WO2003071645A1

WO2003071645A1 - Device for covering cabling and at least one structural part, and method for use of such a device

Info

Publication number: WO2003071645A1
Application number: PCT/NL2003/000137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacobus Antonie Mathijsen; Marco Brand
Original assignee: Universal Electronics B.V.
Priority date: 2002-02-22
Filing date: 2003-02-21
Publication date: 2003-08-28
Also published as: AU2003211547A1; NL1020041C2

Abstract

Support constructions are known for equipment and appliances such as audio and video equipment, which constructions rest on consoles on wall supports. Such a support construction generally comprises a plurality of structural parts such as an optionally pivotable - usually articulated - supporting arm, for instance for a television set or monitor. Covering elements such as casings, covers or sleeves are often arranged to guide and conceal from view the cabling such as mains leads and aerial cables. The invention relates to an improved device for covering cabling and at least one structural part.

Description

Device for covering cabling and at least one structural part, and method for use of such a device

The invention relates to a device for covering cabling and at least one structural part. The invention also relates to a method for using such a device.

Support constructions are known for equipment and appliances such as audio and video equipment, which constructions rest on consoles or wall supports. Such a support construction generally comprises a plurality of structural parts such as an optionally pivotable - usually articulated - supporting arm, for instance for a television set or monitor. Covering elements such as casings, covers or sleeves are often arranged to guide and conceal from view cabling such as mains leads and aerial cables.

More or less rigid casings are known. These have the drawback that they are generally less user-friendly, do not always fit properly, sometimes open unintentionally or, conversely, are relatively difficult to open again after closing. In order to conceal the cables fully from view, such casings are often built up of a plurality of separate parts. However, making the casing from a plurality of separate parts generally results in relatively high production costs, wherein the user-friendliness is often limited.

More flexible covers or sleeves are further known. Such covers or sleeves are usually provided with velcro for closing or mutual coupling of the covers or sleeves. A significant drawback of velcro is the generally relatively inaccurate closure or mutual coupling of the sleeves, which is usually unfavourable from an aesthetic viewpoint.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved device for covering cabling and at least one structural part, whereby cabling and at least one structural part can be covered in reliable and aesthetic manner.

The invention provides for this purpose a device of the type stated in the preamble, comprising at least one covering element, which covering element is provided along opposite edges with respectively a first zip part and a second zip part co-acting with the first zip part, wherein the configuration of the covering element can be changed such that the covering element can be positioned in a situation enclosing at least a part of the cabling and the structural part. In such a situation the first zip part and the second zip part can be mutually connected, whereby the cabling and the structural part can be covered in aesthetic manner. The zip parts can after all only be connected to each other in a single defined manner, whereby the device can be closed in precise manner by the zip parts, which is relatively favourable from an aesthetic viewpoint. A second advantage of applying the first zip part and the second zip part is that a relatively reliable and stable closing of the device can be realized after mutual coupling of the two zip parts. The device can therefore generally be closed in correct manner and can remain closed, even in the case of relatively high loads being exerted on the device by the cabling and the structural part. It is noted that the zip-fastening formed by the first zip part and the second zip part is understood to mean any closure wherein at least one part of a zip part is hooked into at least one part of another zip part, generally by means of a displaceable closing member. In addition to the conventional zip-fastening provided with two strips with a plurality of metal or plastic claws can now also be understood for instance a zip-fastening which is assembled in particular from an elongate thickened edge and a receiving space for the edge which co-acts with the thickened edge.

In a preferred embodiment at least one part of the covering element is flexible. By giving the covering element a flexible form the device can usually be positioned round any cabling and any structural part, irrespective of the design. Furthermore, a flexible covering element is generally very suitable for use with pivotable structural parts, such as for instance with mechanical hinges. In a preferred embodiment the first zip part is connected to a first covering segment and the second zip part is connected to a second covering segment connected pivotally to the first covering segment. Both the covering segments can be given a rigid as well as a (slightly) flexible form. In a particular preferred embodiment at least one weakening line is located between the first covering segment and the second covering segment. The arranging a weakening line is relatively inexpensive, while the covering of the cabling and the structural part is not reduced by the weakening line. In another particular preferred embodiment at least one mechanical hinge is located between the first covering segment and the second covering segment. The use of a mechanical hinge usually provides a relatively durable and strong device. At least one other covering segment is preferably located between the first covering segment and the second covering segment. The other covering segment can take a flexible or a rigid form. The covering element will usually be provided with a plurality of intermediate covering segments. In structural parts with a quadrangular cross-section a plurality of, in particular three, intermediate covering segments will for instance generally be used.

