Trigger guard for enclosure

Abstract

An insulator guard that includes a first section with a first connector, a second section with a second connector coupled to the first connector, a biasing member, a first arm, and a second arm. The second section can move relative to the first section between an opened position and a closed position. The biasing member is coupled between the first section and the second section. The biasing member can exert a biasing force toward the closed position. The first arm movably coupled to the first section. The second arm is coupled to the first arm and movably coupled to the second section. The first arm and the second arm are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The first arm and the second arm can provide an arm force in the locked position to overcome the biasing force and maintain the second section in the opened position.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 34704.2564 (990-323 WO01)Trigger Guard for EnclosureCross Reference to Related Application:

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63 / 779,497, filed March 28, 2025, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field:

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an insulator guard. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a trigger lock for an insulator guard.Background:

[0003] A guard may be coupled to an insulator (e.g., a bushing) to limit contact between the insulator and animals (e.g., birds, small mammals, etc.). A technician may use a tool (e.g., a hot stick) to install the guard on the insulator. The tool may be an elongated tool (e.g., a 30-foot hot stick) to permit the technician to remain on the ground while installing the guard high above. The guard may be spring biased toward a closed position to help enable the guard to remain connected to the insulator. However, the technician needs a way to maintain the guard in an opened position during the installation process. A need exists for locking mechanism that remains coupled to the guard during installation, but can be easily removed afterward.Summary:

[0004] Various examples of the present disclosure can overcome various of the aforementioned and other disadvantages associated with known insulator guards and offer new advantages as well.

[0005] According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure there is provided an insulator guard that includes a first section, a second section, a biasingmember, a first arm, and a second arm. The first section includes a first connector. The second section includes a second connector that is coupled to the first connector. The second section can move relative to the first section between an opened position and a closed position. The biasing member is coupled between the first section and the second section. The biasing member can exert a biasing force toward the closed position. The first arm movably coupled to the first section. The second arm is coupled to the first arm and movably coupled to the second section. The first arm and the second arm are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The first arm and the second arm can provide an arm force in the locked position to overcome the biasing force and maintain the second section in the opened position.

[0006] According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure there is provided an insulator guard that includes a first section with a first connector, a second section with a second connector coupled to the first connector, a first arm, and a second arm. The second section can move relative to the first section between an opened position and a closed position. The first arm is movably coupled to the first section. The first arm includes a first end with a first keyed projection and a second end with a channel. The second arm movably coupled to the second section. The second arm includes a third end with a second keyed projection and a fourth end with a protrusion. The channel receives the protrusion. The first arm and the second arm are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The first arm and the second arm can provide an arm force in the locked position to maintain the first section and the second section in the opened position.

[0007] According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure there is provided a method of connecting an insulator guard to an insulator. The method includes positioning the insulator guard in a closed position forming an at least partially enclosed volume. The method also includes moving a trigger lock relative to the insulator guard to a locked position, thereby causing the insulator guard to move to an opened position where the volume is at least partially exposed. The method further includes positioning the insulator guard around the insulator. Finally, the method includes moving the trigger lock to an unlocked position, thereby permitting the insulator guard to return to the closed position.

[0008] The disclosure herein should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art given the following enabling description and drawings. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The following enabling disclosure is directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and presupposes that those aspects within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan are understood and appreciated.Brief Description of the Drawings:

[0009] Various aspects and advantageous features of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill when described in the detailed description of preferred examples and reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an enclosure in an open position.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a first half of the enclosure of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the first half of the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the first half of the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a second half of the enclosure of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the second half of the enclosure of FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view of the second half of the enclosure of FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trigger lock mechanism.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first portion of the trigger lock mechanism of FIG. 9.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a top view of the first portion of FIG. 10.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the first portion of FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second portion of the trigger lock mechanism of FIG. 9.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a top view of the second portion of FIG. 13.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the second portion of FIG. 13.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a first step of assembling the second portion to the second half of the enclosure.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a second step of assembling the second portion to the second half of the enclosure.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a third step of assembling the second portion to the second half of the enclosure.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of the trigger lock mechanism of FIG. 9 in a locked position.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 with the trigger lock mechanism in the locked position.

