WO2023057842A1

WO2023057842A1 - Clamping device

Info

Publication number: WO2023057842A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/058566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Reynolds
Original assignee: Gripple Limited
Priority date: 2021-10-08
Filing date: 2022-09-12
Publication date: 2023-04-13

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clamping device (10), a system (100), a kit (200), and a method (60). The clamping device (10) is for clamping an elongate article (12). The clamping device (10) comprises a body (14) defining an internal space (16) through which the elongate article (12) can extend; a clamping member (18) in the internal space (16); an urging member (20) for urging the clamping member (18) into clamping engagement with the elongate article (12); the body having a reaction formation (22) along which the elongate article (12) can extend, the reaction formation (22) being for applying a reaction force to the elongate article (12) when so engaged by the clamping member (18). In examples, the body (14) further comprises the urging member (20). In examples, the clamping device (10) is provided with various mutually interchangeable articles (300) as a kit (200).

Description

CLAMPING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clamping device. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to clamping devices for use with elongate articles, such as cables, wire ropes and the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Clamping devices for securing elongate articles, in the form of cables or wire ropes, are known. It is known for a clamping device to comprise internal helical springs to urge internal clamping members against the elongate article. Helical springs have been used in such clamping devices for several decades (GB2210517A; GB2572050A). The manufacture of such clamping devices involves several molding and assembly steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a clamping device for clamping an elongate article, the clamping device comprising: a body defining an internal space through which the elongate article can extend; a clamping member in the internal space; an urging member for urging the clamping member into clamping engagement with the elongate article; the body having a reaction formation along which the elongate article can extend, the reaction formation being for applying a reaction force to the elongate article when so engaged by the clamping member, and wherein the body further comprises the urging member. Embodiments in which the urging member is provided as part of the body provide the advantage of greater ease of manufacture because the clamping device is easier and faster to produce.

The urging member may be an integral portion of the body. The urging member may be an integrally molded portion of the body.

Embodiments in which the urging member is integrated with the body provide the advantage of greater ease of high-volume manufacture because the clamping device is easier and faster to produce.

The body may comprise a first molded part. The body may comprise a second molded part. The first molded part and the second molded part may be secured to each other to retain the clamping member in the internal space therebetween.

Embodiments in which first and second molded parts are secured to each other provide the advantage that the assembly steps can be reduced to inserting the clamping member into one of the molded parts and then securing the molded parts together, for example, via snap fit joints.

The body may comprise different materials. The first molded part may comprise a first material having a first rigidity. A surface of the first material may comprise the reaction formation.

The second molded part may comprise a second material having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity of the first material. The urging member may be a portion of the second molded part.

Embodiments using different materials provide the advantage of a durable clamping device because the first material, such as a metal, is used for the high-wear parts of the body whereas the second material, such as a polymeric material, is used for the parts of the body that are configured to resiliently deform. The shape of the first molded part and the shape of the second molded part may be configured to enable the first molded part and the second molded part to be secured together when facing a first relative orientation and prevent the first molded part and the second molded part from being secured together when facing a second relative orientation, different from the first relative orientation.

The urging member may comprise a cantilever spring.

Embodiments in which a cantilever spring is used provide the first advantage that the part of the body comprising the urging member has reasonable deflection without compromising a thickness or intrinsic rigidity of the material, the second advantage of exerting enough urging force to bite on a narrow wire (e.g., less than two millimetres), and the further advantage of ease of manufacture because a cantilever spring can be formed using a straight-pull mold when molding the body.

The clamping member may comprise a roller.

Embodiments in which the clamping member is a roller provide the advantage that the clamping member can be more easily released than prior art clamping devices. The use of a roller provides adequate load performance on thinner wires. The roller may comprise a disc. Alternatively, the clamping member may be any other suitable shape, for example a ball bearing or a wedge.

The urging member may be located at a recessed exterior face of the body.

Embodiments in which the urging member is recessed provide the advantage of preventing the urging member from deflecting past the envelope of the body, or at least reducing any deflection past the envelope, substantially ensuring that the urging member does not bottom out against an object (if any) external to the body. The recess depth may be greater than or equal to a nominal maximum deflection of the urging member.

