AU2016101760A4 - Cable Hanger - Google Patents

Abstract

A cable hanger (10) adapted to be releasably mounted on the underside of a ceiling (12) at a worksite (13) to support an electrical cable (15) in an elevated condition above a floor area (17) of the worksite. The cable hanger (10) comprises a mounting portion (21) and a supporting portion (22). The supporting portion (22) comprises a supporting sling (41) adapted to be suspended from the mounting portion 21. The sling (41) comprises a sling member (45) having opposed ends (47, 48). The sling member (45) is formed of flexible material, which is preferably resiliently flexible material. The end (47) of the sling member (45) comprises a fixed end which is permanently attached to the mounting portion (21). The end (48) of the sling member (45) is adapted for detachable connection to the mounting portion (21). 4-f~

Description

1 2016101760 05 Oct 2016

Cable Hanger

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a support apparatus.

[0002] In particular, the invention concerns a support apparatus which may provide a hanger system from which at least a section of an elongate element may be suspended.

[0003] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, as a hanger for suspending an electrical cable, such as an electrical extension cord or lead, above the floor area of a worksite. Accordingly, the following discussion in particular to background art will be provided in the context of suspension of an electrical cable in such circumstances. However, the invention may find application in various other fields, and need no necessarily be limited to suspension of electrical cable at worksites. Further, the elongate element need not necessarily be an electrical cable. The elongate element may, for example, comprise some other type of cable, or it may comprise a rope, line, or fluid flow hose (such as a high air supply hose).

BACKGROUND ART

[0004] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0005] During construction and renovation of a building, or at least an area within a building, there is often a requirement for electrical power to be supplied to tools and other equipment used in the construction or renovation process. Typically, electrical extension cables, also known as extension leads and extensions cords, are used for the purposes of supplying the required electrical power to the tools and equipment concerned. The extension cables offer some versatility, in that they can be routed to the location at which the equipment concern is to be used.

[0006] Typically, an extension cable is laid out on the floor surface of the worksite, extending between a power source (such as for example a portable generator or an 2 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 outlet of an electrical mains power supply) and the particular tool or piece of equipment to which electrical power is to be supplied. However, this is often not considered to be good practice, as it can lead to a cluttered worksite and can also pose a safety hazard. In particular, the extension cable may present a hazard upon which persons at the worksite may trip. Furthermore, an extension cable laying on the floor of a worksite may be vulnerable to damage from other equipment operating at the worksite, or from equipment being moved over the floor area of the worksite.

[0007] Cable stands are known arrangements for elevating extension cables above the floor area of a worksite. However, cable stands are not altogether satisfactory in certain circumstances, as they are required to be located on the floor area and can thus constitute impediments or hazards at the worksite.

[0008] It would be advantageous for there to be an arrangement in which an electrical extension cable can be suspended in an elevated condition above at least part of an area of a worksite, thereby leaving that part of the worksite area clear of the extension cable.

[0009] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support apparatus comprising a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to a structure, and a supporting portion attached to the mounting portion, the supporting portion being adapted to receive and support at least a section of an elongate element.

[0011] The mounting portion may be adapted to be removeably attached to the structure by way of magnetic attraction. Other attachment arrangements are, however, possible; for example, adhesive attachment.

[0012] The mounting portion may comprise a body configured as or incorporating a magnet for magnetic attachment to a component of the structure formed of material capable of being attracted to a magnet. 3 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 [0013] The body may comprise a housing accommodating at least one magnet to provide a magnetic force for said magnetic attraction.

[0014] The mounting portion may present a surface for detachable contact with the structure.

[0015] The surface may comprise a protective surface. The protective surface may comprise a layer of protective material.

[0016] The protective surface may be defined by flexible portion such as, for example, a layer of protective material. The protective material may, for example, comprise felt or elastomeric material (including rubber).

[0017] The layer of protective material providing the protective surface may be attached to a side of the housing.

[0018] The supporting portion may be configured to receive and support the elongate element in any appropriate way.

[0019] In a preferred arrangement, the supporting portion may be configured as a sling through which the elongate element can extend to be suspended thereby.

[0020] Supporting portion may be permanently attached to the mounting portion, or it may be at least partially detachable from the mounting portion to facilitate insertion and removal of the elongate element.

[0021] The sling may comprise a sling element having one end fixed to the mounting portion and another end adapted for detachable connection to the mounting portion. With this arrangement, the sling element can be passed around a section of the elongate element and then attached to the mounting portion to thereby to complete connection of the sling to the mounting portion, whereby the sling is suspended to the mounting portion to support the elongate element.

