably, the deformable portion is enabled to deform about the wire end portion.

In an embodiment/ at least a part of the first portion of the tubular body comprises the deformable portion.

In an embodiment, the deformable portion is deformable under a crimping action.

In another embodiment/ the wire end portion is retained in the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.

The bond may be formed by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any other suitable method.

In an embodiment, the bond may be formed by deforming, preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular body. Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the deflector also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector, when the wire is under tension.

In an embodiment, the guide is located proximate to the opening in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the guide comprises a projection, projecting from the tubular body. Preferably, the projection provides a surface along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may abut when the wire is under tension.

In an embodiment, the surface of the projection along which the wire abuts is at least in part curved, preferably in the direction of deflection.

In an embodiment, the projection is locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.

In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.

In another embodiment, the connector is formed of

a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail, the connector comprising: a tubular body for receipt therein of a wire end portion and for positioning in the rail through a rail aperture; an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body; and at least one protrusion, protruding from the tubular body for abutting an internal surface of the rail to act against the connector being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension. In an embodiment, the at least one protrusion protrudes laterally from the tubular body.

In another embodiment, the connector comprises one protrusion which protrudes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. In an embodiment, the connector comprises two protrusions, protruding laterally from either side of the tubular body, preferably perpendicular to the tubular body.

The at least one protrusion may be of any shape as desired.

Where the connector comprises more than one protrusion, they may have the same shape and size, but may not be .

The at least one protrusion is located toward an end of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the opening is a lateral opening in the tubular body.

In another embodiment, the opening comprises an end aperture located in an end of the tubular body. In this embodiment, the at least one protrusion is preferably located towards the opening.

In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a

projection, projecting from the tubular body and locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail.

In an embodiment, the projection is formed proximate to the opening.

In an embodiment, the projection projects laterally from the tubular body.

In another embodiment, the projection projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. In an embodiment, the projection has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut. In this embodiment, the projection provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is under tension. In an embodiment, the connector also comprises a retainer for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the retainer comprises a deformable portion of the tubular body. Preferably, the deformable portion is enabled to deform about the wire end portion.

In another embodiment, the wire end portion is retained in the tubular body by formation of a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body. The bond may be formed by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or by any other suitable method.

In an embodiment, the bond may be formed by deforming, preferably by crimping, a deformable portion of the tubular body.

Application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering may occur in combination with deformation of the deformable portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal.

In another embodiment, the connector is formed of

a plastic, preferably a hard plastic.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a balustrade kit comprising: at least two rails; a plurality of wires for extending between the rails; and a plurality of connectors for connecting the wires to the rails, wherein at least one of the connectors is a connector according to either the first or second aspect of the present invention.

Preferably, some of the connectors are connectors according to the first and/or second aspects, more preferably most of the connectors, most preferably all of the connectors. In an embodiment, the rails are top and bottom rails. Thus, in this embodiment, the wires are arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed.

In another embodiment/ the rails are opposing side rails. Thus, this embodiment, the wires are arranged horizontally when the balustrade is formed.

In an embodiment, each rail has a plurality of apertures formed therein.

Preferably, each connector is to be inserted through one of the rail apertures to connect one of the wires to one of the rails.

In an embodiment, each rail has a space therein for receipt of the connectors through the rail apertures, and preferably with one of the wires connected to each of the connectors. In an embodiment, each rail comprises a tubular member. The tubular members may be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in cross- section.

In another embodiment, each rail comprises a U- shaped member, wherein the space in which the connectors are received is readily accessible.

In this embodiment, each rail also comprises a

cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube.

Each cover plate may slideably engage its respective U-shaped member. Each cover plate may have a snap-fit engagement with its respective U-shaped member.

In an embodiment, the balustrade kit also comprises at least one post for the rails to be mounted to. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a balustrade, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting a wire end portion into the tubular body of a connector according to the first aspect of the present invention prior to;

(b) retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body prior to;

(c) inserting the tubular body, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, into a balustrade rail through an aperture in the rail prior to;

(d) providing a tensioning force on the wire.

