Cable gully for an electric vehicle (EV) charging system

Abstract

A cable gully for receiving an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging cable 104, the cable gully extending along a gully axis comprising: a channel body 22 defining a channel that is open along its upward-fac

Description

Field of the Invention The invention relates to a cable gully for use in an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system, and to a method of installing a cable in the cable gully of an EV charging system. Background The transition to EVs represents a pivotal shift in the automotive industry towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. However, EV charging presents new challenges because the public charging network is significantly underdeveloped for supporting the transition to EVs and has not been designed with accessibility for people with disabilities in mind. In locations where owners of electric vehicles do not have off-street parking, it is necessary to run the EV charging cable from the electrical source charging point at the owner’s home (Figure 1a), across the pavement and to the electric vehicle parked on the street for coupling thereto (Figure 1b). To this end, the electrical cable has an electrical source connector for connection to the electrical source, and a vehicle connector for connection to the vehicle. However, left like this, EV charging cables can create trip hazards for pedestrians, and are at risk of being damaged. They also contribute to a cluttered streetscape, resulting in obstacles for wheelchair users and pushchairs. To help with this issue, EV cable gullies have been developed. An EV cable gully is a channel that is typically embedded within the pavement for enclosing the EV cable. Alternatively the gully may be placed on top of the pavement, with short ramps leading over the cable gully. A cable gully is usually arranged to extend between a house and the road and includes a first opening near the house and a second opening near the road / EV. In use, the EV cable extends from the electrical source at the owner’s home, through the EV cable gully and to the EV. To arrange the EV charging cable in the EV cable gully, a user must insert the cable through the top of the EV cable gully (Figure 1c). To this end, the channel of the EV cable gully is open along its upward-facing side, but includes a closure means for closing the channel. In the example of Figure 2a, 2b and 2c, the EV gully defines a groove that extends across the length of the channel, and is provided with brushes that extend across the groove to act as a cover for the groove. The user therefore must push the cable past the brushes (Figure 2d) to insert the EV cable into the EV cable gully (Figure 2e). In the example of Figure 3a, the gully is provided with a single-sided hinged coverthat must be opened by a user to access the channel therebelow. After, the user must push the cable through this opening (Figure 3b) and then close the cover back over so as to enclose the EV cable within the EV cable gully (Figure 3c). Arranging an EV charging cable in such EV cable gullies can be difficult for users with mobility issues, particularly since both bending and dexterity are required to handle move the EV cable and the EV cable gully. It is against this background that the invention has been devised. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the invention resides in a cable gully for receiving an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging cable, the cable gully extending along a gully axis, and comprising: a channel body defining a channel that is open along its upward-facing side, and that defines left and right edges along its upward-facing side that extend parallel to the gully axis; and first and second closure means, wherein each closure means defines an upward-facing surface having first and second free edges that extend parallel to the gully axis. Each closure means is configured for movement between: a closed configuration in which the first free edge of each closure means is adjacent to a respective left or right edge of the channel, and the second free edge of each closure means is adjacent to the second free edge of other closure means, thereby closing the upward-facing side of the channel; and an installation configuration in which the first free edge of each closure means is located outwardly from the respective left or right side edge of channel, and the second free edge of each closure means is spaced away from second free edge of the other closure means, to define an installation opening therebetween, to provide access to the channel. The closure means of the cable gully are thereby configured to open along a central opening, and to move laterally outward (i.e. with a component of movement that is perpendicular to the gully axis and substantially in a horizontal plane). As a result, the closure means can be easily parted to form the installation opening, to allow insertion of the cable. Use of the cable gully is therefore easier, and in particular is feasible for users of limited mobility. The upward-facing surface may be substantially flat, and may be substantially horizontal when the closure means is in the closed configuration and the cable gully is arrange on or in the ground for use. Each closure means may comprise a ramped closure surface opposite the upward-facing surface, the ramped surface being configured to slope downwardly moving from the first edge towards the second edge. The channel body may comprise a ramped channel surface arranged adjacent to each respective left and right edge of the channel. The channel surface may be arranged to slope downwardly moving in an inward direction towards a centre of the channel. Each ramped channel surface may be provided on a protrusion that extends from the respective left or right edge into the channel. The ramped surface on the closure means may define an outer region and an inner region, and the ramped surfaces may be configured such that, when the closure means is in the closed configuration, the outer region of the ramped surface lies in contact with the ramped channel surface, and when the closure means is in the installation configuration, the inner region of the ramped surface lies in contact with the ramped channel surface. The ramped channel surface may be shorter than the ramped surface of the closure means. The ramped surface of the closure means and / or the ramped channel surface may define a curved ramped surface. The curved ramped surface may have a circular curvature, with a radius of curvature that may be greater than a height of the channel. The closure means may comprise: a closure member that defines the closure surface; and a closure support coupled to the closure member. The closure support may be configured to brace against an inner surface of the channel to support the closure member in the closed configuration; The closure support may comprise a support member coupled to the closure member. The support member may define a support surface arranged such that, when the closure means is in the closed configuration, the support surface rests on an inner surface of the channel. The support member may define a lug that projects away from the support member, and the support surface may be defined by a base surface of the lug. The lug may extend at an acute angle from the support member. The closure means and channel body may comprise complementary movement stop features for limiting movement of the closure means relative to the channel body in an upward direction that is perpendicular to the closure surface. The lug of the support member may comprise an upward-facing surface that defines the movement stop feature of the closure means. The channel body may define a base surface of the channel. The channel body may comprise a projection that projects from the base surface of the channel, the projection having a downwardfacing surface that defines the movement stop feature on the channel body. The support member may comprise a strut portion and a connector portion, the connector portion being arranged to connect the strut portion to the closure member. The strut portion may comprise a substantially flat surface that may be configured to lie against an inner side wall of the channel body when the closure means may be in the installation configuration. The connector portion may comprise an elbow feature defining a first member that extends inwardly away from an upper end of the strut portion towards a centre of the channel, and a second member that extends upwardly away from the first member to meet the closure member. The closure member may extend outwardly away from the second member, such that the elbow feature and closure member define a recess therebetween, the recess being shaped to accommodate the protrusion on the channel body when the closure member is in the installation configuration. The cable gully may be configured such that the closure means are urged into the closed configuration. For example, the cable gully may further comprise one or more elastic elements configured to urge each closure means into the closed configuration. The or each elastic element may be configured to act between each closure means and a respective side wall of the cable channel, or between the first and second closure means. Additionally or alternatively, the centre of mass of the closure means may be located such that, when the closure means is displaced away from the closed configuration towards the installation configuration, the weight of the closure means acts to urge the closure means into the closed configuration. The first and / or second closure means may define a mouth located at an end of the closure means, the mouth interrupting the second free edge to define an opening between the first and second closure means when the closure means are in the closed configuration, into which a cable can be inserted to instigate a cable installation process. The mouth may defines a guide surface on the respective closure means that slopes inwardly towards a centre of the channel when moving from the end of the closure means along the gully axis and into the channel. The mouth may be defined by a notch in the closure means. The notch may be a triangular notch. The mouth may be defined by first and second notches formed in both the first and second closure means. The or each notch may be provided in the or each closure means at a point of manufacture, or it may be subsequently cut into the or each closure means, for example on installation. At its widest point, the mouth may be wider than an EV cable. The mouth may be continuous with an entrance or exit opening in the cable channel, through which the cable can enter or exit the cable channel. The cable gully may comprise a further mouth at an opposite end of the closure means. The invention also extends to an EV charging system comprising the cable gully of any preceding claim, and an EV charging cable. The invention extends further to a method of installing an EV cable in the cable gully of any preceding claim, the method comprising: arranging the EV cable and the first and second closure members such that the first and second closure members are in the installation configuration, and the cable may be located in the installation opening at a first end of the cable gully, with the second edges of the closure first and second closure members in contact with the cable, or with a component attached thereto; drawing the EV cable along the gully axis, such that contact point between the first and second closure members and the cable moves along the gully axis, until the cable exits the installation opening at a second end of the cable gully opposite the first end; and causing orallowing