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Title:
CABLE COVER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/021930
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A cable cover (10) extends along a longitudinal axis and has one or more cable cover elements (11). The or each cable cover element includes a first portion (12) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and a second portion (13) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The first and second portions connect together to define a longitudinal space (14) therebetween for receipt of one or more cables. The first portion (12) is hingedly connected to the second portion (13) at a first side region (15) of the cable cover element (11) to allow for relative rotation of the first and second portions between open and closed configurations. The first portion (12) and the second portion (13) overlap at an opposite second side region (17) of the cable cover element when in a closed configuration.

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Inventors:
HOWARD GRANT ANDREW (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2011/001050
Publication Date:
February 23, 2012
Filing Date:
August 17, 2011
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
HOWARD GRANT ANDREW (AU)
International Classes:
H02G3/04; H01B17/58
Foreign References:
US4530865A1985-07-23
US7615710B22009-11-10
US7041897B22006-05-09
US5602364A1997-02-11
US7041912B22006-05-09
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
GRIZIOTIS, George (Cronulla, New South Wales 2230, AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A cable cover which extends along a longitudinal axis, the cable cover comprising one or more cable cover elements, at least one of the cable cover elements comprising:

a first portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and

a second portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the first and second portions connecting together to define a longitudinal space therebetween for receipt of one or more cables, wherein:

the first portion is hingedly connected to the second portion at a first side region of the cable cover element to allow for relative rotation of the first and second portions between open and closed configurations; and

the first portion and the second portion overlap at an opposite second side region of the cable cover element when in a closed configuration.

2. A cable cover which extends along a longitudinal axis, the cable cover comprising:

a first portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and incorporating a first coupling portion;

a second portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and incorporating a second coupling portion located at a mid region of the second portion, the second coupling portion coupling with the first coupling portion to bring the first and second portions into an assembled condition; and

a longitudinal space defined by at least one of the first and second portions for receipt of one or more cables.

Description:
CABLE COVER

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cable covers. Background to the Invention

In many office and residential buildings there is a need to run lengths of cable long distances between particular locations. For example / power extension cords may need to be taken to various appliances from a power outlet or an ethemet cable may need to extend between a number of computers in a network. These cables are often run along walls so that they don't present a trip hazard. However, the cables are unsightly and furthermore can become tangled and difficult to separately identify. To address these problems the cables can be placed in cable covers. However, there is a continuing desire to provide improved cable covers.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention provides a cable cover which extends along a longitudinal axis, the cable cover comprising one or more cable cover elements, at least one of the cable cover elements comprising:

a first portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and

a second portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the first and second portions

connecting together to define a longitudinal space therebetween for receipt of one or more cables, wherein: the first portion is hingedly connected to the second portion at a first side region of the cable cover element to allow for relative rotation of the first and second portions between open and closed configurations; and the first portion and the second portion overlap at an opposite second side region of the cable cover element when in a closed configuration. The first and second portions may be integrally connected at the first side region. In this embodiment, the cable cover may be a unitarily formed product.

The hinge connection between the first and second portions may comprise a living hinge at the first side region of the cable cover element.

In another embodiment, the first and second portions may be formed separately.

The first and second portions may be assembled together to connect at the first side region of the cable cover.

The first and second portions may have coupling portions which may connect with each other to connect the first portion to the second portion at the first side region of the cable cover.

The coupling portions of the first and second portions may comprise correspondingly shaped hooks.

The coupling portions may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cable cover. The coupling portions may be of continuous length along the length of the cable cover or may comprise a plurality of portions along the length of the cable cover.

The coupling portions of the first and second portions may connect by deflecting one or both of the coupling portions under the application of a force to enable the coupling portions to move into an assembled configuration. The deflected coupling portion(s) is biased towards its original shape so as to maintain the coupling portions in their assembled configuration. That is, the coupling portions provide a w snap-fit" connection between the first and second portions. in a variation, the coupling portions may connect by sliding one of the coupling portions into the other.

