GB2582824A

GB2582824A - Cable conduit and cable containment kit

Info

Publication number: GB2582824A
Application number: GB1904867.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ruddock Paul; Balanchi Steven
Original assignee: D Line Europe Ltd
Current assignee: D Line Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-05
Filing date: 2019-04-05
Publication date: 2020-10-07
Also published as: GB201904867D0; GB2582824A8

Abstract

A conduit for storage and/or concealment of one or more cables includes: a base portion 202 and a cover portions 208, 204 defining a channel 205. The cover has a rigid portion and a deformable 210 portion which can be displaced to allow cables to be inserted / removed from the channel. The cover can be a quadrant, or a semicircle in cross-section (see figs 1, 4a-5). There is preferably a gap 220 between the edge of base 202 and the free edge 218 of the deformable portion of the cover. Preferably the base is flat and has an adhesive 206 for mounting to a surface, such as a wall, the cover tip extending to meet this surface. Connectors for conduit pieces are disclosed and claimed in a kit of parts (fig 3).

Description

CABLE CONDUIT AND CABLE CONTAINMENT KIT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to conduits for the storage and/or concealment of cables, or other elongate structures, and a cable containment system including those conduits.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conduits have long been used for concealing pipework, wires, and the like -in both domestic and industrial settings. In particular, surface-mounted conduits are used where it is not desirable to damage the surface along which the wires or pipework is to run, but the presence of uncovered wires and pipes on the surface would be unsightly, or possibly dangerous. Surface-mounted are also useful where the wires or pipes, and their connectivity are changed periodically, as the surface-mounted conduit allows for easier access than burying cables behind walls or under floors.

Such a conduit is shown in WO 2005/086304, by the same applicant. This document relates to a conduit with a semi-circular cross section, and also a conduit with a quarter-round cross-section, both with a base portion and a lid portion which is attached to the base portion via a hinge. The convex shapes that have no sharp features are important, as they designed to provide a most discrete appearance suited to popular applications including hiding cables that run vertically up or down a wall, and hiding wires above a skirting plinth or in a floor trim application. The conduit includes a clip for securing the base portion and the lid portion together at one edge, to define a channel therebetween, in which cables may be laid. However, when using conduits such as those shown in WO 2005/086304, all cables contained in the conduit must enter and exit the conduit either via open ends or via specialist accessories including inlet/outlet pieces or tee connectors inserted in the installation, or via notches made in the conduit by installers -all of which might be impractical or inconvenient and are unlikely to be aesthetically pleasing.

Furthermore, in order to insert a new cable into the conduit (or equivalently, to remove a cable), it is necessary to remove any accessories and then open and remove the lid along the whole length of the conduit, which might cause the other cables contained in the conduit to fall out, a source of much inconvenience for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been devised in order to address these issues. Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present invention achieve this in the provision of a conduit having a flexible portion, such that a user can insert an additional cable simply by bending the flexible portion to create a gap and insert the cable. This also means that cables may emerge from the conduit at any number of points along its length. Specifically, a first aspect of the present invention provides a conduit for storage and/or concealment of one or more cables, the conduit including a base portion and a cover portion defining a channel therebetween, wherein: the cover portion includes a rigid portion and a deformable portion.

In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, a cable in the conduit may be removed from the channel by e.g. pulling upwards, so that the cable is pulled against the deformable portion thereby causing it to deform in a manner which enables it to be removed from the top of the conduit. It is appreciated that all materials are, to some extent, deformable. However, in the context of the present invention, the term "rigid" should be understood to mean that the material from which the rigid portion is made does not deform substantially in response to to a force which a human may exert manually on the rigid portion when pulling a cable against it. This is in contrast to the term "deformable", which should be understood to mean that the material from which the deformable portion is made is able to deform substantially in response to a force which a human may exert manually on the deformable portion when pulling a cable against it. For the avoidance of doubt, it should be noted that the rigid portion is more resistant to bending than the deformable portion. In preferred embodiments, the deformable portion is elastically deformable, i.e. after a deforming force is removed, it is able to return to its original configuration. In preferred embodiments, the deformable portion is biased into a position in which the channel is complete or substantially complete. By "complete", we mean that the channel defined by the base portion and the cover portion (and optionally, a surface on which the conduit is installed, such as a wall, in the cases where a gap is defined between the base portion and the cover portion) is closed, i.e. enclosed or substantially enclosed on all sides.

Throughout the present application, the term "base portion" should be understood to refer to a portion of the conduit which is in contact with an external surface (such as a wall, a floor, or a ceiling) in use. The term. Accordingly, the base portion preferably includes securing means configured to attach the conduit to a surface. For example, the base portion may include an adhesive element for securing the conduit to a surface. Alternatively, the base portion may include one or more holes, which may be used to secure the conduit to a surface using screws or nails, for example. The term "cover portion" should be understood to refer to a portion of the conduit which, in use, conceals or contains (i.e. covers) cables or other structures which are contained within the conduit.

