Improvements in and relating to cable installation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable hanger for supporting a cable, for example an electrical cable, e.g. an insulated electrical cable. The cable hanger includes a foot portion and a leg portion which extends from the foot portion. The cable hanger may be secured to a surface of a building or another structure by at least one of the portion and the foot portion. The leg portion includes a cable-receiving aperture having a gate. The gate is configured to move between a first, open, position in which a cable may be inserted into the cable-receiving aperture and a second, closed, position in which a cable is secured within the cable-receiving aperture. Beneficially, the gate enables mid-cable access to the cable-receiving aperture such that the cable hanger can be installed on a surface and a cable subsequently placed into the cable-receiving aperture. When the gate is in the open position, insertion of the cable into the cable-receiving aperture is afforded. Conversely, when the gate is in the closed position, it is not possible to inadvertently remove the cable from the cable-receiving aperture.

Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO CABLE INSTALLATION

[0002] This invention relates to improvements in and relating to cable installation and more particularly, but not exclusively to the general subject of supporting arrays of cables within buildings. Aspects of the invention relate to a cable hanger and a preform for the formation of a cable hanger.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, relevant to multi-storey commercial and office buildings, in which each floor above ground floor level is typically formed of concrete. On the underside of such concrete floors, a suspended ceiling for the floor below is provided. Such suspended ceilings comprising an array of fire resistant tiles or plasterboard received within a metal grid that is supported by an array of metal crossbeams, known as metal frame ceilings, and associated brackets. The void between the tiles and / or plasterboard and the floor above in such a multi-story building is often used for receiving insulated cabling, for example insulated electrical cabling or cables. Metal trays or baskets must be provided to support and contain the insulated cables or cabling. This reduces the risk, during a fire for example, of the cables or cabling falling and causing injury to people and / or impedingthe means of escape for people.

[0005] Where it is important to separate the cables, which may be high and low voltage electrical cables and / or fibre-optic cables, it is common practice to support the cabling or cables by means of cable trays or baskets, which can be fixed to vertical or horizontal surfaces. However, this solution has a significant drawback in that it requires multiple components, meaning it is time consuming to assemble such cable trays and baskets. The cable trays and baskets and their installation require multiple components, and it takes significant time to fix into position, or install, the cable trays and baskets, prior to the cables being put in place. Known systems have trays with lengths of several metres, such as 3 metres or 6 metres. Such trays are fragile and difficult to transport to, or handle on, site. Furthermore, the fixed lengths of the trays must be cut according to the dimensions of the ceiling space, resulting in off-cuts and wastage.

[0006] Known trays and baskets simultaneously carry different types of cables. Even when similar cables are dressed together, the shared conduit means cables become tangled, which makes identification and access difficult for later maintenance.

[0007] Additionally, it is essential that such supports for cables meet the necessary separation requirements, so as to reduce interference and / or heat transfer between cable. Any cables which require a minimum separation distance from one another currently must be carried on two different trays or baskets, significantly increasing costs and installation time. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Requirements for Electrical Installations, in particular the specified fire containment standards for fixing wiring in entry and exit routes, is set out in British Standard 7671 - 18thedition of The Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Wiring Regulations.

[0008] Cables must be mounted to the cable trays and baskets by an installer. Cables typically require dressing, that is organizing and grouping of the cables into bundles of similar types, in order to make identification and access easier for later maintenance. Threading cables into holes is awkward for the installer, slowing installation, and is particularly cumbersome for dressed groups of cables. Threading requires deforming the cables and subsequently pulling the cables through the holes, which risks damage to cables. For certain cables, such as expensive cables like audio cables, cables are dressed after mounting to the respective cable trays or basket. Again this is awkward and time-consuming for the installer.

[0009] The present invention is derived from the realisation that there is a need for a simple solution that dramatically reduces the installation time and number of components needed to support single or multiple cable runs below a horizontal surface such as the underside of a floor within a multistory building.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a cable hanger and a preform for the formation of a cable hanger as claimed in the appended claims.

[0012] Accordingto an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable hangerfor supporting a cable, for example an electrical cable, e.g. an insulated electrical cable, wherein the cable hanger includes a foot portion and a leg portion, wherein at least one of the foot portion and the leg portion is configured to be secured to a surface of a building or another structure, for example a surface of a cable tray or basket, wherein the leg portion extends from the foot portion, and wherein the leg portion includes a cable-receiving aperture having a gate, wherein the gate is configured to move between a first, open, position in which a cable may be inserted into the cable-receiving aperture and a second, closed, position in which a cable is secured within the cable-receiving aperture.

[0013] Advantageously, the gate enables mid-cable access to the cable-receiving aperture such that the cable hanger can be installed on a surface and a cable subsequently placed into the cablereceiving aperture. When the gate is in the open position, insertion of the cable into the cablereceiving aperture is afforded. Conversely, when the gate is in the closed position, it is not possible to inadvertently remove the cable from the cable-receiving aperture. This speeds up the installation process.

[0014] In addition, cables are mounted to the cable hanger by slotting a mid-section through the gate, without threading or pulling. Furthermore, groups of cables, particularly dressed group of cables, are mounted to the cable hanger without requiring substantially more time. Cables placed into the cable-receiving aperture are accessible to an installer, affording convenient access to the cables for dressing, or maintenance, after they are installed.

[0015] The leg portion may be connected to the foot portion by a living hinge such that the cable hanger can be moved between a first, storage, configuration, in which the leg portion and the foot portion are coplanar, and a second, use, configuration in which a non-zero angle is defined between the leg portion and the foot portion.

[0016] Advantageously, in the first, storage, configuration, large numbers of cable hangers can be taken on site in a relatively compact manner, and assembled into the second, use, configuration, as required. It is thus convenient for the cable hangers according to the invention to be transported to site, as well as carried and stored on site.