The cable cover, including first and second portions of the cable cover element, are preferably formed from polyvinylchlorlde (PVC) or acrylonitrlle butadiene styrene (ABS) .

The first portion is generally flexible, preferably more flexible than the second portion.

The second portion may be flexible or rigid.

The first portion and the second portion may be formed of different materials. In some embodiments, parts of the first and/or second portion may be formed of a different material to the remainder of that portion. When formed of different materials, the portions may be co-extruded as a unitarily formed product.

The first portion may be curved about the longitudinal axis of the cable cover.

The first portion may have a first side edge at the first side region of the cable cover element and a second side edge at the second side edge region of the cable cover element .

The first portion may be thinner at its second side edge than at its first side edge. The coupling portion of the first portion may be formed at its first side edge. The first portion may comprise a flap at its second side edge.

The second portion may have a first side edge at the first side region of the cable cover element and a second side edge at the second side edge region of the cable cover element .

The second portion may also have a base, which may extend between first and second side edges. The base may be substantially planar.

The second portion may comprise a first longitudinal wall at the first side edge which is preferably upstanding from the base.

At least part of the first longitudinal wall may curve inwardly, preferably an upper part.

The first portion may be integrally formed with the first longitudinal wall of the second portion.

In the embodiments where the first and second portions are not integrally connected, the coupling portion of the second portion may be formed on the first longitudinal wall, preferably on an inner surface of the wall.

The second portion may comprise a second longitudinal wall at the second side edge which is preferably upstanding from the base.

At least part of the second longitudinal wall may curve inwardly, preferably an upper part. Preferably it is the flap of the first portion and the second longitudinal wall of the second portion which overlap. Hence, in the closed configuration of the cable cover element, the flap abuts the second longitudinal wall.

The flap may be shaped with an inner surface that conforms to the outer surface of the second longitudinal wall.

The flap may be flexible so that application of an inward force on the flap causes it to move past the second longitudinal wall, to a locking configuration in which the flap abuts the inner surface. With the flap abutting the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall, the cables received in the cable cover element are more securely locked therein.

The second portion may have one or more notches formed therein, preferably at its second side edge and more preferably in the flap. The notches are spaced along the length of the second portion and provide apertures through which cables may extend out of the space between the first and second portions in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable cover.

The base of the second portion may have a recess formed in its bottom surface for receiving a fixing portion or adhesive to fix the cable cover to a surface (such as a building wall for example). The recess preferably extends the length of the cable cover element.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a cable cover which extends along a longitudinal axis, the cable cover comprising: a first portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and incorporating a first coupling portion;

a second portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and incorporating a second coupling portion located at a mid region of the second portion, the second coupling portion coupling with the first coupling portion to bring the first and second portions into an assembled condition; and

a longitudinal space defined by at least one of the first and second portions for receipt of one or more cables.

The longitudinal space may be defined between the first and second portions or in one of the portions.

The first and second coupling portions may be respective male and female coupling portions. It is to be understood that the first coupling portion could be the male portion or the female portion and that correspondingly, the second coupling portion could be the female portion or the male portion.

The first coupling portion may be formed on a lower surface of the first portion and the second coupling portion may be formed on an upper surface of the second coupling portion.

In an embodiment, the first coupling portion comprises a recess, which preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the cable cover.

The recess may be defined by arms extending from the lower surface of a body of the first portion. The arms

preferably define an opening of the recess at their distal end from the first portion body. The arms may have projections located at the distal end of the arms. The projections preferably project inwardly to narrow the opening of the recess. The projections may be adapted to flex to allow receipt of the second coupling portion in the recess under

application of a sufficient force, the projections also being biased towards their original configuration to retain the second coupling portion in the recess once received. That is, the first and second coupling portions have a "snap-fit" connection to bring the first and second portions into their assembled condition. in a variation, the coupling portions may connect by sliding the second coupling portion into the recess.

