CONNECTION FIXTURE

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a connection fixture. The invention is particularly applicable as an adjustable connection fixture for interconnecting fencing members of a fence structure and it can be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application and could be used for connecting tubular sections in various other structures such as balustrades, railings, hand rails, or the like.

Background of the Invention

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Metal tubular fences are constructed from a plurality of tubular pipes which are interconnected using connection fixtures. Traditionally, different types of connection fixtures have been used to interconnect the tubular pipes at the various angled connection areas of the fence structure. For example, fixed angle tee fixtures have been used to form a T-joint between adjoining pipes, specifically configured cross fixtures have been used to connect adjoining pipes end to end, and specifically designed corner fittings have been used to connect adjoining pipes in a corner section of a fence structure. A fence builder has therefore had to carry a large stock of specifically configured fixtures to construct even a simple tubular fence structure.

It is therefore desirable to provide an alternative connection fixture which can interconnect a first fencing member at a selected angle relative to a second fencing member.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a connection fixture for interconnecting at least two fencing members, the connection fixture including: a mounting fixture configured to be secured around a section of a first fencing member, the mounting fixture including a first connection aperture; at least one receiving element configured to receive an end section of a second fencing member, each receiving element including a second connection aperture; and at least one connector configured to be received through the first connection aperture and the second connection aperture of at least one of the receiving elements to secure that receiving element to the mounting fixture, wherein at least one of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture is configured to allow the at least one receiving element to be adjusted relative to the mounting fixture.

The fixture according to the present invention can replace most existing standard connection fixtures, such as tee fixtures, cross fixtures and corner fixtures in a fence structure. A user can use the adjustability of a connection fixture according to the present invention to move the receiving element to the specific angle relative to the mounting fixture required to interconnect two adjoining fencing members. It is therefore possible to use only small selection of connection fixtures according to the present invention for the various connection applications in a fence structure in comparison to the number of specialised fixed angle fittings/fixtures necessary for the same application.

The first connection aperture and/or the second connection aperture can be any suitable configuration that enables the receiving element to pivot relative to the mounting fixture. In one embodiment, at least one of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture is larger than the connector configured to be received therein, thereby allowing the connector to move transversely within the respective first connection aperture or second connection aperture. In this regard, the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture could comprise a circular opening, a triangular opening, a

V-shaped opening, an oval opening, a square opening, a star shaped opening or the like. As can be appreciated, the shape of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture can therefore substantially dictate the freedom of movement of the receiving element relative to the mounting fixture. For example, a substantially circular opening call allow two dimensional movement of the receiving element relative to the mounting fixture, whereas a rectangular slot can provide greater freedom of movement of the receiving element in one direction relative to the mounting fixture (along an elongate axis of the slot) as compared to another direction (the shorter width axis of the slot). Conversely, a triangular or V-shaped opening can provide various other directions of movement.

In another embodiment, the first connection aperture and the second connection aperture are aligned along the pivot axis between the mounting fixture and the receiving element, so as to position the connector along the pivot axis.

In a preferred embodiment, one of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture comprises a substantially elongate slot allowing the receiving element to move relative to the mounting fixture about an elongate axis of the slot. More preferably, one of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture comprises a substantially elongate slot that allows the receiving element to pivot relative to the mounting fixture about an elongate axis of the slot. The configuration of one of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture preferably allows at least a 90° adjustment between the receiving element and the mounting fixture. More preferably, the configuration of one of the first connection aperture or the second connection aperture allows at least a 120° adjustment between the receiving element and the mounting fixture. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated, that the configuration of the first connection aperture and/or the second connection aperture can be adjusted to provide any suitable range of angular movements desired for a particular application.

The connector is typically tightened or otherwise moved to a fastening state in order to secure the receiving element at a desired adjusted position relative to the mounting fixture. Adjustment between the receiving element and the mounting fixture is therefore preferably conducted when the connection is in a loosened state, thereby allowing movement between the receiving element and the mounting fixture.

