Cable clip

Abstract

Disclosed is a clip for securing a cable in position relative to a support structure, wherein the clip is a unitary member arranged to comprise a pair of opposed legs joined by a central portion, wherein each of the pair of opposed legs comprises a hook for engagement with the support structure and the central portion comprises a projection, whereby in the event of the projection being crimped, each respective hook engages securely with the support structure, thereby securing the clip, and hence the cable, in position, relative to the support structure.

Description

[0001] CABLE CLIP

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a clip for use in securing cables, pipes and similar items to a support structure such as a cable tray, basket, Unistrut support or similar.

[0004] Background

[0005] In any building, it is typically necessary to run cables, pipes and the like from one point to another. The cables may be used to carry power, such as HV cables, or signalling, including copper and fibre-optic cables.

[0006] In the prior art, it is known to run lengths of cable in a suitable cable tray. Such cable trays can be provided in a suspended manner, where they are arranged to hang from a ceiling structure, with the cable tray sometimes concealed behind a false ceiling. They can also be fastened to a wall, with the cables fastened thereto.

[0007] A known problem with such prior art structures relates, in particular, to the means by which cables are fastened thereto. It is known to use cable ties formed from a plastics material to secure the cables in position. This provides a quick and simple, low-cost, solution to securing cables to the support structure.

[0008] It is common practice to use brackets to support a cable tray along a wall, a floor, a ceiling or from the ceiling on a Unistrut type assembly. The brackets hold the cable tray far enough away to allow access to the opposite side of the cable tray where the cables are attached. This access is required to allow the cable ties to be pushed through and pulled back through before being tensioned.

[0009] A particular problem in installing the prior art is fixing the brackets to the wall such that they are level and equally-spaced. The cable tray fixing to the brackets is also problematic insomuch as the screwheads are exposed and can cause damage to the cables when pulling the cables through a trapeze-type bracket. The screws are passed through the holes or slots in the cable tray. There is a cause and consequence relating to the point loading in the slots or holes in the cable tray, and this issue makes the slots and or holes elongated.

[0010] To bypass an obstacle, bend round a corner or change direction, a cable tray offset fitting or a bend is required. Whilst these can be manufactured on site by cutting slots in the side of the cable tray and bending the cable tray to suit the bend or the offset, this is not only time consuming but it also drastically reduces the strength of the cable tray.

[0011] It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address shortcomings in the prior art.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] Aspects of the disclosure are set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the disclosure may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.

[0014] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a clip for securing a cable to a support structure, the clip comprising: a central portion; and a pair of legs joined together by the central portion; wherein each of the pair of legs comprises a hook for engagement for the support structure and the central portion comprises a projection arranged such that in the event of the projection being crimped, each hook engages with the support structure to secure the clip, and thereby the cable, to the support structure.

[0015] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a clip for securing a cable in position relative to a support structure, wherein the clip is a unitary member arranged to comprise a pair of opposed legs joined by a central portion, wherein each of the pair of opposed legs comprises a hook for engagement with the support structure and the central portion comprises a projection, whereby in the event of the projection being crimped, each respective hook engages securely with the support structure, thereby securing the clip, and hence the cable, in position, relative to the support structure.

[0016] Herein, for ease of reference, the term cable will be used, but it should be noted that embodiments of the invention may also be used with pipes carrying a range of fluids, such as water, gases, fuel, chemical feedstocks, or lubricants.

[0017] Each hook may be provided by a recess in each of the pair of opposed legs.

[0018] The legs may be arranged in the clip so as to form an arch within which at least one cable can be received.

[0019] The clip may be configured to receive the cable along a longitudinal axis of the clip.

[0020] The opposed legs may mirror each other. The clip may have a notional plane of symmetry extending along the central portion.

[0021] The recesses may be provided on the same side of the clip with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0022] The hooks may be arranged to face the same direction, for example to engage with correspondingly spaced features in the support structure. The clip may have a first side and a second side. The first side may be located at a first position along the longitudinal axis and the second side may be located at a second position along the longitudinal axis. As such, the clip may be defined between the first position and the second position. The recesses may both be formed on the first side of the clip or may both be formed on the second side of the clip.

[0023] The clip may have a top end and a bottom end. The central portion may be arranged at the top end. The legs may extend from the central portion to a free end of each leg. The free end of each leg may be provided at the bottom end.

[0024] Each hook may be configured to engage with the support structure by moving the clip along its longitudinal axis relative to the support structure.

[0025] The projection may be arranged such that, in the event of the projection being crimped, the opposing legs move towards one another.

[0026] The hook may be provided with a lug for engagement with a corresponding aperture in the support structure, such that after crimping, the lug is securely retained in the corresponding aperture.

[0027] The lug may be arranged such that, when the clip is secured to the support structure, the lug extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the support structure. For example, if the support structure is a cable tray, the clip may be inserted by inserting the hooks into slots in a direction normal to the tray, sliding the clip along the tray in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and then positioning the lugs such that they extend upwards through additional slots of the tray in a direction transverse to the tray. The lug may extend from an end of the hook towards a top end of the clip. The lug may point upwards. The lug may extend from the end of the hook in a direction transverse, e.g. perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. The lug may comprise a substantially rectangular face configured to be received in a substantially rectangular slot of the support structure.

[0028] The legs may be curved to facilitate securing of a cable near the central portion. In particular, the legs may be curved to provide the clip with a concave outer surface.

[0029] Each recess may be defined by a top surface, a side surface and a bottom surface. The top surface may be arranged perpendicularly to the side surface. The bottom surface may face the top surface and may comprise the lug.

