FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable support assembly and in particular to a modular flat packed plastic data centre cable tray assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cable trays are used throughout the world to provide support for cables and the like within structures in a safe and reliable manner. Typically, cable trays are made of aluminium, hang from a ceiling by way of threaded rods and/or are fixed to brackets extending from a wall of a structure. The cable trays typically support data cables or power cables. Cable trays can come in various shapes, such as, straight, cross, elbow, riser, reducer, T-section, straightjoiners and cable port to name a few. Each typically has a base with side walls and open ends. Various cut outs can be used for when cables need to change direction. A lid can be included to enclose the cables within the cable tray providing a safe neat environment for running cable lengths throughout a structure. The base and/or lids may include holes, slots or the like for air flow, be of a meshed appearance or simply a basket arrangement.

[0003] Construction of existing cable trays involves fasteners to connect the trays together. A cable tie is not very accurate, and the plastic can degrade and snap. A screw, bolt or the like is very labour intensive and requires specialized tools increasing the cost and time taken for installation. A snap fit or interference fit fastener requires complex manufacturing of parts and reduces the flexibility of assembly.

[0004] With the increase in use of the internet, cloud base computing and the use of data centres, there has been an increase in the need for cables to run in cable trays. There are however significant disadvantages with existing cable trays used in data centres. For example, present systems mostly use metal with some plastic used mainly in the optic fiber environment. These systems are heavy and difficult to work with. Metal also produce iron filings which cause issues in sensitive environments such as data centers. They are subject to corrosion and flaking of paint or coating. They have high labor costs associated with installation due to cutting, connecting lengths, use of hand tools and the like. Metal trays need to be earthed and are not insulators and therefore can be dangerous if conductors are exposed due to cutting. They have high transportation costs due to the ridged U-shaped profile limiting the shapes provided and high setup costs due complex profile and connection design.

[0005] Existing metal tray has conductive debris which will cause faults once circulating in the data center environment. Even in green field sites once conductive contaminants are in the closed data center system they can be hard to totally eliminate. Existing can’t be laid on metal or concrete surface without insulated supports. Existing tray needs to go through expensive and time consuming protective coating process to be used in harsh corrosive environments such as mining, coastal projects.

[0006] There is a need for a better cable support assembly that allows an installer to configure the tray path onsite easily, that is able to be flat packed to reduce transport and storage and, and has minimal connectors required to connect trays to reduce installation time.

OBJECT

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the above cable support assemblies.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cable support assembly, the cable support assembly including: at least two cable tray members for supporting one or more cables, the cable tray members being formed from a flat sheet of fluted polymer folded to form a tray base and side walls; a joining member for connecting the at least two cable tray members such that the tray base of each cable tray member is aligned to an adjacent cable tray member, the joining member having a first surface for receiving the cable tray member, the joining member having one or more fastener holes and a gripping member, the gripping member including a fastener to pierce the flat sheet and engage one of the fastener holes to secure the cable tray member to the joining member. [0009] Preferably, the joining member includes a second surface to create a channel between the first surface and the second surface, and the gripping member is located in the channel to engage the cable tray member in the channel.

[0010] Preferably, the flat sheet includes: a pair of guidelines extending parallel to a side edge of the flat sheet such that, when the flat sheet is bent about the guidelines, the tray base and the side walls are formed; and a second set of guidelines extending at an angle from one of the pair of guidelines to the other of the pair of guidelines, such that when material of the flat sheet is removed on one side of the second set of guidelines, the tray base extends at a non-perpendicular angle to the sidewalls.

[0011] Preferably, the second set of guidelines are perforated or otherwise frangible to allow toolless removal of material of the flat sheet.

[0012] Preferably, the gripping member includes a flexible end that elastically deforms as the cable tray member is mated with the joining member, and returns to an engaged position when a hole of the plurality of holes is aligned with the gripping member to engage one or more of the plurality of holes to secure the cable tray member to the joining member..

[0013] Preferably, the gripping member further includes a tab extending away from the channel to allow the gripping member to be urged away from the engaged position when inserting the cable tray member into the channel.

