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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
DUCT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/016531
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a duct comprising multiple units, each unit having a through-going passage, the units being connectable together with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct for receiving an electric vehicle charging cable.

Inventors:
FURLONG DAVID (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2018/052015
Publication Date:
January 24, 2019
Filing Date:
July 16, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
GREEN MOLE LTD (GB)
International Classes:
H02G3/06; H02G3/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO2014024028A12014-02-13
Foreign References:
US20080110671A12008-05-15
EP2234230A22010-09-29
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PRICHARD, Leslie Stephen (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A duct comprising multiple units, each unit having a through-going passage, the units being connectable together with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct for receiving an electric vehicle charging cable.

2. The duct as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the units is formed as a hollow unitary body.

3. The duct as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein each unit is formed having a generally open rectangular shape in front elevation having generally flat base walls and side walls.

4. The duct as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each unit comprises a male connector at one end thereof and a female connector at the opposite end thereof.

5. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein each unit can be connected to its neighbouring unit by engagement of the male connector with the female connector.

6. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the units inter- engage to form the trunk.

7. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the male and female connectors being formed as a clearance or transition fit.

8. The duct as claimed in claim 3, wherein the length of each of the units is around 60 cm, the width across the base wall is around 20 cm and the depth across the side walls is around 10 cm.

9. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the units in the trunk is curved.

10. The duct as claimed in claim 9, wherein the bend angle of the curved unit is around 15 degrees to around 60 degrees.

11. The duct as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein the bend angle of the curved unit is around 20 degrees to around 40 degrees.

12. The duct as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the curved unit comprises an external ramp section defined in the outer radius base wall thereof.

13. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the units in the trunk is a cable access unit.

14. The duct as claimed in claim 13, wherein the cable access unit comprises a slotted opening through which the cable can be payed out and subsequently stowed when in use.

15. The duct as claimed in claim 14, wherein the slotted opening is covered by a brush cover to prevent debris from entering the duct.

16. The duct as claimed in claim 15, wherein the brush cover comprises a series of brushes which extend from each of the base walls of the unit, and when in use a charging plug connected to the cable can be grasped by a user and payed out to charge a vehicle.

17. The duct as claimed in any of claims 12 to 16, wherein the cable access unit includes an internal profiled section or dam raised from one of the base walls which prevents a level of rainwater from entering the duct and which allows the cable to be payed in and out of the duct when in use.

18. The duct as claimed in any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the cable access unit includes a profiled plug retention member extending from one of the side walls and being dimensioned so as to retain the charging plug at, or adjacent, the slotted opening when stowed.

19. The duct as claimed in claim 18, wherein the profiled plug retention member enables the charging plug to be placed inside the cable access unit in one configuration when stowed. 20. The duct as claimed in claim 16, wherein the charging plug lies flat adjacent to the base wall when stowed.

21. The duct as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the profiled plug retention member being configured having an overhang being adjacent to the charging plug when stowed.

22. The duct as claimed in claim 21, wherein the overhang is operable to enable the charging plug and cable to be payed out smoothly through the slotted opening without snagging.

23. The duct as claimed in claims 13 to 22, wherein the cable access unit further comprises a slideable tray which can slide horizontally in and out of the access unit on a series of runners defined in the side walls of the tray. 24. The duct as claimed in claim 23, wherein the slideable tray allows the user to retrieve the charging plug from the opened tray.

25. The duct as claimed in claim 13 to 17, wherein the cable access unit comprises a cradle for holding the plug.

26. The duct as claimed in claim 25, wherein the cable access unit comprises a lid openable to gain access to the plug.

27. The duct as claimed in claim 26, wherein the cradle is attached to, or formed as part of, the under-side of the lid.

28. The duct as claimed in claim 27, wherein the lid is hing

29. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one outwardly-facing surface of the base wall includes a textured anti-slip pattern.

30. The duct as claimed in claim 29, further comprising a series of thin flaps which extend from the edges of the base wall and overlie the pavement when in use.

31. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the unit comprises a profiled section which extends from each of the side walls and which prevents the plugs at either end of the cable from being pulled completely therethrough.

32. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the units in the duct comprises a separate base unit and a lid.

33. The duct as claimed in claim 32, wherein the base unit comprises at least one lid receiving portion.

34. The duct as claimed in claim 33, wherein the, or each, lid receiving portion comprises a lid receiving platform and a lid containing wall. 35. The duct as claimed in claims 32 to 34, further comprises lid positioning means.

36. The duct as claimed in claim 35, wherein the lid positioning means comprises at least one raised positioning member and at least one positioning receiver, wherein the, or each, raised positioning member and the, or each, respective positioning receiver are suitably disposed to cooperate with each other to correctly locate and/or hold the lid in a desired position relative to the base.

37. The duct as claimed in claim 36, wherein the at least one raised position member disposed on an internal surface of the lid containing wall of the, or each, lid receiving portion, and the at least one positioning receiver is disposed on an external surface of a side wall of the lid.

38. The duct as claimed in claims 32 to 37, wherein the base unit comprises a floor and the underside of the floor comprises a plurality of laterally extending members spaced apart along at least a substantial portion of the length of the floor.

39. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the duct further comprises an access chamber .

40. The duct as claimed in claim 39, wherein the access chamber comprises a lid.

41. The duct as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein the lid includes one or more indents through which the cable passes when in use.

42. The duct as claimed in claims 39 to 41, wherein the access chamber is vertically stackable on top of a other access chambers, the connection between the stacked chambers being a clearance or transition fit.

43. The duct as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a flexible plug retrieval means being retrofittable to the charging plug, the plug retrieval means comprising a flexible strap, one end of the strap is attached to the plug and other end of the flexible strap is a configured as a D-ring or the like.

44. The duct as claimed in claim 43, wherein when the charging plug is stowed, the D-ring projects outwardly through the slotted opening and brush cover so that it can be retrieved by the user.

45. The duct as claimed in claim 44, wherein the D-ring can be retrieved using a telescopically extending stick having a hook defined at one end thereof.

46. A method of manufacturing a unit for a duct, comprising the steps of:

supplying a polymer into a moulding tool which defines the unit, the unit being connectable with a neighbouring unit with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct for receiving an electric vehicle charging cable when in use; and

ejecting the moulded unit from the moulding tool.

47. The method as claimed in claim 46, wherein the moulding tool includes a textured surface finish on at least one of the outer surfaces of the base wall.

48. The method as claimed in claims 46 or 47, wherein the moulding tool including a polished surface finish on the internal surfaces of the duct.

49. The method as claimed in any of claims 46 to 48, wherein the polymer includes a blend of recycled polymers.

50. The method as claimed in any of claims 46 to 49, the method further comprising the step of admixing one or more dyes or pigments with the polymer.

Description:
DUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a duct. In particular, this invention is applicable especially, but not exclusively, in relation to a duct which enables the convenient charging of electric vehicles, in particular, to owners without access to off-street parking to charge their vehicles. BACKGROUND

The popularity of electric vehicles is growing year-on-year, mainly due to improvements in battery technologies and the reduction in purchasing and operating costs. Whilst ownership of electric vehicles has increased, there is a problem for potential owners who would otherwise wish to utilise an electric vehicle but they do not have an off-street driveway or garage on their property or dwelling in which to park the vehicle to charge it.

Electric vehicle charging is possible via conventional sockets, however the vast majority of modern electric vehicles are designed to use a separate charging unit that enables much faster and more intelligent charging of electric vehicles. Such a charging unit generally comprises a separate enclosure and a tethered plug which has to be installed at the owner's property. This charging unit is usually located adjacent to the area in which the electric vehicle is to be parked, usually overnight, so that the vehicle can be conveniently charged.

Not all householders have an off-street driveway or garage in which they can park their vehicles. This is a substantial problem for those potential owners that would otherwise like to own an electric vehicle. In such cases, trailing a charging lead across the pavement would be illegal in the United Kingdom and other countries, as it is an offence to obstruct a highway or footpath.

