GB2575556A

GB2575556A - Cable support system

Info

Publication number: GB2575556A
Application number: GB1910062.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clay-Michael Matthew; Goldsworthy Steven; Macken Robert
Original assignee: ZIP CLIP Ltd
Current assignee: ZIP CLIP Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-13
Filing date: 2019-07-12
Publication date: 2020-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-12
Also published as: GB201910062D0; GB201811513D0; GB2575556B; WO2020012198A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a cable support system for supporting one or more cables, the cable support system comprising a longitudinal spiral spring having a first end and a second opposing end, the spring defining a channel therethrough; a suspension wire having a first end and a second opposing end, the suspension wire extending through the channel; a mounting bracket adapted to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough; a suspension bracket located between the spring and the mounting bracket and adapted to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough; a retention bracket defining a retention aperture to receive and retain a cable therethrough and having a locking device engaged with the second end of the spring and operable to retain the spring in position relative to the suspension wire; wherein the spring is biased in a first retracted configuration and is moveable between the first retracted configuration and an extended configuration on application of force to the retention device in a direction against the spring bias. The present invention also provides a method of installation of such a cable support system and a method of supporting a cable using such an installed cable support system.

Description

CABLE SUPPORT SYSTEM

The present invention provides a cable support system and method of use thereof.

In particular, the present invention provides a cable support system forthe support of suspended cables such as electrical cables and fibre optic cables and the like, and its method of installation and use.

In modern buildings and our current day reliance on so many electrical devices, there is a huge requirement for efficient and safe channelling or cabling around buildings. Such cabling includes electrical cables, fibre optic cables, ethernet cables and the like. In non-domestic situations with suspended ceilings, this is typically achieved by installing the cables in the space above the suspended ceilings.

This carries its own problems as, for example, in the event of a fire, it is important that the cable supports do not fail, allowing the suspended cables to drop down and severely injure a firefighter or fleeing occupant or impair their progress through the building.

Therefore, in order to adhere to official safety regulations, it is important that the cables are supported, either continuously or at discrete intervals along their length. The reason for this is to avoid damage to the cables or their termination points due to undue strain on the cables caused by lack of support and also to keep cables well away from the grid and other conflicting services.

One conventional method of achieving this is to provide a catenary system comprising a catenary wire to which the cables are attached at discrete intervals using cable supports such as cable ties, cable hangars or the like. Alternatively, a system may be used that involved attaching cables to ceiling support rods using suitable clips, cable ties or the like.

However, fitting these conventional systems is very laborious and time consuming as the installation engineer would need to fit the necessary metallic cable ties at suitable intervals (current recommendations are 30 cm apart) along the whole of the length of the travel of the cable.

There is therefore a need for a cable support system that addresses the problems of the prior art.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a cable support system for supporting one or more cables, the cable support system comprising:

a longitudinal spiral spring having a first end and a second opposing end, the spring defining a channel therethrough;

a suspension wire having a first end and a second opposing end, the suspension wire extending through the channel;

a mounting bracket adapted to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough;

a suspension bracket located between the spring and the mounting bracket and adapted to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough;

a retention bracket defining a retention aperture to receive and retain a cable therethrough and having a locking device engaged with the second end of the spring and operable to retain the spring in position relative to the suspension wire;

wherein the spring is biased in a first retracted configuration and is moveable between the first retracted configuration and an extended configuration on application of force to the retention device in a direction against the spring bias.

In one embodiment, the retention bracket further comprises an abutment adapted to support cables passing through the retention bracket, in use.

Preferably, the retention bracket abutment defines a plurality of apertures dimensioned to receive a securing tie therethrough, in use. The securing tie may comprise one or more cable ties, cable clips or any other cable securing system known to the skilled person and suitable for function.

The use of a suspension wire supported by a longitudinal spiral spring allows the suspension wire to be supported along the length of the spiral spring. This permits a stronger and more continuous supporting arrangement for the suspension wire when compared with a conventional support system in which the suspension wire is supported at discrete points along the wire by, for example, brackets, cable ties, or other prior art fastenings secured to a ceiling joist or the like.

The cable support system is provided as a discrete structure that can then be installed by a user as described below.