[0014] Preferably, the gripping member includes a plurality of protrusions adapted to indent the flat sheet material of the cable tray member to secure the cable tray member to the joining member.

[0015] Preferably, the fastener includes a press fastener that is adapted to pierce the fluted polymer and be received by the fastener hole.

[0016] Preferably, the joining member further includes a mounting member to allow mounting of the assembly to a structure, wherein the mounting member includes a tab with a mounting hole for receiving a threaded rod. [0017] Preferably, the joining member further includes a mounting member to allow mounting of the assembly to a structure, wherein the mounting member includes a blind hole for receiving a screw.

[0018] Preferably, the joining member further includes a mounting member to allow mounting of the assembly to a structure, wherein the mounting member includes a suspension member having one or more fastener holes and a mounting fastener adapted to engage the fastener hole of the suspension member and the fastener hole of the joining member to secure the joining member to the mounting member.

[0019] Preferably, the first surface of the joining member extends about a perpendicular angle, such that a direction of two or more fastener holes are perpendicular.

[0020] Preferably, the channel includes a support extending from the first surface to the second surface.

[0021] Preferably, the cable support assembly includes at least three cable tray members connected with joining members such that a cable tray member extends at an angle to two cable tray members.

[0022] Preferably, the cable support assembly includes at least four cable tray members connected with joining members such that the cable tray members are co-linear in sets of at least two.

[0023] Preferably, the joining member further includes a fixing member on an external surface facing away from the first surface.

[0024] Preferably, the fixing member includes a hoop for receiving a cable tie.

[0025] Preferably, the fixing member includes a cable retention member to receive, by press fit, and retain a cable.

[0026] Preferably, the cable retention member is dimensioned to receive, by press fit, and retain a plurality of cables, or a single large cable, or a pipe. [0027] Preferably, the side walls have a thickness twice as large as the tray base due to folding of the side walls parallel to a side edge of the flat sheet along a third guideline.

[0028] Preferably, the cable tray member includes an extrusion piece extending along the third guideline to keep the side walls folded.

[0029] Preferably, the cable tray member includes a cable port formed by removing a section of the fluted polymer flat sheet, the cable port preferably being in the side wall.

[0030] Preferably, the cable support assembly further includes a riser member formed from an open fluted polymer board, wherein the riser member is connected to the cable tray members using one or more joining members.

[0031] Preferably, the cable support assembly further includes a reducer member adapted to be connected between the cable tray members using one or more joining members, wherein: a first cable tray member has a first width; a second cable tray member has a second width; and the reducer member has a width reducing from the first width at a first end to the second width at a second end.

[0032] Preferably, the reducer member has a linear portion at the first and second ends to facilitate mating of the reducer member with the first surface of the joining member.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cable support assembly, the assembly having: a planar board having a pair of end edges separating a pair of elongate side edges; a plurality of guide lines located adjacent said edges and adapted in use to guide a user to form a board base and board side walls of a desired shape; a plurality of holes located adjacent said edges; a connector to connect like boards together, the connector having a first arm extending away from a second arm, said arms having a first surface parallel to a second surface connected by a support to form a pair of channels therebetween; and a gripping member located within said channels to receive said board and secure said board to said connector by engaging the plurality of holes..

[0034] Preferably, the gripping member includes a fixed end and a flexible end, the flexible end having a protrusion extending away from said first surface towards said second surface and adapted to engage with a hole of the plurality of holes of said board to lock said connector to said board.

[0035] Preferably, said arms extend away from each other at right angles.

[0036] Preferably, the gripping member is integrally formed with said first and/or second surface.

[0037] Preferably, the cable support assembly includes a mounting member to mount the assembly to a structure, wherein the mounting member is connectable to a threaded rod.

[0038] Preferably, the planar board is made of corrugated polymer, more preferably from fluted polypropylene.

[0039] Preferably, the guide lines are printed onto the board, more preferably, the guide lines are frangible perforated lines.

[0040] Preferably, said connector includes retention members to retain cables in a configuration within said assembly.

