WO2003049125A1

WO2003049125A1 - Wire insulator

Info

Publication number: WO2003049125A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2001/000193
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Colin Joao
Original assignee: Peter Colin Joao
Priority date: 2001-12-06
Filing date: 2001-12-06
Publication date: 2003-06-12

Abstract

The invention provides a single insulator, suitable for holding a wire strand which may easily engage a support post to form a removable or semi-permanent engagement with the support post. The insulator comprises an elongate body of substantially constant cross section incorporating at least one bore extending at least partially therethrough, to accomodate a wire strand, and incorporating at least one form of restraining means. The insulator may further be adapted to incorporate detection of an un-tensioned wire strand and/or tensioning thereof. The invention further provides a fence assembly and a method of erecting a wire fence.

Description

WIRE INSULATOR

Introduction

This invention relates to an insulator suitable for accommodating a wire strand and accessories used in fencing systems and/or those used in electric fencing. The invention also includes wire anchoring, wire tensioning and slack wire detection assemblies which include suitable means for anchoring and tensioning a wire strand and detecting an un-tensioned wire strand using an insulator according to the invention. The invention also includes a method of erecting a wire fence using an insulator according to the invention.

Background of the invention

This invention relates to an insulator suited for use in the construction of electrical fencing and conventional fencing. In wire fences, and particularly in electrified wire fences, wires are sometimes held within the support posts or support structures by means of insulator components which engage with each other through the support post or support structure.

A disadvantage associated with the known system, in an arrangement where the support post has a single wall in the direction of the fence wire, is that two components are neccesary to engage with each other and are generally located on each side of a support post wall and extend through the support post. The costs of errecting an electric fence utilising this known method of construction will be substantially higher than that of a system where a single component (insulator) can easily and effectively engage within the single wall of such a support post.

Another disadvantage associated with the known system, in an arrangement where the support post has opposite walls, is that there remains a maximum distance between the opposite walls of a support post for which known systems will work. If the distance between the opposite walls of a support post of is too great, then the two engaging insulator components, when inserted into a bore in each of these walls, will not effectively engage or may not even reach each other. Furthermore, two different insulators (or two components) are used to achieve engagement with eachother; whereas a single insulator can effectively engage one wall of the support post and an identical insulator can effectively engage the other wall of the same support post irrespective of the spacing between these opposite walls. If two identical insulators could be used to achieve the same result, this would mean that only one type of insulator would have to be made and it would not be necessary to manufacture or carry stock of both insulator types.

A further disadvantage associated with the known system or arrangement is that there is no facility to anchor a wire strand or secure other components or devices used in the construction of an electric fence, for example, the attachment of a spring which can be used to tension a wire strand or the engagement of an eyelet/sleeve to prevent a wire strand from tearing or cuts into the insulator.

And yet a further disadvantage associated with the known system or arrangement is that corresponding insulators require substantial force to effectively engage each other and once the two insulating components have engaged with eachother, it is almost impossible or difficult to disengage them without damage. This is not desirable where insulators have to be removed due to replacement of a broken insulators or components or recoating the support posts or any reason whatsoever.

Object of the invention

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a novel single insulator that engages a suitable support post and that will overcome or minimise its least some of the disadvantages associated with known insulator systems, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the same that is simple to install and relatively ease to remove.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a single insulator suitable to effectively engage various support post types of various sizes and shapes. It is a further object of the invention to provide a single insulator suitable to effectively engage various support post in a semi-permanent engagement.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a single insulator suitable to effectively engage various hollow support post in a semi-permanent engagement where the retraining means may be out of sight and not readily accessible.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide an insulator assembly (with or without the use of other components) suitable for accommodating a wire strand and for anchoring a wire strands or any suitable component used in the construction of an electric fence for example, a spring to tension a wire strand during or after the erection of a wire fence or an eyelet/sleeve to prevent a wire strand from tearing or cuts into the insulator; and that will overcome or minimise at least some of the disadvantages associated with known insulator systems.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a method of erecting the wire fence that will overcome or minimise at least some of the disadvantages associated with the known method.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention provides a single insulator, suitable for holding or accommodating a wire strands (where the wire strands may have various cross-sectional diameters), which may easily engage with a support post or support structure in such a way as to form a removable or semi-permanent engagement with the support post or support structure.

