AU2020100074B4 - An electrically insulating cover assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrically insulating cover assembly for covering an electrically conductive spigot used for pool fencing, the spigot comprising a base with spaced apart arms extending upwardly therefrom, the spaced apart arms being structured to receive a fencing panel there-between, the cover comprising: one or more electrically insulating members disposed over the entire exposed surface of the arms and the base wherein said insulating members are operable to provide said spigot with a reduced likelihood of thermal and electrical burns and electrocution upon contact compared to direct contact with the spigot.

Description

AN ELECTRICALLY INSULATING COVER ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD [001] The present invention relates to an electrical insulating assembly and method for reducing the risk of electrical shock particularly (but not exclusively) in relation to pool fencing.

BACKGROUND [002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[003] Pool fences that surround pools need to be compliant with strict safety requirements. One such requirements relates to pool fences which use metallic parts. When pool fences (having metallic parts) are positioned within a stipulated distance from the edge of the swimming pool, the pool fences need to be earthed.

[004] Earth wiring in simple terms means that all the electrical conductive parts (which are all the metal parts such as posts, spigots & handrails in the pool fence) are connected together by electrical wire to create an equipotential electrical bond which is then earthed to an earthing point. By earthing the pool fence to an earthing point the pool fence acquires the same potential (equipotential) or voltage as all the electrical conductive parts in, around & near the pool, including the steel reinforcing in the pool shell. Therefore, earthing greatly reduces the risk of an electrical shock should there be an electrical fault.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [005] Frameless glass fencing which is very popular in many modern homes usually requires metallic spigots that hold the glass panels while being anchored to an underlying surface. In order to comply with safety regulations these spigots may require to be electrically earthed by being equipotentially bonded to an earthing conductor. Electrical earthing of each spigot can be time consuming and expensive. The work involved in electrical earthing of spigots may involve getting a concrete cutter to slit a narrow gap between spigots so a continuous earth wire can join up all spigots to a junction box. One of the ways of achieving electrical earthing during the construction of a new pool is to leave a slot that is left to join all spigots before tiling and usually an electrician is expected to electrically connect all the spigots which is expensive and time consuming.

[006] The use of stainless steel spigots (as shown in Figure 1) has become very popular because stainless steel is strong and provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance because of being shiny and polished. A spigot such as spigots S or S1, as known in the prior art, comprise a base B with spaced apart arms A1 and A2 extending upwardly from the base B. The arms A1 and A2 are spaced apart and structured to receive a fencing panel in between the arms A1 and A2. Stainless steel spigots such as S and S1. A first type of spigot such as S is known as a “core drilled” requires the anchor portion of the core drilled spigot to be placed in a pre-drilled hole (drilled into an underlying surface such as a concrete surface). The core-drilled spigot S is then grouted into the hole. S1 denotes a second type of spigot which includes a base plate that facilitates attachment of the spigot by using fasteners such as screws.

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Spigots such as S and S1, particularly made from stainless steel have also been found to withstand harsh weather conditions than many other types of materials. One of the special type of stainless steel spigots currently being sold in the Australian market includes an earthing wire connector as part of the spigot. However, the provision of the earthing wire connector still requires specialist installers and electricians which increases complexity and expenses.

[007] In view of the above, it is desirable to provide an improvement which addresses some of the shortfalls of the currently available spigots used for pool fencing.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [008] In an aspect, the invention provides an electrically insulating cover assembly for covering an electrically conductive spigot used for pool fencing, the spigot comprising a base with spaced apart arms extending upwardly therefrom, the spaced apart arms being structured to receive a fencing panel there-between, the cover comprising: one or more electrically insulating members disposed over the entire exposed surface of the arms and the base wherein said insulating members are operable to provide said spigot with a reduced likelihood of thermal and electrical burns and electrocution upon contact compared to direct contact with the spigot.

[009] In one embodiment, the insulating members comprise: one or more insulating arm members structured to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of said spigot arms; and one or more insulating base members structured to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of the base.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [010] In an embodiment, the one or more insulating arm members are integrally formed with said one or more insulating base members.

[011] In another embodiment, the first plurality of insulating arm members comprises: a first hollow insulating arm member defining a hollow internal space to receive one of said spigot arms during use; and a second hollow insulating arm member defining a hollow internal space to receive the other of said spigot arms during use.

[012] In an embodiment, the first and second hollow insulating arms are integrally formed.

[013] Preferably, the first and second hollow insulating arm members comprise respective locking portions to allow the insulating arm members to be inter-locked with each other during use.

