Patent Description:
In order to attach articles such as cables to a wall or other surface, it is known to use a fixing such as a bracket or a saddle clip. Conventionally, said fixings are installed by drilling a suitably sized hole, inserting a deformable plug, and passing a screw through an aperture in the fixing and into the deformable plug. The screw causes the plug to deform or expand, which then exerts pressure against the walls of the hole, thereby retaining the fixing in place.

The process of attaching these types of fixings to walls can be time consuming as each fixing requires multiple steps to attach it to a wall. One approach to address this issue has been the use of fixings or clips which require neither a screw nor a plug to install.

Clips can be used which have opposed resiliently biased legs. The legs can be squeezed together to introduce the clip into a hole, and when released spring outwardly and engage with the walls of the hole. Barbs on the outside of the legs may provide additional engagement with the wall and increase the force required to remove the clip from the hole.

For fixing cables to a wall, prior art fixings require the user to insert the cable into the fixing first, before inserting or offering up the fixing into the pre-drilled hole. However, there remains a need for a fixing which can be partially inserted into a wall, which will allow a cable to be attached or placed inside the fixing, before it is fully inserting into the wall. This is desirable in various circumstances, for instance, when cables need to be temporarily laid out, before choosing their final positions on the wall.

Having the ability to partially insert the fixing into the wall allows the user to partially insert multiple fixings, and then route a cable through the multiple fixings in one pass. After the cable has been positioned correctly, the fixings can then all be fully inserted into the wall-thereby securing the cable to the wall. This process can save significant amounts of time, and results in a more efficient cable routing operation.

For the above reasons, there remains a need to address or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

Is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate one or more of the aforementioned problems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus and methods for securing cabling onto a wall.

An example of a device according to the art can be found in <CIT>, which describes a cable restraint, which has a first arm and a second arm, wherein the device has an open and closed configuration.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing of unitary construction for securing a fibre optic cable to a surface comprising a hole, according to claim <NUM>.

The cable may be around <NUM> - <NUM> diameter. The cable may have a smaller diameter than <NUM>. The cable may have a larger diameter than <NUM>.

The gap size may be adjusted by varying the distance between the first and second portions of the elongate member.

The first and second portions of the elongate member may generally diverge from each other as they extend from the bend. The level of divergence may vary depending on the size of the fixing, or the application where the fixing is to be used. The level of divergence may be about <NUM>-<NUM>°, about <NUM>-<NUM>° or about <NUM>-<NUM>°.

In use, the fixing may be fully or partially inserted into a hole, in for example a wall, thereby reducing the distance between the first and second portions of the elongate member, thus reducing the gap size and thus coupling the article to the fixing. When the fixing is partially inserted into the hole, the article may be freely removed and re-inserted into the coupling arrangement. This may allow the installer to 'test fit' the article in different locations. For example, if the article is a cable, then the path of the cable route can be tested in various different configurations. This allows for far greater flexibility of use, over the systems known in the art.

The fixing may be a single unitary elongate member. Alternatively, the fixing may be constructed/made from a plurality of elongate members. The fixing may be formed from a pressed material and/or alloy. The material may be steel. The material may also be made from or comprise any suitable type of plastics and/or composite material.

The coupling arrangement may partially encircle the article. The coupling arrangement may substantially fully, or fully, encircle the article when the fixing is fully inserted into a hole.

The fixing may comprise barbs and/or anchors (i.e. protruding members) which increase the friction between the fixing and the hole. The barbs and/or anchors (i.e. protruding members) may be of any shape or form. The barbs and/or anchors (i.e. protruding members) may be located anywhere on the fixing such as on the first and/or second portion.

The barbs and/or anchors may be any suitable shape to increase the friction between the fixing and the wall. The barbs may usually be directed towards the outside of the hole, which results in them being easily inserted, but makes them difficult to release. The angled barbs may also be useful for aligning the fixing within the hole. If the fixings are used to secure fire cables, there is a requirement that they must be firmly fixed to the wall, and the barbs help to achieve this.

The second portion of the elongate member may comprise a kink (e.g. bend and/or deformation), which causes a length of the second portion to diverge away from the first portion. The kink (e.g. bend and/or deformation) may be in any location on the elongate member. The angle of divergence may range from about <NUM>-<NUM>°, about <NUM>-<NUM>° or about <NUM>-<NUM>°.

