CABLE MOUNTING MEANS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a cable mounting means, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a cable mounting means adapted to secure cables to uneven surfaces.

BACKGROUND ART

Cables are commonly secured to surfaces or fixed to posts using fasteners such as clips, cable ties or specially adapted mounting means. If the cable is a bare electrical wire, such as a hotwire (unsheathed electric wire such as those commonly used in electric fences), then it is advantageous that the mounting means is also an insulator.

Currently used mounting means commonly have vertically aligned holes or guides that promote driving at least one nail into the same grain of a wooden post. This increases the likelihood of the post splitting over time and the mounting means becoming less secure.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a cable mounting means and/or a method of mounting cables which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the aforementioned problems.

Alternatively, it is an object to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Other objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable mounting means comprising a cable engaging means for receiving a cable and a mounting face adapted for applying the cable mounting means to a surface.

Preferably, the cable mounting means is adapted to electrically insulate a cable inside the cable engaging means from the surface to which the cable mounting means is mounted. To this end, according to a presently preferred embodiment, the cable mounting means is formed from an electrical insulator, such as a plastic.

Preferably, the mounting face is adapted for applying the cable mounting means to a non-planar surface. However, the cable mounting means is not limited thereto.

Preferably, the cable mounting means is adapted to be applied to a convex surface of a support, such as a post, preferably, a wooden post.

Preferably, the mounting face is substantially concave about a central plane substantially bisecting the mounting means.

Preferably, the concave mounting face has a curvature adapted to compliment the convex surface of a post.

Preferably, the cable engaging means is provided on the surface of the cable mounting means that substantially opposes the mounting face. More preferably, the cable engaging means extends from the opposing surface, away from the mounting face.

Preferably, the cable mounting means has a longitudinal axis orientated to be substantially parallel to the post to which it is to be mounted, wherein the cable engaging means is adapted to engage at least one cable substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the cable engaging means comprises a keyway having a restricted opening that is configured to receive the cable therethrough.

Preferably, the keyway is open at each end. ' ^■

Preferably, the inner surfaces of the keyway are at least partially curved.

Preferably, the cross-sectional dimensions of the enlarged portion of the keyway are approximately 17mm x 4mm.

Preferably, the keyway and/or the opening is offset from being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cable mounting means. More particularly, the opening is offset from being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable mounting means.

Preferably, the cable mounting means is configured to be secured to the surface using fastening means.

Preferably, the cable mounting means comprises at least one hole or guide through which the fastening means may be passed.

Preferably, the fastening means are nails. Alternatively, the mounting device may be secured to a surface using staples, screws, ties etc.

Preferably, the cable mounting means comprises two holes or guides diagonally offset either side of the longitudinal axis. Such an arrangement will generally prevent more than one fixing being provided in the same grain of a wooden support, at least with the holes or guides sufficiently offset from one another when the cable mounting means is applied in its normal use position.

Preferably, the cable mounting means comprises a recessed channel at or about each hole or guide.

Preferably, the cable mounting means is fabricated as a single unit.

Preferably, the cable mounting means is fabricated from plastic.

Preferably, the cable mounting means is substantially hollow. More preferably, the cable mounting means comprises a substantially hollow cavity behind the engaging means. Preferably, the hollow cavity is open at the mounting surface. Preferably, ribs are provided in said cavity for structural integrity / rigidity.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a post or other support including at least one cable mounting means according to the first aspect of the invention coupled, or integral thereto.

According to a third broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a post or other support including a cable engaging means having: a body;

a longitudinal axis configured to be substantially perpendicular to a cable engaged with the cable engaging means, in use; and an elongate opening configured to receive the cable therethrough and offset from being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that, in use, the opening is offset from the cable in its normal position.

Preferably, the body comprises a channel into the cable is passed via the elongate opening, wherein the cross-section of the cavity is greater than that of the opening, such that the cavity has a restricted opening or opposing jaws.

Preferably, the cavity is open at each end.

Preferably, the cavity has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

Preferably, the inner surfaces of the cavity are at least partially curved.

Preferably, the cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity are approximately 17mm x 4mm.

According to a fourth broad aspect, there is provided a cable mounting means comprising at least two holes or guides through which a fastening means may be passed.

Preferably, the cable mounting means comprises two holes or guides diagonally offset from a central plane substantially vertically bisecting the cable mounting means.

Preferably, the cable mounting means further comprises a recessed channel at or about each hole or guide.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting at least one cable using a mounting means according to the first and/or fourth aspects and/or a post or support according to the second and/or third aspects.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention, a cable mounting means and/or a method of mounting cables is substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following description given by way of example of possible embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURES 1A-1 E: show various diagrammatic views of a preferred embodiment of a cable mounting means. In particular, Fig. 1A is a view from above; Fig. 1 B is a side view; Fig. 1C is an end view; and Figs. 1 D and 1 E are alternative perspective views.