Preferably, the spring is moveable between the first retracted configuration and the extended configuration on application offeree in a direction away from the suspension bracket. This allows the spring to be extended the required distance to support a cable along its length. The use of a spring also allows flexibility with respect to the distance over which the cable is to be supported. In other words, the same cable support system can be used for both shorter and longer distances, simply by extending the spring to a different required amount of extension.

In one embodiment, the suspension bracket comprises two apertures to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough, the support cable extending through each aperture in an opposing direction. Thus, the suspension wire may be extended through a first aperture, looped around and extended through the second aperture in an opposing direction where it can be secured to itself to retain the suspension wire in secure engagement with the suspension bracket. Preferably, the suspension bracket is secured using a pressed ferrule. However, it is to be appreciated that any other suitable securing means or method known to the skilled person and suitable for function may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, such a ferrule.

Preferably, the suspension bracket is further provided with a cable aperture adapted to receive cables therethrough.

Preferably, the cable aperture comprises a cable guide having a lip projecting towards a first end of the spring and adapted to guide cables towards the spring channel. Thus, the suspension bracket assists cables to be supported entering the cable support system and passing into the channel of the spring. The projecting lip is intended to guide the cables from a direction in which they enter through the cable aperture, around the projecting lip and into a direction such that the cables are aligned with the channel of the spring. As well as providing a guiding function, the projecting lip may also act as a smooth abutment around which the one or more cables extend, thus preventing undesirable stress on the cable and potential wear on the outer surface of the cable that could result from simply bending the cable around a blunt edge of a cable aperture prior to entering the spring channel. The projecting lip also allows the cable to be smoothly drawn through the suspension bracket without snagging.

In one embodiment, the retention bracket further comprises an aperture adapted to receive cables therethrough. Thus, cables that have entered the channel of the spring may be extended fully through the channel and emerge at the opposing end of the channel adjacent the retention bracket and pass through an aperture in the retention bracket where they can be directed away from the cable support system having been supported across the desired distance.

Preferably, the retention bracket aperture further comprises a plurality of cableretention contours adapted to receive cables therein and retain the cables in position relative to the retention bracket. Preferably, the retention contours comprise one or more grooves, each groove dimensioned to hold a cable therein in close frictional fit.

Alternatively, the retention bracket may further comprise an abutment adapted to support cables passing through the retention bracket, in use. Preferably, the retention bracket abutment defines a plurality of apertures dimensioned to receive a securing tie therethrough, in use. The securing tie preferably comprises a cable tie. However, it is to be appreciated that a cable clip or any other cable securing system known to the skilled person and suitable for function may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, a cable tie. Is it to be further appreciated that one or more cable ties may be used to secure the cables in place, in use.

Thus, the cables can be held securely relative to the retention bracket when the spring is extended away from the suspension bracket, along the suspension wire, and across the distance over which the cables are to be supported. The end of the cable held in the retention bracket would travel with the second end of the spring whilst a further length of cable is drawn through the wire guide in the suspension bracket.

In a further embodiment, the cable support system is further provided with a mounting bracket in secure engagement with a first end of the suspension wire. The mounting bracket is operable to be secured to a wall anchor or other suitable anchor bracket embedded in or otherwise engaged with a rigid substantially vertical structure.

Preferably, the mounting bracket and suspension bracket are inter-connected or integral. For example, the mounting bracket and suspension bracket may be connected by the suspension wire which may extend through the first aperture in the suspension bracket and pass through an aperture in the mounting bracket before looping back through the second aperture in the suspension bracket and being secured to itself by securing means, such as a pressed ferrule, locking device or other suitable securing means. Alternatively, the mounting bracket and suspension bracket may be provided as a single integral bracket serving the dual function of guiding cables to be supported towards and through the channel in the spring as well as inter-engaging with an anchor bracket in the rigid substantially vertical structure to which the cable support system is to be mounted.

In a further embodiment, the cable support system is further provided with first and second anchor brackets, the first anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the suspension bracket and the second anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the second end of the suspension wire and comprising a locking device operable to lock the suspension wire in position relative to the second anchor bracket.