[0017] Further advantageously, the living hinge between the foot portion and the leg portion enables the cable hanger to be secured on a surface prior to being fully assembled (i.e. the cable hanger may be installed in the first, storage, configuration). This is particularly beneficial when the cable hanger is to be used in a confined space.

[0018] The leg portion may include a body portion intermediate a first sidewall and a second sidewall, such that the leg portion is generally U- or channel-shaped. The gate may be provided on the one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall adjacent the cable-receiving aperture, such that when the gate is in the open position, an opening is provided on the one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall adjacent the cable-receiving aperture. The aperture may thus be provided in the body portion of the leg portion.

[0019] The opening may be configured, for example sized, to accommodate a cable such that a cable may be inserted into or removed from the cable-receiving aperture of the cable hanger when the gate is in the open position. The opening may be configured to accommodate a metal conduit sleeved cable. The opening may have a length in the length direction of the leg portion. The opening may have a length in a range of from 10 millimetres to 30 millimetres, optionally in a range of from 20 millimetres to 25 millimetres. The other of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, i.e. the sidewall that opposes the sidewall on which the gate is provided, may be contiguous.

[0020] Advantageously, this arrangement ensures sufficient rigidity for the cable hanger in order to prevent or inhibit the tendency otherwise of the leg portion to be easily bent.

[0021] The leg portion and / or the foot portion may be configured to be secured to a surface of a building or other structure, for example a wall, a floor or a ceiling, for example a suspended ceiling, a joist or a stud of a building.

[0022] The leg portion and / or the foot portion may be configured to be secured to a surface of another structure, for example a surface of a cable tray or basket.

[0023] The leg portion and / or the foot portion may, for example, include one or more flanges or tabs or wall plates by which the cable hanger can selectively be secured to a surface.

[0024] The leg portion and / or the foot portion may, for example, include one or more holes or apertures, through which a fastener or fixing member (such as a nail or screw or bolt or threaded bar or the like) may be passed in order to secure the leg portion and / or the foot portion to a surface of the building or other structure.

[0025] The one or more holes or apertures may be provided in the one or more flanges or tabs or wall plates of the cable hanger.

[0026] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more holes or apertures may be provided in one or both of the first sidewall and the second sidewall of the leg portion and / or in the body portion of the leg portion.

[0027] Additionally, or alternatively, one or more holes or apertures may be provided in the foot portion of the cable hanger.

[0028] The leg portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to a surface extending generally vertically in the building, for example a wall surface, a joist surface or a stud surface that extends generally vertically in the building.

[0029] The leg portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to a side (e.g. a side surface) of a cable tray or basket.

[0030] The foot portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to a surface extending generally horizontally across the building, for example a ceiling, or a floor surface or a beam surface or a joist surface. The foot portion may be configured to be secured to an underside of a floor surface. The foot portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to an underside (or lower surface) of a cable tray or basket.

[0031] The gate may include a fold line or a living hinge in the one of the first of the sidewall and the second sidewall such that the gate may be moved between the open position and the closed position by folding and unfolding the gate on the one of the first sidewall a nd the second sidewall.

[0032] Advantageously, this enables the gate to be formed on the cable hanger using straightforward manufacturing processes and without the need for multiple components. The cable hanger provides a system which is adaptable to any dimension of ceiling space, and which minimises waste.

[0033] Further advantageously, the gate is straightforward for a worker to use without the need for additional equipment. The gate enables easy access for the insertion of cables for the installer, reducing the time for installing cables.

[0034] The cable-receivingaperture may be configured, for example sized, to accommodate a protective covering, for example a grommet or conduit ducting, around an outer periphery, for example a rim, of the cable-receiving aperture.

[0035] Advantageously, such a protective covering serves to protect a cable within the cable-receiving aperture from physical damage, e.g. wear, and provides thermal and / or electrical insulation for the cable.

[0036] The cable-receiving aperture may be configured with a lip around its perimeter. The lip may be deformed, to provide a curved perimeter.

[0037] Advantageously, such a lip serves to protect a cable within the cable-receiving aperture from physical damage, e.g. wear or abrasion.

[0038] The cable hanger may be formed from a sheet material, for example a sheet metal, e.g. a sheet of mild steel or galvanized steel. The cable hanger may be formed from a planar preform. The planar preform may include a leg portion and a foot portion, wherein the leg portion and the foot portion are separated by a living hinge. The leg portion of the planar preform may include the body portion, the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The leg portion may include a first fold line between the body portion and the first sidewall and a second fold line between the body portion and the second sidewall. The cable hanger may thus be formed by folding the planar preform along the first fold line and the second fold line to form the channel-shaped leg portion. The cable hanger may then be folded from this first, storage, configuration, to the second, use, configuration by folding the living hinge to provide an angular displacement between the foot portion and the leg portion.

[0039] Advantageously, this enables the cable hanger to be produced cost effectively using straightforward manufacturing processes and without the need for multiple components. The cable hanger provides a system which is adaptable to any dimension of ceiling space, and which minimises waste.

[0040] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a preform for the formation of a cable hanger as defined above.

[0041] The preform may be a planar preform.

[0042] The preform may be formed from a sheet material, for example a sheet metal, e.g. a sheet of mild steel or galvanized steel. The preform may be formed of a non-flammable rigid plastic material, for example a polypropylene material, a nylon material, a polycarbonate material. Optionally, a rigid plastic material may include a flame retardant.

[0043] The preform, for example the planar preform, may include a leg portion and a foot portion, wherein the leg portion and the foot portion are separated by a living hinge.

[0044] The leg portion of the preform may include a body portion, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The leg portion may include a first fold line between the body portion and the first sidewall and a second fold line between the body portion and the second sidewall.

