WO2013076469A2

WO2013076469A2 - Apparatus for supporting electrical cables

Info

Publication number: WO2013076469A2
Application number: PCT/GB2012/052867
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Widdows
Original assignee: Gary Widdows
Priority date: 2011-11-24
Filing date: 2012-11-20
Publication date: 2013-05-30
Also published as: GB201409162D0; WO2013076469A3; GB2510536A

Abstract

A fastening device (84) for securing a cable (20) to a support, the fastening device (84) comprising a body including a part (85) defining a pair of spaced slits (86, 87) separated by an inner part (88), the body being configured to grip by frictional contact a length of cable (20) looped through the pair of spaced slits (86, 87) and around the inner part (88).

Description

TITLE: APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING ELECTRICAL CABLES

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to apparatus for supporting electrical cables and particularly, but not exclusively, apparatus for use on building sites and filming sets for supporting electrical cables above head height to prevent workers tripping over the cables.

Health and safety is an important issue on any building site. Where work is carried out using equipment requiring a power supply via a cable (or lead), it is common for these cables to be trailed along the floor often over an extended distance to connect to a power supply unit (e.g. electrical generator) presenting a tripping hazard.

Various ceiling-mounted hooks and hanging devices are available on the market for supporting cables, but must generally be removed once the ceilings of a structure are in place. Free-standing stands have been proposed in the art for supporting electrical cables at an elevated height above floor level, but these devices are susceptible to being pulled over if the cable they are supporting is pulled. Attempts have been made to minimise the likelihood of the stands toppling by incorporating large-footprint bases (e.g. with tripod legs) for increased stability, but the base itself then presents a significant trip hazard.

The present inventor has identified the need for an improved apparatus for supporting electrical cables which seeks to overcome or at least alleviate problems associated with the identified prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable stand for supporting an electrical cable in an elevated position (e.g. overhead position) above floor height, comprising: an elongate extendable support member having a first end defining a ground- engageable surface (e.g. floor-engaging surface) and a second end opposed to the first end defining an upper surface (e.g. ceiling-engaging surface) configured to engage a ground-opposing surface (e.g. ceiling or the like), the support member being adjustable to vary spacing between the floor-engaging surface and the upper surface.

In this way, a temporary cable stand is provided in which stability is provided by frictional engagement of the upper surface with a ground-opposing surface (e.g. flat or sloping ceiling, ceiling joist or other such surface) allowing the stand to resist toppling without the need for a particularly wide or heavy base. The portable cable stand of the present invention may be used both inside a structure (e.g. inside a building) and outdoors in any location in which a ground- opposing surface is present.

In one embodiment the upper surface is substantially similar in area or greater in area than the floor-engageable surface.

In one embodiment the cable stand has a centre of mass located substantially centrally between the ground-engageable surface and upper surface when the cable stand is fully extended.

In one embodiment the upper surface is moveable relative to the ground-engageable surface between a first (e.g. smallest) spacing and a second (e.g. largest) spacing and is configured to allow infinitely variable adjustment between the first and second spacings. In this way, fine adjustment of the relative spacing between the upper and ground-engageable surface may be achieved (e.g. after an initial large scale adjustment). In one embodiment the cable stand provides a biasing action (e.g. comprises biasing means) for urging the upper surface against the ground-opposing surface. In this way, the cable stand may be braced between lower and upper surfaces of a structure (e.g. room).

In one embodiment the biasing action is provided by a resilient member. The resilient member may located at the second end of the support member. For example, the resilient member may comprise a resilient pad. In one embodiment, an upper-most surface of the resilient pad forms the upper surface.

In one embodiment, the upper surface is a non-marking surface (e.g. cloth surface). In this way, the upper surface may be urged against a ground-opposing surface (e.g. plastered ceiling) without marking the ground-opposing surface.

In one embodiment, the non-marking surface is provided by a pad (e.g. resilient pad). In one embodiment, the pad is removably attached to the support member. In this way, the type of pad may be readily interchanged to suit the type of ground-opposing surface. In one embodiment, the pad is attached to the support member using a hook and loop faster connection (e.g. Velcro™ connection)

In one embodiment the cable stand further comprises a locking mechanism for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the upper surface and ground-engageable surface.

