A cable support bracket

Abstract

A cable support bracket 34 (Figure 1) for mounting cables to a tunnel ring 2 (Figure 1) has a body 38 for supporting at least one cable86 (Figure 1); the body has front and rear surfaces that face int

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cable support bracket for installation in rail tunnels, particularly relating to a fire-resistant cable support bracket for installation in rail tunnels. BACKGROUND

[0002] Underground transport tunnel networks require an associated network of cables. These include cables for signalling, communication and power supply. Furthermore, older tunnel networks may need to be updated with modern equipment including the installation of new cabling. Therefore, any solution for mounting cable networks must be retro-fittable to existing tunnels.

[0003] Cables are typically mounted at the side walls of the tunnels, it is desirable to ensure eases of installation and maintenance. Brackets are provided for fixing cables to the tunnel structure. The brackets must be suitable to be retro fitted within the tunnel and to hold and carry the weight of a cable sized to run the full length of the tunnel. Brackets are required to be removable for replacement or maintenance. Brackets must also be robust enough to operate in the tunnel environment but be suitably lightweight to carry and install.

[0004] Cable installation is complicated by the configuration of certain tunnels. Many rail runnels are formed having curved walls, as well as projecting support structures located along the tunnel that prevent the straight running of cables. Cast iron bolted tunnels, such as those forming the London Underground tunnel network, comprise a series of cast iron tunnel lining segments. Each tunnel lining segment comprises a circumferential flange at either end. The flanges of adjacent tunnel lining sections are abutted (forming a joint) and bolted together. The bolted circumferential flanges form a series of ribs along the length of the tunnel. The ribs project inwardly from the wall and the cables must be extended over the ribs. To avoid cable sag in these regions it is necessary to secure the cables to the ribs. Caulking is applied at the joint, where this caulking has historically comprised Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs).

[0005] Standards for cable installation in rail tunnels require metal brackets to be used at repeating intervals to ensure that the cables remain supported in the event of a fire. It is common to use a combination of plastic brackets interspersed with metal brackets to secure the cables to the bolted tunnels supports. The metal brackets should be sufficiently robust to support the cable in the event that the plastic brackets fail.

[0006] Cable support brackets are typically secured to the ribs of the tunnel lining by securing to opposing ends of tunnel bolts that pass through the flanges of adjacent tunnel lining sections that form the ribs. Known cable support brackets comprise a base plate and a pair of u-shaped bolts that secure the base plate to the ribs. One U-shaped bolt (U-bolt) is hooked around the head of a flange bolt at one side of the rib and another U-bolt is hooked around the nut of said flange bolt on the opposing side of the rib, such that the free ends of the bolts form four shafts protruding into the tunnel. These shafts are inserted through the base plate and nuts are tightened to the threaded ends such that the base plate is drawn against the flanges and the cable support bracket is secured in place. A cable is then secured to the base plate using a cable tie or similar fastener.

[0007] Attaching the bracket to the lining bolts avoids having to compromise the structure of the ribs. However, cable support brackets comprising U-bolts are heavy, include multiple parts and are time consuming to install. They require the fitting and alignment of both U-bolts, and the fastening of four associated nuts for tightening each of the shafts against the base plate. Once installed, the U-bolts protrude a significant distance into the tunnel, which is unacceptable due to clearance requirements for passing trains. Consequently, the ends of the U-bolts often need to be cropped, further increasing the time and complexity of the installation process. Additionally, when cropped the metal shafts have sharp edges that present an injury risk when the metal cable support brackets are being maintained.

[0008] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved cable support bracket that addresses the above-described problems and / or which offers improvements generally. SUMMARY

[0009] According to the present disclosure there is provided a cable support bracket for installation in rail tunnels as described in the accompanying claims.