In another preferred embodiment the device comprises a plurality of covering elements, wherein the relative orientation of the covering elements can be changed. It thus becomes possible with a single device to cover a plurality of structural parts mutually connected in pivotable manner. The above described preferred embodiment is therefore usually particularly suitable to be applied as covering device in the case of for instance swivelling supporting arms for audio and video equipment. In a particular preferred embodiment the covering elements are provided with a common first zip part and a common second zip part. The advantage of a common first zip part and second zip part is that closing of the device is relatively simple, wherein the device has an aesthetic and harmonious appearance after closure. The relatively user-friendly device can thus be closed in a single movement, wherein the relative positions of the covering elements are precisely determined.

In another preferred embodiment the covering element is manufactured at least substantially from a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA). EVA is a relatively rigid material, in order to make the covering element relatively form-retaining, but is also sufficiently flexible to enable variations, such as in the positioning of the cabling, to be offset. The covering element is now preferably manufactured by means of vacuum-forming. In addition to EVA, other types of material, in particular plastics, can of course also be used to manufacture the covering element.

In yet another preferred embodiment the covering element is manufactured at least substantially from nylon. Nylon has the material properties, among others, of being relatively flexible, elastic and strong, whereby nylon has been found to be very suitable for use round pivotable structural parts. Nylon is moreover relatively inexpensive and can be processed relatively easily. In addition to nylon it is also possible to envisage the application of similar materials, in particular plastics, with similar material properties.

The covering element is preferably dimensioned such that the covering element fits at least substantially closely onto the cabling and the structural part during covering of the cabling and the structural part. A relatively tight enclosure of the cabling and the structural part can thus be obtained, which is generally (even) more favourable from an aesthetic viewpoint.

The covering element is preferably connected between the first zip part and the second zip part to at least one protruding covering member for covering at least a part of an adjacent structural part connected to the structural part, which covering member is provided on a part remote from the covering element with coupling means, wherein the coupling means are adapted to co-act with counter-coupling means forming part of the covering element. The object of the covering member is to enable covering of relatively awkwardly positioned locations. Such an awkwardly positioned location generally forms part of an adjacent structural part. It is however also possible that the covering member covers a part of the structural part covered by the covering element. Diverse known fastening elements, such as for instance press-studs, velcro, zip-fastenings and so on, can be used as coupling means and counter-coupling means.

The invention also relates to a method for using such a device, comprising the steps of: A) at least partly enclosing the cabling and the structural part by at least one covering element such that the first zip part and the second zip part are situated close to each other, and B) mutually coupling the first zip part and the second zip part. Particularly in the case of relatively close-fitting enclosure of the cabling and the structural part, closing of the covering element will be able to take place much more simply when the zip-fastening is used than when the known velcro fastening is used. As already noted above, a relatively reliable and aesthetic enclosure of the cabling and the structural part is moreover obtained by performing the method according to the invention. A plurality of mutually connected covering elements is preferably positioned over adjacent structural parts and cabling, wherein the covering elements are - preferably - provided with a common zip-fastening which can be closed as according to step B). It thus becomes possible to cover cabling and a pivotable assembly of structural parts in relatively rapid and simple manner. In a particular preferred embodiment the method is provided with a step C) comprising, after at least partly enclosing the cabling and the structural part by the covering element as according to step A), of enclosing at least a part of an adjacent structural part connected to the structural part by a protruding covering member connected to the covering element. In a more particular preferred embodiment, the method is provided with a step D) comprising, after enclosing at least a part of an adjacent structural part connected to the structural part by a protruding covering member connected to the covering element as according to step C), of coupling to the covering element a part of the covering member located at a distance from the covering element. Relatively awkwardly positioned locations of a structural part or an adjacent structural part can thus also be covered in relatively simple manner. Further advantages of the method have already been described above.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of non-limitative embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figure la shows a view of a first preferred embodiment of a folded-open sleeve according to the invention; figure lb shows a view of a second preferred embodiment of a folded-open sleeve according to the invention; figure 2a shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a typical supporting arm, for instance for a television set or monitor, and figure 2 b shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a typical supporting arm, for instance for a television set or monitor.

The sleeve (1) shown in figure la can be arranged around the supporting arm (3) shown in figure 2a.