[0041] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a retention system for affixing an item to a surface, the retention system including: a sheet of fluted polymer having a first surface and a second surface separated by a plurality of separators; and a retention member for affixing the item to the sheet of fluted polymer having: a barb portion having a sharp end adapted to pierce the sheet of fluted polymer and a fluke for resisting motion of the barb portion relative to the sheet of fluted polymer after piercing; and an eye portion adapted to receive the item to be affixed to the surface. [0042] Preferably, the eye portion includes an open eye portion having at least two resiliently deformable arms.

[0043] Preferably, the retention member includes two or more eye portions separated by a separating portion.

[0044] Preferably, the item includes a second sheet of fluted polymer and the eye portion includes a gripping member to retain the second sheet of fluted polymer in the eye portion.

[0045] Preferably, the retention remember includes two or more barb portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 shows a top view of a board of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 shows a cutaway perspective view of the board of Figure 1;

[0048] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d show a first embodiment of a connector of the present invention;

[0049] Figures 3e, 3f show a second embodiment of the connector of the present invention;

[0050] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c show the connector of Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, connected to one or more boards of Figure 1;

[0051] Figures 5a, 5b show the connectors of Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d connected to a threaded member;

[0052] Figures 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f show a further embodiment of a connection of the present invention;

[0053] Figures 5g, 5h, 5i, 5j show a further embodiment of a connection of the present invention;

[0054] Figures 5ji, 5jii show a further embodiment of a connection of the present invention;

[0055] Figures 5k, 51, 5m, 5n show the connector of Figures 5ji, 5jii in use; [0056] Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d show an alternate connector on an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figures 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h show a further embodiment of a connection of the present invention;

[0058] Figures 6i, 6j, 6k, 61 show a further embodiment of a connection of the present invention;

[0059] Figures 61i, 61ii show a further embodiment of a connection of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 7 shows the assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Fig 8a, 8b, 8c show an embodiment of a further connector of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the assembly of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 10 shows a connector of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the assembly of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 12 shows a connector of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the assembly of the present invention;

[0067] Figures 14a, 14b show a connector of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 15 shows an embodiment of the assembly of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 16 shows a connector of an embodiment of the present invention in use;

[0070] Figure 17 shows a comer connector of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 18 shows a side view of Figure 17;

[0072] Figure 19 shows a joiner connector of a further embodiment of the present invention; [0073] Figure 20 shows an end view of Figure 19;

[0074] Figure 21 shows a flat connector of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 22 shows an end view of Figure 21;

[0076] Figure 23 shows an end view of the sheet of an embodiment of the present invention with rigidity extrusions;

[0077] Figure 24 shows a perspective view of Figure 23;

[0078] Figure 25 shows a cable port according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0079] Figure 26 shows a riser member according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0080] Figure 27 shows a reducer member according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0081] Figure 28 shows a front section view of a retention system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0082] Figure 29 shows a front section view of the retention system of Figure 28;

[0083] Figure 30 shows an isometric view of a retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0084] Figure 31 shows a front view of the retention member of Figure 30;

[0085] Figure 32 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0086] Figure 33 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0087] Figure 34 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure [0088] Figure 35 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0089] Figure 36 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0090] Figure 37 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0091] Figure 38 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0092] Figure 39 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0093] Figure 40 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0094] Figure 41 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0095] Figure 42 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0096] Figure 43 shows an alternative retention member used in the retention system of Figure 28;

[0097] Figure 44 shows a fastener used with the connect of Figures 5ji, 5jii, 61i, 61ii;

