Elongate article clamping device with an exit direction nonparallel to an entry direction

Abstract

A device for clamping an elongate article comprising a first entrance 102 for receiving an elongate article (fig. 5 item 1) in a first direction D1 before it passes through a first exit (fig. 2, 104).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to an elongate article clamping device with an exit direction nonparallel to an entry direction. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Clamping devices exist, for clamping elongate articles such as wire ropes. A clamping device can comprise a first entrance, a first exit, a first straight passage therebetween, and a clamping mechanism positioned along the first straight passage. A double clamping device can further comprise a second entrance adjacent the first exit, a second exit adjacent the first entrance, a second straight passage therebetween, and a clamping mechanism positioned along the second straight passage, acting in the opposite direction. A user may desire to form a loop out of the end of an elongate article hanging from a support, for example to hang an external object such as a circular tube from the support. A double clamping device is secured to the elongate article, the elongate article extending through the first passage. Then, the elongate article is flexed into a loop, and the end of the loop is reinserted into the second passage of the clamping device to be secured. The resulting loop has a teardrop shape, due to the directions of the passages of the clamping device. This limits how close the clamping device can be to the external object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a clamping device comprising: a first entrance to receive an elongate article (e.g., wire rope / line) from at least a first direction (entry direction); a first exit to enable the elongate article to exit the clamping device in a second direction (exit direction) nonparallel to the first direction; a first passage between the first entrance and the first exit; a second entrance to receive the elongate article; and a clamping mechanism to enable movement of the elongate article in a feed direction through the second entrance, and inhibit movement of the elongate article in a reverse direction opposite the feed direction. This provides the advantage of a convenient clamping device for forming a loop out of the end of an elongate article hanging from a support. This is because the clamping device forces the elongate article to flex within the first passage to initiate the loop, and because the end of the loop can be reinserted into the clamping device and automatically clamped. The clamping device can be referred to as a hanger clamping device. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a clamping device comprising: a first entrance to receive an elongate article from at least a first direction; a first exit to enable the elongate article to exit the clamping device in a second direction nonparallel to the first direction; 2 a first passage between the first entrance and the first exit; a second entrance to receive the elongate article from a third direction (re-entry direction), opposite the second direction; a second exit; a second passage extending between the second entrance and the second exit; and a clamping mechanism along the second passage. This provides the advantage of a convenient clamping device for forming a substantially circular loop out of the end of an elongate article hanging from a support. This is because the clamping device forces the elongate article to flex to initiate the loop, and because the end of the loop can be reinserted into the clamping device from the opposite end than the first exit, to be clamped. The clamping device may have only one clamping mechanism, and / or the elongate article may be unclamped within the first passage. The first passage may be a guide passage. The first passage may be a non-clamping passage whereas the second passage may be a clamping passage. The first direction may be nonparallel to the second direction by an angle a from the range 45 to 135 degrees, or from the range 80 to 100 degrees, or from the range 85 to 95 degrees, or approximately perpendicular. An advantage is that that the clamping device can create a hanging wire loop such that the elongate article can enter the clamping device vertically and exit the clamping device generally horizontally, at a generally tangential direction relative to the surface of the external object. The terms horizontal and vertical refer to a coordinate system of the hanging elongate article. The first entrance may be shaped to receive the elongate article from a range of directions. The range of directions include the first direction nonparallel to the second direction, and may include a further direction generally parallel to the second direction, or more parallel to the second direction than the first direction. An advantage is ease of initial feeding, because the clamping device can be initially fed along the elongate article at an orientation where the elongate article remains straight within the first passage. When the clamping device reaches the desired position along the elongate article, the device can be rotated to flex the elongate article. Therefore, the further direction is also referred to as an ‘initial direction’ herein. The first entrance may be elongate. The elongate first entrance may comprise a curve in a plane that is at least partially parallel to the first and second directions. The first entrance may be an elongate slot. Where the first entrance may be a curved elongate opening, the first direction and further direction may be defined by opposite ends of the first entrance. A first end of the first entrance may receive the elongate article when the elongate article enters the clamping device from the first direction. A second opposite end of the first entrance, nonparallel to the first end, may receive the elongate article when the elongate article enters the clamping device from the further direction. The first end of the first entrance may comprise a first seat. The first seat may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. The second end of the first entrance may comprise a second seat. The second seat may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. 4 The first exit and first passage may constrain a direction at which the elongate article exits the clamping device, to the second direction. The first exit may have a lower aspect ratio than the first entrance. For example, the first exit may be generally circular / non-elongate. The first passage may have a tapering cross-section tapering inwardly from the first entrance to the first exit. The first passage may connect the first entrance to the first exit, and comprise a first surface that changes direction between the first entrance and the first exit. The first surface of the first passage may generally face the first direction proximal to the first entrance, and generally face the second direction proximal to the first exit. The first surface of the first passage may be to seat the elongate article between the first entrance and first exit. The first surface of the first passage may be curved between the first and second directions. The first surface of the first passage may curve at a radius of at least 4d or at least 5d, where ‘d’ is the diameter of the elongate article. The first surface of the first passage may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. One end of the first surface of the first passage may be connected to and / or coplanar with the first end of the first entrance. The opposite end of the first surface of the first passage may be connected to and / or coplanar with the first exit. The first passage may further comprise a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may be generally straight, or straighter than the first surface of the first passage, between the first entrance and first exit. One end of the second surface of the first passage may be connected to and / or coplanar with the second end of the first entrance. The opposite end of the second surface of the first passage may be connected to and / or coplanar with the first exit. The clamping device may comprise left and right-side walls connecting the first and second surfaces of the first passage. The left and right-side walls and first and second surfaces may collectively define an enclosed interior space, open at the first entrance and first exit. In examples, the clamping device comprises a second entrance to receive the elongate article from a third direction opposite the second direction. The third direction may be generally parallel to the second direction. The second entrance may be open to an interior space divided from the first passage; the clamping mechanism being located in the interior space. The second entrance may be located towards an opposite end of the clamping device than the first exit, facing an opposite direction, to allow the elongate article to form a circular loop between the first exit and the second entrance. 