In an embodiment, the step of inserting the wire end portion into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion through the lateral opening in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises using the retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion.

In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises crimping a portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably the deformable portion. In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.

Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.

In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering. In an embodiment, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into a space in the rail.

Preferably, the space in the rail is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail through the rail aperture.

In an embodiment, during the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail, the longitudinal extent of the wire is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, during the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail, the longitudinal extent of the wire is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the tubular body, in particular the first portion of the tubular body.

In the embodiment where the opening in the tubular body comprises an aperture, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during this step.

In the embodiment where the opening comprises a cut-away portion of the tubular body, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail may comprise holding a portion of the wire against a surface of the cut-away portion during this step.

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes portions of the

tubular body to abut an inner surface of the rail, preferably the first and second portions either side of the rail aperture, respectively.

In another embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the second portion to abut an inner surface of the rail, either side of the rail aperture .

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an angle to the wire end portion.

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the wire to be deflected by the deflector at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the guide to be located in the rail aperture.

In an embodiment, the method also comprises the step of adjusting the length of the wire.

In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the length of the wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.

The step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur before or after steps (a) to (d) .

In an embodiment, the method also comprises repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails, using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of the present invention to form the balustrade.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a balustrade, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting a wire end portion into the tubular body of a connector according to the second aspect of the present invention prior to;

(b) retaining the wire end portion in the tubular

body prior to;

(c) inserting the tubular body, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, into a balustrade rail through an aperture in the rail prior to; (d) providing a tensioning force on the wire.

In an embodiment, the step of inserting the wire end portion into the tubular body comprises inserting the wire end portion through the opening in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises using the retainer to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body.

In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion. In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises crimping a portion of the tubular body about the wire end portion, preferably the deformable portion.

In an embodiment, the step of retaining comprises forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body.

Forming the bond may involve applying an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.

In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body.

In an embodiment, forming the bond comprises deforming the deformable portion of the tubular body in combination with any one or more of applying an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering. In an embodiment, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises inserting the tubular body into a space in the rail.

Preferably, the space in the rail is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body to be inserted into the rail through the rail aperture.

In an embodiment, the step of inserting comprises rotating the tubular body to enable the at least one protrusion to clear the rail aperture.

Rotating the tubular body may cause bending of the wire end portion with respect to the wire.

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the at least one protrusion to abut an inner surface of the rail, preferably close to the rail aperture. Where the connector comprises two protrusions, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire preferably cause the protrusions to abut the inner surface of the rail either side of the rail aperture.

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the projection to be located in the rail aperture.

In an embodiment, the step of providing a tensioning force on the wire causes the tubular body to be moved such that its longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire.

In an embodiment, the method also comprises the step of adjusting the length of the wire.

In an embodiment, the step of adjusting the length of the wire comprises cutting the wire to the required length.

The step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur before or after steps (a) to (d) .

In an embodiment, the method also comprises repeating steps (a) to (d) for a plurality of wires and for two or more rails, using a plurality of connectors according to the first aspect of the present invention to form the balustrade.

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, which:

Figures 1 to 4 are schematic views of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to an embodiment of the invention shown sequentially through Figures 1 to 4 in a method for forming a balustrade; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 6 to 9 are schematic views of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a further embodiment of the invention shown sequentially through Figures 6 to 9 in a method for forming a balustrade;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a connector for connecting a wire to a balustrade rail according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, a connector 10 for connecting a wire 11 to a balustrade rail 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector 10 comprises a tubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end portion. The tubular body 13 as shown in the Figures is cylindrical and has open ends. However, the tubular body may be square or rectangular in cross-section or any other shape as desired and may be closed at its ends. Notably, the tubular body 13 has a diameter which is less than the diameter of a rail aperture 30, but a length which is greater than the diameter of the rail aperture 30. This enables the tubular body 13 to be positioned in the rail 12 through the rail aperture 30 as shown in particular in Figures 3 and 4.

