GB2346396A

GB2346396A - Support device for cables/pipes particularly in the form of coving, skirting, or framework

Info

Publication number: GB2346396A
Application number: GB0001608A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Simms
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-02-01
Filing date: 2000-01-26
Publication date: 2000-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-26
Also published as: GB2346396B; GB0001608D0; GB9902106D0

Abstract

An elongate device for supporting supply pipes and or cables (10) has an external face (6), an internal cavity and support means for supporting the pipes/cables (10) within the cavity. There is also a means of attachment, preferably in the form of rear element (14), for attachment to a floor, wall or ceiling. The device can be formed to resemble existing architectural features, such as skirting board, window/door frame, dado rail or coving. A front element (4) may be detachably removed from the rear element (14), via engagement clips (16). Support means can be provided on either the front (4) or rear element (14) and be in the form of clips or brackets of differing sizes to support pipes or cable of different seizes (fig 2, not shown). The device may also include sockets, (8) sprinkler heads (518, fig 5C, not shown), water jets (218, fig 3B, not shown), vents, smoke or infra red detectors and be made of extruded plastic.

Description

Cable/Pipe Support Device The invention to which this application relates is to provide a means for routing and supporting cables, pipes and other supply means in a premises and at the same time hide the same from view so providing a neater and efficient solution to an existing problem.

Conventionally, when new premises are constructed, items such as electricity cables, telephone wires, water pipes and the like are either placed in the floor or ceiling space to hide the same from view or where possible hidden in wall cavities and the like as there is a need for the same to be hidden from view. R problem with this is that if access is required to the pipes or cables for repair or alteration it can be difficult and disruptive as the same are effectively provided as an integral part of the fabric of the premises.

In existing premises, if new cabling or piping is required then considerable upheavaI is required to route the cable or pipes in the same manner as the existing cables or pipes and in many instances this is not possible. Where not possible, the new pipes or cables are attached externally to the walls with or without ductwork which is unsightly and inconvenient.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a method of routing and supporting cables or pipes or other supply lines in a manner which hides the same from sight and which uses existing items provided in premises thereby avoiding the need for additional ductwork to be provided.

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an elongate device for supporting any or any combination of supply pipes or cables in a premises and/or allowing the supply of resources therealong, said device having an internal cavity and a first element having an external face and wherein said device includes support means for supporting said supply means and or means along which said resources pass in said internal cavity and attachment means for attaching the device to a wall, floor and/or ceiling of the premises.

Typically, the device is provided with an external face which has the appearance of an architectural feature which can include any or any combination of a skirting board, window frame, door frame, dado rail, picture rail, coving or ceiling rose and it will be appreciated that the external face has an appearance so that it has an expected form and can therefore be used to replace existing skirting boards, frames, rails or coving and/or be used to form the same in new premises.

Preferably the attachment means are in the form of a rear element or elements which are typically secured by securing means to a ceiling, wall or floor. The securing means can include screwing, adhesion and/or plastering.

The securing means for the device can be provided to suit specific fixing requirements. In one form the device can be provided with flanges which allow the same to be plastered in position when new premises walls are being formed. Alternatively the device can be provided with attachment means which allow the same to be retrofitted as required.

Preferably the first element is detachedly removable from the rear element or elements to allow access to the supply pipes and/or cable for replacement and/or repair.

In one embodiment the device is formed from a length of material with the external face formed as described and the internal face provided with support means for pipes and/or cables. In an alternative embodiment the device is formed from a first length of material which has the external face formed as described and which is attached to an inner member which can in one embodiment include the support means formed therein. In a yet further embodiment of the device the rear element or elements are provided with support means.

In one embodiment the rear element or elements comprise angled portions to enable fitting between two similarly angled surfaces of a wall, ceiling and/or floor. The first element can be located to provide an internal cavity between said angled portions of the rear element or elements and said first element.