6 The second entrance may be adjacent to a portion of the first entrance. The second entrance may be adjacent to the second end of the first entrance. The third direction may be generally parallel to the further direction. The further, second, and third directions may be generally parallel. The first direction may be generally perpendicular to the second and third directions. The first direction may be generally perpendicular to the second, third, and further directions. The first, second, and third directions may collectively define a T-shape. The first, second, and third directions may be generally coplanar. The plane in which they are coplanar may be the plane in which the loop of the elongate article is formed. The first, second, third, and further directions may be generally coplanar. In examples, the clamping device comprises a second exit, and a second passage extending between the second entrance and the second exit, the clamping mechanism being located along the second passage. In examples, an end of the elongate article can be fed through the second passage and out of the second exit, where it can be grasped by the user. The user can pull the exposed end to pull the elongate article through the second passage and clamping mechanism to decrease a size of the loop between the first exit and second entrance. The clamping mechanism may be configured to resist enlarging of the loop. The second exit may be located towards a same end of the clamping device as the first exit. The second exit may be adjacent to the first exit. The second exit may enable the elongate article to exit the clamping device in a fourth direction (tail exit direction). The fourth direction may be generally parallel to the second direction. In examples, the clamping mechanism enables movement of the elongate article in a feed direction from the second entrance through the second passage to the second exit, and inhibits movement of the elongate article in a reverse direction opposite the feed direction. The clamping mechanism may comprise a movable clamp. The clamping device may comprise a first clamping formation against which the clamp is configured to engage the elongate article. The first clamping formation may be a clamping wall. The clamping wall may extend along the second passage. The clamp may be wedge-shaped or may be round. If wedge-shaped, the clamp may comprise a wedging surface, opposite the clamping surface. The clamp may be slidable at an oblique angle relative to the second passage. The oblique angle may have a value less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees. If the clamp is wedge-shaped, an angle of taper of the clamp may be equal to the oblique angle relative to the passage. 8 The clamping device may comprise a second clamping formation for applying a clamping force to the clamp. Thus, the clamp and the elongate article are clamped between the first and second clamping formations. The second clamping formation may be a second clamping wall. The second clamping formation may converge towards the first clamping formation at the oblique angle relative to the passage. The clamp may comprise a surface, such as the clamping surface, which is parallel to the first clamping formation. The wedging surface of the clamp may be parallel to the second clamping formation. The clamping mechanism may comprise a spring configured to urge the clamp into clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may be configured to resist movement of the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may comprise a coil spring. The spring may comprise a compression spring. The spring and the entrance aperture may be located to opposite ends of the clamping device. The clamp may be between the entrance aperture and the spring. The clamping mechanism may comprise a releaser. The releaser may be slidable from a home position to a release position, to move the clamp out of the clamping engagement. Alternatively, the releaser may comprise a release tool opening enabling an elongate release tool to poke the clamp to the release position. The spring and the releaser may be configured to apply force to the clamp in opposite directions. The releaser may comprise a button cap depressible by a digit of a user. Depressing the releaser may push the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article section. The spring may be compressed as the releaser moves to the release position. 9 The first passage may be shaped to force the elongate article into a kinked shape when the first entrance receives the elongate article from the further direction. The first exit may be shaped to allow the elongate article to exit the clamping device in a range of directions. The range of directions include the second direction, and may include a further direction generally parallel to the first direction. The first exit may be elongate. The first exit may be an elongate slot. Where the first exit may be an elongate slot, the second direction and further direction may be defined by opposite ends of the elongate slot. A first end of the first exit may receive the elongate article when the elongate article exits the clamping device in the second direction. A second opposite end of the first exit, nonparallel to the first end, may receive the elongate article when the elongate article exits the clamping device in the further direction generally parallel to the first direction. The first end of the first exit may comprise a first seat. The first seat may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. The second end of the first exit may comprise a second seat. The second seat may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. The first passage may have a tapering cross-section widening outwardly towards the first exit. A downstream end of the first surface of the first passage may be connected to the first exit. The downstream end of the first surface of the first passage may be connected to the first end of the first exit. A downstream end of the second surface of the first passage may be connected to the first exit. The downstream end of the second surface of the first passage may be connected to the second end of the first exit. The clamping device may comprise left and right-side walls connecting the first and second surfaces of the first passage. The left and right-side walls and first and second surfaces may collectively define an enclosed interior space, open at the first exit. The second entrance may be shaped to receive the elongate article from a range of directions including the third direction, and a further direction generally parallel to the first direction. The second entrance may be elongate. The second entrance may be an elongate slot. Where the second entrance may be an elongate slot, the third direction and further direction may be defined by opposite ends of the second entrance. A first end of the second entrance may receive the elongate article when the elongate article enters the clamping device from the third direction. A second opposite end of the second entrance, nonparallel to the first end, may receive the elongate article when the elongate article enters the clamping device from the further direction generally parallel to the first direction. The first end of the second entrance may comprise a first seat. The first seat may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. 