The tubular body 13 comprises first and second portions 15, 16 respectively and a middle portion 17. The

first and second portions 15, 16 are arranged either side of the middle portion 17, with the first portion 15 being arranged to receive therein the wire end portion as shown in Figure 2 for example. The first and second portions 15, 16 are axially aligned, providing for a straight tubular body 13. The second portion 16 may be considered to be a protrusion from the first portion 15 (or more particularly from the middle portion 17) .

The wire end portion is retained in the tubular body 13, preferably by forming a bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body 13. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the connector 10 comprises a retainer in the form of a deformable portion 21 for retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body 13. The deformable portion 21 is enabled to deform about the wire end portion, typically by crimping the deformable portion 21. The deformable portion 21 is generally formed, at least in part, by the first portion 15 of the tubular body 13. Deformation of the deformable portion 21 in this way creates a strong mechanical interlock between the tubular body 13 and the wire end portion. This may occur in combination with the application of an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method. In other embodiments not shown in the Figures, the bond between the wire end portion and the tubular body may be formed by the application of an adhesive, welding, brazing or soldering without any deformation of the tubular body.

The connector 10 also comprises an opening in the tubular body 13, shown in the Figures in the form of a lateral cut-away portion 20, for the wire 11 to extend from the connector 10 when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body 13. The cut-away portion 20 is formed in the second portion 16 of the tubular body 13, extending between an end of the tubular body 13 and the middle portion 17 of the tubular body.

In a variation not shown in the Figures, the

opening may be in the form of an aperture. The aperture is formed laterally in the middle portion 17 of the tubular body 13 and the first and second portions 15, 16 of the tubular body 13 are located on either side of the aperture .

Referring again to Figures 1 to 4, the connector

10 also comprises a deflector 22 for deflecting the wire

11 at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to the wire end portion when the wire 11 is under tension (as shown in Figure 4) . The wire 11 is also deflected at an angle which is approximately perpendicular to the tubular body 13 by the deflector 22, when the wire 11 is under tension. The deflector 22 is located in the middle portion 17 of the tubular body 1. and comprises the edge of the opening. Thus, the deflector 22 as shown in the Figures comprises the edge of■ the cut-away portion 20 at the middle portion 17 of the tubular body 13. However, in the variation discussed above where the opening is in the form of an aperture, the deflector comprises the rim of the aperture.

The connector 10 is typically formed of a metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium or any other suitable metal. However, the connector 10 may be formed of a plastic, preferably a hard plastic. Referring now to Figure 5, a connector 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector 110 is similar to the connector shown in Figures 1 to 4. Similar features of the connector 110 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 1.

The deflector 122 shown in Figure 5 also comprises a guide for guiding deflection of the wire by the deflector 122, when the wire is under tension. The guide is located proximate to the opening in the tubular body 113 and in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is shown in the form of a projection 125, projecting from the tubular body 113. The projection 125 provides a surface

126 along which a portion of the wire which is adjacent to the wire end portion may abut when the wire is under tension. The surface of the projection 125 along which the wire abuts may be curved in the direction of deflection of the wire so as to guide bending (ie. deflection) of the wire in a way which minimises any localised parts of the bent wire being of increased tensile stress. The projection 125 is also locatable in the rail aperture after the tubular body 113 has been positioned in the rail.

The connectors 10, 110 shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 5 may form part of a balustrade kit. Such a kit may also comprise at least two rails 12, a plurality of wires 11 for extending between the rails 12 and at least one post for the rails to be mounted to.

The rails 12 may be arranged as top and bottom rails with the wires 11 arranged vertically when the balustrade is formed. However, the rails 12 may also be arranged as opposing side rails with the wires 11 arranged horizontally when the balustrade is formed.