According to the invention there is provided an insulator suitable for accommodating a wire strand, the insulator comprising - an elongate body of substantially constant cross-section; including at least one bore extending at least partially therethrough; and at least one form of restraining means. The insulator body may have any suitable shape to engage a support post and is preferably elongate. The insulator body includes a bore to accommodate a wire strand. The restraining means forming a semi-permanent engagement with the support post.

According to one embodiment of the invention there is provided an insulator suitable for accommodating a wire strand, the insulator comprising -- the insulator body including a substantially central bore extending therethrough; and at least one displaceable engaging formation forming part of or located on the insulator body defining a removable or displaceable form of restraining means.

The insulator body may have any suitable shape and is preferably elongate with a substantially constant cross-section to allow either end of the insulator to be inserted into a support post aperture. The insulator body includes a bore to accommodate a wire strand. The insulator body may incorporate or accommodate one or more displaceable engaging formations, defining restraining means, to engage the support post in such a way that the restraining means may be removed or displaced in order to permit the removal of the insulator from the support post.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided an insulator suitable for accommodating a wire strand, the insulator comprising - the insulator body including a substantially central bore extending therethrough; and at least one rigid engaging formations forming part of or located on the insulator body defining a permanent or rigid restraining means;

The insulator body may have any suitable shape and is preferably elongate. The insulator body includes a bore to accommodate a wire strand. The insulator body may include at least a partially increased cross-section defining rigid restraining means which when engaged with a suitably shaped support post aperture forms a semi-permanent connection with the support post.

In another form, the insulator body may include at least a partially increased cross- section defining rigid restraining means formed, by some process, before or after engagement with a suitably shaped support post aperture forming a permanent connection with the support post so as to prevent the insulators from being removed. In this case, the rigid engaging formations may be removed by some process ( or excessive force may be used to deflect, deform or break the engaging formation(s) ) in order to permit the disengagement of the insulator from the support post.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an insulator suitable for anchoring a wire strand such as during the erection of a wire fence, the insulator comprising - an insulator body which may include one or more bores suitably dimensioned to accommodate the insertion/protrusion/engagement of a wire strand; and the insulator body including at least one form of restraining means,

The restraining means may take the form of a displaceable formation, or at least a partially increased cross-section, or any combination hereof, extending from the insulator body defining at least one form of restraining means;

In one form, the wire strand may be anchored by inserting/engaging the end into one of the bores in the insulator body while the other end passes back through the central bore of the insulator body.

In another form the wire strand may be anchored by utilising a device/part to which the wire strand is attached or fixed and this device/part in turn engages one or more bores in the insulator body.

In one variation, the wire strand may be anchored by passing its end through a central bore in the insulator and making a big enough knot in its end in order that it cannot be pulled back through the central bore. In this case the central bore may be strengthened by inserting a steel sleeve into its end.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an insulator adapted for tensioning a wire strand such as during the erection of a wire fence, the insulator comprising- an insulator body which may include one or more bores suitably dimensioned to accommodate the insertion/protrusion/engagement of one or both ends of a spring; and the insulator body including at least one form of restraining means,

The wire strand which passes through the insulator may be tensioned, in one form, by engaging it with a spring which in turn engages one or more bores in the insulator body. In this case any insulator body may accommodate/engage one or both spring ends in order to facilitate spring loading of any wire strand which may pass through any insulator.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an insulator adapted for detecting an un-tensioned wire strand such as during the erection of a wire fence, the insulator comprising- an insulator body which may include one or more bores suitably dimensioned to accommodate the insertion/protrusion/engagement of one or both ends of a spring; and the insulator body including at least one form of restraining means.

