Cable tray clip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cable retaining clip. In particular, the present invention relates to a cable retaining clip capable of being used with cable trays.

Description

[0001] CABLE TRAY CLIP

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a cable tray clip. In particular, the present invention relates to a cable tray clip capable of being retaining cables within cable trays.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] To operate a vast array of machinery, apparatus and devices a range of cables are required to provide, for example, both electrical and power supply but also to feed material and provide pressurised / pneumatic systems. This can lead to a large number of cables which require securing and / or attachment for both safety and operational requirements.

[0006] It is commonly found in the art to use cable ties to tie cables together and to attach the cables to cable trays within which they reside. Cable ties are routinely made from plastics material and are easy and cheap to use. However, cable ties do have significant disadvantages such as the plastics are flammable and this can lead to cable ties melting and / or burning. In the event that cable trays are on the ceiling, this can lead to cables becoming detached from the cable trays and dangling down and causing a fire hazard for both occupants wishing to evacuate a building and also firefighters.

[0007] Cable ties may also deteriorate over periods of time and become brittle and fracturing thereby losing their ability to securely bind cables.

[0008] It is also found in the art to use metal / steel cable ties at the end of cable installations. The metal / steel cable ties may therefore go over a completed cable run and be added in every few metres in an installation. The metal / steel cable ties may be used in combination with plastics cable ties. Employing such high numbers of cable ties can be time-consuming for an installer.

[0009] A further method to retain cables within cable trays is to use cable tray covers which again add further complexity and expense to installing cables for machinery, apparatus and devices.

[0010] The cable tray covers may be used to protect cables from external elements and may also be used as anti-tamper means. To install cable trays usually requires a clamp to attach to the cable tray. Moreover, cable tray covers are usually secured via screw mechanisms and / or sometimes riveted to the cable trays. This adds further cost, complexity and this is time- consuming for an installer. The cable trays may protect cables from bad weather, or from intruders etc. Cable trays may also be fitted in locations where people are walking past, such as where cable trays may be located low down in a shopping centre, hallway, etc.

[0011] It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved cable retaining clip.

[0013] It has a yet further object of the present invention to provide an improved cable retaining clip to be used in combination with cable trays.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method of retaining cables in cable trays.

[0015] Summary of the Invention

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable retaining clip for maintaining cables within a cable tray wherein: the cable retaining clip is of unitary construction; the cable retaining clip comprises a main elongate section which is generally arcuate shaped; and wherein the main elongate section comprises hooked ends to engage with a cable tray.

[0017] The cable retaining clip may be made from CS 70 spring steel. The spring steel may comply with BSI standard BS EN 10140:1997. After the components have been manufactured, they may be hardened. The hardening process may be done via austempering.

[0018] Cable retaining clips can be manufactured to fit heavy duty and medium duty returned flange cable trays, ladder, channel support systems in material types pre galvanized, post galvanized steel and stainless steel ,and in both perforated and non-perforated versions manufactured to the following British standard: Cable ladder systems and cable tray systems shall be manufactured in accordance with BS EN 61537, channel support systems shall be manufactured in accordance with BS 6946.

[0019] The cable clips may be suitable for cable tray systems from 12mm to 50mm deep and 50mm to 900mm wide. BS EN 50085-1 +A1 and BS EN 50085-2-1 +A1 cable trunking systems and cable ducting systems for electrical installations.

[0020] Standard distribution trunking and fittings in widths and depths up to 225mm as standard. Lighting trunking and fittings in 50mm x 50mm with straights in various length configurations.

[0021] The cable clips may be coated with an alloy such as zinc.

[0022] Although the cable clip is generally arcuate shaped, the cable clip may be flat for packaging / shipping purposes. The cable clip may then adopt an arcuate shape when in use.

[0023] The cable retaining clip may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel. The cable retaining clip may be made from a plastics material.

[0024] The arcuate shape of the main elongate section and / or the material of the clip may provide a biasing force to repel the hooked ends apart from one another, thus when in use, providing a secure connection between the cable retaining clip and a cable tray.

[0025] The hooked ends may be shaped to conform to the lipped portions of a cable tray.

[0026] One of the hooked ends may comprise barbs, which are for increasing friction between the cable retaining clip and a cable tray.

[0027] The cable retaining clip may be formed via stamping and pressing.

[0028] The cable retaining clip may have a length of about 50 - 200 mm, a thickness of about 0.8 - 1 ,5mm, and a width of about 18 mm.