This provides the advantage of preventing any deflection past the envelope of the body, when the urging member is deflected by its nominal maximum service load.

The body may comprise a release device opening. The release device opening may be located to an opposite side of the clamping member than the urging member, enabling a release device extending through the release device opening and pressed against the clamping member to overcome an urging force of the urging member to release the clamping member from the elongate article.

Embodiments including a release device opening provide the advantage that the elongate article can be released conveniently, without having to gain direct access to the internal space, and enabling the clamping device to be reusable.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising the clamping device and the release device. The release device may comprise an insertion limiter to limit how far the release device can be pushed through the release device opening.

Embodiments including an insertion limiter provide the advantage of a poka-yoke mechanism because force imparted by the release device on the urging member is limited.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a clamping device for clamping an elongate article, the method comprising: providing a first molded part and a second molded part; inserting a clamping member into one of the first molded part or the second molded part; securing the first molded part and the second molded part to each other to create a body retaining the clamping member in an internal space therein; wherein the body comprises an urging member for urging the clamping member into clamping engagement with the elongate article, wherein the body comprises a reaction formation along which the elongate article can extend, the reaction formation being for applying a reaction force to the elongate article when so engaged by the clamping member, and wherein the body comprises the urging member.

This provides an advantage of simplified assembly, in comparison to current clamping devices which may further require insertion of a separate spring into the body, and then crimping of an end cap while the spring is temporarily deflected.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising the clamping device and an article. The article comprises: a cavity for receiving a clamping device, wherein the clamping device in the cavity is capable of receiving a first portion of the elongate article; an engaging portion for engaging the article with a second portion of the elongate article or for engaging the article with an external body; and one or more openings to the cavity for enabling the elongate article to be fed through the clamping device and for enabling the optional release device to be inserted through the optional release device opening.

A standardised clamping device may be compatible with any of a plurality of mutually interchangeable articles each comprising substantially the same (standardised) cavity dimensions but comprising different types of engaging portions suited for different uses.

Embodiments including a standardised clamping device and different articles provide the advantage of greater ease of high-volume manufacture, because a significant part of the kit is standardised. The article may comprise any one of:

- a loop article wherein the engaging portion comprises a second cavity for receiving a second clamping device facing a different (e.g., opposite) direction than the clamping device, for enabling the elongate article to loop between the clamping device to the second clamping device;

- a hook article wherein the engaging portion comprises one or more hooks;

- a choke article wherein the engaging portion comprises a choke for receiving an end stop (e.g., crimped ferrule) to secure the end of the elongate article in place;

- a curved guide channel article wherein the engaging portion comprises a curved guide channel proximal to the cavity for changing a direction of the elongate article;

- a surface clipping article comprising: a mount engaging part substantially perpendicular to the cavity; a first engaging portion; and a second engaging portion, wherein the first engaging portion comprises a clip for securing the mount engaging part to the surface (e.g., ceiling), and wherein the second engaging portion comprises a guide channel in the mount engaging part for receiving the elongate article; and

- a fixing article wherein the engaging portion(s) comprises a fixing hole for receiving a fixing such as a screw or bolt.

The kit may comprise the clamping device and any two or more of the interchangeable articles described above.

The shape of the cavity of the article, and the shape of the clamping device, may be configured to enable the clamping device to be inserted into the cavity when facing a first direction and prevent the clamping device from being inserted into the cavity when facing a second direction different from the first direction.

The body of the clamping device of the kit can comprise the urging member as described herein, although in other implementations the urging member could be replaced with a separate urging member such as a coil spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a clamping device;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example cross-section through a clamping device;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example underside view of a first molded part of a clamping device;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example underside view of a second molded part of a clamping device;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example exploded view of a clamping device;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method of manufacture;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a release device extending into a clamping device;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a first article comprising a clamping device;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a second article comprising a clamping device;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a third article comprising a clamping device;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a fourth article comprising a clamping device;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a fifth article comprising a clamping device;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a sixth article comprising a clamping device;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a seventh article comprising a clamping device; and FIG. 15 illustrates an example of an eighth article comprising a clamping device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The components of the clamping device 10 will first be described, with reference to the views of FIGS. 1-5.

