Installation apparatus

Abstract

An installation apparatus (e.g. clip) for retaining a flexible cable in position adjacent or against an elongate member (e.g. down pipe or soil pipe) the support apparatus comprising: a body portion 4

Description

The present invention relates to an installation apparatus, and in particular to an installation apparatus for use in installing flexible cable adjacent to an elongate member. The present invention also relates to a method of installation of flexible cable adjacent to an elongate member utilising the installation apparatus. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Conventionally, fibre cables (for example service cables such as fibre optic or copper cables) are installed to a property by running the cable from a nearby pole to a junction box on the property. The service cables are typically positioned behind a down pipe and can be held in position by cable ties or by tacking to the front of a building. Unfortunately, conventional installation of the service cable uses single use fixation means which when removed must be replaced with a new fixation means. There is therefore significant and unnecessary waste associated with the conventional installation methods. Furthermore, the conventional installation method may result in unslightly sagging and cieating of the cable and does not aid in the alignment of the length of the service cable along the surface of the building and / or downpipe. There is therefore a need for an improved fixation means and method of installation of service cables with a view to reducing waste and improving the alignment of the service cable. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an installation apparatus for retaining a flexible cable in position adjacent or against an elongate member, the support apparatus comprising: a body portion having a first end and a second opposed second end; and a pair of spaced apart engagement arms, each engagement arm having a first end located at or adjacent a corresponding first or second end of the body portion, and an opposed second free end, and in which each engagement arm extends outwardly in a first direction away from the body portion; in which the pair of spaced apart engagement arms and body portion together define an axially open-ended channel extending therebetween, in which the channel defines a first longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the plane of the body portion and / or extending substantially perpendicular to the first direction of the engagement arms, and in which the opposed second free ends of the spaced apart engagement arms define an opening extending therebetween, in which the opening is in communication with the axially open-ended channel, and in which the body portion defines an open-ended recess for receiving and retaining a portion of a flexible cable therein. The installation apparatus may for example be in the form of a clip. The installation apparatus is configured for releasable engagement with a flexible cable and an elongate member. As such, the installation apparatus is easily removed when required, for example for inspection, maintenance, repair and / or removal of one or more of the cable and / or elongate member. The installation apparatus may subsequently be reengaged or used again on a further cable and / or elongate member. This ensures that the installation apparatus can be utilised many times within its lifespan and as such the carbon footprint associated with the method of installing a cable utilising the apparatus of the present invention is significantly reduced compared to the conventional method of installation. The installation apparatus may for example be configured for push-fit engagement with the elongate member. The flexible cable may be a service cable, for example a fibre optic cable or copper cable. In one embodiment, the body portion and pair of spaced apart engagement arms form a substantially U-shaped or C-shaped member. The open-ended recess of the body portion preferably defines a second longtiduinal axis extending between the open ends thereof. The second longitudinal axis of the recess preferably extends substantially parallel to the first longtiduinal axis of the axially open-ended channel. The open-ended recess of the body portion is preferably substantially centrally located between the first and second ends thereof. In one embodiment, the open-ended recess of the body portion is substantially centrally located between the pair of spaced apart engagement arms. The free end of one, preferably each, of the spaced apart engagement arms preferably provides at least one abutment member extending in a direction towards the at least one abutment member provided by the other engagement arm. Each abutment member preferably provides a lateral retaining feature. The or each lateral retaining feature preferably extends in a plane extending at an angle to the first longitudinal axis of the axially open-ended channel. For example, the or each lateral retaining feature preferably extends in a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the axially open-ended channel. The body portion preferably comprises a front surface extending between the first and second ends thereof, and an opposed rear surface. The front surface of the body portion is preferably configured in use to define a portion of the axial open-ended channel and to abut a portion of an elongate member received therein. The front surface of the body portion preferably defines the open-ended recess. The rear surface of the body portion is preferably configured in use to be positioned at or adjacent a contact surface of a building, for example a wall. The body portion and engagement arms are preferably formed as an integral unit. The body portion and engagement arms are preferably formed of a resilient material. In one embodiment, the engagement arms are configured in use to be moveable in a direction towards and away from each other when subjected to, and on removal of, a compressive force. The opposed second free ends of the pair of spaced apart engagement arms are preferably biased towards each other. The opening provided adjacent the second free ends of the engagement arm preferably has a dimension (extending therebetween) which, when no force is applied, is less than the cross sectional dimension of the elongate member to be received within the axially open-ended channel. The body portion and engagement arms are preferably composed of uPVC. The apparatus may further comprise one or more gripping portions configured in use to abut and to grip the elongate member. The gripping portion(s) may be provided by a front surface of the body portion and / or an inner surface of the engagement arms. The gripping portion(s) may comprise one or more rib portions. The apparatus is preferably configured for releasable engagement with the flexible cable and elongate member. The apparatus may therefore be installed, removed and reinstalled repeatedly as required. In one embodiment, the body portion comprises an upper edge and an opposed lower edge, with a front surface and an opposed rear surface extending therebetween. The second free end of the engagement arms preferably extends substantially