Support apparatus and method of use and / or manufacture thereof

Abstract

A support apparatus 2 for supporting or housing at least part of one or more cables in use. The support apparatus 2 comprises a body portion 18, at least one channel 14 defined in the body portion 18 for location of at least part of the at least one cable in use. A closure means 24 is suitable for selectively closing an opening 16 of the at least one channel 14. A clearance means is provided on and / or associated with the support apparatus 2 for allowing the clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from one or more surfaces of the support apparatus 2 in use. The clearance means may include a sloped and / or angled surface which is arranged so as to allow water, liquid, dirt and / or debris to flow or move under gravity in use towards a base 18 and / or outlet 36 of the support apparatus 2 in use.

Description

This invention relates to support apparatus for supporting a cable or electrical cable in use and to a method of use and / or manufacture of said support apparatus. Although the following description refers almost exclusively to support apparatus for supporting or housing at least part of an electric car recharge cable in use, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the support apparatus of the present invention could be used to contain or house at least part of any suitable cable, conduit, wiring and / or the like, such as for example, an internet cable, a telephone cable, a fibre optic cable and / or the like, for any purpose. The use of rechargeable electric cars is becoming increasingly common. The batteries used in rechargeable electric cars have to be regularly recharged. Many electric car owners recharge their electric car on a private driveway. The car owner will therefore typically be aware of the car being charged and / or will arrange the electric recharging lead so as not to cause a trip hazard to themselves and / or any third party that may use their private driveway. However, many electric car owners do not have private driveways on which to park and recharge their car and so will need to recharge their electric car while it is parked on a public roadway close to their home. Conventionally, this has resulted in the electric recharge lead being located across a public pedestrian walkway, pavement and / or roadway. As other road and / or pavement users may not be aware of the presence of the electric recharge lead, it can cause a trip hazard to passers-by and / or can act as an obstacle or obstruction for bicycles, pushchairs, wheelchairs, the blind or partially sighted and / or the like. In an attempt to overcome this problem, it is known to provide support apparatus for location of part of an electrical recharging lead therein that is recessed in the road and / or pavement. By recessing the support apparatus, this helps to reduce the trip hazard and obstruction to road / pavement users. For example, WO2019 / 016531 discloses a duct comprising a plurality of duct portions joined together in an end to end manner and having a passage defined through the same for receiving part of an electric cable in use. The duct is recessed within a ground surface in use. It is an aim of the present invention to provide alternative support apparatus. It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using and / or manufacturing support apparatus. It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide cable support apparatus and / or to a method of using and / or manufacturing cable support apparatus. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided support apparatus for supporting or housing at least part of one or more cables in use, said support apparatus comprising a body portion, at least one channel defined in said body portion for the location of at least part of the at least one cable in use, and closure means for selectively closing an opening of said at least one channel, and wherein clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the support apparatus for allowing the clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from one or more surfaces of the support apparatus in use. The Applicants have realised that a problem with existing cable support apparatus is that dirt, debris, liquid and / or water can accumulate in or on the apparatus 111 use. This can result in pooling of water, which is undesirable, particularly when adjacent to electrical cables. In addition, a build-up of dirt and / or debris on the apparatus or within the at least one channel can make it a difficult and messy task to locate and / or remove the cable or cable part from the at least one channel in use. Furthermore, the dirt, liquid, water and / or debris can prevent or hinder movement of the closure means between open and closed positions in use and can prevent the closure means from sitting flat with an engaging surface with which it is located when in a closed position. This can cause the closure means to protrude slightly upwardly from the engaging surface, thereby representing a trip hazard in use. The Applicants have therefore provided a modified support apparatus that has clearance means to allow automatic clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from the apparatus in use. Furthermore, the support apparatus provides a simple, cost effective and easy to manufacture arrangement that overcomes many of the problems associated with the prior art. Preferably the closure means are arranged to move between an open position, wherein a user can gain access to the at least one channel, and a closed position, wherein a user is prevented from gaining access to the at least one channel. Preferably at least part of a cable can be located and / or removed from the at least one channel when the closure means is in an open position. Preferably the closure means are provided at or adjacent a top surface of the apparatus and is arranged such that the closure means are flush, substantially flush, recessed or slightly recessed with respect to an upper