The mounting fixture can be any suitable body configurable to be fastened around the first fencing member. Suitable configurations include clasps, clamps, collars, sheaths, hubs, ball, donut shaped bodies or the like. In one embodiment, the mounting fixture comprises a body including an opening through which the first fencing member is received. As can be appreciated, the mounting fixture can be fastened to the first fencing member using any suitable means including (but not limited to) a clamping fit, interference fit, threaded connection or through the insertion of a fastening device such as a screw, rivet, bolt or the like through each of the mounting fixture and first fencing member to fasten the mounting fixture to the first fencing member. Preferably, each of the receiving element and mounting fixture includes at least one fastening hole through which a fastener can be inserted to fasten the receiving element or mounting fixture respectively to the corresponding fencing member.

In one embodiment, the mounting fixture includes a collar configured to be fastened around a section of a first fencing member. The collar preferably includes a tubular hub configured to be fastened around a section of the first fencing member and a connection section which includes the first connection aperture. The connection section is preferably configured to receive and seat an end section of the connector. The hub preferably comprises a tubular body which is seated around the external side of the first fencing member. In some embodiments, the tubular body substantially encloses a portion of the first fencing member.

The connection section of the mounting fixture can take the form of any body, recess or element suitable to receive the first clamp end of the connector. In one embodiment, the connection section comprises a protrusion which extends

radially outwardly of the tubular hub. As can be appreciated, the protrusion can take a variety of suitable forms including but not limited to a projection body, hump, lump, flange, rib or the like. Preferably, the protrusion comprises an annular rib.

The protrusion can include any suitable means to receive an end section of the connector. Preferably, the protrusion includes a means to seat and releasably retain an end section of the connector within the protrusion. In one such embodiment, the connection section includes a groove for receiving an end section of the connector. Preferably, the groove is internally located within the protrusion. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments the groove could be an external feature such as an externally located trench or the like.

The receiving element and mounting fixture are configured to be fastened together using the connector. In some embodiments, the receiving element and mounting fixture are designed to be assembled with adjoining sections in abutting engagement. In such embodiments, these adjoining sections are preferably located proximate to the first connection aperture and the second connection aperture respectively. Accordingly, it is preferable that each of these adjoining sections is cooperatively configured to facilitate relative movement of the receiving element and mounting fixture. In one embodiment, the receiving element includes an engagement section configured to be placed in abutting engagement with the connection section, the engagement section having a complementary configuration to the connection section to facilitate sliding movement therebetween.

The engagement section and the connection section can have any number of suitable complementary forms. In one embodiment, one of the engagement section or the connection section includes a depression into which the other of the connection section of the engagement section can be seated. In another embodiment, one of the engagement section or the connection section includes a hemispherical recess configured to receive a corresponding hemispherical body of the other of the connection section of the engagement section. In yet

another embodiment, one of the engagement section or the connection section includes an arched shape rib configured to receive a corresponding trench of the other of the connection section of the engagement section.

The connector can comprise any suitable component capable of being inserted through each of the first connection aperture and the second connection aperture. Preferably, the connector also includes a first clamp end and a second clamp end located at spaced apart ends of the connector.

The first clamp end and second clamp end can comprise any suitable arrangement including but not limited to retaining heads, threaded sections, fasteners such as nuts, pins, clamps, clasps or the like. Accordingly, some embodiments of the connector can comprise a conventional bolt having a retaining head at one end and a threaded section at the other end onto which a nut can be secured. In other embodiments, the connector comprises an elongate rod including threaded sections on each distal end onto which a nut can be secured. In yet other embodiments, the connector comprises an elongate rod including a fastening hole on each distal end through which a fastening pin can be inserted. In one preferred embodiment, the connector includes a substantially T-shaped element. In this respect, one of the first fastening element or the second fastening element comprises a retaining head of the T-shaped element.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first clamp end or second clamp end of the connector includes a retaining head integrally attached to the elongate member of the connector. In one embodiment, the retaining head comprises a tubular bar. In another embodiment, the retaining head has a substantially hemispherical or spherical configuration. However, it should be appreciated that any other suitable retaining head configuration could equally be used.