[0010] In an aspect of the disclosure there is provided a cable support bracket for mounting to a tunnel ring or beam, the cable support bracket comprising a body for supporting at least one cable, the body having a front surface that in use faces into the tunnel and a rear surface that in use faces towards the tunnel ring, a forward / rearward axis perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the forward / rearward axis. At least two bolt mounts spaced longitudinally along the body either side of a mounting section, each bolt mount including a clamping member located at and spaced from the rear side of the body and an actuating member connecting the clamping member to the body and holding the clamping member in said spaced relationship with the body. Each actuating member is coupled to the body and fixed relative to the body section in the forward / rearward direction and is operable to move the respective clamping member forwardly towards the rear surface of the body section, which moves the clamping member into a clamping engagement with the respective bolt.

[0011] The body may include an engagement section that in use engages and is clamped against the inner face of the tunnel ring, and the clamping members are located spaced rearwardly of the engagement section such in use they are rearward of the inner face of the tunnel ring to align with and secure to the tunnel ring bolts.

[0012] The bolt mounts are arranged to engage with respective parts of a bolt or bolts on opposing sides of the tunnel ring in use. The bolt mounts may for example mount to opposing ends of the same bolt of a tunnel ring. While the cable support bracket may be suitable for being mounted to a tunnel ring, the term tunnel ring is not intended to be limiting and the bracket may mount to a beam, rib or any other suitable feature projecting from a wall limited to tunnel ring. Similarly, the term bolt mount does not restrict the bolt mounts to use with such, and they may alternatively be connected to any suitable features projecting from a tunnel ring, beam or similar structure.

[0013] Tunnel bolts are used to bolt together tunnel ring segments. The rotational mounting of the actuator is such that translation of an end of the actuator towards and away from the body is prevented. The bolt mounts may be configured to engage with a respective end of the tunnel bolt. The end of the tunnel bolt may include the head of the tunnel bolt or a nut threaded onto the tunnel bolt.

[0014] The forward / rearward axis extends radially into the tunnel when the body is mounted to the inner face of a tunnel ring and the longitudinal axis is arranged parallel with length of tunnel in use and perpendicular to the radius of the tunnel.

[0015] The body may comprise a mounting section at the rear side of the body arranged to engage the tunnel ring in use, and the at least two bolt mounts are spaced longitudinally along the body either side of the engagement section. The mounting section is that part of the body that seats against the tunnel ring and may comprise one or more a feet, tabs, arms, ribs or a combination thereof. The bolt mounts may be provided at opposing ends of the body, proximate the ends.

[0016] The clamping member of each bolt mount may include a clamping surface facing towards the body that in use is positioned at an rearward of the bolt on an opposite side of the tunnel bolt to the body. Operation of the actuating member moves the clamping surface forwardly into clamping engagement with the tunnel bolt, and said engagement acts to pull the body towards the bolt and into engagement with the tunnel ring.

[0017] Each actuating member may be a rotatable linear actuator operably connected to the clamping member such that rotation of the actuating member causes linear movement of the clamping member towards the body along the forward / rearward axis Rotation in the opposing direction may move the clamping member away from the body, for example to expand the bolt clamp for fitting, or for removal.

[0018] Each actuating member may include a first threaded portion and each respective clamping member includes a corresponding second threaded portion engaged by the first threaded portion, the first and second threaded portions being arranged such that rotation of the first threaded portion of the actuating member relative to the second threaded portion of the clamping member causes said linear movement of the clamping member towards and away from the body.

[0019] Each actuating member may be rotationally mounted to the body, and may comprise an elongate threaded shaft with the clamping member including a connection element or shaft mount having a threaded bore that receives the threaded shaft. The actuating member may be a threaded bolt extending through an aperture in the body, the bolt having a head located at the front side of the body and the shaft of the bolt extending rearwardly and connecting to the clamping member. The actuating member may function as a screw driven liner actuator in cooperation with the second threaded portion of the clamping member.