[014] In an embodiment, the respective locking portions are located along an in-use lower peripheral portion of the respective insulating arm members.

[015] In an embodiment, the second plurality of insulating members comprises: one or more outwardly extending insulating base members structured to surround the base of the spigot during use.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [016] In an embodiment, the electrically insulating cover assembly comprises a pair of insulating base members adapted to surround the base of the spigot during use, each insulating base member comprising respective base member locking portions to allow the insulating base members to be inter-locked with each other during use.

[017] In another embodiment, the insulating member comprises one-piece integrally formed configuration comprising a substantially hollow insulating base portion with an opening at an in-use lower end wherein during use the spigot arms can be received into the opening of the hollow base portion to allow the insulating base portion to form an insulating sleeve around the base of the spigot.

[018] In an embodiment, the insulating member further comprising spaced apart insulating arm portions extending upwardly from an in-use upper end of the insulating base portion, each of the spaced apart insulating arm portions being adapted to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of said spigot arms of the spigot.

[019] In an embodiment, the electrically insulated cover assembly comprises a locking arrangement to prevent the hollow insulating member from being uncoupled from the spigot.

[020] In an embodiment, each of the insulating arm portions comprises one or more side walls and wherein the locking arrangement comprises one or more openings provided along at least one of the side walls whereby insertion of insulating plugs into the openings prevents the hollow insulating member from being uncoupled from the spigot.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [021] In an embodiment, each of the insulating arm portion comprises an in-use upper lip that laps over and received a top inner portion of the spigot arms thereby preventing the insulating arm portion from being inadvertently spaced away from the respective spigot arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [022] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of spigots S and S1 (known in the prior art) used for swimming pool fencing.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrically insulating cover assembly 100 shown in an in-use configuration (with the spigot S being enclosed by the cover assembly 100.

Figure 3 is a first perspective view of the cover assembly 100 in which the insulating arm members 110A and 110B shown in a closed configuration and the insulating base members 120A and 120B are also shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 4 is a second perspective view of the cover assembly 100 in which the insulating arm members 110A and 110B shown in a closed configuration and the insulating base members 120A and 120B are also shown in a closed configuration.

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Figure 5 is a first perspective view of the cover assembly 100 in which the insulating arm members 110A and 110B shown in an open configuration and the insulating base members 120A and 120B are also shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 6 is a second perspective view of the cover assembly 100 in which the insulating arm members 110A and 110B shown in an open configuration and the insulating base members 120A and 120B are also shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an electrically insulating cover assembly 200 shown in an in-use configuration (with the spigot S being enclosed by the cover assembly 100).

Figures 7A to 7C provide several views of the electrically insulating cover assembly 200.

Figures 8 to 10 illustrate side views of the insulating cover assembly 200.

Figure 11 is an enlarged view of an upper portion of the cover assembly 200 shown in Figure 10.

Figures 12A to 12C provide views of a two-piece electrically insulating cover assembly 300.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [023] Figures 2 to 6 illustrate a first embodiment of an electrically insulating cover assembly 100 that is suitable for insulating an electrically conductive spigot S (shown in Figure 2).

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [024] The cover assembly 100 is suitable for use with a spigot such as but not limited to spigot S (shown in Figures 1 and 2) comprising a base B with spaced apart arms A1 and A2 extending upwardly from the base B. The spaced apart arms A1 and A2 define a gap that is structured to receive a fencing panel that can be held in between the arms A1 and A2.

[025] The cover assembly 100 comprises a first pair of insulating arm members 110A and 110B which collectively form an insulating upper portion of the cover assembly 100 that are structured to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of said spigot arms A1 and A2. Each of the insulating arm members 110A and 110B defines a hollow internal space to receive the spigot arms A1 and A2 and enclose the outer exposed surface of the spigot arms A1 and A2.

[026] The cover assembly 100 also comprises a second pair of outwardly extending insulating base members 120A and 120B which collectively form a lower insulating portion of the cover assembly 100. The base members 120A and 120B extend outwardly in a transverse direction relative to the spigot S and effectively form prevent direct contact between the underlying supporting surface (upon which the spigot S is positioned) and the metallic body of the spigot S. The insulating base members 120A and 120B are structured to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of the base B of the spigot S. When a spigot such as spigot S is core drilled, the spigot S is anchored to the ground in a drilled hole and then grout is poured to set the anchor of the spigot S. A metallic “dress ring” is used for covering the grout. The insulating base members 120A and 120B are provided to insulate the “dress ring”.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [027] The insulating upper portion of the cover assembly 100 (formed by insulating arm members 110A and 110B) includes a locking arrangement 115 (See Figures 3 and 5) that allows the two insulating arm members 110A and 110B to be inter-locked into a locked position. Locking portions 116 are provided along the periphery of a first side wall in the insulating arm members (110A and 110B). The locking portions 116 are structured to be received locking apertures 117 that are provided along a peripheral portion of a second side wall in each insulating arm member (110A and 110B). Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the insulating arm members 110A and 110B in a locked configuration and Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the insulating arm members 110A and 110B in an unlocked or open configuration.

