The present invention relates to a device for holding cables, tube, lines and the like.

Cables, tubes, lines and the like are present at many locations and provide a hazard to users and passers-by if not properly ordered. One such location is a ward, or a theatre or other treatment room in a hospital, clinic or care home. As will be appreciated, there is an increasing range of equipment used in such healthcare locations that relies on one or more cables, tubes, lines or the like for their operation, in particular to provide or receive power or electrical signals for normal operation or to provide or receive fluid from a patient. Unless properly tended to, such cables, lines, tubes and the like present a hazard to the patient, healthcare staff tending the patient and to other persons in the vicinity. There is also the potential for damage to the cables and the like, which in turn may cause the equipment to have to be removed from service. It is known to use clips and brackets of various designs and materials for holding and supporting cables. Generally, such clips or brackets are permanently fixed in place on a supporting structure.

Ties for holding and securing cables are also known and are used in a very wide range of situations in which cables, tubes or lines are to be held, for example

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against or alongside a supporting structure. One commonly used tie comprises a flexible band, typically of plastic, having one end thereof provided with a gripping means or buckle. The second end of the band may be introduced through the buckle to grip the band and form a closed loop. The size of the loop may be adjusted to suit, generally by pulling the free end of the band through the buckle to decrease the size of the loop and tighten the tie around cables or the like being held. The buckle may be arranged to be releasable. A recent example of such a cable tie is disclosed in US 2011/0126381. Cable ties of the aforementioned kind may be attached to a supporting structure in any suitable manner. Commonly, such ties are passed both around the cables or the like being held and a portion of the supporting structure. An alternative means of attaching the cable tie is disclosed in DE 20 2005 002 167 U1 , which provides a cable tie having a band with a buckle disposed at one end. The buckle is provided with a magnet for securing to a suitable support structure.

Whilst very common and used extensively, cable ties have significant drawbacks, in particular in the healthcare environment. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved means for holding cables, tubes, lines and the like and securing them to a support structure.

US 6,899,423 discloses a holding apparatus for eye glasses, comprising a flexible retaining member for extending around a users neck. A magnet is secured to each end of the retaining member by a pivotal element for attaching to a

corresponding magnet mounted on the frame of the eye glasses.

A magnetic strip comprising a series of magnets arranged in a flexible strip of material at least part enclosing each surface of each magnet is disclosed in US 7,187,261.

US 5,682,653 concerns a magnetic fastening device comprising one or more permanent magnets disposed in an elongate tubular sheath. A magnetically attractable fastening device is disclosed in US 2009/0283197, the device having magnetically attractable end portions joined together by a flexible bridge. At least one of the ends is a permanent magnet.

JP 200 180739 discloses an article binding belt formed from a flexible material comprising a magnetic material and having projections at each end for interlocking the two ends together when overlapped.

JP 0203554 concerns a magnetic binding band comprising a magnetic powder, such as a ferrite powder magnet. The band has portions at each end which interlock, in particular a connection portion at one end for insertion into a slot in the other end.

It has now been found that a most effective device for retaining cables, tubes, lines and the like may be provided using magnets disposed at each end of a flexible band. The device offers particular advantages in the healthcare environment.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for holding cables, tubes, lines or the like, the device comprising:

an elongate band of flexible material having a first end portion and a second end portion; and

a magnet disposed in each of the first and second end portions of the band.

The present invention provides a device for holding cables, tubes, lines or other elongate items. For conciseness, the device will be further described with reference to cables. However, the term 'cables' as used herein is to be understood to include other similar items that may be held by the device in like manner, unless otherwise indicated. The device of the present invention is particular suitable for use in a healthcare environment. More especially, the device may be arranged to be easy to clean and sterilise, in particular, to wipe clean, with no areas or crevices in which bacteria or other microorganisms may reside. Further, the use of magnets in the present invention provides the device with a safety feature not present in known devices, such as cable ties, clips and the like. More specifically, by appropriate selection of the strength of the magnets, the device may be securely attached to a support structure and hold the requisite number or size of cables, while still allowing the device to come free from the support structure in the event of a sufficient force being applied to the cable, for example in the case of the cable becoming snagged.