The conduit is preferably an elongate or substantially elongate conduit, having a longitudinal axis. The base portion preferably has a first edge parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the cover portion preferably has a second edge which is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Specifically, the rigid portion of the cover portion preferably has said second edge. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first edge is preferably joined with the second edge, meeting at a vertex. The vertex between the base portion and the cover portion preferably runs along the full length of the conduit. In some embodiments, first edge and the second edge are connected at a hinge, or in a hinged manner, allowing the base portion and the cover portion to rotate relative to each other about an axis which is parallel, or defined by, the vertex. However, in preferred embodiments, the base portion and the cover portion are rigidly connected to each other such that relative rotation between the base portion and the cover portion about an axis parallel to, or defined by, the vertex is prevented or restricted. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the channel does not collapse or open undesirably. If cables are inserted through an end the invention achieves a smooth unbroken appearance because with no lid there is no visible break lines or ledges that would otherwise be used to attach a lid.

The base portion may have a third edge, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at an opposite side of the base portion from the first edge. Further, the cover portion may have a fourth edge which is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at an opposite side of the cover portion. The deformable portion of the cover portion preferably has said fourth edge. In preferred embodiments, there is a gap between the third edge and the fourth edge, i.e. the fourth edge is not connected to the third edge. In such embodiments, there is a gap in the cross section of the channel formed by the base portion and the cover portion. The gap preferably extends the entire length of the conduit. The presence of a gap is advantageous because it gives rise to a saving in material during manufacture, and allows greater space for cables or other elongate structures to be entered or removed from the conduit. In a cross-section which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, the gap preferably has a width of 3mm to 20mm, and more preferably 4mm to 18mm, but most preferably from 5mm to 16mm.

The base portion is preferably planar, so that it is able to conform to flat surfaces such as walls, ceilings or floors. An outer surface of the base portion thus defines a plane. In preferred embodiments of the conduit, the third edge, i.e. the edge of the deformable portion of the cover portion of the conduit lies in, or close to said plane. In doing so, when the conduit is mounted on a surface, the third edge either contacts or is located very close to that surface. This is advantageous because it serves to (a) neatly conceal the cables by having a smooth fascia facing, (b) prevents foreign bodies from entering the conduit by repelling dust for example and (c) can sit neatly up to uneven surfaces, (d) prevent the cables from "overflowing" from the top of the conduit. In some embodiments, if the outer surface of the base portion is considered the bottom of the conduit, then the third edge may be located below the plane defined by the outer surface of the base portion. This means that when the conduit is mounted on the surface in question, the deformable portion of the cover portion is necessarily deformed when in contact with the wall to provide a snug and secure fit. This means that cables contained within the channel may be more securely contained.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a cross-section of the conduit in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit preferably includes a curved portion. More preferably, the cross-section of the cover portion is at least partially curved.

More preferably still, the cross-section of the cover portion is a curve, for example including no straight portions.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the conduit has a semi-circular or substantially semi-circular cross-section in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In such embodiments, the base portion forms the straight base of the semi-circular cross-section, and the cover portion forms the curved portion of the semi-circular cross section. In embodiments in which there is a gap between the fourth edge and the third edge, the gap preferably represents a missing portion of the base of the semi-circular cross section. The gap may be substantially the same length as the radius of the semi-circle. In embodiments in which the cross-section is semi-circular, an angular elevation or angular extent may be measured from the centre of the line which forms the base of the semi-circle. Specifically, throughout this application, the angular elevation or angular extent may be defined from a point on the inner surface or the outer surface of the base portion. In embodiments with a semi-circular cross section, the deformable portion of the cover portion preferably has an angular extent of no less than 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, or 45°, and/or no more than 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80° or 90°. The remainder of the cover portion in such cases will preferably represent the rigid portion. Semi-circular cross sections provide a more discreet appearance, when used to carry cables running vertically on a wall, or hiding cables above a skirting plinth.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the conduit has a quadrant-shaped, or substantially quadrant-shaped cross-section in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The base portion preferably comprises the straight base, and the cover portion includes a flat side perpendicular to the base portion, and an arcuate side connected to an edge of the straight side which is not connected to the base portion at the vertex.

Embodiments such as these, having quadrant-shaped cross-sections are advantageous because they can be installed neatly where a floor or a ceiling meets a wall. In these embodiments, angular extent or angular elevation may be measured from the right-angled vertex, from either the inner surface or the outer surface of the channel. The angular extent of the deformable portion of the cover portion may have the same values as presented above with reference to semi-circular cross-section embodiments. Such quadrant-shaped embodiments are particular suitable for installation in a floor-trim position, or a cornice.