FIGURES 2A-2E: show various diagrammatic views of an alternative preferred embodiment of the cable mounting means. In particular, Fig. 2A is a view from above; Fig. 2B is a side view; Fig. 2C is an end view; Figs. 2D and 2E are alternative perspective views.

FIGURE 3A: is a diagrammatic view of the cable mounting means of Figs. 1 A-1 E fastened to a post.

FIGURE 3B: is a diagrammatic view of the cable mounting means of Figs. 2A-2E fastened to a flat surface, such as a quarter post.

FIGURE 4: is a diagrammatic view of the cable mounting means of Figs. 1A-1E or 2A- 2E fastened to a post with a cable engaged therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In broad terms, the invention provides a cable mounting means that helps to prevent a wooden support from splitting when the cable mounting means is applied to a support by appropriately offsetting the points at which such fixings are designed to be applied so that multiple fixings are not, or are less likely to, be applied along a line of weakness in the support, such as a wood grain. Additionally or alternatively, the invention provides a cable mounting means adapted to secure cables to surfaces having various profiles, such as the curved surfaces of posts. While this configuration is of benefit in isolation from the immediately aforementioned aspect in that it helps to prevent movement of the mounting means relative to the support to which it is applied, it provides

for particular advantages when used in combination with the aspect of the invention in which the positions for applying fixings are offset. Contrary to prior arrangements where vertically aligned holes are used, the use of offset holes can create undue bending stress in a mounting means that does not have a complimentary profile to that of the surface to which it is applied because, during application of fixings, the mounting means will be at least partially deformed. This strain can result in immediate cracking and/or damage over time. Conforming the profile of the mounting means to the surface to which it is applied eliminates or at least reduces such strain. The invention also relates to a method of securing cables, particularly to non-planar surfaces using the cable mounting means.

Referring to Figures 1A-E, the cable mounting means 100 according to a first embodiment comprises a mounting face 1 and a cable engaging means 2. The mounting face 1 is shown to be substantially concave to facilitate fastening of the cable mounting means 100 to a non-planar surface of a support. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting face 1 is substantially concave about a central plane P, which substantially bisects the mounting means as shown in Figure 1B. The central plane P shown in Figure 1B is perpendicular to the plane of the paper (extends above and below).

The cable engaging means 2 may be any suitable material or device capable of gripping or securing at least one cable. However, in a preferred embodiment, the cable engaging means 2 extends substantially opposite the mounting face 1 and is adapted to engage at least one cable substantially perpendicular to the central plane.

Figures IA, C and D show the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention, where the engaging means 2 comprises a keyway 3 which is open at each end. Referring specifically to Figure 1A, the cable mounting means 100 is configured to hold a cable along the line L, or at least substantially parallel thereto.

The cable engaging means 2 may be of any size and shape depending on the diameter and type of cable used. However; in a preferred embodiment, the keyway 3 has a portion having a substantially rectangular cross-section as shown in Figure 1C. The inner surface of the keyway 3 may be partially curved to minimize contact on the cable, thus reducing wear on the cable (particularly any anti-corrosion protection provided on an outer surface thereof) and prevent any power leakage or tracking. In a preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional dimensions of the

keyway 3 are approximately 4mm x 17mm. A keyway 3 of these dimensions can accommodate cables up to 4 mm in diameter.

The keyway 3 further comprises an opening 4 running the length thereof. The opening 4 allows at least one cable to be introduced into the keyway 3. Figures 1A and 1 D show a preferred embodiment, where the opening 4 is offset from the line L, to allow at least one cable to be introduced into the engaging means 2. This arrangement means that, when a cable is under tension and engaged with engaging means 2, it is not readily possible to pull the cable out of the opening 4 because the two are not aligned. Note that opening 4 may be omitted. While this provides for rapid insertion and removal of a cable from the mounting means 100, it will be apparent that one end of a cable may be passed though a ring or loop. However, this is not preferred. Also, while not required, locking means (not shown) may be provided which further inhibit removal of a cable from the mounting means 100. For example, a spring clip may be pivotally attached to side of the opening 4, similar to the arrangement of a Caribina.

The cable mounting means 100 may further comprise at least one hole or guide 5, through which fastening means may be passed, as shown in Figures 1A and 1D. Fastening means may include nails, staples, screws or ties. In preferred embodiments, nails or staples are used and the holes or guides 5 should be of sufficient diameter to allow the nail or staple to pass through and subsequently secure the cable mounting means 100. Alternatively, the cable mounting means 100 may have at least one marked depression or weak spot through which a fastening means is driven.