Each rail 12 has a plurality of apertures formed therein such as the aperture 30 shown in Figures 3 and 4. Each connector 10, 110 in the kit is to be inserted through one of the rail apertures 30 into the rail space 31 to connect one of the wires 11 to one of the rails 12.

Each rail 12 comprises a tubular member which may be circular, square, rectangular or any other shape as desired in cross-section. In a variation, each rail may comprise a U-shaped member, wherein the rail space 31 in which the connectors are received is readily accessible. In this variation, each rail 12 also comprises a cover plate for engaging the U-shaped member to form a tube. The cover plates may slideably engage their respective U- shaped member or they may have a snap-fit engagement with their respective U-shaped member.

Construction of a balustrade using the connector 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 will now be described:

Referring firstly to Figure 2, the wire end portion of the wire is inserted into the tubular body 13 of the connector 10 by inserting the wire end portion through the opening and into the tubular body 13, specifically the first portion 15 of the tubular body 13. Subsequent to this the retainer is used to retain the wire end portion in the tubular body 13. This step generally involves deforming the deformable portion 21 of the tubular body 13 about the wire end portion, typically by crimping the deformable portion 21. This deformation of the deformable portion 21 about the wire end portion forms a strong mechanical interlock between the tubular body 13 and the wire end portion. In combination or variation to retaining the wire end portion in the tubular body 13 in this way, a bond may be formed between the wire end portion and the tubular body 13 by application of an adhesive, welding, brazing, soldering such as silver soldering or any other suitable method.

Figure 3 shows the next step of the method, in which the tubular body 13, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, is inserted into the balustrade rail 12 through an aperture 30 in the rail 12 and into the space 31 inside the rail 12. Notably, the space 31 in the rail 12 is of sufficient size to enable the length of the tubular body 13 to be inserted into the rail 12 through the rail aperture 30 and to subsequently rotate into the position shown in Figure 4.

During the step of inserting the tubular body 13 into the balustrade rail 12, the longitudinal extent of the wire 11 is substantially parallel to and axially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the tubular body 13. As the tubular body 13 is inserted into the balustrade rail 12, a portion of the wire is held against a surface of the cut-away portion 20 of the tubular body 13. This is to ensure that the tubular body 13 with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through the rail aperture 30.

It is noted that in the variation not shown in Figures but described above where the opening in the tubular body of the connector comprises an aperture, the step of inserting the tubular body into the balustrade rail comprises holding a portion of the wire against an outer surface of a portion of the tubular body during this step. This is also to ensure that the tubular body with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein can pass through the rail aperture 30. Referring now to Figure 4, once the tubular body

13 of the connector 10 has been inserted into the balustrade rail 12, a tensioning force is applied on the wire. This causes the tubular body 13 to rotate inside the rail space 31 into a position where the first and second portions 15, 16 of the tubular body 13 abut an inner surface of the rail, either side of the rail aperture 30. In doing so, the wire 11 is deflected by the deflector 22 approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal extent of the tubular body 13 and to the wire end portion retained therein.

It is noted that where the connector 110 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 5 is used, the step in this method of providing a tensioning force on the wire also causes the guide 125 to be located in the rail aperture.

Once the above steps have occurred, the length of the wire may be adjusted as required, typically by cutting the wire to the required length. However, it is noted that this step of adjusting the length of the wire may occur at any suitable point in time during the method.

The above steps are repeated for a plurality of wires 11 and for two or more rails/ using a plurality of the connectors 10 (or 110) to form the balustrade.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 9, a connector 210 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector 210 is similar to the connector shown in Figures 1 to 4. Similar features of the connector

210 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 2.