The cable and/or pipe support means typically comprise a series of clips and/or brackets at spaced intervals which can be used to retain a pipe or cable in position. In one embodiment the device is provided as standard with a number of different sized support means at spaced intervals to allow cable or pipes of differing dimensions to be accommodated.

In an alternative embodiment the device can be formed with integral passageways and/or cables which, when connected to similarly formed devices form passages along which the resource or resources may flow thereby overcoming the need for cable or pipes to be subsequently supported. In this embodiment the devices will typically be provided with socket connecting means at the interfaces with adjacent devices to ensure secure location and fitting.

In one embodiment the device is formed from plastics material with the first elements, rear elements and/or inner membranes formed in extruded lengths which can be joined end to end to form continuous support and can be cut to the required length. It is also envisaged that a range of devices can be manufactured with different external face designs and dimensions to suit the style and design of the premises for which the same are to be used.

In a further feature of the invention, additional items such as sockets, sprinkler heads, water jets, vents, smoke detectors, infra red sensors can be provided in or attached to the device at required positions and the cable or pipe connected to the items from the rear.

In a further aspect of the invention the device can be used as a facility in a premises such that, for example, rather than having unsightly radiators placed in the premises a series of central heating pipes are carried along the device and these pipes provide radiated heat from the device thereby avoiding the need for central heating radiators to be provided.

In a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided an elongate device for supporting one or more fluid supply pipes for a sprinkler system, said device formed with an external face and an internal cavity and wherein said device includes support means for supporting said one or more pipes in said internal cavity, attachment means for attaching the device to a wall, floor or ceiling and supply release means on said external face in communication with the supply pipes to release said fluids when required.

Preferably the external face is formed in a manner similar to that of existing architectural features.

In one embodiment the elongate device can be formed with integral passageways which, when connected to similarly-formed devices form passages along which the fluid or fluids can flow.

In one embodiment luminous material can be incorporated in all or part of the device so as to provide a visibility aid in darkness or in smoke filled premises.

The device incorporating the sprinkler system has the advantage that the fluid jets/outlets can be positioned at any level in a room or area of a premises and blend in with the architectural features of the same, thereby making the system more aesthetically pleasing and thus more likely to be fitted into a premises. In addition, the fluid jets/outlets can be positioned to target a particular height level of an area or room and yet blend in to the surroundings. For example, the jets/outlets of the sprinkler system can be directed specifically at the ceiling.

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention ; Figure 2 illustrates an end elevation of the device in one embodiment of the invention; Figures 3 and 3B illustrate a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 3C and D illustrate further features of the embodiment in Figure 3B; Figures 4A and B illustrate the device in the form of a dado or picture rail; Figure 4C illustrates further features of the embodiment in Figure 4A ; Figures 5A and B illustrate the device in the form of coving in accordance with a further aspect of the invention; Figure 5C illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment in Figure 5A.

It should firstly be appreciated that the device of the invention can be adapted to carry any, or any combination of, resources for a premises such as electricity cables, data and/or telecommunication cables, burglar alarm cables water, water systems such as central heating pipes, sprinkler systems, air conditioning ducting, gas pipes and the like with suitable sockets and ducts and outlets provided as required.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown in perspective view the elements of the device of the invention in the embodiment of a skirting board 2. The first element 4 is provided with an external face 6 which has a shape and features which are those of a conventional skirting board design. The external face is also shown with a socket 8, in this case for an electricity supply, and the socket 8 is directly connected to an electricity cable 10 supported behind the external face as shown and hidden from external view. The element 4 is provided with other support means and formations 12 for other supply pipes and cables. The element 4 is attachable to a rear element 14 via engagement clips 16 and the rear element is typically fixed in position on the wall of the premises. Thus, to gain access to existing cables or pipes in the device or to add new cable or pipes, the first element 4 can be unclipped and then replaced when the necessary work is completed to again hide the cables or pipes from view. It will therefore be appreciated that this device can be provided along the base of the walls around the premises and where the same meets door or window frames these can be formed to allowed continued carrying of the pipes or cable as illustrated in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figure 2 there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a skirting board form of the device wherein a first element 104 is attached to a rear element and in this case it is the rear element which is provided with support means 112 to allow cable and pipes 110 to be supported and run along the cavity 120 defined between the first and rear elements 104,114.