One example of an advantageous use of the device of the present invention is in conjunction with a hospital bed. Many hospital beds are electrically operated, with parts of the bed being moveable using a remote handset. In many cases, there is no static permanent structure available for supporting cables, tubes, lines and the like. As a result, a common practice is to pass such items through and around parts of the bed structure. However, operation of the bed can result in the cables, tubes and lines being stretched, crushed or broken inadvertently. The device of the present invention provides a simple means for releasably securing the cables, tubes and lines to a bed frame or the like, without the risk of damage to the equipment.

The device of the present invention comprises a band of flexible material. The band is elongate, that is has a length considerably longer than its largest lateral dimension. In this respect, the ratio of the length of the band to its largest lateral dimension is preferably greater than 5: 1 , more preferably greater than 10:1.

Embodiments of the device may have this ratio at least 12: 1 , more particularly greater than 15:1 .

The band may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the band may be rounded, in particular circular. More preferably , the cross-section of the band is generally rectangular, more preferably having a pair of opposing major sides and a pair of opposing minor sides. The aspect ratio of the major sides to the minor sides is preferably from 1.5: 1 to 10: 1 , more preferably from 2: 1 to 7.5:1 , still more preferably from 3: 1 to 5: 1.

The band may have any suitable dimensions, as required by the function to be fulfilled. In one embodiment, the band has a length of from 100 to 500 mm, preferably from 150 to 400 mm, more preferably from 200 to 350 mm. One particularly suitable length for the band is from 250 to 300 mm, for example about 290 mm, The band may have a width in the range of from 5 to 50 mm, preferably from 10 to 40 mm, more preferably from 12 to 30 mm. One particularly suitable width for the band is from 12 to 20 mm, for example about 15 mm. The thickness of the band may be any suitable thickness, for example from 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably from 1.0 to 4 mm, more preferably from 1.5 to 3 mm. A preferred thickness for the band is from 2 to 2.75 mm, for example about 2.5 mm.

The band may be formed from any suitable material. As noted above, the material of the band is flexible. In one preferred embodiment, the material of the band is resilient, allowing the band to return to its shape when deformed. More preferably, the material of the band is selected to provided the band with elasticity. In an alternative embodiment, the band is formed from a material or structure that allows it to be deformed and to remain substantially in its deformed condition. In addition, it is preferred that the material of the band has a high friction, in particular with the material of the cable or the like to be held and supported. In one embodiment, the material of the band is tacky. In particular, it has been found that a material with an inherent or imparted tackiness allows the device to grip cables, increasing the resistance of the cable to sliding over or through the device, in turn allowing the cables to be held and located more firmly and securely.

Suitable materials for use in forming the band are known in the art and are commercially available. Preferably, the band is formed from a polymer. Examples of suitable polymers are polyurethanes, polyolefins and polyvinylchlorides. Synthetic rubbers are particularly suitable for forming the band. A particularly preferred polymer material for use in forming the band is silicone rubber.

The elongate band has first and second end portions disposed at respective ends of an intermediate or central portion of the band. Each end portion is provided with a magnet. The magnet in each end portion is a permanent magnet, that is a material that is magnetized and provides its own persistent magnetic field.

The end portion of the band may have any suitable size, with the size being determined, at least in part, by the nature of the permanent magnet of the end portion. The end portions of the band are preferably the same size and shape. The end portions of the band may have any suitable shape. The end portions are preferably rounded. In one preferred embodiment, each end portion is generally flattened to have opposing major surfaces, preferably with its opposing major surfaces being in the same plane or substantially parallel to the major surfaces of the band. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the end portions are generally disc- shaped. The end portions may have the same shape or be different shapes.

Preferably, the end portions are the same shape. T B2013/000067

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The end portions may have any suitable dimensions, as required by the function to be fulfilled. The end portions may be the same size or different in size.

Preferably, the end portions are the same size. In one embodiment, the end portions have a length of from 5 to 50 mm, preferably from 10 to 40 mm, more preferably from 15 to 30 mm. One particularly suitable length for the end portions is from 15 to 25 mm, for example about 20 mm. In the case of a circular or disc-shaped end portion, the length of the end portion is the diameter. The end portion may have a width in the range of from 5 to 50 mm, preferably from 0 to 40 mm, more preferably from 15 to 30 mm. One particularly suitable width for the end portion is from 15 to 25 mm, for example about 20 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the width and length of the end portion are the same. The thickness of the end portion may be any suitable thickness, for example from 2 to 20 mm, preferably from 4 to 15 mm, more preferably from 5 to 10 mm. A preferred thickness for the band is from 6 to 8 mm, for example about 7 mm.