It is to be appreciated that any suitable anchor brackets may be used, and the choice of anchor brackets will be determined, at least in part, by the material of the vertical structure in which it is being embedded as well as the required strength of the final cable support system when loaded with supported cables.

In a further embodiment of the cable support system, the spring has a first crosssectional area at the first end and a second cross-sectional area between the first end and second opposing end, wherein the first cross-sectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the spring has a third cross-sectional area at the second end of the spring, wherein the third cross-sectional area is greater than the second crosssectional area.

The increased cross-sectional area at the first and/or second ends of the spring facilitate improved ease of operation of the cable support system. At the first end, a user requires easy access to insert the cables through the suspension bracket and into the channel defined by the spring. At the second end, a user requires sufficient access to easily pass the cable through the retention bracket and retain a portion of it therein.

A reduced cross-sectional area between the first and second ends of the spring may correspond to the optimum spiral size for achieving suitable retention to the suspension wire once the coils have been full extended, whilst retaining the advantages of the enlarged cross-sectional areas at the first and/or second ends discussed above.

Preferably, the first cross-sectional area is equal to the third cross-sectional area.

Preferably, the cable support system of the present invention is provided in an assembled state, with the retention and suspension brackets already engaged with the spring such that on installation, a user need only secure an anchor bracket to a first vertical surface and an anchor bracket and locking device to a second vertical surface. The mounting bracket of the cable support system may then be engaged with the anchor bracket at the first vertical surface and the suspension cable engaged with the locking device the second vertical surface. The suspension cable is then tightened to secure the cable support system in place before cables are passed through the cable support system and force is then applied to the retention bracket in a direction against the spring bias so as to draw the cables towards the second anchor bracket. Once the retention bracket is in a suitable position the locking device of the second anchor bracket may be operated to retain the spring in position relative to the suspension wire, thereby supporting the cables between the first and second vertical surfaces.

However, it is to be further appreciated that the cable support system may be provided in component parts and assembled by a user, if preferred.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of installation of a cable support system comprising the steps of:

a. Providing a cable support system according to a first aspect of the present invention;

b. Providing a first anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the mounting bracket;

c. Providing a second anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the second end of the suspension wire and comprising a locking device operable to retain the suspension wire in position relative to the second anchor bracket;

d. Securing the first anchor bracket to a first solid body and securing the second anchor bracket to a second solid body located distal to the first solid body;

e. Bringing the mounting bracket into engagement with the first anchor bracket;

f. Bringing the second end of the suspension wire into engagement with the second anchor bracket;

g. Applying tension to the suspension wire to retain the suspension wire in position relative to the second anchor bracket;

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of supporting a cable comprising the steps of:

a. Installing a cable support system according to a second aspect of the present invention;

b. Feeding a free end of the cable through the suspension bracket into the channel defined by the spring;

c. Feeding the free end of the cable through the retention aperture in the retention bracket and retaining the cable in position relative to the retention aperture;

d. Applying force to the retention bracket in a direction against the spring bias so as to move the spring from a first retracted configuration to a second extended configuration, thus drawing the cable in a direction towards the second anchor bracket until the retention bracket is adjacent the locking device of the second anchor bracket; and

e. Operating the locking device to retain the spring in position relative to the suspension wire.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a cable support system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a portion of the suspension bracket of the cable support system of figure 1;

Figure 1B is a partial view of the suspension bracket of the cable support system of figure 1;

Figure 1C is a partial view ofthe suspension bracket and spring engagement of the cable support system of figure 1;

Figures 2A to 2G are side views of an embodiment of a method of installation of the cable support system of figure 1 in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 3A is a perspective view of the suspension bracket wire guide of the cable support system of figure 1 with a plurality of cables extending therethrough;

Figure 3B is a perspective view of a cable extending through the retention bracket cable aperture of the cable support system of figure 1;

Figure 3C is a perspective view of the cable of figure 3B being located with a groove of the grooved contour of the retention bracket cable aperture of figure 3B;

Figures 4A and 4B are side views of the operation of the cable support system of figure 1; and

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a cable support system in accordance with a first aspect ofthe present invention;

Figure 6A is a front view of the retention bracket of the cable support system of figure 5;

Figure 6B is a view from above of the retention bracket of figure 6A;