In another embodiment the biasing action may act to maintain a predetermined minimum spacing between the upper surface and the ground-engageable surface (e.g. obviating the need for a locking mechanism).

In one embodiment the cable stand further comprises an attachment device for attaching an electrical cable to the support member. In one embodiment the attachment device is removably attachable to the support member. For example, the attachment device may comprise a clamping mechanism for connection to a part of the support member. In one embodiment the clamping mechanism comprises a lockable clamping jaw. In one embodiment the clamping jaw is lockable using a cam locking lever.

In one embodiment, the attachment device is movable (e.g. slidable) relative to the support member (e.g. along a longitudinal axis of the support member). In this way, the vertical position of the attachment device relative to the support member may be readily varied (e.g. to alter cable height).

In one embodiment the attachment device comprises a passive friction fastener. For example, the friction fastener may comprises a plate defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner plate part, the slits being configured to trap a length of electrical cable. Each slit may be tapered to restrict lateral movement of a cable when threaded through the slits.

In one embodiment, the support member comprises a central extendable shaft comprising a first elongate part (e.g. first tubular element) and a second elongate part (e.g. second tubular element) moveable (e.g. slidable) relative to the first elongate part. In the case of a cable stand including a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the second elongate part in position relative to the first part.

In one embodiment, the second elongate part is telescopic (e.g. telescopically mounted within the first elongate part). The second elongate part may be configured to slide relative to the first elongate part (e.g. to enable the relative positions of the first and second elongate parts to be altered quickly to assist in installation/removal of the cable stand). In the case of a cable stand including a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism may comprise a twist-lock mechanism (e.g. with rotation of one of the first and second elongate parts relative to the other part selectively locking the relative position of the parts when rotated in a first sense and unlocking the parts when rotated in a second counter sense).

In one embodiment the support member comprises a fine adjustment mechanism to allow the upper surface to be urged against the ground-opposing surface (e.g. in addition to a slidable telescopic mechanism for initial large scale adjustment). In this way, the cable stand may be installed and removed relatively quickly whilst allowing for fine adjustment during installation.

In one embodiment, the first end of the support member comprises a base plate forming the ground-engageable surface (e.g. upon which the central extendable shaft is mounted (e.g. coupled)). The ground-engageable surface of the base plate may have a footprint which is substantially larger than a mean cross-section of the central extendable shaft. In one embodiment the central extendable shaft is pivotable relative to the base plate (e.g. to allow the central extendable shaft to extend in a direction other than normal to the ground-engageable surface).

In one embodiment, the second end of the support member comprises an upper plate forming the upper surface. The upper plate may be configured to be mounted (e.g. coupled) to the central extendable shaft. The upper surface of the upper plate may define an area which is substantially larger than the mean cross-section of the central extendable shaft. In one embodiment the upper plate is pivotable (e.g. lockably pivotable) relative to the central extendable shaft (e.g. to allow the central extendable shaft to extend in a direction other than normal to the upper surface).

In one embodiment, the support member is configured to receive an extension member for further increasing spacing between the ground-engageable surface and upper surface (e.g. to allow use in rooms having a higher than standard ceiling height). In the case of a support member comprising first and second elongate parts, the extension member may comprise a third elongate part configured to be connected (e.g. lockably connected) to one of the first and second elongate parts.

In one embodiment the support member is collapsible into a storage configuration when not in use (e.g. for storage in a carry case or bag). For example, in one embodiment at least one of the base plate and the upper plate is configured to be removable from the central extendable shaft and/or the central extendable shaft may be collapsible into a compact storage configuration.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of supporting an electrical cable in an elevated position above floor height (e.g. above floor height), comprising: providing a cable stand for supporting an electrical cable, the cable stand including an elongate extendable support member having a first end defining a ground-engageable surface (e.g. floor-engaging surface) and a second end opposed to the first end defining a upper surface (e.g. ceiling-engaging surface) configured to engage a ground-opposing surface (e.g. ceiling or the like), the support member being adjustable to vary spacing between the ground-engageable surface and the upper surface; and (e.g. with the cable stand is positioned with the ground- engageable surface engaged with a floor of a structure) adjusting the spacing between the ground-engageable surface and the upper surface so that toppling of the cable stand is resisted by frictional engagement of the upper surface with a ground-opposing surface.

