GB2606198A

GB2606198A - Cable port

Info

Publication number: GB2606198A
Application number: GB2106118.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adrian Sirs Robin; Ian Fenton Philip
Original assignee: Zioxi Ltd
Current assignee: Zioxi Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2021-04-29
Publication date: 2022-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-29
Also published as: GB2606198B; GB202106118D0

Abstract

A cable port (1, Figure 1) comprising a cable support body 2a,2b for positioning within an aperture of a panel (5, Figure 11). The cable support body is configured for holding one or more cables (11, Figure 6A) in a path around and through the cable support body. At least part of the path is curved. The body may comprise one or more channels 10 for holding a cable. Also described is a panel comprising one or more cable ports; an article comprising one or more cable ports and one or more panels; a kit comprising a cable port and one or more inserts for positioning within an aperture 15a of a sleeve (3, Figure 1) of the cable port; and a kit comprising a plurality of cable ports of different sizes for insertion into apertures of panels of different thicknesses and for holding cables of different sizes and shapes.

Description

CABLE PORT

The present invention relates to cable ports, in particular to those for allowing the passage of a cable through a panel, for example of a desktop or cabinet.

Cable ports, also referred to as grommets, are widely used in desks and cabinets. In the case of a desk, cable ports are typically provided in one corner of the desktop through which a cable can then be passed. The cable could, for example, be a cable from a monitor, keyboard or computer mouse which can then be plugged into a computer positioned under the desk. Equally, network cables or power cables for a laptop can be passed through a cable port so that one end can plug into a laptop positioned on the desktop and the other end can be plugged into a wall socket and/or power socket.

In the case of a cabinet, cable ports can be provided in a wall of the cabinet to allow cables to pass into the cabinet whilst the cabinet door is closed.

Whilst cable ports are widely used, they suffer from various drawbacks. In particular, it is common for cable ports to allow the unimpeded movement of cables therethrough which means that, when unplugged, they can easily fall through the cable port. This can mean that they are not available when they are required for use. It also means that the exposed length of cable on the desktop side of a desk cannot be controlled which can either mean that cables get lost or stolen or that, in the case of multiple cables being present, cable management can become a problem.

Whilst cable ports have been provided which attempt to grip the cable to secure it in position, cable ports of this type tend to damage the cable, either by pinching of the cable or causing the cable to be bent at a tight angle which causes damage to the cable.

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 port comprising a cable support body for positioning within an aperture of a panel, wherein the cable support body is configured for holding one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body, wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body is configured for holding one or two cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts for holding one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts for holding a single cable in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts, wherein one or more of said parts, preferably each part is configured for holding a cable in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises two parts, wherein each part is configured for holding a cable in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body is configured for holding one or more cables of a particular diameter and/or cross-sectional shape, for example selected from round, square, oblong or oval.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or more channels for holding a cable, wherein the one or more channels follow a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

As such, in one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable port comprising a cable support body for positioning within an aperture of a panel, wherein the cable support body comprises one or more channels for holding a cable, wherein the one or more channels follow a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or two channels for holding a cable, wherein one or both channels follow a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts forming a channel for holding one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts forming a channel for holding a single cable in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts, wherein one or more of the parts, preferably each part, comprises a channel for holding a cable in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises two parts, wherein each part comprises a channel for holding a cable in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body wherein at least part, preferably all, of the path is curved.

Preferably, the channel is configured for holding one or more cables of a particular diameter and/or cross-sectional shape, for example selected from round, square, oblong or oval.

Preferably, the path is around a central axis of the support body.

Preferably, the path forms at least a complete revolution around the central axis of the support body.

As such, it is preferred that the path forms one or more loops around the central axis of the support body.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or more channels for holding a cable and the entrance of the one or more channels at the first end of the support body is at the same position relative to rotation of the one or more channels about the central axis of the support body as the exit of the one or more channels at the second end of the support body.

Preferably, at least about 50% the path is curved, preferably at least about 60%, preferably at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, preferably at least about 90% of the path is curved.

Preferably, the path comprises one or more curves.

Preferably, the path is a curved path.

Preferably, part of the path is straight.

Preferably, the path is at least partially S-shaped and/or at least partially reverse S-shaped.

Preferably, the path comprises at least part of a corkscrew.

Preferably, the path comprises at least part of a spiral.

Preferably, the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body. Put another way, it is preferred that the path travels from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body.

Preferably, the direction of the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and wherein a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body deviates from a direction toward the second end of the support body.