In some embodiments, one of the first fastening element or the second fastening element includes a releasably securable arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one of the first clamp end or second clamp end of the connector includes a threaded end and cooperating nut. However, it should be

appreciated that any other suitable releasably securable arrangement could equally be used, such as a pin and retaining hole arrangement.

In another embodiment of the connection fixture, the mounting fixture includes a first protrusion including the first connection aperture and the receiving element includes a second protrusion including the second connection aperture, the connection apertures configured to receive the at least one connector. Preferably, each of the first protrusion and second protrusions comprise at least one flange. Each of the flanges preferably have cooperating configurations, and receive the connector in a position where connector can act as a pivot about which the mounting fixture and receiving element pivot relative to one another. In one preferred form, the flanges extend perpendicularly from each of the mounting fixture and receiving element, and the connector is received perpendicularly through each of these flanges. The connector preferable comprises a threaded bolt which can be releasably secured together to clamp the flanges together. Of course, the mounting fixture can include two of more first protrusions to cooperate with two or more protrusions from cooperating receiving elements. The multiple protrusions can be spaced around the mounting fixture to allow two or more receiving elements to be connected to the mounting fixture.

The receiving element can have any suitable configuration which can be affixed, or otherwise fastened to the end of a second fencing member. In some embodiments, the receiving element has a similar configuration to the mounting fixture. In other embodiments, the receiving element has a different configuration to the mounting fixture. In one embodiment, the receiving element includes at least one connection member configured to be affixed to a section of the second fencing member. In some embodiments, the receiving element includes a sleeve section configured to receive and seat the end section of the second fencing member. It should be appreciated that the receiving element could include two or more second connection apertures.

Some embodiments of the connection fixture according to the present invention can be configured to mount a receiving element thereon in a number of different

locations. Accordingly, some embodiments of the connection fixture include a mounting fixture that includes at least two first connection apertures. Of course, these embodiments could include at least two receiving elements. Each receiving element would be configured to receive an end section of a fencing member and could be fastened to the mounting fixture using a cooperating connector. Accordingly, the position of each of the at least two receiving elements could be selected to suit a particular connection configuration between three or more fencing members.

The connection fixture of the present invention can be used to connect a variety of different types of fencing members. Suitable fencing members include metal or wooden members including poles, posts, struts, beams, sections, arches or the like. In a preferred embodiment, each of the fencing members comprises tubular poles. Of course, the tubular poles could have any suitable cross- section including circular, square, rectangular or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention can now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a connection fixture according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cut out view of the connection fixture of Figure 1 showing the connection arrangement of the connection fixture.

Figure 3 is a base perspective view of the connection fixture of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the connection fixture of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the post collar of the connection fixture of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the connection arrangement of the connection fixture of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cross beam mount of the connection fixture of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of one fence structure including the connection fixture of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a connection fixture according to the present invention including two spaced apart receiving elements.

Figure 10 is a plan view of a connection fixture according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a connection fixture according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 9 illustrate a connection fixture 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 4 show the connection fixture 10 as assembled. Figures 5 to 7 show the unassembled components of the connection fixture 10. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate one application of the connection fixture 10 when used to interconnect adjoining fencing members, in this case metal tubular poles 12, 14, to form a fence structure 16.

The illustrated connection fixture 10 includes three interconnected sections, being a mounting fixture 18, a receiving element 20 and a connector 22.

The connector 22 (best shown in Figure 6) is used to fasten the receiving element 20 to the mounting fixture 18. The illustrated connector 22 is a T- shaped component which includes an elongate central shaft 48 having

transversely orientated tubular bar retaining head 50 at one end and a threaded shaft 52 at the other end. The threaded shaft 52 cooperates with a retaining nut 54 to form a clamping end for the connector 22.