perpendicular to a plane defined the body portion. The height of the installation apparatus, as measured between the upper and lower edges thereof, is preferably less than the length of the engagement arms as measured between the first and second ends thereof. The axially open-ended channel may be shaped and dimensioned to receive and retain a corresponding elongate member having corresponding transverse shape and dimensions therein. The axially open-ended channel preferably has a cross-sectional dimension (as measured between the pair of spaced apart engagement arms) of at least 50 mm, preferably at least 55 mm, for example at least 60 mm. The axially open-ended channel preferably has a cross-sectional dimension (as measured between the pair of spaced apart engagement arms) of no more than 100 mm, preferably no more than 90 mm, preferably no more than 80 mm. The axially open-ended channel preferably has a cross-sectional dimension (as measured between the pair of spaced apart engagement arms) of between 50 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 90 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 55 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 55 mm and 90 mm, preferably between 55 mm and 80 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 90 mm, preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an installation system comprising: an elongate member; a flexible cable; and at least one installation apparatus as herein described, in which the at least one installation apparatus is mounted on the elongate member, such that the elongate member is received within the axially open-ended channel extending between the spaced apart engagement arms, and in which at least a portion of the flexible cable is retained within the open-ended recess defined by the body portion. The system may comprise a plurality of installation apparatus spaced apart from each other along the elongate member. A portion of the flexible cable is preferably retained within the open-ended recess(es) of the body portion(s) and positioned adjacent the elongate member. The portion of the flexible cable is preferably retained adjacent the front face of the body portion and the elongate member. The portion of the flexible cable is preferably configured in use to be in direct contact with a portion of the elongate member and the portion of the front face defining the recess. The elongate member may be any suitable member such as for example, but not to be limited to, a downpipe or soil pipe. The flexible cable may be any suitable cable such as for example, but not to be limited to, a fibre optic cable. The elongate member may have any suitable transverse cross-section. For example, the elongate member may be tubular. The elongate member may have a substantially circular or oval cross-section. The elongate member may have a polygonal, for example square or rectangular, transverse cross-section. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing an installation apparatus as herein described comprising: obtaining an elongate member; obtaining a flexible cable; obtaining an installation apparatus as herein described; positioning a portion of the flexible cable within the open-ended recess of the body portion of the installation apparatus; and mounting the installation apparatus on the elongate member by positioning the elongate member within the axially open-ended channel defined between the spaced apart engagement arms. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying Figures: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES Figure 1 is a photograph of an installation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a photograph of an installation apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a method for installing an installation apparatus according to Figure 1 to an elongate member having a square transverse cross-section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a method for installing an installation apparatus according to Figure 2 to an elongate member having a circular transverse cross-section according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a portion of an installation system comprising the installation apparatus of Figure 1 together with a service cable; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a portion of an installation system comprising the installation apparatus of Figure 2 together with a service cable; and Figure 7 is a photograph of an installation system comprising the installation apparatus of Figure 2 with a down pipe and a service cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the Figures, the installation apparatus 2, 2' comprises a body portion 4, 4' having a first end 6, 6' and a second opposed second end 8, 8'. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the body portion 4 is substantially planar in cross-section. However, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6, the body portion 4' is substantially curved in crosssection. It is to be understood that that shape of the body portion 4, 4' is selected dependent on the cross-sectional profile (for example transverse shape) of the elongate member 24, 24' intended to be received by the installation apparatus 2, 2'. The installation apparatus 2, 2' further comprises a pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b'. Each engagement arm 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' having a first end 12a, 12b, 12a', 12b' located at or adjacent a corresponding first end 6, 6' of the body portion 4, 4', and an opposed second free end 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b'. Each engagement arm 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' extends outwardly in a first direction away from the body portion 4, 4'. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b are substantially planar in cross-section. However, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6, the pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a', 10b' are substantially curved in cross-section. It is to be understood that that shape and profile of the pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' are selected dependent on the cross-sectional profile (for example transverse shape) of the elongate member 24, 24' intended to be received by the installation apparatus 2, 2'. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the installation apparatus 2 is substantially C-shaped in transverse cross-section. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6, the installation apparatus 2' is substantially U-shaped in transverse cross-section. The pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' and body portion 4,4' together define an axially open-ended channel 16,16' extending therebetween. It is to be understood that the shape of the axially open-ended channel 16, 16' is selected to correspond, substantially, to the transverse cross-section of the corresponding elongate member intended to be received by the installation apparatus 2, 2'. The axially open-ended channel 16, 16' defines a first longitudinal axis A-A' extending substantially parallel to the plane defined by a front surface 18, 18' of the body portion 4, 4' and / or extending substantially perpendicular to the first direction of the engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b'. The opposed second free ends 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' of the spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' define an opening 20, 20' extending therebetween. The opening 20, 20' is in communication with the axially open-ended channel 16,16'. The body portion 4, 4' defines an open-ended recess 22, 22' for receiving and retaining a portion of a flexible cable 26, 26' therein. The open-ended recess 22, 22' of the body portion 4, 4' is substantially centrally located between the first and second ends thereof. The open-ended recess 22, 22' of the body portion 4, 4' is substantially centrally located between the pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b'. The open-ended recess 22, 22' defines a second longitudinal axis B-B' extending between the open ends thereof. The second longitudinal axis B-B' extends substantially parallel to the first longtiduinal axis A-A' of the axially open-ended channel 16,16'. The body portion 4, 4' and engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' are formed of a resilient material. The opposed second free ends 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' of the pair of spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' are biased towards each other. In one embodiment, the installation apparatus 2, 2' is composed of uPVC however it is to be understood that the apparatus may be composed of any suitable material or materials. The free end 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' of each of the spaced apart engagement arm 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' provides an abutment member 28a, 28b, 28a', 28b' which is configured in use to extend in a direction towards the abutment member 28a, 28b, 28a', 28b' provided by the other engagement arm 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b'. Each abutment member 28a, 28b, 28a', 28b' provides a lateral retaining feature 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b'. Each lateral retaining feature extends 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b' within a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis A-A' of the axially open-ended channel 16,16'. The opening 20, 20' defined between the free ends 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' is configured to be less than the cross-sectional dimension of the elongate member 24, 24' to be received and retained within the axially open-ended channel 16,16'. The body portion 4, 4' comprises a front surface 18, 18' extending between the first and second ends 6, 6', 8, 8' thereof, and an opposed rear surface 28, 28'. The front surface 18,18' is configured in use to define a portion of the axial open-ended channel 16,16' and to abut a portion of an elongate member 24, 24' received therein, and in which the front surface 18, 18' defines the open-ended recess 22, 22'. The rear surface 28, 28' of the body portion 4, 4' is configured in use to be positioned at or adjacent a contact surface of a building. In use, the installation apparatus 2, 2' is configured for releasable engagement with the flexible cable 26, 26' and elongate member 24, 24'. The operator selects the installation apparatus 2, 2' having an axial open-ended channel 16, 16' with the appropriate shape and dimension for the corresponding elongate member 24, 24'. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 1, 3 and 5, the elongate member 24 is a down pipe having a substantially square cross-section with a cross-sectional dimension of 65 mm. The cross-sectional dimension of the axial opening ended channel 16, when measured towards the first end 12a, 12b of the spaced apart engagement arms 10a, 10b is approximately equal to 65 mm or slightly greater than. The size of the opening 20 provided at the second ends 14a, 14b of the engagement arms 10a, 10b, when no force is supplied, is less than 65 mm, however the engagement arms 10a, 10b are formed of resilient material and configured in use, on application of a force, to be moveable so that the elongate member 24 may be inserted through the opening 20. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2, 4 and 6, the elongate member 24' is a down pipe having a substantially square cross-section with a cross-sectional dimension of 68 mm. The cross-sectional dimension of the axial opening ended channel 16', when measured towards the first end 12a', 12b' of the spaced apart engagement arms 10a', 10b' is approximately equal to 68 mm or slightly greater than. The size of the opening 20' provided at the second ends 14a', 14b' of the engagement arms 10a', 10b', when no force is supplied, is less than 68 mm, however the engagement arms 10a', 10b' are formed of resilient material and configured in use, on application of a force, to be moveable so that the elongate member 24' may be inserted through the opening 20'. The operator obtains the flexible cable, for example service cable, and mounts the installation apparatus 2, 2' on the cable 26, 26' such that a portion of the cable 26, 26' is received within the open ended recess 22, 22' provided by the front surface 18,18' of the body portion 4, 4'. The operator then applies a force to separate the second ends 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' of the engagement arms 10a, 10b, 10a', 10b' and mounts the installation apparatus 2, 2' and cable 26, 26' on the corresponding elongate member 24, 24' at a predetermined location. On removal of the force to the second ends 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' the opening 20, 20' returns to the original dimension and positions the lateral retaining feature 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b' adjacent the elongate member 24, 24' preventing any unintentional movement of the elongate member out of contact with the installation apparatus 2, 2'. The flexible cable 26, 26' is retained in position between the front surface 18,18' of the body portion 4, 4' of the installation apparatus and the adjacent surface of the elongate member 24, 24'. The contact formed between the cable 26, 26', the body portion 4,4' of the apparatus 2, 2' and the elongate member 24, 24' ensures that the cable 26, 26' remains in the intended position and alignment post installment and reduces the risk of unslightly movement or sagging of the cable. When required, for example for inspection, maintenance and / or repair of the elongate member (i.e. down pipe or soil pipe) and / or of the cable, the installation apparatus 2, 2' can be easily removed from engagement with the elongate member 24, 24' and the cable 6, 6', and repositioned as and when required. The installation apparatus 2, 2' of the present invention is therefore releasably mounted on the elongate member 24, 24' and the cable 6, 6' enabling reuse of the apparatus 2, 2' and reducing the amount of waste associated with installation of cables on properties. The carbon footprint associated with the method of installation utilising the installation apparatus of the present invention is therefore greatly reduced when compared to the conventional method of installation using single use fixation means such as cable ties.