The first sleeve part segments (111-115) are herein folded around the first supporting arm part (31) and the first cable part (51) running therealong, whereafter the zip- fastening (17a/ 17b) is closed. The fourth sleeve part (14) is folded round the first hinge (33) and the fourth cable part (54) running therealong, and closed by means of the velcro fastening (18a/18b).

The sleeve (2) shown in figure lb can be arranged around the supporting arm (4) shown in figure 2b. Here the first sleeve part segments (211-215) are folded around the first supporting arm part (41) and the first cable part (61) running therealong, the second sleeve part segments (221-225) are folded around the second supporting arm part (42) and the second cable part (62) running therealong, wherein the third sleeve part (23) is folded around the second hinge (45) and the third cable part (63) running therealong, whereafter the continuous zip-fastening (27ace/27bdf) can be closed in one movement. The fourth sleeve part (24) is folded round the first hinge (43) and the fourth cable part (64) running therealong, and closed by means of the Velcro fastening (28a/28b).

The more or less rigid first and second sleeve parts (11,21,22) are manufactured by means of vacuum-forming from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer). The more flexible and elastic third and fourth sleeve parts (23,14,24) are manufactured from nylon.

The sleeves (1,2) are user-friendly and, after being placed and closed, form an effective and attractive guide and cover for the cabling.

Claims

1. Device (1, 2) for covering cabling (5, 6) and at least one structural part (31, 41, 42, 45), comprising at least one covering element (11, 21, 22, 23), which covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) is provided along opposite edges with respectively a first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e) and a second zip part (17b, 27b, 27d, 27f) co-acting with the first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e), wherein the configuration of the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) can be changed such that the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) can be positioned in a situation enclosing at least a part of the cabling (5, 6) and the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45).

2. Device (1, 2) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one part of the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) is flexible.

3. Device (1, 2) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e) is connected to a first covering segment (111, 211, 221), and that the second zip part (17b, 27b, 27d, 27f) is connected to a second covering segment (115, 215, 225) connected pivotally to the first covering segment (111, 211, 221).

4. Device (1, 2) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that at least one weakening line is located between the first covering segment (111, 211, 221) and the second covering segment (115, 215, 225).

5. Device (1, 2) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one mechanical hinge is located between the first covering segment (111, 211, 221) and the second covering segment (115, 215, 225).

6. Device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the claims 3-5, characterized in that at least one other covering segment (112, 113, 114, 212, 213, 214, 222, 223, 224) is located between the first covering segment (111, 211, 221) and the second covering segment (115, 215, 225).

7. Device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the device (1, 2) comprises a plurality of covering elements (1 1, 21, 22, 23), wherein the relative orientation of the covering elements (11, 21, 22, 23) can be changed.

8. Device (1, 2) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the covering elements (11, 21, 22, 23) are provided with a common first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e) and a common second zip part (17b, 27b, 27d, 27f).

9. Device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) is manufactured at least substantially from a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate (EVA).

10. Device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the claims 1-8, characterized in that the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) is manufactured at least substantially from nylon.

11. Device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) is dimensioned such that the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) fits at least substantially closely onto the cabling (5, 6) and the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45) during covering of the cabling (5, 6) and the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45).

12. Device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) is connected between the first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e) and the second zip part (17b, 27b, 27d, 27f) to at least one protruding covering member (14, 24) for covering at least a part of an adjacent structural part (33, 43) connected to the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45), which covering member (14, 24) is provided on a part remote from the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) with coupling means (18a, 28a), wherein the coupling means (18a, 28a) are adapted to co-act with counter-coupling means (18b, 28b) forming part of the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23).

13. Method for using a device (1, 2) as claimed in any of the claims 1-12, comprising the steps of: A) at least partly enclosing the cabling (5, 6) and the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45) by at least one covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) such that the first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e) and the second zip part (17b, 27b, 27d, 27f) are situated close to each other, and

B) mutually coupling the first zip part (17a, 27a, 27c, 27e) and the second zip part (17b, 27b, 27d, 27f).

14. Method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the method is provided with a step C) comprising, after at least partly enclosing the cabling (5, 6) and the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45) by the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) as according to step A), of enclosing at least a part of an adjacent structural part (33, 43) connected to the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45) by a protruding covering member (14, 24) connected to the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23).

15. Method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the method is provided with a step D) comprising, after enclosing at least a part of an adjacent structural part (33, 43) connected to the structural part (31, 41, 42, 45) by a protruding covering member (14, 24) connected to the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) as according to step C), of coupling to the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23) a part of the covering member (14, 24) located at a distance from the covering element (11, 21, 22, 23).