The fixing may be suitable for inserting into a hole which has a diameter of about <NUM> - <NUM> or about <NUM> - <NUM>. The hole may be drilled before inserting the fixing. Different sized fixings may require different diameter holes.

The coupling arrangement may be releasably engageable with the second portion of the elongate member. When the fixing is fully inserted into the hole, the second portion of the elongate member will have moved towards the coupling arrangement, wherein on contact, the two components may fasten together. This fastening may be done via a clip, fastener, clasp, catch, pin, hook, loop, or coupler. Any suitable features may be used to join the components together. This effectively constrains the article within the coupling arrangement, as the second portion of the elongate member provides a resilient biasing force on the article.

The coupling arrangement may also be fixedly engageable with the second portion of the elongate member. This may be required when the user desires an extra secure fitting.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fixing a fibre optic cable to a surface, according to claim <NUM>.

The fixing may be fully or substantially fully inserted into the hole thereby causing the first and second portions of the elongate member to move towards one another.

The clamping force on the article within the coupling arrangement may be proportional to how far the fixing is inserted into the hole.

The further the fixing is inserted into the hole, the greater the friction force between the fixing and the hole, and the greater the clamping force on the article. From one movement by the user, the fixing is securely fixed into the hole, and the article is securely attached to the fixing.

The fixing may be inserted into the hole orientated with the bend entering the hole first.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts, according to claim <NUM>.

The insertion device may comprise a recess, to engage with the fixing. The insertion device may be generally shaped as shown in the figures. The insertion device may be made of any suitable material. The insertion device may reduce fatigue experienced by the installer of the fixings.

The fixing may be a secure, single-components design. The fixing may not comprise any plastic, and therefore have a melting temperature of over <NUM> degrees Celsius.

The fixing may not require any plugs, screws or washers. The fixing may be corrosion resistant, and UV stable.

The fixing may be suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Further optional features disclosed in relation to each aspect of the invention correspond to further optional features of each other aspect of the invention.

Non-limiting example embodiments the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the present invention, showing a side elevation of the fixing <NUM> in both its open 100a and closed 100b configurations. An example of an article <NUM> can be seen, located inside the coupling arrangement <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> can be seen to extend from the coupling arrangement <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> comprises a bend <NUM>, which separates the elongate member into a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and second portions <NUM> are resiliently biased away from each other, due to the spring force created by the geometry of the bend <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> extends between the coupling arrangement <NUM> and the bend <NUM>, whereas the second portion <NUM> extends towards the coupling arrangement from the bend <NUM>, forming a gap suitable for the article <NUM>. The gap is located between the second portion <NUM> of the elongate member and the coupling arrangement <NUM>. The gap size can be adjusted by varying the distance between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the elongate member. For example, moving the fixing into its closed configuration 100b, will result in a smaller gap size than when the fixing <NUM> is in the open configuration 100a.

The gap size will therefore depend on how far the fixing <NUM> is inserted into its hole. The gap size adjustments may be dictated on the shape of the fixing <NUM> and the elongate members.

For example, the article <NUM> may be a cable (electrical or fibre optic etc.), and the surface may be a wall.

The first portion <NUM> and second portion <NUM> of the elongate member may diverge from each other as they extend from the bend <NUM>. This divergence can be seen in <FIG>, as the two portions are not aligned parallel with one another but form a general wedge shape. This wedge shape assists in gripping the fixing <NUM> to the inside of the hole in which it is inserted. The wedge shape assists in inserting the fixing <NUM>, and also provides a greater grip when the fixing <NUM> is inserted into the hole. As the fixing <NUM> is pulled, the wedge shape will tend to tighten against the hole, thereby increasing the friction on the wall.

The wedge shape has the combined benefit of allowing easy insertion of the fixing <NUM> into the wall, whilst also providing excellent grip capabilities.