In alternative embodiments, the conduit may have a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-section, wherein the deformable portion forms the top surface of the conduit.

The geometry of the device has been described in detail, so now we move on to the nature of the rigid and deformable components of the device, which give rise to the advantageous technical effect of the present invention. In some embodiments, the rigid portion is preferably formed from a first material, and the deformable portion is preferably formed from a second material, wherein the second material has a lower flexural modulus (defined by e.g. ASTM D790 or ISO 178) than the first material, i.e. it is more prone to bending under a given load than the first material often with a shore hardness measured (as IRHD) between 60-90. The deformable portion may be relatively easier to cut or slit also, by scissors or a knife for example to facilitate the passage of a cable entering or exiting the device.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the rigid portion may be made from the same material as the deformable portion, but may be thicker than the deformable portion, so as to be more rigid.

For example a rigid portion may be produced from PVC, with the deformable portion being made from neoprene, or flexible PVC, or a thermoplastic elastomer material, or alternatively the conduit may be made of only one material whereby the top can pull back to make space for a cable to enter or exit and whereby the vertex affords sufficient flexibility, so all might be produced from PVC or polycarbonate or rubber or similar.

Conduits according to the present invention preferably have a width at their widest point (measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis) of 10mm to 100mm. More preferably, the width is 15mm to 80mm. More preferably the width is 20m to 50mm.

1() Conduits according to the present invention preferably have a maximum height (i.e. the greatest distance, in direction perpendicular to the base portion, from the base portion to the furthest extent of the cover portion) of 5mm to 50mm. More preferably, the height is 8mm to 30mm. More preferably the height is 10mm to 25mm. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the height is the same as or substantially the same as the width. In other embodiments, it is preferred that the width is equal or substantially equal to twice the height.

The present invention may also be provided in the form of a kit of parts. Specifically, a second aspect of the present invention may provide a cable containment kit including a conduit according to the first aspect of the invention, and a connector, wherein the connector includes an aperture for receiving an end of the conduit. Preferably, embodiments of the second aspect of the invention include a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein the connector includes a first aperture for receiving an end of the first conduit and a second aperture for receiving an end of the second conduit. In some embodiments, the connector may be in the form of an elbow connector, having a first limb including the first aperture and a second limb including the second aperture. The first limb is preferably arranged at approximately 90° to the second limb. Connectors of the second aspect of the invention are preferably enclosed except for the one or more apertures. In this way, the cables which are stored inside the conduits are not visible, providing a neater cable containment system. In some embodiments, the cable containment kit may include a plurality of connectors.

Further optional features of the invention are set out below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which: - Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a conduit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

- Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a conduit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

- Fig. 3 shows a cable containment kit of the present invention, including a first conduit, a second conduit and an elbow connector.

- Fig. 4 shows perspective views of conduits of the present invention in a range of different sizes.

- Figs. 5A to 5D show cross-sectional views of the conduits shown in Fig. 4, along with some of the dimensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a conduit 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section is in a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the conduit 100. The conduit 100 includes a base portion 102 having an inner surface 102a and an outer surface 102b, and a cover portion 104 having an inner surface 104a and an outer surface 104b. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the conduit 100 has a substantially semicircular cross section. The cover portion 104 includes a rigid portion 108 and a deformable portion 110. In the embodiment shown, the deformable portion 110 may be made from a flexible material such as neoprene, or flexible PVC, or thermoplastic elastomer, or thinner section of same material used in rigid section. Edge 112 of the base portion 102 is joined to edge 114 of the cover portion 104, to define vertex 116. The inner surfaces 102a, 104a of the base portion 102 and the edge portion 104 respectively define channel 105, in which a wire or other elongate structure may be located in use. The channel 105 is not fully enclosed. There is a gap 120 located between distal end 118 of the deformable portion 110 of the cover portion 104 and the base portion. There is an adhesive pad 106 located on the outer surface 102b of the base portion. Fig. 1 also includes views of the conduit 100 in use, to contain wire 101. Conduit 100 is shown attached to wall W, with the deformable portion 110 at the top. As is clear from Fig. 1, the wire 101 is able to enter and emerge from the top part of the conduit 100 due to the flexible nature of the deformable portion 110. In use as shown, the channel 105 is defined by the inner surfaces 102a, 104a of the base portion 102 and cover portion 104 respectively, and the wall 105. The other cut away in Fig. 1 illustrates the "peel and stick" nature of the adhesive strip 106.

Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a conduit 200, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of Fig. 2 differs from the embodiment of Fig. 1 in that it has a quadrant-shaped cross section, rather than a semi-circular cross-section. The cross-section is in a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the conduit 200. The conduit 200 includes a base portion 202 having an inner surface 202a and an outer surface 202b, and a cover portion 204 having an inner surface 204a and an outer surface 204b. The cover portion 204 includes a rigid portion 208, made up of a flat side 208a and a curved side 208b, which meet at vertex 209. First side 208a is flat and meets the base portion 202 at a right angle. This allows the conduit 200 to be placed neatly in a corner. The cover portion 204 also includes a deformable portion 210. In the embodiment shown, the deformable portion 210 may be made from a flexible material such as neoprene. Edge 212 of the base portion 202 is joined to edge 214 of the flat side 208a the cover portion 204, to define vertex 216. The inner surfaces 202a, 204a of the base portion 202 and the edge portion 204 respectively define channel 205, in which a wire or other elongate structure may be located in use. The channel 205 is not fully enclosed. There is a gap 220 located between distal end 218 of the deformable portion 210 of the cover portion 204 and the base portion. There is an adhesive pad 206 located on the outer surface 202b of the base portion.

Fig. 3 shows two conduits 100, 100', each having a semi-circular cross-section in use on e.g. a wall W. Fig. 3 further includes an L-shaped connector 150 having two limbs 150a, 150b.

Conduit 100 is inserted into limb 150a, and conduit 100' is inserted into limb 150b. In this way, two conduits 100, 100' may be arranged at a right angle in a manner which neatly conceals the contents of the conduits 100, 100'.

Figs. 4A to 4D show perspective view of examples of conduits 100, 200, 300, 400 in different sizes. Figs. 5A to 5D show cross-sectional views of conduits 100, 200, 300, 400 showing representative dimensions.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All references referred to above are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

CLAIMSA conduit for storage and/or concealment of one or more cables, the conduit including: a base portion and a cover portion defining a channel therebetween, wherein the cover portion includes a rigid portion and a deformable portion.
2. A conduit according to claim 1, wherein: the base portion includes a securing means for securing the conduit to a surface.
3. A conduit according to claim 2, wherein: the securing means includes an adhesive element.
4. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the conduit is elongate, having a longitudinal axis; the base portion has a first edge which is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the cover portion has a second edge which is parallel to the longitudinal axis.
5. A conduit according to claim 4, wherein: the first edge is joined to the second edge to define a vertex.
6. A conduit according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: the base portion has a third edge, which parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at an opposite side of the base portion from the first edge, the cover portion has a fourth edge which is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at an opposite side of the cover portion from the second edge, and there is a gap located between the third edge and the fourth edge.
7. A conduit according to claim 6, wherein: the gap has a width of 3mm to 20mm.
8. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: the base portion is planar, such that an outer surface thereof defines a plane, and the fourth edge of the cover portion lies in, contacts, or is close to the plane.
9. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a cross-section of the conduit in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis includes a curved portion.
10. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: the conduit has a substantially semi-circular cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base portion forming a straight base of the semi-circle, and the cover portion forming a curved portion of the semi-circle.
11. A conduit according to claim 10, as dependent on claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: the gap is the same length or substantially the same length as the radius of the semi-circle.
12. A conduit according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein: the angular extent of the deformable portion of the cover portion has an angular extent of 20° to 60°.
13. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: the conduit has a quadrant-shaped cross-section, the base portion forming a straight base, and the cover portion including a flat side perpendicular to the base portion, and an arcuate side connected to an edge of the straight side which is not connected to the base portion at the vertex.
14. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: the rigid portion of the cover portion is made from a first material, the deformable portion of the cover portion is made from a second material, and the second material has a lower flexural modulus than the first material.
15. A conduit according to claim 14, wherein: the deformable portion is elastically deformable.
16. A conduit according to claim 15, wherein: the deformable portion is biased into a position in which the channel defined by the cover portion and the base portion is complete.
17. A conduit according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: the rigid portion is made from PVC; and the deformable portion is made from neoprene, flexible PVC or a thermoplastic elastomer material.
18. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: the width of the conduit at its widest part, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, is 20mm to 50mm.
19. A conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: the conduit has a maximum height of 10mm to 25mm.
20. A cable containment kit including: a conduit according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and a connector, the connector including an aperture for receiving an end of the conduit.
21. A cable containment kit according to claim 20, wherein: the kit includes a first conduit and a second conduit, and the connector includes: a first aperture for receiving an end of the first conduit, and a second aperture for receiving an end of the second conduit.
22. A cable containment kit according to claim 21, wherein: the connector is an elbow connector having a first limb including the first aperture and a second limb including the second aperture, the first limb being arranged at approximately 90° to the second limb.
23. A cable containment kit according to claim 22, wherein: the connector is enclosed except for the first aperture and the second aperture.
24. A cable containment kit according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein: the cable containment kit includes a plurality of connectors.