In one embodiment adjusting the spacing between the ground-engageable surface and upper surface comprises using a biasing member to urge the upper surface against the ground- opposing surface.

In the case of a biasing member provided at the second end of the support, the adjusting step may further comprise maintaining the predetermined spacing between the upper surface and ground-engageable surface using a locking mechanism.

In one embodiment the cable stand is a cable stand according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for attaching an electrical cable to an elongate support member (e.g. shaft of a cable stand, pole (e.g. scaffold pole) or joist or the like), the apparatus comprising: a clamping mechanism for removably attaching the apparatus to a part of the elongate support member; and a friction fastener for securing a cable to the apparatus.

In this way, a cable attachment device is provided which can be positioned anywhere along an elongate support member (e.g. to allow further cable attachment devices to be connected to the same support member at different locations along the support member) allowing quick connection and disconnection of electrical cables.

In one embodiment the clamping mechanism is configured to engage opposed lateral sides of a section of the elongate support member (e.g. to allow the cable attachment apparatus to be clamped to a desired section of the elongate support member).

In one embodiment the clamping mechanism comprises a lockable clamping jaw. In one embodiment the clamping jaw is lockable using a cam locking lever.

In one embodiment the friction faster comprises a plate (e.g. formed from any suitable material including in one example plastics material) defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner plate part, the slits being configured to trap a length of electrical cable. Each slit may be tapered to restrict lateral movement of a cable when threaded through the slits.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening device for securing a cable to a support, the fastening device comprising a body (e.g. formed from plastics material) including a part defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner part, the body being configured to grip by frictional contact a length of cable looped through the pair of spaced slits and around the inner part.

In one embodiment, the part of the body is plate-like.

In one embodiment, the inner part is plate-like. In one embodiment, the inner part has an effective thickness that is less than its effective minimum width between the pair of spaced slits (e.g. less than half its effective minimum width between the pair of spaced slits).

In one embodiment, at least one slit is tapered to restrict lateral movement of a cable when threaded therethrough.

In one embodiment, the fastening device further comprises a clamping mechanism configured to engage opposed lateral sides of a section of a support member (e.g. to allow the cable attachment apparatus to be clamped to a desired section of the elongate support member).

In another embodiment, the fastening device is configured to be affixed to a wall or ceiling. For example, in one embodiment the fastening device may comprise an aperture (e.g. extending through the inner part) for receiving a screw or nail.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a cable to a support, comprising: providing a fastening device comprising a body including a part defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner part; passing the cable through a first slit of the pair of spaced slits; looping the cable over the inner part; and passing the cable back through a second slit of the pair of spaced slits.

The fastening device may comprise a fastening device in accordance with any of the embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a pair of cable stands in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in use to support an electrical cable in an elevated position above ground height;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an attachment device according to a further embodiment of the present invention for use with the cable stand of Figure 1;

Figures 3A and 3B are schematic views of a friction fastener according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 4A and 4B are schematic views of a friction fastener according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a friction fastener according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a pair of cable stands 10 for supporting an electrical cable 20 in an elevated position above head height when installed in a structure (e.g. room of a building) havinga floor 30 and ceiling 40 (or equivalent lower and upper engagement surfaces in a structure or in an outdoor location having such lower and upper engagement surfaces). Each cable stand 10 comprises a central extendable shaft 50 pivotally connected at a first end 52 to a base plate 60 defining a ground-engaging (e.g. floor-engaging) surface 62 and pivotally connected at a second end 54 to an upper (or ceiling-engaging) plate 70 comprising a resilient pad 72 defining an upper (or ceiling-engaging) surface 74 configured to engage a ground-opposing surface (e.g. ceiling or equivalent overhead surface).