Figure 6C is a side view of the retention bracket of figure 6A;

Figure 6D is a perspective view of the retention bracket of figure 6A;

Figure 7A is a front view of the suspension bracket of the cable support system of figure 5;

Figure 7B is a view from a first side of the suspension bracket of figure 7A;

Figure 7C is a view from a second side of the suspension bracket of figure 7A;

Figure 7D is a perspective view of the suspension bracket of figure 7A;

Figure 8A is first perspective view of the retention bracket, suspension bracket and spring of the cable support system of figure 5;

Figure 8B is a second perspective view of the retention bracket, suspension bracket and spring of figure 8A; and Figure 9 is the view of figure 8A showing a cable tie fitted to the retention bracket.

Specific description

Common figures references have been used throughout the drawings to reference the same features of the invention.

Figure 1A shows an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a cable support system 10 in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. Cable support system 10 comprises a longitudinal spiral spring 12 having a first end 14 and a second opposing end 16, the spring 12 defining a channel 18 therethrough. A suspension wire 20 is also provided that extends through the channel 18 of spring 12, the suspension wire 20 having a first end 22 and a second opposing end 24.

A suspension bracket 26 and mounting bracket 28 are also provided at the first end 14 of spring 12. Suspension bracket 26 is provided with apertures 30, 30’ dimensioned to receive suspension wire 20 therethrough. Suspension bracket 26 is further provided with a wire guide 32 which is shown in more detail in Figure 1B. Wire guide 32 comprises a contoured projection 46 angled to guide a cable to be supported (see Figure 1B) from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction whilst minimising strain and potential wear on the cable.

Mounting bracket 28 is provided with aperture 34 dimensioned to receive suspension wire 20 therethrough.

Spring 12 comprises a cross-sectional area at the first and second ends 14, 16 that is greater than the cross-sectional area of spring 12 between the first and second ends 14,16.

Retention bracket 36 is located at the second end 24 of suspension wire 20 and is provided with an aperture 50 adapted to receive a locking device 38. Locking device 38 is dimensioned to receive suspension wire 20 therethrough, in use.

Retention bracket 36 is further provided with a cable aperture 40 adapted to receive one or more cables therethrough, during use. Aperture 40 comprises a grooved contour 42 such that the or each groove 44 is dimensioned to guide a cable through aperture 40.

A first end 22 of suspension wire 20 extends through channel 18 and emerges from first end 14 of spring 12, through aperture 30 of suspension bracket 26, through aperture 34 of mounting bracket 28 and is looped back through aperture 30’ of suspension bracket 26 so as to be adjacent to the portion of suspension wire emerging from spring 12 where it is held securely in place by means of a pressed ferrule 46. Although the embodiment shown in figure 1A shows a pressed ferrule 46, it is to be appreciated that any other securing means known to the skilled person and suitable to achieve the same securing function could be used either in addition to or as an alternative to, such a pressed ferrule. For example, one or more of the following could be used in addition to, or as an alternative to a pressed ferrule: ZipClip KL locking devices, Crosby clips, hand-swaged ferrules, industrial wire rope locking devices, swaged sockets, wire rope loop clamps, wedge sockets, wire rope grips. It is to be appreciated that this list is not intended to be exhaustive and other suitable alternatives known to the skilled person may be used instead.

Suspension wire 20 extends through channel 18 of spring 12 away from first end 14 and towards second end 16. Suspension wire 20 then emerges from channel 18 and passes through aperture 40 of retention bracket 36 and locking device 38 and extends from retention bracket 36 in a direction away from suspension bracket 26.

Figure 1C shows the first end 14 of spring 12 engaged with suspension bracket 26. Suspension bracket 26 is provided with opposing abutments 48, 48’ which are inserted between coils in the first end 14 of spring 12 so as to hold spring 12 securely in place relative to suspension bracket 26.

Retention bracket 36 is also provided with opposing abutments 64, 64’ which are inserted between coils in the second end 16 of spring 12 so as to hold spring 12 securely in place relative to retention bracket 36.