[0030] The clip may be formed from a single strip of material. The clip may be formed from a metallic material. The metallic material may be stainless steel. The projection may comprise a curved portion extending from a profile of the clip. The curved portion may define a volume, which, upon crimping, tends towards zero. The volume may be defined within the projection. The volume may be an empty space defined by the projection. The material defining the projection may be arranged to be crimped so that the volume of the empty space can be decreased, and may be eliminated entirely with sufficient crimping if the projection is completely compressed. Each of the opposed legs may comprise a curved portion. The curved portion of each of the opposed legs may be arranged between the central portion and the hook. The curved portion of each of the opposed legs may have a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion of the projection.

[0031] A height of the clip may be greater than its length. The height may be defined from the top end to the bottom end, for example from the top of the projection to a point halfway between the free ends of the opposing legs. The length may be defined along the longitudinal axis. The length of the recess may be at least half of the clip length. The length of the recess may be measured parallel to the longitudinal axis. The clip’s width may be greater than its length. The clip’s width may be defined as the distance between the free ends of the opposed legs.

[0032] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a support structure for use with the clip described hereinabove, wherein the support structure comprises at least a first pair of slots arranged to receive the opposed legs of the clip and a second pair of slots, aligned with the first pair, the second pair being arranged to receive a lug provided on the clip.

[0033] The support structure may be a cable tray or a vehicle chassis.

[0034] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a method of securing a cable using the clip described hereinabove, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the cable relative to the support structure at a desired location; b) placing the clip atop the cable and loosely engaging the hooks with a feature of the support structure; c) crimping the projection such that the clip securely engages with the support structure and so holds the cable firmly in place.

[0035] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a method of manufacturing a clip for securing a cable to a support structure, the method comprising: providing a strip of metallic material; performing a material removal process to provide first and second recesses in a first long edge of the strip, wherein the first and the second recesses are provided on opposite sides of a centreline of the strip so as to mirror one another; deforming the strip by bending along the centreline to bring the first recess and the second recess towards one another, so as to provide opposing legs extending from the centreline, wherein the first recess and the second recess each define a hook configured to engage with the support structure; and deforming the clip to provide a projection from the centreline, wherein the projection is configured to be crimped to secure the clip, and thereby a cable received in the clip, to the support structure.

[0036] The clip may have any of the features described hereinabove. Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide apparatus to install a cable tray against an uneven surface with the ability to hand bend, the apparatus comprising: a spigoted top hat washer where the spigot is the same shape as the slot in the cable tray; a push slide and crimp cable clip; slots in a cable tray wall which can be extended by clipping allowing the cable tray to be bent; wherein the slots between the uprights with sidewalls and return flanges maintain strength; a substantially robust cable tray which maintains strength when bent; and a cable tray that can be bent around corners or obstacles.

[0037] The light weight cable tray can be fitted vertically or horizontally and bent whilst maintaining strength.

[0038] The top hat spigoted washer can spread the load around the inside of the holes or slots which prevents point loading.

[0039] The push-fit, slide and crimp clip can be installed and removed quickly.

[0040] The slight deflection of the cable tray when tightened can hold the cable trays firmly against the walls, floors or ceilings.

[0041] The slots in the sidewall can be extended by snipping allowing the slots to open and close to facilitate bending small sections of the cable tray.

[0042] The cable tray can be bent by hand to any angle to change direction or bypass an obstruction.

[0043] The cable tray can be fitted back to back on a single threaded rod.

[0044] The cable tray can maintain strength and can take the same load when installed vertically.

[0045] The slots can engage with the L shaped slot in the cable tray locking the clip on both sides of the flat surface of the cable tray.

[0046] The bent flange section at the bottom of the clip can locate on the underside of the cable tray when the clip is slid sideways.

[0047] The clip can be locked on to the cable by crimping the clip, locking the cable onto the cable tray.

[0048] The cable clip may be one piece made out of metal making it fireproof.

[0049] The cable clip can be fitted underneath, on top, sideways on any cable tray installed at an angle vertical or horizontal.

[0050] The clips can hold and locate the cables loosely until the cables are dressed and when crimped into position locked tight to the cable tray.

[0051] The slots and clips can be used in any bracketing system U-strut or ladder rack. The various options and configurations at the bottom of the clip can be pushed into semi-circle U shaped and any other shape slots in cable trays ladder racks or U struts.

[0052] The slots and bends at the bottom of the clip can be facing the same way or in opposite directions.

[0053] Embodiments of the disclosure aim to provide a clip for securing a cable to a support structure, the clip comprising: a central portion; a pair of legs joined together by the central portion at a top end; wherein each of the pair of legs comprises, at a bottom end, at least one adjustable portion configured such that the bottom end of each of the pair of legs can be adjusted to engage with an L-shaped slot in the support structure.

[0054] The bottom end of each of the pair of legs may comprise a straight edge. The at least one adjustable portion may be pivotably connected to the straight edge. The at least one adjustable portion may be configured such that the at least one adjustable portion can be pivoted to a position that is perpendicular to the straight edge.

[0055] The at least one adjustable portion may comprise a first adjustable portion at a first side of the straight edge and a second adjustable portion at a second side of the straight edge. The second side may be opposite the first side.

[0056] The first adjustable portion and the second adjustable portion may be configured to be pivoted independently of one another.

[0057] The at least one adjustable portion may be connected to the straight edge by a living hinge.