The illustrated mounting fixture 18 (best shown in Figure 5) is a tubular collar configured to be fastened around a section of a fencing member, such as tubular pole 14 shown in Figure 8. In this regard, the mounting fixture 18 includes a central opening 24 through which a fencing member such as pole 14 can be received. A tubular hub section 26 is provided having tubular walls 27 configured to encircle and substantially abut with the outer surface of a tubular pole 14 received within the central opening 24. The hub section 26 includes two fastening holes 28 through which a fastener, such as a bolt (not illustrated in the Figures) can be inserted to fasten the mounting fixture 18 to a tubular pole 14 received within the central opening 24, as for example is shown in Figure 9.

The illustrated mounting fixture 18 also includes an annular connection section 30 in the form of an annular rib which extends radially outwardly of the tubular hub 26. The connection section 30 forms a substantially donut shaped protrusion around the tubular form of the hub 26. As best shown in Figure 2, the hub 26 includes an inner annular groove 32. The annular groove 32 is configured to seat the retaining head 50 of the connector 22 within the connection section 30.

The connection section 30 of the illustrated mounting fixture 18 also includes two circumferentially spaced apart first connection apertures 36, 37. Each of the illustrated first connection apertures 36, 37 are vertically orientated (relative to the orientation shown in Figure 5) slots. The first connection apertures 36, 37 are sized to allow the elongate shaft 48 of the connector 22 to move vertically within the first connection apertures 36, 37. As can be appreciated, tubular form of the retaining head 50 of the connector 22 is seated within the groove 32 thereby provides a pivot axis X-X about which the connector 22 can move.

Referring now to Figure 7, it can be seen that the receiving element 20 is a cup shaped body having a hemispherical end 40 and an opening 42 at the other end 44. The hemispherical end 40 includes a circular second connection aperture 46 at its apex. The second connection aperture 46 is configured to receive the elongate shaft 48 of the connector 22. The receiving element 20 also includes a sleeve section 47 configured to receive and seat an end section of a fencing member, such as the cross poles 12 shown in Figures 8 and 9. In this respect, an end section of a cross pole 12 can be inserted through the opening 42 and seated within the sleeve section 47. The receiving element 20 includes two fastening holes 46A through which fastening bolts (not illustrated) can be inserted to fasten the receiving element 20 to the section of the cross pole 12 seated within the receiving element 20.

The receiving element 20 and mounting fixture 18 are configured to be fastened together in abutting engagement using the connector 22. The hemispherical end 40 of the receiving element 20 is therefore cooperatively configured to facilitate relative movement of the receiving element 20 and mounting fixture 18.

In one embodiment, the receiving element 20 includes a depression section 55 having a complementary configuration to connection section 30 of the mounting fixture 18. The depression section 55 is configured to sit and slide over the portion of the connection section 30 which it engages once the connection fixture 10 is assembled.

As best shown in Figure 2, the mounting fixture 18, receiving element 20 and connector 22 are assembled to form the connection fixture 10 by aligning the relevant first connection aperture 36 of the mounting fixture 18 and the second connection aperture 46 of the receiving element 20 and then seating the depression section 55 into engagement with the connection section 30. The receiving element 20 is then secured to the mounting fixture 18 by inserting the central shaft 48 of the connector 22 through the aligned first connection aperture 36 and second connection aperture 46, and then tightening the retaining nut 54 on the threaded end 52 of the connector 22 so as to clamp the receiving element 20 to the mounting fixture 20 between the retaining head 50 of the connector 22 and retaining nut 54.

When the connector is loosely holding the receiving element 20 and mounting fixture 20 together, the receiving element 20 can be adjusted relative to the mounting fixture 20 to a desired relative angle α. In this respect, the vertically elongate shape of the second connection aperture 36 allows the receiving element 20 to move relative to the mounting fixture 18 about the pivot axis X-X. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection fixture 10 allows at least a 90° adjustment between the receiving element 20 and mounting fixture 18. When the receiving element 20 has been adjusted relative to the mounting fixture 20 to a desired relative angle α, the retaining nut 54 can be tightened to securely clamp the receiving element 20 and mounting fixture 20 together.