There is therefore a need for a duct suited to electric vehicle charging which is simple to manufacture and to install. It is an object of the present invention to provide a duct and its method of manufacture which overcomes or reduces the drawbacks associated with known products of this type. The present invention provides a duct that can be easily installed at a dwelling and which enables on-street or roadside charging of electric vehicles. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a segmented duct that can be quickly and easily installed without disruption to the dwelling, surrounding pavement and road surface. Use of the present invention enabling an electric vehicle to be conveniently charged at the roadside without the need to use a separate pole-mounted charger, or the need to pay out and then stow the charging lead after each charge, and which therefore allows flexibility for the user of the electric vehicle. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a duct which ensures that the charging cable is safely retained therein so as to not obstruct the highway or footpath whilst in use and when stowed, and also minimises the risk of a tripping hazard. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is described herein and in the claims.

According to the present invention there is provided a duct comprising multiple units, each unit having a through-going passage, the units being connectable together with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct for receiving an electric vehicle charging cable.

An advantage of the present invention is that it can be quickly and conveniently installed without damage or disruption to the surrounding pavement and road surface and which in use enables the safe roadside charging of electric vehicles.

Preferably, each of the units is formed as a hollow unitary body.

Further preferably, each unit is formed having a generally open rectangular shape in front elevation having generally flat base walls and side walls.

In use, each unit may comprise a male connector at one end thereof and a female connector at the opposite end thereof. Preferably, each unit can be connected to its neighbouring unit by engagement of the male connector with the female connector.

Further preferably, the units inter-engage to form a string.

In use, the male and female connectors may be formed as a clearance or transition fit.

Preferably, the length of each of the units is around 60 cm, the width across the base wall is around 20 cm and the depth across the side walls is around 10 cm.

Further preferably, at least one of the units in the string is curved.

In use, the bend angle of the curved unit may be around 15 degrees to around 60 degrees.

Preferably, the bend angle of the curved unit is around 20 degrees to around 40 degrees.

In use, the curved unit may comprise an external ramp section defined in the outer radius base wall thereof.

Further preferably, at least one of the units in the string being a cable access unit.

In use, the cable access unit may comprise a slotted opening through which the cable can be payed out and subsequently stowed when in use.

Preferably, the slotted opening being covered by a brush cover to prevent debris from entering the duct.

Further preferably, the brush cover comprises a series of brushes which extend from each of the base walls of the unit, and when in use a charging plug connected to the cable can be grasped by a user and payed out to charge a vehicle.

In use, the cable access unit may include an internal profiled section or dam raised from one of the base walls which prevents a level of rainwater from entering the duct and which allows the cable to be payed in and out of the duct when in use. Preferably, the cable access unit includes a profiled plug retention member extending from one of the side walls and being dimensioned so as to retain the charging plug at, or adjacent, the slotted opening when stowed.

Further preferably, the profiled plug retention member enables the charging plug to be placed inside the cable access unit in one configuration when stowed.

In use, the charging plug lies flat adjacent to the base wall when stowed.

Preferably, the profiled plug retention member being configured having an overhang being adjacent to the charging plug when stowed.

Further preferably, the overhang enabling the charging plug and cable to be payed out smoothly through the slotted opening without snagging.

In use, the cable access unit may further comprises a slideable tray which can slide horizontally in and out of the access unit on a series of runners defined in the side walls of the tray.

Further preferably, the tray allows the user to retrieve the charging plug from the opened tray.

Alternatively, the cable access unit comprises a cradle for holding the plug. The cable access unit may comprise a lid openable to gain access to the plug. The cradle is advantageously attached to, or formed as part of, the under-side of the lid. The lid is advantageously hinged.

At least one outwardly-facing surface of the base wall includes a textured anti-slip pattern.

Preferably, at least one outwardly-facing surface of the base wall includes a textured anti-slip pattern. Further preferably, the duct further comprising a series of thin flaps which extend from the edges of the base wall and overlie the pavement when in use.

In use, the unit may comprise a profiled section which extends from each of the side walls and which prevents the plugs at either end of the cable from being pulled completely therethrough.

According to an alternative embodiment, at least one of the units in the duct advantageously comprises a separate base unit and a lid.