[028] The insulating lower portion of the cover assembly 100 (formed by insulating base members 120A and 120B) also includes another locking arrangement 125 (See Figures 3 and 5) that allows the insulating base members 120A and 120B to be interlocked with each other. Each insulating base member 120A and 120B includes a locking portion 126 and a locking channel 127. During use, the locking portion 126 of one insulating base member 120A can be locked into the locking channel 127 of another insulating base member 120B as shown in Figure 5. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the insulating base members 120A and 120B in a locked configuration and Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the insulating base members 120A and 120B in an unlocked or open configuration.

[029] The side walls of the spigot S often include small openings to receive grub screws which are used for adjusting the clamping force applied on a panel positioned in between the clamping arms A1 and A2. In some embodiments, corresponding

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 openings 112 may be provided along outer side walls of the insulating arm members 110A and 110B. During normal period of use, insulating plugs 114 may be inserted into the openings 112 to prevent the grub screws from being directly exposed. The provision of the openings 112 in combination with the insulating plugs 114 not only shields the grub screws in the small openings but also allows users to adjust the clamping strength of the clamping arms A1 and A2 without having to remove the entire cover assembly 100. The provision of the insulating plugs 114 also functions as a stop and prevents movement of the insulating arm members 110A and 110B in an upward or downward direction.

[030] The aforementioned configuration of the insulating arm members 110A and 110B in combination with the insulating base members 120A and 120B allows the cover assembly 100 to be disposed around the exposed surfaces of the spigot S thereby at least reducing the likelihood of thermal and electrical burns and electrocution upon contact compared to direct contact with the spigot S.

[031] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, a second embodiment of the cover assembly 200 is illustrated. Unlike the previously described embodiment, the cover assembly 200 comprises a one-piece integrally formed configuration. The cover assembly 200 includes a substantially hollow base portion 220 with an opening 222 at an in-use lower end. In order to install the cover assembly 200, the spigot arms A1 and A2 are inserted into the opening 222. Typically, it is expected that the spigot S would initially be anchored onto an underlying surface and the cover assembly 200 would be positioned over the spigot by inserting the spigot arms A1 and A2 into the opening 222 before

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 moving the hollow base portion 220 to be disposed over exposed base B of the spigot S.

[032] The upper portion of the insulating cover assembly 200 comprises spaced apart insulating arm portions 210A and 210B that extend upwardly from an in-use upper end of the insulating base portion 220. Each of the spaced apart insulating arm portions 210A and 210B are adapted to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of the spigot arms A1 and A2 of the spigot S.

[033] As per the description in relation to the previously described embodiment, side walls of the spigot S often include small openings to receive grub screws which are used for adjusting the clamping force applied on a panel positioned in between the clamping arms A1 and A2. Corresponding openings 212 are provided along outer side walls of the insulating arm members 210A and 210B. During normal period of use, insulating plugs 214 are inserted into the openings 212 to prevent the grub screws from being directly exposed. The provision of the openings 212 in combination with the insulating plugs 214 not only shields the grub screws in the small openings but also allows users to adjust the clamping strength of the clamping arms A1 and A2 without having to remove the entire cover assembly 200. The provision of the insulating plugs 214 also functions as a stop and prevents movement of the insulating arm members 210A and 210B in an upward or downward direction (as shown in Figures 8 and 9).

[034] Turning to Figures 9 and 11, each of the insulating arm members 210A and 210B comprises an in-use upper lip 217 (See Figure 11) that laps over and receives

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 a top inner portion of the spigot arms thereby preventing the insulating arm members 210A and 210B from being inadvertently spaced away from the respective spigot arm A2.

[035] Figures 12A to 12C illustrate yet another embodiment of an insulating cover assembly 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The cover assembly 300 includes a two-part configuration with a first part 330 covering the base plate of a spigot such as S1 (shown in Figure 1) and a second part 310 for insulating the arms of the A1 and A2 of the spigot S1.