The connection fixture 10 shown in Figure 9 includes two receiving elements 20, 21 attached to the mounting fixture 18. Here, the first receiving element 20 is orientated in line with the horizontal axis D-D of the mounting element 18. Conversely, the second receiving element 21 has been pivoted downwardly from the axis D-D about the pivot axis X-X to an angle α to accommodate the particular angle of the pole 12 in the fencing structure 16 in which this connection fixture 10 is mounted.

Figures 8 and 9 also show that the connection fixture 10 can include two or more receiving elements 20. In this respect, the connection section 30 of the illustrated mounting fixture 18 includes two circumferentially spaced apart first connection apertures 36, 37. As shown in Figure 8, a further receiving element 21 can be fastened to the mounting fixture 18 using the second first connection aperture 37. Each receiving element 20, 21 can then receive an end section of a fencing member, such as pole member 12 shown in Figure 8. This configures the connection fixture 10 to be used as a corner or tee fixture in a fencing structure.

It should be appreciated that any number of first connection apertures 36 could be included in the connection section 30 of the mounting fixture 18 at any location around the circumference of the connection section 30. A user could then select the most appropriate position to fasten the receiving elements 20,

21 on the connection section 30 of the mounting fixture 18 to best suit the require angle and configuration of the connection arrangement in a fence structure for which the connection fixture 10 is intended.

Each of the mounting fixture 10, receiving element 20 and connector 22 can be manufactured using a number of different techniques. The components of the illustrated embodiment are pressure cast products, produced using suitable injection die casting techniques. However, it should be appreciated that the components could be manufactured using other techniques such as stamping, pressing techniques or the like.

The illustrated connection fixture 10 can replace most existing standard fittings, such as tee fixtures, cross fixtures and corner fixtures in barrier structures such as fences, balustrades, railings, hand rails, or the like. In this respect, a user can use the adjustability of the connection fixture 10 to move to the receiving element 20 at a selected angle relative to the mounting fixture 20 corresponding to the equivalent tee fixture, cross fixture and/or corner fixture. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the connection fixture 10 can be used to connect cross poles 12 to upright poles 14 at various relative angles between the cross poles 12 and upright poles 14.

Figure 10 illustrates a connection fixture 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Once again, the illustrated connection fixture 110 includes three interconnected sections, being a mounting fixture 118, a receiving element 120 and a connector 122. It should be understood that the connection fixture 110 shown in Figure 10 is similar in configuration to the connection fixture 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9. Accordingly, similar components of the connection fixture 110 have been assigned the same reference numerals as similar components of the connection fixture 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9 plus 100.

Once again, the connector 122 is used to fasten the receiving element 120 to the mounting fixture 118. The illustrated connector 122 has the same T-shaped component and retaining nut 154 as described for the connection 22 shown in

Figures 1 to 9. It should be understood that the above description for connector 22 of the connection fixture 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9 equally applies to the connector 122 of the connection fixture 110 shown in Figure 10.

Similarly, the receiving element 120 is a similar cup shaped body as the receiving element 20 described in relation to the connector 22 illustrated in Figures 1 to 9. Again, it should be understood that the above description for receiving element 20 of the connection fixture 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9 equally applies to the receiving element 120 of the connection fixture 110 shown in Figure 10.

The mounting fixture 118 illustrated in Figure 10 has a different configuration to the mounting fixture 18 shown in Figures 1 to 9. In this respect, this mounting fixture 118 is a substantially donut shaped tubular collar configured to be fastened around a section of a fencing member, such as tubular pole 114 shown in Figure 10. In this regard, the mounting fixture 118 includes a central opening 124 through which a fencing member such as pole 114 can be received. The sides of the opening 124 are configured to encircle and substantially abut with the outer surface of a tubular pole 114 received within the central opening 124. Unlike the mounting fixture 18 shown in Figure 1 , the annular connection section 130 is not a distinct protrusion formed in the mounting fixture, but rather is formed in the overall curved structure and shape of the mounting fixture 118. In this respect, the entire mounting fixture 118 forms part of the connection section 130 providing an annular groove 132 within its donut shape. Again, the annular groove 132 configured to seat the retaining head 150 of the connector 122 within the connection section 130.