The clamping device 10 is configured to be clamped onto an elongate article 12. The elongate article 12 may comprise a wire, cable, rope or the like. The elongate article 12 may comprise a monofilament or strands.

The clamping device 10 comprises a body 14. The body 14 defines an internal space 16 through which the elongate article 12 can extend. The body 14 comprises a feed opening region 32 through which the elongate article 12 can be fed when the elongate article 12 is fed into the internal space 16.

The body 14 also comprises an exit opening region 34. The elongate article 12 can exit from the internal space 16 through the exit opening region 34 when the elongate is fed through the internal space 16.

The feed opening region 32 may be opposite the exit opening region 34. The body 14 may have opposite ends. The exit opening region 34 and the feed opening region 32 may each be defined in a respective one of the opposite ends. The ends may comprise end faces 28, 40. The opposite ends may be interconnected by a side portion 42 of the body 14, the side portion 42 having any appropriate shape.

The internal space 16 has a channel 44 for the elongate article 12. The channel 44 extends between the exit opening region 34 and the feed opening region 32, each of the exit and feed opening regions 34, 32 being defined in a respective one of the end faces 28, 40.

The exit and feed opening regions 34, 32 provide communication between the internal space 16 and a region external of the clamping device 10. The exit and feed opening regions 34, 32 allow the elongate article 12 to be received in the channel 44.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the clamping device 10 is configured to clamp an elongate article 12 having a small diameter. In some examples, the feed opening region 32 has a width or diameter of less than five millimetres or less than two millimetres to prevent insertion of elongate articles that are too thick.

The clamping device 10 further includes a clamping mechanism comprising a clamping member 18 and an urging member 20. In the embodiment shown, the clamping member 18 is in the form of a roller, but it could be any other suitable shape, for example a ball bearing or a wedge. The urging member 20 is an integrally molded portion of the body 14. For example, a single molding operation can create a part 24 comprising an end face 28 and the side portion 42, and the urging member 20 may be part of that end face 28.

The urging member 20 may be planar with the end face 28. The urging member 20 may be defined by openings and slots in the end face 28. By providing the urging member 20 in an end face 28, advantageously no side-action movers are required in a molding tool because the openings and slots are parallel to the direction of a straight tool.

The illustrated urging member 20 comprises a cantilever spring. The free end of the cantilever spring may be adjacent the exit opening region 34. The exit opening region 34 may be an opening in the end face 28.

In other examples, the urging member 20 can be a different type of integral spring such as a flexible beam supported at both ends. However, a cantilever spring offers good deflection for a given material stiffness, so the material does not have to be too thin and potentially breakable to enable the deflection. The cantilever spring properties can be controlled with the thickness, length and intrinsic material properties.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the internal space 16 is sized so that when there is no elongate article 12 in the clamping device 10, the clamping member 18 is loosely retained within the internal space 16 and able to translate in a plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation, and the urging member 20 is in a neutral undeflected state.

When an elongate article 12 is fed through the channel 44, the side of the elongate article 12 pushes the clamping member 18 laterally against an internal sloped surface 38 of the body 14, which is sloped relative to the channel 44. The sloped surface 38 is configured such that the internal space 16 is relatively wide towards the end face 28 comprising the urging member 20 and the exit opening region 34, and relatively narrow towards the opposite end face 40 comprising the feed opening region 32.

The clamping member 18 will move towards a sufficiently wide part of the internal space 16 so that the clamping member 18 does not block the channel 44 to block the diameter of the elongate article 12. The dimensions of the clamping mechanism are configured so that as long as the diameter of the clamping member 18 is not too thin, the clamping member 18 will be forced to deflect the urging member 20 in order to reach the sufficiently wide part of the internal space 16 to enable the elongate article 12 to be fed through.