Central extendable shaft 50 comprises first, second and third tubular elements 52, 54 and 56 respectively, with the third tubular element 56 being configured to telescopically slide within second tubular element 54 and the second tubular element 54 being configured to telescopically slide with first tubular element 52 thereby along the central extendable shaft 50 to selectively vary spacing between the ground-engaging surface 62 and the upper surface 74. Twist-lock mechanisms 80, 82 are provided to lock the third tubular element 56 relative to the second tubular element 54 and to lock the second tubular element 54 relative to the first tubular element 52 respectively.

Resilient pad 72 may comprise a resilient high friction ribbed rubber pad or, in the case of a plastered ceiling, a resilient soft cloth pad (e.g. to avoid marking the ceiling). The resilient pad 72 may be removable (e.g. using a Velcro™ connection or the like) to allow the type of pad to be interchanged depending upon the type of upper engagement surface.

Cable stands 10 further include removable cable attachment devices 80 for securing electrical cable 20 to the central extendable shaft 50.

In use cable stands 10 are placed in spaced positions in a structure with each base plate 60 engaging floor 30. Central extendable shaft 50 of each cable stand 10 is then extended by a user to urge upper plate 70 of each cable stand 10 against ceiling 40 to at least partially compress resilient pad 72 and whilst in this position twist-lock mechanisms 80 and/or 82 are rotated by the user to lock central extendable shaft 50 to maintain the urging force applied to ceiling 40 by the resilient pad 72.

The pivotal connection base plate 60 and upper plate 70 to shaft 50 advantageously allows cable stands 10 to be braced in position between both opposed parallel and opposed non- parallel surfaces (e.g. a horizontal floor and a sloped ceiling). Furthermore, the cable stands 10 can be installed for use prior to completion of a ceiling, readily lowered to allow completion of the ceiling (e.g. plastering/painting of the ceiling) and quickly raised again to engage the ceiling (e.g. using a different resilient pad 72) to support electrical cables once again.

Once cable stand 10 are installed in this braced position between the floor and ceiling, electrical cable 20 is attached to the cable stands 10 using cable attachment devices 80 so that the part of electrical cable 20 extending between the two cable stands 10 extends at an elevated height above head height of the user.

Although the concept of the present invention is illustrated with a single electrical cable supported by each cable stand 10, it will be appreciated that the cable stand 10 of the present invention may be used to support two or more electrical cables (e.g. by providing additional cable attachment devices 80).

Figure 2 shows an alternative cable attachment device 80' comprising a lockable clamping mechanism 82 for connection to a part (e.g. one of tubular elements 52, 54, 56) of cable stand 10 or any other elongate member (e.g. scaffold pole or joist), clamping mechanism 82 including a quick release cam lever lock 83 for locking clamping mechanism 82. Cable attachment device 80' comprises a passive friction fastener part 84 for securing a part of electrical cable 20 by friction. Passive friction fastener part 84 comprise a plate 85 defining a pair of spaced slits 86, 87 separated by an inner plate part 88 having a thickness that is less than the minimum width between slits 86, 87, with slits 86, 87 being configured to trap a length of electrical cable 20 when looped through the slits and around the inner plate part 88 by frictional contact between the length of cable and the fastener part 84. Each slit 86, 87 has a tapered key-hole profile to restrict lateral movement of electrical cable 20 when threaded through the slits.

Figures 3 A and 3B show an alternative passive friction fastener device 184 comprising a plate 185 defining a pair of spaced slits 186, 187 separated by an inner plate part 188. Plate 185 defines screw holes 190 at opposed ends thereof for fastening the device to a wall or ceiling or other suitable substrate.

Figures 4A and 4B show a further alternative passive friction fastener device 284 comprising a plate 285 defining a first pair of slits 286A, 287A and a second pair of slits 286B, 287B, each pair of slits being separated by an inner plate part 288. Friction fastener device 284 further comprises a central protuberant portion 290 extending from plate 285, protuberant portion 290 defining a central aperture 292 for fixing the device to a clamp (e.g. such as clamping mechanism 82). In use, first pair of slits 286A, 287A may be used to fix a first length of electrical cable and second pair of slits 286B, 287B may be used to fix a second length of electrical cable.