The second coupling portion may comprise a ridge which preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the cable cover and also preferably extends upwardly from the upper surface of a body of the second portion.

The second coupling portion may comprise a head portion formed at a distal end of the ridge from the second portion body.

The head portion may comprise a flange extending either side of the ridge.

The head portion may be substantially triangular in cross- section.

The head portion may be shaped to be received in the recess . The head portion may, at least in part, be wider than the opening of the recess so as to cause flexing of the projections defining the recess opening during insertion of the head portion into the recess.

The second portion body may comprise a base and the ridge may extend upwardly from the base.

The base of the second portion may have a recess formed in its bottom surface for receiving a fixing portion or adhesive to fix the cable cover to a surface (such as a building wall for example) . The recess preferably extends the length of the cable cover.

The second portion body may comprise first and second walle on opposite sides of the element and opposite sides of the second coupling portion.

The first portion may be curved about the longitudinal axis of the cover. The first portion may have first and second side edges which engage the first and second walls of the second portion respectively, when the first and second portions are in their assembled condition. The longitudinal space may be defined between the base and the first and second walls of the second portion and the first portion.

The ridge may divide the longitudinal space into two space portions. in another embodiment, the first portion may comprise a generally cylindrical tube. In this embodiment, the recess is formed in the wall of the tube and opens towards the outer surface of the tube. It is to be understood that the first and second coupling portions may be of continuous length along the length of the cable cover or may each comprise a plurality of parts respectively along the length of the cable cover.

Furthermore, although embodiments above have been described of the first coupling portion comprising the recess and the second coupling portion comprising the ridge, it is to be understood that the first coupling portion may comprise the ridge and the second coupling portion may comprise the recess.

The cable cover, including first and second portions, is preferably formed from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) .

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a cable cover which extends along a longitudinal axis, the cable cover comprising one or more cable cover elements, at least one of the cable cover elements comprising:

a first portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and comprising a body defining an outer surface, at least a region of which is curved about the longitudinal axis; and

a second portion extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second portions connect together to define a longitudinal space

therebetween for receipt of one or more cables. The curved region of the first portion body may be a mid region or one or more side regions or the entire outer surface.

The first and second portions may connect together at opposite first and second side regions of the cable cover element . The first and second portions may be integrally connected, preferably at the first side region, in this embodiment, the cable cover may be a unitarily formed product. The first and second portions may be hingedly connected, preferably at the first side region.

The hinge connection between the first and second portions may comprise a living hinge at the first side region of the cable cover element.

In another embodiment, the first and second portions may be formed separately. The first and second portions may have coupling portions which may connect with each other to connect the first portion to the second portion.

The coupling portions of the first and second portions may comprise correspondingly shaped hooks.

The coupling portions may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cable cover. The coupling portions may be of continuous length along the length of the cable cover or may comprise a plurality of portions along the length of the cable cover.

The coupling portions of the first and second portions may connect by deflecting one or both of the coupling portions under the application of a force to enable the coupling portions to move into an assembled configuration. The deflected coupling portion is biased towards its original shape so as to maintain the coupling portions in their assembled configuration. That is, the coupling portions provide a "snap-fit" connection between the first and second portions. In a variation, the coupling portions may connect by sliding one of the coupling portions into the other. The cable cover, including first and second portions of the cable cover element, are preferably formed from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) . The coupling portions of the first portion may comprise a first and second legs located respectively at opposite first and second side regions of the first portion.

Each leg may extend downwardly from an inner surface of the first portion body.

Each leg may comprise a foot portion located at a distal end of the leg from the first portion body. The foot portions may project outwardly from the cable cover element.

The coupling portions of the first portion may also comprise first and second overhang portions of the first portion body at respective first and second side regions of the first portion. The overhang portions preferably extend past the legs such that the coupling portions comprise respective first and second recesses formed between respective legs and overhang portions. In use, the coupling portions of the second portion are received in the recesses.