The deflected urging member 20 imparts a reaction force against the clamping member 18. The clamping member 18 is trapped between the deflected urging member 20, the sloped surface 38 and the side of the elongate article 12. Therefore, reaction forces will be present between the clamping member 18 and the sloped surface 38 and between the clamping member 18 and the side of the elongate article 12. The normal force between the clamping member 18 and the side of the elongate article 12, resulting from the reaction force from the urging member 20, increases the total friction force between the side of the elongate article 12 and the clamping member 18, because friction force is proportional to this normal force (clamping force).

The body 14 includes a reaction formation 22 along which the elongate article 12 can extend, the reaction formation 22 being configured to apply a reaction force against the elongate article 12 when the elongate article 12 is clamped by the clamping member 18. The reaction formation 22 is in the form of an internal wall of the body 14. The elongate article 12 is clamped between the clamping member 18 and the reaction formation 22.

In the Figures, but not necessarily all examples, the reaction formation 22 comprises a trough in the internal wall. The trough can comprise a curved cross-section, for example, for receiving an elongate article 12 with a round cross-section. The trough provides the dual functions of defining a guide wall of the channel 44, and reacting against the clamping force to ensure that the elongate article 12 is clamped between the clamping member 18 and the trough.

Referring back to the sloped surface 38, it has been found that an efficient angle of the sloped surface 38 is a value selected from the range 15 degrees to 25 degrees, relative to the channel 44. The angle affects the magnitude of the normal force between the clamping member 18 and the elongate article 12, and therefore affects the frictional force. However, a different angle could be used depending on other variables such as spring stiffness.

In the illustrated examples, the end face 28 comprising the urging member 20 is recessed. The recess is defined relative to a perimeter lip 30 (overhang) at the edges of the end face 28. The recess depth relative to the lip 30 is greater than or equal to the nominal maximum deflection of the urging member 20. In an example, the recess depth is greater than 0.5 millimetres. This ensures that the urging member 20 does not ‘bottom out’ against an external body such as the later-described articles.

To facilitate release of the elongate article 12 from the clamping device 10, the body 14 further comprises a release device opening 36. The release device opening 36 enables a release device 102 to be pressed against the clamping member 18 to further deflect the urging member 20. An example of the release device 102 is shown in FIG. 7.

When the release device 102 is applied, the clamping member 18 is now trapped between the release device 102 and the deflected urging member 20, and is no longer trapped between the deflected urging member 20, the sloped surface 38 and the elongate article 12. The elongate article 12 is no longer clamped and can be fed through. In the Figures, the release device opening 36 is located to an opposite side of the clamping member 18 than the urging member 20. As shown, the release device opening 36 can be on an opposite end face 40 than the urging member 20. The release device opening 36 can be on the same end face 40 that comprises the feed opening region 32. The release device opening 36 can be adjacent the feed opening region 32.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 100 comprising the clamping device 10 and a separate release device 102. The tip of the release device 102 has a smaller cross-section than the width of the release device opening 36.

The release device 102 of FIG. 7 further comprises an insertion limiter 104 to limit how far the release device 102 can be pushed through the release device opening 36. The insertion limiter 104 can comprise an increase in cross-sectional area of the release device 102, to exceed the width of the release device opening 36.

The insertion limiter 104 is positioned along the clamping device 10 to bottom out against the edge of the release device opening 36 before a deflection limit of the urging member 20 is exceeded. Therefore, a user cannot break the urging member 20 by applying excessive force through the release device 102.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate an example implementation in which the body 14 comprises a first molded part 24 and a second molded part 26 that are securable to each other to retain the clamping member 18 in the internal space 16 therebetween.

In the illustrated example, one of the first and second molded parts 24, 26 is a housing and the other is an end cap securable to the housing. In other examples, the parts can have different shapes.

In the illustrated example, the first molded part 24 comprises the end face 28 and the side portion 42. The end face 28 comprises the urging member 20 and the exit opening region 34. The end face 28 is recessed. The side portion 42 defines an internal volume therein. The second molded part 26 comprises the second end face 40 and an insert configured to fit inside the volume defined by the side portion 42 of the first molded part 24. The second end face 40 comprises the feed opening region 32 and the release device opening 36. The insert is hollow and comprises the internal space 16 where the clamping member 18 resides. The internal surface of the insert can comprise the reaction formation 22 and the sloped surface 38.