Again, the connection section 130 of the illustrated mounting fixture 118 also includes a first connection aperture (not illustrated) configured as a vertically orientated slot. The first connection aperture is sized to allow the elongate shaft 148 of the connector 122 to move vertically within the first connection aperture 136. As can be appreciated, the tubular retaining head 150 of the connector 122 is seated within the groove 132 thereby providing a pivot axis X-X about which the connector 122 can move.

The mounting fixture 118, receiving element 120 and connector 122 of are assembled to form the connection fixture 110 in a similar manner as described for connection fixture 20 shown in Figures 1 to 9. In this respect, the connection fixture 12 is assembled by inserting the central shaft 148 of the connector 122 through an aligned first connection aperture (not illustrated) and second connection aperture (not illustrated), and then tightening the retaining nut 154 on the threaded end 152 of the connector 212 so as to clamp the receiving element 120 to the mounting fixture 120 between the retaining head 150 of the connector 122 and retaining nut 154.

Figure 11 illustrates a connection fixture 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Once again, the illustrated connection fixture 210 includes three interconnected sections, being a mounting fixture 218, a receiving element 220 and a connector 222. It is to be understood that similar components of the connection fixture 210 have been assigned the same reference numerals as similar components of the connection fixture 10 shown in Figures 1 to 9 plus 200.

The mounting fixture 218 is a cylindrical collar configured to be fastened around a section of a fencing member, such as tubular pole 114 shown in Figure 10.

The mounting fixture 218 includes a central opening 224 through which a fencing member such as pole 114 can be received. The sides of the opening

224 are configured to encircle and substantially abut with the outer surface of a tubular pole 114 received within the central opening 224. The mounting fixture 218 includes a fastening hole 228 through which fastening bolts (not illustrated) can be inserted to fasten the mounting fixture 218 to the section of a pole.

Unlike the mounting fixture 18 shown in Figure 1 , the annular connection section 230 is not a distinct protrusion formed in the mounting fixture, but rather comprises two spaced apart flanges 250, 252 which extend perpendicularly from the outer surface of the mounting fixture 218. Each flange 250, 252 include a first connection aperture 226 configured to receive the connector 222 therethrough.

The receiving element 220 is a similar cup shaped body as the receiving element 20 described in relation to Figures 1 to 9 having a cup shaped body having a hemispherical end 240 and an opening 242 at the other end 244. The receiving element 220 also includes a sleeve section 247 configured to receive and seat an end section of a fencing member, such as the cross poles 12 shown in Figures 8 and 9. In this respect, an end section of a cross pole 12 can be inserted through the opening 242 and seated within the sleeve section 247. The receiving element 220 includes a fastening holes 246 through which fastening bolts (not illustrated) can be inserted to fasten the receiving element 220 to the section of the cross pole 12 seated within the receiving element 220. The hemispherical end 40 includes a flange 254 which extend perpendicularly from the outer surface of the apex of the hemispherical end 240. The flange 254 includes a second connection aperture (not illustrated) configured to receive the connector 222 therethrough. The flange 254 is configured to be received between the spaced apart flanges 250, 252 of the mounting fixture 218.

Like the previous embodiments, the connector 222 is used to fasten the receiving element 220 to the mounting fixture 218. The illustrated connector 222 has is a retaining bolt having a cooperating retaining nut (not shown). The connector 222 acts as a pivot about and around which the mounting fixture 218 and receiving element 220 can move relative to each other.

The mounting fixture 218, receiving element 220 and connector 222 of are assembled to form the connection fixture 210 by inserting the flange 254 of the receiving element 220 between the flanges 250, 252 of the mounting fixture and aligning the first and second connection apertures. The connector 222 is then inserted into the first and second connection apertures, and then the retaining nut is tightened so as to clamp the receiving element 220 to the mounting fixture 220.

It should be appreciated that the mounting fixture 218 could include any number of pairs of spaced apart flanges 250, 252 attached and spaced apart around the

periphery of the mounting fixture 218 for attaching multiple receiving elements 220.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Throughout the description and claims of the specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises", is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.