[0058] The at least one adjustable portion on a first leg of the pair of legs may be configured to be pivotable towards a second leg of the pair of legs and / or may be configured to be pivotable away from the second leg. As such, the at least one adjustable portion may be configured to be pivotable inwards or outwards with respect to the clip. At least one of the adjustable portions may be provided as a foldable tab. At least one of the adjustable portions may be rectangular.

[0059] The length of the adjustable portion may be at least one fifth of the length of the clip. The length of the adjustable portion may be less than one third of the length of the clip. As mentioned above, the length of the clip may be measured along the longitudinal axis. The height of the adjustable portion may be less than half, preferably less than one third, preferably less than one quarter, preferably less than one fifth of the height of the clip. As mentioned above, the height of the clip may be measured from the bottom end to top end of the clip.

[0060] The clip may further comprise a slot adjacent to the at least one adjustable portion. The slot may be configured to receive a portion of the support structure. The clip may have any other features described hereinabove, particularly in relation to the arrangement of the central portion and the legs, such as the shape and / or dimensions of these features, and to the manufacture of the clip, for example being formed of a single strip of material, which may be a metallic material.

[0061] Brief description of the drawings

[0062] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0063] Figure 1 A shows a prior art cable tie of plastics material;

[0064] Figure 1 B shows a prior art cable tie of metallic material;

[0065] Figure 1 C shows a prior art cable cleat;

[0066] Figure 2 shows a clip according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0067] Figure 3A shows a side view of the clip of Figure 2;

[0068] Figure 3B shows a strip of material from which the clip of Figure 2 can be formed;

[0069] Figure 4A shows a typical installation using a clip according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0070] Figures 4B and 4C show other typical installations using a clip according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0071] Figures 5A to 5F show various steps in the installation of a clip according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0072] Figure 6 shows cable clips in various forms and orientations;

[0073] Figure 7 shows how cables are connected to the cable tray and crimped; and

[0074] Figure 8 shows the orientation of L slots and side slots in the cable tray bent open and closed.

[0075] Detailed description of the drawings

[0076] Figure 1A shows a known cable tie 101 , formed from a plastics material. A detailed description is omitted since these are well known. However, cable ties 101 formed from a plastics material have an unsatisfactory performance in the event of fire. A particular problem is encountered if a cable run is arranged above a doorway or other access point. In the event of a fire, the plastics material cable tie 101 melts, resulting in the previously fastened cables falling into the doorway, posing an additional and potentially deadly hazard for firefighters. There is a move to prohibit the use of cable ties of this sort.

[0077] One solution proposed is the use of metallic cable ties in place of those formed from a plastics material. Such metallic cable ties are typically formed from stainless steel, since they are corrosion-resistant and durable. Such a cable tie 102 is shown in Figure 1 B. Again, a detailed description is omitted since these are well known.

[0078] However, metallic cable ties 102 introduce problems of their own. Firstly, they are significantly more expensive than the plastics alternatives. Secondly, they can have razorsharp edges, which require careful handling to avoid injury to the installer and to avoid damage to the cables which they are fastening. In particular, if any excess length is trimmed, after fastening, the resultant edges can be particularly sharp, especially if a customised tool, which rounds off sharp edges, is not used.

[0079] Use of either the prior art cable ties 101 , 102, can result in the need to trim excess material. The problems with the metallic tie 102 has been alluded to, but in both cases, the residue needs to be collected and, where possible, recycled. This creates additional problems. One of which is that stainless steel is not attracted to magnets, meaning that separating such waste from other types can be problematic.

[0080] A further attempt to address the problems in the aforementioned cable ties is through the use of a cable cleat. Such a known cleat 103 is shown in Figure 1 C. Although it addresses some of the problems already mentioned, it introduced additional problems of its own. As can be seen, the cleat 103 is far more substantial than the previous solutions. In use, the cleat must be anchored to a suitable support via the addition of a suitable fixing through aperture 103c. The cleat comprises a hinge 103a, allowing it to be opened to receive one or more cables therein. Once the cable or cables have been introduced, the cleat is fastened in a closed configuration by means of fastener 103b, which comprises a nut and bolt and allows the cleat to be securely fastened and thereby retain the cable in place.

[0081] However, the time involved in fitting and then fastening the cleat 103 is substantial and increases an installation time significantly compared to the use of cable ties 101 , 102. Additionally, the unit price of a cleat is significantly higher than that of cable ties 101 , 102.

[0082] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a clip 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. The clip 110 is of unitary construction and is formed from a single strip of stainless steel, which has been processed to remove defined portions and then bent into the shape shown.

[0083] The clip 110 comprises three major portions which include a pair of relatively elongate legs 112, which are disposed to face or oppose each other, whereby the legs are disposed either side of a projection 111 , which forms a central portion of the clip. In the example shown, the legs 112 are arranged in the clip so as to form an arch within which at least one cable can be received. The opposed legs 112 can be configured to receive at least one cable, such as a bundle of cables, within the clip 110. The clip 110 is configured to receive the cable along a longitudinal axis 115 of the clip 110. At the end of each leg 112 is a hook 113. The hook is formed by the selective removal of material from the strip which forms the clip 110.

[0084] The projection 111 comprises a curved portion extending from a profile of the clip. The curved portion defines a volume which, upon crimping, tends towards zero. Each of the opposed legs 112 comprises a curved portion 117. The curved portion 117 of each of the opposed legs 112 is arranged between the central portion 111 and the hook 113. As shown in Figure 2, the curved portion 117 of each of the opposed legs 112 has a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion of the projection 111.