The first molded part 24 and the second molded part 26 are secured together via a snap fit joint 29. Alternatively, a different type of joint can be used. The joint may be a permanent joint.

In the illustrated example, the shape of the first molded part 24 and the shape of the second molded part 26 are configured as a poka-yoke, to enable the first molded part 24 and the second molded part 26 to be secured together when facing a first relative orientation and prevent the first molded part 24 and the second molded part 26 from being secured together when facing a second relative orientation, different from the first relative orientation. This ensures that the feed and exit opening regions 32, 34 are aligned with each other.

In the illustrated example, the first molded part 24 comprises an asymmetric interface 52, such as a slot formed in its edge that interfaces with the second molded part 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the second molded part 26 can comprise an asymmetric interface 50, such as a slot engaging portion, on one of its sides. If the asymmetric interfaces 50, 52 are aligned, the first and second molded parts 24, 26 can be moved/slotted together far enough to enable the snap fit joint 29 to be engaged.

The second molded part 26 can comprise a first material having a high rigidity modulus. This ensures that the reaction formation 22 and the sloped surface 38, among other things, are not damaged or eroded through use. The first material can comprise a metal. The first material can be a die castable material such as zinc or the like. The second molded part 26 may be a die cast part, for high-volume manufacture. The first molded part 24 can comprise a material having a lower rigidity modulus. This ensures that the integrally molded urging member 20 is able to deflect. The lower rigidity of the first molded part 24 can also be helpful when engaging the snap fit joint 29. The second material can comprise a moldable polymeric material. The second material can comprise polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, or the like. In some examples, the urging member 20 can comprise different intrinsic material properties, e.g., rigidity modulus, than the rest of the first molded part 24.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 60 of manufacturing a clamping device 10.

Block 62 comprises providing a first molded part 24 and a second molded part 26. One of the molded parts 24 comprises the urging member 20.

Block 64 comprises inserting a clamping member 18 into one of the first molded part 24 or the second molded part 26.

Block 66 comprises securing the first molded part 24 and the second molded part 26 to each other to create a body 14 retaining the clamping member 18 in an internal space 16 therein.

This method of manufacture minimises the number of parts that have to be assembled, which is useful when making small clamping devices. The illustrated clamping device 10 consists of three parts, for example. The maximum dimension of the body 14 may optionally be less than two centimetres so the various openings may be correspondingly small which makes assembly harder if there were more parts to assemble.

FIGS. 8-15 illustrate various different example mutually interchangeable articles 300, each comprising at least one clamping device 10. A clamping device 10 can be provided with one or more mutually interchangeable articles 300 as a kit 200. Each article 300 firstly comprises a cavity 302 for receiving a clamping device 10. The ends of the cavity comprise any appropriate opening 308 that enables the elongate article 12 to be fed through the clamping device 10. The same opening 308, or a separate opening, may enable a release device 102 to be inserted through the release device opening 36 of the clamping device 10. In the illustrated examples, the cavity 302 is partially open so that a clamping device 10 can be directly slotted into the cavity 302.

Each article 300 further comprises an engaging portion 304 configured to fulfil a function of the article 300.

Some articles may be for forming wire loops. The engaging portion 304 can therefore be configured to clamp or otherwise engage with a second portion of the same elongate article 12.

Some articles may be for connecting the article to an external body. The engaging portion 304 can therefore be configured to engage the article 300 with an external body such as a ceiling, wall or other mount. This is useful for cable management.

FIG. 8 illustrates a loop article 300A for enabling a wire loop to be clamped closed. The loop article comprises a first cavity 302 configured to receive a first clamping device 10, and the engaging portion 304 is implemented as a neighbouring second cavity 304A configured to receive a second identical clamping device 10 (not shown).

The loop article 300A can be configured to receive the second clamping device 10 facing a different direction than the first clamping device 10, such as an opposite direction. For example, openings 308A, 308B in the loop article 300A may be positioned so that they only line up with the openings in the clamping device 10 if the clamping device 10 is inserted facing the required opposite direction. The loop article 300A enables an elongate article 12 (not shown) to be drawn through the first clamping device 10, formed into a loop, and then drawn in the opposite direction through the second clamping device 10.