In embodiments in which one or both end portions has a major and a minor surface, the major surface is preferably parallel to the major surface of the band.

It is preferred that the transition between each end portion of the band and the intermediate or central portion is generally smooth. This aids in cleaning and sterilising the device and avoids sites on the device that can be a source of infection. Further, such a smooth transition reduces or avoids points in the device that may act to concentrate stresses, thereby increasing the overall strength of the device. As noted, the end portions of the device are each provided with a permanent magnet. Each end portion of the band may comprise one or a plurality of permanent magnets. It is preferred that each end portion comprises a single permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be provided in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the material of the band is provided with particles of a ferromagnetic material dispersed therein. The ferromagnetic material may be provided just in the end portions of the band or throughout the length of the band.

The ferromagnetic material in each end portion is then magnetised to provide a permanent magnet. Suitable magnetisable materials for inclusion in the material of the band are known in the art and are commercially available. For example, the band may comprise a powdered magnetisable material, for example a powder of a ferrous magnet or a rare earth magnet, such as an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron.

Once the band has been formed, the end portions may be magnetised in any suitable manner by exposure to a magnetic field, for example the magnetic field of a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic field. This embodiment of the device provides the advantage of being relatively easy to form, in particular by moulding the band.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming a device for holding a cable, tube, line or the like, the method comprising: providing a band of flexible material having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein at least the end portions of the band comprise a ferromagnetic materia); and

magnetising each end portion of the band to provide a permanent magnet in each end portion thereof.

In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic material comprising a dispersion of a particulate magnetic material in a polymer matrix.

The particulate magnetic material may be any suitable magnetic material and is preferably a rare earth magnetic material, as described herein.

The polymer matrix may be any suitable polymer, with a matrix of synthetic rubber, in particular a silicone rubber, being particularly preferred. Alternatively, and more preferably, the band is formed from a non-magnetic material and each end portion is provided with a block of ferromagnetic material providing a magnetic field. In this embodiment, the band and the permanent magnets are formed from dissimilar materials, preferably with the band being formed from a non-ferromagnetic material. The permanent magnet may be attached to the respective end portion of the band in any suitable manner. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each permanent magnet is retained with a housing disposed at the respective end portion of the band. The housing may be attached to the band in any suitable manner. More preferably, the housing for each permanent magnet is formed integrally with the band, in particular with the end portion of the band encasing the permanent magnet. In order to reduce the occurrences of infection and to render the device easier to keep clean and sterilise, it is preferred that each permanent magnet is fully encased, that is all surfaces of the magnet are covered by the housing, more particularly by the material of the band. By having the magnets wholly encased in the housing and the housing firmly attached to, preferably integrally formed with, the band, the potential for the individual magnets to come free and separate from the device is eliminated, thereby rendering the device safer to use, in particular around the presence of children.

The size of the housing will be determined by the size of the magnet being housed. In a preferred arrangement, the housing has the same general shape and configuration as the block of magnetic material held therein. The housing for each magnet of the device of this embodiment may be any suitable shape. The housings are preferably rounded. It is preferred that the housings at the ends of the band are the same shape and size Preferably, the housing at each end portion is generally flattened to have opposing major surfaces, preferably with its opposing major surfaces being in the same plane or substantially parallel to the major surfaces of the band. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the housings are generally discshaped.

The housings at the end portions of the band preferably have a smooth transition to the intermediate or central portion of the band, for the reasons mentioned above.

The housings may be made of any suitable material. The material of the housing should be of a nature and of sufficient thickness to protect the block of magnetic material therein, in particular to prevent the block from being damaged and cracked. Suitable materials for forming the housings are known in the art and include a range of polymers. Particularly preferred materials for the housing are synthetic rubbers, in particular silicone rubber. Each housing is preferably formed from the same material as the band of the device, in particular when the housing is formed integrally with the band, for example by moulding.

The permanent magnets in the housing at each end portion of the band may be formed from any suitable magnetic material, in particular a ferrous magnetic material or a rare earth magnetic material. Suitable magnetic materials and magnets are known in the art and are commercially available, and include the range of rare earth magnets. One preferred magnetic material is a neodymium magnet formed from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron. Such magnets are known in the art and ^• available commercially. An alternative magnet material is a ferrous-based magnet, which, while weaker in magnetic field strength than many equivalent rare earth magnets, may be cheaper and more readily available.