Figures 2A to 2G shown an embodiment of a method of installation of the cable support system described above. As shown in Figure 2A, a first anchor bracket 52 is installed in the conventional manner in a first rigid substantially vertical surface 54. As shown in Figure 2B, a second anchor bracket 56 is installed in the conventional manner in a second opposing rigid substantially vertical surface 58 at substantially the same height as first anchor bracket 52. This results in a horizontally extending suspension wire when extended between the first and second anchor brackets 52, 58. However, it is to be appreciated that a cable support system in accordance with the present invention may have the first and second anchor brackets mounted at different heights so that the subsequent suspension wire runs between the two anchor brackets at a non-horizontal angle i.e. uphill or downhill, as required.

The choice of anchor brackets will depend upon the substrate of the vertical surface 54 and the weight of cables etc to be supported by cable support system 10.

As shown in Figure 2C, a locking device 60 is then installed on the second wall anchor bracket 56. Although such locking devices are not used in prior art cable support systems, such locking devices would be well known to the skilled person and are used in other conventional applications.

Figure 2D shows the secure installation of the mounting bracket 28 on first anchor bracket 52.

The suspension wire 20 extending from locking device 38 is then extended towards the second anchor bracket 56 as shown in Figure 2E and the second end of suspension wire 20 extended through the locking device 60 installed on second anchor bracket 56. Tension is then applied to suspension wire 20 to bring suspension wire under tension between first and second anchor brackets 52, 56 as shown in Figure 2F. After suspension wire 20 is under tension, locking device 60 is operated to secure suspension wire 20 in place, as shown in Figure 2G.

One or more cables 62 to be suspended is/are then introduced through wire guide 32 of suspension bracket 26 and fed through channel 18 of spring 12, as shown in Figure 3A. Cable(s) 62 is/are then extended through cable aperture 40 of retention bracket 36 and each respective cable 62 introduced into a separate groove 44 (see Figures 3B and 3C.

Figure 4A shows the cable support system 10 in place under tension between first and second anchor brackets 52, 58, with one or more cables 62 located in position through channel 18 of spring 12.

As shown in Figure 4B, with locking device 38 in the unlocked configuration, a user grasps retention bracket 36 and draws it along suspension wire 20 in a direction towards second anchor bracket 56, thereby extending spring 12 and drawing the end(s) of cable(s) 62 located in groove(s) 44 towards the second rigid substantially vertical surface 58. When retention bracket 36 is extended as required along suspension wire 20, locking device 38 is moved from an unlocked to a locked configuration to secure the second end 16 of spring 12 in place relative to suspension wire 20. Thus, cable(s) 62 is/are now supported along their full length by a suspended cable support system 10.

Figure 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a cable support system 110 in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. Cable support system 110 comprises a longitudinal spiral spring 112 having a first end 114 and a second opposing end 116, the spring 112 defining a channel 118 therethrough. A suspension wire 120 is also provided that extends through the channel 118 of spring 112, the suspension wire 120 having a first end 122 and a second opposing end 124.

A suspension bracket 126 and mounting bracket 128 are also provided at the first end 114 of spring 112. Suspension bracket 126 is provided with apertures 30, 30’ dimensioned to receive suspension wire 120 therethrough. Suspension bracket 126 is further provided with a wire guide 32 in the form of a tapering channel that widens in a direction away from spring 112. In use, cables are guided from a substantially vertical direction, supported through wire guide 32 into a substantially horizontal direction before passing through spring 112, whilst minimising strain and potential wear on the cable. Suspension bracket 126 provides a substantially friction-free cable guide to avoid cable snags or damage.

Suspension bracket 126 is further provided with spring retention tabs 127 for engagement with spring 112 such that, in use, first end 114 of spring 112 engages with tabs 127 such that spring 112 is held in engagement with suspension bracket 126.

Mounting bracket 128 and spring 112 have a similar arrangement and structure to mounting bracket 28 and spring 12 of cable support system 10 of the first embodiment described above.

Retention bracket 136 is located at the second end 124 of the suspension wire 120 and is provided with an aperture 150 adapted to receive a locking device 138. Locking device 138 is dimensioned to receive suspension wire 120 therethrough, in use.