[0098] Figure 45 is an isometric view of the fastener of Figure 44; and

[0099] Figure 46 shows a fastener used with the connect of Figures 5ji, 5jii, 61i, 61ii. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0100] In the accompanying drawings and as best seen in Figures 1, 2, 7, 17, 19 and 21 there is disclosed a cable support assembly 100 to be attached to a structure (not shown) including a planar board or sheet 1 having a pair of end edges 3 separated by a pair of elongate side edges 4. The board 1 includes a plurality of guide lines 6 located adjacent the edges 3, 4 and adapted in use to guide a user to form various shapes as desired to create a cable pathway. The guides 6 can be lines to cut along, frangible lines to snap off or pliable lines to fold along for example to form a cable tray member 110 having a board base 7, or tray base, for supporting a cable 2 and side walls 8 as best seen in Figure 7. The board 1 also includes a plurality of holes 9 located adjacent the edges 3, 4. In the preferred form, the board 1 includes a corrugated plastic material, for example fluted polypropylene, more preferably Corflute™ style board. Throughout this specification the term “corflute” is not used to refer to the brand Corflute™, but the industry standard designation of fluted or corrugated polymer materials used in construction. Preferably, the board 1 features printed graphics as the guides 6. The guides 6 could however be etchings or other similar visual indicators. A custom hole punch (not shown) could be included in the assembly 100 to allow the installer more customization if required. The guidelines 6 include a pair of guidelines 6 extending parallel to the side edge 4 of the sheet 1 such that, when the flat sheet 1 is bent about the guidelines 6, the tray base 7 and the side walls 8 are formed. The guidelines 6 also include a second set of guidelines 6 that extend at a guideline angle 19 from one of the pair of guidelines 6 to the other of the pair of guidelines 6. Thus, when material of the flat sheet 1 is removed on one side of the second set of guidelines 6, the tray base 7 extends at a non-perpendicular angle 19 to the side walls 8. By having diagonal lines at the angle 19 as guides 6 an installer can cut or form diagonal elbows or other complex shapes easily. To assist, the diagonal or angled guidelines 6 may be perforated or otherwise be frangible to allow toolless removal of material of the flat sheet 1.

[0101] Turning to Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d as an example, the assembly 100 further includes connectors 10, or also referred to as a joining member 10. The connector 10 can come in various shapes and sizes as described herein and as shown on the drawings. The connector 10 of Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d have a first arm 11 extending away from a second arm 12. Preferably, the arms 11, 12 extend perpendicularly. Each of the arms 11, 12 having a first surface 14 parallel to a second surface 16 and connected by a support 17 to form a pair of channels 18 extending from a first end 18a to a second end 18b therebetween. The channel 18 is adapted to receive the cable tray member 110. Preferably, the channel 18 is formed such that at least two cable tray members 110 may be received at either end 18a, 18b, such that the cable tray members 110 are aligned. A gripping member 20 is located within the channels 18 to receive the board 1 and secure the board 1, and thereby the cable tray member 110, to the connector 10. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B, mounting member 25 allows for mounting of the assembly 100 to a structure (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 this mounting is by way of threaded rod 30. In this embodiment, the mounting member 25 includes a tab with a mounting hole 43 for receiving the threaded rod 30. A further embodiment is shown at Figures 19 and 20 having strengthening ribs 21 and holes 22 to allow attachment from various fasteners (not shown).

[0102] As best seen in Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, in use the board 1 is pushed by an installer into the channels 18 between surfaces 14,16. The gripping member 20 locks the board 1 to the connector 10. In this embodiment the gripping member 20 includes a fixed end 32 and a flexible end 33 for each channel 18. The flexible end 33 elastically deforms as the cable tray member 110 is mated with the joining member 10. The flexible end 33 having a protrusion 34 extending away from the first surface 14 towards the second surface 16 and adapted to return to an engaged position to engage a hole 9 on the board 1 to secure the cable tray member 110 to the joining member 10, when the hole is aligned with the gripping member 20. In a preferred form, the gripping member 20 is integrally formed as part of the first and/or second surface 14,16. The surfaces 14,16 can include cutouts 36 around each of the gripping members 20. The gripping member 20 allows for a snap fit to capture the board 1 to the connector 10 making the assembly 100 installation easy. As shown in FIG. 3E, the gripping member 20 may be surrounded by a gap, or cutouts 36 to allow manual access to the gripping member 20 to urge it away from the channel to facilitate insertion of the sheet 1 into the channel 18. As shown in FIG. 3F, the gripping member 20 may further include a tab 35 extending away from the channel 18 to allow the gripping member 20 to be urged away from the engaged position when inserting the cable tray member 110 into the channel 18. Figure 7 shows a straight section of the assembly 100 including two boards 1, six connectors 10 mounted to six threaded rods 30.