[0045] The cable hanger may thus be formed by folding the preform along the first fold line and the second fold line to form the U- or channel-shaped leg portion. The cable hanger may then be folded into the second, use, configuration by folding the living hinge to provide an angular displacement between the foot portion and the leg portion.

[0046] Advantageously, this enables the cable hanger to be produced cost effectively using straightforward manufacturing processes and without the need for multiple components. . The cable hanger provides a system which is adaptable to any dimension of ceiling space, and which minimises waste.

[0047] Further advantageously, in the first, storage, configuration, large numbers of cable hangers can be taken on site in a relatively compact manner, and assembled into the second, use, configuration, as required. It is thus convenient for the cable hangers according to the invention to be transported to site, as well as carried and stored on site.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable hanger for supporting one or more cable, for example one or more electrical cable, e.g. one or more insulated electrical cable, wherein the cable hanger includes a foot portion and a leg portion which extends from the foot portion, wherein at least one of the foot portion and the leg portion is configured to be secured to a surface of a building or another structure, for example a surface of a cable tray or basket, and wherein the leg portion includes one or more cable-receiving aperture having a gate, wherein the gate is configured to move between a first, open, position in which a cable may be inserted into a corresponding cable-receiving aperture and a second, closed, position in which a cable is secured within the corresponding cable-receiving aperture.

[0049] Advantageously, the gate enables mid-cable access to the cable-receiving aperture such that the cable hanger can be installed on a surface and one or more cable subsequently placed into one or more of the cable-receiving aperture. When the gate is in the open position, insertion of the cable into a corresponding cable-receiving aperture is afforded. Conversely, when the gate is in the closed position, it is not possible to inadvertently remove the cable from the corresponding cable-receiving aperture. This speeds up the installation process.

[0050] Advantageously, the mid-cable access to each aperture comprises an inlet portion. The, or each, gate is disposed at an inner end of the respective inlet portion. The inlet portion is typically formed in an edge portion of the leg portion. The, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned in the length direction of the leg portion. The, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned transverse to the length direction of the leg portion. The, or each, gate may be oriented at an angle to the length direction, for example an angle in a range of 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. In these ways, the gate may positioned to limit or restrict the size of the aperture, ensuring that a cable is held more tightly once installed. The inlet may assist installation of the cable by guiding the cable into the aperture.

[0051] Accordingto an aspectof the invention, there is provided a cable hangerforsupportinga plurality of cables, for example a plurality of electrical cables, e.g. a plurality of insulated electrical cables, wherein the cable hanger includes a foot portion and a leg portion which extends from the foot portion, wherein at least one of the foot portion and the leg portion is configured to be secured to a surface of a building or another structure, and wherein the leg portion includes a plurality of cable-receiving apertures, each having a gate, wherein each gate is configured to move between a first, open, position in which a cable may be inserted into a corresponding cable-receiving aperture and a second, closed, position in which a cable is secured within the corresponding cable-receiving aperture. Advantageously, the gates enable mid-cable access to the cable-receiving apertures such that the cable hanger can be installed on a surface and the plurality of cables subsequently placed into a corresponding cable-receiving aperture of the plurality of cable-receiving apertures. When the or each gate is in the open position, insertion of a cable into a corresponding cable-receiving aperture is afforded. Conversely, when the or each gate is in the closed position, it is not possible to inadvertently remove the or each cable from the corresponding cable-receiving aperture. This speeds up the installation process.

[0052] Advantageously, the mid-cable access to each aperture may include an inlet portion. The, or each, gate is disposed at an inner end of the respective inlet portion. The inlet portion is typically formed in an edge portion of the leg portion. Conveniently, the, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned in the length direction of the leg portion. Conveniently, the, oreach, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned transverse to the length direction of the leg portion. The, oreach, gate may be oriented at an angle to the length direction, for example an angle in a range of 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. In these ways, the gate may positioned to limit or restrict the size of the aperture, ensuring that a cable is held more tightly once installed. The inlet may assist installation of the cable byguidingthe cable into the aperture.

[0053] By providing a plurality of cable-receiving apertures, the cable hanger provides for easy separation of different cables and cable types. Cables which require separation one another, for example to meet safety standards, can be accommodated and minimum spacings set quickly by choosing two or more appropriately-spaced cable-receiving apertures.

[0054] Furthermore, the cable hanger remains adaptable and reconfigurable after installation. For example, cables, or groups of cables may added to spare, or empty cable-receiving apertures without requiring installation of additional cable trays.

[0055] In addition, cables are mounted to the cable hanger by slotting a mid-section through the gate, without threading or pulling. Furthermore, groups of cables, particularly dressed group of cables, are mounted to the cable hanger without requiring substantially more time. Cables placed into the cable-receiving aperture are accessible to an installer, affording convenient access to the cables for dressing after they are installed.

[0056] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable hangerfor supporting an array of cables, for example an array of electrical cables, e.g. an array of insulated electrical cables, wherein the cable hanger includes a foot portion and a leg portion which extends from the foot portion, wherein at least one of the foot portion and the leg portion is configured to be secured to a surface of a building or another structure, for example a surface of a cable tray or basket, and wherein the leg portion includes a plurality of cable-receiving aperture arranged along a length of the foot portion, wherein each cable-receiving aperture has a gate, and wherein each gate is configured to move between a first, open, position in which a cable may be inserted into a corresponding cable-receiving aperture and a second, closed, position in which a cable is secured within the corresponding cable-receiving aperture.