The foot portions of first and second legs may be adapted to flex to allow receipt of the coupling portions of the second portion in respective recesses under application of a sufficient force, the foot portions also being biased to the return to their original configuration to retain the coupling portions In the recesses once received. That is, the legs provide a "snap-fit" connection with the coupling portions of the second portion. The second portion may comprise a body having a base, which may extend between first and second side regions. The base may be substantially planar.

The second portion may comprise a first longitudinal wall at the first side region which is preferably upstanding from the base.

At least part of the first longitudinal wall may curve inwardly, preferably an upper part.

The second portion may comprise a second longitudinal wall at the second side region which is preferably upstanding from the base. At least part of the second longitudinal wall may curve inwardly, preferably an upper part.

The longitudinal walls may form the coupling portions of the second portion.

When the first and second portions are connected together, the longitudinal walls of the second portion may be received in respective recesses of the first portion. The overhang portions may be shaped with an inner surface that conforms to the outer surface of respective

longitudinal walls.

The base of the second portion may have a recess formed in its bottom surface for receiving a fixing portion or adhesive to fix the cable cover to a surface (such as a building wall for example) . The recess preferably extends the length of the cable cover element.

It is to be understood that the cable cover may comprise a single cable cover element as defined in any of the embodiments above. The cable cover may also comprise more than one cable cover element integrally formed together. Each cable cover element may or may not be in accordance with the embodiments defined above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichz

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the cable cover of Figure 4 with cables received in the cable cover;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a variation of the cable cover of Figure 4 incorporating notches out of which cables can extend from the cable cover;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a plan view of the cable cover of Figure 8 incorporating a power socket;

Figures 10A and B are perspective views of two variations of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention in unassembled and assembled configurations;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a variation of the cable cover of Figure 1;

Figure 14 is a plan view similar to that of Figure 5 but showing the cable cover of Figure 13 with cables received in the cable cover;

Figure 15 is a plan view of a variation of the cable cover of Figure 14 incorporating notches out of which cables can extend from the cable cover;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a cable cover according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Detailed Description of Embodiment a

Referring firstly to Figure 1, a cable cover 10 extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a single cable cover element 11 is shown. The cable cover element 11 comprises a first portion 12 and a second portion 13 both extending in the longitudinal direction, the portions connected together to define therebetween a longitudinal space 14 in which one or more cables may be received.

The cable cover 10 is a unitarily formed product, with the first and second portions 12,13 integrally joined at a first side region 15 of the cable cover element. The join between the first and second portions at the first side region 15 is made by a living hinge 16 to enable rotation of the first portion 12 with respect to the second portion 13 between open and closed configurations. Figure 1 shows the cable cover element 11 in its closed configuration. At the opposite second side region 17, the first and second portions overlap when the cable cover element 11 is in its closed configuration. This closes the longitudinal space 14. in more detail, the first portion 12 is curved about the longitudinal axis of the cable cover, providing the cable cover element with a curved outer surface. This curved outer surface provides the cable cover 10 with an

aesthetically pleasing appearance as well as enabling the cover to be as flat and unobtrusive as possible. The first portion 12 has a first side edge 18 at the first side region 15 and a second side edge 19 at the second side region. The first portion 12 is thinner at the second side edge 19 than at the first side edge 18. The thicker part of the first portion is provided at the location of the living hinge 16 connection with the second portion so as to provide adequate strength to the cable cover element at this location and mitigate against the living hinge suffering from fatigue stress due to rotation of the first portion between open and closed configurations. At the thinner second side edge 19, the first portion 12

comprises a flap 20 which overlaps with part of the second portion as discussed above.