Preferably, the direction of the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and wherein a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body is perpendicular to the central axis of the support body.

Preferably, the direction of the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and wherein a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body is in a direction toward the first end of the support body.

Put another way, in one example, the path travels from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body travels perpendicular to the central axis of the support body and/or in a direction toward the first end of the support body.

Preferably, the first end of the support body and second end of the support body are at opposing ends of the support body.

Preferably, a cable positioned within the cable support body passes through the cable support body from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the first end is for positioning at or near one side of a panel or surface thereof and the second end is for positioning at or near an opposing side of a panel or surface thereof.

For example, if the cable support body is positioned in an aperture of a desktop, the first end of the cable support body will be visible from above the desktop and the second end of the cable support body will be visible from below the desktop, such that a cable passing through the cable support body passes through the cable support body from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the cable port comprises a sleeve for holding the cable support body.

Preferably, the sleeve is for positioning within an aperture of a panel.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is for positioning at or near one side of a panel or surface thereof and the second end is for positioning at or near an opposing side of a panel or surface thereof.

For example, if the sleeve is positioned in an aperture of a desktop, the first end of the sleeve will be visible from above the desktop and the second end of the sleeve will be visible from below the desktop, such that a cable passing through a cable support body held within the sleeve passes through the sleeve from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a protruding rim around its perimeter for abutment with a surface of a panel.

Preferably, the protruding rim is provided at the/a first end of the sleeve.

Preferably, the cable port comprises a cable support body and a sleeve for holding the cable support body, wherein when the cable support body is held within the sleeve a first end of the cable support body is flush with a first end of the sleeve.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or more mating parts for engagement with one or more mating parts of the sleeve.

As such, preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more mating parts for engagement with the one or more mating parts of the cable support body.

This allows the cable support body to be secured in position within the sleeve.

Preferably, when the one or more mating parts of the cable support body are in engagement with the one or more mating parts of the sleeve, engagement of the one or more mating parts of the cable support body with the one or more mating parts of the sleeve can only be released from one end of the cable port.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the cable support body form a "snap-fit" connection with the one or more mating parts of the sleeve.

As a result, the cable support body can be inserted into the sleeve from either side of a panel, but for security it can only be removed by accessing the cable support body from one side of the panel, for example a hidden side of the panel. This is particularly the case in embodiments relating to a lockable cabinet wherein the cabinet can be locked and the cable support body is only removable by accessing the side of the cable support body positioned inside the cabinet.

Preferably, pulling or pushing on the cable when fitted will not pull the cable out of the cable support body or the cable support body out of the sleeve.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the cable support body are provided at one end of the cable support body.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the cable support body are provided at the second end of the cable support body.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the sleeve are provided at one end of the sleeve.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the sleeve are provided at the second end of the sleeve.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the cable support body comprises one or more male mating parts for engagement with one or more female mating parts of the sleeve.

Alternatively, the one or more mating parts of the cable support body comprises one or more female mating parts for engagement with one or more male mating parts of the sleeve.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the sleeve comprises one or more female mating parts for engagement with one or more male mating parts of the support body.

Alternatively, the one or more mating parts of the sleeve comprises one or more male mating parts for engagement with one or more female mating parts of the support body.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the support body are provided on a resiliently flexible part, for example a resiliently flexible tab, of the support body.

Preferably, the one or more mating parts of the sleeve are provided on a resiliently flexible part, for example a resiliently flexible tab, of the sleeve.

Preferably, the one or more male mating parts comprise one or more protrusions.

Preferably, the one or more female mating parts comprise one or more recesses or apertures.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more panel mating parts for engagement with a panel, for example with the surface of a panel adjacent an aperture for receiving the sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a plurality of panel mating parts positioned at different locations on the sleeve for engagement with panels of different thicknesses.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a plurality of panel mating parts positioned at different distances from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve.

Preferably, the distance of the panel mating parts from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve corresponds to the thickness of a panel.

Preferably, the one or more panel mating parts are provided on a resiliently flexible part, for example a resiliently flexible tab, of the sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more abutment mating parts for abutment with an inside surface of the panel.

Preferably, the distance of the abutment mating parts from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve corresponds to the thickness of a panel.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more protrusions for abutment with the surface of a panel and for holding a sleeve within an aperture within a panel when inserted therein.

Preferably, the one or more abutment mating parts are provided on a resiliently flexible part, for example a resiliently flexible tab, of the sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more engagement mating parts for engagement with one or more mating parts on the panel.

Preferably, the one or more engagement mating parts comprise one or more slots for engagement with one or more projections on the panel.