[0057] Advantageously, the gates enable mid-cable access to the cable-receiving apertures such that the cable hanger can be installed on a surface and an array of cables may be subsequently placed into cable-receiving apertures along the length of the leg portion. When a or each gate is in the open position, insertion of a cable or each cable into corresponding cable-receiving aperture is afforded. Conversely, when the or each gate is in the closed position, it is not possible to inadvertently remove the or each cable from the corresponding cable-receiving aperture. This speeds up the installation process.

[0058] By providing a plurality of cable-receiving apertures, the cable hanger provides for easy separation of different cables and cable types. Cables which require separation one another, for example to meet safety standards, can be accommodated and minimum spacings set quickly by choosing two or more appropriately spaced cable-receiving apertures.

[0059] Furthermore, the cable hanger remains adaptable and reconfigurable after installation. For example, cables, or groups of cables may added to spare, or empty cable-receiving apertures without requiring installation of additional cable trays.

[0060] In addition, cables are mounted to the cable hanger by slotting a mid-section through the gate, without threading or pulling. Furthermore, groups of cables, particularly dressed group of cables, are mounted to the cable hanger without requiring substantially more time. Cables placed into the cable-receiving aperture are accessible to an installer, affording convenient access to the cables for dressing after they are installed.

[0061] The access to each aperture may include an inlet portion. The, or each, gate is disposed at an inner end of the respective inlet portion. The inlet portion is typically formed in an edge portion of the leg portion. Conveniently, the, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned in the length direction of the leg portion. Conveniently, the, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned transverse to the length direction of the leg portion. The, or each, gate may be oriented at an angle to the length direction, for example an angle in a range of 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. In these ways, the gate may positioned to limit or restrict the size of the aperture, ensuring that a cable is held more tightly once installed. The inlet may assist installation of the cable by guiding the cable into the aperture. The leg portion may be connected to the foot portion by a living hinge such that the cable hanger can be moved between a first, storage, configuration, in which the leg portion and the foot portion are coplanar, and a second, use, configuration in which a non-zero angle is defined between the leg portion and the foot portion.

[0062] In other words, the living hinge is foldable to permit angular displacement of the leg portion when the foot portion is fixed to the underside of a surface. Such an arrangement permits the captured cable or cables to be easily tilted about the axis of the living hinge in order to afford access to e.g. to workers fitting brackets to support a suspended ceiling. On completion of such work, the leg portions of the cable hangers can be returned to their originally vertical position.

[0063] Advantageously, in the first, storage, configuration, large numbers of cable hangers can be taken on site in a relatively compact manner, and assembled into the second, use, configuration, as required. It is thus convenient for the cable hangers according to the invention to be transported to site, as well as carried and stored on site.

[0064] Further advantageously, the living hinge between the foot portion and the leg portion enables the cable hanger to be secured on a surface prior to being fully assembled (i.e. the cable hanger may be installed in the first, storage, configuration). This is particularly beneficial when the cable hanger is to be used in a confined space.

[0065] Equally, a worker, for example a tradesperson, can change the position or angle of the leg portion to gain access to other parts of the building once the cable hanger has been installed.

[0066] The cable hanger may include securing or retaining means to secure or retain the cable hanger in the second, use, configuration in which a non-zero angle is defined between the leg portion and the foot portion. The securing or retaining means may include a male securing member on one of the foot portion and the leg portion and a female securing member on the other of the foot portion and the leg portion. The male securing member may be, for example a tongue or a tab. The female securing member may be, for example, a groove or a slot.

[0067] Advantageously, the securing or retaining means enables the cable hanger to be secured or retained in the second, use, configuration while cables are installed in the cable-receiving apertures. The securing or retaining means may be releasable or reversible such that, the cable hanger may be returned to the first, storage, configuration if a worker needs to change the position or angel of the leg portion to gain access to other parts of the building after installation of the cable hanger.

[0068] The foot portion of the cable hanger may include a first gusset or bracket and a second gusset or bracket. The first gusset or bracket and the second gusset or bracket may extend from opposing sides of the foot portion. The first gusset or bracket may extend from a first side of the foot portion. The second gusset or bracket may extend from a second side of the foot portion. One or both of the first gusset or bracket and the second gusset or bracket may be a right-angled gussets.

[0069] The first gusset or bracket and / or the second gusset or bracket may be connected to a respective side of the foot portion by a living hinge. In this way, the cable hanger may be stored in a generally flat configuration before assembly into a cable hanger.

[0070] A male securing member may be provided on each of the first gusset or bracket and the second gusset or bracket. A first female securing member may be provided on the first sidewall or the body portion of the leg portion in a position that is adjacent the first side wall. A second female securing member may be provided on the second sidewall or the body portion of the leg portion in a positioned that is adjacent the second sidewall.

[0071] Alternatively, a female securing member may be provided on each of the first gusset or bracket and the second gusset or bracket. A male female securing member may be provided on the first sidewall or the body portion of the leg portion in a position that is adjacent the first side wall. A second male securing member may be provided on the second sidewall or the body portion of the leg portion in a positioned that is adjacent the second sidewall.

[0072] In these ways, the first gusset or bracket and the second gussetor bracket of the foot portion may be secured or retained on the leg portion.

[0073] The or each gusset or bracket may, for example, include a locking tab that is receivable within a respective slot within the leg portion, each locking tab being bendable to releasably secure the gussets or brackets to the leg portion.

[0074] The leg portion may include a body portion intermediate a first sidewall and a second sidewall, such that the leg portion is generally channel-shaped. The cable-receiving apertures may extend along, i.e. be distributed along, a length of the body portion. The length of the body portion may correspond to the length of the leg portion. The cable-receiving apertures may be spaced apart along a length of the body portion with a spacing of at least 50 millimetres. Advantageously, an installer can use the cable hanger to comply with minimum spacing requirements, such as, for example, minimum spacing for certain cable types provided for in British Standard BS 6701 .