[0030] FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the trigger lock mechanism of FIG. 9 in an unlocked position.

[0031] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 with the trigger lock mechanism in the unlocked position.Detailed Description:

[0032] An enclosure or insulator guard 100 may be used to at least partially enclose an insulator or other electrical device. For example, the insulator guard 100 may enclose a bushing (e.g., insulator bushing), and may be referred to as a bushing guard. The illustrated bushing guard 100 may fully enclose a bushing (not shown), which may limit and / or prevent animals (e.g., birds, small mammals, etc.) from accessing the bushing. However, reference to a bushing guard is not intended to limit the disclosure to guards that enclose other types of insulators.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bushing guard 100 may include a first half or section 105 and a second half or section 110. The first and second sections 105, 110 may be movable relative to one another to selectively enclose a bushing.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first section 105 may include a body 115 that at least partially forms an inner cavity 120. For example, the body 115 may have a curved shape, although other examples may have a different shape (e.g., an angled shape).

[0035] In some forms, the body 115 may include a webbed region 125 that may form an at least partially open region that provides communication through the body to the inner cavity 120. For example, the webbed region 125 may include a series of intersectingsegments that are at least partially spaced apart. The spacing between the intersecting segments may permit the communication with the inner cavity 120.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, an outer edge of the first section 105 may include a plurality of fingers 130. For example, fingers 130 may radiate outwardly from an upper end of the first section 105 and along a side of the first section 105. The illustrated fingers 130 may be substantially equally spaced apart from adjacent fingers 130.

[0037] In some forms, the fingers 130 may extend at an angle from the edge of the first section 105. For example, as viewed in FIG. 4, the fingers 130 may extend toward a side of the body 115 with the inner cavity 120. As described in more detail below, the fingers 130 may intersect with fingers on the second section 110 when the bushing guard 100 is in a closed position.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a lower end of the body 115 may include a first tab 135, which may be formed proximate to the fingers 130. For example, the plurality of fingers 130 may extend substantially to a lower end of the body 115 on one side. The first tab 135 may extend at an angle from the edge of the body 115. In the illustrated example, the first tab 135 may extend in an opposite direction from the plurality of fingers 130. In other words, the first tab 135 may extend away from the side of the body 115 with the inner cavity 120.

[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an opposite edge of the body 115 may include a pair of first connectors 140. The illustrated first connectors 140 may be female connectors that can receive male connectors. However, other examples of the first connectors 140 may be male connectors that can engage female connectors. In still other examples, the first connectors 140 could include a male and a female connector.

[0040] In the illustrated example, the first connectors 140 may be spaced apart from one another. One first connector 140 may be disposed proximate to an upper end of the body 115. For example, the one first connector 140 may be disposed proximate to an end of the plurality of fingers 130. The other first connector 140 may be spaced apart and disposed at a lower end of the body 115 (e.g., opposite to the first tab 135).

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the fingers 130 may not be disposed between the first connectors 140. Instead, a tool support 145 may be disposed between the first connectors 140. The illustrated tool support 145 may be angled away from the edge ofthe body 115. For example, the tool support 145 may extend away from the inner cavity 120 similar to the first tab 135.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of the body 115 may include a first cutout 150. The first cutout 150 may have a substantially round (e.g., semi-circular, semielliptical, etc.) shape, although other examples may have other shapes.

[0043] With continued reference to FIG. 4, a first keyed opening 157 may be disposed on the lower end of the body 115. The first keyed opening 157 may have an elongated shape so that it is not the same shape along multiple axes. In some forms, the first keyed opening 157 may be angled so that the elongated shape does not extend along the same direction as a radius of the first cutout 150.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the second section 110 may include a body 155 that at least partially forms an inner cavity 160. For example, the body 155 may have a curved shape, although other examples may have a different shape (e.g., an angled shape). In the illustrated example, the body 155 of the second section 110 may have a substantially similar shape as the body 115 of the first section 105. For example, the inner cavity 160 of the second section 110 may have a similar volume as the inner cavity 120 of the first section 105.