surface of the support apparatus and / or a pavement, walkway, roadway or ground surface in which the support apparatus is located in use. This prevents the closure means from being a trip hazard or obstacle io a user of the pavement, walkway, roadway or ground surface in use. In one embodiment the closure means are movably mounted to at least part of the support apparatus in use. In one embodiment the closure means can be placed in or on the support apparatus to provide the closed position and can be completely removed from the support apparatus to provide the open position. In one embodiment the closure means are slidably, htngedly, bendably, rotatably and / or pivotably mounted to at least part of the support apparatus in use. In one embodiment the closure means is rigid or substantially rigid. In one embodiment the closure means is flexible or substantially flexible. For example, at least part of the closure means could be sufficiently flexible to allow the same to be bent / flexed between the open and closed positions in use. Preferably at least part of the closure means is engaged or movably mounted to at least part of the support apparatus by fixing means. Preferably the fixing means includes any or any combination of one or more screws, nuts, bolts, clips, adhesive, welding, mtenengaging members, hinges, pivots, ties, clips, protruding members, recesses, VELCRO (hook and loop fastening) and / or the like. Preferably the closure means is any member or device which can close an opening or the at least one channel in use and / or is in the form of or includes a flap or door member. Preferably the closure means, or at least an outer surface of the closure means, is planar or substantially planar. Preferably the closure means is planar or substantially planar at least in a part that engages with a surface of the support apparatus when in a closed position in use (and further preferably opposite to a part where the closure means is joined or mounted to the support apparatus). Preferably the closure means is formed from, consists of or includes a plate, a plate like material, a sheet, or a sheet like material. In one embodiment the closure means can be formed from or include plastic, metal, rubber, polyurethane, wood and / or the like. Preferably the at least one channel is in the form of a cable tray. Preferably the at least one channel is elongate, substantially elongate, linear or substantially linear in form. Preferably the at least one channel runs the entire length or substantially the entire length of the support apparatus. Preferably a longitudinal axis of the at least one channel is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support apparatus. Preferably the opening of the at least one channel through which a user inserts or removes at least part of the cable in use is provided with a longitudinal axis that is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support apparatus. Preferably the at least one channel is U-shaped, substantially U-shaped, V-shaped or substantially V-shaped in form. However, the at least one channel can have any suitable shape, design and / or dimensions as required. In one embodiment the at least one channel includes a base and at least one side wall, and further preferably opposing side walls. Preferably the at least one opening is defined between upper edges of the two opposing side walls. Preferably the opposing side walls protrude upwardly and / or outwardly from the base of the at least one channel. Preferably the at least one opening to the channel is provided opposite or substantially opposite to the base of the channel. Thus, in one example, the closure means is provided substantially opposite the base of the channel. In one embodiment a further opening is provided at an end of the channel or at both ends of the channel. Preferably this further opening is in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane of the at least one opening of the channel. In one embodiment the support apparatus comprises one or more closure surfaces on which the closure means is provided on, movably mounted to, associated with and / or engages with in use. In one embodiment the clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the one or more closure surfaces. Preferably the clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the closure means and / or a closure surface with which the closure means engages with and / or is movably mounted in use. In one embodiment the clearance means forms at least part of, are provided on and / or associated with one or more surfaces at least partly defining the at least one channel. For example, the clearance means could include one or more angled or sloped surfaces which allow dirt, liquid, water and / or debris to flow over or move under gravity in use. In one embodiment the at least one channel includes at least a base and one or more side walls. Preferably the clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the base and / or one or more side walls. In one embodiment the clearance means is a sloped and / or angled surface, such as a sloped or angled base or side wall. Preferably the slope and / or angle of the clearance means is such so as to allow water, liquid, dirt and / or debris to flow or move over under gravity in use towards a base and / or outlet of the support apparatus. Preferably the outlet comprises an open end of the channel and / or one or more outlet apertures defined in the support apparatus. Preferably a slope or angle of the clearance means and / or base wall of the at least one channel is approximately 1-2 degrees + / -0.5 degrees to a horizontal or vertical axis. In one embodiment the support apparatus and / or the at least one channel includes drainage means for allowing water, liquid, dirt and / or debris to flow or move out of the apparatus in use. In one embodiment the one or more side walls of the at least one channel or the one or more closure surfaces include an outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion on which at least