Retention bracket 136 is further provided with abutments 164, 164’, 164” to retain the spring 112 in position during use. A further abutment 139 is provided on the opposing side of retention bracket 136. This further abutment 139 acts as a cable guide to prevent excessive strain on cables being guided through retention bracket

136 from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.

Abutment 139 s further provided with apertures 141 which are dimensioned to receive securing tie 143 therethrough, in use.

A first end 122 of suspension wire 20 extends through channel 118 of spring 112 and emerges from first end 114 of spring 112, through aperture 130 of suspension bracket 126, through aperture 134 of mounting bracket 128 and is looped back through aperture 130’ of suspension bracket 126 so as to be adjacent to the potion of suspension wire emerging from spring 112 where it is held securely in place by means of a pressed ferrule 146, in the same was as described for cable support system 10. As for cable support system 10, it is to be appreciated that any other securing means known to the skilled person and suitable to achieve the same securing function could be used either in addition to or as an alternative to, such a pressed ferrule, as previously described.

Suspension wire 120 extends through channel 118 of spring 112 away from first end 114 and towards second end 116. Suspension wire 120 then emerges from channel 118 and passes through aperture 40 of retention bracket 136 and locking device 138 and extends from retention bracket 136 in a direction away from suspension bracket 126. Locking device 138 retains the position of channel 118 on the cable support system 110.

First end 114 of spring 112 engages with tabs 127 on suspension bracket 126 so as to hold spring 112 securely in place relative to suspension bracket 126.

Retention bracket 136 is also provided with abutments 164, 164’, 164” to engage with second end 116 of spring 112 so as to hold spring 112 securely in place relative to retention bracket 136.

Cable support system 110 is mounted in the same way as cable support system 10 using first and second anchor brackets 152 and 156. A locking device 160 is then installed on the second anchor bracket 156 in the same way as previously described for locking device 60 of cable support system 10. Locking device 160 engages with second anchor bracket 156 to secure the cable support system 110 relative to second anchor bracket 156.

Mounting bracket 128 is secured to first anchor bracket (not shown) to secure cable support system 110 to a substantially vertical surface at the first end 122 of suspension wire 120.

Once installed, cables (not shown) are passed through the cable support system 110 and through the channel 145 formed by cable tie 143. Securing tie 143 is then tightened around the cables to secure the cables in place without applying damaging forces to the cables themselves.

In a preferred embodiment, the securing tie 143 is in place in cable support system 110 prior to use, with sufficient play to allow cables to be inserted through channel 145, such that securing tie 143 can then be tightened around the cables after they are in place. However, it is to be appreciated that securing tie 143 could be inserted through apertures 141 after installation of the cable support system 110.

It is to be noted that the locking devices used in the cable support system of the present invention are shown as having a releasable locking ring. However, it is to be appreciated that any suitable locking device known to the skilled person and suitable for function may be used in addition to or as an alternative to the releasable locking ring shown in the accompanying drawings.

Although the cable support system is described above for use in supporting cables in any required circumstance, it is to be appreciated that one of the advantages of such a system is its flexibility due to the use of a suspension wire and spiral spring combination. This cable support system therefore allows movement in the event of any seismic activity without causing excess stress to its various fixings/brackets. Therefore, the cable support system of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in areas where seismic activity is a common occurrence. By contrast, a conventional rigid containment structure for supporting cables would potentially exert such stress on its fixings during a seismic event that the fixings may become damaged or potentially fracture to such an extent as to result in failure of the cable support system. It is to be appreciated that as a regulatory matter, approved seismic anchor brackets should be used with the cable support device of the present invention when utilising in an area that may experience seismic activity in order to maximise the resilience of the system should a significant seismic event occur.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cable support system for supporting one or more cables, the cable support system comprising:

2. a mounting bracket adapted to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough;

wherein the spring is biased in a first retracted configuration and is moveable between the first retracted configuration and an extended configuration on application offeree to the retention bracket in a direction against the spring bias.

3. A cable support system according to claim 1, wherein the spring is moveable between the first retracted configuration and the extended configuration on application offeree in a direction away from the suspension bracket.

4. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the suspension bracket comprises two apertures to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough, the suspension wire extending through each aperture in an opposing direction.

5. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the suspension bracket is further provided with a cable aperture adapted to receive cables therethrough.