[0075] The gates may be provided on the one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall adjacent the cable-receiving apertures, such thatwhen a gate is in the open position, an opening is provided on the one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall adjacent a corresponding cable-receiving aperture.

[0076] The or each opening may be configured, for example sized, to accommodate a cable such that a cable may be inserted into or removed from the corresponding cable-receiving aperture of the cable hanger when the gate is in the open position. The, or each, opening may be configured to accommodate a metal conduit sleeved cable. The, or each, opening may have a length in the length direction of the leg portion. The, or each, opening may have a length in a range of from 10 millimetres to 30 millimetres, optionally in a range of from 20 millimetres to 25 millimetres.

[0077] The other of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, i.e. the sidewall that opposes the sidewall on which the gate is provided, may be contiguous.

[0078] Advantageously, this arrangement ensures sufficient rigidity for the cable hanger in order to prevent or inhibit the tendency otherwise of the leg portion to be easily bent.

[0079] The leg portion may be configured to be secured to a surface of a building or other structure, for example a surface of a cable tray or basket. The leg portion may, for example include one or more flanges or tabs or wall plates by which the cable hanger can selectively be secured to a surface.

[0080] The foot portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to a surface extending generally horizontally across the building, for example a ceiling, or a floor surface or a beam surface or a joist surface. The foot portion may be configured to be secured to an underside of a floor surface. The foot portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to an underside (or lower surface) of a cable tray or basket.

[0081] The leg portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to a surface extending generally vertically in the building, for example a wall surface or a joist surface.

[0082] The leg portion may be, for example, configured to be secured to a side (e.g. a side surface) of a cable tray or basket.

[0083] The gates may each include a fold line or a living hinge in the one of the first of the sidewall and the second sidewall such that the gates may be moved between the open position and the closed position by folding and unfolding the gates on the one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. Advantageously, this enables the gates to be formed on the cable hanger using straightforward manufacturing processes and without the need for multiple components. The cable hanger provides a system which is adaptable to any dimension of ceiling space, and which minimises waste.

[0084] Further advantageously, the gates are straightforward for a worker to use without the need for additional equipment.

[0085] The cable-receiving apertures may be configured, for example sized, to accommodate a protective covering, for example a grommet or conduit ducting, around an outer periphery, for example a rim, of each cable-receiving aperture.

[0086] Advantageously, such a protective covering serves to protect cables within the cable-receiving apertures from physical damage, e.g. wear, and provides thermal and / or electrical insulation for the cables.

[0087] The cable hanger may be formed from a sheet material, for example a sheet metal, e.g. a sheet of mild steel or galvanized steel. The cable hanger may be formed from a planar preform. The planar preform may include a leg portion and a foot portion, wherein the leg portion and the foot portion are separated by a living hinge. The leg portion of the planar preform may include the body portion, the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The leg portion may include a first fold line between the body portion and the first sidewall and a second fold line between the body portion and the second sidewall. The cable-receiving apertures may be formed in the body portion of the leg portion. The cable hanger may thus be formed by folding the planar preform alongthe first fold line and the second fold line to form the channel-shaped leg portion. The cable hanger may then be folded from this first, storage, configuration, to the second, use, configuration by folding the living hinge to provide an angular displacement between the foot portion and the leg portion.

[0088] Advantageously, this enables the cable hanger to be produced cost effectively using straightforward manufacturing processes and without the need for multiple components. The cable hanger provides a system which is adaptable to any dimension of ceiling space, and which minimises waste.

[0089] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a preform for the formation of a cable hanger as defined above.

[0090] The preform may be a planar preform. The preform may be formed from a sheet material, for example a sheet metal, e.g. a sheet of mild steel or galvanized steel.

[0091] The preform, for example the planar preform, may include a leg portion and a foot portion, wherein the leg portion and the foot portion are separated by a living hinge.

[0092] The leg portion of the preform may include a body portion, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The leg portion may include a first fold line between the body portion and the first sidewall and a second fold line between the body portion and the second sidewall. The leg portion may include a plurality of cable-receiving apertures arranged, or distributed, along a length of the body portion. The length of the body portion may correspond to a length of the leg portion.

[0093] The cable-receiving apertures may be spaced apart along a length of the body portion with a spacing of at least 50 millimetres. Advantageously, an installer can use the cable hanger to comply with minimum spacing requirements, such as minimum spacing for certain cable types provided for, for example, in British Standard BS 6701 .

[0094] The cable hanger may thus be formed by folding the preform along the first fold line and the second fold line to form the channel-shaped leg portion. The cable hanger may then be folded from this first, storage, configuration, to the second, use, configuration by folding the living hinge to provide an angular displacement between the foot portion and the leg portion.

[0095] Advantageously, this enables the cable hanger to be produced cost effectively using straightforward manufacturing processes and without the need for multiple components. The cable hanger provides a system which is adaptable to any dimension of ceiling space, and which minimises waste.

[0096] Further advantageously, in the first, storage, configuration, large numbers of cable hangers can be taken on site in a relatively compact manner, and assembled into the second, use, configuration, as required. It is thus convenient for the cable hangers according to the invention to be transported to site, as well as carried and stored on site.

[0097] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable hanger, for example a sheet metal cable hanger, for supporting an array of cables, in particular electrical cables, e.g. insulated electrical cables, at spaced intervals in a void below the floor of a multi-story building, the hanger having a foot portion securable to the underside of the floor and a leg portion for extending downwardly into the void, the leg portion comprising or including a plurality of cablereceiving apertures, one cable-receiving aperture for each cable in the array, wherein mid-cable access to each cable-receiving aperture is provided by means of a respective gate formed in the leg portion, one for each cable-receiving aperture, the gates being foldable to an open position affording insertion of a respective cable from the side of the leg portion and thereafter being foldable to a closed position, whereby to releasably secure the cables to the hanger.

