GB2547633A

GB2547633A - Cable tidy

Info

Publication number: GB2547633A
Application number: GB1601054.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Sirs Robin; Ian Fenton Philip
Original assignee: Zioxi Ltd
Current assignee: Zioxi Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-20
Filing date: 2016-01-20
Publication date: 2017-08-30
Also published as: GB201601054D0

Abstract

A cable tidy comprising a cable guide with first 2a and second 2b mating parts wherein the first part 2a has a notch which forms part of an aperture when engaged with the second part 2b and a cable holder 3 for holding a cable in a substantially vertical position such that it can be extended or retracted. The holder 3 may be an extruded column which forms a work station leg and may employ a system of channels, weights 9 and pulleys 15 to manage the cable. The holder may have storage shelves or compartments. The cable guide may have different sized or shaped apertures and sleeves within the apertures. The guide may employ mating rings, have a domed shape 13 with power outlets and have a sealed gasket.

Description

CABLE TIDY

The present invention relates to a cable tidy, in particular to a cable tidy for use in a work station, for example a desk.

Cable tidies traditionally take the form of a grommet for positioning within the hole of a desk. One or more holes are provided in the grommet through which cables can be inserted from above the desk. The cables are typically computer cables but can include cables of numerous types, for example power cables.

Whilst various examples of cable tidies exist, they often result in a large number of cables spread across the desk, even when the cables are not in use. This is accompanied by a large number of cables under the desk which can tangle and impede movement/replacement of a single cable in isolation.

Various retraction devices are known for storing cables when not in use; however, they are often cumbersome, costly, unsightly and rely on sprung-loaded mechanisms. They are also generally poor at preventing cables from tangling.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable tidy for holding one or more cables positioned through a hole in the surface of a work station, the cable tidy comprising a cable guide for positioning within or over a hole on an upper surface of a work station and a cable holder for positioning under a work station and for receiving one or more cables positioned through the cable guide, wherein the cable guide comprises first and second mating parts, said first mating part comprising one or more notches, said notches forming one or more apertures for holding one or more cables when the first part is mated with the second part, said apertures permitting movement of the end of one or more cables held within the apertures between an extended position across the surface of a work station and a retracted position adjacent or in engagement with the guide, and wherein the cable holder is configured for holding a cable substantially vertically when said cable is in an extended or retracted position.

The ability to hold a cable substantially vertically is particularly advantageous, because it means that when multiple cables are held within the cable tidy, they are less likely to become tangled. Further, because enough of the cable is suspended when in an extended position, the weight of the suspended part of the cable urges the cable from an extended position to a retracted position without the need for traditional retraction devices such as a sprung-loaded cable or reel retractors. This greatly simplifies manufacture of the cable tidy and provides a low-cost way of keeping work station surfaces free of cables.

Cables can easily be replaced and/or interchanged by separating the first and second mating parts, inserting a new or different cable and re-assembling the cable guide. In this way, a particular benefit of the present invention is that the cable tidy is not dedicated to any particular cable type and/or size, this often being the case with sprung-loaded cable devices.

Preferably, the cable holder comprises a column.

Preferably, the cable holder comprises an extruded column.

Preferably, the cable holder is circular in cross section.

Alternatively, the cable holder is square or rectangular in cross section.

Preferably, the cable holder comprises a hollow work station leg. This is particularly advantageous, because the depth of the cable holder (i.e. the depth of the hollow cavity within the work station leg positioned under the hole in the work station) is sufficient to enable enough of a cable to be held vertically in an extended position to urge the cable from an extended position to a retracted position. This also provides an aesthetically pleasing solution without the need for an additional container (cable holder) to be positioned under the work surface.

Preferably, the cable holder is at least about 70cm in length. This has been found to be a sufficient length to provide sufficient gravitational pull on a cable to move the cable from an extended position to a retracted position.

Preferably, the cable holder comprises one or more longitudinal compartments, each of said one or more compartments for holding a cable substantially vertically when said cable is in a retracted position.

Preferably, the one or more longitudinal compartments are aligned with one or more of said apertures in the cable guide.

This is a particularly advantageous feature of the present invention, because it allows multiple cables to be positioned through the cable guide and then each held within a separate compartment within the cable holder. This eliminates the possibility of cables becoming tangled within the cable holder and maximises the action of the cable weight to urge the cables from an extended position to a retracted position.

Preferably, the one or more compartments are along substantially the entire length of the cable holder.

Preferably, the cable holder comprises one or more channels for slideable engagement with one or more weights.

Preferably, the one or more channels comprise one or more runners for receiving a sliding weight, for example for receiving a wheel attached to a weight.