[0020] The clamping member may comprise a body formed of a planar member such as a metal plate or sheet, the planar member having an aperture formed therein (such as by punching) sized for receiving the head of a tunnel bolt. The aperture may be circular. The aperture defines a inner peripheral edge and the clamping member comprises a plurality of teeth formed along at least a portion of the inner edge. The teeth are arranged at least along the clamping surface, being the surface that engages and clamps against the bolt.

[0021] The body may include a central panel to which the actuating members are coupled and one or more engagement features at the rear side to support the body when mounted against a support surface which is the tunnel ring, the one or more engagement features being arranged to support the body at a position spaced from the support surface.

[0022] A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cable mount, which may be a cable clamp, connected to the body for mounting a cable to the body. The body may include one or more mounting features, for example fixing apertures or bolt holes, for connecting the cable clamp to the body.

[0023] The position of at least one of the bolt mounts may longitudinally adjustable relative to the body. The body may include at least one longitudinally extending slot and said at least one of the actuating member is slidingly received within said slot and is slidable therein to adjust its longitudinal position along the body to accommodate tunnel rings of carrying width and / or to facilitate fitting of the bracket. The other bolt mount may be longitudinally fixed relative to the body.

[0024] Each actuating members may be connected to the respective clamping member at a distal end and connected to the body at a proximal end and the proximal end of the actuating member includes a head located at the front face of the body configured to be engaged by a driving tool to operate (i.e rotate) the actuating member.

[0025] The cable support bracket according may comprise a cable mount for retaining a cable, the cable mount secured to the body. The cable mount may be a cable clamp for securing around and clamping a cable.

[0026] An alignment feature may be provided that extends rearwardly from the body, the alignment feature being located proximate a first end of the body at a position longitudinally inwards of the bolt mount located at said first end. The alignment feature, which may be one or more arms, is configured to abut a side of the tunnel ring to longitudinally locate the body relative to the tunnel ring. The alignment feature is located at a first end of the body and the bolt mount at said first end is mounted within an aperture formed in the body and is longitudinally fixed. The bolt at the opposing second end is slidingly mounted within a slot in the body. The alignment feature may comprise one or more projections or extensions, such as arms, which may be integrally formed with and extend rearwardly from the body.

[0027] The body comprises a fire-resistant material such as metallic material. The body may be formed from a metal plate. The cable mount may include a metal strap and / or loops for receiving a metal strap.

[0028] The actuator members may comprise a hexagonal head portion positioned at the end of the actuator, the hexagonal portion for engagement with a hexagonal driving tool. Examples of hexagonal driving tools include a socket wrench and a hex wrench. These example driving tools should not be construed to limit the form of the actuator, for example the actuator may comprise a crosshead socket or a slotted socket positioned at the end of the actuator, the crosshead socket or a slotted socket respectively for engagement with a crosshead driving tool or a slotted driving tool.

[0029] The first threaded portion may comprise an externally threaded portion and the reciprocal second threaded portion comprises an internally threaded portion, wherein the internally threaded portion and the externally threaded portion engage to enable relative movement between the bolt mount and the body.

[0030] The alignment feature may be configured to position the engagement surface of the body away from joints between tunnel ring segments when the bolt mount is engaged with the tunnel bolt and the engagement surface of the body is engaged with a mounting surface of the tunnel. Thus potential release of asbestos can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative representation of a cable support bracket according an embodiment of the disclosure mounted to a tunnel ring; Figure 2 shows a front view of a cable support bracket according an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 3 shows a cable clamp secured to a cable support bracket according an embodiment of the disclosure; and Figure 4 shows a side view of a cable support bracket according an embodiment of the disclosure mounted to a bolt of a tunnel ring; DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments or exact adherence with all method steps. Variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the description. Terms for features used herein should be given a broad interpretation that also encompasses equivalent functions and features. In some cases, several alternative terms (synonyms) for structural features have been provided but such terms are not intended to be exhaustive.