In one embodiment the device can be provided to be screwed, adhered or otherwise fixed to the wall 122 or alternatively can be provided with flanges which allow the device to be plastered in position as plaster is applied to finish the wall surface.

Figure 3 illustrates a device according to the invention in the form of a door frame in which the same is provided with a front or architrave face 202 which can be ornamentally shaped as required and can also carry sockets or switches such as the light switch 204 which is connected to a cable (not shown) which is carried in the cavity area 206. The cavity area is divided into sections by supporting means 208 as shown and along which the required pipes or cables can be carried around the door frame. Conventional door frame features such as the door seal 210 can be provided and positioned as required. In the embodiment shown the device is provided with void areas 212 along which water flows and also there are provided at spaced intervals 214 water jets to allow the device to be used as part of a water sprinkler system. Figure 3B illustrates a skirting board version of the device in which the same is provided with an elongate passageway/void 216 for water and a series of spray jets 218 which allow the sprinkler system to be provided around the premises.

Figure 3c and 3d illustrates a possible construction of the skirting board embodiment in Figure 3b. The skirting is made from 3 extruded profiles which can be interlocked together to produce a sealed finished article; a backboard 220 which is secured to a wall, a front face 222 which covers a void 224 for cables and an extruded section 226 which defines the void 216 for water. The extruded section 226 is provided with spray jets 218. The extruded section 226 can be U-shaped or any other required shape.

Figures 4A and B illustrate a further embodiment of the invention wherein the device is provided in the form of a dado rail or picture rail 402 and includes voids 404,406,408 for carrying water and jets 410 through which the water passes when activated as part of a sprinkler system. It is also envisaged that a ceiling rose could be provided in this form. The device can also include a rear cavity 412 for carrying additional services as required.

Figure 4C illustrates a further possible feature based on embodiment shown in Figures 4a and 4b. A dado rail or picture rail 414 includes a shaped void 416 for carrying water and jets 418 through which the water passes when activated as part of a sprinkler system. The rail 414 is joined to a backboard 420 to form a sealed unit which is secured by screws 422 to a wall 424. The backboard 420 can be fixed to the wall using plaster 426 in addition to, or as an alternative to, screws 422.

Figure 5A illustrates a base member 502 of the device in the form of coving wherein said member 502 is provided to be attached to the wall and/or ceiling and again in this embodiment is provided with voids 504,506 for carrying water and jets 508. The Figure 5 B shows the base member 502 in position with cable or pipes 510 entering from the ceiling space above to be carried along the coving as required and can therefore be carried along devices in accordance with this invention in the form of skirting boards in the floor above. There is also provided a coving facia 512, which can be decorative and masks the service pipes and cable from view.

Figure 5C illustrates a possible construction of the coving shown in Figure 5A. The coving is made from 4 extruded profiles which can be interlocked together to produce the finished article; backboards 514 are provided for attachment to the wall and/or ceiling, an angled mounting bracket 516, a sprinkler cover 518 and a coving cover 520.

The angled mounting bracket 516 is provided with screw holes 522 to allow the bracket 516 to be secured to the wall and/or ceiling.

Once the angled bracket 516 is fixed to the wall and/or ceiling, the backboards 514 are fitted to the same such that portions 524 interlock with corresponding portions 526 on the mounting bracket 516, and screw holes 528 are aligned accordingly. Coving cover 520 is then secured to extend between points 530 and 532.