The base unit advantageously comprises at least one lid receiving portion.

The, or each, lid receiving portion preferably comprises a lid receiving platform and a lid containing wall.

The duct advantageously further comprises lid positioning means.

The lid positioning means preferably comprises at least one raised positioning member and at least one positioning receiver, wherein the, or each, raised positioning member and the, or each, respective positioning receiver are suitably disposed to cooperate with each other to correctly locate and/or hold the lid in a desired position relative to the base.

At least one raised position member may be disposed on an internal surface of the lid containing wall of the, or each, lid receiving portion, and the at least one positioning receiver is disposed on an external surface of a side wall of the lid.

The base unit comprises a floor and the underside of the floor advantageously comprises a plurality of laterally extending members spaced apart along at least a substantial portion of the length of the floor.

Preferably, at least one of the units in the string is an access chamber. The duct advantageously further comprises an access chamber. Further preferably, the access chamber is formed as an open box that includes a hinged lid, and wherein the hinged lid includes one or more indents through which the cable passes when in use. In use, the access chamber may be vertically stackable on top of a neighbouring identical access chamber by removal of the hinged lid, the connection between the stacked chambers being a clearance or transition fit.

Preferably, the duct further comprising a flexible plug retrieval means being retrofittable to the charging plug, the plug retrieval means comprising a flexible strap, one end of the strap is attached to the plug and other end of the flexible strap is a configured as a D-ring or the like.

Further preferably, when the charging plug is stowed, the D-ring projects outwardly through the slotted opening and brush cover so that it can be retrieved by the user.

In use, the D-ring may be retrieved using a telescopically extending stick having a hook defined at one end thereof. Also according to the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a unit for a duct, comprising the steps of: supplying a polymer into a moulding tool which defines the unit, the unit being connectable with a neighbouring unit with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct for receiving an electric vehicle charging cable when in use; and ejecting the moulded unit from the moulding tool.

Preferably, the moulding tool includes a textured surface finish on at least one of the outer surfaces of the base wall.

Further preferably, the moulding tool including a polished surface finish on the internal surfaces of the duct.

In use, the polymer may include a blend of recycled polymers. Preferably, the method further comprising the step of admixing one or more dyes or pigments with the polymer.

It is believed that a duct and its method of manufacture in accordance with the present invention at least addresses the problems outlined above.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that variations of the present invention are possible and it is intended that the present invention may be used other than as specifically described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

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

Figure 1 is a side cutaway view of a duct for receiving an electric vehicle charging cable in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the duct of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of multiple ducting units forming the duct; and

Figure 4 is a plan cutaway view of a cable access unit of the duct in accordance with the present invention, and also shows an exploded front elevation along the line A to A';

Figure 5 shows a plan cutaway view of the cable access unit of Figure 4 and shows further detail of a flexible plug retrieval means, which can be retrofitted to the plug;

Figure 6 illustrates a side cutaway view of a portion of the duct proximate the boundary wall and which shows an alternative manner of providing a continuous passage for receiving the electric vehicle charging cable;

Figure 7 is a plan view from above of a cable access chamber as shown in Figure 6; and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cable access unit of the present invention which is configured having a tray that can slide generally horizontally in and out of the cable access unit to enable user access to the plug. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a trunking unit, according to the present invention, comprising a separate base unit and lid;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of lid of Figure 9, comprising a fixed portion and removable portion of the lid;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a cable access unit according to the present invention;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a roadside end cap of the cable access unit of Figure 11;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a back plate for connecting a ducting unit with an access chamber; and Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a duct comprising the components of Figures 9 to 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention has adopted the approach of using a duct comprising multiple units which form a continuous passage through the duct for receiving a electric vehicle charging cable. Advantageously, the present invention provides a duct that can be easily installed at a dwelling and which enables on-street or roadside charging of electric vehicles. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a segmented duct that can be quickly and easily installed without disruption to the dwelling, surrounding pavement and road surface. Use of the present invention enabling an electric vehicle to be conveniently charged at the roadside without the need to use a separate pole-mounted charger, or the need to pay out and then stow the charging lead after each charge, and which therefore allows flexibility for the user of the electric vehicle. Further advantageously, the present invention provides a duct which ensures that the charging cable is safely retained therein so as to not obstruct the highway or footpath whilst in use and when stowed, and also minimises the risk of a tripping hazard.