11 The second end of the second entrance may comprise a second seat. The second seat may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. The second exit may have a lower aspect ratio than the second entrance. For example, the second exit may be generally circular / non-elongate. The second end of the first exit and the second end of the second entrance may be proximal to each other. The second end of the first exit and the second end of the second entrance may face parallel directions. The first end of the first exit and the first end of the second entrance may be distal from each other. The first end of the first exit and the first end of the second entrance may face opposite directions. In examples, the clamping device comprises a second exit, and a second passage extending between the second entrance and the second exit, the clamping mechanism being located along the second passage. The second passage may have a tapering cross-section tapering inwardly from the second entrance to the second exit. The second passage may comprise a first surface that changes direction between the second entrance and the second exit. The first surface of the second passage may be to seat the elongate article between the second entrance and second exit. The first surface of the first passage and the first surface of the second passage may be collectively shaped to guide a loop of the elongate article into a teardrop shape inside the clamping device. In examples, the range of directions of the second entrance includes a third direction opposite the second direction. The first surface of the second passage may be curved between the third direction and an end direction, wherein the end direction is parallel to a direction of the second exit or is between the third direction and the direction of the second exit. The first surface of the second passage may curve at a radius of at least 4d or at least 5d, where ‘d’ is the diameter of the elongate article. The first surface of the second passage may be rounded to seat a circular perimeter of the elongate article. An upstream end of the first surface of the second passage may be connected to the first end of the second entrance. The second passage may further comprise a second surface opposite the first surface of the second passage. The second surface may be generally straight, or straighter than the first surface of the second passage, between the second entrance and second exit. An upstream end of the second surface of the second passage may be connected to the second end of the second entrance. A downstream end of the first surface of the second passage may be upstream of the clamping mechanism in the second passage. The clamping device may comprise left and right-side walls connecting the first and second surfaces of the second passage. The left and right-side walls and first and second surfaces of the second passage may collectively define an enclosed interior space, open at the second entrance. 13 The second exit and second passage may constrain a direction at which the elongate article exits the clamping device, to a direction generally parallel and opposite to the first direction. The second entrance may be located at a same end of the clamping device as the first exit, facing an opposite direction than the first exit, to allow the elongate article to form a circular loop between the first exit and the second entrance. The second entrance may be adjacent to a portion of the first exit. The second entrance may be adjacent to the second end of the first exit. The second end of the second entrance may be adjacent to the second end of the first exit. The first, second, and third directions may collectively define a T-shape. The first, second, and third directions may be generally coplanar. The plane in which they are coplanar may be the plane in which the loop of the elongate article is formed. The further direction may also be in the plane. The second exit may be located towards a same end of the clamping device as the first entrance. The second exit may be adjacent to the first entrance. The second exit may enable the elongate article to exit the clamping device in a fourth direction (tail exit direction). The fourth direction may be generally parallel to the first direction. The fourth direction may be opposite to the first direction. The clamping mechanism may comprise the movable clamp and spring described earlier, wherein the clamp may be between the second entrance and the spring. In some examples, the clamping device may comprise a further clamping mechanism along the first passage, to enable movement of the elongate article in a feed direction through the first entrance, and inhibit movement of the elongate article in a reverse direction opposite the feed direction. In examples, an end of the elongate article can be fed through the first passage and out of the first exit, where it can be grasped by the user, formed into a loop, and reinserted into the clamping device via the second entrance. The user can pull the exposed end to pull the elongate article through the first passage and further clamping mechanism to increase a size of the loop between the first exit and second entrance. The further clamping mechanism may be configured to resist tightening of the loop. The further clamping mechanism may comprise a movable clamp. The clamping device may comprise a first clamping formation against which the clamp of the further clamping mechanism is configured to engage the elongate article. The first clamping formation may be a clamping wall. The clamping wall may extend along the first passage. An upstream end of the first surface of the first passage may be downstream of the first clamping formation. The clamp of the further clamping mechanism may be wedge-shaped or may be round. If wedge-shaped, the clamp may comprise a wedging surface, opposite a clamping surface of the clamp. 15 The clamp may be slidable at an oblique angle relative to the first passage. The oblique angle may have a value less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees. If the clamp is wedge-shaped, an angle of taper of the clamp may be equal to the oblique angle relative to the passage. The clamping device may comprise a second clamping formation for applying a clamping force to the clamp of the further clamping mechanism. Thus, the clamp and the elongate article are clamped between the first and second clamping formations. The second clamping formation may be a second clamping wall. The second clamping formation may converge towards the first clamping formation at the oblique angle relative to the passage. The clamp of the further clamping mechanism may comprise a surface, such as the clamping surface, which is parallel to the first clamping formation. The wedging surface of the clamp may be parallel to the second clamping formation. The further clamping mechanism may comprise a spring configured to urge the clamp into clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may be configured to resist movement of the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongate article. The spring may comprise a coil spring. The spring may comprise a compression spring. The clamp may be between the first entrance and the spring. The further clamping mechanism may comprise a releaser. The releaser may be slidable from a home position to a release position, to move the clamp out of the clamping engagement. Alternatively, the releaser may comprise a release tool opening enabling an elongate release tool to poke the clamp to the release position. The spring and the releaser may be configured to apply force to the clamp in opposite directions. The clamping device may comprise an outer body and an inner body, wherein the inner body houses the or each clamping mechanism, and wherein the inner body is securable to the outer body. The outer body may be an adapter configured to change the direction of the elongate article to form a loop out of the elongate article as the elongate article exits and re-enters the outer body of the clamping device. According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an outer body for a clamping device, the outer body comprising: a recess configured to receive an inner body comprising a pair of clamping mechanisms; and a pair of widening passages connected to the recess, one of the widening passages extending to an exit of the outer body, and the other extending to an entrance of the outer body, wherein the exit and entrance face opposite directions than each other to form the elongate article into a loop shape when the elongate article leaves the outer body through the exit and reenters the outer body through the entrance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a first perspective view of a clamping device; FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view of the clamping device; 17 FIG. 3 illustrates a side cross-section view of a first passage of the clamping device; FIG. 4 illustrates a top cross-section view of a second passage of the clamping device; FIG. 5 illustrates initial feeding of the clamping device onto a hanging elongate article; FIG. 6 illustrates rotation of the clamping device to initiate a loop of the elongate article; and FIG. 7 illustrates the clamping device of FIG. 6 after the end of the elongate article has been reinserted into the clamping device; FIG. 8 illustrates an outer body for a clamping device; FIG. 9 illustrates a clamping device comprising an inner body and the outer body of FIG. 8; FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-section view of the clamping device of FIGS. 8-9; FIG. 11 illustrates another example of an outer body for a clamping device; FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a clamping device comprising an inner body and an outer body; FIG. 13 illustrates the clamping device of FIG. 12 comprising a further outer body; FIG. 14 illustrates a side cross-section view of a clamping device with a modified first passage; and FIG. 15 illustrates a side cross-section view of the clamping device of FIG. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a clamping device for clamping elongate articles 1. The elongate articles 1 may be in the form of a wire, wire rope, cable, or the like. The illustrated clamping device comprises a body comprising an internal first passage where the elongate article flexes by an angle of generally 90 degrees, to initiate a loop. The body of the clamping device further comprises an internal second passage where an end of the loop is reinserted into the clamping device and clamped. The first passage 106 is described initially, with reference to the cross-section view of FIG. 3 and external views of FIGS. 1-2. The body 101 of the clamping device 100 has a base 105 and opposite top side, opposite left and right sides, and opposite entrance and exit ends. The body 101 of the clamping device 100 comprises an elongate first entrance 102 (e.g., slot) extending between the entrance end of the clamping device 100 to the top side of the clamping device 100, and comprises a first exit 104 at the exit end of the clamping device 100 opposite the entrance end. The first entrance 102 and first exit 104 are openings to a first interior space 126 of the body 101. The first interior space 126 provides the first passage 106 extending between the first entrance 102 and first exit 104, connecting them. This allows the elongate article 1 to be fed through the first entrance 102 and out of the first exit 104 via the first passage 106. The first entrance 102 is an elongate curved slot shaped and located to allow the elongate article 1 to be inserted from a range of directions (plurality of directions) in a plane. The range of directions includes an entry direction D1 (first direction) when the clamping device 100 is in a final hanging configuration shown in FIG. 7, and an initial direction DO (further direction) generally perpendicular to the entry direction. The initial direction DO is for initial feeding as shown in FIG. 5. A first end of the first entrance 102 is located at the top side of the clamping device 100, for receiving the elongate article 1 at the entry direction D1. The first entrance 102 is elongate such that a second opposite end of the first entrance 102 is located at an entrance end of the clamping device 100, generally perpendicular to the first end of the first entrance 102. The second end of the first entrance 102 is for receiving the elongate article 1 at the initial direction DO for initial feeding. The first exit 104 is located at the exit end of the clamping device 100, opposite the first entrance 102. The illustrated first exit 104 is a round hole which is a circle or equivalent low-aspect ratio opening relative to the elongate first entrance 102. The first exit 104 is shaped and located to allow the elongate article 1 to exit the clamping device 100 in an exit direction D2 (second direction) nonparallel to the entry direction D1, for example a horizontal direction. The exit direction D2 is generally parallel to the initial direction DO but generally perpendicular to the entry direction D1. The first passage 106 comprises a pair of surfaces that inwardly taper from the elongate first entrance 102 to the non-elongate first exit 104. The surfaces comprise a curved first surface 108 and a straight second surface 110. The first and second surfaces 108, 110 are upper and lower surfaces, respectively, and are connected to each other by left and right-side walls 122, 124. The first and second surfaces 108, 110 and left and right-side walls 122, 124 collectively define the first interior space 126 within which the first passage 106 extends. The left and right-side walls 122, 124 may also define the left and right edges of the first entrance 102. The curved first surface 108 of the first passage 106 connects a first end of the first entrance 102 at the top side of the clamping device 100 to the first exit 104 at the exit end of the clamping device 100. The first surface 108 curves by generally 90 degrees, because the first end of the first entrance 102 is generally perpendicular to the first exit 104. The straight second surface 110 of the first passage 106 connects the second end of the first entrance 102 at the entrance end of the clamping device 100 to the first exit 104 at the exit end of the clamping device 100. During initial feeding as shown in FIG. 5, the elongate article 1 extends through the first passage 106 in a straight line, as denoted by the dot-dash lines and symbol ‘A’ in FIG. 3. The elongate article 1 may be seated by the second end of the first entrance 102, at the entrance end of the clamping device 100, and may extend generally parallel to the straight second surface 110 to the first exit 104. In the final hanging configuration of FIG. 7, the elongate article 1 extends through the first passage 106 in a curved path, as denoted by the dash-dash lines and symbol ‘B’ in FIG. 3. Although the elongate article 1 enters the clamping device 100 at the entry direction D1, the first passage 106 and first exit 104 constrain the direction at which the elongate article 1 exits the clamping device 100 to the exit direction D2. Specifically, the straight second surface 110 is opposite the first end of the first entrance 102, therefore forcing the elongate article 1 to flex within the first passage 106 by an angle of generally 90 degrees, so that the elongate article 1 exits the first exit 104 of the clamping device 100 at the exit direction D2. The elongate article 1 may be seated by the first end of the first entrance 102, at the top side of the clamping device 100, and may extend generally parallel 21 to the curved first surface 108 to the first exit 104. In use, intermediate angles between ‘A’ and ‘B’ may occur. The angular range between directions DO and D1 provides a single degree of rotational freedom of the clamping device 100 relative to the elongate article 1, during initial feeding and connection. The angular length of the first entrance 102 allows the clamping device 100 to be rotated by generally 90 degrees relative to an elongate article 1 extending through the first passage 106. In examples, the dimensions of the first entrance 102 inhibit a further degree of rotational freedom. For example, the width of the first entrance 102 may be substantially equal to, but slightly greater than, the diameter of the elongate article 1. The width of the first entrance 102 may be defined as the separation of the left and right-side walls 122, 124, where the left and right-side walls 122, 124 define the sides of the first entrance 102. The curved first surface 108 of the first passage 106 defines a minimum bend radius of the elongate article 1, to assist with preventing the elongate article 1 from being bent too tight within the clamping device 100. The nominal radius of curvature of the first surface 108 may be at least 4d or at least 5d, where ‘d’ is the diameter of the elongate article 1. For example, the first surface 108 of a clamping device 100 for a 2mm diameter wire rope may have a radius of approximately 10-11mm. In order to accommodate the elongate article 1, each end of the first entrance 102 may comprise a respective seat 103A, 103B. Each seat 103A, 103B may have a rounded U-shape, to conform to the circular perimeter of the elongate article 1. Accordingly, the first seat 103A is located in a first face at the top side of the clamping device 100, and the second seat 103B is located in a second face at the entrance end of the clamping device 100, wherein the first and second faces are generally orthogonal. Referring to FIG. 1, the directions DO, D1, and D2 are substantially coplanar, in a plane. FIG. 3 is a cross-section cut through the plane. As shown in FIG. 3, the elongate first entrance 102 is curved along the same plane, the plane passing through the first and second ends of the entrance. The plane also passes through the first exit 104, as well as the first interior space 126 including the first passage 106. The elongate article 1 is not clamped within the first passage 106. However, as described later, the end of the loop L (FIGS. 6-7) of elongate article 1 is reinserted into the separate second passage 116 where it is clamped. The second passage 116 is now described, with reference to the cross-section view of FIG. 4 and external views of FIGS. 1-2. The second passage 116 contains the clamping mechanism 130 which is also described in this section of the disclosure. The body 101 of the clamping device 100 comprises a second entrance 112 at the entrance end of the clamping device 100, and a second exit 114 at the exit end of the clamping device 100, opposite the second entrance 112. The second entrance 112 and second exit 114 are openings to a second interior space 128 of the body 101 defining the second passage 116. The second passage 