[0033] Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "upper" and "lower" are relative terms that may be used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and / or direction.

[0034] The description herein refers to embodiments with particular combinations of configuration steps or features. However, it is envisaged that further combinations and cross-combinations of compatible steps or features between embodiments will be possible. The description of multiple features in relation to any specific embodiment is not an indication that such features are inextricably linked, and isolated features may function independently from other features and not necessarily require implementation as a complete combination.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, a rail tunnel comprises tunnel ring segments 2 that reinforce the wall of the tunnel. Each tunnel ring segment spans the entire circumference of the tunnel and extends along an axial direction of the tunnel. The reinforced tunnel wall defines a tunnel space. In the case of a rail tunnel, the tunnel space is large enough to accommodate rail vehicles, which can readily pass through with sufficient clearance between the train and the tunnel wall. Each tunnel ring segment comprises a substantially cylindrical body with a first flange 12 formed at one end 14 of the tunnel ring segment and a second flange 16 formed at the opposing end of the tunnel ring segment 2. To secure the tunnel ring segments 2 together, the first flange 12 of one tunnel ring segment 2 and the second flange 16 of a different tunnel ring segment 2 are abutted to form a joint 20. Tunnel bolts 22 are secured through aligned bolt apertures in both flanges 12,16. The connected flanges 12,16 form ribs 26 that project radially into the tunnel. Each rib 26 has side faces 28a, 28b arranged perpendicular to the tunnel wall that face in opposing directions axially along tunnel. Each rib 26 also includes an inner surface 30 that faces radially into the tunnel 2 and is arranged substantially parallel with the tunnel wall 6 and perpendicular to the side walls 28a,28b. The ribs 26 have a thickness 32 in the axial direction 8 of the tunnel 2 defined by the combined thickness of both flanges 12,16, being the distance between the side faces 28a,28b.

[0036] A cable support bracket 34 is mounted to the tunnel rib 26, with the rib 26 providing a mounting structure for the cable support bracket 34. The cable support bracket 34 comprises a body 38, a cable mount 40, and a pair of bolt mounts 44. As shown in Figure 2, the body 38 is formed from a single flat blank of material through a series of bending operations. The body 38 has a central panel section 46 having a front surface 48 that faces into the tunnel and a rear surface 50 that faces the rib 26. The front surface 48 faces outwards into the tunnel space 10, in a forward direction, and the rear surface 50 faces towards the tunnel bolt 22, in a backward direction. The central panel 46 has a width defined between a first end 52 and a second end 54 that is sized to be greater than the thickness 32 of the rib 26, such that the body 38 extends past the rib 26 at both ends 52,54. Formed within the central section 46 is a first mounting aperture 56 located proximate the first end 52 and a mounting slot 58 located proximate the second end 54 and the slot 58. The mounting aperture 56 and mounting slot 58 are positioned vertically at the centre of the central panel 46 to ensure a balanced application of force by the bolt mounts, as described in further detail below.

[0037] Oblique upper and lower side walls 57,59 extend from the upper and lower edges of the central panel respectively. The upper and lower walls 57,59 are angled outwardly away from the central panel at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The outer distal edges of the upper and lower walls 57,59 are spaced a distance dl from the central panel 46 in the direction perpendicular to central panel 46. A pair of tabs 62a,62b extend from the outer edge of the upper and lower walls 57,59 respectively. The tabs 62a,62b are formed from extensions of the upper and lower side walls 57,59, bent such that they are parallel with the central panel. The tabs 62a, 62b are positioned inwardly of the end 52 of the body 38, between the aperture 56 and the slot 58, and are offset from the centre of the body 38 substantially closer to the aperture 56 than the slot 58. Thus when the body 38 is mounted to the rib 26 the tabs 62a, 62b are positioned away from the joint 20 of the first flange 12 and second flange 16. The tabs 62a, 62b define support feet have offset from, and parallel to, the central panel 46. These support feet 62a, 62b engage with the rib 26, and in combination with the sections of the upper and lower side walls 57,59 from which they extend, space the central panel 46 from the rib 26.