The second portion 13 has a first side edge 25 at the first side region 15 and a second side edge 26 at the second region 17 and comprises a base 27 extending between the first and second side edges. The second portion 13 also comprises first and second longitudinal walls 21,22 extending upwardly from the base 27 at opposite first and second side edges respectively. The first longitudinal wall 21 is integrally formed with the first portion 12 of the cable cover element, forming part of the living hinge 16. The second longitudinal wall overlaps with the flap 20 of the first portion. An upper part of the longitudinal wall 22 curves inwardly. The flap 20 sits against this upper part, and its curvature thus helps to maintain the overall curved outer surface of the cable cover element. Figure 1 shows the flap 20 abutting the outer surface of the second longitudinal wall 22 in the closed

configuration. The flap 20, is preferably flexible so that the application of an inward force towards the

longitudinal space 14 causes the flap to be pushed across the longitudinal wall 22 to result in the flap 20 abutting the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall 22 in a locking configuration. This can effectively be carried out by a user by running their thumb along the second side region 17 of the cable cover element 11 to push the flap 20 of the first portion 12 into the longitudinal space 14 behind the second longitudinal wall 22. By moving the flap 20 into this locking configuration, the cable (s) 15 is securely retained within the longitudinal space 14. The cable cover 10 Is typically formed as extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and is generally flexible to enable the cable cover to bend without substantial distortion. This allows the cable cover 10 to be readily positioned around corners of buildings. The cable cover 10 may be fixed to a building surface by any suitable means including using fasteners such as screws through the base 27 and into the building surface. The base 27 is also formed with a recess 23 on its bottom surface which may receive an attachment portion already fastened to the building surface or an adhesive to adhere the cable cover to the building surface. Figure 13 shows a variation of the cable cover 10 in which the first portion 12 (or part thereof) is formed of a flexible material, preferably flexible PVC (indicated by the shaded section) and the second portion 13 is formed of a rigid material, preferably rigid PVC. The first and second portions 12, 13 in Figure 13 are still unitarily formed, with the different materials making up the portions being co-extruded. This variation enables the cable cover to have greater structural rigidity and strength whilst still providing the first portion 12 with sufficient flexibility to enable the flap 20 to be pushed into the locking configuration as shown in Figure 13 to retain the cables in the cable cover.

Referring to Figure 2, a cable cover 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is a variation of the cable cover 10 shown and described above in relation to Figure 1. The cable cover 110 of Figure 2 is much wider than the cable cover 10 of Figure 1, and thus defines a much wider longitudinal space 114 which can therefore retain more cables. The upper surface of the first portion 112 of the cable cover element 111 has curved side regions with a planar region extending between the side regions. In addition, because of its width, the base 127 is formed with two parallel recesses for attachment of the cable cover 110 to a surface.

Referring now to Figure 3, a cable cover 210 is shown which is another variation of the cable cover 10 of Figure 1. Cable cover 210 of Figure 3 comprises two cable cover elements 211a,b integrally joined together. Each cable cover element 211a,b is identical to the cable cover element 11 of the cable cover 10 shown in Figure 1.

Referring now to Figure 4, a cable cover 310 is shown, which is a further variation of the cable cover 10 of Figure 1. The cable cover 310 comprises a single cable cover element 311 in which the first and second portions 312,313 are formed separately but connect together at first and second side regions 315,317 of the cable cover element. At the first side region, the first and second portions 312,313 connect via respective coupling portions 330,331. The coupling portions are in the form of hooks which couple together to provide a hinged connection between the first and second portions. The hinge formed by the coupling portions 330,331 enables the relative rotation of the first and second portions between the open and closed configurations of the cable cover element. The coupling portions 330,331 may couple together by sliding one hook into the other. Alternatively, they may be coupled in a "snap fit 0 type arrangement involving deflection against the resilient bias of one or both of the hooks as the other is pushed past it and into the assembled configuration shown in Figure 4.