[0045] In some forms, the body 155 may include a webbed region 165 that may form an at least partially open region that provides communication through the body to the inner cavity 160. For example, the webbed region 165 may include a series of intersecting segments that are at least partially spaced apart. The spacing between the intersecting segments may permit the communication with the inner cavity 160.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, an outer edge of the second section 110 may include a plurality of fingers 170. For example, fingers 170 may radiate outwardly from an upper end of the second section 110 and along a side of the second section 110. The illustrated fingers 170 may be substantially equally spaced apart from adjacent fingers 170.

[0047] In some forms, the fingers 170 may extend at an angle from the edge of the second section 110. For example, as viewed in FIG. 7, the fingers 170 may extend toward a side of the body 155 with the inner cavity 160. As described in more detail below, the fingers 170 may intersect with fingers 130 on the first section 105 when the bushing guard 100 is in a closed position.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a lower end of the body 155 may include a second tab 175, which may be formed proximate to the fingers 170. For example, the plurality of fingers 170 may extend substantially to a lower end of the body 155 on one side. The second tab 175 may extend at an angle from the edge of the body 155. In the illustrated example, the second tab 175 may extend in an opposite direction from the plurality of fingers 170. In other words, the second tab 175 may extend away from the side of the body 155 with the inner cavity 160.

[0049] With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an opposite edge of the body 155 may include a pair of second connectors 180. The illustrated second connectors 180 may be male connectors that can connect to female connectors. However, other examples of the second connectors 180 may be female connectors that can engage male connectors. In still other examples, the second connectors 180 could include a male and a female connector.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the second connectors 180 may be spaced apart from one another. One second connector 180 may be disposed proximate to an upper end of the body 155. For example, the one second connector 180 may be disposed proximate to an end of the plurality of fingers 170. The other second connector 180 may be spaced apart and disposed at a lower end of the body 155 (e.g., opposite to the second tab 175).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the fingers 170 may not be disposed between the second connectors 180. Instead, one or more catches 185 (e.g., two shown) may be disposed between the second connectors 180. For example, one catch 185 may be disposed proximate to each of the second connectors 180.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower end of the body 155 may include a second cutout 195. The second cutout 195 may have a substantially round (e.g., semi-circular, semielliptical, etc.) shape, although other examples may have other shapes. In some forms, the first and second cutouts 150, 195 may have substantially the same shape.

[0053] With continued reference to FIG. 7, a second keyed opening 197 may be disposed on the lower end of the body 155. The second keyed opening 197 may have an elongated shape so that it is not the same shape along multiple axes. In some forms,the second keyed opening 197 may be angled so that the elongated shape does not extend along the same direction as a radius of the second cutout 195.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 22, a trigger mechanism or trigger guard 500 may be used with the first and second sections 105, 110. As described in more detail below, the trigger guard 500 may be used to selectively retain the first and second sections 105, 110 in a desired position.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a first portion 505 of the trigger mechanism 500 may include an elongated body 510 with a first end 515 and a second end 520. In the illustrated example, the body 510 may at least partially bend so that the first end 515 and the second end 520 are disposed at least partially in different planes. However, other examples of the body 510 may extend entirely along a single axis.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , a first keyed projection 525 may extend from the first end 515 of the body 510. The first keyed projection 525 may have an elongated shape that may be similar to the shape of the first keyed opening 157. For example, when viewed from above, the first keyed projection 525 may have a substantially rectangular outer shape with a circular portion formed proximate to the center. A diameter of the circular portion may be greater than the width of the rectangular portion (although other examples may have different sizes). The elongated portion of the first keyed projection 525 may also be oriented along an axis of the body 510 that extends between the first and second ends 515, 520.