[0038] The body 38 further includes a pair of opposing oblique locating arms 68a, 68b that extend away from the upper and lower side walls 57,59 respectively. The locating arms 68a, 68b are longitudinally aligned with and positioned on either side of the first hole 56 and adjacent to the support tabs 62a, 62b. The side edges 68a, 68b extend backwards at an oblique angle, a great distance that the tabs 62a,62b. Consequently, when the support tabs 62a,62b are in engagement with the inner face 30 of the rib 26 the locating arms 68a, 68b extend radially rearwards of the inner face 30 in the direction of the tunnel wall. The inner edge of each locating arm 68a, 68b abut the side of the rib 26 and act as an aligner for locating and aligning the body 38 against and relative to the rib 26. The locating arm 68a, 68b are arranged such that when abutted against the rib 26 the first hole 56 is located outboard of the rib 26. The support tabs 62a,62b are arranged relative to the locating arms 68a,68b such that when the locating arms 68a,68b abut the side of the rib 26 the support tabs 62a,62b are spaced away from the rib joint 20. Thus potential contact between the body 38 and any caulking within the joints 20 is minimised, reducing the risk of asbestos release.

[0039] The body 38 includes a pair of wing mounts 70a, 70b extending from the central panel 46 and adjacent the second end 54. Each wing mount 70a, 70b is an extension of the respective upper and lower side wall 57,59 and is formed by an initial return bend that directs the wing mount outwardly and a second bend that extends the distal end of the wing mount in a direction parallel with the central panel. Each wing 70a, 70b effectively acts as a width wise extension of the central panel 46. The return bend forms a v shaped channel and creates a support edge at the base of the channel that engages the inner face of the rib 26 and supports the body 38 at the second end 54. Each wing mount 70a, 70b has a plurality of holes 74a-f formed therein, spaced lengthwise along the wing mount 70a,70b. Each of the plurality of holes 74a-f is suitable for the attachment of a cable mount 40 to the body 38. Alternatively, a cable tie 76 may passed through one or more of the plurality of holes 74a-f.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the cable mount 40 comprises a rigid elongate strap 78 defining a support post having a plurality of mounting holes 80a-c disposed along its length for securing the cable mount 40 to one of the plurality of mounting holes 74a-f of the wing mounts 70a,70b . The cable mount 40 a cable clamp comprising comprises two substantially c-shaped cable receiving sections 82a, 82b connected by a living hinge. The c-shaped cable receiving sections 82a,82b are integrally moulded with the rigid elongate strap 78 . The cable receiving sections 82a, 82b are hangable between an open and closed configuration to receive and clamp a cable or bundle of cables respectively. The cable receiving sections 82a, 82b include internally moulded loops about their outer surface for receiving a cable tie, which is used to secure them in the closed position.

[0041] The cable mount 40 is connected to the body 38 by a bolt 87 that has been secured through one 80c of the plurality of holes 80a-c of the cable mount 40, and through one of the plurality of holes 74a-f of the body 38. Varying the selected one of the plurality of holes 80a-c varies the height of the clamping member relative to the body 38 and varying the selected one of the plurality of holes 74a-f varies the position along the body 38 and / or the position of the cable mount 40 above or below the body 38. Thus selective positioning along the length of the body 38, as well as positioning vertically towards / away from the body 38, is enabled to allow suitable alignment of the cable. By virtue of the cable mount 40 being re-positionable, cables 86 can be supported in a variety of positions. The cable 86 may be supported in a position that aligns with existing in situ cable support brackets. As such the cable support bracket 34 of the present disclosure can be retrofitted alongside existing cable support brackets without causing misalignment of the cable 86 as it passes between said cable support brackets. The cable mount 40 may be permanently fastened to the body 38 or releasably fastened as shown.