116 extends between the second entrance 112 and second exit 114, connecting them. This allows the elongate article 1 to be fed through the clamping device 100 a second time, through the second entrance 112 and out through the second exit 114 via the second passage 116. The second entrance 112 is shaped and located at the entrance end to allow the elongate article 1 to be inserted from a re-entry direction D3. The second exit 114 is shaped and located at the exit end to allow the elongate article 1 to exit the clamping device 100 in a tail exit direction D4 (fourth direction). As shown in FIGS. 6-7, an end of the loop L of the elongate article 1 can be fed through the second passage 116 and out of the second exit 114, where it can be grasped by the user. The user can pull the exposed end of the elongate article 1 to pull the elongate article 1 through the second passage 116, in the direction denoted by the arrows. This re-entry direction D3 is referred to as a feed direction for the clamping mechanism 130. In examples where the clamping mechanism 130 is self-actuating, the clamping mechanism 130 automatically decreases the size of the loop as the exposed end of the elongate article 1 is pulled through the second passage 116 in the feed direction. The clamping mechanism 130 enables movement in the feed direction but automatically inhibits movement of the elongate article 1 in the reverse direction, therefore resisting enlarging of the loop. The second interior space / passage 128, 116 is alongside the first interior space / passage 126, 106, and separated / divided from it by a partition. The left side wall 122 may define, at least in part, the partition. The second entrance 112 is adjacent to the second end of the first entrance 102, and the second exit 114 is adjacent to the first exit 104. The second passage / entrance / exit 116, 112, 114 may be at approximately a same height above the base 105 of the clamping device 100 as the first passage / entrance / exit 106, 102, 104. The base 105 of the clamping device 100 may comprise a generally flat surface. Alternatively, the base 105 of the 24 clamping device 100 may be curved to follow a direction of curvature of the loop. In use, the base 105 may rest against the external object around which the loop is secured, although this is not always required depending on how small the loop is. In examples, the second passage 116 is generally straight. The directions DO, D2, D3, D4 may be generally parallel to each other, and generally perpendicular to the direction D1. The axis of direction D1 and the axis of the other directions DO, D2, D3, D4 together define an inverted T-shape, as best shown in FIG. 7. The clamping mechanism 130 is now described in more detail, with reference to FIG. 4. The clamping mechanism 130 comprises a movable clamp, a spring 138, and a releaser 142. The clamp 132 is internal to the second interior space 128, and is an effector for engaging with an elongate article 1. The clamp 132 comprises an elongate clamp body in the form of a clamping wedge. The clamp 132 may be a wedge-shaped prism. The clamp 132 is movable within the clamping device 100. The clamp 132 is not limited to the specific shape and configuration shown. For example, the clamp 132 can have another suitable shape, such as a round shape defining a roller. The clamp 132 has a leading end and an opposite, trailing end. In use, the clamp 132 can be urged into engagement with the elongate article 1 in a direction in which the leading end leads the trailing end. The clamp 132 comprises a clamping surface 136 extending between the leading and trailing ends. The clamping surface 136 has a plurality of parallel serrations to provide tight engagement with the elongate article 1. As shown, the serrations may extend perpendicular to the axis of the elongate article 1. The opposite surface of the clamp 132, behind the clamping surface 136, is a wedging surface 134. The wedging surface 134 faces an internal wall of the clamping device 100 and can contact the internal wall to wedge the clamp 132 and the elongate article 1 between a pair of tapering internal walls. In some examples, the wedging surface 134 is a sliding surface configured to slide along the internal wall. As shown, the clamp 132 also has left and right sides and (side surfaces) interconnecting the clamping surface 136 and the wedging surface 134. The wedging surface 134 of the clamp 132 tapers inwardly from the trailing end to the leading end, to create the wedge shape. The tapering of the wedging surface 134 may be a uniform taper from said trailing end to said leading end. The clamp 132 has a height which reduces approximately uniformly from the trailing end to the leading end to form the wedge configuration. As shown, a spring 138 wedges the clamp 132 into a small area of an internal space within the clamping device 100 so that the clamping surface 136 of the clamp 132 is biased against the side of the elongate article 1. The spring 138 ensures that the clamp 132 stays in its required clamping position in use. One end of the spring 138 is in contact with a trailing end of the clamp 132. The other end of the spring 138 is in contact with a spring seat 140 of an end cap. In use, an end of an elongate article 1 can be fed into the clamping device 100 in the feed direction. The feed direction is dependent on the direction of the spring 138 and the direction of movement of the clamp 132 which are at an oblique angle relative to the elongate article 1. Once fed into the clamping 26 device 100, the clamp 132 is in clamping engagement with the side of the elongate article 1 to prevent slippage. The oblique angle may be a value that is less than 45 degrees. The oblique angle may be a value that is less than 30 degrees. The oblique angle may be a value that is greater than 5 degrees, for an optimum balance between clamping force and ease of release. Insertion of the elongate article 1 is possible by feeding the elongate article 1 along its axis in the feed direction from the second entrance 112 to the second exit 114. The elongate article 1 cannot readily be inserted through the second exit 114 because this would be resisted by the clamp 132. The shape of the internal space of the clamping device 100 can play a role in enabling the clamp 132 to apply a force to the elongate article 1. As shown, the space is bounded by walls of the body 101 including a first clamping wall 118 (first clamping formation), a second clamping wall 120 (second clamping formation), and side walls connecting the first and second clamping walls 118, 120. The first clamping wall 118 is the surface against which a side of the elongate article 1 is compressed. The second clamping wall 120 is the tapering surface against which the wedging surface 134 of the clamp 132 is wedged. The first clamping wall 118 may extend from the second entrance 112 towards the second exit 114. The second clamping wall 120 is a surface against which the clamp 132 can be slid. The second clamping wall 120 tapers towards the first clamping wall 118 with increasing proximity to the second entrance 112. Therefore, the second clamping wall 120 is a ramp for the clamp 132. As a result, the internal space within the body 101 of the clamping device 100 has a reducing cross-sectional area towards the second entrance 112, because the second clamping wall 120 tapers towards the first clamping wall 118. The spring 138 slides the clamp 132 along the second clamping wall 120, towards the second entrance 112, wedging the clamp 132 into the progressively narrowing gap between the first and second clamping walls 118, 120. This forces the clamping surface 136 of the clamp 132 against the side of the elongate article 1. The clamp 132 is wedged by the spring 138 between the second clamping wall 120 and the side of the elongate article 1. The elongate article 1 is wedged between the clamping surface 136 of the clamp 132 and the first clamping wall 118 of the clamping device 100. In use, if the elongate article 1 is pushed in the feed direction, generally opposing the direction of the urging force (restoring force) of the spring 138, the clamp 132 is pushed out of the way of the passage. This overcomes the urging of the deflected (e.g., compressed) spring 138. This enlarges the passage along which the elongate article 1 can be drawn, and allows the elongate article 1 to be pushed through the second exit 114. The clamp 132 provides limited resistance to pushing the elongate article 1 in the feed direction. When the elongate article 1 has been received through the clamping device 100, the clamping surface 136 of the clamp 132 engages the side of the elongate article 1 in the passage. If the clamped elongate article 1 is pushed in the reverse direction opposite the feed direction, this has the effect of pushing the clamp 132 with the