In one form the spring is adapted to co-operate with a strand of wire such that as the wire strand becomes slack, a portion of the spring moves towards the support post to a position close enough to allow the wire strand too arc or short circuit directly with the support post or via/through the spring and hereby providing detection possibilities.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly suitable for accommodating a wire strand and/or the insertion/protrusion/engagement of other devices or components (used in the construction of a wire fence), such as during erection of a wire fence; the assembly comprising -- at least one wire insulator connectable to a support post or structure; including an insulator body which may include one or more bores suitably dimensioned to accommodate a wire strand and/or the insertion/protrusion/engagement of a device or component used in the construction of a wire fence; and the insulator body including at least one form of restraining means.

In one form the insulator may be adapted to incorporate anchoring means to anchor a wire strand with or without the use of additional devices or components.

In another form the insulator may be adapted to co-operate with a spring to facilitate the tensioning of a wire strand.

In another form the insulator may be adapted to co-operate with a spring and the support post to facilitate the detection of an insufficiently tensioned strand of wire.

In another form the insulator may be adapted to co-operate with a steel sleeve or eyelet which may be inserted into a central bore in the insulator body, through which a wire strand may pass, to facilitate increased insulator strength.

The wire insulators may be a wire insulator according to the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an insulating assembly suitable for insulating a wire strand which passes through a support post where the support post is hollow with opposite walls, the assembly comprising - a single insulators which may engage both walls (sides) of any hollow support post; and the insulator including a central bore to accommodate a strand of wire; and restraining means.

In one form there is a continuous passage through the insulator to facilitate easy threading/inserting of the wire strand through the insulator. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of erecting a wire fence comprising the steps of -- providing at least one wire insulator according to the invention; engaging the wire insulator(s) with a support post or structure; locating a wire strands in the insulator bore;

The method may include the steps of inserting the insulator into an aperture in the support post and rotating the insulator in order that the engaging formations (located on the body portion) engage with the support post.

The method may include the steps of inserting the insulator into an aperture(s) in the support post and forcing the insulator sideways relatives to an axis passing through the support post aperture(s) in order that the engaging formations engage with the support post.

The method may include the steps of forcing the insulator into an aperture in the support post in order that the engaging formations (located on the body portion) displace and engage with the support post.

The method may include the steps of threading the strand of wire through the insulator bore and engaging a spring in the insulator body and connecting the spring to the wire strand to provide wire tensioning means according to the invention.

The method may include the steps of attaching a strand of wire to the insulator with the use of a separate device or part.

The method may include the steps of threading the strand of wire through the insulator bore and bending it back into one of the bores located in the insulator body to provide anchoring means according to the invention.

The method may further include the steps of locating a peg, pin, bolt or a device with an elongate body portion in the insulator bore around which the wire strand may pass in order to further securing or anchoring this wire strand. Brief description of the drawings

The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein -

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an insulator according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of an assembly of the insulator engaged with a hollow support post with a wire strand passing through illustrating the strengthening of the insulator against cutting or tearing, in one form, with the use of a bent piece of wire engaged in the bores in the insulator body and, in another form, with the use of an eyelet or flanged sleeve and illustrating the anchoring of a wire strand with its end bent backwards into another bore in the insulator body according to other aspects of the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of an assembly of the insulator engaged with a single wall support post illustrating one method of anchoring of a wire strand with the use of a pin or screw according to another aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of the insulator engaged with a support post illustrating alternative arrangements of restraining means located on the insulator body and a wire strand passing through the insulator which is tensioned with a wire tensioning device according to another aspect of the invention;

Figure 5 is an end view of an assembly of the insulator, with rigid restraining means, engaged with support post and illustrating an alternative form of restraining means in the form of a clip according to an embodiment of this invention; Figure 6 is an end view of an assembly of the insulator, with rigid restraining means in the form of grooves in the insulator body, engaged with a support post with suitably shaped aperture illustrating an alternative method of restraining means according to another embodiment of this invention;

Description of preferred embodiments and aspects relating to the invention

Without limiting the scope thereof, certain embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that, for the purposes of this document, like numbers denote like parts.