Preferably, the one or more channels are provided on an internal surface of the cable holder.

Preferably, the cable holder comprises one or more channels aligned with one or more of said apertures in the cable guide.

Preferably, the one or more channels are extruded channels formed in the cable holder.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises one or more weights for attachment to one or more cables held within the cable holder. Whilst the ability of the cable holder to hold cables substantially vertically provides sufficient pull on the cables to move them from an extended to a retracted position, this can be aided further with the use of weights.

Preferably, the one or more weights are sliding weights.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises one or more guide means for guiding cables between a work station surface and the cable holder.

Preferably, the one or more guide means are for guiding cables between a substantially horizontal orientation on a work station surface and a substantially vertical orientation in the cable holder.

Preferably, the one or more guide means comprise one or more pulleys.

Preferably, one or more of the guide means comprises an adjustment means for adjusting the rate of travel of a cable through the guide means.

Preferably, the adjustment means comprises position or friction adjustment means, for example a nut which impedes movement of the guide means when tightened.

Preferably, one or more of the guide means comprises a plurality of pulleys.

Preferably, one or more of the guide means comprises three pulleys with the first and third of said pulleys fixed in position towards the top of the cable holder and the second pulley being attached to a floating weight.

Preferably, the position of one or more of the guide means is adjustable.

Preferably, one or more of the guide means are moveable within a channel.

Preferably, the channel is an extruded channel.

Preferably, the second pulley and/or weight are moveable within a guide.

Preferably, the guide comprises an extruded profile of the cable holder.

Preferably, one or more of the apertures are shaped for holding a cable in position until retraction is desired.

Preferably, one or more of the apertures has a narrowed part for holding a cable in position.

Preferably, one or more of the apertures is pear-shaped, keyhole-shaped or lightbulb-shaped. This allows the cable to be engaged in the narrower part of the aperture to prevent retraction until required.

Preferably, the one or more guide means are provided on the inside surface of the cable holder.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises a plurality of guide means positioned at different locations, for example at different heights. This is particularly advantageous because it reduces further the risk of cables becoming tangled.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises one or more storage areas for holding one or more power modules, for example of a laptop. This means that a DC power cable and connector can be provided to a work station surface, via the cable guide, without the mess of mains cables and adaptors being visible on the top of the work station surface.

Preferably, the one or more storage areas comprise one or more shelves or compartments.

Preferably, the one or more storage areas are provided within the cable holder.

Alternatively, the one or more storage areas are provided outside the cable holder.

Preferably, the one or more storage areas comprise one or more storage containers adjacent the cable holder.

Preferably, the one or more storage containers are attached to the outside of the cable holder.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises one or more notches on the second mating part for alignment with the notches on the first mating part.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises notches of different sizes for forming apertures of different sizes. This enables different sized cables to be held within the cable tidy and for the size of the apertures to be matched accordingly. For example, in order to prevent a cable from fully retracting into the cable holder, the cable should be positioned within an aperture which is smaller than a connector positioned at the end of the cable on the surface of the work station.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises one or more sleeves positioned within said one or more apertures.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises one or more sleeves of different sizes, for example thicknesses, positioned within said one or more apertures. This also enables different sized cables to be held within the cable tidy and for the size of the sleeves to be matched accordingly.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises notches of different sizes for forming apertures at different positions, for example at different heights relative to a work station surface.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises notches of different shapes for forming apertures of different shapes, for example selected from round, oval and square.

Preferably, the first and second mating parts comprise first and second mating rings.

Preferably, the first and second mating parts are identical.

Alternatively, one or both of the mating parts may comprise one or more features not present on the other mating part. For example, one or both mating parts may comprise one or more additional components on their non-mating surfaces. Preferably, the one or more additional components comprise one or more of a gasket, power module, data socket or charging pad.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises a connecting means for receiving one or more additional components.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises an aperture in a user facing surface of the cable guide. Conveniently, this can be provided by ring-shaped first and second mating parts which result in a cable guide with a centrally located aperture for receiving one or more additional components.

It will be appreciated that the cable guide of the present invention can be provided in different heights, that the mating parts can be of different thicknesses and/or materials, and that the materials can be chosen to match and/or compliment the materials of the work surface.

Preferably, the first mating part comprises a ring and the second mating part comprises a disc.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises one or more power outlets.

Preferably, the one or more power outlets are provided on the cable guide, preferably on a user-exposed surface of the cable guide.

Preferably, the one or more power outlets comprise at least one of, or a combination of, a mains power outlet, a USB power outlet and a power outlet adapted to supply power to laptop-type devices at a laptop device input range of 9V to 20V.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises a power inlet for supplying power to the one or more power outlets.