[0098] With this arrangement rows of cable supports can be easily and quickly fixed to the underside of a floor using any suitable type of fastener, e.g. masonry screws and / or masonry nails delivered by nail guns, whereafter the gates can be opened to allow insertion from the side of one or more cables and thereafter closed by simply bending each gate back to its original position and thus capturing the or each cable in the required position. Cables can still be threaded through the cable-receiving apertures if required but the gates provide the operator with greater ease and speed in fitting.

[0099] By providing a plurality of cable-receiving apertures, the cable hanger provides for easy separation of different cables and cable types. Cables which require separation one another, for example to meet safety standards, can be accommodated and minimum spacings set quickly by choosing two or more appropriately-spaced cable-receiving apertures.

[0100] Furthermore, the cable hanger remains adaptable and reconfigurable after installation. For example, cables, or groups of cables may added to spare, or empty cable-receiving apertures without requiring installation of additional cable trays.

[0101] In addition, cables are mounted to the cable hanger by slotting a mid-section through the gate, without threading or pulling. Furthermore, groups of cables, particularly dressed group of cables, are mounted to the cable hanger without requiring substantially more time. Cables placed into the cable-receiving aperture are accessible to an installer, affording convenient access to the cables for dressing after they are installed.

[0102] Conveniently, the mid-cable access to each aperture may include an inlet portion. The, or each, gate is disposed at an inner end of the respective inlet portion. The inlet portion is typically formed in an edge portion of the leg portion. Conveniently, the, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned in the length direction of the leg portion. Conveniently, the, or each, gate may be oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned transverse to the length direction of the leg portion. The, or each, gate may be oriented at an angle to the length direction, for example an angle in a range of 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, or 80 degrees. In these ways, the gate may positioned to limit or restrict the size of the aperture, ensuring that a cable is held more tightly once installed. The inlet may assist installation of the cable byguidingthe cable into the aperture. Conveniently, the cable-receiving apertures are sized to accommodate a protective covering, for example a grommet and / or conduit ducting around a periphery, for example a rim, of the cablereceiving aperture, for example a standard 32mm grommet or 20mm conduit ducting. This serves to protect the cables within the cable-receiving aperture and provides a clear separation and / or insulation between cables in adjacent cable-receiving apertures.

[0103] Conveniently, the hanger is made from a sheet metal for example, mild steel or galvanized steel, thereby meeting fire containment standards.

[0104] Conveniently, the foot portion of the cable hanger is connected to the leg portion by a living hinge foldable to permit angular displacement of the leg portion when the foot portion is fixed to the underside of a floor. Such an arrangement permits the captured cable array to be easily tilted about the axis of the living hinge in order to afford access to e.g. workers fitting brackets to support a suspended ceiling. On completion of such work the leg portions of the cable hangers can be returned to their originally vertical position and as a means of retainingthem there the foot portion of each cable hanger conveniently includes a pair of right-angled gussets on respective sides thereof, each gusset including a locking tab receivable within a respective slot within the leg portion, each locking tab being bendable to releasably secure the gussets to the leg portion. The gussets are also preferably secured to the foot portion by living hinges whereby to permit the cable hanger to be stored in a generally flat configuration before assembly into a cable hanger.

[0105] Conveniently, the leg portion of the cable hanger is generally channel-shaped with first and second sidewalls, one sidewall of which including an array of openable gates, one for each aperture, with the other side wall being generally contiguous. This arrangement retains sufficient rigidity for the sheet-metal cable hanger so as to prevent or inhibit the tendency otherwise of the leg portion to be easily bent.

[0106] Conveniently, each gate may be connected to the leg portion by a living hinge. This allows the gate to be folded down to provide access to the apertures after installation of the cable hanger as well as the ability to remove cables no longer needed. Additionally this allows access for other workers to install cables for other purposes such as audio, data, fire cables and / or plumbing pipes.

[0107] Conveniently, extendingfrom the generally contiguous sidewall of the leg portion are one or more flanges or tabs or wall plates by which the cable hanger can selectively be secured to a vertical wall surface. With this arrangement the cable hanger can therefore be used essentially in four modes. The first by being fixed vertically below a horizontal floor by means of the foot portion. The second being fixed horizontally below a floor by means of the leg portion. The third by being fixed against a vertical wall surface by means of the foot portion, so that the hanger projects into the void, and fourth whereby the hanger is fixed by the leg portion so that the hanger runs “flush” with the vertical surface. The cable hanger is particularly adaptable to different configurations of ceiling space and is securable to a range of surfaces, providing more flexibility for the installer.

[0108] Conveniently, in the third mode in which the cable hanger is fixed against a vertical wall surface by means of the foot portion, the gussets may also be secured to the wall permitting angular displacement of the leg portion with respect to the foot portion offering for greater flexibility of the leg portion to suit a particular need.

[0109] The wall plates are preferably provided with apertures for receiving fasteners. Similarly, the gusset adjacent the generally contiguous sidewall of the leg portion may conveniently include an aperture for receiving the stem of a fastener and the gusset remote from the generally contiguous sidewall may conveniently include a larger aperture for receiving the head of the fastener.

[0110] Conveniently, the sheet metal cable hanger can be used temporarily whereby the cable hanger can be later removed, for example when positioning or holding cables when fixing lights. The cable hanger prevents cables from being moved or missed ensuring that a ceiling bar is not incorrectly fitted over cable positions.

[0111] Additionally the sheet metal cable hanger can be used permanently, for example to secure, hold, and / or run cables that are going to remain in place. Cable hangers are quicker to install than a cable tray and reduce the need for multiple components.