[0029] During use, the cable retaining clip may be attached to a cable tray by engaging the hooked ends of the cable retaining clip into the lipped portions of a cable tray.

[0030] The hooked ends in the main elongate section may be capable of being pressed and / or pushed into position in a snap-fit arrangement, onto a cable tray. This may enable the cable clip to be inserted into a cable tray in an easy manner. It may be possible to insert a cable clip according to the invention into a cable tray with one hand. This enables easy insertion, and is faster than prior art methods. The barbs may be formed via pressing material from the unitary construction. The barbs may be triangular shaped. The barbs may act as a wedge, thus holding the cable clip into the cable tray in a tight manner.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable retaining clip fitted and / or engaged onto a cable tray, wherein: the cable retaining clip is formed from a unitary construction; the cable retaining clip comprises a main elongate section which is generally arcuate shaped; and wherein the main elongate section comprises hooked ends to engage with a cable tray; wherein at least one of the hooked ends located on the main elongate section are fitted and / or engaged onto bent-over lip sections extending along an upper section of a cable tray.

[0032] The cable retaining clip may be defined as previously discussed.

[0033] The cable tray may comprise a lower substantially flat section and two upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections and along the upper end of the upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections of the cable tray there are bent-over sections, wherein the cable retaining clip forms a lid over the cable tray, thus forming an enclosure for the cables in the cable tray.

[0034] The cable tray may be a medium duty or a heavy duty cable tray. Cable clips may come in different sizes to suit different sized cable trays.

[0035] The bent-over sections in the cable tray may be in the form of lips and are substantially ‘u’ or ‘n’-shaped. This may be more easily seen in the figures.

[0036] In another aspect of the present invention, there may be a cable retaining clip as previously described, and a cable tray which are connected together. This is how the cable retaining clips are used, connected to cable trays.

[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing and / or fitting a cable retaining clip according to any of the previous embodiments onto a cable tray.

[0038] The method of installing and / or fitting may comprise fitting and / or engaging bent-over lip sections of the cable tray onto the hooked ends of the cable retaining clip.

[0039] The hooked ends of the main elongate section may be pressed and / or pushed into position in, for example, a snap-fit arrangement, onto the cable tray. The hooked end with barbs may be connected to the cable tray before connecting the hooked end without barbs.

[0040] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a cable retaining clip according to any previous embodiment, wherein the method of manufacture comprises pressing and / or moulding a section of material into: a main elongate section; and hooked ends located on the main elongate section.

[0041] The method of manufacture may use a multi-slide press or any other suitable apparatus for bending sheet-metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel.

[0042] The method may further comprise bending the main elongate section into a generally arcuate shape, and / or forming barbs in at least one of the hooked ends.

[0043] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building comprising cable retaining clips as defined in any previous embodiment attached to cable trays.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable retaining clip comprising: a main elongate section; at least one or a plurality of portions extending outwards from the main elongate section; and at least one or a plurality of grooves located on the main elongate section.

[0045] Typically, the at least one or the plurality of grooves located on the main elongate section are capable of attaching the cable retaining clip to a cable tray.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, there may be two portions extending outwards from the ends of the main elongate section in, for example, a substantially orthogonal orientation. Typically, the two portions extending outwards from the main elongate section extend in the same direction from the ends of the main elongate section. The main elongate section may be round e.g. if manufactured such as from a wire form machine.

[0047] The main elongate portion may be substantially flat apart from the grooves which typically extend from one side of the main elongate portion to the other side. The grooves may also be described as being notches providing elongate lateral indentations into the main elongate section. The grooves that extend from one side of the main elongate portion to the other may be substantially co-linear and are intended to fit (e.g. snap-fit) into bent-over lip sections in cable trays.

[0048] The grooves may be of any suitable shape such as: ‘U’-shaped; semi-circular; rectangular or ‘V’-shaped.

[0049] The cable retaining clip may be made from any suitable sheet metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel and / or plastics material. The dimensions of the cable retaining clip 500 may be adapted for a range of purposes and to fit any range of cable tray sizes and dimensions. For example, the cable retaining clip 500 may have a length of about 5 - 50 cm, a depth of about 1 - 20cm, and a width of about 0.5 - 5 cm.

[0050] During use, a cable tray and the cable retaining clip may be connected together. The grooves in the cable retaining clip may be fitted and / or engaged onto bent-over lip sections in the cable tray.