The invention relates to an insulator suitable for holding a strand of wire. Referring to Figure 1, the insulator generally indicated by 10, comprises an insulator body 1 which includes a substantially central bore 4 extending through the insulator body 1 that is suitably dimensioned to accommodate a wire strand. The insulator body 1 may engage a suitably dimensional aperture in a support post so as to define a removable or semi-permanent engagement with the support post.

The insulators body 1 may incorporates one or more restraining means. The restraining means may take the form of rigid engaging formations or, as indicated in Figure 1, as resiliently displaceable engaging formations 3. The latter arrangement being such that when the insulator body 1 is pushed into a suitably dimensioned support post aperture and the resiliently displaceable engaging formations 3 are inwardly displaced towards the bore axis 8, the support post aperture may receive the insulator body 1 and engaging formations 3. Once the displaceable engaging formations 3 pass through the support post aperture they move outwards again defining a semi-permanent engagement with the support post. The insulator 10 may include any number of grooves 13 or any number of bores 12 extending at least partially into or through the insulator body 1 or the insulator itself. The groove(s) 13 may be used to accommodate or engage various forms of retaining means or accessories and/or components used in the construction of electrified fencing. The bore(s) 12 may also be used to accommodate or engage various forms of retaining means or to attach a number of accessories or components used in the construction of electrified fencing. The insulator body 1 may be extended or a cylindrical section may engage the insulator end when necessary.

In one embodiment of this invention, the body portion 1 may include restraining means which act in opposite directions, towards or away from eachother, thus acting on the internal (or external) wall surfaces of the support post 15. In one arrangement, illustrated in Figure 2, the restraining means 2 may be located in such a manner so as to act on the internal wall surfaces of the support post 15 and are depressed in the direction indicated to engage and disengage. The restraining means may form part of the insulator 10 or may be a separate clip, spring, washer or any suitable part, defining rigid or displaceable restraining means, engaged with or located on the insulator body or the insulator itself. In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2, one or more grooves 13 may accommodate or engage one or more removable or displaceable or rigid restraining means 2.3. In other cases, where the restraining means can operate effectively without one or more grooves or bores, the restraining means may engage with the insulator body or the insulator itself such as in cases where the restraining means incorporates some locking facility or some form of resistance to its removal.

In one aspect, referred to in Figure 2 , the wire strand 20 is shown in an anchored position with its end bent back along itself, indicated at 21, and engaged in bore 12 in the insulator body 1. The wire bend 21 may be concealed with a cap 22 which engages the end of the insulator body 1 in another aspect of the invention. In yet another aspect of the invention, where the wire bend 21 in Figure 2 includes a knot (ie. close to the end of the wire strand), the wire strand 20 may be effectively anchored where the central bore 4 is small enough to prevent the knot from passing through it.

In another aspect of the invention a rigid pipe 33 may engage the bore 4 to strengthen the insulator body especially when the wire strand 20 is pulled in the direction indicated at 25 as illustrated. In another form, this rigid pipe 33 may be flanged at its end as indicated. In another aspect of the invention a piece of "U" bent steel 30 or the like located in the bores 12 in the insulator body 1 may also be utilised in order to prevent the wire strand 20 from tearing/cutting through or into the insulator body. In another aspect of the invention the rib or web(s) 31 may also be incorporated on the insulator body 1 to increase strength when the wire strand 20 is pulled in the direction indicated by 25 in Figure 2.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a flexable pipe may engage the bore to facilitate other features useful in non-electrified and electrified fencing systems.

The restraining means 2.1 and 2.2 may take any form or shape including the form of an increased cross-section of part of the insulator body 1 of any shape or size, two forms of which are indicated in Figure 3. The wire strand 20 may be anchored more effectively with the use of a pin, peg, screw 23 or the like in a number of ways, one way which is indicated in Figure 3. The restraining means 2.1 is pulled against the support post 5 when tension is applied to the wire strand 20 in the direction 24.