Preferably, the one or more projections on the panel are positioned on an aperture of said panel such that when the sleeve is inserted through the aperture, the projections engage with one or more of the slots.

Preferably, the one or more projections project from one edge of the aperture towards an opposing edge of the aperture, for example from a top edge of the aperture toward a bottom edge of the aperture, from a bottom edge of the aperture to a top edge of the aperture or from a first side edge of the aperture to a second side edge of the aperture.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more engagement mating parts at a first side, for example an upper side, of the sleeve and one or more engagement mating parts at a second side, for example a lower side, of the sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more engagement mating parts at opposed sides or surfaces of the sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a plurality of engagement mating parts positioned at different locations on the sleeve for engagement with panels of different thicknesses.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises a plurality of engagement mating parts positioned at different distances from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve.

Preferably, the distance of the engagement mating parts from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve corresponds to the thickness of a panel.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more first engagement mating parts for engagement with a panel of a first thickness and one or more second engagement mating parts for engagement with a panel of a second thickness.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more first engagement mating parts for engagement with a solid panel of a first thickness and one or more second engagement mating parts for engagement with a hollow panel of a second thickness.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more first engagement mating parts for engagement with a first wall of a panel, for example a hollow panel and one or more second mating parts for engagement with a second wall of a panel, for example a hollow panel.

Preferably, the first wall of the panel is a first wall of a double-walled panel and the second wall of the panel is a second wall of a double-walled panel.

Preferably, the first and second walls of the double-walled panel are opposed, preferably with a space therebetween. As such, it is preferred that the sleeve comprises one or more first engagement mating parts for engagement with a first wall of a hollow panel and one or more second mating parts for engagement with an opposing second wall of a hollow panel.

Preferably, the distance between the engagement mating members and the protruding rim corresponds to the distance between a first wall of a hollow panel and an opposing second wall of a hollow panel.

Preferably, the sleeve comprises one or more first engagement mating members and one or more second engagement mating members and the distance between the one or more first engagement mating members and the one or more second engagement members corresponds to the distance between a first wall of a hollow panel and an opposing second wall of a hollow panel.

Preferably, one or more of said engagement mating members are positioned adjacent the/a protruding rim of the sleeve.

Preferably, one or more of said engagement mating members are positioned away from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve.

Preferably, the one or more engagement mating parts are provided on a resiliently flexible part, for example a resiliently flexible tab, of the sleeve.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or more grips for gripping a cable.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or more protrusions for gripping a cable.

Preferably, at least part of the channel is reduced in cross-section.

Preferably, at least part of the channel is reduced in width.

Preferably, the cable support body comprises one or more protrusions for gripping a cable with a channel of the support body.

Preferably, the channel comprises one or more U or V-shaped parts for gripping a cable.

Preferably, the protrusions for gripping a cable are provided at or near the entrance and/or at or near the exit of the channel.

Preferably, one or more protrusions for gripping a cable are provided between the entrance and the exit of the channel, for example at about half-way between the entrance and the exit of the channel.

Preferably, the channel comprises a non-smooth surface to increase the friction between the cable and the surface of the channel.

Preferably, the channel comprises a gripping surface to increase the friction between the cable and the surface of the channel.

Preferably, the channel comprises a rough surface to increase the friction between the cable and the surface of the channel.

Preferably, the surface is a high friction surface.

Preferably, the channel comprises one or more ridges to increase the friction between the cable and the surface of the channel.

Preferably, the cable port is sized for insertion into an aperture in a panel having a thickness between about lmm and about 25mm, preferably having a thickness selected from about lmm, about 6mm and/or about 18mm, preferably having a thickness selected from about 1mm, about 6.6mm and/or about 18mm.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a panel comprising one or more cable ports described herein.

Preferably, the panel is part of an article, preferably a furniture item.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article comprising one or more cable ports described herein and/or one or more panels described herein.

Preferably, the article is a furniture item.

Preferably, the article is selected from a cabinet, desk, shelf, locker compartment, trolley, for example a charging trolley, case, IT rack or work surface.

Preferably, the panel is part of a vehicle, preferably selected from a boat, train, aircraft or automobile.

Preferably, the one or more cable ports are provided in a wall or surface of the article.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a cable port as described herein and one or more inserts, wherein said one or more inserts are for positioning within an aperture of the/a sleeve of the cable port.

Preferably, the one or more inserts comprise a blank.

Preferably, the one or more inserts comprise a light.