The holes or guides 5 may be aligned with the central plane P, however in a preferred embodiment, the holes or guides 5 are offset. In the most preferred embodiment, two holes or guides 5 are diagonally offset from the central plane P as shown in Figure 1A.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cable mounting means 100 may. have the fastening means already partially or substantially passed through the at least one hole or guide 5 to facilitate application or mounting of the cable mounting means 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the fastening means may be held securely in the holes or guides 5 of the mounting means 100, prior to application.

The cable mounting means 100 may further comprise at least one partially recessed channel 6 at or about the hole or guide 5 as shown in Figure 1A. If staples are used as a fastening means, the

staple may straddle the channel 6. Furthermore, the staples may be preloaded and held securely straddling the channel 6, prior to application.

According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the cable mounting means 100 is an electrical insulator. Therefore, it is preferable that the mounting means is fabricated from insulating material such as plastic. Typically, the mounting means is fabricated as a single, integral unit by injection moulding. In the most preferred embodiment, the mounting means 100 is fabricated from substantially rigid plastics such as polyethylene, UV resistant polystyrenes and the like.

Referring to Figure 1E, the cable mounting means 100 may be substantially hollow to reduce the amount of material required to fabricate the cable mounting means 100 and reduce weight. Figure 1 E shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the mounting means 100 is hollowed out to form an inner cavity 7, and the mounting face 1 is open. The inner cavity 7 preferably comprises transverse ribbing 8 to increase the strength of the cable mounting means 100. The ribbing 8 may extend substantially vertically and/or horizontally across the mounting means 100.

Figures 2A-2E show an alternative embodiment wherein the mounting face 1 is flat. Other than the substantially planar mounting face 1 , the cable mounting means of Figures 2A-2E is substantially similar to that of Figures 1A-1E and like references have been used for like parts. Repetition of the description has been avoided and the reader is referred to the description in relation to the previous embodiment. Again, the holes or guides, through which fastening means may be passed are preferably diagonally offset from the central plane P, as best shown in Figure 2A.

For use, the cable mounting means 100 is secured to a surface using fastening means as previously described. Referring to Figure 3A, there is shown the cable mounting means 100 of Figures 1A-1 E secured to a non-planar surface, such as a post 9. Nails 10 or staples may be driven ^' through the holes or guides 5 into the post 9, thus securing the mounting means. The nails 10 represented in Figure 3A may be driven into the post along the dotted lines.

The mounting face 1 of the mounting means is substantially concave about a central plane and in a preferred embodiment, the concave mounting face 1 is complimentary to the convex surface to which it is to be fastened. For example, complimentary to the curved outer surface of a wooden post 9. As the mounting face 1 and the post 9 are complimentary, the mounting, means should be

secured under substantially reduced strain compared to a flat faced mounting means secured to a non-planar surface.

In the alternative embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2A-2E, wherein the mounting face 1 is substantially flat, the cable mounting means 100 may be fastened to a substantially flat surface, such as a quarter post, as shown in Figure 3B.

While only two profiles of the mounting face 1 have been described, the invention is not limited thereto. The mounting face 1 may be configured to be complimentary to any surface to which the mounting means is to be applied.

The holes or guides 5 are preferably diagonally offset from the central plane P of the mounting means 100. Referring to Figure 4, nails or staples 11 , for example, can be driven through holes or guides 5 into a wooden post 9 to secure the mounting means 100 thereto.

If staples are used as a fastening means, they may straddle the recessed channel 6 shown in Figure 1A, thereby providing for an improved profile and preventing the staples from undesirably protruding from the cable mounting means 100. Since the holes or guides 5 of the cable mounting means 100 are offset, the nails or staples 11 should be driven into different grains running through the post 9 since these tend to run substantially parallel along the length of a post. This should reduce the risk of adversely splitting the post 9 thereby improving the fastening of the mounting means 100 to the post 9.

Once the mounting means 100 has been fastened to a surface such as a post 9, the cable(s) can be engaged into the mounting means. Figure 4 shows the mounting means 100 secured to a substantially vertical post 9, with a cable 12 running substantially perpendicular to the post 9.

During installation, the flexible cable 12 may be inserted into the engaging means 2 through the opening 4. Following engagement, the cable 12 may be tensioned and may be held securely mounted on the post by the engaging means 2. Furthermore, even when under tension, with appropriate manipulation, it may be possible to remove and/or insert a cable from/in the cable engaging means 2, thereby providing for rapid assembly/dismantling while preventing undesired or inadvertent removal of the cable from the engaging means 2.

Persons skilled in the art will realize the cable mounting means 100 can be used to mount at least one cable of any type, however, in a preferred embodiment of the .invention, one hot wire (bare electric wire such as that commonly used in electric fences) may be mounted onto a wooden post using the cable mounting means 100.

Throughout this specification and any claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise", "comprising" and the like, are to be construed in. an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments 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 attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the present invention.