In another aspect of the invention, where the support post 15 has opposite walls some distance apart, as indicated in Figure 4, in use, the restraining means in the form of resiliently displaceable engaging formations (or rigid engaging formations) may be located on the insulator body 1 on one or either sides of one or both support post wall 15.1 and 15.2 and may be formed integrally and with the insulator body as indicated at 2.2 or may be one or more separate removable components which may be fitted to the insulators body, one form of which is indicated at 2.3. In another aspect of the invention, the wire strand 20 may be further tensioned with the use of a spring 28 the end(s) of which engages one or more bores 12 in the insulator body 1 or the insulators body itself. This spring 28 may be further adapted to facilitate un-tensioned or slack wire strand detection. In one form, the spring 28 may incorporate an extention 29 arranged to move towards the support post 15, in the direction 31 as indicated, when the wire strand 20 becomes slack. In this case an un-tensioned or slack wire strand may be detected by an electronic device detecting contact between the spring (or the wire strand) and the support post or arcing between the wire strand (via the spring 28 ) and the support post where the wire strand carries an electrical charge. In a further aspect, a coils spring in may engage the central bore 4 in the insulator body in an arrangement which tensions a wire strand which passes through and exits the insulator at some angle to bore axis 8 (not indicated).The eyelet 34 located in the bores 12 in the insulator body 1 may also be utilised in order to prevent the wire strand 20 from tearing/cutting through or into the insulator body 1 when the wire strand 20 is pulled in the direction indicated at 25 as illustrated in Figure 4.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figure 5, the support post aperture 26 includes a cut-out 27 in the support post 15 which is suitably dimensional to engage rigid restraining means 2 located on the insulator 10. A method of assembly which includes the steps of inserting the insulator 10 into the aperture 26 in the support post so that the cut-out 27 and the rigid restraining means 2 are aligned and then engaging the rigid restraining means 2 with the cutout 27 and thereafter rotating the insulator 10 so as to mis-aligned them and so defining a semi-permanent engagement. In another form, the restraining means may be a clip 6 which may engage grooves or slots in the insulator body (in any direction or) in the direction indicated and, in addition, may engage cut-out 27 to facilitate improved securing.

In another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Figure 6, the support post aperture 26 includes a cut-out 27 in the support post 15. The aperture is suitably dimensional to engage rigid restraining means located on the insulator 10. A method of assembly which includes the steps of inserting the insulator 10 into the aperture 26 in the support post and thereafter forcing the insulator in the direction of the cut-out 27 so as to mis-aligned the restraining means (on the insulator body 1) and the support post aperture 26 and so defining a semi-permanent engagement.

Claims

1. Any insulator comprising an elongate body of substantially constant cross- section including at least one bore extending at least partially therethrough; and at least one form of restraining means.

2. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the body includes one or more ribs.

3. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the body includes one or more grooves at any position and in any orientation.

4. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the body includes a plurality of bores extending at least partially therethrough.

5. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the body includes an extension piece.

6. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the restraining means is formed integrally with the body.

7. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the restraining means is at least one separate part or device located on the body.

8. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the restraining means engages at least one aperture in the body.

9. An insulator according to claim 1 wherein the restraining means engages one or more grooves in the body.

10. The groove(s) according to claim 3 wherein the groove(s) are in the form of narrow reduced cross-sections (of any suitable shape) in the body.

11. The restraining means according to claim 3 wherein the restraining means is formed by one or more of the grooves in the body.

12. The restraining means according to one or more claims 6 to 9 wherein the restraining means is at least one suitable shaped metal or plastic clip.

13. The restraining means according to one or more claims 6 to 9 wherein the restraining means is at least one suitably shaped plastic or similar material part.

14. The restraining means according to one or more claims 6 to 9 wherein the restraining means are displaceable relative tp the insulator, the arrangements being such that the insulator is removable.