[0103] FIGS. 5C to 5F show a further embodiment of the joining member 10, wherein the gripping member 20 includes a fastener 37 that is inserted through fastener holes 38 in the joining member 10 into the sheet 1, to secure the sheet 1 to the joining member 10.

[0104] Turning to FIGS. 5G to 5J, showing a yet further embodiment in which the gripping member 20 may include a plurality of protrusions 34 adapted to indent the material of the flat sheet 1. In the embodiment shown, the plurality of protrusions 34 includes a triangular tooth surface. By indenting the material of the flat sheet 1, the cable tray member 110 is secured to the joining member 10. In addition to the protrusions 34, the fastener 37 may be used to provide additional engagement between the sheet 1 and the joining member 10.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 5K, the cable support assembly 100 further includes a fastener 37 for securing the joining member 10 to the cable tray members 110. To this end, the joining member 10 includes one or more fastener holes 38 for receiving the fastener 37. The fastener 37 can take a variety of forms, including a press fastener that is adapted to pierce the fluted polymer of the flat sheet 1 and by received by the fastener hole 38. The press fastener may have a barbed end to inhibit removal of the fastener 37 from the sheet 1.

[0106] Moving now to FIGS. 5 Ji and 5 Jii, which show a further embodiment of the joining member 10. In this embodiment, the joining member 10 only includes a first surface 14. The support 17 still extends from the first surface 14 but is shaped as a dividing wall between a first end 18a and a second end 18b of the first surface 14. The cable tray member 110 to be connected to the joining member 10 is placed on the first surface 14 so as to abut the dividing wall 17. Fasteners 37 are used to pierce the cable tray member 110 and engage with the fastener hole 38 in the joining member 10, as shown in FIGS. 5M and 5N. Suitable fasteners 37 are disclosed in FIGS. 44, 45, and 46.

[0107] As also seen in this figure, and more so in FIG. 5K the joining member 10 may include the mounting member 25 to allow mounting of the assembly 100 to a structure (not shown). In this embodiment, the mounting member includes a blind hole 26 for receiving a screw 27. Briefly turning to FIG. 7E, in another embodiment the mounting member 25 includes a suspension member 39 having one or more fastener holes 41. The mounting member 25 also includes a mounting fastener 37 adapted to engage the fastener hole 41 of the suspension member 39 and the fastener hole 38 of the joining member 10 and optionally the material of the sheet 1, to secure the joining member 10 to the mounting member 25. Preferably, the suspension member 39 is metallic.

[0108] As shown in FIGS. 5M and 5N, the fastener 37 may pierce the sheet 1 and engage with the fastener holes 38 of the joining member. In addition, the fastener 37 may be dimensioned to also engage a feature of an underlying surface or structure to fix the joining member 10 to the structure. To this end, the fastener 37 may include a cap 37b that secures the fastener 37 to the structure. Alternatively, or in addition, the fastener 37, as seen in FIG. 46 may be biased to expand at an end thereof, as seen in FIG. 5N, thereby creating a tensile force between the fastener 37 and the structure. As also seen in FIGS. 44 and 45, the fastener 37 may include one or more barb portions 310 to engage the sheet 1 of fluted polymer and secure it to the joining member 10.

[0109] Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d show another connector in the form of the joining member 10 being a comer piece 40, wherein the first and second surfaces 14, 16 extend about a perpendicular angle, such that the first end 18a of the channel 18 faces in a direction perpendicular to the second end 18b of the channel 18. A further embodiment is shown at Figures 17 and 18. The general structure of the corner piece 40 is substantially the same as the joiner connector 10 mentioned above. The corner piece 40 though includes a base plate 45 closing off one side of the joiner piece 10 as best seen in Fig 6a. The base plate 45 also including hollows 46 where gripping members 20 have been removed or snapped away to make installation easier.

[0110] FIGS. 6E to 6H show an embodiment of the comer connector 40 that is analogous to the joining member of FIGS. 5C to 5F. The support 17 is preferably located at a corner joint of the corner connector 40. The corner connector 40 preferably has fastener holes 38 located to be facing both the side wall 8 as well as the tray base 7. More preferably, a fastener hole 38 is located at an external corner.