[0022] The sling element may comprise a sling member formed of flexible material. More particularly, the sling element may comprise a sling member formed of resiliently flexible material. A particularly suitable material for use as the sling member may 4 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 comprise a strip of resiliently flexible elastomeric material such as, for example, neoprene rubber material. However, any other suitable material can be used as the sling member, including for example rope or cord.

[0023] The sling member may be configured to present a broad surface at the base of the sling, thereby to provide a cradle in which the elongate element can rest.

[0024] The sling element may be detachably connected to the mounting portion in any appropriate way. For example, the detachable end may be adapted to be connected to the mounting portion by way of a hook and loop connection. In one arrangement, the detachable of the sling element may be configured to provide an eye and the mounting portion may be provided with a hook, the arrangement being that the eye of the sling element can be inserted onto the hook, thereby establishing the releasable connection between the sling element and the mounting portion. Other detachable connection arrangements are of course also contemplated, including a press-stud fastener , an adhesive fastener, or a hoop and loop fastener.

[0025] The supporting portion may be configured to afford some cushioning to the support of elongate element. This may be advantageous in cushioning shocks which may be imposed upon the elongate element, thereby unintentionally causing detachment of the mounting portion from the structure.

[0026] In one arrangement, the supporting portion may be configured to provide a spring effect to afford such cushioning. The spring effect may be provided by a spring formation. The spring formation may comprise a curved formation such as a fold incorporated in the supporting portion, the curved formation functioning as a spring for cushioning purposes.

[0027] The spring formation may be provided adjacent the fixed end of the support portion. The section of the sling element at and adjacent the fixed end may be configured as a reentrant curve, having a section which extends upwardly to a peak and then descends to the location at which it is fixedly attached to the mounting portion. With this arrangement, the reentrant curve can resiliently flex and thereby provide the spring effect for cushioning purposes. 5 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 [0028] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a cable hanger, the cable hanger comprising a support apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable suspension system comprising a plurality of cable hangers according to the second aspect of the invention, the cable hangers being removably attached to a structure (such as a ceiling) above a work area at spaced intervals along the structure.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of suspending an electrical cable in an elevated condition above a floor area of a worksite, the method comprising use of the cable suspension system according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the cable hangers are attached to a structure (such as a ceiling) at intervals above the floor area, and the electrical cable is positioned to be supported by and between the cable hangers.

[0031] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of suspending an elongated element in an elevated condition above an area, the method comprising use of a plurality of the support apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein said plurality of said support apparatus are attached to a structure at intervals above said area, and the elongated element is positioned to be supported by and between said plurality of support apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of the support apparatus according to the invention, the embodiment being shown in an operative condition; 6 2016101760 05 Oct 2016

Figure 2 is a view similar to figure 1, with the exception that the embodiment is shown in a release condition to facilitate installation and removal of an electrical cable;

Figure 3 is a view similar to figure 1, with the exception that the support apparatus is shown supporting a section of the electrical cable; and

Figure 4 is a schematic view showing a cable suspension system comprising a plurality of support apparatus, each according to the embodiment, mounted on the underside of a ceiling of a work site and supporting an electrical cable in an elevated condition above a floor area of the worksite.

[0033] In the drawings, like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

[0034] The figures which constitute the drawings depict an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The embodiment illustrates one configuration; however, it is to be appreciated that the invention can take the form of many configurations, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, whilst still embodying the present invention. These configurations are to be considered within the scope of this invention.

BEST MODES

[0035] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment of a support apparatus in the form of a cable hanger 10.

[0036] In Figure 4, there is shown a temporary cable support system 11 comprising a plurality of cable hangers 10 releasably mounted on the underside of a ceiling 12 at a worksite 13 to support an electrical cable 15 in an elevated condition above the floor area 17 of the worksite. In this way, the electrical cable 15 is maintained clear of the floor area 17 and therefore out of harm’s way so as not to present a hazard.

[0037] The cable 15 need not necessarily be supported entirely clear of the floor area 17. For example, the end sections 15a, 15b of the cable may extend down to, and rest upon, the floor area 17. Nevertheless, the intermediate section 15c of the cable 15 between the end sections 15a and 15b is supported clear of that part 17a of the floor area 17 below the suspended the cable, as can be seen in Figure 4. 7 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 [0038] Referring now to figures 1 and 2, the support apparatus 10 comprises a mounting portion 21 and a supporting portion 22.

[0039] The mounting portion 21 is adapted to be releasably attached to the underside of the ceiling 12, as shown in figure 4. In this embodiment, the releasable attachment is by way of magnetic attraction, as will be described in more detail later.