[0085] Figure 3A shows a side view of the clip 110. Each hook 113 can be provided by a recess 116 in each of the pair of opposed legs 112. In the illustrated arrangement, the recesses 116 are provided on the same side of clip with respect to the longitudinal axis 115. Each recess 116 can be defined by a top surface 116a, a side surface 116b and a bottom surface 116c. The bottom surface 116c faces the top surface 116a. The top surface 116a may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 115. The side surface 116b may be perpendicular to the top surface 116a.

[0086] In a particular embodiment, the uppermost portion of the hook 113 comprises a relatively small projection or lug 114 which serves as a locator in certain implementations. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3A, the bottom surface 116c comprises the lug 114. As such, the lug 114 extends from an end of the hook 113 towards a top end of the clip 110. As best seen in Figure 2, the lug 114 comprises a substantially rectangular face configured to be received in a substantially rectangular slot of the support structure (see Figures 5A to 5F).

[0087] The clip 110 has a first side 110a and a second side 110b. The first side 110a is located at a first position along the longitudinal axis 115 and the second side 110b is located at a second position along the longitudinal axis 115. The clip 110 is defined between the first position and the second position. In the arrangement shown, the recesses 116 are both formed on the first side 110a.

[0088] The clip 110 has a clip length CL which is measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 115. As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the clip 110 has a clip height CH which is defined from the top end (i.e. the top of the projection 111) and the bottom end (i.e. at the bottom of the opposed legs 112, for example at a point halfway between the free ends of the legs 112). The clip 110 has a clip width CW (see Figure 2) defined as the distance between the free ends of the legs 112. The recess 116 has a recess length RL which may be measured parallel to the longitudinal axis 115, and may be the distance from the opening of the recess 116 to the side surface 116b.

[0089] In the illustrated example, the clip height CH is greater than (e.g. at least twice) the clip length CL. The clip height CH may be greater than the clip width CW. For example, the clip width CW may be at least half the clip height CH. The recess length RL may be at least half of the clip length CL.

[0090] Figure 3B shows a strip 110’ of material out of which the clip 110 can be formed. The clip 110 may comprise a metallic material, for example stainless steel. As mentioned above, the clip 110 may be a unitary construction. The clip 110 may be formed from a single strip 110’ of material having a first long edge 110a and a second long edge 110b (corresponding to the first side and the second side of the clip 110). The strip 110’ may have a centreline 118. The strip 110’ may comprise a first recess 116a and a second recess 116b on opposite sides of the centreline 118 and on the same long edge of the strip 110’. In the arrangement shown, the recesses 116a, 116b are provided on the first long edge 110a.

[0091] A method of manufacturing the clip 110 is also provided. The method includes providing a strip of material, for example metallic material, and performing a material removal process (e.g. stamping, laser cutting or machining) to provide the first recess 116a and the second recess 116b in a first long edge 110a of the strip 110’, such that the recesses mirror one another with respect to the centreline 118. To obtain the clip 110 shown in Figures 2 and 3A from the strip 110’ shown in Figure 3B, the method includes deforming the strip 110’ by bending it along the centreline 118. This provides opposing legs 112 extending from the centreline 118 (which becomes the central portion) such that the recesses 116a, 116b define hooks 113. The method also includes further deforming the clip 110 to provide the projection 111.

[0092] Figure 4A shows a perspective view of one particular implementation of an installation including the clip 110. In this installation, a cable 120 is to be secured in position relative to a support structure 130. The support structure 130 is a Unistrut style which comprises an elongate member defining a generally U-shaped conduit 131. The support structure 130 is typically fastened to a wall, ceiling or other structural surfaces via fixing apertures 132. The outer exposed edges 133 of the conduit are curved inwards towards the interior of the conduit and it is this feature which allows the clip 110 to be fastened thereto.

[0093] As can be seen in Figure 4A, the cable is brought into position and the clip 110 is placed atop the cable, so that the two elongate legs essentially surround it and are placed into the conduit 131. The clip 110 is then moved so that the hooks 113 are positioned below the curved edge 133 of the support structure 130. In order, then, to secure the clip 110 and cable 120 firmly in position, it is necessary to crimp the projection 111 , by applying a crimping or crushing force thereto, such that the gap beneath the projection 111 is closed, tightening the clip 110 in relation to the cable 120 and effectively causing the hooks 113 to enter the gap formed by the curved edges 133 of the support structure 130. I n this way, the cable 120 is held firmly in position by the clip 110, which now engages securely with the support structure in a manner which does not permit movement of the cable.

[0094] The crimping or crushing force may simply be provided by a pair of pilers or similar. Alternatively, a custom tool may be provided.

[0095] Since the material of the clip 110 is workable, the force required to crimp the clip is not excessive and can easily be applied by hand. However, once crimped, the clip is essentially semi-permanently attached and is not likely to move under normal operating conditions. In this context, “semi-permanently attached” means that the clip, once fitted, will not typically work loose or release the cable under normal operating conditions, but it can be removed as the result of a deliberate action to remove it.

[0096] This ensures that the cable 120 is held securely in position in all circumstances. Unlike the prior art referenced, the clip 110 will not melt in a fire situation. It does not require trimming and presents no sharp edges to an installer. It includes no fastenings, such as nuts, bolts or screws, and so does not experience issues caused by vibration which may result in such prior art fastenings working loose. Additionally, the clip is substantially tamper-proof, in the sense that the clip cannot be casually removed; instead, a positive action is required in order to remove the clip, once crimped.

[0097] Figure 4A illustrates just one of the many support structures to which the clip can be attached. The versatility of the clip 110 is illustrated by Figures 4B and 4C which show different support structures with which the clip 110 can engage. Figure 4B shows the clip 110 in use with a basket tray 140. Basket trays are known in the art and comprise a web of interconnected elongate metal members, forming said basket. The clip 110 is arranged, as shown, to engage with one of the members and so secure the cable in place. The placement of the clip and the crimping operation is as described previously.