Preferably, the one or more inserts comprise a socket, for example a data socket or a power socket.

Preferably, the socket is a USB socket.

Preferably, the kit comprises a plurality of cable ports, wherein said plurality of cable ports comprises cable ports of different sizes for insertion into apertures of different sizes and/or shapes, and/or for holding cables of different sizes and/or shapes.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a plurality of cable ports, wherein said plurality of cable ports comprises cable ports of different sizes for insertion into apertures of panels of different thicknesses and/or for holding cables of different sizes and/or shapes.

Preferably, the cable ports of different sizes are sized for insertion into apertures in panels of different thicknesses.

Preferably, the cable ports of different sizes are sized for insertion into apertures in panels having a thickness between about 1mm and about 25mm, preferably having a thickness selected from about lmm, about 6mm and/or about 18mm, preferably having a thickness selected from about imm, about 6.6mm and/or about 18mm.

Preferably, the kit comprises a plurality of cable ports, wherein said plurality of cable ports comprises cable ports configured for holding cables of different diameters and/or cross-sectional shapes, for example selected from round, square, oblong or oval.

Preferably, the kit comprises one or more cable port extensions for extending the length of cable port, the cable support body and/or the sleeve.

It will be appreciated that reference to length of a cable port means from a first end to a second end of the cable port.

As will be appreciated when the cable port is positioned through an aperture in a panel, the first end will be positioned on a first side, for example an outer side, of the panel and the second end will positioned on an opposing, for example inner, side of the panel.

Put another way, preferably, the kit comprises one or more cable port extensions for allowing one or more of said cable ports to be inserted into an aperture of a panel having a greater thickness.

For example, a cable port extension of lOmm can be provided to convert a cable port for insertion into a panel having a thickness of lmm into a cable port for insertion into a panel having a thickness of llmm.

Preferably, the one or more cable port extensions are securable to a cable port via a mechanical connection and/or via an adhesive.

Preferably, the one or more cable port extensions are securable to the/a sleeve of the cable port and/or to the cable support body.

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

Preferably, reference herein to "holding a cable" means "retaining a cable". As will be appreciated, with a cable retained by the cable support body, the cable cannot be pulled through the cable port.

For example, in one embodiment it is preferred that the cable support body is configured for retaining one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body.

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 Figure 1 shows a first example of a cable port comprising a pair of cable support bodies; Figures 2A and 23 show the cable port of Figure 1 with one of the cable support bodies removed from the sleeve; Figure 3 shows a further view of the cable port shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a side view of the cable port shown in Figure 1; Figure 5A shows a view from above a cable support body of Figure 1; Figure 53 shows a view from below a cable support body of Figure 1; Figures 6A and 63 show views of the cable port of Figure 1 with a cable provided therein before (Figure 6A) and after (Figure 6B) insertion of the cable support body into the sleeve; Figures 7 and 8 show a second example of a cable port; and Figures 9 to 12 show a third example of a cable port.

The present invention relates to a cable port for holding a cable and for allowing a cable to pass through a panel, for example a wall of a furniture item.

With reference to the Figures, a cable port 1 includes a pair of cable support bodies 2a, 2b positioned within a sleeve 3. The sleeve 3 is for insertion through an aperture 4 in a panel 5, for example through an aperture 4 in the wall 5 of a cabinet 6.

The sleeve 3 includes a first end 7a and a second end 7b. The first end 7a includes a protruding rim 8 around its perimeter. When the sleeve 3 is positioned through an aperture 4 in a panel, the first end 7a will be positioned on a first side, for example an outer side, of the panel and the second end 7b will positioned on an opposing, for example inner, side of the panel. As will be appreciated, it is preferred that the more aesthetically pleasing first end 7a of the sleeve is visible from the outside of the furniture item with the second end 7b positioned inside the furniture item and concealed from view.

The sleeve is inserted through the aperture second end 7b first so that the protruding rim 8 around the perimeter of the first end 7a abuts the surface of the panel on the first side of the panel adjacent the aperture.

With the protruding rim 8 in abutment with the panel, the second end 7b of the sleeve protrudes beyond the surface of the second side of the panel, for example into the inside of the furniture item.

Protrusions 9a, 9b positioned at the second end 7b of the sleeve 3 abut the surface of the second side of the panel adjacent the aperture. The protrusions 9a, 9b, therefore, prevent the sleeve 3 being removed from the aperture 4. In the example shown, the protrusions 9a are provided on resiliently flexible tabs 19a, 19b of the sleeve that are flexible such that the protrusions 9a, 9b provide a snap-fit connection between the protrusions and the panel once they have passed through the aperture 4.