the first and second closure members to move to the closed configuration. In another aspect, the invention resides in an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system comprising: an EV charging cable having a cable diameter, the cable extending between a source connection point configured for connection to an electrical source and an EV connection point configured for connection to an EV to charge the EV; and a cable gully extending along a gully axis, for receiving the EV charging cable when the cable extends between the electrical source and the EV, the cable gully comprising: a channel that is open along its upward-facing side; an exit opening through which the cable can exit the channel to extend towards the EV; and a closure means arranged or arrangeable in an installation configuration in which the closure means defines an installation opening that extends along the length of the channel and provides access thereto, the installation opening having a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter; wherein the charging system further comprises a cable attachment that is attached to the cable to define a leading portion of the cable between the cable attachment and the EV connection point, and a trailing portion of the cable between the cable attachment and the source connection point, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening; and wherein the cable gully comprises an access opening arranged at an opposite end of the channel to the exit opening, the access opening having a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion of the cable attachment, such that the cable attachment can access the channel through the access opening and, with the closure means arranged in the installation configuration and the cable attachment located in the channel, the cable attachment can be drawn along the installation opening towards the exit opening with the protrusion portion remaining inside the channel, thereby drawing the trailing portion or leading portion of the cable through the channel to the exit opening. The cable attachment may comprise a body that defines the protrusion portion the body defining an inner channel for receiving the EV charging cable, the channel extending along a longitudinal axis between a first opening in the body and a second opening in the body. At least one of the first or second openings may have a diameter that is be larger than a diameter of the EV cable. For example, the opening that faces towards the electrical source may have a diameter that is larger than the EV cable. This allows the EV cable to bend in the vicinity of that opening. The body may be a toroidal body comprising at least two semi-toroidal sections that are releasably attachable together. The section may be attachable for example by screws or another suitable fastening. The cable attachment may comprise a securing means for securing the body to the charging cable. The securing means may comprise at least one grip configured to grip the EV cable to fix the body in position on the EV cable. The grip may comprise a protrusion configured to protrude from an inner surface of the body to contact the EV cable. The grip may define a circular opening having a diameter that may be substantially the same as the diameter of the cable. The outer surface of the protrusion portion may be at least partially spherical. The cable attachment may comprise a guide portion that may be arrangeable to protrude out of the installation opening of the closure means as the cable attachment is drawn along the installation opening. The guide portion may comprise a member having an outer diameter that is be larger than the cable. The guide portion may comprise a sheath that is be arranged to surround a portion of the cable. In other embodiments, the guide portion may protrude from an outer surface of the protrusion portion at a location that may be between the first and second openings on the protrusion portion. The guide portion may comprise an engagement means for engaging an accessory. The access opening of the cable gully may be arranged to be upward-facing when the cable gully is arranged with the channel facing upwards. The cable gully may comprise an access portion that defines the access opening, the access portion being arranged between the channel and the electrical source. In other embodiments, the access opening may be defined on the closure means. The closure means of the cable gully may comprise first and second elongate closure portions that are moveable between a closed configuration in which the closure portions are arranged adjacent to each other to close the channel, and the installation configuration in which a spacing may be defined between the closure portions, the spacing defining the installation opening. Each of the first and second closure portions may be supported by pivot members that are configured to allow the closure portions to pivot upwardly and outwardly between the closed configuration and the installation configuration. The cable gully may comprise one or more elastic members that are configured to urge to the first and second closure portions towards the closed configuration. The invention also extends to a cable attachment for use with an EV charging cable, the cable attachment comprising: i) a body comprising: a channel having first and second open ends for receiving the EV charging cable, the first open end defining an opening having a first diameter and the second open end having an opening defining a second diameter; and a protrusion portion at least partially surrounding the channel and having a footprint that may be larger than the first diameter and / or the second diameter; and ii) a securing means for securing the body to the EV charging cable. The first opening may be larger than the second opening. The securing means may comprise a grip that is arrangeable to grip the EV cable. The cable attachment may further comprise a guide portion for guiding a cable attached to the cable attachment along an installation opening in a cable gully, the guide portion comprising a member having a bearing surface. The invention extends further to a method of arranging a portion of an EV charging cable in an EV cable gully arranged in or on the ground, wherein the EV cable gully comprises a channel comprising an access opening and an exit opening, and wherein the gully comprises a closure means that is arranged or arrangeable to define an installation opening that extends between the access opening and the exit opening, the method comprising: providing an EV charging cable having a cable diameter, and having a cable attachment attached thereto to define a leading portion of the cable between the cable attachment and an EV connection point, and a trailing portion of the cable between the cable attachment and an electrical source connection point, the cable attachment comprising a protrusion portion having a diameter that may be greater than the width of the installation opening; and inserting the cable attachment into the channel of the cable gully through the access opening; drawing the cable attachment along the installation opening towards the exit opening of the cable gully, so that the cable attachment is drawn along the channel without passing through the installation opening; continuing to pull cable attachment until the cable attachment reaches the exit opening, thereby arranging the trailing end or leading end of the cable in the cable gully. Drawing the cable attachment along the installation opening may be effected by pulling the leading or trailing edge of the cable. In other embodiments, drawing the cable attachment may be effected by pulling the cable attachment using a tool connected to the cable attachment. For the avoidance of any doubt, embodiments of any of the aspects of the invention may comprise any of the features described in relation to any other aspect of the invention, unless such features are clearly not compatible. For example, features of the cable attachment described in relation to the system may also apply to the cable attachment alone, and to the method. Brief Description of the Drawings Figures 1 to 3 have already been described above by way of background. One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the remainder of the appended drawings, in which: Figures 4a and 4b are perspective views of a cable gully to an embodiment of the invention in the process of installing a cable in a channel of the cable gully; Figures 5a and 5b are cross-sectional views of the cable gully of Figures 4a and 4b respectively; Figure 5c is a cross-sectional view of a channel body forming part of the of the cable gully of Figures 4a and 4b, shown in isolation; Figure 5c is a cross-sectional view of a closure means forming part of the of the cable gully of Figures 4a and 4b, shown in isolation; Figures 6a and 6b are perspective views of a tool for use in installing a cable in the cable gully of Figures 4a and 4b, shown in two different configurations; Figures 7a and 7b are perspective views of the tool of Figures 6a and 6b in use in installing a cable in the cable gully of Figures 4 and 4b, and Figure 6c is s a cross-sectional view of the same; Figures 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views of a cable gully according to another embodiment of the invention; Figures 9a and 9b are front and side view respectively of a cable attachment forming part of another aspect of the invention; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the cable attachment of Figures 9a and 9b; Figure 11 is an exploded view of the cable attachment of Figure 10; Figures 12a to 12e illustrate the process of installing a cable having the cable attachment of Figures 9a and 9b in a cable gully; Figures 13a and 13b are top and side views of a cable gully that is specially adapted for use with the cable attachment and cable; Figures 14a, and 14b, are front views of the cable gully of Figures 13a and 13b in use with a cable and cable attachment; Figures 15a, and 15b, are front views of the cable gully of Figures 13a and 13b in closed and installation configurations respectively; Figures 17a to 17e are various views of the cable gully as a cable attachment and attached cable are inserted into an access opening of the cable gully; Figures 18a to 18e are various views of the cable gully as the cable attachment is drawn along an installation opening of the cable gully; Figures 19a and 19b are perspective views of the cable gully as a cable attachment and attached cable are inserted into an access opening of the cable gully; Figure 19c is a perspective view of the cable gully as the cable attachment is drawn along an installation opening of the cable gully, and Figure 19d is a perspective view of the cable gully as the cable attachment reaches an exit opening of the cable gully; Figures 20a and 20b, and 21a and 21b illustrate alternative cable gullies; Figures 22a and 22b are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of the cable attachment; Figures 23a and 23b are perspective and partial enlarged views of a tool for engagement with the cable attachment of Figures 17a and 17b; Figures 24a, 24b and 24c are views of an alternative cable gully in use with the cable attachment of Figures 23a and 23b; and Figure 25 is a perspective view of another alternative cable gully in use with the cable attachment of Figures 17a and 17b. Detailed Description According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable gully 20 for use with an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system. The cable gully 20 houses an EV charging cable 104 as it extends between an electrical source and an EV to charge the EV, for example across a pavement / sidewalk, driveway or road. The cable