Claims

1. An installation apparatus for retaining a flexible cable in position adjacent or against an elongate member, the support apparatus comprising:a body portion having a first end and a second opposed second end; anda pair of spaced apart engagement arms, each engagement arm having a first end located at or adjacent a corresponding first or second end of the body portion, and an opposed second free end, and in which each engagement arm extends outwardly in a first direction away from the body portion;in which the pair of spaced apart engagement arms and body portion together define an axially open-ended channel extending therebetween, in which the channel defines a first longitudinal axis extending substantially parallel to the plane of the body portion and / or extending substantially perpendicular to the first direction of the engagement arms, andin which the opposed second free ends of the spaced apart engagement arms define an opening extending therebetween, in which the opening is in communication with the axially open-ended channel, andin which the body portion defines an open-ended recess for receiving and retaining a portion of a flexible cable therein.

2. An installation apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the body portion and pair of spaced apart engagement arms form a substantially U-shaped or C-shaped member.

3. An installation apparatus as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the open-ended recess of the body portion defines a second longtiduinal axis extending between the open ends thereof, and in which the second longitudinal axis of the recess extends substantially parallel to the first longtiduinal axis of the axially open-ended channel.

4. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the open-ended recess of the body portion is substantially centrally located between the first and second ends thereof.

5. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the open-ended recess of the body portion is substantially centrally located between the pair of spaced apart engagement arms.

6. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the free end of each of the spaced apart engagement arms provides at least one abutment member extending in a direction towards at least one abutment member provided by the other engagement arm, each abutment member providing a lateral retaining feature.

7. An installation apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which a or each lateral retaining feature extending in a plane extending at an angle to the first longitudinal axis of the axially open-ended channel.

8. An installation apparatus as claimed in either of claims 6 and 7, in which a or each lateral retaining feature extends within a plane extending substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the axially open-ended channel.

9. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion comprises a front surface extending between the first and second ends thereof, and an opposed rear surface, in which the front surface is configured in use to define a portion of the axial open-ended channel and to abut a portion of an elongate member received therein, and in which the front surface defines the open-ended recess.

10. An installation apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the rear surface of the body portion is configured in use to be positioned at or adjacent a contact surface of a building.

11. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion and engagement arms are formed as an integral unit.

12. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion and engagement arms are formed of a resilient material.

13. An installation apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the opposed second free ends of the pair of spaced apart engagement arms are biased towards each other.

14. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apparatus is configured for releasable engagement with the flexible cable and elongate member.

15. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion comprises an upper edge and an opposed lower edge, with a front surface and an opposed rear surface extending therebetween, and in which the second free end of the engagement arms extends substantially perpendicular to a plane defined the body portion.

16. An installation apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body portion comprises an upper edge and an opposed lower edge, with a front surface and an opposed rear surface extending therebetween, and in which the height of the installation apparatus, as measured between the upper and lower edges thereof, is less than the length of the engagement arms as measured between the first and second ends thereof.

17. An installation system comprising:an elongate member;a flexible cable; andat least one installation apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, in which the at least one installation apparatus is mounted on the elongate member, suchthat the elongate member is received within the axially open-ended channel extending between the spaced apart engagement arms, and in which at least a portion of the flexible cable is retained within the open-ended recess defined by the body portion.

18. An installation system as claimed in claim 17, in which the system comprises a plurality of installation apparatus spaced apart from each other along the elongate member.

19. An installation system as claimed in either of claims 17 and 18, in which a portion of the flexible cable is retained within the open-ended recess(es) of the body portion(s) and positioned adjacent the elongate member.

20. An installation system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, in which the elongate member is a downpipe.

21. An installation system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 20, in which the flexible cable is a fibre optic cable.

22. A method for installing an installation system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 comprising:obtaining an elongate member;obtaining a flexible cable;obtaining an installation apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16;positioning a portion of the flexible cable within the open-ended recess of the body portion of the installation apparatus; andmounting the installation apparatus on the elongate member by positioning the elongate member within the axially open-ended channel defined between the spaced apart engagement arms.

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