As will also be appreciated, the provision of the resiliently flexible tabs 19a, 19b allows a user to disengage the protrusions 9a, 9b when desired to allow the sleeve 3 to be removed from the aperture 4.

It will be appreciated that the distance between the protrusions 9a, 9b and the protruding rim 8 is set to correspond to the thickness of the panel within which the cable port is to be provided. As such, it will be appreciated that different sized cable ports can be provided in which the distance between the protrusions 9a, 9b and the protruding rim 8 is different between each size to match different panel thicknesses.

In another example, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, the tabs 19a, 19b can be provided with slots 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. In the example shown, two slots 22a, 22b are provided on the upper tab 19a and two slots 22c, 22d are provided on the lower tab 19b. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, slots 22a, 22c engage with projections 23a, 23b on a panel 5 when the sleeve 3 is inserted through an aperture in the panel 5. In the example shown, the panel 5 is a thin solid panel of about lmm thickness, however, the provision of multiple slots 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d on each tab 19a, 19b allows the sleeve 3 to be positioned within panels of different thicknesses.

For example, whilst not specifically shown in the Figures, it will be appreciated that slots 22b and 22d, which are positioned further away from the protruding rim 8, will engage with projections (not shown) provided on the inner wall of a double-walled, hollow panel 5 with a thickness of about 6.6mm. In this example, the distance between the slots 22b, 22d and the protruding rim 8 corresponds to the distance between the inner wall of the panel and the opposing surface of the outer wall of the panel against which the protruding rim 8 abuts.

As will be appreciated, additional slots can be provided at different distances from the protruding rim 8 corresponding to hollow panels of different thicknesses.

With particular reference to Figure 2, each of the cable support bodies 2a, 2b includes a curved channel 10. The channel 10 forms a curved path around the central axis y of the cable support body 2a and is shaped to receive a cable 11 (as shown in Figure 6A). In the example shown, the channel 10 forms a loop around the cable body 2a so that a cable 11 inserted within the channel 10 enters and exits the channel at the same position at opposing ends 12a, 12b of the cable support body 2a.

As shown in Figure 5B, part 21 of the channel 10 follows a path which is perpendicular to the central axis y. This has been found to improve the ability of the support body to hold a cable in place.

The entrance 13a and exit 13b to the channel 10 includes channel protrusions 14a, 14b which grip a cable 11 positioned within the channel 10 to prevent movement of the cable therethrough. Additional protrusions 14c for gripping a cable are provided between the entrance and the exit.

The channel 10 is provided with a gripping surface to increase the friction between the cable 11 and the surface of the channel 10.

In use, with the sleeve 3 positioned within the aperture 4 of the panel, a cable 11 is inserted through the aperture 15a in the sleeve 3 and then placed into the channel 10 so that it wraps around the cable support body 2a from the entrance 13a to the exit 13b of the channel. This secures the cable 11 in position around the cable support body 2a. The cable support body 2a is then inserted into the aperture 15a of the sleeve 3.

The second end of the support body 2a includes protrusions 16a, 16b which engage with apertures 17a, 17b on the sleeve 3 to secure the support body 2a into engagement with the sleeve 3 such that the first end 12a of the support body is flush with the first end 7a of the sleeve 3.

The cable support body 2a can be inserted into the sleeve 3 from either end thereof, for example from inside or outside the wall of a furniture item.

The second end 12b of the support body 2a also includes additional protrusions 18a, 18b which engage with an edge of the sleeve 3 to prevent the support body 2a from being removed from the sleeve 3. Both sets of protrusions 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b are provided on tabs 20a, 20b protruding from the second end 12b of the support body. The tabs 20a, 20b are resiliently flexible which allows not only for a snap-fit connection of the support body 2a with the sleeve 3, but also allows a user to remove the support body 2a from the sleeve 3 when desired.

Whilst the cable support body can be inserted into the sleeve from either side of the panel, for security it can only be removed by accessing the cable support body from one side of the panel. This is due to the protrusions 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b being provided on tabs 20a, 20b protruding from the second end 12b of the support body. As a result, the protrusions 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b and the tabs 20a, 20b are only accessible from the second end 12b of the support body and the sleeve 7b. This, in turn, means that when the cable port is positioned within an aperture of a panel, the cable support body can only be disengaged from the sleeve from the side of the panel at which the second end of the support body and sleeve is located.