FIGS. 9, 11 and 14 illustrate various hook articles 300B, 300D, 300G each comprising the cavity 302 and an engaging portion 304B, 304D, 304G in the form of one or more hooks.

Depending on the direction and/or size of the hook(s), the hook article 300B, 300D, 300G can be used for hanging items (FIG. 9) or for hooking a second portion of the elongate article 12 such as when the elongate article 12 is looped around a post (FIG. 11 , 14).

FIG. 10 illustrates a surface clipping article 300C for enabling a clamping device 10 to be mounted to a mounting surface such as a grid member of a grid ceiling or any other appropriate surface.

The surface clipping article 300C comprises a mount engaging part 306 which may comprise a surface facing the mounting surface. The mount engaging part may be substantially perpendicular to the cavity 302 (perpendicular to the direction in which the elongate article 12 is drawn through the clamping device 10), for example so that an elongate article 12 can be hung from a ceiling.

The mount engaging part 306 comprises a first engaging portion 304C1 in the form of a clip configured to secure the surface clipping article 300C to the mount.

The mount engaging part 306 further comprises a second engaging portion 304C2 in the form of a guide channel, such as a trough. The guide channel extends along the mount engaging part 306 from the cavity 302 to an edge of the mount engaging part 306. The guide channel is a conduit for a tail of the elongate article 12. FIG. 12 illustrates a fixing article 300E comprising a cavity 302 and an engaging portion 304E in the form of a fixing hole configured to receive a fixing such as a screw or a bolt. Multiple fixing holes are shown in FIG. 12, one to each side of the cavity 302. The fixing article 300E enables a panel to be suspended by an elongate article 12, among other things.

The shape of the cavity 302 of FIG. 12 is configured as a poka-yoke, to enable the clamping device 10 to be inserted into the cavity 302 when facing a first direction and prevent the clamping device 10 from being inserted into the cavity 302 when facing a second direction different from the first direction. In the illustrated example, the cavity 302 comprises an asymmetric portion 310, such as a notch. As shown in FIG. 2, the clamping device 10 can comprise a corresponding asymmetric portion 48 such as a chamfer (or other transitional surface) on one of its sides.

FIG. 13 illustrates a choke article 300F for receiving a tail of the elongate article 12. The choke article 300F is for receiving a crimped ferrule, top hat or other end stop to secure the end/tail of the elongate article in place. This enables wire loops to be formed, among other things. The choke article 300F comprises an engaging portion 304F in the form of a socket for receiving the end stop.

FIG. 15 illustrates a curved guide channel article 300H, for example to rest within a light fixture. The curved guide channel article 300H comprises an engaging portion 304H in the form of a curved guide channel leading from the cavity 302 to an exit opening. The curved guide channel is aligned with the exit opening region 34 of the clamping device 10, and the tail of the elongate article 12 can be fed through the curved guide channel. The curved guide channel is arc shaped and configured to change the direction of the tail of the elongate article 12 by any appropriate angle.

Like the article of FIG. 12, the cavity 302 of the article 300H of FIG. 15 can comprise an asymmetric portion 310 so that the clamping device 10 can only be inserted into the cavity 302 when facing a particular direction. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A clamping device for clamping an elongate article, the clamping device comprising: a body defining an internal space through which the elongate article can extend; a clamping member in the internal space; an urging member for urging the clamping member into clamping engagement with the elongate article; the body having a reaction formation along which the elongate article can extend, the reaction formation being for applying a reaction force to the elongate article when so engaged by the clamping member, and wherein the body further comprises the urging member.

2. The clamping device of claim 1 , wherein the urging member is an integral portion of the body.

3. The clamping device of claim 2, wherein the urging member is an integrally molded portion of the body.

4. The clamping device of claim 1 , 2, or 3, wherein the body comprises a first molded part and a second molded part, wherein the first molded part and the second molded part are secured to each other to retain the clamping member in the internal space therebetween.