[0098] Figure 4C shows the clip in use with a cable tray 150, The cable tray, as known in the art, is an elongate conduit, typically have a generally flat bed to accommodate cables. Two elongate walls are typically provided at outer edges of the tray. The flat bed includes a number of apertures. In prior art installations, cable ties, described earlier, are threaded through the apertures and fastened to secure cables in place. When used with the clip 110 according to an embodiment of the invention, the hooks 113 are introduced into one or more such apertures and then the crimping operation acts to secure the clip and hence the cable in place.

[0099] Figures 5A to 5F shows the use of a clip 110, combined with a complementary cable tray 160, specifically designed to cooperate with the clip 110. Advantageously, the cable tray 160 is compatible with prior techniques of cable fastening e.g. using cable ties. As such, only one type of cable tray is required to be stocked and if no clips 110 are available or required, cable ties may be used instead. However, the advantages mentioned herein are only achieved via use of clip 110.

[0100] Figure 5A shows a detail of a section of a cable tray. The entire tray may be up to several metres long and several tens of centimetres wide. In terms of dimensions, the cable tray 160 resembles the profile of known cable trays, with the arrangement of the apertures in the bed of the tray being a distinguishing feature.

[0101] In Figure 5A, various slots 161 , 162 are shown. These are arranged to cooperate with the clip 110. A first pair of relatively long slots 161 are arranged in a parallel formation, the distance between them matching the distance between the legs 112 of clip 110. A second pair of smaller slots or apertures 162 are arranged to align with, and at an end of, the longer slots 161. The means by which these slots cooperate with the clip will be described in the following by reference to Figures 5B to 5F.

[0102] Figure 5B shows the cable tray 160 with a cable 120 placed in position to be secured. As can be seen, the cable 120 has dimensions which permit it to sit approximately between the pair of elongate slots 161 .

[0103] Figure 5C shows a plan view of how the clip 110 is introduced into position. It is placed atop the cable, with each of its legs 112 entering one of the slots 161. It can be seen that the dimensions of the clip 110 and the slot 161 are arranged to substantially match, so that the clip sits easily and without difficulty in the slots 161 .

[0104] Figure 5D illustrates the next step, whereby the clip 110 is slid in the direction of the arrow shown, towards the pair of smaller slots 162. The clip moves freely in this configuration. Each hook 113 may be configured to engage with the support structure by moving the clip 110 along its longitudinal axis 115 relative to the support structure.

[0105] Figure 5E illustrates the crimping operation applied to projection 111 at the top of the clip 110. The projection 111 is crimped or crushed, thereby tightening the clip in position. The lug 114, positioned on an upper surface of the hook 113, is dimensioned and positioned to sit in the small slots 162 in this position and once the crimping operation has competed, the lugs 114 are located securely in the small slots 162. This has the effect of improving the security of the clipping operation. The cable 120 is now securely held in place. The clip will not slip from its position, due to the lugs 114 being retained in small slots 162. In particular, the lugs 114 are arranged such that, when the clip 110 is secured to the support structure, the lugs 114 extend from the hook 113 in a direction transverse to the support structure. The crimping operation ensures that the cable 120 is held snugly and securely and permanently in place. In this context, “permanently” means until such time as an operative decide to take positive steps to remove the clip.

[0106] Before crimping, and as shown in Figures 2 and 4A, the projection 111 at the uppermost point of the clip effectively defines a small volume, by virtue of the shaping of the metallic strip which forms the clip 110. When the projection 111 is crimped or crushed, by the application of feree from either side of it, the volume is effective reduced to zero or thereabouts. This has the effect of shortening the effective length of the clip, measured from end to end. It is this process that allows the clip 110 to be secured and retained in place.

[0107] Figure 5F shows a side, partly sectional, view of the clip 110, cable 120 and cable tray 160 in the secured position, equivalent to the plan view shown in Figure 5E. The base of the clip 110 extends partly through the bed of the cable tray.

[0108] When a relatively long run of cable is required, it can be placed loosely in position, with clips 110 introduced into the long slots 161 , as shown in Figure 5D (i.e. not yet crimped). Then, once the cable has been property dressed and routed, the individual clips 110 can be crimped in sequence, thereby locking the cable into position.

[0109] If a clip 110 is to be removed after fitting, there are a number of means to achieve this. In a first technique, the crimped projection 111 can be sheared with a suitable tool, such as snips or pliers. Alternatively, a custom tool may be provided.

[0110] A further use for the clip 110 is in the automotive sector. Electric Vehicles, EVs, require a significant length of electrical cabling, which is required to be fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. If the chassis is provided with slots as shown in Figures 5A to 5F, then clips 110, may be used to secure the cabling in place.

[0111] As with the cable tray of Figures 5A to 5F, a particular advantage of such an arrangement is that access to both sides of the support structure is not required and the clip can be introduced and crimped from the cable side only of the support structure, be it a cable tray, vehicle chassis or other structure.

[0112] In addition to the clip 110 being fire proof, it can also act as a fire stop. Prior art cable ties and the like can actively burn and so contribute to the problem. However, the close association of the clip with the cable sheath with which it is in contact can, serve to prevent fire from spreading along the cable.

[0113] The clip 110 can be provided in a variety of sizes to accommodate cables of different sizes. The clip size may vary in over length (from hook to hook), material thickness, depth and still work according to the principles set out herein.