[0111] FIGS. 61 to 6L show an embodiment of the comer connector 40 that is analogous to the joining member of FIGS. 5G to 5J. The support 17 is preferably located at a corner joint of the corner connector 40. The comer connector 40 preferably has fastener holes 38 located to be facing both the side wall 8 as well as the tray base 7. More preferably, a fastener hole 38 is located at an external corner. Preferably, the protrusions 34 are linear and parallel to a direction of the channel 18 at each end 18a, 18b to facilitate insertion of the sheet 1 into the channel 18.

[0112] FIGS. 6Li and 6Lii show comer connectors 40 analogous to the joining member 10 of Figures 5 Ji and 5 Jii . FIG. 6Li shows an internal comer, while FIG. 6Lii shows an external corner. In this embodiment, the corner connector 40 only includes a first surface 14. The internal or external corner 17. Fasteners 37 are used to pierce the cable tray member 110 and engage with the fastener hole 38 in the comer connector 40, as shown in FIGS. 5M and 5N. Suitable fasteners 37 are disclosed in FIGS. 44, 45, and 46.

[0113] Turning to FIG. 7A, it can be seen that corner piece 40 allows joining of two cable tray members 110 being configured using diagonal guidelines 6 to create a comer. Turning to FIG. 7B, the cable support assembly 100 may include at least four cable tray members 110 connected with joining members 10, in this case four comer pieces 40, such that the cable tray members 110 are co-linear in sets of at least two. A cable tray member 110 without side walls 8 may be used as a central cable tray member 110 to connect four adjacent cable tray members 110. In this embodiment, each corner connector 40 is connected to three cable tray members. Turning to FIG. 7C, the cable support assembly 100 may include at least three cable tray members 110 connected with joining members 10, in this case two corner pieces 40 and two connectors 10, such that a cable tray member 110 extends at an angle to two cable tray members 110. A cable tray member 110 with only one side wall 8 may be used to connect three adjacent cable tray members 110.

[0114] To assist with maintaining neatness within the assembly 100, numerous further joining members 10, or connectors 50 have been envisaged. In Figure 8a, 8b, 8c, for example, this connector includes a first planar panel 51 parallel to a second planar panel 52 connected by a support member 53 to define two channels 54. The joining member 10 may include a fixing member 56 on an external surface facing away from the channel 18, 54. Each of the channels 54 include ribs 55 and fixing member 56, in this case a cable retention members 60, extending away from one of the panels 51,52. The internal ribs 55 are to connect or grip the board 1 when it enters the channel 54. Connection parts can be provided to installers in elongate lengths that installers can snap apart or cut apart to the required size when needed. Figure 9 shows these connectors in use to connect two adjacent cable tray members 110. The use of these additional connectors 50 provides further strength to the connection between the cable tray members 110, while also providing cable retention members 60 for management of the cables 2. A further embodiment can be seen at Figures 21 and 22, which lacks cable retention members but uses ribs 55 and internal ribs 55 to decrease the cost of the part.

[0115] As seen in FIG. 8 A, the fixing member 56 may include a hoop 57 for receiving a cable tie (not shown). In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the fixing member 56 may include the cable retention member 60 to receive, by press fit, and retain the cable 2. In a yet further embodiment, shown in FIG. 14 A, the cable retention member 60 may be dimensioned to receive, by press fit, and retain a plurality of cables 2, or a single large cable 2, or a pipe (not shown).

[0116] Figure 10 and Figure 11 show a further connector having an alternate cable retention member 60 that feature resiliently deformable arms to allow press-fitting of the cable 2 into an eye portion of the cable retention member 60. Preferably, each connector 50 features a plurality of these cable retention members 60 to allow management of a plurality of cables 2. Figure 12 and Figure 13 also show an alternate connector with cable retention member 60 as well as gripping member 20 and cutouts 36. The cable retention member 60 in these embodiments allows the use of cable ties to manage a bundle of cables simultaneously. Figures 14a, 14b and 14c show the cable retention member 60 being of a “rabbit ear” type, featuring resiliently deformable arms of a length of 10 mm or more, which provide cable bundle management without the need for cable ties.