5. The clamping device of claim 4, wherein the urging member is a portion of the second molded part.

6. The clamping device of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first molded part comprises a first material having a first rigidity, and wherein the second molded part comprises a second material having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity of the first material.

7. The clamping device of claim 6, wherein a surface of the first material comprises the reaction formation.

8. The clamping device of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a shape of the first molded part and a shape of the second molded part are configured to enable the first molded part and the second molded part to be secured together when facing a first relative orientation and to prevent the first molded part and the second molded part from being secured together when facing a second relative orientation, different from the first relative orientation.

9. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the urging member comprises a cantilever spring.

10. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the clamping member comprises a roller.

11. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the urging member is located at a recessed exterior face of the body.

12. The clamping device of claim 11 , wherein a recess depth of the recessed exterior face is greater than or equal to a nominal maximum deflection of the urging member.

13. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a release device opening, located to an opposite side of the clamping member than the urging member, enabling a release device extending through the release device opening and pressed against the clamping member to overcome an urging force of the urging member to release the clamping member from the elongate article.

14. A system comprising the clamping device and release device of claim 13, wherein the release device comprises an insertion limiter to limit how far the release device can be pushed through the release device opening.

15. A kit comprising the clamping device of any preceding claim, and an article, wherein the article comprises: a cavity for receiving the clamping device, wherein the clamping device in the cavity is capable of receiving a first portion of the elongate article; an engaging portion for engaging the article with a second portion of the elongate article or for engaging the article with an external body; and one or more openings to the cavity for enabling the elongate article to be fed through the clamping device.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein the engaging portion of the article comprises a second cavity for receiving a second clamping device facing a different direction than the clamping device, for enabling the elongate article to loop between the clamping device to the second clamping device.

17. The kit of claim 15, wherein the engaging portion of the article comprises one or more hooks.

18. The kit of claim 15, wherein the engaging portion of the article comprises a choke for receiving an end stop to secure an end of the elongate article in place.

19. The kit of claim 15, wherein the engaging portion of the article comprises a curved guide channel proximal to the cavity for changing a direction of the elongate article.

20. The kit of claim 15, the article comprising: a mount engaging part substantially perpendicular to the cavity; the engaging portion, being a first engaging portion; and a second engaging portion, wherein the first engaging portion comprises a clip for securing the mount engaging part to a surface, and wherein the second engaging portion comprises a guide channel in the mount engaging part for receiving the elongate article.

21. The kit of claim 15, wherein the engaging portion of the article comprises a fixing hole for receiving a fixing.

22. The kit of any one of claims 16 to 21 , comprising two or more interchangeable articles, each of the interchangeable articles being an article as claimed in a different one of claims 16 to 21 .

23. The kit of any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein a shape of the cavity of the article, and a shape of the clamping device, are configured to enable the clamping device to be inserted into the cavity when facing a first direction and prevent the clamping device from being inserted into the cavity when facing a second direction different from the first direction.

24. A kit comprising a clamping device and an article, wherein the clamping device comprises: a body defining an internal space through which the elongate article can extend; a clamping member in the internal space; an urging member for urging the clamping member into clamping engagement with the elongate article; and the body having a reaction formation along which the elongate article can extend, the reaction formation being for applying a reaction force to the elongate article when so engaged by the clamping member, wherein the article comprises: a cavity for receiving the clamping device, wherein the clamping device in the cavity is capable of receiving a first portion of the elongate article; an engaging portion for engaging the article with a second portion of the elongate article or for engaging the article with an external body; and one or more openings to the cavity for enabling the elongate article to be fed through the clamping device.

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25. A method of manufacturing a clamping device for clamping an elongate article, the method comprising: providing a first molded part and a second molded part; inserting a clamping member into one of the first molded part or the second molded part; securing the first molded part and the second molded part to each other to create a body retaining the clamping member in an internal space therein; wherein the body comprises an urging member for urging the clamping member into clamping engagement with the elongate article, wherein the body comprises a reaction formation along which the elongate article can extend, the reaction formation being for applying a reaction force to the elongate article when so engaged by the clamping member, and wherein the body comprises the urging member.

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