[0114] A further advantage is that there is no waste associated with fitting a clip 110, since no trimming is required and all the material associated with a particular clip 110 is used each time. This reduces waste and any associated clearing up, as known with prior art devices.

[0115] By use of an embodiment of the present invention, shortcoming associated with prior art techniques can be substantially avoided. A clip according to an embodiment of the invention is fireproof, non-sharp, easy and quick to fit, vibration proof, substantially tamper-proof and semi-permanent (as defined previously). Its adoption in cable installations offers many advantages in addition to those mentioned above. It is, easy to manufacture in large quantities, requires little or no specialist training or tooling and can be deployed by any competent installer.

[0116] Another aspect of the disclosure is illustrated in Figures 6 to 8. Disclosed is a selflocating spigoted top hat washer which holds a flexible cable tray to an uneven or flat surface, with the capability of maintaining strength when installed vertically. The cable tray can be bent by hand to any angle and to any surface contour. The clips can be fitted in any orientation on any installed cable tray vertical, horizontal or at an angle. Such embodiments address shortcomings in the prior art by fitting the cable tray the opposite way round connected vertically to a wall or to a threaded rod suspended from the ceiling.

[0117] Figure 6 shows top views and side views of a cable clip 1-12 in different configurations, together with perspective views of a cable clip 1 in a first configuration and a cable clip 7 in a seventh configuration. The cable clip is for securing a cable to a support structure. Similarly to the cable clip 110 described in relation to Figure 2, the cable clips in Figure 6 may be formed of a central portion having a crimping area 13 and two opposing legs, wherein the clip may be formed from a single strip of material (by material removal processes and deformation) and may be a metallic material such as stainless steel.

[0118] The clips 1-12 differ from the clip 110 by including at least one adjustable portion 15 at the bottom of each leg. As shown in Figure 6, the clips can have a foldable tab 15 on each side of each leg, resulting in four such adjustable portions for each clip. The adjustable portions 15 can be adjusted by bending relative to the respective leg. The bottom of each leg comprises a straight edge 30 (as labelled on the side view of clip 2). The adjustable portion 15 is configured to be adjusted so that the clip can engage with an L-shaped slot in the support structure. In otherwords, the adjustable portion 15 can provide an angled extension to the straight edge 30, where the angle can be at least 90 degrees.

[0119] The adjustable portion 15 may be pivotably connected to the straight edge 30. The adjustable portion 15 may be integrally formed with the clip, and may be connected to the straight edge 30 via a living hinge. Each leg may comprise a first adjustable portion and a second adjustable portion, where the adjustable portions can be pivoted independently of one another. The at least one adjustable portion on a first leg is configured to be pivotable in both directions with respect to the clip, for example inwards (i.e. towards the opposite leg) or outwards (i.e. away from the opposite leg). Each leg may also comprise a slot 14 which may be configured to receive a portion of the support structure and which may be positioned between the adjustable portion 15 and the remainder of the respective leg.

[0120] It will be appreciated that the clip described above may be configured to fit in various types of slots. For example, by selecting which adjustable portions 15 to adjust, and by selecting the angle (e.g. 45 degrees or 90 degrees, or any other angle between 0 and 180 degrees) and the direction (e.g. inwards or outwards) of the adjustable portion, the clip can be tailored to engage with different types of slots in a support structure. For example, clip 1 is configured such that each leg has an adjustable portion angled outwards perpendicular to the straight edge 30. In clip 2, each leg has an adjustable portion angled inwards and an adjustable portion angled outwards, at 45 degree angles. In clip 3, all adjustable portions are angled outwards by 45 degrees. Clip 4 is similar to clip 2 except the angles are 90 degrees. Clip 5 has all adjustable portions angled outwards at 90 degrees. Clip 6 illustrates an example in which the adjustable portions are curved outwards. Clip 7 is similar to clip 1 except the adjustable portion on one of the legs is angled inwards. Clip 8 is similar to clip 2 except that adjustable portions on one of the legs are swapped with respect to angling the adjustable portions inwards or outwards. Clip 9 is similar to clip 3 except that the adjustable portions on one of the legs are angled inwards. Clip 10 is similar to clip 4 except that adjustable portions on one of the legs are swapped with respect to angling the adjustable portions inwards or outwards. Clip 11 is similar to clip 5 except that the adjustable portions on one of the legs are angled inwards. Clip 12 is similar to clip 6 except that the adjustable portions on one of the legs are curved inwards. Figure 7 shows a cable tray 24 and illustrates how a cable clip can secure a cable 18 to a support structure such as a cable tray 24. The cable tray 24 has slots and holes 17 & 16 in a generally recognised pattern whilst having a standard profile plus the added L shaped slots 19. The flat plate is stamped with cutouts 20 on the edges and rolled in the same way as the existing cable tray with a return flange 24. Figure 7 also includes a top view, front view and side view of a three-step process for securing a cable 18 to a cable tray 24 using a cable clip 7. When attaching the cables 18 to the cable tray 24, a U-Strut 23, a ladder rack or any type of bracket push fit slots are required in the bracketry. A push, slide and crimp cable clip 7, 8, 9, 10. 11 & 12 is required. When installing the clip 7 which has two folds 15 & 15 and two slots 14 & 14, the clip 7 is pushed over the cable 18. The folded sections 15 & 15 pass through the L shaped slots 19 & 19 and slide forward, locking the clip 7 on the opposite side of the cable tray 24. The cable 18 is now loosely attached to the cable tray 24 by a number of clips 7. When the cable is dressed, the crimping area 13 can be crimped onto the cable 18, locking it tight to the cable tray 24. The clip 7 can be removed by knocking it sideways, releasing the cable 18 from the cable tray 24. The clip 7 can be opened up and reused and re-crimped if required.