In use, the fixing <NUM> as shown in <FIG> would be partially inserted into a hole, which had been pre-drilled into a surface such as a wall. The fixing <NUM> is partially inserted, such that the fixing <NUM> remains in the open configuration 100a, to allow an article <NUM> to be inserted through the gap. Once the article <NUM> has been inserted through the gap, and placed inside the coupling arrangement <NUM>, the fixing <NUM> is then fully inserted into the hole, by simply pressing the fixing <NUM> via the coupling arrangement <NUM> into the hole. As the fixing <NUM> moves further into the hole, the second portion <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM> is forced towards the first portion <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>, by virtue of the geometry restriction of the hole. This has two simultaneous functions:.

A distinct advantage of the above technique is that the further the fixing <NUM> is inserted into the hole, the tighter the grip of the fixing <NUM> is on the hole, and the tighter the article <NUM> is held inside the coupling arrangement <NUM>. This is all achieved by merely pushing the fixing <NUM> into the hole, with the use of one finger or thumb. If the article was a cable, and the cable required a large number of fixings, then this technique can be very efficient and time saving. The technique also allows for the cable to be loosely set out, with the fixings <NUM> partially inserted, to give the installer the option to remove the cable from the fixing <NUM> easily, without having to remove the fixing <NUM> from the wall.

For example, the installer may want to test fit the cable in an installation, following numerous different cable paths. This would have been very difficult if only using the fixings according to the prior art, as the cables cannot be easily removed from them, even when the fixings are only partially inserted. The fixings <NUM> according to the invention enable quick and easy changes to be made to the cable routing.

The coupling arrangement <NUM> in <FIG> is shown to be generally cylindrical in shape, with the embodiment in <FIG> showing a bend which describes a half-circular profile, to suit a cylindrical article <NUM>. The coupling arrangement <NUM> can be seen to partly encircle the article <NUM>. The coupling arrangement <NUM> may be shaped differently, to suit different profiles of article <NUM>.

<FIG> also show barbs <NUM>, which are designed to increase the friction of the fixing <NUM> inside the hole, to prevent the fixing <NUM> from easily exiting the hole. The barbs <NUM> will also act as guides if the inside of the hole is non-uniform (such is expected inside masonry for example). The barbs <NUM> may be pressed out of the sheet material when the fixing <NUM> is being manufactured. The barbs <NUM> may be cut out of the material of the fixing, before being bent. The barbs <NUM> may also be coated in a high friction material, to prevent the fixing <NUM> from being easily removed from the hole in the wall. The barbs <NUM> may be of a different form and orientation to those shown in the figures without departing from the invention.

A typical installation of the fixing <NUM> would be to first drill a hole, for example a <NUM> diameter hole with a depth of <NUM>. The cable can then be inserted into the fixing <NUM>. The fixing <NUM> and cable are then inserted into the wall together, resulting in a fixing <NUM> which is attached to the wall, and a cable which is attached to the fixing <NUM>.

The barbs <NUM> may be of any shape which provides increased grip and or friction between the fixing <NUM> and the wall, thereby preventing the fixing <NUM> from inadvertently coming out of the wall. The barbs <NUM> also act as a self-alignment aid to the fixing <NUM>, allowing the fixing <NUM> to proper orientate itself within the hole.

The fixing <NUM> may be manufactured by pressing the fixing <NUM> out of a sheet material, such as sheet metal. The fixing may then be formed by the process of bending the fixing <NUM> in certain locations, to create the finished product. This process results in a product which is easy to manufacture.

<FIG> also shows that the second portion <NUM> comprises a kink <NUM>. This kink <NUM> projects the distal end of the second portion <NUM> in a divergent manner from the proximal end of the second portion <NUM>. This has the advantage of providing a better 'wedge' shape, and providing a larger gap size for the article <NUM> to fit through, when the fixing <NUM> is in the open configuration 100a. The kink may be positioned at any distance along the second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may also comprise a kink. Either portion may comprise more than one kink, to achieve the desired friction effects.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the present invention, showing a plan view of the fixing <NUM> in <FIG>, wherein the fixing <NUM> is laid out flat in a pre-bent form. As seen in the figures the fixing may be pressed from a sheet of steel, resulting in a single elongate member. The sheet of steel may be around <NUM> - <NUM> thick or about <NUM> thick.