[0042] A bolt mount 44 is provided at each end 52,54 of the body 38. Figure 4 shows a bolt mount arranged at the first end 52, and a second bolt mount 44 is located at the opposing second 54 and is substantially identical. Referring to Figure 4, the bolt mount 44 secures the body 38 to the rib 26 by connecting the body 38 to the bolts 22 of the rib 26. The bolt mount 44 comprises a clamping member in the form of a collar 88 or ring member formed from a flat plate, having an aperture 90 formed through its centre for receiving the bolt 22. It will be appreciated that the collar need not have a completely annular form and could be configured for example to extend around only part of the bolt on the opposing side to the body 38. Extending perpendicularly from the collar 88 is a connection block or flange 92 for connecting the collar 88 to the body 38. The flange92 comprises a portion of the mounting plate bent through 90 degrees and includes a cylindrical spigot 93 secured thereto. The spigot 93 has a threaded bore configured to receive a correspondingly threaded shaft 94. The aperture 90 of the mounting collar 88 is sized to be larger than the diameter of the head of the tunnel bolt 22. The collar 88 can therefore be located over the tunnel bolt 22 with the tunnel bolt head 22 being received within the mounting aperture 90. A plurality of teeth 98 are disposed around the periphery of the mounting aperture 90 that define a bolt engagement surface. The teeth 98 serve to better engage and grip the tunnel bolt 22.

[0043] The proximal end of the threaded shaft 94 comprises a hexagonal bolt head, such the shaft 94 has the form of a threaded bolt. The shaft 94 is inserted through mounting hole 56 of the body 38 with the bolt head being located on the outer side of the central panel 48 and the threaded end of the shaft 94 extending rearwardly towards the bolt 22. A fastener 104 in the form of two nuts 104a, 104b is affixed to the threaded section 100 at the rear surface 50 of the body 38. The two nuts 104a, 104b have been threaded along the threaded section 100 up to the rear surface 50 of the body 38 before being secured against one another, preventing further movement of the nuts 104a, 104b. The shaft 94 is therefore restrained on one side of the central panel of the body 38 by the bolt head 102 and on the other side by the nuts 104a,104b, preventing axial movement of the shaft 94 while permitted rotational movement. The shaft 94 is thereby rotationally mounted to the body 38 such that it cannot move axially towards or away from the body 38.

[0044] The distal end of the shaft 94 is threaded through the threaded bore of the spigot 93 of the collar 88. As such, the shaft 94 is connected to the collar 88 at one end and to the body 38 at the opposing end. The shaft 94 functions as a threaded linear actuator. The shaft 94 is rotated via the bolt head, using a wrench or similar tool. As the shaft 94 rotates within the threaded bore of the spigot 93 it causes the flange92 to move along the threaded section 100. As a result, the collar 88 is drawn towards the body 38 by rotation of the threaded shaft 92, which effectively acts as the lead screw of a screw-driven linear actuator.

[0045] As the collar 88 is drawn towards the body 38 the inner peripheral edge of the collar 88 on the opposing side of the bolt to the body 38 is pulled into engagement with the bolt head 22 and further liner movement of the collar 88 is prevented. Further application of torque to the shaft 92 thereby creates an increasing axial force that pulls the body 38 towards the bolt 22 and in doing so urges it into engagement with the inner surface of the rib 26. The rib 22 is engaged by the tabs 62a,62b and the wing mounts 70a,70b of the body 38. In this way a clamping force is created that pulls the cable support bracket 34 into a fixed engagement with the rib 26, and the clamping force is increased by increased rotation of the shaft 92.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the cable support bracket 34 includes a second bolt mount 108 provided at the opposing end 54 to provide a second balancing clamping force. The second bolt mount 108 is configured substantially the same as the first bolt mount 44 as described above. The bolt mount 108 and is received about a second bolt head 22 on the opposing side of the rib 26. The second bolt mount 108 comprises a mounting collar 188 having an aperture 190 for receiving the bolt 22. A flangel92 having a threaded bore extends from the collar 188 to the body 38 and receives a threaded shaft 194, with a plurality of teeth disposed around the inner periphery of the aperture.