elongate article 1 into the narrowing gap between the first and second clamping walls 118, 120, thereby tightly clamping the elongate article 1 and the clamp 132 between the first and second clamping walls 118, 120. It is advantageous to provide a means for releasing the clamping force to enable the elongate article 1 to be withdrawn from the clamping device 100 in a direction opposite the feed direction. Therefore, a releaser 142 is provided. The releaser 142 is for releasing the elongate article 1 in the second passage 116. The illustrated releaser 142 enables the user to move the clamp 132 out of the way, causing the clamping surface 136 of the clamp 132 to disengage from the elongate article 1. The illustrated example releaser 142 comprises a button cap which can be pressed by a digit of the user. As shown, the releaser 142 further comprises a protrusion 143 extending from the button cap into the clamping device 100. The protrusion 143 of the releaser 142 is an output protrusion 143 for actuating the leading end of the clamp 132. As the button cap is pressed, the protrusion 143 pushes against the clamp 132, to poke the clamp 132 in the reverse direction. For as long as the releaser 142 is pushed (e.g., slid) into its release position, moving the clamp 132, the elongate article 1 can be withdrawn in the reverse direction to enlarge or disconnect the loop. Actuating the releaser 142 to the release position deflects (e.g., compresses) the spring 138, which applies a reaction force back towards the narrower part of the internal space. Therefore, if user stops actuating the releaser 142, the spring 138 will push the clamp 132 back into its clamping position in which the clamp 132 is in clamping engagement with the elongate article 1. The illustrated releaser 142 is push-to-release. In other implementations, the releaser 142 could be actuated in another manner. In further examples, release can be effected by pushing a tool, such as a thin shaft, through an opening to poke or move the clamp 132 out of the way. In relation to the materials and manufacture, the body 101 may be formed from a metallic material such as zinc, steel, aluminium, or any other appropriate metal. In an example, the body 101 may be die cast zinc. FIGS. 5-7 illustrate stages of use of the clamping device 100. FIG. 5 depicts an end of an elongate article 1 hanging from a support such as a ceiling or other overhead structure, and a clamping device 100. The clamping device 100 has been fed onto the end of the elongate article 1. The clamping device 100 is orientated such that its entrance end is vertically above the exit end. The clamping device 100 is slid up the elongate article 1. The elongate article 1 enters and exits the clamping device 100 in the directions DO, D2, passing linearly through the first passage 106. The path of the elongate article 1 through the first passage 106 is marked ‘A’ in FIG. 3. The clamping device 100 is slid along the elongate article 1 until there is a sufficient length of the elongate article 1 below the clamping device 100 to form the desired size of loop L. FIG. 6 depicts the clamping device 100 being rotated by 90 degrees in the earlier-described plane, to initiate a loop L in the elongate article 1. This flexes 30 the elongate article 1 to 90 degrees within the first passage 106, as marked ‘B’ in FIG. 3. As a result, the elongate article 1 enters the clamping device 100 at a vertical hanging orientation (direction D1) and exits the clamping device 100 at a horizontal loop-forming orientation (direction D2). FIG. 6 also depicts the end of the loop L of the elongate article 1 being moved towards the second entrance 112 (best seen in FIG. 1). FIG. 7 depicts the end of the loop L having been inserted through the second entrance 112 and out through the second exit 114. If the user pulls the end of the loop L protruding from the second exit 114 in the direction D4 denoted by the arrowhead, the loop L will decrease in size. If the user wishes to enlarge the loop L, the user should push the elongate article 1 through the second passage 116 in the reverse direction while actuating the releaser 142 to disengage the clamping mechanism 130. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the angular difference between the entry direction D1 and the second difference may be other than 90 degrees perpendicular, such as an angle from the range 45-135 degrees, or 80-100 degrees, or 85-95 degrees. FIGS. 8-13 illustrate a second embodiment of the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D which differs in various ways from the clamping device 100 of FIGS. 1-7. The differences are not inextricably linked and can be taken individually. FIGS. 8-13 illustrate that the clamping device 100B, 10OC, 10OD may comprise more than one clamping mechanism 130A, 130B, as shown in the internal cross-section view of FIG. 10. The clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D may comprise a clamping mechanism 130A, 130B for each passage 106, 116. The clamping mechanisms 130A, 130B may each comprise a spring-biased clamp, or may be different types. The illustrated clamping mechanisms 130A, 130B have opposite feed directions. The clamping mechanisms 130A, 130B may taper in opposite directions and their springs 138 may apply urging force in opposite directions, to define the opposite feed directions. The clamping mechanism 130A for the first passage 106 tapers inwardly towards the first exit 104, and the clamping mechanism 130B for the second passage 116 tapers inwardly towards the second exit 114. FIGS. 8-13 illustrate that the exit direction D2 may be inclined downwardly from horizontal, such that the internal angle between the vertical entry direction D1 and the exit direction D2 is greater than 90 degrees. The illustrated internal angle is 125 degrees, or some other value up to 135 degrees. FIGS. 8-13 also illustrate that the first exit 104 and second entrance 112 defining the directions D2 and D3 may be located at the same, lower end of the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D. The re-entry direction D3 may be orientated downwardly from horizontal, similarly to the exit direction D2. The directions D2 and D3 may bias the loop into a teardrop shape inside the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D. FIGS. 8-13 also illustrate that the first entrance 102 and second exit 114 defining the directions D1 and D4 may be located at the same, upper end of the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D. The tail exit direction D4 may be inclined 32 upwardly and / or vertically and / or parallel to the entry direction D1. The tail exit direction D4 may be opposite the entry direction D1. FIGS. 8-13 also illustrate that the re-entry direction D3 may be nonparallel to the tail exit direction D4. The internal angle between the re-entry direction D3 and the tail exit direction D4 is greater than 90 degrees. The illustrated internal angle is 125 degrees, or some other value up to 135 degrees. FIGS. 8-13 also illustrate that the re-entry direction D3 may be nonparallel to the exit direction D2. For example, the internal angle between the directions D2, D3 may be greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees. Therefore, the directions D2 and D3 face opposite each other but are nonparallel to each other. The internal angle between the directions D2, D3 may be an angle from the range >90 degrees to <135 degrees, for example. The illustrated internal angle is 110 degrees. FIGS. 8-13 also illustrate that the first exit 104 and second entrance 112 may each be an elongate slot shaped and located to allow the elongate article 1 to pass through the respective exit 104 or entrance 112 in a range of directions (plurality of directions). The first passage 106 has a tapering cross-section widening outwardly towards the first exit 104. The second passage 116 has a tapering cross-section widening outwardly towards the second entrance 112. The range of directions of the slot-type first exit 104 varies from the inclined exit direction D2 to a vertical direction parallel to D1. When the elongate article 1 passes through the first exit 104 in the exit direction D2, it extends along a curved first surface 108B of the first channel 106 to a first end of the first exit 104. The curved first surface 108B is inclined at an angle corresponding to the direction D2 at its downstream end corresponding to the first end of the first exit 104. When the elongate article 1 passes through the first exit 104 in the vertical direction, it extends along a second surface 110B of the first channel 106 to a second end of the first exit 104. The second surface 110B of the first channel 106 is straight and vertical, and extends from the clamping mechanism 130A to the second end of the first exit 104. The range of directions for the