A securing device and a system

Abstract

A securing device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the securing device comprises a body, the body comprising a base and an arm extending from the base, a passageway extending through at least a portion of the arm and between a first opening and a second opening, and wherein the passageway comprises at least one curve which changes a direction of the passageway as it extends between the first opening and the second opening. A securing system and a method for securing an object with respect to a supporting surface using the securing system is also disclosed.

Description

PRIORITY DOCUMENT

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2024900560 titled “A SECURING DEVICE AND A SYSTEM” and filed on 4 March 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a securing device and a securing system. For the purpose of explanation, the present disclosure will be discussed in relation to removably securing an electronic device to a surface such as a wall, a backing plate or a cabinet wall, but its application is not so limited. BACKGROUND

[0003] The mounting of electronic devices, such as a router, power supply module (or adapter) or the like on or within a support structure (such as a wall, board, or cabinet or the like) typically involves the use of fasteners (such as screws) and rigid brackets, clamps or clips which are secured to the support structure by way of the fasteners to hold the bracket, clamp, clip against the device and thereby secure the device to the support structure. In such installations, servicing or replacing the device may require the brackets or clamps to be completely removed to release the device, thus requiring the removal of the fasteners using appropriate tools.

[0004] Furthermore, in some installations, airflow to the electronic device must be maintained to avoid overheating of the device, as overheating may be a safety hazard or detrimental to device performance. However, existing securing devices tend to secure the device in direct contact with the support structure thus reducing, or at least restricting, airflow between the device and the support structure.

[0005] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed. SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a securing device comprising a body, the body comprising a base and an arm extending from the base, a passageway extending through at least a portion of the arm and between a first opening and a second opening, and wherein the passageway changes direction between the first opening and the second opening.

[0007] In one form, the passageway is configured to receive a flexible tether extending therethrough.

[0008] In one form, the flexible tether is a zip tie (also known as a cable tie) and the passageway is configured to receive a zip tie.

[0009] In one form, the flexible tether is a strap and the passageway is configured to receive a strap.

[0010] In one form, the flexible tether comprises a hook and loop fastener portion.

[0011] In one form, the passageway comprises a slotted cross-sectional profile.

[0012] In one form, the flexible tether comprises cord, cable, or rope.

[0013] In one form, the passageway comprises a circular cross-sectional profile.

[0014] In one form, the passageway comprises a turn.

[0015] In one form, the passageway comprises a curve.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a securing device comprising: a body, the body comprising a base and an arm extending from the base, a passageway extending through at least a portion of the arm and between a first opening and a second opening, and wherein the passageway comprises at least one curve which changes a direction of the passageway as it extends between the first opening and the second opening.

[0017] In one form, the passageway extends through a turn subtending a right angle.

[0018] In one form, the passageway extends through a turn subtending an acute angle.

[0019] In one form, the passageway extends through a turn subtending an obtuse angle.

[0020] In one form, the passageway extends through a U-turn.

[0021] In one form, the body comprises a pair of parallel and oppositely directed major faces.

[0022] In one form, the body comprises a plurality of side edges extending between the major faces.

[0023] In one form, the pair of parallel and oppositely directed major faces comprises a front face and a back face of the securing device in use.

[0024] In one form, a first opening to the passageway is positioned in a front face of the body, and a second (i.e. the other) opening to the passageway is positioned in an edge of the body.

[0025] In one form, the first opening to the passageway is positioned in a front face of the arm.

[0026] In one form, the second opening to the passageway is positioned in an edge of the arm.

[0027] In one form, the second opening to the passageway is positioned in an edge of the base.

[0028] In one form, the base comprises a through aperture.

[0029] In one form, the through aperture in the base extends from one of the parallel and oppositely directed faces to the other.

[0030] In use, the through aperture is configured to receive a fixing means.

[0031] In one form, the aperture is counterbored.

[0032] In one form, the aperture is countersunk.