[0040] Where the ceiling 12 comprises a suspended ceiling, as is the case in this embodiment, having ceiling panels (not shown) supported within a frame structure (also not shown) comprising frame members formed of a metal material capable of being attracted to a magnet, the mounting portion 21 of each cable hanger 10 is positioned against a metallic frame member of the ceiling in magnetic attachment thereto.

[0041] The mounting portion 21 comprises a body 23 comprising a housing 25 defining an internal cavity (not shown) in which there is accommodated a magnet (also not shown). The housing 25 comprises a top wall 26, a bottom wall 27, two opposed side walls 28, and two opposed end walls 29. The top wall 26 is transparent to the magnetic field of the magnet accommodated within the housing 25 and is adapted to confront the ceiling 12. A protective surface 31 is provided on the top wall 26. The protective surface 31 presents an outer face 31a for contacting a metallic frame component of the ceiling 12 and is intended to afford at least some protection to the ceiling from marking (such as scratching or other damage) as a result of placement of the mounting portion 21 in position on the ceiling 12. In this embodiment, the protective portion 31 comprises a layer 33 of flexible material such as, for example, felt, rubber or other elastomeric material. It will, however, be appreciated that any form of protective material may be used. Additionally, in some applications there may be no need for the protective surface 31.

[0042] The supporting portion 22 comprises a supporting sling 41 adapted to be suspended from the mounting portion 21. The sling 41 comprises an sling element 43 configured as an elongate sling member 45 having opposed ends 47, 48. The sling member 45 is formed of flexible material, which is preferably resiliently flexible material. The sling member 45 may, for example, comprise a strip of elastomeric material such as neoprene rubber.

[0043] The sling member 45 has a central section 45a which is wider than the remaining sections 45b, 45c on opposed sides of the central section 45a. The central section 45a 8 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 thereby provides a broad surface defining a cradle section 49 upon which a section 15d of the electrical cable 15 can rest, as best shown in figure 3.

[0044] The end 47 of the sling member 45 comprises a fixed end which is permanently attached to the body 23 of the mounting portion 21. The manner of attachment will be explained in more detail later.

[0045] The end 48 of the sling member 45 is adapted for detachable connection to the body 23. In the arrangement shown, the detachable end 48 is adapted to be releasably connected to the body 23 by way of detachable coupling 53. The detachable coupling 53 comprises a hook and eye arrangement. In the arrangement shown, the detachable coupling 53 comprises an eye 55 incorporated in or attached to the end section of the sling member 45 adjacent the detachable end 48, and a counterpart hook 57 provided on the end wall 29b of the housing 25. With this arrangement, the eye 55 on the sling member 45 can be hooked onto the hook 57 of the body 23, thereby detachably securing the detachable end 48 to the mounting portion 21, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0046] When the detachable end 48 is attached to the body 23, the sling member 45 provides a loop formation which constitutes the supporting sling 41 in which the cable 15 can be supported, as shown in Figure 3. This represents an operative condition of the cable hanger 10.

[0047] When the detachable end 48 is detached to the body 23, the sling member 45 can drape downwardly from the body 23 (to which it is attached only at fixed end 47), as shown in Figure 2. This represents a release condition of the cable hanger 10.

[0048] The sling member 45 is configured to provide some cushioning in the support afforded by the supporting portion 22. In the arrangement shown, this cushioning is provided by way of a curved formation 61 within the sling member 45 adjacent the fixed end 47. The curved formation 61 provides a re-entrant curve 62 having an ascending section 63, a peak section 65, and a descending section 67 which terminates at the fixed end 47 which is permanently fixed to the body 23. The fixed end 47 can be secured to the body 23 in any appropriate way. In this embodiment, the fixed end 47, which is at the lower end of the descending section 67, is secured to end wall 29a by way of a suitable fixing (not shown) such as a screw fastener. 9 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 [0049] The provision of the re-entrant curve 62 provides a spring formation 71 within the sling member 45, owing to the resiliently flexible characteristics of the sling member. The spring formation 71 assumes the configuration as shown in figure 1, but it can yielding deflect resiliently in the event of a pulling force being applied to the electrical cable 15, say as a consequence of a person at the worksite 13 inadvertently pulling on the cable or tripping upon the cable. The yielding resilient deflection can provide some cushioning, thereby relieving loadings transferred to the mounting portion 21, and possibly preventing the mounting portion from being inadvertently pulled from attachment to the ceiling 12.

[0050] The extent of magnetic attraction (the attractive force) between the mounting portion 21 and the ceiling 12 is selected such that the mounting portion will detach from the ceiling in the event of excessive loading being applied to the electrical cable 15, thereby avoiding damage which might otherwise be caused to the ceiling if the cable hanger 10 did not detach in such circumstances.