The cable cover 310 is generally more rigid than the cable cover 10 shown and described in relation to Figure 1 in particular to enable the snap fit connection of the first portion to the second portion. The second portion may be formed of a more rigid material than the first portion. Sufficient flexibility of the first portion is retained so that the flap 320 can be pushed past the second

longitudinal wall 322 of the second portion into the locking configuration as shown in Figure 4.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, two variations of the cable cover 310 of Figure 4 are shown which enable cables received in the cable cover to extend out of the cable cover transverse to its longitudinal axis. It may be necessary when placing a bundle of cables in the cable cover to take off cables from the bundle at various locations to connect to various appliances, in Figure 5, cable cover 310a has a first portion 312a of sufficient flexibility that allows portions 335 of the flap 320a to be pulled out of engagement with the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall 322a of the second portion 313a whilst the remainder of the flap remains so engaged. By pulling these portions 335 out of engagement, apertures 336 are created at the second side region of the cable cover element between the first and second portions, through which a cable (s) may extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable cover. In Figure 6, the cable cover 310b is alternatively provided with notches 337 in the first portion 312b, which provide permanent apertures out of which cables may extend from the cable cover whilst the flap 320b remains engaged with the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall 322b. The variation shown in Figure 6 is particularly applicable to more rigid cable covers where it is not possible to pull only a portion of the first portion flap 320b out of engagement with the second longitudinal wall. The cable cover variations shown in Figure 5 and 6 could also be formed as a co-extrusion of different materials, with the first portion being of a flexible material and the second portion being of a rigid material, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 13.

Referring now to Figure 7, a cable cover 410 is shown, which is a variation of the cable cover 310 of Figure 4. The cable cover 410 comprises two integrally connected cable cover elements 411a,b each of which is substantially similar to the cable cover element 311 shown and described in relation to the cable cover 310 of Figure 4.

Referring now to Figure 8, a cable cover 510 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cable cover 510 comprises three cable cover elements 511a,b,c integrally connected together. Cable cover elements 511a and b are substantially similar to the cable cover element 311 shown and described in relation to the cable cover of Figure 4. The cable cover element 511c comprises a first portion 540 and a second portion 541 which couple together by the coupling of respective coupling portions 542, 543 which are located at mid regions of the respective first and second portions

540,541.

The first coupling portion 542 of the first portion 540 is located on the lower surface of the first portion and comprises a recess 550 formed between two arms 551, 552 projecting from the lower surface. At their distal end from the lower surface, the arms 551, 552 define an opening 553 through which the second coupling portion 543 can be inserted into the recess 550. The opening 553 is narrowed by projections 554, 555 located at the distal end of respective arms 551, 552 and which project inwardly from the arms towards each other. The projections are able to flex to allow receipt of the second coupling portion 543 into the recess 550 under application of a sufficient force. The projections 554, 555 are also biased towards their original configuration to retain the second coupling portion In the recess once received therein, i.e. the projections provide a "snap-fit" connection between the first and second portions. Due to this snap fit

connection, the cable cover element 511c including both the first and second portions 540, 541 is formed from a rigid material such as rigid PVC or ABS .

The second coupling portion 543 of the second portion 541 is located on from the upper surface of the second portion's base 527 and comprises a ridge 560 which extends along the longitudinal axis of the cable cover. The ridge 560 extends upwardly from the base 527 and has a head portion 561 formed at its distal end from the second portion base. The head portion 561 comprises a flange which extends either side of the ridge and is

substantially triangular in cross-section. The head portion 561 is received in the recess 550 when the first and second portions 540, 541 are connected together. The head portion 5 1 is wider than the opening 553 of the recess 550 which causes flexing of the projections 554, 555 defining the recess opening during insertion of the head portion into the recess. The triangular shape of the head portion 561 assists in the insertion by providing ramps on either side which gradually increase the

deflection of the projections 554, 555 as the head portion is inserted into the recess.