part of the closure means engages with when in a closed position in use. For example, a free end or edge of the closure means could engage with the closure surface, protruding flange or shoulder portion when in a closed position in use. In one embodiment the closure surface, outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion is provided on the side wall opposite to the side wall with which the closure means is movably mounted. In one embodiment each opposing side wall of the at least one channel include a closure surface, an outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion. Preferably the closure means is movably mounted on one of the closure surfaces, outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion and at least part of the closure means engages with the other closure surface, outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion when the closure means is in a closed position in use. In one embodiment opposing closure surfaces, outwardly protruding flanges or shoulder portions are of the same or similar shape, design and / or dimensions, or they could be of different shape, design and / or dimensions. Preferably the one or more closure surfaces, the outwardly protruding flange(s) or shoulder portion(s) are provided a predetermined spaced distance below a top edge of the one or more side walls and / or support apparatus. This allows the closure means to be provided flush, substantially flush or slightly recessed with respect to a top edge of the body portion when in a closed position tn use. In one embodiment the one or more closure surfaces, the outwardly protruding flange(s) or shoulder portion(s) is a continuous or substantially continuous surface. In one embodiment the one or more closure surfaces, the outwardly protruding flange(s) or shoulder portion(s) is a non-continuous surface. In one embodiment the clearance means includes one or more teeth members or outwardly protruding members that are arranged a spaced distance apart on or form part of the closure surface(s), the shoulder portion(s) or outwardly protruding flange (s). Preferably an upper surface of the one or more teeth members or outwardly protruding members act as the engaging surface for at least part of the closure means when in the closed position in use. Preferably a plurality of teeth members or protruding members are provided and the size, shape and / or design of one or more of the members can be the same, substantially the same or different to one or more other of the members. Preferably the spaces between the teeth members or outwardly protruding members is such that water, dirt and debris can fall between the same and into the at least one channel. The ability for the dirt to be removed from the closure surface(s) or engaging surface of the closure means allows the closure means to sit flat or in complementary engagement with the clearance means when in a closed position in use. This prevents the closure means from protruding in an upwardly direction and becoming a trip hazard to road or pavement users in use. In one embodiment the teeth members or protruding members are spaced at equ-distances apart. However, they could be spaced at different distances apart if required. In one embodiment the at least one channel is defined centrally or substantially centrally of the body portion. However, the at least one channel could be provided off centre of the body portion if required. In one embodiment a single channel is defined in the support apparatus only. In one embodiment more than one channel could be defined in the support apparatus. For example, two or more channels could be defined in the apparatus to hold two or more separate cables or cable parts therein. Preferably a longitudinal axis of the at least one channel is provided parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support apparatus. In one embodiment an end or both ends of the channel is an open end(s). This allows the cable to enter and / or exit from the support apparatus in use. Preferably the upper surface of the clearance means, closure surface, teeth member or outwardly protruding members is angled towards the base of the at least one channel. This helps to allow water, liquid, dirt and / or debris to move from the upper surface in use. For example, rain falling on the same would allow rain water to flow over the upper surface and clean the same of dirt and / or debris in use. In addition, or alternatively, use of the product (i.e. by a user moving a cable into and out of the channel portion causing a vibratory and / or brushing movement) will also result in movement of dirt and / or debris from the clearance measure, closure surface, teeth member or outwardly protruding members into the at least one channel in use. Preferably the space between the teeth member or outwardly protruding members has a narrowing taper from the free end of the teeth member or outwardly protruding members to the side wall defining the at least one channel. Preferably the teeth member or outwardly protruding members have a narrowing taper from the end joined to or integral with the side wall of the at least one channel to a free end of the same. This ensures the widest surface area available for engaging with a part of the closure means while allowing the largest space between the teeth or outwardly protruding members for water, dirt and / or debris to move between the same. Preferably a wall defining the spaces between the teeth member or outwardly protruding members is sloped or angled towards the base of the at least one channel. Preferably the slope or angle of the teeth members or outwardly protruding members or base of the space between the teeth members is approximately 1-2 degrees + / -0.5 degrees to a horizontal or vertical axis, but could be 1-45 degrees for example. In one embodiment the body portion of the support apparatus has a base which is typically located on a surface or ground surface in use, and further preferably is located in a groove or recess formed in a ground surface