6. A cable support system according to claim 4, wherein the cable aperture comprises a cable guide having a lip projecting towards a first end of the spring and adapted to guide cables towards the spring channel.

7. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the retention bracket further comprises an aperture adapted to receive cables therethrough.

8. A cable support system according to claim 6, wherein the retention bracket aperture further comprises a plurality of cable-retention contours adapted to receive cables therein and retain the cables in position relative to the retention bracket.

9. A cable support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the retention bracket further comprises an abutment adapted to support cables passing through the retention bracket, in use.

10. A cable support system according to claim 8, wherein the retention bracket abutment defines a plurality of apertures dimensioned to receive a securing tie therethrough, in use.

11. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting bracket is in secure engagement with a first end of the suspension wire.

12. A cable support system according to claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is engaged with the suspension bracket.

13. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, further provided with first and second anchor brackets, the first anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the suspension bracket and the second anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the second end of the suspension wire and comprising a locking device operable to lock the suspension wire in position relative to the second anchor bracket.

14. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the spring has a first cross-sectional area at the first end and a second cross-sectional area between the first end and second opposing end, wherein the first crosssectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.

15. A method of supporting a cable comprising the steps of:

a. Installing a cable support system according to the method of claim 14;

d. Applying force to the retention bracket in a direction against the spring

5 bias so as to move the spring from a first retracted configuration to a second extended configuration, thus drawing the cable in a direction towards the second anchor bracket until the retention bracket is adjacent the locking device of the second anchor bracket; and

e. Operating the locking device to retain the spring in position relative to

10 the suspension wire.

15. A method of installation of a cable support system comprising the steps of;

a. Providing a cable support system according to any one of claims 1 to 12;

b. Providing a first anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the suspension bracket;

e. Bringing the mounting bracket into engagement with the first anchor bracket;

g. Applying tension to the suspension wire to retain the suspension wire in position relative to the second anchor bracket.

16. A method of supporting a cable comprising the steps of:

a. Installing a cable support system according to the method of claim 15;

d. Applying force to the retention bracket in a direction against the spring

e. Operating the locking device to retain the spring in position relative to

10 the suspension wire.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

CLAIMS:

wherein the spring is biased in a first retracted configuration and is moveable between the first retracted configuration and an extended configuration on application of force to the retention bracket in a direction against the spring bias.

2. A cable support system according to claim 1, wherein the spring is moveable between the first retracted configuration and the extended configuration on application of force in a direction away from the suspension bracket.

3. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the suspension bracket comprises two apertures to receive the first end of the suspension wire therethrough, the suspension wire extending through each aperture in an opposing direction.

4. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the suspension bracket is further provided with a cable aperture adapted to receive cables therethrough.

5. A cable support system according to claim 4, wherein the cable aperture comprises a cable guide having a lip projecting towards a first end of the spring and adapted to guide cables towards the spring channel.

6. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the retention bracket further comprises an aperture adapted to receive cables therethrough.

7. A cable support system according to claim 6, wherein the retention bracket aperture further comprises a plurality of cable-retention contours adapted to receive cables therein and retain the cables in position relative to the retention bracket.

8. A cable support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the retention bracket further comprises an abutment adapted to support cables passing through the retention bracket, in use.

9. A cable support system according to claim 8, wherein the retention bracket abutment defines a plurality of apertures dimensioned to receive a securing tie therethrough, in use.

10. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting bracket is in secure engagement with a first end of the suspension wire.

11. A cable support system according to claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is engaged with the suspension bracket.

12. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, further provided with first and second anchor brackets, the first anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the suspension bracket and the second anchor bracket adapted for engagement with the second end of the suspension wire and comprising a locking device operable to lock the suspension wire in position relative to the second anchor bracket.

13. A cable support system according to any preceding claim, wherein the spring has a first cross-sectional area at the first end and a second cross-sectional area between the first end and second opposing end, wherein the first crosssectional area is greater than the second cross-sectional area.

14. A method of installation of a cable support system comprising the steps of;

a. Providing a cable support system according to any one of claims 1 to 13;

e. Bringing the mounting bracket into engagement with the first anchor bracket;