[0047] The proximal end of the threaded shaft 194 comprises a hexagonal bolt head and the shaft 194 is inserted through mounting slot 58 of the body 38 with the bolt head being located on the outer side of the central plate 48 and the threaded end of the shaft 194 extending rearwardly towards the bolt 22. Two nuts are affixed to the shaft 194 at the rear surface 50 of the body 38 that rotationally mounted the shaft 194 to the body 38 such that the head cannot move towards or away from the body 38. The threaded shaft 194 is operated in the same manner as described for the first bolt mount 44 to draw the ring section towards the body 38 and urge the body 38 against the rib 26.

[0048] As the collar 114 is drawn towards the body 38 the inner peripheral edge of the collar 114 is pulled into engagement with the bolt head 22. Further operation of the shaft 92 causes the body 38 to be pulled towards the bolt 22 and urged into engagement with the inner surface of the rib 26. The rib 22 is engaged by the tabs 62a,62b and the wing mounts 70a,70b. In this way a clamping force is created that pulls the cable support bracket 34 into a fixed engagement with the rib 26. The shaft 194 of the second bolt mount 108 can laterally slide within and along the slot 58, and thus can translate across the body 38. This enables the bolt mount 108 to be slid to a position laterally spaced from the second bolt 22 allowing the first bolt mount44 to be moved over the first bolt head without the second bolt mount interfering with the second bolt head. When the first bolt mount is secured to the first bolt head 22 the shaft 194 and ring element of the second bolt mount 108 may be slid towards the rib 26 and the ring element moved into position over the bolt head 22. The second bolt mount is then tightened to clamp the second end 54 in position.

[0049] The first shaft 94 and second shaft 194 are at opposing ends 52, 54 of the body 38, being received through the first hole 56 and the slot 58 of the body 38 respectively. Thus the first and second bolt mounts 44,108 are spaced apart across the body 38. With the tabs 62a,62b and wing mounts 70a,70b of the body 38 in engagement with the rib 26 the action of drawing the second bolt mount 108 against the opposite end of the tunnel bolt 22, pulls the second end 54 of the body 38 against the rib 26 and counters any rotational force generated by drawing the first bolt mount 44 against the end of the tunnel bolt 22 and towards the body 38. The cable support bracket 34 is thereby better secured to the rib 26. Alternatively, this rotational balancing could be performed by other features such as protrusions located on the along of the body 38 that interact with the rib 26, without an active clamping mechanism at the second end 54. The cable support bracket 34 is preferably formed of a metal plate material and as such the cable support bracket 34 is fire-resistant. However, this does not necessarily mean that the cable support bracket 34 consists solely of metallic material. For example, the c-shaped receiving sections 82a, 82b of the cable mount 40 may be manufactured from a polymeric material, whilst the elongate plate of the cable mount 40 is manufactured from metal with a polymeric over mould. A metal cable tie 76 is passed around the c-shaped clamping sections 82a, 82b (and thus cable 86 received therein) and through a slot in the elongate strap 78. In the event of a fire the metal cable tie remains secured about the cable even if the clamping sections perish. The metal cable tie 76 thus performs the dual function of securing the clamping sections closed and providing fire proof cable support.

[0050] The body 38 and ring elements are manufactured from sheet metal, and thus the body 38 and bolt mount 44 can be readily manufactured, whilst remaining lightweight and easy to transport. However, it will be appreciated they could alternatively be manufactured using any other technique suitable for forming, or subtractively / additively processing, a material. Some or all of the cable support bracket 34 may comprise stainless steel for improved corrosion resistance.