gully 20 is specially configured to facilitate insertion of a cable 104 into the gully 20, and particularly to enable insertion of the cable 104 without needing to bend down, or to get on hands-and-knees, or to enable insertion from a seated position, for example for a wheelchair user. Referring to figures 4a, 4b, and 5a to 5b, the cable gully 20 extends along a gully axis G, and comprises a channel body 22 and first and second closure means 40a, 40b. In Figures 4a and 4b, the cable gully 20 is shown embedded in the ground 15. The channel body 22 (particularly clearly seen in Figure 5c, which shows a cross section of the channel body in isolation) is elongate and comprises left and right sidewalls 23a, 23b and a base wall 25 that define a channel 24 therebetween. The channel 24 is open along its upward-facing side 26. Left and right edges 28a, 28b are defined along the upward-facing side 26, the edges 28a, 28b extend parallel to the gully axis G. As best seen in Figure 4a and 4b, the channel 24 defines first and second or entrance and exit openings 34, 36 through which an installed cable 104 enters and exits the channel 24. In this example, the entrance and exit openings 34, 36 are simply defined by open ends of the channel body 22, though other arrangements are possible. Turning to the closure means 40a, 40b, each closure means is elongate and extends along the gully axis G. The first and second closure means 40a, 40b, each define a substantially flat upward-facing surface 42 that extends the length of the channel 24. Each surface 42 has first and second free edges 44a, 44b that extend parallel to the gully axis G. Each closure means 40a, 40b is configured for movement between a closed configuration (shown in Figures 4b and 5a) and an open or installation configuration (shown in Figures 4a and 5b). In the closed configuration, the first free edge 44 of each closure means 40a, 40b lies adjacent to a respective left or right edge 28a, 28b of the channel body 22, and the second free edge 46 of each closure means 40a, 40b lies adjacent to the second free edge 46 of the other closure means 40b, 40a, thereby closing the upward-facing side 26 of the channel 24. In the installation configuration, the first free edge 44 of each closure means 40a, 40b is located outwardly from the respective left or right side edge 28a, 28b of the channel 24, and the second free edge 46 of each closure means 40a, 40b is spaced away from second free edge 46 of the other closure means 40b, 40a, to define an installation opening 48 therebetween. The installation opening 48 provides access to the channel 26, and in particularallows the cable 104 to be inserted into the channel 24. Figure 5d, illustrates a single closure means 40a, and in particular the first or left closure means 40a. The second or right closure means 40b is a mirror-image of the left closure means 40a. Each closure means comprises a closure member 50 that defines the closure surface 42 and a closure support 52 that is coupled to the closure member 50. In use, when the closure means 40a is in the close configuration, the closure support 52, braces against an inner surface of the channel 24 to support the closure member in the closed configuration. This is best seen in Figure 5a. The closure member 50 defines a ramped closure surface 54 opposite the upward-facing surface, The ramped surface 54 is configured to slope downwardly moving from the first edge 44 towards the second edge 46. In this particular embodiment, upward-facing closure surface 42 and the ramped surface 54 meet along an edge, and the closure member 50 is substantially wedge-shaped. The ramped surface 54 is a curved ramped surface. In particular, the ramped surface 54 has a circular curvature. A radius of curvature of the surface is greater than a height h of the channel, indicated in Figure 5c. The ramped surface 54 comprises two portions: a first or outer portion 56 and a second or inner portion 58. The significance of the first and second portions will be explained in more detail later. Turning now to the closure support 52, the closure support comprises a support member 60 that is coupled to the closure member 50. The support member 60 defines a support surface 62 that is arranged such that, when the closure means 40a is in the closed configuration, the support surface 60 rests on an inner surface of the channel h. To this end, a spacing between the first edge 44 and the support surface 62 may be substantially equal to a height of the channel 24. In this example, the support member 60 defines a lug 64 that projects away from the support member 60, and the support surface 62 is defined by a base surface of the lug 64. The lug 64 also comprises an upward-facing surface that defines a movement stop for limiting upward movement of the closure means 50, as will be later described. In this example, the lug extends at an acute angle from the support member. The support member 60 comprises a strut portion 66 and a connector portion 68. The connector portion 68 is arranged to connect the strut portion 66 to the closure member 50. The strut portion 66 defines a substantially flat surface 70 that is configured to lie against an inner side wall 30 of the channel body 22 when the closure means 40 is in the installation configuration. In this example, the strut portion 66 is a substantially flat elongate plate, though other constructions are possible. The acute angle between the lug 64 and the strut portion 66 allows the base surface of the lug 64 to rest on the base 25 of the channel when the closure portion 40a, 40b is in the closed configuration, and allows the substantially flat surface 70 of the strut portion 66 to lie against an inner side wall 30 of the channel body 22 when the closure means 40a, 40b is in the installation configuration The connector portion 68 comprises an elbow feature defining a first member 72 that extends inwardly away from an upper end of the strut portion 66 towards a centre of the channel 24, and a second member 74 that extends upwardly away from the first member 72 to meet the closure member 50. The closure member 50 extends outwardly away from the second member 74 (i.e. in a direction away from the centre of the channel). In this way the elbowfeature and closure member 50 define a recess 76 therebetween. The recess 76 is shaped to accommodate a protrusion 32 on the channel body 24, as will be later described. In this embodiment, the centre of mass of the closure means 40a, 40b is located such that, when the closure means 40a, 40b is displaced away from the closed configuration towards the installation configuration, the centre of mass of the closure means 40a, 40b is laterally displaced away from the point upon which the closure means 40a, 40b pivots, towards the centre of the channel 24. In this way, absent any other forces acting on the closure means 40a, 40b, the weight of the closure means 40a, 40b will tend to urge the closure means 40a, 40b into the closed configuration. This relative position of the centre of mass is due in part to the wedge shape of the closure member 50, which locates the centre of mass closer towards the centre of the channel. Referring back to Figures 4a and 4b, the first and second closure means 40a 40b define a mouth 80, best seen in Figure 4b. The mouth 80 is located at an end 82 of the closure means 40a, 40b so that the mouth opens onto one of the openings 34, 36 at the end of the channel 24. In this example, a mouth 80 is defined only a one end of the channel 24, though it is envisaged that a mouth may be defined at each end of the channel. The mouth 82 is defined by a triangular notch in each closure means 40a, 40b, that interrupts the second free edge 46 of the closure means 40a, 40b. In this way, the mouth 82 defines an opening between the first and second closure means 40a, 40b when the closure means 40a, 40b are in the closed configuration. At its widest point, the mouth 82 is wider than the EV cable. In this way, as will be later described, the cable 104 can be inserted into the opening defined by the mouth 80 to instigate a cable insertion process. The mouth defines a guide surface 84 on the respective closure means 40a, 40b. Due to the triangular shape of the notch, the guide surface 84 slopes inwardly (i.e. towards a centre of the channel 26) when moving from the end 82 of the closure means along the gully axis G and into the channel 26. Considering the channel body 22 in more detail, and with particular reference to Figure 5c, the channel body 22 comprises first and second ramped channel surfaces 27 arranged adjacent to each respective left and right edge 28a, 28b of the channel 24. Each the channel surface 27 is arranged to slope downwardly moving in an inward direction from the edge 28a, 28b, towards a centre of the channel 24. In this embodiment, each ramped channel surface 27 is provided on a protrusion 32 that protrudes from the respective left or right edge 28a, 28b into the channel 24. The ramped channel surface 27 is defined by an upper surface of the protrusion 32. The ramped channel surface 72 is curved, defining the same curvature as the ramped surface 54 on the closure member 50. In this way, the ramped surface 54 on the closure member 50 can sit flush against the ramped channel surface 72. As best seen in Figures 5a and 5b, a length of the ramped channel surface 72 is less than the length of the ramped surface 54 on the closure member 50. When the closure means 40a, 40b is in the closed configuration, the outer region 56 of the ramped surface 54 lies in contact with the ramped channel surface 27, and when the closure means 50 is in the installation configuration, the inner region 58 of the ramped surface 54 lies in contact with the ramped channel surface 27. In this way, close contact between the ramped channel surface 27 and the ramped surface 54 of the closure means 50 is always maintained as the closure means 40a, 40b moves through different configurations. This allows the channel body 22 to provide support to the closure means 40a, 40b in all configurations. This helps the upward-facing closure surface 42 to bear weight, for example if a pedestrian steps on the upward-facing closure surface 42. The channel body 22 comprises first and second projections 35 that project from the base surface 25 of the channel body 22 into the channel 24. Each projection 35 is shaped to define a downwardfacing surface 37 that faces toward the base surface 25. This downward-facing surface 37 defines a movement stop feature on the channel body 22. In use, the movement-stop feature 66 on the closure means 50 abuts against the movement stop feature on the channel body 22 to limit movement of the closure means 40a, 40b relative to the channel body 22 in an upward direction that is perpendicular to the closure surface 42. To install a cable 104 in the cable gully 20, the cable gully 20 is arranged on or in the ground. The cable gully 20 may be permanently embedded in the ground, or it may be temporarily arranged on the ground when it is needed. Ideally, the cable cully 20 is arranged so that its upper surface is flush with the surrounding ground. Initially, the closure means 40a, 40b are in the closed configuration. The upward-facing closure surfaces 42 are horizontal (i.e. parallel to the ground), and the second edge 46 of each closure means 40a, 40b meet each other at the centre of the open face 26, thereby closing the open face 26 of the channel 24. The outer region 56 of each closure member 50 is in contact with, and supported by, the projection 32 on the channel body 22. The closure means 50 is also supported by the closure support 52, which is braced against the internal surface of the channel 24. In this way, the closure means can withstand external forces, such as a downward force exerted by someone stepping on the cable gully 22. A user then moves the closure members 40a, 40b into the installation configuration, so that the cable can be installed in the channel 24. In this example, the user moves the closure means 40a, 40b apart by inserting a part of the cable 104 through the opening 36 in the end of the channel 24 and into the mouth 80 defined by the closure means 40a, 40b, as shown in Figure 4a. The cable is inserted by arranging the cable 104 so that a portion that lies in the mouth 80 is inclined generally upwards, while the cable is moved in a direction that is substantially parallel to the gully axis G. A user can therefore hold the cable 104 from a position above the cable gully 20 while inserting the cable 104. As the cable 104 moves along the gully axis G it comes into contact with the guide surface 84 of the mouth 80. The cable 104 exerts a force on the guide surface 84 that is parallel to the gully axis G. As the mouth 80 narrows, the mount becomes narrower than the diameter of the cable 104. As the cable 104 continues to move into the narrowing mouth 80, the cable 104 begins to force the closure means 40a, 40b apart. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, as the closure means 40a, 40b begin to move, the closure means begin to pivot outwards. The closure member 50 moves laterally outward - i.e. in a direction that is perpendicular to the gully axis and substantially in the plane of the upward-facing closure surfaces 42. As the closure member 50 moves outward, the ramped surface 54 on the closure means 40a, 40b move outwardly, staying in contact with the ramped channel surface 27. The second edges 46 move laterally apart from each other to define an installation opening 48. The first edges 44 also move laterally apart from each other moving to a position that is outward of the respective channel edges 28a, 28b, lying over the ground surface that is adjacent to the channel body 22. The ramped channel surface 27 draws each closure means 40a, 40b slightly upward as it pivots outward. The pivoting motion continues as the cable is drawn further into the mouth 80, with the closure member 50 moving further outward, and the installation opening widening. Eventually, if the cable 104 is wide enough, the closure means 40a, 40b will be moved fully into the installation configuration shown in Figure 5b. In this configuration, the projection 27 of the channel body 22 is located in the recess 76 defined by the closure member, the flat surface 70 of the strut portion 600 lies flat against the inner surface of the side wall 30 of the channel body 22, and the upward-facing surface 66 of the lug 64 abuts against the downward-facing surface 37 on the projection 35 of the cable body 22. Thus, further movement of the closure members 40a, 40b is prevented. Because the closure means 40a, 40b pivot a small amount as they open, the upward-facing closure surfaces 42 move from a horizontal configuration (Figure 5a) to a slightly inclined configuration (5b). In particular, the second edges 46 have moved upward more than the first edges 44. It will be appreciated that the closure surfaces 42 still face substantially upward in this configuration, albeit at a small acute angle to the horizontal. If the cable 104 is narrower than the maximum size of the installation opening, the closure means 40a, 40b will not be pushed open as far as the fully-opened installation configuration. It will be appreciated that in this configuration, an installation opening still exists, and the cable can still be installed in the cable channel in the same way. Once the cable 104 has traversed the mouth 80, the cable 104 is accommodated between the second edges 46 of the closure means 40a, 40b, in the region immediately adjacent to the mouth 80. In this position, the closure means 40a, 40b have opened far enough that the installation opening 48 has a width that is equal to the cable diameter. As the user continues to move the cable 104 in the direction of the gulley axis G, the cable can now slide along the gully axis, along the installation opening 48, between the second edges 46 of the closure means 40a, 40b. A trailing portion of the cable 104 lies inside the channel 24. In this way, a point of contact between the cable 104 and the second edges 46 of the closure means 40a, 40b moves along the gully axis G. As the cable 104 moves, more cable 104 is fed into the channel 24 through the opening 36, so that the cable 104 is fed into the channel 24 as it moves. When the point of contact reaches the end of the channel 24, the cable 104 is pulled out of the installation opening and into the opposite opening 34 of the channel, as shown in Figure 4b. In this configuration, the cable is installed in the channel 24 between the openings 34, 36. Because the closure means 40a, 40b are urged into the closed configuration (in this case by their own weight, due to the location of the centre of mass), when the cable 104 exits the installation opening 48, the closure means 40a, 40b are urged back to the closed configuration. The closure means 40a, 40b will therefore ‘spring’ shut automatically, without the need to be shut manually. In this configuration, the cable 104 is safely installed in the channel 24, entering and exiting the channel through the openings 34, 36, and the closure means 40a, 40b are shut, ensuring that the cable gully 20 and cable 104 do not pose a trip hazard. While the cable 104 can be inserted by hand as described above, it may also be inserted using a specially designed tool 90, for example the tool 90 shown in Figures 6a and 6b. The tool 90 comprises a long handle with an engagement portion 91 at its lower end. The engagement portion comprises a first body 92 defining a grip 93 for gripping the cable 104, which in this example takes the form of a pair of sprung arms shaped to grip the cable 104. The body 92 also comprises an accommodation opening 94 that is shaped to accommodate the cable as it bends upwardly. The first body 92 further defines a guide portion 95 that is shaped to mirror the inclination of the upward-facing closure surfaces 42 when they are in the installation configuration. The engagement portion 91 comprises a second body 96 that is connected to the handle. The second body 96 is rotatably connected to the first body 92 via a pivot 97, such that an angle of inclination between the handle and first body 92 can be varied. To use the tool 90, a user inserts the cable 104 into the cable grip 93, and moves the tool and cable towards an end of the channel 24, as shown in Figure 7a, so that the first body 92 is brought into contact with the closure means 40a, 40b at a point below the pivot 97. The user then draws the tool 90 in a direction along the gully axis G. This motion causes the first body 92 to pivot into the position shown in Figures 7b and 7c, and which the upward-extending portion of the cable 104 is accommodated in the accommodation opening 94, and the guide portion 95 lies over the upward-facing closure surfaces 42 of the closure means 40a, 40b. The user then continues to draw the tool along the gully axis G, which opens the installation opening and moves the cable 104 along the gully axis G as described above, thereby installing the cable 104 in the channel 24. After installation, the cable 104 can be disengaged from the cable grip 93. It will be appreciated that the above tool is only exemplary, and other appropriate tools may be used. Figures 8a and 8b illustrate a different embodiment of the cable gully 220. The cable gully 220 is substantially the same as that described above, except that each cable gully 220 further comprises first and second elastic elements or members 288 that act to urge the closure means 240a, 240b into the closed configuration. In this example, each elastic member 288 is arranged between a closure means 240a, 240b, and an inner side wall of the channel 224. In particular, each elastic member 288 is arranged to act on the respective closure support to urge it away from the side wall. The elastic member 288 may supplement a biasing force exerted by the weight of the closure member 250, or it may be the only biasing force that urges the closure means into the close configuration. The elastic member may take other forms: for example, a single elastic member may be arranged between the two closure members to pull them together. The or each elastic member may be formed as a separate component to the closure means and channel, or it may be connected to or continuous with the closure means or channel. According to this aspect of the invention, the cable gully may take other forms that are described and illustrated in this application. For example, the cable gully may take any of the forms illustrated in Figures 14a to 20b, and 24a to 25. It should be appreciated that the user may chose which end the cable should be initially inserted into the cable gully according to convenience. The mouth 80 may be cut into the cable gully at either or both ends, according to need. The mouth may be formed at the point of manufacture of the cable gully, or the cable gully may be manufactured without the mouth, and the mouth may be later cut into the gully as needed, for example on installation. The user may also choose whether to install the cable after or prior to connecting the cable to each of the EV and / or to the power outlet, according to convenience. According to another aspect of the invention, a cable gully (which maybe the cable gully above, or may be a cable gully of a different construction, for example shown in Figures 2a to 3b and 14a to 21b) is provided as partofan Electric Vehicle (EV) charging system that also comprises an EV charging cable 104 having a cable diameter, the cable 104 extending between a source connection point 110 configured for connection to an electrical source 106 and an EV connection point 112 configured for connection to an EV 102 to charge the EV 102. The cable gully of such as system will be designated with reference number 114 and extends along a gully axis G, for receiving the EV charging cable 104 when the cable 104 extends between the electrical source 106 and the EV 102. The cable gully 114 comprises a channel 116 that is open along its upward-facing side; an exit opening 122 through which the cable 104 can exit the channel 116 to extend towards the EV 102; and a closure means for at least partially closing the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116. The closure means is arrangeable in an installation configuration to define an installation opening 128 that extends along the length of the channel 116 and provides access thereto, the installation opening 128 having a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter. The charging system 100 further comprises a cable attachment 130 (shown in Figures 9a to 11) a cable attachment 130 for an EV charging cable 104 with cable diameter in accordance with the invention, that is attached to the cable 104 to define a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 between the cable attachment 130 and the EV connection point 112, and a trailing portion 134 of the cable 104 between the cable attachment 130 and the source connection point 110, the cable attachment 130 comprising a protrusion portion 138 having a diameter that is greater than the width of the installation opening 128. The cable gully 114 comprises an access opening 120 arranged at an opposite end of the channel 116 to the exit opening 122, the access opening 120 having a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130, such that the cable attachment 130 can access the channel 116 through the access opening 120 and, with the closure means arranged in the installation configuration and the cable