[0117] Figure 16 shows a further connector having openings 65 to provide space for fasteners 37 or the like to be utilized if required. Having both a joiner bracket and a corner bracket allows the installer flexibility in how they create the cable path. The channels 18 within these connectors accommodate various sizes of boards 1 or other flat products solid or flexible and have various hole selections to allow fasteners, cable ties or other such fasteners to be utilized if and when required. This means that no drilling will be required.

[0118] In some embodiments, the channel 18 can include teeth, ribs or the like to assist with holding the board in place. Utilizing the present invention, a number of different shapes can be provided.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, a corrugated or fluted plastic sheet/board is produced, preferably from polypropylene, having printed fold lines and holes in various configurations. The sheet is folded on each side to make a U-shaped channel which allows containment of cabling, electrical and communications, along desired paths. The snap in, toolless, connectors allow the separate lengths of sheet/board to be joined to form the desired cabling pathway. Snap in straight connectors are used to strengthen the tray connections and allow cable tie down or the like through the employment of tie down housing points within the straight connector design such as by using the holes. The connectors have joiners to attach to standard threaded rods utilized to hang or support tray work. Changes in tray work direction are facilitated by the use of angle cuts in plastic tray and angled snap on connectors. Slopes in the tray work path are possible by employing strategic half cuts in the twin wall plastic tray substrate material.

[0120] As best seen in Figures 23 and 24, in an alternate form, the sheet/board 1 can be folded at a third guideline (not shown) parallel to one or more of the longitudinal elongate sides forming a double layer thickness of board such that the side walls 8 have a thickness twice as large as the tray base 7 due to folding of the side walls 8 parallel to the side edge 4 of the flat sheet 1. The double layer can then be secured and/or clamped by an elongate extrusion piece 200 extending along the third guideline to retain the side walls 8to provide additional strength and rigidity to the assembly 100. The extrusion piece 200 could include grips 210 or other formations to assist with securing to the board 1. The doubled thickness of the side wall 8 and the extrusion piece 200 both inhibit buckling of the tray member 110.

[0121] Referring now to FIG. 25, the cable tray member 110 may include a cable port 120 formed by removing a section of the fluted polymer flat sheet 1. Preferably, the cable port 120 is formed in the side wall 8. It is contemplated that the fluted polymer sheet 1 may include an open fluted polymer board, wherein the flutes of the sheet 1 have a gap on one side, allowing significantly flexible movement of the sheet 1 about the gapped side. This type of material may be referred to as versa board in the industry. In the embodiment of FIG. 25, the cable port 120 may be more easily formed if the sheet 1 is formed of open fluted polymer board.

[0122] Referring now to FIG. 26, the cable support assembly 100 may further include a riser member 130 formed from an open fluted polymer board 132. The riser member 130 is connected to the cable tray members 110 using one or more joining members 10, so as to extend between two cable tray members 110 that extend at two different vertical levels. The flexibility of the open fluted polymer board 132 allows the riser member 130 to smoothly curve between the vertical levels, preventing undesirable cable kinks of the cable 2 being carried by the assembly 100.

[0123] Referring now to FIG. 27, the cable support assembly may further include a reducer member 140 adapted to be connected between the cable tray members 110 using one or more joining members 10. In this example, the first cable tray member 110a has a first width 112a and the second cable tray member 110b has a second width 112b. The reducer member 140 has a width 142 reducing from the first width 112a at a first end 144a to the second width 112b at a second end 144b. Yet further, the reducer member 140 may have a linear portion 146 at either end 144a, 144b to facilitate insertion of the reducer member 140 into the channel 18 of the joining member 10.

[0124] The assembly 100 of the preferred embodiment is an insulator, due to being made from polymers, preferably polypropylene, so the assembly 100 is inherently safe and does not require earthing. It is easy and cost effective to transport as it has a flat pack profile. The base material of the board 1 is available worldwide as a construction material so there would be a fast manufacture and installation, little transport and low setup costs. The assembly can be suited to all environments, is lighter, faster and safer to work with than existing systems. It is easy to cut and adjust to align with varied designs. It can be made from recyclable plastics. Further it is a toolless assembly and only requires low labor costs associated with installation.