in use. Preferably the dimensions and / or surface area of the base of the support apparatus is greater than the dimensions and / or surface area of the base wall of the at least one channel. This provides a relatively large stable surface on which to support the support apparatus in use. For example the base of the support apparatus could be at least double the width of the base of the at least one channel. In one embodiment at least part of one or more external side walls of the body portion of the support apparatus are arranged to be back filled and / or covered in earth or material in use, thereby allowing the support apparatus to be anchored in the ground tn use. In one embodiment the body portion of the support apparatus includes one or more external side walls that are provided at an angle, concave, inwardly curved or that are sloped relative to the base of the body portion. For example, the one or more external side walls can be arranged at an acute angle with respect to the base of the body portion. Preferably the acute angle of the external side walls is between 0-45 degrees. Preferably a transverse cross section of the support apparatus has a narrowing taper from the base of the body portion to a top or top edge of the body portion. Preferably the at least one channel is provided at or towards a top of the body portion of the support apparatus. Preferably the support apparatus is arranged such that a top edge of the body portion and / or at least one channel is flush with or substantially flush with a ground surface in use. Preferably a groove or recess is defined in a ground surface in use and the support apparatus is located in the same, such that a base of the support surface sits tn or abuts a base of the groove or recess. Preferably a longitudinal axis of the support apparatus is arranged to be located transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a pavement or walkway in use. In one embodiment attachment means are provided on and / or associated with the body portion for allowing attachment or detachable attachment of the support apparatus to a surface or ground surface in use. Preferably the attachment means can include any or any combination of one or more posts, bolts, nuts, screws, pins, inter-engaging members, apertures, recesses, anchors, welding, adhesive and / or the like. In one embodiment one or more removable covers or caps can be provided over, with and / or associated with the attachment means to cover the same in use. Preferably the attachment means are provided on and / or associated with the one or more sloped, concave, inwardly curved or angled side walls. In one embodiment an end of the support apparatus is sized and / or shaped to match or substantially match a kerb with which the support apparatus may abut with in use. Preferably the support apparatus is elongate or substantially elongate in form. Preferably the support apparatus is linear or substantially linear in form. In one embodiment the support apparatus is 2m in length. In one embodiment the support apparatus is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical in form. However, it could be asymmetrical in form. In one example the support apparatus is arranged to be of the same length or substantially the same length as a pavement in which the support apparatus is located or recessed in, in use. In one embodiment one or more grooves or cut marks can be defined on one or more side walls of the body portion to allow a user to easily cut the support apparatus to a required length in use. Preferably the one or more grooves or cut marks are provided at predetermined spaced distances apart on the support apparatus, thereby allowing the support apparatus to be cut to a required length without a user having to accurately measure the same in use. For example, the one or more grooves or cut marks could be provided at spaced apart intervals along a longitudinal axis of the support apparatus. Preferably the support apparatus is formed from or includes a rubber material, a mouldable material, recycled rubber or plastic material and / or the like. In one embodiment the body portion of the support apparatus is formed or moulded as a single piece. In one embodiment strengthening means are provided in and / or associated with the support apparatus. Preferably the strengthening means provide rigidity and / or stability to the support apparatus in use. Preferably the strengthening means includes one or more rigid or substantially rigid members. For example, the strengthening means can include one or more metal rods that are located through the support apparatus. Preferably one or more channels are defined through the support apparatus for the location of the strengthening means in use. Preferably a longitudinal axis of the cable is placed in the channel and parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel in use. Preferably the cable is an electrical cable, wiring, a car recharge cable, a WIFI or Internet cable, a fibre optic cable and / or the like. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using support apparatus according to claim 1, said method including the steps of preparing a recess in a ground surface and locating the body portion of the support apparatus in the recess, moving the closure means to an open position; locating at least part of one or more cables through the opening of the at least one channel to support or house the cable parts in said at least one channel, and moving the closure means from the open position to the closed position, and wherein clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the support apparatus and are arranged for allowing the clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from one or more surfaces of the support apparatus in use. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method ofmanufacturing support apparatus for supporting or housing at least part of one or more cables in use, said method including the steps of providing a body portion for the support apparatus, defining at least one channel in said body portion for the location of at least part of the at least one cable in use, providing closure means for selectively closing an opening of said at least one channel, and providing clearance means with the support apparatus for allowing the clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from one or more surfaces of the support apparatus tn use. According to further aspects of the present invention there is provided electric cable support apparatus and / or a method of using and / or manufacturing electric cable support apparatus. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of support apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows how a stone or grit could prevent the closure means from sitting flat on the support apparatus of the present invention without clearance means being provided on the closure surfaces in some embodiments; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with the closure means in a partially open position; Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with the closure means removed (i.e. an open position) and the closure means in place (i.e. a closed position) respectively; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the full support apparatus in figure 1 in one example with the closure means removed; Figures 8 and 9 show a perspective view and an enlarged partial perspective view of support apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention respectively with the closure means removed; and Figure 10 shows a perspective view of support apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention in which two cable support channels are provided, with the closure means removed. Referring firstly to figure 1, there is shown part of support apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The support apparatus is typically for the location of an electric car recharging cable therein in use. However, the support apparatus could be used as a conduit for the location of any wiring, cabling, elongate member and / or the like. In this embodiment, the support apparatus 2 is arranged for location in a dug out recess in a ground or pavement surface so as to recess the support apparatus 2 at or below the level of the ground or pavement surface in use. This prevents the support apparatus and / or an electric car charging cable from being a trip hazard or obstacle to pavement users. The support apparatus 2 comprises a body portion having a base surface 4 which is located on a base of the dug-out recess in use. Opposing external side walls 6, 8 protrude outwardly from the base surface 4 and are sloped inwardly towards opposing top edges 10,12 of the support apparatus respectively. A channel 14 is defined towards the top of the support apparatus 2 and an opening 16 for the channel 14 is defined at the top of support apparatus 2. Thus, opening 16 of channel 14 is provided opposite to base surface 4 of the support apparatus. The channel 14 has a base 18 and opposing side walls 20, 22 and is U-shaped in this example. The side walls 20, 22 extend upwardly from base 18 to the top edges 10, 12 of the support apparatus. Closure means in the form of a flap 24 is provided for selectively closing the opening 16 in use. The flap, in this example, is sufficiently flexible to allow the flap to be flexed or bent between a closed position, as shown in figure 1, and an open position (not shown). However, the closure means could be a flexible or rigid closure member 204 that can be located in place over the opening 16 of channel 14 and sit in position without any fixing means or by using a friction fit, as shown in figures 5 and 6. When the flap is in a closed position, access to the channel 14 is prevented. When the flap is in an open position, the channel 14 can be accessed and an electric car recharge cable can be located in and / or removed from the channel 14. The flap 24 is fixed to a side wall of the channel 14 at spaced apart intervals along the same using fixing means. In the illustrated example, the fixing means are screws 26 but any suitable fixing means could be used as required. More particularly, closure surfaces 28, 30 are defined m the channel 14 and are recessed a spaced distance cd’ below the top edges 10, 12 respectively. The closure surfaces 28,30 are associated with the closure flap 24 and take the form of a shoulder portion protruding into the channel 14. Closure surface 30 provides a surface to which the flap 24 is screwed to or can be located on in use. Closure surface 28 provides a surface for which part 32 of the closure flap 24 engages with when in a closed position in use. The part of the closure flap 24 that engages with closure surface 28 is opposite to closure surface 30. In the illustration, closure surface 28 has smaller dimensions to closure surface 30. However, this does not need to be the case and closure surface 28 could have the same, similar or larger dimensions to closure surface 30. The distance ‘d’ is such that a top surface 34 of flap 24 sits flush with top edges 10, 12 or is slightly recessed below top edges 10,12. This reduces the likelihood of flap 24 being a trip hazard or creating an obstacle for pavement users. In accordance with the present invention, clearance means are provided with the support apparatus for allowing the clearance of liquid, water, dirt and / or debris from the apparatus in use. In this example, the clearance means includes providing base 18 with an incline towards a free open end 36 of the channel 14. The incline can be any suitable angle to allow liquid, water, dirt and / or debris to flow under gravity towards the free open end 36 in use. This prevents the build-up of water in the channel 14. It also allows the channel 14 to be manually washed out to help remove dirt and debris from the same. For example, a user could pour water into the channel to wash it out. Attachment means in the form of apertures 38 are defined in the external side walls 6, 8 of the support apparatus 2 to allow anchors or bolts to be located