[0051] The grooves in the cable retaining clip may therefore locate and / or position themselves onto the bent-over lip sections of the cable tray.

[0052] During use, cable retaining clips may be inserted and / or located along the cable tray at, for example, every 1 - 3 metres. For example, along a 3 m section of cable tray, there may be 2 - 10 cable retaining clips. There is therefore a significant break (i.e. distance) between each of the cable retaining clips during use.

[0053] Typically, the cable retaining clips of the present invention do not tie the cables together.

[0054] The cable retaining clips of the present invention may prevent cables from collapsing if the plastic cable ties fail in the event of a fire. Ties (e.g. plastic ties) may be used to secure the cables to the tray.

[0055] A secondary cable tie (e.g. stainless steel cable tie) may be used to secure each individual cable to the tray if the ties melt or burn. Secondary cable ties may be placed every so often say 500mm apart. A particular advantage of the present invention is to reduce or remove the need for these secondary ties, that can be time consuming to install by covering the full width of the cable tray with one solution to secure all the cables on the tray at one time, should the ties melt or burn.

[0056] The grooves in the main elongate section may be pressed and / or pushed into position in, for example, a snap-fit arrangement, onto a cable tray.

[0057] The cable retaining clips of the present invention have been found to provide a much more robust and efficient way of tying cables together. Furthermore, due to the very secure attachment provided by the cable retaining clips they are particularly suitable where the tray is reversed in a horizontal application such as being fixed to a ceiling.

[0058] The cable retaining clips of the present invention therefore overcome the problem deriving from manufacturers providing a range of different pattern of holes and slots by providing an attachment / start-fit mechanism that fits onto the bent-over lip sections of the cable tray.

[0059] The cable retaining clips may be easily manufactured using a range of different widths, different thickness of metal and / or steel and / or plastics material depending on the required application.

[0060] The cable retaining clips may be manufactured using a variety of methods such as a multislide press, progression tooling and metal stamping processes.

[0061] Uses of the cable retaining clips of the present invention may include Heavy Duty (HDRF) cable trays, Medium Duty (MDRF) cable trays. Uses for Heavy Duty (HDRF) cable trays may include oil and gas / industrial applications. Uses for Medium Duty (MDRF) cable trays May include residential, shopping centres etc.

[0062] In further embodiments, the outwardly extending portions may comprise weakened sections which may be broken thereby providing the ability to provide different cable tray depths easily during installation. For example, there may be weakened sections about halfway down the outwardly extending portions which may be broken to half the length of the outwardly extending portions. The weakened sections be broken by hand. This greatly facilitates manufacturing as providing the ability to have a range of depth of clips but only manufacture one clip which may then be adapted by a user to have the appropriate depth to fit to the required cable tray.

[0063] For example, the full length of the outwardly extending portions may be about 50 mm and upon breaking / snapping the weakened sections the length of the outwardly extending portions may be halved to about 25 mm.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable retaining clip comprising: a main elongate section; at least one or a plurality of portions extending outwards from the main elongate section; and at least one or a plurality of grooves located on the main elongate section; wherein the at least one or the plurality of grooves located on the main elongate section are fitted and / or engaged onto bent-over lip sections extending along an upper section of a cable tray.

[0065] The cable tray may comprise a lower substantially flat section and two upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections. Along the upper end of the upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections of the cable tray there may be bent-over sections, respectively.

[0066] The bent-over sections in the cable tray may be in the form of lips and may be substantially ‘U’-shaped and may be described as operating as flanges.

[0067] The bent-over sections in the cable tray may be described as bent-over lip sections and function as attachment means.

[0068] During use, the cable tray and the cable retaining clip may be connected together. The grooves in the cable retaining clip may be fitted and / or engaged onto the bent-over lip sections in the cable tray.

[0069] The grooves in the cable retaining clip may therefore locate and / or position themselves onto the bent-over lip sections of the cable tray.

[0070] During use, cable retaining clips may be inserted and / or located along the cable tray at, for example, every 1 - 3 metres. For example, along a 3 m section of cable tray, there may be 2 - 10 cable retaining clips. There is therefore a significant break (i.e. distance) between each of the cable retaining clips during use. The grooves in the main elongate section may be pressed and / or pushed into position in, for example, a snap-fit arrangement, onto the cable tray.