Preferably, the cable guide comprises a substantially flat upper surface. Preferably, the cable guide is surface mounted.

Preferably, the cable guide protrudes above the surface of a work station.

Typically the cable guide will sit on top of a work surface and the work surface will have a hole for cables to pass through together with fixing points to secure the cable guide in place. This also leaves the apertures and any sockets in the top surface of the cable guide above the level of the work station surface which reduces the risk of liquid ingress into the cable tidy.

Preferably, the cable guide is domed.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises a power outlet module for positioning on a user-facing side of the cable guide.

Preferably, the power outlet module is for positioning on a user-facing side of a work station with the cable guide sandwiched between the power outlet module and the surface of a work station.

Preferably, the power outlet module is domed.

Alternatively, the power outlet module comprises a substantially flat upper surface.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises one or more cables for connection to an electronic device, such as a laptop or mobile telephone.

With cables already provided in situ, this reduces or removes the need for users to bring their own cables.

Preferably, the cable tidy comprises a seal for preventing the flow of liquid from a work station surface into the cable holder.

Preferably, the seal is provided on a work station-facing surface of the cable guide.

Preferably, the seal comprises a gasket.

Preferably, one or more of the apertures are shaped to allow part, preferably most, of a connector on the end of a cable to be hidden away when the cable is in a retracted position. The shape of the apertures can be tailored to the type of cable being used, for example micro USB or HDMI.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable guide as described herein.

As such, the cable guide comprises first and second mating parts, said first mating part comprising one or more notches, said notches forming one or more apertures for holding one or more cables when the first part is mated with the second part, said apertures permitting movement of the end of one or more cables held within the apertures between an extended position across the surface of a work station and a retracted position adjacent or in engagement with the guide.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is a provided a kit comprising a cable tidy as described herein and one or more weights for attachment to one or more cables held within the cable holder.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work station, for example a desk or table, comprising one or more cable tidies as described herein.

It will be appreciated that reference to "one or more" includes reference to "a plurality".

Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

Whilst reference has been made to a cable tidy for use with a work station, for example a desk or table, it will be appreciated that the cable tidy of the present invention could be used in a variety of settings where cable storage is required.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein and vice versa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which

Figures 1A to 1C show a first example of the present invention;

Figures 2A to 2C show a second example of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a third example of the present invention;

Figures 4A and 4B show movement of a cable from an extended (Figure 4A) to a retracted position (Figure 4B);

Figure 5 shows an oval-shaped aperture of a cable guide of the present invention;

Figures 6 to 9 show examples of the present invention which include one or more pulleys and/or weights, and

Figure 10 shows an example of the present invention which includes a gasket.

The present invention relates to a cable tidy for use with a work station, for example a desk.

With reference to the Figures, there is shown a cable tidy 1 for holding one or more cables 16 positioned through a hole in the surface of a desk 4. The cable tidy 1 comprises a cable guide 2 for positioning within or over the hole on an upper surface of the desk and a cable holder 3 for positioning under the desk and for receiving one or more cables positioned through the cable guide 2. A first example of the cable tidy 1 is shown in Figures 1A to 1C. In this example, the cable guide 2 comprises first 2a and second 2b mating parts. Both mating parts 2a, 2b comprise a plurality of notches 5. When the first part 2a is mated with the second part 2b, the notches 5 form a plurality of apertures 6 for holding cables. The first mating part 2a is a ring whilst the second mating part 2b is a disc. Conveniently, the second mating part 2b provides a closed top to the cable tidy 1. Fixing holes 19 are provided in the first mating part 2a for securing the cable guide 2 to the surface of the desk 17.

The apertures 6 permit movement of the end/connector 18 of cables 16 held within the apertures 6 between an extended position across the surface of a desk (Figure 4A) and a retracted position adjacent or in engagement with the cable guide 2 (Figure 4B). A second example of the cable guide 2 is shown in Figures 2A to 2C. In this example, the cable guide 2 also comprises first 2a and second 2b mating parts; however, both mating parts 2a, 2b take the form of a ring. Fixing holes 19 are provided in the first 2a and second 2b mating parts for securing the mating parts 2a, 2b together and for securing the cable guide to the surface of a desk 17. A power module 13, comprising power outlets 12, is provided on top of the first 2a and second 2b mating parts. The aperture 21 in the centre of the cable guide 2 forms a connecting means for receiving the power module 13.

Figure 3 shows a third example of the present invention in which the cable guide 2 is square.