[0121] Figure 7 also illustrates an alternative clip 22 which, instead of foldable tabs at the bottom of the opposed legs, comprises hooks 21 similar to those described in relation to Figure 2. Figure 7 also illustrates how such a clip 22 can secure a cable to a U-Strut 23 such that the cable is held transverse to the longitudinal axis of the U-Strut 23, by the hooks 21 engaging with the cutouts 20.

[0122] Figure 8 shows a cable tray 24 and illustrates a method of bending the cable tray 24 around an obstacle. The preformed slots 25 can be spaced equally or have varying spacings with round ends, triangular ends, square ends or any other shaped ends. When the cable tray 24 is attached to an uneven surface such as a brick wall, a floor or a ceiling, the cable tray 24 can be attached with top hat washers. When there is an obstacle to bypass or a change of direction required, the space above the cutouts 26 can simply be snipped and bent to form an opening 28 and a closure 29. Because the cable tray 24 is installed vertically, the load the cable tray can take is not affected.

[0123] When there is an obstacle in the way of the path of the cable tray 24 installed in the horizontal position, the cable tray 24 can be simply bent around the obstacle. The snipping above the slots 25 creates a deeper slot 27 by opening and closing the newly formed slots 27. The newly formed slot 27 permits the cable tray to be bent using external openings 28 and internal closures 29. This forms inside and outside bends 28 & 29 of various angles. The strength of the cable tray is maintained by the side wall and the return flanges 24 and the vertical installation ensures maximum strength.

[0124] It will be appreciated from the above description that many features of the different examples are interchangeable and combinable. The disclosure extends to further examples comprising features from different examples combined together in ways not specifically mentioned. Indeed, there are many features presented in the above examples and it will be apparent to the skilled person that these may be advantageously combined with one another.

[0125] Embodiments may also be described by any of the following numbered clauses:

[0126] 1. A clip for securing a cable in position relative to a support structure, wherein the clip is a unitary member arranged to comprise a pair of opposed legs joined by a central portion, wherein each of the pair of opposed legs comprises a hook for engagement with the support structure and the central portion comprises a projection, whereby in the event of the projection being crimped, each respective hook engages securely with the support structure, thereby securing the clip, and hence the cable, in position, relative to the support structure.

[0127] 2. The clip of clause 1 , wherein the hook is provided with a lug for engagement with a corresponding aperture in the support structure, such that after crimping, the lug is securely retained in the corresponding aperture.

[0128] 3. The clip of any preceding clause, wherein the clip is formed from a metallic material.

[0129] 4. The clip of clause 3, wherein the metallic material is stainless steel.

[0130] 5. The clip of any preceding clause, wherein the projection comprises a curved portion extending from a profile of the clip, the curved portion defining a volume, which, upon crimping, tends towards zero.

[0131] 6. A support structure for use with the clip of any preceding clause, wherein the support structure comprises at least a first pair of slots arranged to receive the opposed legs of the clip and a second pair of slots, aligned with the first pair, the second pair being arranged to receive a lug provided on the clip.

[0132] 7. The support structure of clause 6, wherein the support structure is a cable tray or a vehicle chassis.

[0133] 8. A method of securing a cable using the clip of any preceding clause, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the cable relative to the support structure at a desired location; b) placing the clip atop the cable and loosely engaging the hooks with a feature of the support structure; c) crimping the projection such that the clip securely engages with the support structure and so holds the cable firmly in place.

[0134] 9. Apparatus to install a cable tray against an uneven surface with the ability to hand bend, the apparatus comprising: a spigoted top hat washer where the spigot is the same shape as the slot in the cable tray; a push slide and crimp cable clip; slots in a cable tray wall which can be extended by clipping allowing the cable tray to be bent; wherein the slots between the uprights with sidewalls and return flanges maintain strength; a substantially robust cable tray which maintains strength when bent; and a cable tray that can be bent around corners or obstacles.

[0135] 10. Apparatus of clause 9, wherein the light weight cable tray can be fitted vertically or horizontally and bent whilst maintaining strength.

[0136] 11 . Apparatus of clause 9 or clause 10, wherein the top hat spigoted washer spreads the load around the inside of the holes or slots which prevents point loading.

[0137] 12. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 11 , wherein the push-fit, slide and crimp clip can be installed and removed quickly.

[0138] 13. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 12, wherein the slight deflection of the cable tray when tightened holds the cable trays firmly against the walls, floors or ceilings.

[0139] 14. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 13, where the slots in the sidewall can be extended by snipping allowing the slots to open and close to facilitate bending small sections of the cable tray.

[0140] 15. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 14, wherein the cable tray can be bent by hand to any angle to change direction or bypass an obstruction.

[0141] 16. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 15, wherein the cable tray can be fitted back to back on a single threaded rod.

[0142] 17. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 16, wherein the cable tray maintains strength and can take the same load when installed vertically.

[0143] 18. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 17, where the slots engage with the L shaped slot in the cable tray locking the clip on both sides of the flat surface of the cable tray.

[0144] 19. Apparatus where the bent flange section at the bottom of the clip locates on the underside of the cable tray when the clip is slid sideways.

[0145] 20. The clip is locked on to the cable by crimping the clip, locking the cable onto the cable tray.

[0146] 21 . The cable clip is one piece made out of metal making it fireproof.