Referring now to the drawings, a duct 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Specifically, the duct 10 is for providing a continuous passage for receiving a charging cable or lead and, more particularly, an electric vehicle charging cable 12.

The duct 10 is formed from a plurality of ducting units 14. Each ducting unit 14 is formed as a hollow unitary body. The ducting unit 14 is formed having a generally open rectangular shape in a front elevation having generally flat base walls 16 and side walls 18 which extend from the base wall 16. Although not shown in the drawings, a strengthening buttress or ribs can be in-moulded between the connection of the base 16 and side walls 18 to ensure that the ducting unit 14 is mechanically rigid when in use.

As best shown in Figure 3, each ducting unit 14 includes a male connector 20 at one end thereof and a female connector 22 at the opposite end thereof. In use, each ducting unit 14 can be connected to the neighbouring unit 14 by engagement of the male connector 20 with the female connector 22. In this way, the units 14 being connected together in a string with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct 10 for receiving the electric vehicle charging cable 12.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the male 20 and female 22 connectors can be formed as a clearance or transition fit, although the skilled person will appreciate the other ways of connecting the units 14 with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage are possible.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the duct 10 of the present invention allows a user of an electric vehicle to charge their vehicle at the roadside. In particular, a charging point 24 can be mounted usually on the inner face of the wall 26 marking the boundary of the property. The installation of the duct 10 involves cutting a channel or slot in the pavement 28 in front of the property and a slot is also cut into the top and front face of a kerbstone 30 positioned between the pavement 28 and the road surface 32. An excavation is also made underneath the wall 26 for receiving the duct 10. The units 14 are then connected together with their passages aligned to form a continuous passage through the duct 10 for receiving the electric vehicle charging cable 12, as described above. Any gaps can be backfilled with aggregate. Additionally, mortar can be used to hold the ducting units 14 in place.

As best shown in Figures 1 to 3, at least one of the ducting units 14 in the string is configured as a cable access unit 34. The cable access unit 34 includes a slotted opening 36 through which the cable 12 to the vehicle (not shown) can be pulled out and subsequently stowed when in use.

The slotted aperture 36 is covered by a brush cover 38 to prevent debris entering the ducting units 14. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the brush cover 38 comprises a series of brushes which extend from each of the base walls 16 of the unit 34 such that the cable 12 and the charging plug 40 can be easily grasped by the user and pulled out to charge a vehicle (not shown). The skilled person will appreciate that by running the cable 12 through the duct 10, tripping hazards are eliminated and the charging cable 12 is safely retained in the duct 10 so as to not obstruct the footpath 28 or road surface 32 whilst in use and when stowed. It is possible in this manner to charge an electric vehicle using a duct 10 which is simple to manufacture and equally simple and quick to install with minimal disruption.

As also shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is also envisaged that one of the ducting units 14 in the string may be curved 42 by an angle of around 30 degrees, and which allows the duct 10 to traverse under the wall 26 and then project upwardly into the property and exit near the charging point 24. The skilled person will appreciate that the bend angle of the curved unit 42 is not limited to 30 degrees, and can be any angle between around 15 and around 60 degrees, and which allows neighbouring curved units 42 to be connected to provide a variable angle adjustment.

Figure 2 also shows that the upper surface of the base wall 16 that is exposed to the pavement 28 can also include a textured anti-slip pattern 44. A series of thin flaps (not shown) could also be envisaged which extend from the base wall 16 and overlie the pavement 28 to enhance the stability of the installed duct 10. To prevent the duct 10 from becoming flooded, the brush cover 38 prevents most debris from entering the duct 10. However, in the event of heavy rains, some surface water will inevitably enter the cable access unit 34. To prevent rainwater from entering the length of the duct 10, an internal profiled section or dam (not shown) can be provided which is high enough to prevent the majority of the rainwater from entering the duct 10 and which stills allows the cable 12 to be payed in and out of the duct 10. Alternatively, since the duct 10 generally follows the slight fall of the footpath 28 most water present in the duct 10 is able to drain out through the slotted opening 36.