In some examples, different sized and shaped notches 5 can be used to provide different sized and shaped apertures 6. An aperture 6 is then selected for a particular cable 16 so that the cable 16 can sit within the aperture 6 but a connector 18 on the end of the cable is too big to pass through the aperture 6. This means that, whilst the cable can be retracted into the cable tidy 1, the connector remains on the surface of the desk. This is shown with particular reference to Figures 4A and 4B in which the aperture 6 is shaped to receive the connector 18. In this example, the aperture 6 is shaped to allow most of the connector 18 to be hidden away when the cable is in a retracted position (as shown in Figure 4B). A different shaped aperture 6 is shown in Figure 5.

In the examples shown, the cable holder 3 takes the form of a substantially cylindrical extruded column 3 which is of sufficient length to hold a cable substantially vertically when the cable is in a retracted or extended position. As noted previously, a length of about 70cm has been found to be particularly effective. The extruded column forms a hollow table leg 3.

As shown in Figure 7, the cable holder 3 can comprise a plurality of longitudinal compartments 7 which can be aligned with the apertures 6 in the cable guide 2. The compartments 7 accommodate the cables 16 in a vertical position.

With reference to Figure 6, the cable holder 3 can include channels 8 for slideable engagement with one or more weights 9. As with the compartments 7, the channels 8 are aligned with the apertures 6. The channels 8 act as runners for the weights 9 and are able to receive a wheel (not shown) of a weight 9. The channels 8 are provided on the internal surface of the extruded column 3 and so keep the cables 16 separate within the column 3 as they move between extended and retracted positions.

The cable tidy 1 can include a storage area (not shown) for holding one or more power modules such as an AC power adapter for a laptop. This means, for example, that a DC power cable and connector can be provided to a work surface, via the cable guide, without the mess of mains cables and adaptors being visible on the top of the work station surface.

The cable tidy 1 can include a number of power outlets 12 provided on a domed user-exposed power outlet module 13. The power outlet module 13 is positioned on a user-facing side of the desk with the cable guide 2 sandwiched between the power outlet module 13 and the work surface.

The cable tidy 1 can be provided with a power inlet (not shown), for example an electrical plug, for supplying power to the power outlets 12.

As shown in Figure 10, a gasket 14 can be provided on a desk-facing surface of the cable guide 2. The gasket 14 prevents any liquid split on the desk surface from entering the cable holder 3. The provision of the gasket 14 between the cable guide and a desk also means that the apertures 6 and power outlets 12 are set above the work surface. This minimises the risk of the apertures 6 and power outlets 12 from being contaminated by spilt fluid.

As shown in Figures 6, 8 and 9, pulleys 15 can be provided on the inside surface of the cable holder 3 for guiding cables between a substantially horizontal orientation on the surface of the desk and a substantially vertical orientation in the cable holder 3. In the example shown in Figure 9, three pulleys 15 are provided with the first 15a and third 15c of the pulleys fixed in position in an extruded profile 20 of the cable holder 3 and the second pulley 15b attached to a floating weight 9.

The pulleys 15 can be positioned at different heights to reduce further the risk of cables becoming tangled.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the apertures 6 are shaped for holding a cable in position until retraction is desired. In the example shown, the cable can be engaged in the narrower part 6a of the aperture to prevent retraction until required.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cable tidy for holding one or more cables positioned through a hole in the surface of a work station, the cable tidy comprising a cable guide for positioning within or over a hole on an upper surface of a work station and a cable holder for positioning under a work station and for receiving one or more cables positioned through the cable guide, wherein the cable guide comprises first and second mating parts, said first mating part comprising one or more notches, said notches forming one or more apertures for holding one or more cables when the first part is mated with the second part, said apertures permitting movement of the end of one or more cables held within the apertures between an extended position across the surface of a work station and a retracted position adjacent or in engagement with the guide, and wherein the cable holder is configured for holding a cable substantially vertically when said cable is in an extended or retracted position.

2. A cable tidy according to claim 1, wherein the cable holder comprises a column.

3. A cable tidy according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cable holder comprises an extruded column.

4. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable holder comprises a hollow work station leg.

5. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable holder is at least about 70cm in length.

6. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable holder comprises one or more longitudinal compartments, each of said one or more compartments for holding a cable substantially vertically when said cable is in a retracted position.

7. A cable tidy according to claim 6, wherein the one or more longitudinal compartments are aligned with one or more of said apertures in the cable guide.

8. A cable tidy according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the one or more compartments are along substantially the entire length of the cable holder.

9. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable holder comprises one or more channels for slideable engagement with one or more weights.