Pulling or pushing on a cable 11 when fitted will not pull the cable 11 out of the cable support body 2a, 2b or the cable support body 2a, 2b out of the sleeve 3.

The sleeve can only be removed by accessing one side of the panel.

As will be appreciated, the channel 10 can be provided in different cross-sections to accommodate different sized and/or shaped cables.

A second example of a cable port 101 is shown in Figures 7 and 8.

The cable port 101 includes a cable support body which is provided in two parts, 102a, 102b. The first part 102a includes a first curved channel 110a and the second part 102b includes a second curved channel 110b. In the example shown, each channel includes a reverse S-shaped curve, however, it will be appreciated that an S-shaped curve would be equally effective. The provision of two curved channels 110a, 110b means that a single cable support body can be used to provide a port for two separate cables.

The provision of a reverse S-shaped or S-shaped curve means that, whilst the channel overall is from the first end 107a to the second end 107b of the support body, part 210 of the channel travels in a different direction back toward the first end 107a.

As shown in Figure 8, once the first 102a and second 102b parts of the cable support body have been joined together, the cable support body 102 can be inserted into a sleeve 103. As also shown, the sleeve 103 is provided within an aperture 104 of a panel 105.

In all of the examples described above, it will be appreciated that the sleeve could alternatively be used to receive something other than a cable support body. For example, a user could be provided with a similarly shaped insert which houses a light and/or a socket, for example an electrical or data socket for connection of a cable thereto.

Whilst the examples described herein are with reference to a wall of a cabinet, it will be appreciated that the cable port could also be provided through an aperture in the desktop of a desk or in the top of a cabinet. In such an example, reference to outer side or inner surface would be reference to an upper side or upper surface and reference to inner side or inner surface would be reference to underside or lower surface.

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%.

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

CLAIMS1. A cable port comprising a cable support body for positioning within an aperture of a panel, wherein the cable support body is configured for holding one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body, wherein at least part of the path is curved.
2. A cable port according to claim 1, wherein the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts for holding one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body, wherein at least part of the path is curved.
3. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable support body comprises one or more channels for holding a cable, wherein the one or more channels follow a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body, wherein at least part of the path is curved.
4. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable support body comprises a plurality of parts forming a channel for holding one or more cables in a path around the cable support body and/or through the cable support body, wherein at least part of the path is curved.
5. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the path is around a central axis of the support body.
6. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the path forms at least a complete revolution around the central axis of the support body.
7. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein at least about 50% the path is curved.
8. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the path is at least partially S-shaped and/or at least partially reverse S-shaped.
9. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the path comprises at least part of a corkscrew.
10. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body.
11. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the direction of the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and wherein a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body deviates from a direction toward the second end of the support body.
12. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the direction of the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and wherein a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body is perpendicular to the central axis of the support body.
13. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the direction of the path is from a first end of the support body to a second end of the support body and wherein a part of the path between the first end of the support body and the second end of the support body is in a direction toward the first end of the support body.
14. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable support body comprises one or more grips for gripping a cable.
15. A cable port according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable port comprises a sleeve for holding the cable support body.
16. A cable port according to claim 15, wherein the sleeve is for positioning within an aperture of a panel.
17. A cable port according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the sleeve comprises a protruding rim around its perimeter for abutment with a surface of a panel.
18. A cable port according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the cable support body comprises one or more mating parts for engagement with one or more mating parts of the sleeve, wherein when the one or more mating parts of the cable support body are in engagement with the one or more mating parts of the sleeve, engagement of the one or more mating parts of the cable support body with the one or more mating parts of the sleeve can only be released from one end of the cable port.
19. A cable port according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the sleeve comprises a plurality of panel mating parts positioned at different locations on the sleeve for engagement with panels of different thicknesses.
20. A cable port according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the sleeve comprises a plurality of panel mating parts positioned at different distances from the/a protruding rim of the sleeve.
21. A cable port according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the sleeve comprises one or more first engagement mating parts for engagement with a panel of a first thickness and one or more second engagement mating parts for engagement with a panel of a second thickness.
22. A panel comprising one or more cable ports according to any preceding claim.
23. An article comprising one or more cable ports according to any of claims 1 to 21 and/or one or more panels according to claim 22.
24. A kit comprising a cable port according to any of claims 1 to 21 and one or more inserts, wherein said one or more inserts are for positioning within an aperture of the/a sleeve of the cable port.
25. A kit comprising a plurality of cable ports according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein said plurality of cable ports comprises cable ports of different sizes for insertion into apertures of panels of different thicknesses and/or for holding cables of different sizes and/or shapes.