[0033] In one form, the base is circular.

[0034] In one form, the arm extends radially from the base.

[0035] In one form, the passageway comprises a portion which extends radially and then turns into a portion which extends upwardly.

[0036] In one form, the body further comprises a protrusion which extends from the front face thereof.

[0037] In one form, the protrusion protrudes from the body at a distal end of the arm.

[0038] In one form, the protrusion protrudes from the body at a proximal position.

[0039] In one form, the passageway passes through the protrusion.

[0040] In one form, the protrusion comprises one of the openings for the passageway.

[0041] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a securing system comprising: a securing device comprising a body, the body comprising a base and an arm extending from the base, 2025233650   23 Jun 2026 a passageway extending through at least a portion of the arm and between a first opening and a second opening, and wherein the passageway changes direction between the first opening and the second opening; a fixing means for fixing the securing device with respect to a support surface; and a tether element extending through the passageway in the body of the securing device.

[0042] In one form, the fixing means comprises a fastener.

[0043] In one form, the fixing means comprises a double-sided tape.

[0044] In one form, the fixing means comprises an adhesive.

[0045] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for securing an object with respect to a supporting surface using the securing system, the method comprising the steps of: fixing the securing device with respect to the supporting surface with the fixing means; passing the tether through the passageway; securing the object with respect to the securing device with the tether.

[0046] In one form, the method further comprises the step of positioning the object over at least a portion of the front face of the securing device.

[0047] In one form, the method further comprises the step of positioning the object over at least a portion of the front face of the base of the securing device.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a securing system for removably securing an object to a supporting surface, the system comprising: at least one securing device comprising; a body comprising an upright portion, a mounting portion, and a channel extending through a first end of the body to an end of the upright; wherein the body and the upright portion define a landing portion for the object; wherein, in use, the object is supported by the landing portion and is removably secured thereon by a tether passing through the channel and the securing device is secured to the supporting surface by a fixing means. [0048a] Yet another aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure provides a securing device for securing an object to a support surface, the securing device comprising a body, the body comprising: a base; an arm extending radially from the base such that the arm and the base provide a front face of the body; 2025233650   23 Jun 2026 a upright protrusion extending from the front face; and a passageway extending through the body between a first opening in the protrusion and a second opening in an end of the arm, wherein the passageway comprises at least one curve which changes a direction of the passageway as it extends between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein at least a portion of the front face is configured for positioning the object thereon in a spaced apart relationship with the support surface.

[0049] For ease of description, a securing device embodying the present features is described below in an example assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the securing device may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] Forms of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0051] Figures 1 and 4 are isometric views of a securing device according to a first form;

[0052] Figures 2 and 3 are side edge views of the securing device;

[0053] Figures 5 and 6 are front views of the securing device;

[0054] Figure 7 is a back isometric view of the securing device;

[0055] Figures 8 and 11 are isometric views of a securing device according to a second form;

[0056] Figures 9 and 10 are side edge views of the securing device of Figure 8;

[0057] Figures 12 and 13 are front views of the securing device of Figure 8;

[0058] Figure 14 is a back isometric view of the securing device of Figure 8;

[0059] Figure 15 illustrates a securing system comprising the device of Figure 1;

[0060] Figure 16 illustrates a securing system comprising the device of Figure 8; and

[0061] Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of securing systems securing an object to a supporting surface.

[0062] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Referring now to Figures 1 through 7, where there is illustrated a securing device 1 according to one form of this disclosure.

[0064] The securing device 1 comprises a body 2, the body 2 comprises a base 6 and an arm 8 extending from the base 6.

[0065] The body 2 of the securing device 1 comprises a pair of parallel and oppositely directed major faces 2a and 2b. This pair of parallel and oppositely directed major faces comprise a front face 2a and a back face 2b of the securing device 1 when it is in use. The body 2 further comprises a plurality of side edges extending between the front face 2a and the back face 2b.