attachment 130 located in the channel 116, a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 can be drawn along the installation opening 128 towards the exit opening 122 with the cable attachment 130 remaining inside the channel 116, thereby drawing the trailing portion134 of the cable 104 through the channel 116 to the exit opening 122. Figures 12a to 12e will now be described which explain how the cable attachment 130 assists a user with mobility issues with inserting the EV cable 104 into the EV cable gully 114 of Figures 2a to 2e. The cable gully 114 shown in Figures 2a to 2e is embedded within a pavement and extends along a gully axis G between the user’s home and the electric vehicle 102 to be charged. The cable gully 114 has a first or access opening at the home end of the cable gully 114 (i.e., proximal to the user’s home and its source connection point 110) and a second or exit opening 122 at the vehicle end (i.e., proximal to the user’s parked electric vehicle 102 and its EV connection point 112) opposite the home end of the cable gully 114. The EV cable gully 114 also comprises a channel 116 extending along the gully axis G for receiving the EV charging cable 104, and the channel 116 is open along its upward-facing side 124 defining an installation opening 128 that extends along the length of the channel 116 (between the access opening 120 and the exit opening 122), thereby providing access to the channel 116. The access opening 120, the exit opening 122 and the channel 116 all have a footprint that is larger than the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130. Preferably, the installation opening 128 has a width that is at least as large as the cable diameter and the diameter of the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 is greater than the width of the installation opening 128. Firstly, and as shown in Figure 12a, the user provides the EV charging cable 104 exemplified in the form of a home charging cable 104. In particular, the user may retrieve the EV charging cable 104 from a reel at the user’s home where it may be already electrically coupled to the source connection point 110. Then the user provides the cable attachment 130 and couples the cable attachment 130 to the EV charging cable 104, preferably at the vehicle end of the EV charging cable 104 adjacent to the charging connector (which connects to the EV connection point 112 on the vehicle 102 for charging). Then the user, while holding a leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104, inserts the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 into the access opening 120 (i.e., at the home end) of the EV cable gully 114 using e.g., their foot (Figure 12c) or an accessory 160 such as a long tool (Figure 12c). An accessory 160 may be necessary for some people e.g. those without use of their feet. In this way, the cable attachment 130 enters into the channel 116 of the EV gully 114 through the access opening 120. Then, the user pulls on the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 (see Figure 12d). Because of the shape of protrusion portion 138, it cannot pass through the installation opening 128 and is retained within the channel 116. Hence, as the user pulls, the cable attachment 130 is drawn along the channel 116 while user stays in a standing position. Hence, by simply pulling the cable 104 across the pavement, the rest of the cable 104 follows the cable attachment 130 inside the cable gully 114. In other words, with the cable attachment 130 located in the channel 116, a leading portion 132 of the cable 104 is drawn along the installation opening 128 towards the exit opening 122 with the cable attachment 130 remaining inside the channel 116, thereby drawing the trailing portion134 of the cable 104 through the channel 116 to the exit opening 122. Finaly, the user can connect (or plug) the charging connector (in)to the vehicle 102, thereby electrically coupling the source connection point 110 to the electric vehicle 102 (Figure 12e). In this position therefore, the EV cable 104 extends from the source connection point 110 at the owner’s home, through the EV cable gully 114 and to the EV connection point 112 on the EV 102 for charging. Hence, the cable attachment 130 allows a user to arrange an EV charging cable 104 within the cable gully 114 without the user needing to bend down. The cable attachment 130 is particularly useful for people with mobility issues who may find it very difficult to bend down and arrange an EV charging cable 104 along the length of EV charging gully 114 from above in the conventional manner. Furthermore, the cable attachment 130 also protects the cable 104 from wear by limiting direct engagement between the EV charging cable 104 and the EV cable gully 114. Finally, the cable attachment 130 is advantageous because it is compatible with (and can be retrofitted to) existing EV charging cables 104 and can be used with EV cable gullies 14 of the prior art. Now more details about the cable attachment 130 will be provided, with reference to Figures 9a and 9b. The cable attachment 130 - or “bead” - can be fitted around (and hence retro-fitted to) any EV charging cable 104. When arranged in this way, the protrusion portion 138 - assists a user in arranging the cable 104 within a cable gully 114 and the user can do this without having to bend. Furthermore, the cable attachment 130 protects the cable 104 from wear and tear during this process, as will be explained below. To this end, the cable attachment 130 comprises a toroidal body 140 extending around a longitudinal axis L. The body 140 defines the protrusion or “bulb” portion 138 described above, as well as a sheath (or “shaft”) 156 and a flared portion that also surround a portion of the EV cable 104. The sheath 156 is arranged between the protrusion and flared portions. In other words, the sheath 156 extends away from the protrusion portion 138 along the longitudinal axis and into the flared portion. The cable attachment 130 also defines an inner channel 142 that extends along the longitudinal axis for receiving the EV charging cable 104. The inner channel 142 extends through each of the protrusion portion 138 (where it defines the protrusion channel), the sheath 156 (where it defines the sheath channel) and the flared portion (where it defines the flared channel). The cable 104 is securely arranged within the inner channel 142 of the cable attachment 130 in use. While the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 facilitates insertion of the cable 104 into an EV cable gully 114, the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 is provided to engage with the installation opening 128 of the EV cable gully 114 and hence reduces friction between cable 104 and the EV cable gully 114 at those locations. This reduces the strength required to pull the cable 104 through the EV cable gully 114 and wear and tear of the EV charging cable 104. The flared portion advantageously prevents the sheath 156 from slipping into the cable gully 114 from above. Each of the flared and protrusions portions extend more outwardly than the sheath 156 on all sides of the toroidal body 140. The outer surface of the protrusion portion 138 is at least partially spherical, while the outer surfaces of the sheath 156 and of the flared portion are substantially cylindrical. The protrusion portion 138 is preferably arranged around a part of the EV charging cable 104 that is closer to the home end of the EV charging cable 104 while the flared portion is arranged around a part of the EV charging cable 104 that is closer to the vehicle end of the EV charging cable 104. In this way, it is the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 that engages with the EV charging cable gully 114 as the EV cable 104 is pulled through the channel 116. In this way, the sheath 156 defines a guide portion that is arrangeable to protrude out of the installation opening 128 as the cable 104 is drawn through the installation opening 128. The cable attachment 130 is preferably fitted around an EV cable 104 approximately 1 to 1.5m from the charging connector at the far vehicle end of the cable 104. This arrangement is best because it means a user cam pull the EV cable 104 through the EV charging gully 114 in a standing position. As shown in Figure 10, the toroidal body 140 has an approximately uniform thickness along its entire length, i.e., from the protrusion portion 138, along the sheath 156 and to the flared portion. As such, the protrusion and flared channels are wider than the sheath channel. Since the protrusion portion 138 is at least partially spherical, the protrusion portion 138 defines an at least partially spherical protrusion channel therewithin. Meanwhile, since the sheath 156 and the flared portion are approximately cylindrical, the sheath 156 and flared portion define approximately cylindrical sheath and flared channels therewithin. The protrusion portion 138 has a first or home end and a second or vehicle end and the protrusion channel extends therebetween. The protrusion portion 138 defines a first opening 144 at the home end of the protrusion channel and a second opening 146 at the vehicle end of the protrusion channel. The first opening 144 preferably has a diameter that is larger than the second opening. The wider opening at the home end of the cable attachment 130 advantageously allows the cable 104 to bend e.g., approximately 45 degrees within the protrusion channel there. The first opening 144 at the home end of the cable attachment 130 preferably has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the EV cable 104, while the second opening 146 at the vehicle end of the cable attachment 130 preferably has substantially the same diameter as the EV cable 104. The firstand second openings may be circular. The flared portion also has a first (or home) end and a second (or vehicle) end and the flared channel extends therebetween. The flared portion defines a first opening at the home end of the flared channel and a second opening at the vehicle end of the flared channel. The first opening and the second opening preferably each have substantially the same diameter as the EV cable 104. The first and second openings may be circular. The sheath 156 extends along the longitudinal axis between the second opening 146 at the vehicle end of the protrusion channel and the first opening at the home end of the flared portion. Hence, the sheath channel preferably has substantially the same diameter as the EV charging cable 104. The cable attachment 130 is provided with a securing means to assist in securing or clamping the cable attachment 130 to the EV charging cable 104. In Figures 5 and 6, the securing means comprises a plurality of grips 148 extending inward from the body 140 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to grip the EV cable 104 to fix the body 140 in position on the EV cable 104. Each grip 148 comprises a protrusion 150 configured to protrude from an inner surface of the body 140 to contact the EV cable 104. Each protrusion 180 defines a circular opening 152 having a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the EV cable 104 for gripping the EV charging cable 104. The plurality of grips 148 comprises a first sheath grip 148a, a second sheath grip 148b, and a first protrusion grip 148c, a second protrusion grip 148d and a third protrusion grip 148e, although other configurations may be used. The first and second sheath grips 148a, 148b extend from the sheath and towards the cable 104 through the sheath channel. The first sheath grip 148a is arranged towards the home end of the cable attachment 130 while the second sheath grip 148b is arranged towards the vehicle end of the cable attachment 130. Meanwhile, the