Figure 5 shows an alternative passive friction fastener device 284' based on friction fastener device 284 and comprising a plate 285' defining a first pair of slits 286A', 287 A' and a second pair of slits 286B', 287B', each pair of slits being separated by an inner plate part 288'. Plate 285' defines a central aperture 292' for fixing the device to a clamp (e.g. such as clamping mechanism 82).

Claims

Claims:

1. A fastening device for securing a cable to a support, the fastening device comprising a body including a part defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner part, the body being configured to grip by frictional contact a length of cable looped through the pair of spaced slits and around the inner part.

2. A fastening device according to claim 1, wherein the inner part is plate-like.

3. A fastening device according to claim 2, wherein the inner part has an effective thickness that is less than its effective minimum width between the pair of spaced slits.

4. A fastening device according to any of claims 1-3, wherein at least one slit is tapered to restrict lateral movement of a cable when threaded therethrough.

5. A fastening device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the fastening device further comprises a clamping mechanism configured to engage opposed lateral sides of a section of a support member.

6. A fastening device according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the fastening device is configured to be affixed to a wall or ceiling.

7. A method of securing a cable to a support, comprising:

providing a fastening device comprising a body including a part defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner part;

passing the cable through a first slit of the pair of spaced slits;

looping the cable over the inner part; and

passing the cable back through a second slit of the pair of spaced slits.

8. Apparatus for attaching an electrical cable to an elongate support member, the apparatus comprising:

a clamping mechanism for removably attaching the apparatus to a part of the elongate support member; and

a friction fastener for securing a cable to the apparatus.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to 5 engage opposed lateral sides of a section of the elongate support member.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a lockable clamping jaw.

10 11. Apparatus according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the friction faster comprises a plate defining a pair of spaced slits separated by an inner plate part, the slits being configured to trap a length of electrical cable.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each slit is tapered to restrict lateral movement 15 of a cable when threaded through the slits.

13. A cable stand for supporting an electrical cable in an elevated position above floor height, comprising an elongate extendable support member having a first end defining a ground- engageable surface and a second end opposed to the first end defining an upper surface 0 configured to engage a ground-opposing surface, the support member being adjustable to vary spacing between the ground-engageable surface and the upper surface.

14. A cable stand according to claim 13, wherein the cable stand provides a biasing action for urging the upper surface against the ground-opposing surface.

5

15. A cable stand according to claim 14, wherein the biasing action is provided by a resilient member.

16. A cable stand according to claim 15, wherein the resilient member is located at the 30 second end of the support member.

17. A cable stand according to any of claims 13-16, further comprising a locking mechanism for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the upper surface and ground-engageable surface.

18. A cable stand according to any of claims 13-17, further comprising attachment device for 5 attaching an electrical cable to the support member.

19. A cable stand according to claim 18, wherein the attachment device is removably attachable to the support member.

10 20. A cable stand according to claim 19, wherein the attachment device comprises a clamping mechanism for connection to a part of the support member.

21. A cable stand according to any of claims 18-20, wherein the attachment device comprises a passive friction fastener.

15

22. A cable stand according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support member is configured to receive an extension member for further increasing spacing between the ground- engageable surface and upper surface.

20 23. A cable stand according to any of claims 13-22, wherein the support member is collapsible into a storage configuration when not in use.

24. A method of supporting an electrical cable in an elevated position above floor height, comprising:

25 providing a cable stand for supporting an electrical cable, the cable stand including an elongate extendable support member having a first end defining a ground-engageable surface and a second end opposed to the first end defining an upper surface configured to engage a ground- opposing surface, the support member being adjustable to vary spacing between the ground- engageable surface and the upper surface; and

30 adjusting the spacing between the ground-engageable surface and the upper surface so that toppling of the cable stand is resisted by frictional engagement of the upper surface with a ground-opposing surface.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the step of adjusting the spacing between the ground-engageable surface and upper surface comprises using a biasing member to urge the upper surface against the ground-opposing surface.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein the biasing member is provided at the second end of the support and the adjusting step further comprises maintaining the predetermined spacing between the upper surface and ground-engageable surface using a locking mechanism.