[0057] With continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the second end 520 of the body 510 may include a channel 530. For example, the second end 520 may have a substantially C-shape, with the channel 530 being formed toward the center of the C-shape. The channel 530 may extend at least partially along the axis of the body 510.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 12, a lower surface of the body 510 (e.g., opposite to the surface from which the first keyed projection 525 extends) may include a rib 535. The illustrated rib 535 may extend substantially along the length of the body 510 between the first and second ends 515, 520. For example, the rib 535 may extend proximate to an end of the channel 530. However, other examples, may include a rib 535 that extends a different length, or may not include a rib 535. The illustrated rib 535 may provide support for the body 510 (e.g., to limit unintended flexing).

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the body 510 may include a stop 540. The illustrated stop 540 may be formed as a stepped region proximate to the second end 515, although other examples of the stop 540 may be disposed at a different location and / or include a different shape.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a second portion 545 of the trigger mechanism 500 may include an elongated body 550 with a first end 555 and a second end 560. In the illustrated example, the body 550 may extend entirely along a single axis. However, other examples of the body 550 may at least partially bend so that the first end 555 and the second end 560 are disposed at least partially in different planes.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a second keyed projection 565 may extend from the first end 555 of the body 550. The second keyed projection 565 may have an elongated shape that may be similar to the shape of the second keyed opening 197. For example, when viewed from above, the second keyed projection 565 may have a substantially rectangular outer shape with a circular portion formed proximate to the center. A diameter of the circular portion may be greater than the width of the rectangular portion (although other examples may have different sizes). The elongated portion of the second keyed projection 565 may also be oriented along an axis of the body 550 that extends between the first and second ends 555, 560. The second keyed projection 565 may have a similar shape as the first keyed projection 525, and thus either keyed projection 525, 565 may fit into either keyed opening 157, 197.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, a projection 570 may be formed proximate to the second end 560 of the body 550. The illustrated projection 570 may be formed as a pair of concentric cylinders. The projection 570 may have a smaller radius closer to the surface of the body 550 and a larger radius distal to the surface of the body 550.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 15, the projection 570 is not positioned at the second end 560 and is instead disposed at least partially along the axis of the body 550 toward the first end 555. In some forms, a protrusion 575 may be formed at the second end 560 and extend at least partially toward the first end 555. The illustrated protrusion 575 may not extend entirely to the projection 570 and may be disposed on an outer edge of the body 550.

[0064] With continued reference to FIG. 15, a lower surface of the body 550 (e.g., opposite to the surface from which the first keyed projection 525 extends) may include a rib 580. The illustrated rib 580 may extend substantially along the length of the body 550 between the first and second ends 555, 560. For example, the rib 580 may extend proximate to the projection 570. However, other examples, may include a rib 580 that extends a different length, or may not include a rib 580. The illustrated rib 580 may provide support for the body 550 (e.g., to limit unintended flexing).

[0065] FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate the second portion 545 being connected to the first section 105. The description will specifically relate to the second portion 545 and first section 105. However, the same description may be equally applicable for the first portion 505 and the second section 110.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 16, the second portion 545 may be disposed below the second section 110. Specifically, the second portion 545 may be oriented so that the second keyed projection 565 faces toward the outer surface of the first section 105. The second keyed projection 565 may be oriented so that it is aligned with the first keyed opening 157.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 17, a technician may move the second portion 545 so that the second keyed projection 565 moves at least partially through the first keyed opening 157. This may connect the second portion 545 to the first section 105. In some forms, there may be a snap-fit engagement between the second keyed projection 565 and the first keyed opening 157.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 18, the second portion 545 may move relative to the first section 105 after the second keyed projection 565 is inserted through the first keyed opening 157. For example, the second portion 545 may be rotated relative to the first section 105. As the second portion 545 rotates, the second keyed projection 565 is no longer aligned with the first keyed opening 157. This may limit removal of the second portion 545 from the first section 105.