through the same to anchor the support apparatus 2 to a ground surface. However, this is an optional feature and the side walls do not need to have attachment means provided on the same in some embodiments, as shown in figures 3-6, 8 and 9. Grooves 40 can be provided at spaced apart intervals along a base edge 42 of the support apparatus 2 to provide pre-determined spaced apart cut marks to allow a user to easily cut the support apparatus to a required length in use. In one embodiment strengthening means in the form of metal rods can be located through the body portion of the support apparatus 2. This helps to provide the apparatus with rigidity and stability in use. The strengthening means in one example can be located such that a longitudinal axis of the strengthening means is provided parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support apparatus. Thus, in use, a user digs up the pavement and provides a recess tn which the support apparatus 2 can be located. The depth of the dug-out recess is such that when the support apparatus is located in the recess, the top edges 10, 12 of the apparatus are flush or substantially flush with a top surface of the surrounding pavement. The support apparatus 2 is anchored into position in the dug-out recess via attachment apertures 38 and anchors (not shown). The external side walls 6, 8 of the support apparatus are then back filled so that only the top edges 10,12 of the channel 14 and the channel 14 itself are visible and accessible from the pavement. One potential problem with this embodiment is that grit and dirt can build up on closure surface 28. This can prevent the closure flap 34 from sitting flat on surface 28 when in a closed position, as shown in figure 3. Any protrusion of the closure flap from the flat position, as shown by arrow 206 in figure 3, could result in a trip hazard to a pavement user. In order to help overcome this problem, a further embodiment of the support apparatus 102 present invention can be provided, as shown in figures 2, 8 and 9. The same reference numerals have been used to describe the same features in all the figures as for figure 1. In the embodiments shown in figures 2, 8 and 9, clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the closure surfaces 28 and / or 30. Thus, rather than providing a continuous closure surface 28 on which the part 32 of the flap 34 engages when in a closed position, closure surface 28 has spaces defined therein at intervals to form a plurality of teeth members 104 with spaces 106 therebetween. The spaces allow grit, debris, liquid and / or water to move or flow from the closure surface 28 and into channel 14. In the illustrated example in figure 2, the teeth members 104 have a narrowing taper from side wall 20 towards free end 108. This provides the largest surface area for the flap 34 to engage with while providing the maximum space for dirt, debris and liquid to move through. Furthermore, the teeth members 104 can be provided with a downward slope towards base 18 of channel 14 to allow any dirt or liquid falling on the same to move under gravity towards the base 18 of channel 14. The bottom walls defining the spaces 106 can also be sloped in a downward direction towards the base 18 of channel 14 to allow any dirt or liquid falling on the same to move under gravity towards the base 18 of channel 14. The teeth members 104 can be provided spaced equidistance apart or can be provided at different spaced distances apart. Teeth members 208 can also be provided on closure surface 30 if required, as shown in figures 8 and 9. The teeth members 208 in this example are a different shape, dimension and design to the teeth members 104 on closure surface 28. However, the teeth members on the closure surfaces 28, 30 could be of the same or similar shape, dimensions and / or design if required. Closure means can sit on the closure surfaces 28, 30 by simply locating the closure means in position on the same or the closure means could be movably mounted on or adjacent the closure surfaces 28,30 as required. The slope or angle of the side walls 6, 8 could extend to the top edges 10, 12 of the support apparatus. Alternatively, a lower part of the side walls 6, 8 could be provided with a first sloped or angled surface and an upper part of the side walls 6, 8 leading towards the top edges 10, 12 could be provided with a second sloped or angled surface or could be arranged in a vertical orientation and / or perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the top edge 10, 12 or a horizontal axis. This second embodiment is shown in figures 3-9. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of the support apparatus 2 in which two cable support channels 14,14’ are defined. The support channels 14,14’ are provided a spaced distance apart and a longitudinal axis of each channel is parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Each support channel can hold one or more cables or electrical cables as required. Each support channel 14, 14’ has an opening at a top of the apparatus as previously described. In this embodiment the closure means have been removed for clarity purposes. A single closure means could be provided to cover the openings of both channels simultaneously. Thus, the single closure means could be moved between an open position where access to both channels is possible, to a closed position where access to both channels is prevented. Alternatively, each channel can have its own closure means associated with it, thereby allowing each closure means to be independently and separately moved between open and closed positions as required. Each channel can have the same or different features to the adjacent channel as required. It will be appreciated that any or any combination of the features described in the figures could equally apply to any of the embodiments of the present invention and still within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments shown in the figures can be used m combination or independently of each other.