Whilst in the embodiment shown in Figure 8 the first coupling portion comprises a recess or female coupling portion and the second coupling portion comprises a ridge or male coupling portion, it is to be understood that the second coupling portion could be a female coupling portion and the first coupling portion could be a male coupling portion.

The first and second portions 540, 541 of the cable cover element 511c define a longitudinal space 514c therebetween for receipt of one or more cables. The space 514c is divided into space portions by the ridge 560 coupling with the recess 550. Usefully, different cables can be provided in different space portions, allowing those cables to be easily identified. The first and second portions 540, 541 couple at the side regions 516c, 517c by the abutment of the first portion with the first and second longitudinal walls 521c, 522c of the second portion. Notably, the longitudinal walls 521c, 522c are common walls with adjacent cable cover elements 511a, b.

Although Figure 8 shows the cable cover element 511c integrally formed with cable cover elements 511a, b of the type shown in Figure 4, it is to be understood that the cable cover element 551c could stand alone or be

integrally formed with other similar cable cover elements.

Referring now to Figure 9, the cable cover 510 of Figure 8 is shown incorporating a conventional power socket 565. The power socket 565 is mounted into a socket recess 566 formed in the cable cover. Appropriate wiring can be run to the power socket through one of the longitudinal spaces in the cable cover 510. Referring now to Figures 10A and 10B, a cable cover 610 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has a cable cover element 611 which is a variation of the cable cover element 511c of Figure 8. The cable cover 610 comprises a single cable cover element 611 which has a generally cylindrical first portion 640 and a plate-like second portion 641. The first portion 640 is formed as a tube with the longitudinal space 614 for receipt of one or more cables formed in the first portion (as opposed to between the first and second portions) . The first coupling portion 642 comprises a recess 650 formed in the outer surface of the tubular first portion 640. The second coupling portion 643 comprises a ridge 660 extending upwardly from a mid region of the base 627 of the second portion 641. The upper surface 667 of the base 627 may be slightly concave to match the outer surface of the first portion as shown in Figure 10A or may not be as shown in Figure 10B.

Referring now to Figures 11 and 12, a cable cover 710 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cable 710 is another variation of the cable cover 310 of Figure 4. The cable cover 710 comprises a single cable cover element 711 having first and second portions 712, 713 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cable cover. The first and second portions connect together to define a longitudinal space 714 therebetween for receipt of one or more cables. This connection involves the coupling of coupling portions 742, 743 of the first and second portions 712, 713. Figure 11 shows the first and second portions 712, 713

unconnected, and Figure 12 shows them connected.

The coupling portions 742 of the first portion 712 comprise first and second legs 770, 771 located

respectively at opposite first and second side regions 772, 773 of the first portion. The first portion comprises a body 774 having inner and outer surfaces 775, 776 and each leg 770, 771 extends downwardly from the inner surface of the first portion body. The inner surface 775 is the surface of the first portion body presented to the longitudinal space 714. The outer surface 774 is the surface facing outward from the cable cover element 711 and is curved about the longitudinal axis of the cable cover.

Each leg 770, 771 comprises a foot portion 777, 778 located at a distal end of the leg from the first portion body. The foot portions project outwardly from the cable cover element and away from each other. The coupling portions 742 of the first portion 712 also comprises first and second overhang portions 780, 781 of the first portion body 774 at respective first and second side regions 772, 773. The overhang portions extend past the legs such that the coupling portions comprise respective first and second recesses 782, 783 formed between respective legs and overhang portions. In use, the coupling portions 743 of the second portion 713 are received in the recesses 782, 783.

The legs 770, 771 and foot portions 777, 778 are able to flex to allow receipt of the second coupling portion 743 into respective recesses 782, 783 under application of a sufficient force. The legs 770, 771 and foot portions 777, 778 are also biased towards their original configuration to retain the second coupling portion in the recesses once received therein, i.e. the legs and foot portions provide a *snap-fit" connection between the first and second portions. Due to this snap fit connection, the cable cover element 711 including both the first and second portions 712, 713 is formed from a rigid material such as rigid PVC or ABS.