[0051] It will be appreciated that in further embodiments various modifications to the specific arrangements described above and shown in the drawings may be made.

Claims

1. A cable support bracket for mounting to a tunnel ring or beam, the cable support bracket comprising,a body for supporting at least one cable, the body having a front surface that in use faces into the tunnel and a rear surface that in use faces towards the tunnel ring, a forward / rearward axis perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the forward / rearward axis;at least two bolt mounts spaced longitudinally along the body, each bolt mount including a clamping member located at and spaced from the rear side of the body and an actuating member connecting the clamping member to the body and holding the clamping member in said spaced relationship with the body,wherein each actuating member is coupled to the body and fixed relative to the body section in the forward / rearward direction and is operable to move the respective clamping member forwardly towards the rear surface of the body section.

2. A cable support bracket according to claim 1 wherein the bolt mounts are provided at opposing ends of the body.

3. A cable support bracket according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the body includes an engagement section that in use engages and is clamped against the inner face of the tunnel ring, and the clamping members are located spaced rearwardly of the engagement section.

4. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the body comprises a mounting section at the rear side of the body arranged to engage the tunnel ring in use, and the at least two bolt mounts are spaced longitudinally along the body either side of the engagement section.

5. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the clamping member of each bolt mount has a clamping surface facing towards the body that is use is positioned at an opposite side of the tunnel bolt to the body, wherein operation of the actuating member moves the clamping surface into engagement with the tunnel bolt.

6. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein each actuating member is a rotatable linear actuator operably connected to the clamping member such that rotation of the actuating member causes linear movement of the clamping member towards the body.

7. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein each actuating member includes a first threaded portion and each respective clamping member includes a corresponding second threaded portion engaged by the first threaded portion, and rotation of the first threaded portion of the actuating member relative to the second threaded portion of the clamping member causes said linear movement of the clamping member towards the body.

8. A cable support bracket according to claim 6 or 7 wherein each actuating member is rotationally mounted to the body.

9. A cable support bracket according to claim 8 wherein each actuating member comprises an elongate threaded shaft and the clamping member includes a connection element having a threaded bore that receives the threaded shaft.

10. A cable support bracket according to claim 9 wherein the actuating member is a threaded bolt extending through an aperture in the body, the bolt having a head located at the front side of the body and the shaft of the bolt extending rearwardly and connecting to the clamping member.

11. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the clamping member comprises a planar member having an aperture formed therein for receiving the head of a tunnel bolt.

12. A cable support bracket according to claim 11 wherein the aperture defines a inner edge and the clamping member comprises a plurality of teeth formed along at least a portion of the inner edge.

13. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes a central panel to which the actuating members are coupled and one or more engagement features at the rear side to support the body when mounted against a support surface, the one or more engagement features being arranged to support the body at a position spaced from the support surface.

14. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cable mount connected to the body for mounting a cable to the body.

15. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the position of at least one of the bolt mounts is longitudinally adjustable relative to the body.

16. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the body includes at least one longitudinally extending slot and at least one of the actuating members is slidingly received within said slot.

17. A cable support bracket according to wherein the bolt mount has an engagement surface arranged to face towards the body and to be positionable at an opposite side of the tunnel bolt to the body such that relative movement between the body and bolt mount draws the body towards the tunnel bolt.

18. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuating member is connected to the clamping member at a distal end and connected tothe body at a proximal end and the proximal end of the actuating member includes a head located at the front face of the body configured to be engaged by a driving tool to operate the actuating member.5 19. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, further comprising acable mount for retaining a cable, the cable mount secured to the body.

20. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, further comprising an alignment feature extending rearwardly from the body, the alignment feature io located proximate a first end of the body at a position longitudinally inwards ofthe bolt mount located at said first end.

21. A cable support bracket according to claim 20, wherein the alignment feature comprises one or more arms and extending rearwardly from the body.1522. A cable support bracket according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a fire-resistant material.21

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