[036] The first part 330 is provided in the form of a dress ring cover that can be placed directly above an outer exposed surface of the base plate B1 or dress ring of a spigot such as spigot S1 shown in Figure 1. The base dress ring 330 includes an opening 322 which allows the spigot body of spigot S1 to be inserted into the opening 322 thereby allowing the dress ring 330 to be positioned directly above the base plate B1 of spigot S1.

[037] Once the base dress ring 330 has been positioned over the base plate of the spigot S1, in order to install the second part 310 of the cover assembly 300, the spigot arms A1 and A2 are inserted into the opening 315 located at a lower end of the second part 310 of the cover assembly 300. Typically, it is expected that the spigot S would initially be anchored onto an underlying surface and the second part 310 of the cover assembly 300 would be positioned over the spigot by inserting the spigot arms A1 and A2 into the opening 315 after the dress ring cover 330 has been positioned above the outer exposed surface of the dress ring B1.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [038] The upper portion of the second part 310 of the insulating cover assembly 300 comprises spaced apart insulating arm portions 310A and 310B that extend upwardly along an upper portion of the second part 310 of the cover assembly 300. Each of the spaced apart insulating arm portions 310A and 310B are adapted to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of the spigot arms R1 and R2 of the spigot S1 (See Figure 1)· [039] As per the description in relation to the previously described embodiment, side walls of the spigot S1 often include small openings to receive grub screws which are used for adjusting the clamping force applied on a panel positioned in between the clamping arms R1 and R2. Corresponding openings 312 are provided along outer side walls of the insulating arm members 310A and 310B. During normal period of use, insulating plugs 314 are inserted into the openings 312 to prevent the grub screws from being directly exposed. The provision of the openings 312 in combination with the insulating plugs 314 not only shields the grub screws in the small openings but also allows users to adjust the clamping strength of the clamping arms R1 and R2 without having to remove the entire cover assembly 300. The provision of the insulating plugs 314 also functions as a stop and prevents movement of the insulating arm members 310A and 310B in an upward or downward direction. Each of the insulating arm members 310A and 310B may also comprise an in-use upper lip (similar to lip 217 shown in Figure 11) that laps over and receives a top inner portion of the spigot arms thereby preventing the insulating arm members 310A and 310B from being inadvertently spaced away from a respective spigot arm.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [040] It is also desirable to provide the insulating cover assemblies 100, 200 or 300 in a flexible and transparent material which preserves the attractive appearance of the metallic spigots. The material used for the insulating cover assemblies 100 and 200 is not limiting and any material with electrical insulating properties may be used for forming the insulating cover assemblies.

[041] The cover assemblies 100,200 and 300 are not limited to a specific shape such as a square or rectangular cross-sectional profile. In other words, the shape of the insulating members forming the cover assemblies 100 and 200 depends on the shape of the spigot. By way of example, if another type of spigot comprises a round or cylindrical shape and profile then the cover assemblies 100 and 200 may also be round or cylindrical to provide electrical insulation in a manner as explained in the previous sections without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[042] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term “comprises” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “comprised of’ is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

[043] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

2020100074 15 Jan 2020 [044] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An electrically insulating cover assembly for covering an electrically conductive spigot used for pool fencing, the spigot comprising a base with spaced apart arms extending upwardly therefrom, the spaced apart arms being structured to receive a fencing panel there-between, the cover comprising: one or more electrically insulating members disposed over the entire exposed surface of the arms and the base wherein said insulating members are operable to provide said spigot with a reduced likelihood of thermal and electrical burns and electrocution upon contact compared to direct contact with the spigot.

2. An electrically insulating cover assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the insulating members comprise:

one or more insulating arm members structured to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of said spigot arms; and one or more insulating base members structured to be disposed about an outer exposed surface of the base.

3. An electrically insulating cover assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein the first plurality of insulating arm members comprises:

a first hollow insulating arm member defining a hollow internal space to receive one of said spigot arms during use; and

2020100074 28 Apr 2020 a second hollow insulating arm member defining a hollow internal space to receive the other of said spigot arms during use.

4. An electrically insulated cover assembly in accordance with claim 3 comprising a locking arrangement to prevent the hollow insulating member from being uncoupled from the spigot wherein each of the insulating arm portions comprises one or more side walls and wherein the locking arrangement comprises one or more openings provided along at least one of the side walls whereby insertion of insulating plugs into the openings prevents the hollow insulating member from being uncoupled from the spigot.

5. An electrically insulating cover assembly in accordance with any one of claim 4 wherein each of the insulating arm portion comprises an in-use upper lip that laps over and receives a top inner portion of the spigot arms thereby preventing the insulating arm portion from being inadvertently spaced away from the respective spigot arm.