Regardless of the embodiments shown, it should be appreciated that the device of the invention can be formed in any required design of skirting board, door frame, and even dado rail or picture rail and so it is the concept of the invention and not a particular design which is to be protected. It is envisaged that the device will be formed of suitable materials for specific requirements, one large volume manufacturing possibility being the extrusion of lengths of the device which can be joined together and also cut to size to form continuous passage for the pipes and cables throughout the premises.

The invention provides a means for allowing unsightly cables such as electricity, telephone, television service cables and pipework such as central heating and water pipes to be hidden from view and yet allows the same to be easily accessible for additional work. The invention also allows new cabling or pipework to be accommodated and again allows the same to be hidden from view.

Claims

Claims:

1. An'elongate device for supporting any or any combination of supply pipes or cables in a premises and/or allowing the supply of resources therealong, said device having an internal cavity and a first element having an external face and wherein said device includes support means for supporting said supply means and/or means along which said resources pass in said internal cavity, and attachment means for attaching the device to a wall, floor and/or ceiling of the premises.

2. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the external face has the appearance of an architectural feature.

3. An elongate device according to claim 2 wherein the architectural feature can be any or any combination of a skirting board, window frame, door frame, dado rail, picture rail, coving, ceiling rail or the like.

4. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the attachment means are in the form of a rear element or elements.

5. An elongate device according to claim 4 wherein said rear element or elements are secured by securing means to a ceiling, wall and/or floor.

6. An elongate device according to claim 5 wherein the rear element or elements of the device include flanges.

7. An elongate device according to claim 5 wherein the securing means include any of screwing, adhesion and/or plastering.

8. An elongate device according to claim 4 wherein the first element is detachedly removable from the rear element or elements.

9. An elongate device according to any preceding claim wherein the support means are provided on an internal face of the first element.

10. An elongate device according to any preceding claim wherein the support means are provided on an internal surface of the rear element.

11. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the support means are provided on an inner member.

12. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the supporting means include any or a combination of a plurality of clips or brackets at spaced intervals along a part or whole of the device.

13. An elongate device according to claim 11 wherein the clips and/or brackets are a standard size to accommodate a standard size of cable and/or pipe.

14. An elongate device according to claim 11 wherein the clips and/or brackets are providing in varying sizes to accommodate cables and/or pipes of differing dimensions.

15. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the device is provided with integral passageways and/or cables which, when connected to similarly formed devices provide passages along which the resource or resources can flow.

16. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the rear element or elements of the device can be retrofitted to an exisfing fitting on a wall, ceiling or floor.

17. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the first element can be retrofitted to an existing fitting on a wall, ceiling or floor,

18. An elongate device according to claim 1 wherein the device can include any or any combination of sockets, sprinkler heads, water jets, vents, smoke detectors and/or infra red sensors.

19. An elongate device according to claim 18 wherein the sockets, sprinkler heads, water jets, vents, smoke detectors and/or infra red sensors communicate with the supply pipes and/or cables supported in the internal cavity of said device.

20. An elongate device according to any preceding claim wherein the first elements, rear elements and/or inner membranes are made from an extruded plastics material.

21. An elongate device according to any preceding claim wherein the rear element or elements comprise angled portions to enable fitting between two similarly angled surfaces of a wall, ceiling and/or floor.

22. An elongate device according to claim 21 wherein the first element is located to provide an internal cavity between said angled portions of the rear element or elements and said first element.

23. An elongate device for supporting one or more fluid supply pipes for a sprinkler system, said device formed with an external face and an internal cavity and wherein said device includes support means for supporting said one or more pipes in said internal cavity, attachment means for attaching the device to a wall, floor or ceiling and supply release means on said external face in communication with the supply pipes to release said fluids when required.

24. An elongate device according to claim 23 wherein the external face has the appearance cf an architectural feature.

25. An elongate device according to claim 23 wherein the device is provided with integral passageways which, when connected to similarly formed devices provide passages along which the fluid or fluids can flow.

26. An elongate device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.