[0069] Once both portions 505, 545 are connected to the respective sections 105, 110, the first portion 505 may be connected to the second portion 545. Specifically, the first portion 505 may be rotated so that the channel 530 is disposed proximate to the projection570. The channel 530 may receive the projection 570 (e.g., with a snap-fit) so that the first and second portions 505, 545 are coupled together.

[0070] In some forms, the channel 530 may receive the smaller portion of the projection 570 (e.g., the portion with the smaller diameter). When connected, the second end 520 of the first portion 505 may be sandwiched between the larger diameter and the surface of the body 510. This may limit translational movement between the first and second portions 505, 545 when the projection 570 is received within the channel 530.

[0071] In some forms, the bend along the length of the first portion 505 may permit the keyed projections 525, 565 to remain on the same plane when the sections 505, 545 are connected to one another. As described in more detail below, this may permit relative movement of the portions 505, 545 relative to each other and to the sections 105, 110.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the connected trigger mechanism 500 may be positioned in a locked position wherein the first and second portions 505, 545 may aligned along a single axis. The movement of the trigger mechanism 500 to the locked position may cause the first and second portions 105, 110 to move to the opened position. For example, the first and second portions 105, 110 may be pushed toward the opened position as the connected first and second portions 505 pivot relative to the respective portion 105, 110.

[0073] A force provided by the first and second sections 505, 545 to move the first and second portions 105, 110 may overcome the bias of a biasing member (e.g., a spring) 199 to allow the insulator guard 100 to remain in the opened position. This may be beneficial for a technician installing the insulator guard 100 on an insulator or other device because the insulator guard 100 remains open for the technician to move the insulator into the inner cavities 120, 160.

[0074] While in the locked position, the trigger mechanism 500 may also limit the insulator guard 100 from over-opening. For example, the projection 570 may be disposed proximate to the stop 540. Attempting to further open the insulator guard 100 may cause the stop 540 to contact the projection 570 to limit further movement of the first and second portions 105, 110. This may also limit the first and second sections 505, 545 from disconnecting from one another (e.g., the projection 570 leaving the channel 530) and then permitting the bias of the spring 199 to close the insulator guard 100.

[0075] Once the insulation guard 100 is positioned around the insulator, the technician can move the first and second portions 105, 110 to the closed position to enclose the insulator within the inner cavities 120, 160. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the technician may move the first and second sections 505, 545 to an unlocked position where the first and second sections 505, 545 are angled relative to one another.

[0076] In some forms, the technician may pivot the first and second sections 505, 545 toward the outer perimeter of the respective portion 105, 110. This may cause the angle between the first and second sections 505, 545 to decrease (e.g., become less than 180 degrees). As the first and second sections 505, 545 move, they are no longer able to provide a counteracting force to the spring 199. Thus, the spring 199 may cause the first and second sections 105, 110 to move toward the closed position.

[0077] One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the exact dimensions and materials are not critical to the disclosure and all suitable variations should be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure if deemed suitable for carrying out the objects of the disclosure.

[0078] One of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that it is well within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan to modify one or more of the constituent parts for carrying out the various examples of the disclosure. Once armed with the present specification, routine experimentation is all that is needed to determine adjustments and modifications that will carry out the present disclosure.

[0079] The above examples are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the adaptation of the features described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred examples can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An insulator guard comprising:a first section with a first connector;a second section with a second connector that is coupled to the first connector, wherein the second section is configured to move relative to the first section between an opened position and a closed position;a biasing member coupled between the first section and the second section, wherein the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force toward the closed position;a first arm movably coupled to the first section; anda second arm coupled to the first arm and movably coupled to the second section;wherein the first arm and the second arm are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to provide an arm force in the locked position to overcome the biasing force and maintain the second section in the opened position.

2. The insulator guard of claim 1 , wherein the first arm and the second arm are oriented along a single axis in the locked position, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are positioned at an oblique angle in the unlocked position.

3. The insulator guard of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first section includes a first keyed opening and the first arm includes a first keyed projection, and wherein the first keyed opening is configured to receive the first keyed projection in a first orientation and is configured to block receipt of the first keyed projection in a second orientation.