15. The restraining means according to claim 1 and one or more claims 6 to 9 wherein the restraining means is spring assisted/loaded.

16. The restraining means according to one or more claims 6 to 9 wherein the restraining means is at least one rigid protrusion.

17. The restraining means according to one or more claims 7 to 9 wherein the restraining means is a suitably bent piece of spring steel.

18. The restraining means according to one or more claims 7 to 9 wherein the restraining means is at least one leaf spring.

19. The restraining means according to one or more claims 7 to 9 wherein the restraining means at least one suitably shaped bent piece of spring steel wire.

20. The restraining means according to one or more claims 7 to 9 wherein the restraining means is a circlip.

21. The restraining means according to one or more claims 7 to 9 wherein the restraining means is a suitably shaped plastic or metal part or a washer.

22. The restraining means according to one or more claims 7 to 9 wherein the restraining means is a suitably shaped part to effect restraint and which fits around or on the insulator body.

23. The restraining means according to claims 1 wherein the restraining means is any combination of one or more claims 11 to 22.

24. An insulator assembly suitable for holding a wire strand comprising an insulator with an elongate body of substantially constant cross-section which includes at least one bore extending therethrough ; and includes at least one form of restraining means located on the body which, in use, the body extends at least partially through an aperture in the support post and the restraining means acts on the support post.

25. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 incorporating any aspects or embodiment(s) featured in one or more claims from claim 2 through to claim 22.

26. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein an eyelet engages one or both bore ends.

27. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a flexible pipe/sleeve engages the bore.

28. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a coil spring engages the bore.

29. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a rigid pipe/sleeve engages the bore.

30. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a washer engages the body.

31. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein the wire strand end engages the bore to facilitate anchoring of the wire strand.

32. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a pin, peg or screw engages the bore together with a wire strand to facilitate anchoring of the wire strand.

33. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a pin, peg or screw engages the support post adjacent to the insulator.

34. An insulator assembly according to claim 24 wherein a cover engages the insulator body end.

35. An insulator assembly according to claim 29 wherein one or both of the pipe/sleeve ends are flanged or Haired.

36. A wire anchoring assembly suitable for anchoring a strand of wire, such as during the erection of a wire fence, the assembly comprising at least one insulator engaged with a support post through which a wire strand may pass; the wire anchoring means adapted to co-operate with the insulator for anchoring the wire strand.

37. A wire anchoring means adapted to cooperates with an insulator which, in use, the anchoring means comprising at least one bore which engages the bent or knotted end of a wire strand, the arrangement being such that the insulator and wire strand end together constitute an anchoring means suitable for anchoring a strand of wire which may pass through the insulator.

38. A wire tensioning means adapted to cooperates with an insulator which, in use, the tensioning means comprising at least one leaf or coil spring which engages the insulator, the arrangement being such that the insulator and spring together constitute a tensioning device suitable for tensioning a strand of wire which may pass through the insulator.

39. A wire-tensioning assembly suitable for tensioning a strand of wire, such as during the erection of a wire fence, the assembly comprising at least one insulator engaged with a support post through which a wire strand may pass; the wire tensioning means adapted to co-operate with the insulator for tensioning the wire strand.

40. A means to detect an un-tensioned wire strand adapted to cooperate with an insulator which, in use, the detect means comprising at least one leaf or coil spring which engages the insulator, the arrangement being such that the insulator and spring together constitute a detection device suitable for detecting a strand of wire which may, due to some reason, lose its tension or not be tensioned sufficiently.

41. A wire tension detection assembly suitable for detecting a strand of wire which, in use rriay, due to some reason, lose its tension or not be tensioned sufficiently, such as during the erection of a wire fence; the assembly comprising at least one insulator engaged with a support post through which a wire strand may pass; the wire tension detection means adapted to cooperate with the insulator for the detection of an un-tensioned wire strand.

42. A wire-tensioning assembly according to claim 39 adapted to cooperate as a means to detect an un-tensioned wire strand and/or a wire tensioning means.

