GB2434257A

GB2434257A - Cable tidy

Info

Publication number: GB2434257A
Application number: GB0600864A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Iain Matheson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-17
Filing date: 2006-01-17
Publication date: 2007-07-18
Also published as: GB0600864D0

Abstract

A cable tidy is made of a container having a central column or core around which lengths of cable may be wound. The purpose being for tidying lengths of cable of computers or other electric/electronic devices. The container has a lid which has a protrusion which fits with the central column of the container when the lid is placed on the container. The container has entry and exit holes to allow the cable to enter and leave the container.

Description

Title: Cable Tidy

Background: -

Cables or wires such as those connected to Personal Computers, Audio or Telephony Devices, Network components or any other electronic cables are sometimes only a short distance apart from one another. However, the cables themselves are usually of a length that provides contingency for being located a distance from what they are being connected to. This can result in cables being "bundled up" together, normally in a confined space and potentially eventually knotted. This is exacerbated where there are multiple cables of varying thickness and length (and potentially sensitivity) such as to be found behind Personal Computers. This results in the various cables eventually becoming confused/tangled/knotted together.

There are other issues with this lack of cable management such as it being difficult to trace, add or remove connected cables between devices with the potential damage to connectors and/or cables in the process.

Such cables would normally require a specialist to shorten them although this would in fact reduce flexibility re relocation of the connected equipment.

Statement of Invention: -

This invention relates to a container for such cables, so as to remove the slack, therefore minimising likelihood of cables tangling and making it easier to add or remove them.

The container has entry points at either end for the cable and a central internal column or core around which the cable can be wound. A lid keeps the cable secured/contained within.

The shape of the container is oval or ellipsoid in nature so that it can easily be fed through other cables.

Advantages: -The cable tidy can be made in different sizes to accommodate different cable thickness. There could be a larger size for monitor cables, more rounded and a more circular internal column, and a smaller size for audio/video cables etc. It should also be possible to put a label/sticker on the cable tidy itself to help identify the device and the destination connection such as PC card and port.

The container should be low weight material so as to minimise impact if suspended from a device The fastening of the lid and body could be secured with easy opening/locking clips Once closed, the central column and lid should be interlocked to prevent cables slipping off the central column.

It should be possible to colour the material of the cable tidy so you could, for example, have cables from like devices the same colour The cable tidy should be tolerant of the operating temperatures expected of domestic electronic and computer cabling.

The connection between the lid and base can be by simple wedge (see diagrams).

The lid could have the male or female part of the connection although the female connector would be best, as this would make it easier to wind cables around it before enclosing in the base.

An advantage to reducing cable install or removal time is that it would reduce the risk to health and safety as cable tangles are normally to be found in restrictive (dark) spaces such as behind or at the back of desks.

An additional advantage to the male/female interconnecting parts is that it provides a limited contingency (telescoping effect) in the event that the container is overfilled with cable and therefore the lid and base separate slightly as the cable will still not unwind from the central column. Note that this is a separate concern to the overall design shape of the container.

An additional advantage to the container could be an interlocking device on the side of the container so that multiple containers could be locked together. This should not detract from the purpose of the shape design as presented in early advantages.

Introduction to Drawings: -

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example design with the base and lid separated with the lid turned over so as the central connector (in this case male part) can be seen.

Figure 2 shows an example design where the base and lid are closed where at least an opening can be seen. In this example, a "lip" on the lid demonstrates an option for fastening. This may be in addition to the option for the male & female connectors being of design to allow them to be "wedged" together.

Figures 3 shows the preferred more tapered version maximising ease of threading through other cables.

Detailed Description: -

Figure 1 & 2 -key to codes: A Cable Tidy Base B Cable Tidy Lid Al front and rear opening for entry and exit of cable (width to be determined by size of cable intended to be housed within).

A2 central "female connector" of central/core column around which cable is Bl "male connector" of central/core column to ensure the cable does not unwind when the lid is closed.

B2 lip as option to help secure lid

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A container for cables such as connected to Personal Computers, Audio Devices or Network components or any other such electronic cables.

2. A container for cables according to Claim I comprising a base and lid with entry points at either end.

3. A container for cables according to any proceeding claims with an internal central column or core around which the cable is wound to keep secure and tidy.

4. A container for cables according to any proceeding claims where the components are fastened through a close interconnecting/"wedge" fitting of the male & female parts of the central/core column and/or by additional fasteners between the lid and base.

5. A container for cables according to any proceeding claims where the design is oval or ellipsoid in nature so as to aid easy threading or removal through other cables.

6. A container for cables as herein described with references to Figures 1, 2 & 3 of the accompanying drawing.