[0066] In the illustrated form, the base 6 is circular in cross-section with the form of a squat cylinder, and the arm 8 extends radially from the base 6 with parallel lengthwise extending side edges. In the present case, the base 6 comprises a counterbored through aperture 12. This through aperture 12 is configured to receive a fixing means 40, being a fastener in this case. In certain embodiments, the aperture may be configured to receive the fastener so that a head of the fastener does not extend out of the aperture 12. The arm 8 comprises a rectilinear cross-sectional shape.

[0067] The body 2 further comprises a protrusion 14 which extends from the front face 2a thereof. In this illustrated form, the protrusion 14 protrudes from the body 2 at a distal end (i.e. distant from the base 6) of the arm 8. The protrusion 14 comprises a rectilinear cross-sectional shape.

[0068] A passageway 20 extends through at least a portion of the arm 8 and between a first opening 22 and a second opening 24. The passageway 20 comprises a slotted cross-sectional shape. The passageway 20 includes a curve in its path, which changes its direction as it extends between the first opening 22 and the second opening 24.

[0069] The passageway 20 extends lengthwise through the arm 8, curves, and extends lengthwise through the protrusion 14 to first opening 22 in an end of the protrusion 14. Second opening 24 at the other end of the passageway 20 breaks through into the counterbored through aperture 12 in the base 6. The passageway 20 is continued by inclusion of an aperture 30 through a sidewall of the base 6 on an opposing side of the counterbored through aperture 12.

[0070] Referring now to Figure 15, in use, the securing device 1 can be secured to a desired support surface using a fixing means 40. The support surface could be, but need not be limited to, a wall, a bench top or desktop (or underside thereof), a backing plate, or an interior of a cabinet. The fixing means 40 might comprise one of more of a suitable fastener (i.e. suited to the support surface material) driven through aperture 12, or a double-sided tape or an adhesive applied on the back face 2b of the body 2. A tether 50 can then be passed through the passageway 20, looped around an object, thereby the object being secured with respect to the securing device 1. The curve aids the passing of the tether 50 through the passageway 20.

[0071] The securing device 1 illustrated in the figures comprises a passageway 20 which is configured to receive the tether 50 in the form of a flat strip element (but may be otherwise configured), such as a zip or cable tie, or a strip of fabric, optionally carrying strips of hook and loop fastener. This arrangement of securing device 1, fixing means 40 and tether 50 will now be referred to as a securing system 100 for ease of reference, as illustrated in Figure 15.

[0072] Where the object to be secured is something of small size and or section, like electrical or data cable or a string of lights, the tether 50 might take the form of a single zip tie or a short length of hook and loop fastener type strap which is passed through the passageway 20 of the securing device 1. The tether 50 can be looped and secured to itself. A plurality of securing systems 100 comprising the securing device 1 can be employed and spaced apart as required to support the object.

[0073] Where the object to be secured is something larger, such as, but not limited to, a router, a power supply module (or adapter), a game console, a speaker or a soundbar, a plurality of securing systems 100 can be spaced apart around the footprint of the object, once the fasteners 40 or other fixings are applied, the object can be positioned over a portion of the front face 2a of the base 6 of plural securing devices 1, thereby concealing the fasteners 40. Additionally, the securing device 1 further provides a support base for the object that spaces it apart from the support surface. This space may be invaluable for ensuring airflow around and behind electrical devices, where cooling fans are commonly located. In this arrangement, only the protrusions 14 of devices 1, and the tethers 50 extending therefrom, will be visible as they extend around edges of the object.

[0074] Once positioned between the securing systems 100, tethers 50 extending from oppositely positioned securing devices 1 can be connected over and or around the object to secure it in position on the support surface. If the object needs to be separated from the support surface, the tethers 50 can be disconnected.