4. The insulator guard of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first arm includes a first stop and the second arm includes a second stop, and wherein in the locked position, the first stop is disposed proximate to the second stop and is configured to limit translational movement of the first arm relative to the second arm.

5. The insulator guard of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first arm includes a first body that extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the first endincludes a first keyed projection configured to couple to the first section, and wherein the second end includes a channel configured to engage the second arm.

6. The insulator guard of claim 5, wherein the first end is disposed on a different plane than the second end.

7. The insulator guard of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second arm includes a second body that extends between a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end includes a second keyed projection configured to couple to the second section, and wherein the fourth end includes a projection configured to engage the first arm.

8. The insulator guard of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first section includes a first connector and the second section includes a second connector engaged with the first connector, and wherein the second section is configured to pivot about the first connector relative to the first section.

9. The insulator guard of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first section includes a first cutout and the second section includes a second cutout, wherein in the closed position, the first cutout and the second cutout cooperate to form an opening to an internal cavity, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from and do not obstruct the opening.

10. The insulator of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first section and the second section combine to form an internal cavity in the closed position, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are disposed outside of the internal cavity.

11. An insulator guard comprising:a first section with a first connector;a second section with a second connector that is coupled to the first connector, wherein the second section is configured to move relative to the first section between an opened position and a closed position;a first arm movably coupled to the first section wherein the first arm includes a first end with a first keyed projection and a second end with a channel; anda second arm movably coupled to the second section, wherein the second arm includes a third end with a second keyed projection and a fourth end with a protrusion, and wherein the channel receives the protrusion;wherein the first arm and the second arm are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the first arm and the second arm are configured to provide an arm force in the locked position to maintain the first section and the second section in the opened position.

12. The insulator guard of claim 11 , further comprising a biasing member coupled between the first section and the second section, wherein the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force to urge the second section toward the closed position.

13. The insulator guard of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first arm and the second arm are oriented along a single axis in the locked position, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are positioned at an oblique angle in the unlocked position.

14. The insulator guard of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first section includes a first keyed opening, and wherein the first keyed opening is configured to receive the first keyed projection in a first orientation and is configured to block receipt of the first keyed projection in a second orientation.

15. The insulator guard of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first arm includes a first stop and the second arm includes a second stop, and wherein in the locked position, the first stop is disposed proximate to the second stop and is configured to limit translational movement of the first arm relative to the second arm.

16. The insulator guard of claim 15, wherein the protrusion is disposed between the first end and the second stop.

17. The insulator guard of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the first end is disposed on a different plane than the second end.

18. The insulator guard of any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the first section includes a first connector and the second section includes a second connector engaged with the first connector, and wherein the second section is configured to pivot about the first connector relative to the first section.

19. The insulator guard of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the first section includes a first cutout and the second section includes a second cutout, wherein in the closed position, the first cutout and the second cutout cooperate to form an opening to an internal cavity, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from and do not obstruct the opening.

20. The insulator of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the first section and the second section combine to form an internal cavity in the closed position, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are disposed outside of the internal cavity.

21. A method of connecting an insulator guard to an insulator, the method comprising:positioning the insulator guard in a closed position forming an at least partially enclosed volume;moving a trigger lock relative to the insulator guard to a locked position, thereby causing the insulator guard to move to an opened position where the volume is at least partially exposed;positioning the insulator guard around the insulator; andmoving the trigger lock to an unlocked position, thereby permitting the insulator guard to return to the closed position.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein a biasing member is coupled to the insulator guard and exerts a biasing force to urge the insulator guard toward the closed position.

23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the first arm and the second arm are oriented along a single axis in the locked position, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are positioned at an oblique angle in the unlocked position.

24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the trigger lock includes a first arm and a second arm connected to the first arm, and herein the first arm and the second arm are rotatably connected to the insulator guard.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising connecting the trigger lock to the insulator guard by aligning a first keyed projection with a first keyed opening.

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