first protrusion grip 148c, the second protrusion grip 148d and the third protrusion grip 148e extend from the protrusion portion 138 and towards the cable 104 through the protrusion channel. The first protrusion grip 148c is arranged towards the home end of the cable attachment 130 (i.e., near the first opening 144 of the protrusion portion 138), the second protrusion grip 148d is arranged towards the vehicle end of the cable attachment 130 (i.e., near the second opening 146 of the protrusion portion 138), and the third protrusion grip 148e is arranged therebetween. The third sheath grip 148e preferably extends from the widest part of the protrusion portion 138. Furthermore, the sheath 156 (and the second opening 146 of the protrusion portion 138 and the first and second openings of the flared portion) may also facilitate gripping of the pipe. As best shown in Figure 11, the toroidal body 140 is made up of two half-toroidal sections (e.g., half-toruses) 140a, 140b that releasably fix together on opposite sides of the EV cable 104 to secure the EV cable 104 therebetween. Fixing means such as screws at opposite ends of the cable attachment 130 can be used to releasably secure the two halves together. The two halves may be formed out of e.g. polymer sheets. In other embodiments, the toroidal body 140 comprises three or more semi-toroidal sections 140 that are releasably attachable together around the EV cable 104. Preferably, the protrusion portion 138 has a wider diameter than the installation opening 128 of the EV cable gully 114. In this way, the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 cannot be passed through the opening of the EV cable gully 114 and hence pulled out of the EV cable gully 114 during insertion of EV charging cable 104. To assist with insertion of the cable attachment 130 (and hence EV cable 104) into an EV cable gully 114 (either a conventional one or one of the gullies described below), the EV cable gully 114 may be provided with an access portion 162 as shown in Figures 13a and 13b. In these figures, the access portion 162 is shown attached to the prior art EV cable gully 114 shown in Figures 2a to 2e, but it may also be used with other EV cable gullies 14, 114 such as the one shown in Figures 3a to 3c or the ones shown in Figures 9a to 16b. The access portion 162 can be manufactured together with an EV cable gully 114 or else an already-manufactured EV cable gully 114 can be retrofitted with the access portion 162. The access portion 162 is arranged at the home end of the EV cable gully 114 and is configured to receive the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 and direct it into the access opening 120 of the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114, i.e., at the home side of the pavement. To this end, the access portion 162 defines a protrusion trough or ramp whose cross-section corresponds with the cross-section of the protrusion portion 138. The protrusion trough has a first opening at the top of the access portion 162 for receiving the protrusion portion 138 from above and a second opening adjacent to the home end opening of the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114. The protrusion trough curves downward and towards the home end opening of the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114 as it extends between the first and second openings of the access portion 162. The access portion 162 also defines a cable 104 trough or ramp whose cross-section corresponds with the cross-section of the EV cable 104. At the top of the access portion 162, the cable 104 trough defines a first upper opening at the home side of the access portion 162 for receiving the portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing the cable attachment 130 and a second upper opening at the vehicle side of the access portion 162 (i.e., adjacent to the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114) for receiving the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130. The cable 104 trough extends downward from the first and second upper openings and into the protrusion trough below. At the home end of the access portion 162, the cable 104 trough extends downward from the first upper opening and bends vehicle-ward into the protrusion trough. In this way, the cable 104 trough can direct the portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing behind the cable attachment 130 into channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114 as the cable attachment 130 passes through the protrusion trough and along the EV cable gully 114. Hence, while the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 can pass through the protrusion trough, it cannot pass through the cable trough, which is reserved for the sheath 156 and the portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing behind. In this way, the protrusion trough allows the cable attachment 130 to be easily arranged within the channel 116 of the EV charging gully 114. Figures 14a and 14b show an EV cable gully 114 that is an alternative embodiment of the cable gully of Figures 4a and 4b, and that may be used as the first aspect of the invention (i.e. with a simple cable with no attachment), or that may be used with the cable attachment 130 described above. The EV charging gully 114 comprises a closure means for at least partially closing the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116 of the EV charging gully 114. The closure means is arrangeable in an installation (or open) configuration in which the closure means defines the installation opening 128 in the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116 (as shown in Figure 14b) and in a closed configuration in which the closure means closes the upward-facing side 124 of the channel 116 (as shown in Figure 14a) In more detail, the EV cable gully 114 comprises a first side portion and a second side portion opposite the first side portion, and the first and second side portions define the gully channel 116 therebetween. The EV cable gully 114 further comprises an upper portion defining the upward-facing side 126 and extending between the first and second side portions of the channel 116 at the top of the first and second side portions, and a lower portion extending between the first and second side portions of the channel 116 at the bottom of the first and second side portions. All of these portions of the EV cable gully 114 are elongate and rectangular, thereby defining an elongate and cuboid channel 116 therein. The upper portion defines the closure means described above. To this end, the upper portion comprises a first closure portion 126a that is movably coupled to the first side portion and a second closure portion 126b moveably coupled to the second side portion. The first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are elongate since they extend along the entire length of the EV cable gully 114. In the closed configuration, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are arranged side by side or adjacent to each other, thereby closing the channel 116 and forming a flat upper boundary of the EV cable gully 114 (see Figure 14a). During opening, the firstand second closure portions 126a, 126b swing outward in opposite directions, gradually pivoting away from one another into the installation configuration. This movement creates a spacing between the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b. Eventually, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b reach the fully-open installation configuration (after which they can pivot no more), and the spacing defines the installation opening 128 therebetween (see Figure 14b). In the installation configuration, the cross-section of the installation opening 128 is greater than the cross-section of the EV charging cable 104, but less than the cross-section of the projection portion of the cable attachment 130. In this way, the cable 104 (and even the sheath 156 and flared portion) can pass through the installation opening 128 when the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are in the installation configuration, but the protrusion portion 138 cannot pass through and can only enter and exit the EV cable gully 114 from either of the access and exit openings 120,122. Preferably, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are urged or biased towards the closed configuration, and are only moved into the installation configuration when the projection portion of the cable attachment 130 is pushed upward and towards the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b by the user. To this end, the EV charging gully 114 is provided with first and second engaging portions attached to, and moveable with, the underside of the respective first and second closure portions 126a, 126b. The first and second engaging positions engage with first and second urging portions arranged on the lower portion of the channel 116 to urge the first and second engaging portions (and hence the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b) into the closed configuration. Furthermore, in the closed configuration, the first and second engaging positions define an archshaped upper boundary within the channel 116 of the EV charging gully 114. After the cable attachment 130 is inserted into the home end of the channel 116 of the EV charging and the user begins to pull the cable attachment 130 upward and towards the vehicle 102, the cable attachment 130 engages with the first and second engaging positions, thereby moving the firstand second closure portions 126a, 126b against the urging of first and second urging portions and outwards and upwards above the pavement surface and into the installation configuration (shown in Figure 14b). The first and second side portions define first and second stops either side of the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b to prevent the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b from opening beyond a certain point. When the cable attachment 130 is no longer applying an upward force on the first and second engaging positions (e.g., when it is removed from the channel 116 at the vehicle end of the EV charging gully 114), the first and second urging portions urge the first and second engaging portions (and hence the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b) back into the closed configuration. As shown in Figure 15a and 15b, this EV cable gully 114 is preferably embedded within the ground (e.g., within a pavement) such that the closure portions 126a, 126b of the channel 116 forms a continuation of the ground when the EV cable gully 114 is in the closed configuration (Figure 15a) and only slightly extends above the ground when the EV cable gully 114 is in the installation configuration (Figure 15b). In this way, the EV cable gully 114 does not constitute a trip hazard to pedestrians regardless of which position it is in (i.e., during installation of the EV cable 104 into the gully 114 or at all other times). Unlike those of the prior art, this EV cable gully 114 is openable from within (in particular when the cable attachment 130 is received within the channel 116 and pulled upwards by a user). Due to the arrangement, it’s very difficult to open the closure portions 126a, 126b from above. Furthermore, the engaging portions and the urging portions are arranged in such a way that the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are self-closing, and the whole mechanism can be a simple sprung polymer (e.g. PVC) extrusion, i.e., without the need for additional materials, adhesives, or complex manual assembly of the product. This design also allows for higher weightbearing on the opening section of the channel 116 compared to EV cable gullies 14 of the prior