[0075] Reverting to the example of an electronics module such as a router 200, and with reference to Figure 17, a plurality of securing systems 100, each comprising a securing device 1 and tethers 50 of hook and loop fastener strap in this case, can be employed to secure the router 200 with respect to a support surface 220, which might be any one of a wall, a shelf, a backing plate, or an interior of a cabinet positioned at a suitable elevated and central location. The router 200 will hide the fixing means 40 and a significant portion of each of the securing devices 1, and be supported with an airspace 230 between it and the support surface 220. While not illustrated, power and data cables associated with the router 200 can also be routed and secured with securing systems 100.

[0076] Referring now to Figures 8 through 14, where there is illustrated a securing device 1A according to a further form of this disclosure. Those parts of the securing device 1A which are identical (or nearidentical) to corresponding parts shown in securing device 1 of Figures 1 through 7, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0077] In securing device 1A, the protrusion 14 protrudes from the body 2 at a proximal position on the body 2. That is, the protrusion 14 divides the front face 2a (ref. Figures 11 and 12) into two portions, one either side thereof.

[0078] The passageway 20 extends lengthwise through the arm 8 from an opening 24 in its distal end, curves, and extends lengthwise through the protrusion 14 to an opening 22 in an end of the protrusion 14.

[0079] As before, in use, the securing device 1A can be secured to a desired support surface. The support surface could be, but need not be limited to, a wall, a bench top or desktop, a backing plate, or an interior of a cabinet. Fixing means 40 could be a suitable fastener (i.e. suited to the support surface material) driven through aperture 12, or a double-sided tape or an adhesive applied on the back face 2b of the body 2. A tether 50 can then be passed through the passageway 20, looped around the object, thereby being secured with respect to the securing device 1A.

[0080] The arrangement of securing device 1A, fixing means 40 and tether 50 will now be referred to as a securing system 100A for ease of reference, as illustrated in Figure 16.

[0081] Where the object to be secured is something larger, such as, but not limited to, a router, a modem, a game console, a speaker or a soundbar, a plurality of securing systems 100A can be spaced apart around the object. Once the fasteners 40 or other fixings are applied, the object can be positioned over either portion of the front face 2a of the base of each securing device 1A. If the base 6 side of the front face 2a is chosen, the object will conceal the base 6 and the fastener 40. If the other side of the front face 2a to base 6 is chosen, then the base and the fastener will be visible, which may be desirable in some instances for accessibility purposes. For example, by selecting base 6 side of the front face 2a is chosen, the object will conceal the base 6 and the fastener 40.

[0082] It is also possible that securing device 1A could be used in combination with securing device 1 to secure an object to a desired supporting surface. When used in this combination, securing device 1 is secured to a supporting surface by a fastener 40 or other fixing, and the object is positioned over the front face 2a of the securing device 1 thereby concealing the fasteners 40. Securing device 1A is then located underneath an opposite edge of the object so that the object is positioned or held on the front face 2a of the securing device 1A. In this arrangement, the base 6 of the securing device 1A will be accessible to receive a fastener 40 whilst the object is in place. An advantage of this arrangement is that the securing device 1A may be located at a desired spacing relative to securing device 1 without a need to perform measurements of the object. That is to say, the spacing between the securing devices 1, 1A is determined using the object to be supported across the securing devices 1, 1A. Once the securing devices 1, 1A are in place, tether 50 can then be passed through the passageway 20 of each securing device 1, 1A and looped around the object, thereby securing the object with respect to the securing devices 1, 1A.

[0083] Securing devices according to the present disclosure might be manufactured by 3D printing or injection moulding (such as by moulding in two halves which are joined). A further, albeit less suitable option, could be casting. Material of manufacture could be any suitable for manufacture by any of the WO 2025 / 184693                                   PCT / AU2025 / 050192 9 aforementioned processes. A most likely choice of material is an engineering plastic, such as, but not limited to, any of polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and polyethylene.

