DEVICE FOR BINDING TOGETHER AND FIXATION OF ONE OR MORE OBLONG OBJECTS, PROVIDED WITH AN AT BOTH ENDS HINGEABLE AND REMOVABLE BAR

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure (20) for binding together and fixation of one or more oblong objects, provided with a bar (21) to enclose the oblong objects. The structure hereto comprises an at both ends hingeable and removable bar with a limited opening angle and containing ribs (25). The objective of the invention is to simplify adding and removing of oblong objects from both sides of the structure, whilst keeping oblong objects already inside of the structure in place. The invention further aims at reducing damage to objects contained in the structure in case a high force is applied to them.

Description: Device for binding together and fixation of one or more oblong objects, provided with an at both ends hingeable and removable bar. The invention relates to a device for binding together and fixation of one or more oblong objects, provided with a bar to enclose the oblong objects. Such a device is known from for instance the American Patent No. US 3 175 262 A. Apparently, with such devices, with a bar capable of hinging over about 30°, the oblong objects already inside of the device can drop out of the device in case the device is opened, when the device is mounted horizontally with the bar downwards to a fixed base, for instance a table. The multichannel base member mentioned in said American Patent for securing the objects inside of the device has the disadvantage that it limits the end user in his or her choice of objects to be contained in the device, because said member is pre-shaped for specific numbers and types of cable. Further, it is apparent that devices with a bar opening at only one side impose restrictions on the use in case oblong objects, like electrical wires, are regularly added to and removed from the device, specifically when access from both sides to the wires contained in the devLce is desired. Such bars are described in the Patent literature under US 4 089 087 A en DE 9407618 U. Furthermore it is possible that devices utilising a bar incapable of releasing in case a high force is applied to the oblong objects, can not prevent damage to the the oblong objects and thereto attached components, such as connectors and devices. The objective of the invention is to simplify adding and removing oblong objects from both sides of the device, whilst keeping oblong objects already inside of the device in place. The invention further aims at reducing damage to objects contained in the device in case a high force is applied to them. Preferred embodiments of the invention have been recorded in the sub-conclusions. A preferred embodiment of the invention is described according to the accompanying drawings, in which: fig. 1 is a view of a device according to the invention in opened state; fig. 2 is a view of a device according to the invention in closed state. The device in fig. 1 and 2 comprises a to a fixed base fixable part of the device 20 and a bar 21. Further, 22 marks two pairs of spring lips, 23 two pairs of holes recessed in the lips, 24 two pairs of short shafts moulded onto bar 21, 25 containing ribs on the bar 21 and 26 grip-improving patterns on each of the spring lips 22, while 27 marks a flat base for fastening with adhesive tape or glue, 28 a pair of screw holes and 29 guiding-channels in each spring lip 22. With this, the pairs of holes 23 in the spring lips 22 and the two pairs of short shafts 24 in bar 21 compose two releasable hinges. By squeezing one pair of the spring lips 22 with two fingers from one hand at the grip-improving patterns 26 the short shafts moulded onto bar 21 located inside of the holes 23 of spring lips 22 are released, enabling one side of the bar 21 to hinge about the opposite releasable hinge. In this preferred embodiment of the invention the spring lips 22 are shaped in such a way, that the hinging motion of bar 21 is limited to about 30°, preventing wires or other oblong objects to drop out of the device. In this preferred embodiment said chance of dropping out is further reduced by some containing ribs 25, wherein the summit level of each rib is higher than the lowest portions of these ribs in case the device is opened and mounted upside down under a fixed base, for instance a desk. Further, the spring lips 22 are shaped in such a way that the releasable hinge can be closed by pressing bar 21 towards the fixed part of the device 20, which pressing motion is conducted by the shape of the guiding-channels 29 in each spring lip, specifically in case bar 21 is completely removed from the fixed part of the device 20 because both hinges are released. In conclusion, in case much force is applied to the oblong objects inside of the device, for instance when an individual steps on a free section of an oblong object contained in the device, the bar 21 will tend to twist due to its curved shape, thus pressing the spring lips 22 together causing the device to open, reducing damage to the oblong objects and thereto attached components, such as connectors and devices. The invention consequently provides a device for binding together and fixation of wires, which is very suitable for managing and organising delicate wiring between electronic devices, and which for instance in conjunction with more of such devices, mounted in an array under a desk, can provide an alternative for a cable tray.

Claims: C L I M S 1. Device for binding together and fixation of one or more oblong objects, provided with an at both ends hingeable and removable bar capable of enclosing said oblong objects, h e r e i n the bar, in opened state, reduces the chance of the oblong objects dropping out, in case the device is fixed with the bar facing downwards to a fixed base, by limiting the hinging motion at a fixed angle. 2. Device according to claim 1 w h e r e i n the inner side of the bar is provided with some containing ribs. 3. Device according to claims 1 and 2 w h.e r e i n the summit level of each rib is higher than the lowest portion of the adjoining ribs in case the bar is lowered to the maximum angle mentioned in claim 1. . Device according to claim 1 w h e r e i n the bar is capable of releasing from one or both releasable hinge (s) in case much force is applied to the oblong objects enclosed in the device, in order to prevent damage to these objects and thereto attached elements. 5. Device according to claim 1 w h e r e i n multiple devices mounted in an array can function as a cable tray. 6. Device according to claim 1 w h e r e i n the device can be operated without tools.

Inventors: SCHULP SANDER, SCHULP, SANDER
Applicants: EIO HORIZON VOF, SCHULP SANDER, EIO/HORIZON VOF, SCHULP, SANDER
Application year: 2000
Main classification: F16L3
IPC codes: F16L3