10. A cable tidy according to claim 9, wherein the one or more channels comprise one or more runners for receiving a sliding weight.

11. A cable tidy according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the one or more channels are provided on an internal surface of the cable holder.

12. A cable tidy according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the one or more channels are aligned with one or more of said apertures in the cable guide.

13. A cable tidy according to any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the one or more channels are extruded channels formed in the cable holder.

14. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises one or more weights for attachment to one or more cables held within the cable holder.

15. A cable tidy according to claim 14, wherein the one or more weights are sliding weights.

16. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises one or more guide means for guiding cables between a work station surface and the cable holder.

17. A cable tidy according to claim 16, wherein the one or more guide means are for guiding cables between a substantially horizontal orientation on a work station surface and a substantially vertical orientation in the cable holder.

18. A cable tidy according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the one or more guide means comprise one or more pulleys.

19. A cable tidy according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the one or more guide means are provided on the inside surface of the cable holder.

20. A cable tidy according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the cable tidy comprises a plurality of guide means positioned at different locations.

21. A cable tidy according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the cable tidy comprises a plurality of guide means positioned at different heights.

22. A cable tidy according to any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the position of one or more of the guide means is adjustable.

23. A cable tidy according to any of claims 16 to 22, wherein one or more of the guide means comprises an adjustment means for adjusting the rate of travel of a cable through the guide means.

24. A cable tidy according to any of claims 16 to 23, wherein one or more of the guide means comprises a plurality of pulleys.

25. A cable tidy according to claim 24, wherein one or more of the guide means comprises three pulleys with the first and third of said pulleys fixed in position towards the top of the cable holder and the second pulley being attached to a floating weight.

26. A cable tidy according to claim 25, wherein the second pulley and weight are moveable within a guide.

27. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises one or more storage areas for holding one or more power modules, for example of a laptop.

28. A cable tidy according to claim 27, wherein the one or more storage areas comprise one or more shelves or compartments.

29. A cable tidy according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the one or more storage areas are provided within the cable holder.

30. A cable tidy according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the one or more storage areas are provided outside the cable holder.

31. A cable tidy according to claim 30, wherein the one or more storage areas comprise one or more storage containers adjacent the cable holder.

32. A cable tidy according to claim 31, wherein the one or more storage containers are attached to the outside of the cable holder.

33. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises one or more notches on the second mating part for alignment with the notches on the first mating part.

34. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises notches of different sizes and/or shapes for forming apertures of different sizes and/or shapes.

35. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises one or more sleeves positioned within said one or more apertures.

36. A cable tidy according to claim 35, wherein the one or more sleeves are of different sizes.

37. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises notches of different sizes for forming apertures at different positions, for example at different heights relative to a work station surface.

38. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second mating parts comprise first and second mating rings.

39. A cable tidy according to any of claims 1 to 37, wherein the first mating part comprises a ring and the second mating part comprises a disc.

40. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide comprises a connecting means for receiving one or more additional components.

41. A cable tidy according to claim 40, wherein the connecting means comprises an aperture in a user facing surface of the cable guide.

42. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises one or more power outlets.

43. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more power outlets are provided on the cable guide.

44. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide protrudes above the surface of a work station.

45. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable guide is domed or has a flat upper surface.

46. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises a power outlet module for positioning on a user-facing side of the cable guide.

47. A cable tidy according to claim 46, wherein the power outlet module is for positioning on a user-facing side of a work station with the cable guide sandwiched between the power outlet module and the surface of a work station.

48. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises one or more cables for connection to an electronic device, such as a laptop or mobile telephone.

49. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable tidy comprises a seal for preventing the flow of liquid from a work station surface into the cable holder.

50. A cable tidy according to claim 49, wherein the seal is provided on a work station-facing surface of the cable guide.

51. A cable tidy according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the seal comprises a gasket.

52. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the apertures are shaped to allow part, preferably most, of a connector on the end of a cable to be hidden away when the cable is in a retracted position.

53. A cable tidy according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the apertures are shaped for holding a cable in position until retraction is desired.

54. A cable tidy according to claim 53, wherein one or more of the apertures has a narrowed part for holding a cable in position.

55. A cable tidy according to claim 54, wherein one or more of the apertures is pear-shaped, keyhole-shaped or lightbulb-shaped.

56. A cable guide as described in any preceding claim.

57. A kit comprising a cable tidy according to any of claims 1 to 55 and one or more weights for attachment to one or more cables held within the cable holder.

58. A work station comprising one or more cable tidies according to any of claims 1 to 55.

59. A cable tidy substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

60. A cable guide substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.

61. A work station substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying Figures.