slot-type second entrance 112 varies from the inclined re-entry direction D3 to a vertical direction parallel to D1 and D4. When the elongate article 1 enters a first end of the second entrance 112 in the re-entry direction D3, it extends along a curved first surface 108C of the second channel 116 to the clamping mechanism 130B. By the time it reaches the clamping mechanism 130B, the elongate article 1 extends vertically. The curved first surface 108C is inclined at an angle corresponding to the direction D3 at its upstream end corresponding to the first end of the second entrance 112. When the elongate article 1 enters the second entrance 112 in the vertical direction, it extends along a second surface 110C of the second channel 116 to the clamping mechanism 130B. The second surface 110C of the second channel 116 is straight and vertical, and extends from the second end of the second entrance 112 to the clamping mechanism 130B. In FIGS. 8-13, the first entrance 102 is not an elongate slot and may instead be a hole limiting the elongate article 1 to a single insertion direction or smaller range of directions. FIGS. 8-13 also illustrate that the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D may comprise more than one body. The clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D may comprise an outer body 101A and an inner body 101B, wherein the inner body 101B houses the or each clamping mechanism 130A, 130B, and wherein the inner body 101B is securable to the outer body. The outer body 101B may be an accessory or adapter to adapt the inner body 101A to the present invention. The first and second channels 106, 116 are each defined by a corresponding through-hole of the inner body 101B as well as a hollow interior space of the outer body 101 A. The inner body 101B comprises a pair of straight through-holes, each clamping mechanism 130A, 130B configured to clamp the elongate article 1 against a wall of a corresponding one of the through-holes, wherein the through-holes in the inner body 101B are straight to allow the elongate article 1 to exit the inner body 101B in generally the same direction as it enters the inner body 101B. The outer body 101A is an adapter configured to change the direction of the elongate article 1 to form a loop out of the elongate article 1 as the elongate article exits and re-enters the outer body 101A of the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D. The outer body 101A comprises the first exit 104, second entrance 112, and the curved first surfaces 108B, 108C, each of which are located below the inner body 101B, and aligned with the through-holes of the inner body 101B. These features flex the elongate article 1 into a loop as it exits and re-enters the clamping device 100B, 100C, 100D. Upper ends of the curved and straight surfaces 108B, 108C, 110B, 110C of the passages 106, 116 are aligned with lower ends of the through-holes of the inner 35 body 101B, to guide the elongate article to or from the through-holes of the inner body 101B. The outer body 101A comprises the widening portions of the passages 106, 116, which start to widen below the inner body 101B and reach their widest points at the first exit 104 and second entrance 112 to define the elongate slots. In the clamping device 100B, 100C of FIGS. 8-11, the outer body 101A comprises an open recess 144A or 144B for receiving the inner body 101B. The recess 144A, 144B defines a socket into which the inner body 101B can be inserted. A connector (not shown) may lock the inner and outer bodies 101 A, 101B to each other. In the clamping device 100B of FIGS. 8-10, the recess 144A is open at one of or each of the left and right side walls of the outer body 101A of the clamping device 100B, allowing the inner body 101B to be inserted in a horizontal direction into the recess 144A of the outer body 101A of the clamping device 100B. The outer body 101A of FIGS. 8-10 passes underneath and over the top of the inner body 101B. The outer body 101A comprises openings for the through-holes of the inner body 101B, and for the releaser(s) 142 of the clamping mechanisms 130A, 130B. In the clamping device 100C of FIG. 11, the recess 144B is open at an upwards facing surface of the outer body 101 A, allowing the inner body 101B to be inserted in a vertical direction into the recess 144B of the outer body 101A of the clamping device 100C. The outer body 101A of FIG. 11 is configured as a base, which passes only underneath the inner body 101B. A connector (not shown) may lock the inner and outer bodies 101 A, 101B to each other. The top of the outer body 101A is beneath the releasers 142 of the inner body 101B, so there is no interference with the releasers 142. In the clamping device 100C of FIGS. 12-13, the outer body 101A is configured to separate into two or more parts 101A1, 101A2, such as halves. The parts 101A1, 101A2 are connectable to each other to encapsulate the inner body 101B in a hollow space between the parts 101A1, 101A2. The parts 101A1, 101A2 may be snap-fit or mechanically fastened to each other. The inner body 101B is only releasable from the outer body 101A when the parts 101A1, 101A2 of the outer body 101A have been separated. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a clamping device 100E with a modified first passage 106B. The clamping device 100E is otherwise similar to the clamping device 100 of FIGS. 1-7. The clamping mechanism is not shown. The first passage 106B comprises a 45 degree chicane 109 along its length, between the surfaces 108, 110, which forces the elongate article 1 into a kinked shape while it extends through the first passage 106B. This provides enough resistance to motion to prevent the clamping device 100E from gravitationally sliding down the elongate article 1 if the user lets go of it, in the orientation shown in FIG. 14. The resistance is low enough that the user can push the clamping device 100E up and down the elongate article 1 by hand, without excessive resistance. Instead of the first surface 108 of the first passage 106B being curved along its whole length, the first surface 108 may comprise a convex edge along its length, configured to define a biting edge of the chicane 109 for pressing against the 37 side of the elongate article 1. The first surface 108 does not need to be curved at all. The convex edge may have an internal angle of 135 degrees, for example, defining a 45 degree direction change of the first surface 108 of the first passage 106B. Instead of the second surface 110 of the first passage 106B being straight, the second surface 110 may also comprise a direction change between the first entrance 102 and the first exit 104, to remain approximately parallel to the first surface 108. The directions DO and D1 in FIGS. 14-15 differ from those shown in FIGS. 1-7. D1 and DO may be less than perpendicular to each other. FIG. 15 shows the final hanging configuration, in which the elongate article 1 extends through the first passage 106B in a curved 90 degree path through the first passage 106B. The entry direction D1 is at approximately 90 degrees relative to the exit direction D2. In other examples, the chicane 109 is replaced with a protrusion or guide (e.g., dimple) formed in one or both of the side walls 122, 124 (FIGS. 1-7), to force the elongate article 1 into the kinked shape. FIG. 15 also illustrates another difference compared to FIGS. 1-7. Whereas in FIGS. 1-7 the left side wall 122 defined the partition between the first and second interior spaces 126, 128 (firstand second passages 106, 116), in FIGS. 14-15 it is the wall comprising the second surface 110 which partitions the first and second interior spaces / passages. In other words, the passages 106B, 116 are stacked above and below each other, rather than to the left and right of each other. This ensures that the force vectors of the load supported by the clamping device 100E are in the same vertical plane, to prevent the clamping device 100E from twisting. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations 5 other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. 10 Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those 15 features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and / or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A clamping device comprising:a first entrance to receive an elongate article from at least a first direction;a first exit to enable the elongate article to exit the clamping device in a second direction nonparallel to the first direction;a first passage between the first entrance and the first exit;a second entrance to receive the elongate article; anda clamping mechanism to enable movement of the elongate article in a feed direction through the second entrance, and inhibit movement of the elongate article in a reverse direction opposite the feed direction.