The second portion 713 comprises a substantially planar base 727 extending between first and second side regions 715, 717. First and second longitudinal walls 721, 722 extend upwardly from the base 727 at respective side regions 716, 717. Upper parts 790, 791 of each wall 721, 722 curve inwardly and form the coupling portions 743 of the second portion 713. These curved upper parts 790, 791 are received in the respective recesses 782, 783 of the first portion 712. The overhang portions 780, 781 of the first portion 712 are curved so that their inner surface conforms to the outer surface of respective longitudinal walls 721, 722, including the curved upper parts 790, 791. Although the cable cover 710 is shown In Figures 11 and 12 as only a single cable cover element 711, it is to be understood that the cable cover could comprise multiple cable cover elements some or all of which are similar to the cable cover element 711 shown and described in Figures 11 and 12. Some of the cable cover elements could also be any of the cable cover elements shown and described in this specification. Referring to the earlier description of the cable cover 10 shown in Figure 13, two variations of the cable cover 10 of Figure 13 are shown in Figures 14 and 15 which enable cables received in the cable cover to extend out of the cable cover transverse to its longitudinal axis. It may be necessary when placing a bundle of cables in the cable cover to take off cables from the bundle at various locations to connect to various appliances.

In Figure 14, cable cover 10a has a first portion 12a of sufficient flexibility that allows portions 335a of the flap 20a to be pulled out of engagement with the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall 322a of the second portion 13a whilst the remainder of the flap remains so engaged. By pulling these portions 335a out of engagement, apertures 336a are created at the second side region of the cable cover element between the first and second portions, through which a cable (s) may extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable cover. in Figure 15, the cable cover 10b is alternatively

provided with notches 337b in the first portion 12b, which provide permanent apertures out of which cables may extend from the cable cover whilst the flap 20b remains engaged with the inner surface of the second longitudinal wall 322b. The variation shown in Figure 15 is particularly applicable to more rigid cable covers where it is not possible to pull only a portion of the first portion flap 20b out of engagement with the second longitudinal wall.

Referring now to Figure 16, a cable cover 810 is shown which is another variation of the cable cover 10 of Figure 13. Cable cover 810 of Figure 16 comprises two cable cover elements 10c,d integrally joined together. Each cable cover element 10c,d is identical to the cable cover element of the cable cover 10 shown in Figure 13.

Figure 17 shows a further variation of the cable cover 10 shown in Figure 13 in which nearly all of the first portion 12 is formed of a flexible material, preferably flexible PVC (indicated by the shaded section) and the second portion 13 is formed of a rigid material,

preferably rigid PVC. The first and second portions 12, 13 in Figure 17 are still unitarily formed, with the

different materials making up the portions being co- extruded. This variation enables the cable cover to still have a high level of structural rigidity and strength whilst providing the first portion 12 with even greater flexibility to enable the flap 20 to be pushed into the locking configuration as shown in Figure 17 to retain the cables in the cable cover.

Figure 18 shows a still further variation of the cable cover 10 shown in Figure 13 in which all of the first portion 12 is formed of a flexible material, preferably flexible PVC or even a rubber based material (indicated by the shaded section) and all of the second portion 13 is formed of a flexible material, preferably the same material as forms all of the first portion. The first and second portions 12, 13 in Figure 18 are still unitarily formed, with the one or more flexible materials making up the portions being co-extruded. This variation enables the cable cover to still have a sufficient level of structural rigidity and strength whilst providing the first portion 12 with optimum flexibility to enable the flap 20 to be pushed into the locking configuration, or to be pressed overlappingly against the outside surface of the second longitudinal wall as shown in Figure 18, to retain the cables in the cable cover.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding

description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word ""comprise" or variations such as

"comprises'' or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.




 
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