[0051] In some circumstances, one cable hanger 10 may be adequate for the intended purpose, and in other circumstances there may be a need for a plurality of cable hangers 10 in order to support the cable 15 in the manner required. In the arrangement shown in figure 4, a plurality of cable hangers 10 are positioned at spaced intervals along the ceiling 12, and the electrical cable 15 is positioned to be supported by and between the cable hangers.

[0052] While not shown in the drawings, the body 23 of the mounting portion 21 of the cable hanger 10 may be provided with some form of cushioning on at least part of the exterior thereof to afford some protection to a person who, or object that, might be impacted in the event of unintended detachment and falling of the cable hanger from the ceiling 12. The cushioning may be of any appropriate form, such as for example a soft or resilient covering, or at least one protective pad or strip formed of soft or resilient material attached to the body 23.

[0053] In operation, the cable hangers 10 would be installed on the ceiling 12 with the sling member 45 in the release condition (as shown in figure 2). When there is a need to suspend the cable 15, sections 15d of the cable can then be installed in the various cable hangers 10. Typically, the respective section 15d of the cable 15 is positioned against the draped sling member 45 which is then passed around the cable on the 10 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 underside thereof and the free end 48 attached to the body 23 by way of the hook and eye coupling 53. In this way, the section 15d of the cable 15 is then suspended within the supporting sling 41, as shown in figure 3. At a later stage when the cable 15 is required to be removed, the free end 48 of the sling member 45 can be detached from the body 23 so as to allow the cable to be released. The cable hanger 10 can then be removed by pulling the mounting portion 21 from the ceiling 12.

[0054] In the arrangement shown, the free end 48 is simply attached to the body 23 by way of the detachable coupling 53, without formation of any further re-entrant curve within the sling member 45 of a type similar to re-entrant curve 62 adjacent the fixed end 47. However, it should be appreciated that the free end 48 could be attached to the body 23 in a manner forming a further re-entrant curve within the sling member 45, if so desired.

[0055] In a variation to this, there may be no re-entrant curve adjacent the fixed end 47, and a re-entrant curve may be formed within the sling member 45 adjacent the free end 48 through the manner in which the free end 48 is attached to the body 23.

[0056] From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiment provides a simple yet highly effective arrangement for supporting the electrical cable 15 in an elevated condition above the floor area 17 of the worksite 13.

[0057] In the arrangement described, the cable hangers 10 are supporting a single electrical cable 15. However, it may be possible that the cable hangers 10 could support or two or more cables, each extending through the sling 41 of each cable hanger.

[0058] It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described as an example. For instance, the supporting portion 22 need not necessarily comprise supporting sling 41. The supporting portion 22 may, for example, comprise a formation onto which the electrical cable 15 can be hooked, or a loop formation which can be selectively opened to receive the electrical cable, or a rope or like tie element to which the electrical cable can be tied.

[0059] While the present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment in order to facilitate better understanding of the invention, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the 2016101760 05 Oct 2016 11 principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.

[0060] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principle of the described technology and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilise the technology in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0061] Reference to positional descriptions, such as “above”, “below”, "top", and "bottom", “front”, “rear”, “side” and “end” are to be taken in context of the embodiment depicted in the drawings, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0062] Additionally, where the terms “system”, “device” and “apparatus" are used in the context of the invention, they are to be understood as including reference to any group of functionally related or interacting, interrelated, interdependent or associated components or elements that may be located in proximity to, separate from, integrated with, or discrete from, each other.

[0063] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (5)

1. A support apparatus comprising a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to a structure, and a supporting portion attached to the mounting portion, the supporting portion being adapted to receive and support at least a section of an elongate element.

2. A cable hanger comprising a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to a structure, and a supporting portion attached to the mounting portion, the supporting portion being adapted to receive and support at least a section of an elongate element.

3. A cable suspension system comprising a plurality of cable hangers according to claim 2, the cable hangers being removably attached to a structure above a work area at spaced intervals along the structure.

4. A method of suspending an electrical cable in an elevated condition above a floor area of a worksite, the method comprising use of the cable suspension system according to claim 3, wherein the cable hangers are attached to a structure at intervals above the floor area, and the electrical cable is positioned to be supported by and between the cable hangers.

5. A method of suspending an elongated element in an elevated condition above an area, the method comprising use of a plurality of support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of support apparatus are attached to a structure at intervals above said area, and the elongated element is positioned to be supported by and between said plurality of support apparatus.