2. The clamping device of claim 1, wherein the first direction is nonparallel to the second direction by an angle from the range 45 to 135 degrees.

3. The clamping device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first entrance is shaped to receive the elongate article from a range of directions including the first direction nonparallel to the second direction, and a further direction generally parallel to the second direction, or more parallel to the second direction than the first direction.

4. The clamping device of claim 3, wherein a first end of the first entrance receives the elongate article when the elongate article enters the clamping device from the first direction, and wherein a second opposite end of the first entrance, nonparallel to the first end, receives the elongate article when the elongate article enters the clamping device from the further direction.

5. The clamping device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first passage is shaped to force the elongate article into a kinked shape when the first entrance receives the elongate article from the further direction.

406. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the first exit and first passage constrain a direction at which the elongate article exits the clamping device, to the second direction.

7. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the first exit has a lower aspect ratio than the first entrance.

8. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the first passage has a tapering cross-section tapering inwardly from the first entrance to the first exit.

9. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the first passage connects the first entrance to the first exit, and comprises a first surface that changes direction between the first entrance and the first exit.

10. The clamping device of claim 9, wherein the first passage further comprises a second surface opposite the first surface.

11. The clamping device of claim 10, comprising left and right-side walls connecting the first and second surfaces of the first passage, wherein the left and right-side walls and first and second surfaces collectively define an enclosed interior space, open at the first entrance and first exit.

12. The clamping device of any preceding claim, comprising a second entrance to receive the elongate article from a third direction opposite the second direction.

13. The clamping device of claim 12, wherein the third direction is generally parallel to the second direction.

14. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the second entrance is open to an interior space divided from the first passage, the clamping mechanism being located in the interior space.

15. The clamping device of any preceding claim, wherein the second entrance is located towards an opposite end of the clamping device than the first exit, facing an opposite direction, to allow the elongate article to form a circular loop between the first exit and the second entrance.

16. The clamping device of any preceding claim, comprising a second exit, and a second passage extending between the second entrance and the second exit, the clamping mechanism being located along the second passage.

17. The clamping device of claim 16, wherein the first passage is a nonclamping passage and the second passage is a clamping passage.

18. The clamping device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the second passage is alongside the first passage and separated from the first passage by a partition.

19. The clamping device of claim 16, 17, or 18, wherein an end of the elongate article can be fed through the second passage and out of the second exit, where the end of the elongate article can be grasped by the user, and wherein the user can pull the exposed end to pull the elongate article through the second passage and clamping mechanism to decrease a size of a loop of the elongate article between the first exit and second entrance.

20. The clamping device of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the second exit is located towards a same end of the clamping device as the first exit.

21. The clamping device of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the clamping mechanism enables movement of the elongate article in a feed direction from the second entrance through the second passage to the second exit, and inhibits movement of the elongate article in a reverse direction opposite the feed direction.

22. The clamping device of claim 21, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a movable clamp, wherein the movable clamp is slidable at an oblique angle relative to the second passage.

23. The clamping device of claim 22, comprising a first clamping formation against which the clamp is configured to engage the elongate article, and a second clamping formation for applying a clamping force to the clamp, such that the clamp and the elongate article are clamped between the first and second clamping formations, and wherein the second clamping formation converges towards the first clamping formation at the oblique angle relative to the passage.

24. The clamping device of claim 23, wherein the first clamping formation is a first clamping wall, and wherein the second clamping formation is a second clamping wall.

25. The clamping device of claim 22, 23, or 24, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a spring configured to urge the clamp into clamping engagement with the elongate article.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

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