Claims

1. Support apparatus for supporting or housing at least part of one or more cables in use; said support apparatus comprising a body portion, at least one channel defined in the body portion for location of at least part of the at least one cable in use; and closure means for selectively closing an opening of said at least one channel; and wherein clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the support apparatus for allowing the clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from one or more surfaces of the support apparatus in use.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure means are provided at or adjacent a top surface of the support apparatus and are arranged such that an upper surface of the closure means are flush, substantially flush, recessed or slightly recessed with respect to an upper surface of the support apparatus and / or a pavement, walkway, roadway or ground surface in which the support apparatus is located in use.

3. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means is: movably mounted to at least part of the support apparatus; is slidably, hinged, bendably, rotatably and / or pivotably mounted to at least part of the support apparatus; or is placed in or on the support apparatus to provide a closed position and is completely removed from the support apparatus to provide an open position.

4. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel is any or any combination of: elongate, substantially elongate, linear, substantially linear, runs the entire length or substantially the entire length of the support apparatus, is tn the form of a cable tray, is U-shaped, substantially U-shaped, V-shaped, or substantially V-shaped.

5. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one channel has a base and two opposing side walls, and the at least one opening is defined between upper edges of the two opposing side walls and opposite to the base.

6. The support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least a further opening is provided at an end or ends of the at least one channel.

7. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more closure surfaces on which the closure means is provided on, movably mounted, associated with and / or engages with in use.

8. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the one or more closure surfaces, closure means and / or one or more surfaces defining the at least one channel.

9. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the clearance means include a sloped and / or angled surface which is arranged so as to allow water, liquid, dirt and / or debris to flow or move under gravity in use towards a base and / or outlet of the support apparatus in use.

10. The support apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the outlet of the support apparatus includes an open end of the channel, drainage means and / or one or more outlet apertures defined m the support apparatus.

11. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sloped an / or angled surface is the clearance means is 1-2 degrees + / - 0.5 degrees to a horizontal or vertical axis.

12. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more closure surfaces include an outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion on which a part, free end or edge of the closure means engages with in use, the outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion defined on a side wall or on opposing side walls of the at least one channel.

13. The support apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the outwardly protruding flange or shoulder portion is a continuous surface, a substantially continuous surface, a non-continuous surface, or includes one or more teeth members or outwardly protruding members with spaces defined between the same.

14. The support apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the spaces between the one or more teeth members or outwardly protruding members have a narrowing taper from a free end of the teeth members or outwardly protruding members to the side wall defining the at least one channel.

15. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a single channel is defined in the support apparatus only, or two or more channel are defined in the apparatus to hold two or more separate cable or cable parts in use.

16. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the support apparatus includes a base and one or more side walls that are provided at an angle, at an acute angle, at an acute angle between (h 45 degrees, concave, inwardly curved or that are sloped relative to the base of the body portion.

17. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the body portion has a narrowing taper from the base to a top or top edge of the body portion.

18. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein attachment means are provided on and / or associated with the body portion to allow attachment or detachable attachment of the support apparatus to a surface or ground surface in use.

19. The support apparatus according to claim 18, wherein removal covers or caps are provided over, with and / or associated with the attachment means in use.

20. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more grooves or cut marks are defined on one or more side walls of the body portion to allow a user to easily cut the support apparatus to a required length in use.

21. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein it is formed from a rubber material, a mouldable material and / or recycled rubber material.

22. The support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein strengthening means are provided in and / or associated with the support apparatus.

23. The support apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the strengthening means includes one or more rigid or substantially rigid members or one or more metal rods located through the apparatus.

24. A method of using support apparatus according to claim 1, said method including the steps of preparing a recess in a ground surface and locating the body portion of the support apparatus in the recess, moving the closure means to an open position; locating at least part of one or more cables through the opening of the at least one channel to support or house the cable parts in said at least one channel, and moving the closure means from theopen position to the closed position, and wherein clearance means are provided on and / or associated with the support apparatus and are arranged for allowing the clearance of dirt, debris, liquid and / or water from one or more surfaces of the support apparatus in use.

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