[0112] The invention also extends to a sheet metal preform in which the leg portion is a generally channel-section and being foldable into a cable hanger as described in order to save space, such that large numbers of such metal preforms can be taken on site in a relatively compact manner, with cable hangers being assembled for use as required. The sheet metal preform reduces the number of materials required to install the cable hangar on site, as well as removing the need for multiple components.

[0113] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / orin thefollowingdescription and drawings, and in particularthe individualfeatures thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OFTHE FIGURES

[0114] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0115] Figure 1 is a plan view of a sheet metal preform for assembling into a cable hanger accordingto an embodiment of the invention,

[0116] Figure 2 is a perspective view from the front and one side of a cable hanger assembled from the preform shown in Figure 1 ,

[0117] Figure 3 is a perspective view from the rear and other side of the assembled cable hanger of Figure 2;

[0118] Figure 4 shows a pair of cable hangers in situ fixed under a floor of a multi-story building;

[0119] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of another cable hanger according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0120] Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of a leg portion on a cable hanger accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0121] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0122] Turning firstly to Figure 1 there is shown a cable hanger preform 1 of sheet-metal such as steel comprising a leg portion 2 and a foot portion 3 connected to the leg portion 2 by a pair of living hinges 4. On respectively opposite sides of the foot portion 3 are first and second gussets 5, 6 attached thereto by respective living hinges 7, 8. Extending also on living hinges from each of the gussets 5, 6 is a respective locking tab 5a, 6a. The first gusset 5 includes a bore 9 of diameter sufficient to receive there through the head of a fastener (not shown) and the second gusset 6 includes a bore 10 of diameter sufficient to receive therethrough the stem of the fastener.

[0123] The leg portion 2, shown completely flat for clarity i.e. without the edges being folded through 90° to form a channel, includes an array of cable-receiving apertures 11 adjacent to each of which is a gate 12 connected to the leg portion 2 by living hinges 13. On the opposite side of the leg portion 2 are a pair of wall-fixing plates 14, each having bores 15 for receiving fasteners. Adjacent the living hinge 4 are a pair of slots 16, 17 for receiving a respective locking tab 5a, 6a in a manner to be described. Figures 2 & 3 show the cable hanger 1 in its fully formed and assembled condition where the foot portion 3 and the two gussets 5, 6 have each been folded through 90° and the locking tabs 5a, 6a of the received in their respective slots 16, 17 before being also folded to a locked position. In addition, an edge portion 2a of the leg portion 2 has previously been formed via a brake press or similar and as can be seen from Figure 3 the opposite edge portion 2b has also been folded through 90° such that the leg portion 2 has an essentially channel shaped cross-section.

[0124] Figure 3 also shows the assembled cable hanger 1 prepared for use and in which one of the gates 12 has been opened in order to allow for side entry into the cable-receiving aperture 11 of a cable (not shown), after which the gate can be folded back to its original position in order to capture the cable. Each gate 12 is oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned parallel to the length direction of the leg portion 2.

[0125] Figure 4 shows a pair of cable hangers 1 secured beneath the floor 18 of a multi-storey building and above an array of cross metal frame suspended ceiling beams 19, 20. A cable 21 is shown being supported and captured by the cable hangers 1 , each of which have a total of five cable receiving apertures 11 and respective gates 12.

[0126] As will be apparent, when the cable hangers 1 have been fixed in appropriate positions they can support an array of cables, each of which being separated from other cables within the array by an appropriate distance. The cable-receiving apertures 11 provide containment of the cables as well as clear separation for the cables. In addition, because the cable hangers 1 are made from sheet metal, such as mild steel or galvanised steel they can be assembled and disassembled relatively easily after the locking tabs 5a, 6a have been folded back to their original condition shown in Figure 1 , by means of the living hinges. In addition, the living hinge 4 between the foot portion 3 and the leg portion 2 allows the cable hangers to be fixed in place to the underside of the floor 18 before being fully assembled, which can be convenient where space is at a premium.

[0127] Figure 5 shows an alternative cable hanger 101 in its fully formed and assembled condition. The assembled cable hanger 101 includes a leg portion 102 and a foot portion 103 connected to the leg portion 102 by a pair of living hinges. On respectively opposite sides of the foot portion 103 are first and second gussets 105, 106 attached thereto by respective living hinges. Extending also on living hinges from each of the gussets 105, 106 is a respective locking tab. The first gusset 105 includes a bore 109 of diameter sufficient to receive there through the head of a fastener (not shown) and the second gusset 106 includes a bore of diameter sufficient to receive therethrough the stem of the fastener. Figure 5 shows the cable hanger 101 in its fully formed and assembled condition where the foot portion 103 and the two gussets 105, 106 have each been folded through 90° and the locking tabs received in their respective slots 116a, 117a before being also folded to a locked position.

[0128] The assembled cable hanger 101 is prepared for use in which one of the gates 112 has been opened in order to allow for side entry into the cable-receiving aperture 111 of a cable (not shown), after which the gate can be folded back to its original position in order to capture the cable.

[0129] The cable hanger 101 is substantially the same as the cable hanger 1 of Figure 1 , other than each cable-receiving aperture 111 includes a lip 118 around its perimeter. The lip 118 is bent upwards from the leg portion 102 to provide a smooth surface on which cables received in the cablereceiving aperture 111 rest.

[0130] Figure 6 shows a section of another leg portion 202 of a cable hanger, suitable for use in a leg portion for any of the cable hangers 1 , 101 described here. The leg portion 202 may be connected to a foot portion (not shown) by any suitable means, such as a pair of living hinges, and secured in an assembled position, for example by using suitable first and second gussets.

[0131] The section of the leg portion 202 includes two sets of cable-receiving apertures 211 and gates. As will be apparent, a leg portion may include any number of these sets by repeating the sets of cable-receiving apertures 211 and gates 212 along the length direction of a leg portion.