The permanent magnets in each end portion may be of any suitable shape and size. Preferably, the permanent magnets are the same shape and size.

Preferably, the block of magnetic material has opposing major faces, with the poles of the magnet being disposed at the opposing major faces of the block. Preferably, the major faces of the block are arranged in planes parallel to the longitudinal axis of the band. One preferred form for the magnets is rounded, in particular disc-shaped.

The permanent magnets may be arranged asymmetrically within their respective housing. More preferably, the permanent magnets are arranged symmetrically within the housing, in particular such that the thickness of the material of the housing adjacent the positive and negative pole of the magnets is the same. In this way, the strength of the magnet when adhered to a surface is the same in either orientation of the magnet.

The central and end portions of the band may have the same cross-sectional dimensions, in which case the, device will have a uniform shape along its entire length. Alternatively, the end portions may be larger in one or more dimensions than the central portion of the band. This may be necessary in order to house a magnet of sufficient size or sufficient magnetic material to provide the required magnetic field.

In one embodiment, each end portion of the band is larger than the central portion in at least one lateral direction, that is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the band. More preferably, each end portion is larger than the central portion in two, orthogonal lateral directions. In one arrangement, each end portion is arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the band. In an alternative arrangement, each end portion is arranged asymmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the band, in particular to provide the band with a continuous, flat surface.

As noted above, the end portions of the band are provided with a permanent magnet, to provide a magnetic field. In this way, the end portions of the band may be secured to a suitable support structure. The magnet may be arranged in each end portion in any orientation, that is have its poles in any orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the band. However, it is particularly preferred for the magnet in at least one end portion, preferably in both end portions, to be arranged with its poles extending laterally, that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the band. If the band is of a shape to have a major surface, it is preferred that the poles are arranged to extend perpendicular to the plane of the major surface. It is particularly preferred that the magnets in both end portions are oriented in this manner. In this

embodiment, the poles of the magnets in the end portions may be oriented in the same manner with respect to the longitudinal axis. In this arrangement, the two end portions may be brought together and joined by attraction between their respective magnets to form a closed loop with the end portions of the band extending from opposite sides of the magnets without the band being twisted. Alternatively, the magnets in the end portions may be oriented to have their poles in opposing orientation. In this arrangement, the two end portions may be brought together and joined by attraction between their respective magnets to form a closed loop with the end portions of the band extending from the same side of the magnets without the band being twisted. The magnet in each end portion of the band may have any suitable magnetic field strength. As noted above, it is particularly advantageous if the strength of the magnet is sufficiently high to hold the cables as required, but is sufficiently low to yield when an excessive force is applied to the cable. It is preferred that the strength of the magnetic is the same in each end portion of the band.

The strength of the magnet in each end portion should be sufficient to attach the device to a support structure, such as a steel structure, for example the frame of a bed or the like, and support the device and one or more cables without the need for a corresponding magnet being provided on the support structure.

The strength of the magnetic field, that is the magnetic flux density, will decrease with increasing distance from the surface of the- magnet. It is preferred that the magnetic field strength of the magnet is such that the magnetic flux density is less than 3.0 mT at a distance of 50 mm from the surface of the magnet, preferably at a distance of 125 mm, more preferably at a distance of 00 mm, still more preferably at a distance of 750 mm from the surface of the magnet.

In embodiments in which the magnet or magnetic material is encased within the material of the band or the housings, the device will not be able to be attached to a support structure such that the magnets are in contact with the surface of the support. Rather, the magnetic material will be some distance from the surface. The strength of the magnetic field will need to be selected to ensure that the device may be securely attached to a support structure, with the magnets being separated from the surface of the support by a thickness of the encasing material.

The strength of the magnets may also be determined by the weight to be held by the device when installed. For example, the device may be arranged to support a weight of cable of 300g. The weight may be reduced when two or more devices are used in a spaced apart arrangement to hold and support a length of cable. The weight to be carried by the device may then be reduced, for example to 200g or 100g. In a preferred embodiment, the device is able to hold at least 1 metre of cable. For a conventional domestic three-core electric cable, this corresponds to a weight of between 50g and 00g, typically about 65g to 70g. T B2013/000067

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In use, the device has each end portion of the band attached to a support structure, with the central portion of the band supporting one or more cables. It has been found to be particularly effective in supporting and retaining cables if the central portion is wrapped at least once around the cable or cables being held, to provide additional retention. Alternatively, or in addition, the band of the device may be wrapped around a portion of the support structure for additional security. The end portions may be applied to the same surface or different surfaces of the support structure. Alternatively, the two end portions may be attached together, to form the band into a closed loop, and one end portion applied to a surface of the support structure. Should a longer device be required, two or more devices may be secured end to end and the free ends used to the secure the entire assembly to the support as aforementioned. In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a device as hereinbefore described in supporting one or more cables, tubes, lines or the like.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the device of one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1 along the line II - II;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 1 along the line III - III in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of a still further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the device of a yet further embodiment of the present invention.