[0084] To recap, advantages of the present disclosure include: a. Provides a small stand-off distance between supporting surface and object providing airspace for airflow behind object, especially useful where object is active electrical equipment. b. Internal bend re-directs tether enabling quick installation. c. Securing device provides support ledge to rest equipment upon, transferring load onto the securing device instead of the tether. d. Provides the ability to CNC locate the devices for quick location and production of manufactured boards or backing plates. e. Versatility to fix cables, hardware or anything with a screw fixing to any support surface. f. Once the screw is fixed, objects can be quickly swapped out by simply undoing the tether and replacing the object as the securing devices would be perfectly placed from previous installation.

[0085] The securing device and system disclosed herein can be utilised in countless applications. They can be used to create fast and effective, but readily reversible, securement. When used to secure electronic devices, a salient feature is the airspace provided under the electronic device. Moreover, aesthetics are improved by use of the object being secured to provide concealment for the device and fixings.

[0086] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0087] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0088] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and / or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable 10 combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0089] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and / or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A securing device for securing an object to a support surface, the securing device comprisinga body, the body comprising:a base;an arm extending radially from the base such that the arm and the base provide a front face of the body;a upright protrusion extending from the front face;a passageway extending through the body between a first opening in the protrusion and a second opening in an end of the arm, andwherein the passageway comprises at least one curve which changes a direction of the passageway as it extends between the first opening and the second opening, and wherein at least a portion of the front face is configured for positioning the object thereon in a spaced apart relationship with the support surface.

2. The securing device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a pair of parallel and oppositelydirected major faces, one of which is the front face and the other of which is a back face of the body.

3. The securing device of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a plurality of side edgesextending between the major faces.

4. The securing device of claim 1, wherein the first opening is positioned in a front face of theprotrusion and the second opening to the passageway is positioned in an edge of the end of the arm.

5. The securing device as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion protrudesfrom the body at a distal end of the arm relative to the base.

6. The securing device as in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protrusion protrudes from thebody at a proximal end of the arm relative to the base.

7. The securing device as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises acircular cross-section shape.

8. The securing device as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base comprises athrough aperture configured to receive a fixing means for securing the securing device with respect to the support surface.2025233650   23 Jun 20269.      The securing device of claim 8, wherein the through aperture is a counterbored throughaperture, wherein the counterbore of the counterbored through aperture extends downwardly from the front face and is sized for receiving a head of the fixing means.

10. A securing device according to claim 9, wherein the second opening breaks through into the counterbore, and wherein the passageway continues through an aperture in a sidewall of the base on an opposing side of the counterbored through aperture.

11. A securing device according to claim 10, wherein, in use, when the head of the fastening means is received in the counterbore, the head is located below the continuation of the passageway.

12. The securing device as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passageway extends through a turn subtending a right angle.

13. The securing device as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passageway comprises a slotted cross-sectional profile for receiving a tether.

14. A securing system comprising:at least one securing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13;a respective fixing means for fixing each at least one securing device with respect to a support surface; anda tether element for extending through the passageway in the body of each at least one securing device.

15. A method for securing an object with respect to a support surface using the securing system of claim 14, the method comprising the steps of:fixing a first securing device of the system with respect to the support surface with a first fixing means;fixing a second securing device of the system with respect to the support surface with a second fixing means;passing the tether element through the passageway of each of the first and second securing devices;positioning the object so that it is supported across at least a portion of the front face of the first securing device and at least a portion of the front face of the second securing device; and securing the object with respect to the first and second securing devices with the tether.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the object is positioned over the base of each of the first and second securing devices.2025233650   23 Jun 202617. The method of claim 15, wherein the object is positioned over the base of the first securing device but not over the base of the second securing device so that the fixing means of the second securing device is not concealed by the object.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the object, when positioned over the base of the first or second securing device, conceals the fixing means.

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the object is supported in a spaced-apart relationship with the support surface to provide a space for airflow below the object.

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