The overall length of the fixing <NUM> may be around <NUM> - <NUM> or about <NUM>. The coupling arrangement <NUM> may have a bend diameter of around <NUM> - <NUM> or about <NUM>, to suit, for example, about a <NUM> - <NUM> or about <NUM> diameter cable, or cylindrical article <NUM>. It should be easily anticipated that the fixing <NUM> is scalable to suit other sized articles <NUM> and other sized holes. It should also be appreciated that the barbs <NUM> are merely exemplary, and that they can be of any shape or size.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the present invention according to <FIG>, with a modified and extended coupling arrangement <NUM>. The fixing <NUM> is similar to the fixing shown in <FIG>, however the coupling arrangement <NUM> extends further than the coupling arrangement in the embodiment of <FIG>. This is shown in the top half of the generally circular coupling arrangement <NUM>, extending past the vertical (in an anticlockwise orientation). This results in the coupling arrangement <NUM> engaging with the second portion <NUM> of the elongate member <NUM>, when the fixing <NUM> is in the closed configuration 200b.

The coupling arrangement <NUM> may clip into the end of the second portion <NUM>, thereby further securing the article <NUM> to the fixing <NUM>. Although there is no clip mechanism shown, this should be easily envisaged by a skilled person. Any form of clip, fastener, clasp, catch, pin, hook, loop, coupler may be used to attached the coupling arrangement <NUM> to the end of the second portion <NUM>. The fastening may be a releasable fastening.

The clip or fastener should therefore not be limited to any particular type of fastening, but merely should be construed as a form of fastener which engages the coupling arrangement <NUM> with the end of the second portion <NUM>.

The fixing <NUM> shown in <FIG> may provide a more secure attachment of the article than the fixing shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> show an example embodiment of an insertion device <NUM> according to the present invention, where <FIG> is an elevation view, and <FIG> is a perspective view.

The insertion device <NUM> may comprise a handle <NUM>, which the installer would use to hold the device. The device may also comprise a recess <NUM>, which may be suitable for engaging with the fixing <NUM>/<NUM>. The insertion device <NUM> may be used to aid insertion of the fixings <NUM>/<NUM> into a wall, after the hole has been drilled. The insertion device <NUM> may be particularly useful for inserting the fixings <NUM>/<NUM> where space is limited, and the user's fingers may be too large to access the fixing, for example in the corner of a room, or where the ceiling meets a wall.

The insertion device <NUM> may be sold with the fixings <NUM>/<NUM> as a kit of parts, and may be used in conjunction with the device.

Claim 1:
A fixing (<NUM>) of unitary construction for securing a fibre optic cable to a surface comprising a hole, the fixing (<NUM>) having an open configuration (100a) and a closed configuration (100b), the fixing (<NUM>) comprising;
a coupling arrangement (<NUM>), for coupling the fibre optic cable to the fixing (<NUM>); and
an elongate member (<NUM>) extending from the coupling arrangement (<NUM>);
the elongate member (<NUM>) comprising a bend (<NUM>) which is located substantially midway along the length of the elongate member (<NUM>), the bend (<NUM>) defining a first portion (<NUM>) and second portion (<NUM>) of the elongate member (<NUM>);
wherein the first and second portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) are resiliently biased away from each other, and the first portion (<NUM>) extends between the coupling arrangement (<NUM>) and the bend (<NUM>), and the second portion (<NUM>) extends towards the coupling arrangement (<NUM>) from the bend (<NUM>), forming a gap suitable for the fibre optic cable, between the second portion (<NUM>) and the coupling arrangement (<NUM>);
wherein the gap size is adjusted by varying the distance between the first and second portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the elongate member (<NUM>); and
wherein the fixing (<NUM>) comprises barbs (<NUM>) which increase the friction between the fixing (<NUM>) and the hole in the surface; and
wherein the second portion (<NUM>) of the elongate member (<NUM>) comprises a kinked end which is used to prevent the fixing (<NUM>) from being over-inserted into the hole, thus protecting the fibre optic cable from damage via crushing and wherein the second portion (<NUM>) comprises a kink (<NUM>) part-way along the second portion (<NUM>), wherein when the fixing (<NUM>) is in the closed configuration (100b), the kink (<NUM>) abuts the first portion (<NUM>) and thus prevents the fixing (<NUM>) from exerting excess force on the fibre optic cable.