art. As shown in Figure 16a, at the home open end of the EV cable gully 114, the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b are preferably shaped with 45 degree notches that open outward into the first opening. These notches are advantageous since they facilitate opening of the closure portions 126a, 126b by the cable attachment 130 (as shown in Figure 16b). As best seen here, it is the shaft portion of the cable attachment 130 that engages with the first and second closure portions 126a, 126b, thereby reducing friction with the EV charging cable 104. Figures 17a to 19d show the above-described EV cable gully 114 used with the access portion 162 of Figures 13a and 13b. Figures 17a to 17e show the cable attachment 130 connected to the cable 104 and arranged within the access portion 162. In particular, the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 is arranged within the protrusion trough of the access portion 162. The portion 134 of the EV charging cable 104 trailing the cable attachment 130 extends through the cable trough and out of the first upper opening to the source connection point 110 at the user’s home, while the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 extends through the cable trough and out of the second upper opening, with the flared portion arranged just above the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114. Figures 18a to 18e show the cable attachment 130 connected to the cable 104 after the user has pulled the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 upwards and towards the vehicle 102. In doing so, the protrusion portion 138 is moved upwards and towards the vehicle 102, thereby opening the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114 to define the installation opening 128. As the user continues to pull the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 upwards and towards the vehicle 102, the sheath 156 of the cable attachment 130 moves along the installation opening 128 and the protrusion portion 138 moves through the channel 116 of the EV cable gully 114, thereby pulling the EV cable 104 within the cable gully 114. Figures 19a to 19d show the movement of the cable attachment 130 and cable 104 through the access portion 162 and EV cable gully 114 from another angle. In Figure 19a, the cable attachment 130 is arranged in the access portion 162. In Figure 19b, the user pulls the leading portion 132 of the EV charging cable 104 upwards and towards the vehicle 102. In Figure 19c, the protrusion portion 138 enters the EV cable 104 gully 114, the closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114 are opened and the protrusion portion 138 moves through the EV cable gully 114. In Figure 19d, the protrusion portion 138 exits the vehicle end of the EV cable gully 114, and the EV charging cable 104 is completely arranged within the EV cable gully 114. The closure portions 126a, 126b of the EV cable gully 114 return to the closed configuration, enclosing the EV charging cable 104 within the EV cable gully 114. Figures 20a and 20b show an alternative embodiment of the EV cable gully 114. In this embodiment, the closure portions 126a, 126b do not return to the closed configuration under the urging of urging portions (i.e., it is not a sprung arrangement), but instead close under their own weight. Figures 21a and 21b show a further alternative embodiment of the EV cable gully 114. In this embodiment, the channel 116 includes fixed closure portions that are fixed in place just below the moveable first and second exit opening 122s. The fixed closure portions define a groove therebetween that extends along the length of the EV cable gully 114. The groove has a crosssection that is less than the cross-section of the protrusion portion 138 and so it is the fixed closure portions portion that retain the protrusion portion 138 of the cable attachment 130 within the EV cable gully 114 in this embodiment, and it is the sheath 156 and flared portions of the cable attachment 130 that act upon the moveable first and second closure portions 126a, 126b to pivot them upwards and into the installation configuration. Although specific embodiments have been described above, it would be apparent to the skilled person that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. As such, the appended claims intend to cover any such embodiments. Further, it would be apparent to the skilled person that many features described in relation to particular embodiments are combinable and envisaged for combination with features described in relation to other embodiments. Figures 22a and 22b show a further alternative embodiment of the EV cable gully. In this embodiment, the channel includes a fixed closure portions that are fixed in place just below the moveable first and second closure portions. The fixed closure portions define a groove therebetween that extends along the length of the EV cable gully. The groove has a cross-section that is less than the cross-section of the protrusion portion and so it is the fixed closure portions portion that retain the protrusion portion of the cable attachment within the EV cable gully in this embodiment, and it is the sheath and flared portions of the cable attachment that act upon the first and second closure portions to pivot them upwards and into the installation configuration. Figures 22a illustrates another embodiment of the cable attachment, which is similar to the cable attachment described above, except that the guide portion is arranged differently. In this embodiment, the guide portion does not define a sheath that accommodates the cable, but instead is provided as a member 154 that protrudes away from the surface of the protrusion portion at a location that is between the first and second openings defined in the body. In this way, the member protrudes in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the inner channel. The member comprises a shaft that is substantially cylindrical, having an outer surface that defines a bearing surface. In use, the shaft extends out of the channel of the cable gully through the installation opening. The shaft may thereby hold the closure member of the cable gully in the installation configuration, particularly if used in combination with the cable gully of Figures 17 and 18. The diameter of the shaft may be selected to be larger than the diameter of an EV charging cable, so that the shaft causes the closure means to define and installation opening that is wider than the width of the cable. This avoids the cable being gripped by the closure means during installation, thereby reducing wear on the cable. At its upper end, the member may be provided with a flange having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the shaft. The flange prevents the guide portion passing downward through the installation opening into the channel, thereby ensuring that the guide portion remains inside the installation opening. An upper surface of the flange can also act as an impact surface that can be used to push the cable attachment into the access opening of the cable gully. As shown in Figure 22b, the member may comprise a first member portion that is connected to the protrusion portion, and a second member portion that is attachable to the first member portion. The first member portion may comprise a male member and the second member portion may comprise a female member. The first member portion may comprise a shaft with an engagement means 158 at an end of the shaft - in this case, the engagement feature takes the form of a flange that is elongated in one direction. The second member portion may comprise a collar defining an internal recess for receiving the first member portion. A base of the recess may comprise a corresponding engagement feature - in this case the corresponding engagement feature is a locking recess configured to accommodate the flange in a twist-to-lock fit. An outer diameter of the second member portion defines the outer diameter of the member. At an upper end of the collar, the second member portion may comprise a flange that defines the flange of the guide portion. The engagement means of the first member portion may also be used to engage an accessory, for example an installation tool. Figures 23a and 23b illustrate such an installation tool, attached to the cable attachment. The tool comprises a handle, an elongate extension member, and an engagement member, disposed at the end of the extension member. The engagement member takes a form that is substantially the same as that of the second member portion described above. The engagement member can be engaged with the first member portion in a twist-to-lock motion, using the handle to twist the tool. The tool can then be used to manoeuvre the cable attachment, and hence the cable, as needed, from a position that is convenient for the user (e.g. from a sitting or standing position). For example, the cable attachment can be pushed into the access opening of the cable gully, and it can be drawn along the channel to install the cable. Figures 24a-c and 25 illustrate alternative cable gullies that can be used with the cable attachment and cable. The cable gully of Figures 24a to 24c is particularly suitable for use with a tethered charger. This cable gulley includes an access portion located adjacent to the channel. The access portion defines the access opening, and also includes a cable tether, arranged such that the access opening is located between the cable tether and the channel. The cable tether comprises a supplementary channel, to which the access opening provides access, and a supplementary closure that closes the supplementary channel. The trailing portion of the cable is accommodated in the supplementary channel, and the supplementary closure is arranged to close the channel, thereby locking the trailing portion of the cable into the cable gully. The cable can then be pulled through the supplementary channel as needed to install the cable in the channel, and / or to store the cable when not in use, while keeping the trailing end of the cable secure in the supplementary channel. In the cable gully of Figure 25, the access opening is integrated into the closure means. The closure means comprises first and second elongate closure members in the form of plates. IN a closed configuration, the plates meet each other at closure edges. The plates are configured to move apart, so that the closure edges move away from each other to define the installation opening therebetween. At an end of the cable gully that will be adjacent to the electrical source, each plate is provided with a recess that interrupts the closure edge. The recesses are aligned. The recesses act to widen the installation opening in the vicinity of the recesses, thereby defining the access opening when the closure means are arranged in the installation configuration. To install a cable in the cable gully of Figure 25, the user pushes the cable attachment into the recesses. The round shape of the cable attachment forces the closure members apart, widening the access opening until the cable attachment can pass through into the channel. The closure members then close around the guide member, with the closure member in the installation configuration, so that the cable can be installed in the manner already described above. Although specific embodiments have been described above, it would be apparent to the skilled person that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. As such, the appended claims intend to cover any such embodiments. Further, it would be apparent to the skilled person that many features described in relation to particular embodiments are combinable and envisaged for combination with features described in relation to other embodiments.