[0147] 21 . The cable clip can be fitted underneath, on top, sideways on any cable tray installed at an angle vertical or horizontal.

[0148] 22. The clips can hold and locate the cables loosely until the cables are dressed and when crimped into position locked tight to the cable tray. 23. Apparatus of any of clauses 9 to 22, where the slots and clips can be used in any bracketing system U-strut or ladder rack.

[0149] 24. Apparatus where the various options and configurations at the bottom of the clip can be pushed into semi-circle U shaped and any other shape slots in cable trays ladder racks or U struts.

[0150] 25. All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying clauses abstract and drawings), and / or all the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0151] 26. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying clauses, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0152] 27. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying clauses, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A clip for securing a cable in position relative to a support structure, wherein the clip is a unitary member arranged to comprise a pair of opposed legs joined by a central portion, wherein each of the pair of opposed legs comprises a hook for engagement with the support structure and the central portion comprises a projection, whereby in the event of the projection being crimped, each respective hook engages securely with the support structure, thereby securing the clip, and hence the cable, in position, relative to the support structure.

2. The clip of claim 1 , wherein the legs are arranged in the clip so as to form an arch within which at least one cable can be received.

3. The clip of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the clip is configured to receive the cable along a longitudinal axis of the clip.

4. The clip of claim 3, wherein each hook is configured to engage with the support structure by moving the clip along its longitudinal axis relative to the support structure.

5. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the opposed legs mirror each other.

6. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein each hook is provided by a recess in each of the pair of opposed legs.

7. The clip of claim 6, wherein the recesses are provided on the same side of the clip with respect to the longitudinal axis.

8. The clip of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein each recess is defined by a top surface, a side surface and a bottom surface.

9. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the hook is provided with a lug for engagement with a corresponding aperture in the support structure, such that after crimping, the lug is securely retained in the corresponding aperture.

10. The clip of claim 9 as dependent on claim 8, wherein the bottom surface faces the top surface and comprises the lug.11 . The clip of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the lug is arranged such that, when the clip is secured to the support structure, the lug extends from the hook in a direction transverse to the support structure.

12. The clip of any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the lug extends from an end of the hook towards a top end of the clip.

13. The clip of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the lug comprises a substantially rectangular face configured to be received in a substantially rectangular slot of the support structure.14 The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip is formed from a single strip of material.

15. The clip of any preceding claim wherein the clip is formed from a metallic material.

16. The clip of claim 15, wherein the metallic material is stainless steel.

17. The clip of any preceding claim wherein the projection comprises a curved portion extending from a profile of the clip, the curved portion defining a volume which, upon crimping, tends towards zero.

18. The clip of claim 17, wherein each of the opposed legs comprises a curved portion.

19. The clip of claim 18, wherein the curved portion of each of the opposed legs is arranged between the central portion and the hook.

20. The clip of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the curved portion of each of the opposed legs has a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion of the projection.

21. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein a height of the clip is greater than its length.

22. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the recess is at least half of the clip length.

23. The clip of any preceding claim, wherein the clip’s width is greater than its length.

24. A support structure for use with the clip of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises at least a first pair of slots arranged to receive the opposed legs of the clip and a second pair of slots, aligned with the first pair, the second pair being arranged to receive a lug provided on the clip.

25. The support structure of claim 24, wherein the support structure is a cable tray or a vehicle chassis.

26. A method of securing a cable using the clip of any preceding claim, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the cable relative to the support structure at a desired location; b) placing the clip atop the cable and loosely engaging the hooks with a feature of the support structure; c) crimping the projection such that the clip securely engages with the support structure and so holds the cable firmly in place.

27. A method of manufacturing a clip for securing a cable to a support structure, the method comprising: providing a strip of metallic material; performing a material removal process on the strip to provide first and second recesses in a first long edge of the strip, wherein the first and the second recesses are provided on opposite sides of a centreline of the strip so as to mirror one another; deforming the strip by bending along the centreline to bring the first recess and the second recess towards one another, so as to provide opposing legs extending from the centreline, wherein the first recess and the second recess each define a hook configured to engage with the support structure; and deforming the clip to provide a projection from the centreline, wherein the projection is configured to be crimped to secure the clip, and thereby a cable received in the clip, to the support structure.

28. A clip for securing a cable to a support structure, the clip comprising: a central portion; and a pair of legs joined together by the central portion at a top end; wherein each of the pair of legs comprises, at a bottom end, at least one adjustable portion configured such that the bottom end of each of the pair of legs can be adjusted to engage with an L-shaped slot in the support structure.

29. The clip of claim 28, wherein the bottom end of each of the pair of legs comprises a straight edge, and wherein the at least one adjustable portion is pivotably connected to the straight edge.

30. The clip of claim 29, configured such that the at least one adjustable portion can be pivoted to a position that is perpendicular to the straight edge.

31. The clip of claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the at least one adjustable portion comprises a first adjustable portion at a first side of the straight edge and a second adjustable portion at a second side of the straight edge, the second side being opposite the first side.

32. The clip of claim 31 , wherein the first adjustable portion and the second adjustable portion are configured to be pivoted independently of one another.

33. The clip of any of claims 28 to 32, wherein the at least one adjustable portion is connected to the straight edge by a living hinge.

34. The clip of any of claims 28 to 33, wherein the at least one adjustable portion on a first leg of the pair of legs is configured to be pivotable towards a second leg of the pair of legs and / or is configured to be pivotable away from the second leg.

35. The clip of any of claims 28 to 34, further comprising a slot adjacent to the at least one adjustable portion, the slot being configured to receive a portion of the support structure.

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