A significant difference between the connector 210 shown in Figures 6 to 9 and the connector 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, is that the second portion 216 of the tubular body 113 of the connector 210 is bent with respect to the first portion 215. The second portion 216 is bent in a curve. The bent second portion 216 is to enable the connector 210 to be used with less flexible wires. As shown, in particular in Figure 9, when the tubular body 213, with the wire end portion inserted and retained therein, is inserted into the balustrade rail 212 and a tensioning force is applied to the wire 211, the wire 211 is deflected by the deflector 222 at an angle which is less than perpendicular to the wire end portion and less than perpendicular to the first portion 215 of the tubular body 213. The angle at which the wire 211 is deflected is at least 30° with respect to the first portion 215 of the tubular body 213 and to the wire end portion retained therein but may be more or less. Notably, as shown in

Figure 9, the step of providing the tensioning force on the wire causes the second portion 216 to abut the inner surface of the rail 212, either side of the rail aperture 230. The first portion 216 when the connector 210 is in this position projects into the rail space.

This lesser deflection of the wire 211 when using the connector 210, advantageously readily enables the connection of very inflexible wires to balustrade rails without the need for providing high tensioning forces on the wires which could risk breaking them.

Referring now to Figure 10, a connector 310 according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The connector 310 is similar to the connector shown in Figures 1 to 4. Similar features of the connector 310 have therefore been designated with the same reference number but have been prefixed with the numeral 3.

The connector 310 comprises a tubular body 13 for receipt therein of a wire end portion and which is for positioning in a rail through a rail aperture. The connector 310 also comprises an opening in the tubular body for the wire to extend from the connector 310 when the wire end portion is located in the tubular body 313. As shown in Figure 10, the opening is in the form of an end aperture 340 located in an end of the tubular body 313. The connector 310 also comprises at least one protrusion 341. The at least one protrusion 341 protrudes from the tubular body 313 and is for abutting an internal surface of the rail so as to act against the connector 310 being removed from the rail when the wire is under tension. Although the protrusion 341 is shown in Figure 10 as having a cut-away hollow cylindrical shape, the protrusion may be of any shape such as a plate, block or wedge for example. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the connector 310 has only one protrusion. In a further embodiment shown in Figure 11, a similar connector 410 is shown comprising two protrusions 441. Notably, the protrusions 441 of the connector 440 shown in Figure 11 are different in size and shape, although the protrusions in other embodiments could be the same size and shape. It is also noted that in further embodiments, the connector may comprise more than two protrusions.

The protrusions 341, 441 protrude laterally from the tubular bodies 313, 413 of the respective connectors 310, 410. In the case of the connector 410 shown in Figure 11, the two protrusions 441 protrude from either side of the tubular body 413. The protrusions 341, 441 are located towards the end of the tubular body 313, 413 at which the opening in the form of an end aperture 340, 440 is located. Referring only to Figure 10 for convenience, the connector 310 also comprises a projection 325 projecting from the tubular body 313. The projection 325 is locatable

in the rail aperture after the tubular body has been positioned in the rail. The projection is formed proximate to the opening in the form of the end aperture 340 and projects parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body 313. The projection 325 has a curved inner surface against which the wire under tension may abut. The projection 325 thus provides a guide for guiding any deflection of the wire, when the wire is under tension.

The connectors 310, 410 shown in Figures 10 and 11 are also particularly advantageous for use with very inflexible wires as in use, when the wire is under tension, the connectors 310, 410 require minimal or no bending of the wire. Some bending of the wire may occur when the tubular body 313, 413 is inserted into the rail as the tubular body is generally required to rotate to enable the protrusions 341, 441 to clear the rail aperture. However, once a tensioning force is applied to the wire, the protrusions 341, 441 are caused to abut an inner surface of the rail, generally close to the rail aperture which subsequently results in the tubular body

313 being moved into a position where its longitudinal extent is substantially aligned with the longitudinal extent of the wire. Importantly, providing a tensioning force on the wire also results in the projection 325, 425 being located in the rail aperture. Furthermore, if any bending (ie. deflection) of the wire under tension is required, the curvature of the inner surface of the projection 325 helps guide this bending, reducing the possibility of tensile stresses building up in any particular part of the bent wire.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except 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, ie. 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.