Claims

1. A cable gully for receiving an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging cable, the cable gully extending along a gully axis, and comprising:a channel body defining a channel that is open along its upward-facing side, and that defines left and right edges along its upward-facing side that extend parallel to the gully axis; and first and second closure means, wherein each closure means defines an upward-facing surface having first and second free edges that extend parallel to the gully axis;wherein each closure means is configured for movement between:a closed configuration in which the first free edge of each closure means is adjacent to a respective left or right edge of the channel, and the second free edge of each closure means is adjacent to the second free edge of other closure means, thereby closing the upward-facing side of the channel; andan installation configuration in which the first free edge of each closure means is located outwardly from the respective left or right side edge of channel, and the second free edge of each closure means is spaced away from second free edge of the other closure means, to define an installation opening therebetween, to provide access to the channel.

2. The cable gully of Claim 1, wherein each closure means comprises a ramped closure surface opposite the upward-facing surface, the ramped surface being configured to slope downwardly moving from the first edge towards the second edge.

3. The cable gully of any preceding claim, wherein the channel body comprises a ramped channel surface arranged adjacent to each respective left and right edge of the channel, the channel surface being arranged to slope downwardly moving in an inward direction towards a centre of the channel.

4. The cable gully of Claim 3, wherein each ramped channel surface is provided on a protrusion that extends from the respective left or right edge into the channel.

5. The cable gully of Claim 4 when dependent on Claim 2, wherein the ramped surface on the closure means defines an outer region and an inner region, and wherein the ramped surfaces are configured such that, when the closure means is in the closed configuration, the outer region of the ramped surface lies in contact with the ramped channel surface, and when the closure means is in the installation configuration, the inner region of the ramped surface lies in contact with the ramped channel surface.

6. The cable gully of any of Claims 2 to 5, where the ramped surface of the closure means and / or the ramped channel surface defines a curved ramped surface.

7. The cable gully of Claim 6, wherein the curved ramped surface has a circular curvature, with a radius of curvature that is greater than a height of the channel.

8. The cable gully of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means comprises: a closure member that defines the closure surface; anda closure support coupled to the closure member, configured to brace against an inner surface of the channel to support the closure member in the closed configuration.

9. The cable gully of Claim 8, wherein the closure support comprises a support member coupled to the closure member, and wherein the support member defines a support surface arranged such that, when the closure means is in the closed configuration, the support surface rests on an inner surface of the channel.

10. The cable gully of Claim 9, wherein the support member defines a lug that projects away from the support member, and wherein the support surface is defined by a base surface of the lug.

11. The cable gully of any preceding claim, wherein the closure means and channel body comprise complementary movement stop features for limiting movement of the closure means relative to the channel body in an upward direction that is perpendicular to the closure surface.

12. The cable gully of Claim 11 when dependent on Claim 10, wherein the lug of the support member comprises an upward-facing surface that defines the movement stop feature of the closure means.

13. The cable gully of Claim 11, wherein the channel body defines a base surface of the channel, and wherein the channel body comprises a projection that projects from the base surface of the channel, the projection having a downward-facing surface that defines the movement stop feature on the channel body.

14. The cable gully of Claim 9 or any claim dependent there on, wherein the support member comprises a strut portion and a connector portion, the connector portion being arranged to connect the strut portion to the closure member, wherein the strut portion comprises a substantially flatsurface that is configured to lie against an inner side wall of the channel body when the closure means is in the installation configuration.

15. The cable gully of Claim 14 when dependent on Claim 4, wherein the connector portion comprises an elbow feature defining a first member that extends inwardly away from an upper end of the strut portion towards a centre of the channel, and a second member that extends upwardly away from the first member to meet the closure member, further wherein the closure member extends outwardly away from the second member, such that the elbow feature and closure member define a recess therebetween, the recess being shaped to accommodate the protrusion on the channel body when the closure member is in the installation configuration.

16. The cable gully of any preceding claim, wherein the cable gully is configured such that the closure means are urged into the closed configuration.

17. The cable gully of Claim 16, comprising one or more elastic elements configured to urge each closure means into the closed configuration, optionally wherein the or each elastic element is configured to act between each closure means an a respective side wall of the cable channel, or between the first and second closure means.

18. The cable gully of any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second closure means defines a mouth located at an end of the closure means, the mouth interrupting the second free edge to define an opening between the first and second closure means when the closure means are in the closed configuration, into which a cable can be inserted to instigate a cable insertion process.

19. The cable gully of claim 18, wherein the mouth defines a guide surface on the respective closure means that slopes inwardly towards a centre of the channel when moving from the end of the closure means along the gully axis and into the channel.

20. The cable gully of Claim 19, wherein at its widest point, the mouth is wider than an EV cable.

21. The cable gully of any of Claims 18 to 20, wherein the mouth is continuous with an entrance or exit opening in the cable channel, through which the cable can enter or exit the cable channel.

22. An EV charging system comprising the cable gully of any preceding claim, and an EV charging cable.

23. A method of installing an EV cable in the cable gully of any preceding claim, the method5 comprising:arranging the EV cable and the first and second closure members such that the first and second closure members are in the installation configuration, and the cable is located in the installation opening at a first end of the cable gully, with the second edges of the closure first and second closure members in contact with the cable, or with a component attached10 thereto;drawing the EV cable along the gully axis, such that contact point between the first and second closure members and the cable moves along the gully axis, until the cable exits the installation opening at a second end of the cable gully opposite the first end; andcausing or allowing the first and second closure members to move to the closed15 configuration.

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