Turning to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated as 2. The device 2 comprises a band 4 having a central portion 6 and first and second end portions 8a and 8b.

The central portion 6 of the band 4 has a generally rectangular cross-section, as shown in Figure 3, having an upper major surface 10 and a lower major surface 12, as viewed in the figures.

The end portions 8a, 8b each comprise a respective housing 14a, 14b. The housings 14a, 14b are formed integrally with the central portion 6 of the band by moulding. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housings 14a, 14b are offset from the longitudinal axis of the band 4, such that their lower surfaces are flush with the lower surface 12 of the central portion 6, to provide the device with a continuous lower surface.

The central portion 6 and the housings 14a, 14b of the end portions 8a, 8b are moulded from silicone rubber.

Each end portion 8a, 8b of the band 4 is provided with a block of neodymium permanent magnet 16a, 16b, fully encased within the respective housing 14a, 14b. The magnets 16a, 16b are in each in the form of a disc, having the poles N and S of the magnet at the major surfaces. The magnets are oriented with their poles in an opposing manner, such that the end portions 8a, 8b may be brought together to form a loop without twisting the band. It is to be noted that the poles N, S of the magnets 6a, 16b are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the band and to provide the magnetic field extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and both the upper and lower faces 10, 12 of the band 4.

Turning to Figure 4, there is shown a side cross-sectional view of a device of a second embodiment of the present invention. The device, generally indicated as 102, has the same general arrangement and construction as that of Figures 1 to 3. Accordingly, the same components are referred to using the same reference numerals. However, the housings 14a, 14b in each end portion 8a, 8b are arranged to be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the band 4. As a result, the lower faces of the end portions 8a, 8b are not flush with the lower face 2 of the central portion 6 of the band 4. Referring now to Figure 5, there is a shown an alternative embodiment of the device of the present invention. The device, generally indicated as 204, has the same genera) arrangement and construction as that of Figures 1 to 3. Accordingly, the same components are referred to using the same reference numerals. However, the central portion 6 of the band 4 has been formed to provide a smooth transition at each end to the housings 14a, 14b of each end portion 8a, 8b. This arrangement may be preferred for ease of cleaning and sterilisation.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is a shown an alternative embodiment of the device of the present invention. The device, generally indicated as 304, has the same general arrangement and construction as that of Figures 1 to 3. Accordingly, the same components are referred to using the same reference numerals. However, the central portion 6 of the band 4 and the housings 14a, 14b of each end portion 8a, 8b have been formed to have the same cross-sectional dimensions. This

arrangement may be preferred for ease of cleaning and sterilisation.

Finally, referring to Figure 7, there is shown an alternative configuration of the device of the present invention. The device, generally indicated as 402, has the same general configuration as the device of Figure 5. Accordingly, the device 402 comprises a band 404 having a central portion 406 and first and second end portions 408a and 408b.

The central portion 406 of the band 404 has a generally rectangular cross- section, having an upper major surface 410 and a lower major surface 412, as viewed in the figure.

The central portion 406 and the end portions 408a, 408b are integrally formed, for example by moulding, from a silicone rubber. The silicone rubber in the end portions 408a, 408b has dispersed therein powdered magnetic material 420, in particulaj a ferrous magnetic powder or a neodymium-containing rare earth magnetic material. Once formed, the band 404 is exposed to a magnetic field, for example that of a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic field, to permanently magnetise the magnetic powder 420. In this way, each end portion 408a, 408b is provided with a permanent magnet.

As shown in Figure 7, the magnetic material 420 is dispersed within the end portions 408a, 408b. However, the magnetic material 420 may be dispersed throughout the entire band 404, including the central portion 406.. In this case, the end portions 408a, 408b are selectively magnetised by exposure to the magnetic field.