To prevent the cable 12 or the charging plug 40 from being stolen or otherwise inadvertently removed, one of the ducting units 14 can also comprise a profiled section (not shown) which extends from each of the side walls 18 of the ducting unit 14 and which prevents the plugs 40, 50 at either end of the cable 12 to be pulled completely therethrough, as shown in Figure 3.

The skilled person will appreciate that since the dimensions of kerbstones 30 and pavements 28 vary, it is possible to construct a duct 10 from the various ducting units 14 and cable access 34 and curved units 42 in a quick and efficient manner, which avoids disruption to the pavement 28 and road surface 32.

In the preferred embodiment, when the ducting units 14 of the present invention are to be used with a 7.5 kW charging cable 12, the length of the units 14 could be around 60 cm, the width across the base wall 16 around 20 cm and the depth across the side walls around 10 cm. Of course, the skilled person will appreciate that these sizes can vary accordingly.

Figure 4 shows how the charging plug 40 lies flat within the cable access unit 34 at the distal end of the string of ducting units 14. In particular, extending from one of the side walls 18 of the unit 34 is a generally semi-circular profiled section 46 which is dimensioned so as to retain the charging plug 40 at, or near, the slotted opening 36. The skilled person will appreciate that the dimension and configuration of such profiled section 46 enables the plug 40 to be placed inside the unit 34 in one configuration only. To allow ease of use, the profiled section 46 is configured having an overhanging section 48, as shown in the exploded along the line A to A in Figure 4.

The overhanging section 48 enables the plug 40 and cable 12 to be payed out smoothly through the slotted opening 36 of the unit 34 without any snagging. Equally when returning the cable 12 and plug 14 back into the slotted opening 36, the profiled section 46 and overhang 48 returned the plug 40 into a docked position within the unit 34. The skilled person will appreciate that instead of the profiled section 46 a rotational roller (not shown) could be utilised.

In order to enable ease of use for electric vehicle owners with restricted mobility, Figure 5 shows that a flexible plug retrieval means 50 can be retrofitted to the plug 40. The plug retrieval means 50 is configured as flexible strap 52. One end of the strap 52 is attached to the plug 12 using an attachment means 54. The attachment means 54 can be configured as a pipe-clip or cable-tie arrangement or the like. At the other end of the flexible strap 52 is a D-ring 56. In use, and as shown in Figure 5, when the plug 40 is docked inside the unit 34, the D-ring 56 projects outwardly through the slotted opening 36 and brush cover 38 so that the user can use a telescopic stick-like member (not shown) having a hook defined at one end thereof. Therefore, the user can, without bending or stretching, use the stick to hook the D-ring 56 and simply remove the charging plug 40 through the slotted aperture 36.

Figures 6 and 7 show an alternative way of taking the duct 10 under the boundary wall 26 of a property. Figure 6 shows that the curved units 42 can also have an external ramp section 58 moulded on the outer radius thereof. It is clear from Figure 6 that the advantages of the ramp section 58 are that it allows a straight edge 60 to which the footpath 28 or a paving stone 62 can be re-established. Without such ramp section 58 the skilled person will appreciate that it would be very difficult to subsequently re-establish the footpath 28 around the curved unit 42.

Also as shown in Figure 6, the plurality of curved units 42 can be connected together with their passages aligned using spigots 64 or the like to form a continuous and sweeping passage underneath the boundary wall 26 such that the cable 12 exits onto the property. Figure 6 shows that instead of projecting from an open curved unit 42, the cable 12 can pass through a hinged access chamber 66. The hinged access chamber being formed as an open box that includes a hinged lid 68. Defined in the hinged lid 68 are a series of indents 70 through which the cable 12 can pass, as shown in Figure 7. Should the level of the land inside the property be higher than the footpath 28, the skilled person will appreciate that a number of the access chambers 66 can be stacked one on top of another by removing the hinged lid 68 and the connection between the stacked chambers 66 being a clearance or transition fit. This is best shown in Figure 6, where a series of access chambers 66a, 66b are shown for illustrative purposes.

Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the duct 10. The construction of the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment and corresponding features have been given the same reference numerals. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cable access unit 34 is configured having a slideable tray 72 which can slide horizontally in and out of the access unit 34 on a series of runners 74 which are defined in the side walls of the tray 72. The skilled person will understand that the tray 72 also includes a lip 76 which can be pulled and which enable the user to simply grasp the charging plug 40 from with the open tray 72. Referring to Figure 9 to 14, a preferred trunk ducting unit 114 comprises a base unit 115 and a lid 117. The base unit 115 has a general squared U-shaped profile having a floor portion 119 and first and second wall portions, 121 and 123, extending upwardly from the floor portion 119. Each of the first and second wall portions, 121 and 123, has an upper outwardly extending lid receiving portion, 125 and 127 respectively. The lid receiving portions, 125 and 127, each have a lid support platform, 129 and 131, and a lid containing wall, 133 and 135, extending upwardly from the respective lid support platforms, 129 and 131.

The lid 117 has a cover 137 and first and second side walls, 139 and 141, extending downwardly from the cover 137.

The lid containing walls, 133 and 135, of the base unit 115, and the first and second side walls, 139 and 141, of the lid 117, further comprise lid positioning means operable to locate and position the lid 117 relative to the base unit 115. In this preferred embodiment, the lid positioning means comprises one or more raised positioning members, 143a/143b and 145a/145b, suitably positioned on the internal surfaces of the lid containing walls, 133 and 135, respectively, and one or more positioning receivers, 147a/147b and 149a/149b, suitably positioned on the external surface of each of the first and second side walls, 139 and 141, respectively.

The base unit 115 has a male connector end 151 and a female connector end 153. The male connector end 151 of one base unit being operable to interconnect with a female connector end 153 of an adjacent base unit to form a single continuous trunk.

The external under surface of the floor portion 119, of the base unit 115, has a plurality of laterally extending members 155ι ..χ which provide reinforcement to the trunk and are also operable to provide traction to at least substantially mitigate movement of the trunk ducting unit 114 relative to the substrate ground in which it is disposed. Although ten laterally extending members 155ι ..χ are shown in the drawings, the, or a, ducting trunk may have a different quantity of traction members, which may depend on the bearing quality and traction of the substrate ground in which the ducting trunk is laid. In use, as described for previous embodiments, the duct unit 114 is laid in a channel formed in the ground on pavement by first laying one of the base units 115. A plurality of base units are laid in end-to-end and interconnected to each using the male and female connector ends, 151 and 153, to form a desired length of base units 115. A cable may then be laid inside and along the plurality of connected base units 115 before the lid 117 is positioned onto the base unit 115 such that the side walls, 139 and 141, of the base unit 115 are positioned onto the lid support platforms, 129 and 131, and between the lid containing walls, 133 and 135, of the base unit 115. Locating the positioning members, 143a/143b and 145a/145b, in the relative positioning receivers, 147a/147b and 149a/149b, ensures the lid 117 is correctly positioned relative to the base unit 115. Referring to Figures 10 and 14, a preferred cable access unit 234 comprises a base unit 215 and a lid 217. The base unit 215 is substantially the same as the base unit 115 as described above with reference to Figure 9. The lid 217 is a spit lid having a fixed portion 217a and an access portion 217b, wherein the removable portion 217b can be lifted off the base unit 215 to gain access to the plug 40, which is held in a cradle 250. Alternatively, the access portion 217b may be hingedly attached to the fixed portion 217a. Referring to Figure 11, in an alternative embodiment, the lid 217 is a single piece lid which is hingedly attached to the base unit 215 with hinges 252a/252b, such that access to the plug 40 is gained by lifting the lid 217 such that the lid 217 rotates about hinges 252a/252b to open the cable access unit 234. In all embodiments of the cable access unit 234, the lid 217 differs from the lid 117 in that it has an end wall 254 extending downwardly from the roadside end 256 of the lid 217. The end wall 254 is formed to provide a cutaway hand-hold 258 to facilitate opening of the lid 217. In either embodiment in which the lid 217/217b is hinged, the cable access unit 234 may additionally have a hinge guard 260.