[0132] The leg portion 202 is substantially the same as the leg portion of the cable hanger 101 of Figure 5, other than each gate 212 is oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned transverse to the length direction of the leg portion.

[0133] Each cable-receiving aperture 211 includes a lip 218 around its perimeter. The lip is bent upwards from the leg portion 202 to provide a smooth surface on which cables received in the cablereceiving aperture 211 rest.

[0134] In addition, an edge portion 202a of the leg portion 202 has previously been formed via a brake press or similar, in a similar manner to example described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. An opposite edge portion 202b has also been folded through 90° such that the section of the leg portion 202 has an essentially channel shaped cross-section.

[0135] Access to each cable- receiving aperture 211 includes an inlet portion 219, and wherein each gate 212 is disposed at an inner end of the respective inlet portion 219. The inlet portion 219 is formed through the opposite edge portion 202b. Each inlet portion 219 acts to receive a cable guide transverse to the length direction of the leg portion, and guide it to the cable-receiving aperture 211. When the cable is in the cable-receiving aperture 211 and the gate 212 closed, lateral movement of the cable is restricted.

[0136] The leg portion 202 is prepared for use in which one of the gates 212 has been opened in order to allow for side entry into the cable-receiving aperture 211 , after which the gate 212 can be folded back to its original position in order to capture the cable.

[0137] However, most importantly, by the use of foldable gates 12, 112 cables can be received from the side and therefore they do not have to be threaded through closed apertures. This serves to speed-up installation.

[0138] The invention therefore provides an elegantly simple solution to the problem of easily and securely capturing arrays of cables below floors in which cable hangers can be assembled on site to suit the particular circumstances and disassembled as required. Similarly, cables already captured by the cable hangers can be easily removed by opening appropriate gates 12.

[0139] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0140] In the embodiments described above, the foot portion is connected to the leg portion by living hinges, the gussets are connected to the foot portion by living hinges, the locking tabs are connected to the gussets by living hinges and the gates are connected to the leg portion by living hinges. It will be appreciated however, that these connections could be made by any other appropriate hinge mechanism or by folding part of the cable hanger.

[0141] In the embodiments described above, the locking tabs of the gussets connect with respective slots on the leg portion to form the securing or retaining means. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments of the invention, the locking tabs may be provided on the leg portion and the respective slots of the securing or retaining means may be provided on each of the gussets of the foot portion.

[0142] In the embodiments described above, the gates are provided on one sidewall of the leg portion. It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the leg portion of the cable hanger could have a central spine with cable-receiving apertures formed on each side of the spine, or on alternating sides of the spine, to allow for cable loading on both sides of the leg portion, each cable-receiving aperture having a corresponding gate on a corresponding sidewall of the leg portion.

[0143] In the embodiments described above, the cable hanger includes a plurality of cable-receiving apertures and gates. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the cable hanger may 5 have one, two, three, four, five or any number of cable-receiving apertures and a corresponding number of gates.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable hanger comprising: a foot portion and a leg portion; wherein at least one of the foot portion and the leg portion is securable to a surface; and wherein the leg portion comprises at least one aperture, wherein mid-cable access to each aperture of the at least one aperture is provided by means of a gate formed in the leg portion, one for each aperture, each gate being foldable between an open position and a closed position.

2. The cable hanger of claim 1 , wherein the leg portion comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein mid-cable access to each aperture of the plurality of apertures is provided by means of a plurality of gates formed in the leg portion, one for each aperture, each gate of the plurality of gates being foldable between an open position and a closed position.

3. The cable hanger of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein mid-cable access to each aperture comprises an inlet portion, and wherein the, or each, gate is disposed at an inner end of the respective inlet portion.

4. The cable hanger of any one claims 1 to 3, wherein the or each gate is connected to the leg portion by a living hinge.

5. The cable hanger of any preceding claim, wherein the, or each, gate is oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned in the length direction of the leg portion.

6. The cable hanger of anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the, or each, gate is oriented so that, in the closed position, the gate is aligned transverse to the length direction of the leg portion.

7. The cable hanger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot portion is connected to the leg portion by a living hinge, the living hinge foldable to permit angular displacement of the leg portion with respect to the foot portion.

8. The cable hanger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the foot portion comprises a pair of right-angled gussets on respective sides of the foot portion, each gusset comprising a locking tab receivable within a respective slot within the leg portion.

9. The cable hanger of claim 8, wherein the locking tab is bendable to releasably secure the gussets to the leg portion.

10. The cable hanger of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the gussets are secured to the foot portion by living hinges.11 . The cable hanger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the leg portion is generally channel-shaped with a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall comprising the plurality of gates, and the second side wall being generally contiguous.

12. The cable hanger of claim 11 , wherein the second sidewall of the leg portion comprises one or more wall plates by which the cable hanger can selectively be secured to a wall surface.

13. The cable hanger of claim 12, wherein each wall plate of the one or more wall plates comprises an aperture for receiving a fastener.

14. The cable hanger of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the foot portion is also securable to a surface, for example below a horizontal floor.

15. The cable hanger of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the pair of gussets comprises a first gusset adjacent to the first sidewall and a second gusset adjacent to the second sidewall, the first gusset comprising an aperture for receiving the stem of a fastener and the second gusset comprising an aperture for receiving the head of a fastener.

16. The cable hanger of claim 15, wherein the aperture of the first gusset is larger than the aperture of the second gusset.

17. The cable hanger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal cable hanger is foldable into a flat configuration.

18. A preform for the formation of a cable hanger according to any of the preceding claims.

19. The preform of claim 18, wherein the preform comprises a sheet metal.

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