[0125] No requirement for additional protective coatings as surface is stable. Therefore, no chance of contamination in the cleanroom etc. from flaking. Can use different colored raw plastic material on customer request. This gives flexibility to signify cable paths of different technologies, fiber, UTP, power, etc. Easy to modify on site as no conductive residues produced from cutting and drilling, more aesthetically pleasing as cables are in a visually closed pathway.

[0126] Shown in FIG. 28 to 43 is a retention system 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for affixing an item, such as cable 2, to a surface, such as sheet 1. The retention system 300 includes a sheet 1 of fluted polymer having a first surface 302 and a second surface 303 separated by a plurality of separators 304 to create parallel flutes. The system 300 further includes a retention member 301 for affixing the item to the sheet 1, the retention member 301 having a barb portion 310, best seen in FIG. 31. The barb portion 310 has a sharp end 312 adapted to pierce the sheet 1 of fluted polymer and a fluke 314 for resisting motion of the barb portion 310 relative to the sheet 1 after the barb portion 310 has pierced the sheet 1 such that the fluke 314 is located between the first and second surfaces 302, 303. Preferably, the barb portion 310 is solid.

[0127] The retention member 310 further includes an eye portion 320 adapted to receive the item to be affixed to the surface. FIGS. 33 to 43 show various embodiments of the retention member 301. Relevantly, FIG. 41 shows that the eye portion 320 may include an open eye portion 320 having at least two resiliently deformable arms 322. FIG. 42 shows that there may be multiple open eye portions 320, each being defined by resiliently deformable arms 322 to receive the item to be affixed. FIGS 37 and 38 show that the retention member 301 may include two or more eye portions separated by a separating portion 324. FIGS. 32, 36, and 39 show that the retention member 301 may have two or more barb portions 310. The eye portion 320 may have a flat top surface, or a continuous radius of curvature, or a varying radius of curvature. As a result the eye portion 320 may be generally rectangular, generally square, generally circular, or generally ovoid. [0128] As seen in FIG. 43, the item may include a second sheet 326 of fluted polymer and the eye portion 320 may include a gripping member 330 to retain the second sheet 326 in the eye portion 320. The gripping member 330 may take a plurality of forms as discussed above in relation to the gripping member 20.

[0129] Moving now to FIGS. 44 and 45, which show a further embodiment of a retention member 301, which may also be used as the fastener 37 of the cable support assembly 100. In this embodiment, the fastener 37 may have two or more flukes 314 distributed along the barb portion 310 to improve the engagement of the retention member 301 to the sheet 1. As shown in FIG. 46, the barb portion 310 maybe split, such that the flukes 314 can compress while piercing the sheet 1, to then expand and retain the retention member 301 against the sheet 1.

[0130] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

[0131] Integers:

1 sheet of fluted polymer 32 fixed end

2 cable 33 flexible end

3 end edges 34 protrusion

4 side edges 35 tab (flexible end)

6 guide lines 36 cutouts

7 board base / tray base 37 fastener

8 side walls 37b cap

9 holes 38 fastener hole (joining member)

10 connector / j oining member 39 suspension member

11 first arm 40 corner piece

12 second arm 41 fastener hole (suspension member)

14 first surface 42 tab (mounting)

16 second surface 43 hole (mounting)

17 support 45 base plate

18 channel 46 hollows

18a first end 50 connector

18b second end 51 first planar panel

19 guideline angle 52 second planar panel

20 gripping member 53 support member

21 ribs 54 channel

22 hole 55 ribs

25 mounting member 56 fixing member

26 blind hole 57 hoop

27 screw 60 cable retention member

30 threaded rod 65 openings cable support assembly 301 retention member cable tray member 302 first surface width 303 second surface cable port 304 separators riser member 310 barb portion open fluted polymer board 312 sharp end reducer member 314 fluke width 320 eye portion end 322 resiliently deformable arm linear portion 324 separating portion extrusion piece 326 second sheet grips 330 gripping member retention system