43. A wire tensioning assembly according to claim 39 and 42 wherein the insulator is an insulator according to the invention.

44. A wire tension detection assembly according to claim 40 wherein the insulator is an insulator according to the invention.

45. A wire anchoring assembly according to claim 36 wherein the insulator is an insulator according to the invention.

46. A method of assembly of a wire fence comprising the steps of providing an insulator according to the invention; providing a support post with at least one suitably dimensioned aperture therein; depressing the restraining means located on the insulator to engage it within the support post aperture; and locating a wire strand within the insulator bore.

47. A method of assembly according to claim 46 wherein the insulator is forced through a device/part, which may be located against or near the support post and in-line with an aperture, with appropriate reducing internal cross-section to depress the restraining means for easy engagement with the support post aperture.

48. A method of assembly of a wire fence comprising the steps of providing an insulator according to the invention; providing a support post with at least one suitably dimensioned aperture therein; engaging the insulator within the support post aperture; engaging one or more restraining means on/in the insulator adjacent to the support post wall; and locating a wire strand within the insulator bore.

49. A method of assembly of a wire fence comprising the steps of providing an insulator according to the invention; providing a support post with at least one suitably dimensioned aperture therein; rotating the insulator within the support post aperture to align the restraining means, located on the insulator, to engage the support post aperture; engaging the restraining means (with part of the insulator) in the support post and rotating the insulator so as to cause misalignment between the restraining means and the support post aperture to prevent or restrict removal; and locating a wire strand within the insulator bore.

50. A method of assembly of a wire fence comprising the steps of providing an insulator according to the invention ; providing a support post with at least one suitably dimensioned aperture therein; engaging the restraining means (with part of the insulator) into the support post and forcing the insulator in a direction so as to cause misalignment between the restraining means and the support post aperture to prevent or restrict removal; and locating a wire strand within the insulator bore.

51. A method according to claim 46, 47, 48 or 49 wherein the methods includes the steps of providing a wire anchoring device for effect anchoring of the wire strand in use.

52. A method according to claim 46, 47, 48 or 49 wherein the methods includes the steps of providing a wire tensjoning device for effecting tension to the wire strand in use, the wire tensioning device comprising at least one leaf or coil spring engaging the insulator and connectable to the wire strand where the spring is in a strained condition; the arrangement being such that the spring moves to a non-strained condition to compensate for any slacking in the wire strand.

53. A method according to claim 46, 47, 48 or 49 wherein the methods includes the steps of providing a device to detect an un-tensioned wire strand in use, the wire non-tension detection device comprising at least one leaf or coil spring engaging the insulator and connectable to the wire strand where the spring is in a strained condition; the arrangement being such that, the spring moves to a non-strained (or less strained) condition to compensate for slacking in the wire strand until it becomes too slack and moves too near or touches the support post causing a short-circuit which is easily detectable.

54. A method of manufacture wherein the insulator is injection moulded or produced by a similar thermoplastic process.

55. A method of manufacture wherein the insulator is produced by thermoplastic extrusion or similar process.

56. A method of manufacture according to claim 54 or 55 whereafter of the insulator is further formed by machining and/or cutting.

57. A method of assembly and manufacture according to one or more claims 46 to 56 which includes the steps of applying heat to the insulator or part thereof and thereafter applying a force to the insulator to thermoplasticly form the restraining means before or after engaging it in the support post aperture.

58. An insulator suitable for holding a strand of wire substantially as herein illustrated and exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.

59. A wire anchoring means adapted to cooperate with an insulator substantially as herein illustrated and exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.

60. A wire tensioning means adapted to cooperate with an insulator substantially as herein illustrated and exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.

61. A means to detect an un-tensioned wire strand adapted to cooperate with an insulator substantially as herein illustrated and exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.

62. A wire-tensioning assembly suitable for tensioning a strand of wire, such as during erection of a wire fence substantially as herein illustrated and exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.

63. A method of erecting a wire fence substantially in as herein illustrated and exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.