The cable access unit 234 has a cradle 262 for holding a plug 40. The cradle 262 is fixed to the lid 217 and operable to hold the plug 40 to enable easier access to the plug when the lid 217 is lifted.

Referring to Figure 12, the cable access unit 234 further comprises a roadside end cap 264. The roadside end cap 264 has a substantially square U-shape profile, which matches the profile of the base unit, a male connector end 266 for connecting with the female connector end 153 of the base unit 215, and a plate connector 268 for connecting a roadside plate 270. In use, the roadside plate 270 abuts the road, as shown in Figure 14.

The duct 10 further comprises an access chamber connector 272 as shown in Figure 13. The access chamber connector 272 has a back plate 274 having an opening 276 and a female connector 278. The female connector 278 extends outwards from the back plate 274 and has a profile to match the profile of the base unit 215 and is operable to interconnect with a male connector end 151 of a base unit 115 to connect the access chamber 66 with the base unit 115 adjacent thereto.

In use, the trunk 200, in accordance with the embodiments of Figures 9 to 13, is assembled as shown in Figure 14.

When not in use, the cable 12 may be stored on a reel (not shown). The reel may be a manual cable-retrieval reel or a self-retracting reel for facilitating recoiling of the cable 12 onto a reel (not shown) for storage.

With regard to any of the embodiments described herein, the ducting units 14/114 may be for example, 4 or 6 inches (approximately 10 or 15 cm). The ducting units 14/114 may be formed from a formable material which enables the duct to be formed or shaped to bypass and thereby avoid obstacles in the path in which the trunk is to be laid.

The duct 10 of the present invention is formed using injection moulding. In a preferred embodiment the duct 10 is formed from polypropylene, although the skilled person will appreciate that the duct 10 can be formed from any number of synthetic plastics material, such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material, or any other suitable first or second generation plastics material. The above list is in no way intended to be limiting and exhaustive. The skilled person will appreciate that different variations or densities of materials could also be provided. Manufacturing the duct 10 using injection moulding will allow for a relatively thin wall thickness and a generally low product weight which provides a good structural rigidity and durability. The duct 10 can be supplied in a number of different colours.

The duct 10 can be further manufactured using other techniques such as blow moulding, vacuum forming, rotational moulding, compression moulding, rim moulding, powder impression moulding or any other form of plastics manufacture. The duct 10 can be manufactured from a blend of recycled polymers from both post-industrial and domestic waste teams. In a preferred embodiment, the duct 10 can be manufacture having up to 50% by weight recycled polymer relative to the total polymer content. The amount of recycled polymer can be as high as 75% by weight relative to the total polymer content, or even 100% by weight recycled polymer relative to the total polymer content.

In a preferred embodiment, a textured anti-slip pattern 44 can be formed on the side wall 18 of the duct 10 by ensuring that the injection moulding tool includes a textured finish. The skilled person will appreciate that the duct 10 can be supplied with any number of different textures and surface finishes to match the pavement 28.

The internal faces forming the through-going passage of the duct 10 are however moulded with a smooth surface to reduce friction.

To ensure the necessary load bearing and mechanical strength defined by various British and European Standards, a series of transverse ribs (not shown) can run between the base walls 16 and side walls 18 of the duct 10, and which can optionally include steel reinforcing strips or rods.

Whilst the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14 is illustrative of a injection moulded construction, this is in no way intended to be limiting as the present invention can be implemented using any number of fabrication techniques, sizes, dimensions and materials. Alternatively, the duct 10 can be formed from a concrete aggregate material.

Therefore, the duct 10 according to the present invention can be quickly and conveniently installed without damage or disruption to the surrounding pavement 28 and road surface 32 and which in use enables the safe roadside charging of electric vehicles.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described herein, which are described by way of example only. It will be understood that features described in relation to any particular embodiment can be featured in combination with other embodiments.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in the terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, separately, or in any combination of such features, can be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

It is contemplated by the inventor that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.