[0071] The cable retaining clips securely retain cables within the cable tray not only during normal use but also in the event of a fire. This therefore prevents any cables from becoming unsecured and dangling from the cable tray causing a safety hazard for persons wishing to evacuate a building or firemen entering a building to extinguish a fire.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of installing and / or fitting a cable retaining clip as defined in the first aspect onto a cable tray.

[0073] The method of installing and / or fitting comprises fitting and / or engaging the bent-over lip sections or flange sections and the cable tray onto the grooves in the cable retaining clip.

[0074] The grooves in the main elongate section may be pressed and / or pushed into position in, for example, a snap-fit arrangement, onto the cable tray.

[0075] According to a another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a cable retaining clip according to any of the previous aspects.

[0076] The method of manufacture comprises pressing and / or moulding a section of material into: a main elongate section; at least one or a plurality of portions extending outwards from the main elongate section; and at least one or a plurality of grooves located on the main elongate section.

[0077] The method of manufacture may use a multi-slide press or any other suitable apparatus for bending sheet-metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel.

[0078] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a building comprising cable retaining clips and cable trays as defined in any of the previous aspects.

[0079] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable retaining clip for maintaining cables within a cable tray containing flanges without lipped edges, and containing a hole or slot pattern throughout, wherein: the cable retaining clip is of unitary construction; the cable retaining clip comprises a main elongate section for maintaining the cables in position, and two end sections for attaching the cable retaining clip onto the cable tray; wherein the end sections comprise an attachment feature for easily securing the cable retaining clip onto the cable tray without the use of tools.

[0080] The attachment feature may be a series of bends within the cable retaining clip which form a wedge, which is pressed onto the flanges to secure the cable retaining clip in place.

[0081] The wedge may comprise a plurality of barbs to increase the friction between the cable retaining clip and the cable tray.

[0082] The attachment feature may be a kink in the end sections, wherein the kink is for forming an interference fit with the holes or slots.

[0083] The attachment feature may be for the sides of the cable tray.

[0084] The attachment feature may be for the bottom of the cable tray.

[0085] Description of the Figures

[0086] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures in which:

[0087] Figure 1 shows an arrangement of cable ties and cable trays according to the prior art;

[0088] Figure 2 shows a further arrangement of cable ties and cable trays according to the prior art;

[0089] Figure 3 shows an arrangement of a cable tray and a cable tray cover according to the prior art;

[0090] Figure 4 is a representation of a standard cable tray as found in the prior art;

[0091] Figure 5 is a representation of a cable retaining clip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0092] Figure 6 is a representation of a cable tray and a representation as to where a cable retaining clip would be fitted according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a representation of the cable tray shown in Figure 6 with the cable retaining clip fitted and shown in 2D according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0093] Figure 8 is an end elevation view of a cable retaining clip according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0094] Figure 9 shows two example embodiments of the present invention, in two different sized cable trays;

[0095] Figure 10 shows one of the example embodiments in Figure 9 in more detail;

[0096] Figure 11 is an example embodiment of a cable retaining clip according to the present invention;

[0097] Figure 12 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 11 , focusing on the barbed aspect of the cable retaining clip;

[0098] Figure 13 is another embodiment according to the present invention, showing two cable retaining clips inserted onto a cable tray which has no return flange (i.e. straight sides);

[0099] Figure 14 is an example of a cable retaining clip according to one of the embodiments in Figure 13;

[0100] Figure 15 shows another embodiment according to the present invention, showing a cable retaining clip which comprises side press-fit fittings; and

[0101] Figure 16 shows a another embodiment according to the present invention, showing a cable retaining clip which comprises bottom press-fit fittings.

[0102] Detailed Description

[0103] The present invention relates to a cable retaining clip capable of being used with cable trays to retain cables.

[0104] Figure 1 shows an arrangement of cable ties 102, 104, 106, 108 and cable trays 110, 112 according to the prior art. As shown in Figure 1 , the cable ties 102, 104, 106, 108 are tightly wound around a series of cables 120, 122. The cables 120, 122 and cable trays 110, 112 can be seen to be traversing horizontally and vertically.

[0105] The cable ties 102, 104, 106, 108 may therefore be used to tie the cables 120, 122 together and to attach the cables 120, 122 to cable trays 110, 112 within which they reside. The cable ties may be made from plastics material and are easy and cheap to use. However, the plastic cable ties 102, 104, 106, 108 are flammable and this can lead to cable ties 102, 104, 106, 108 melting and / or burning during a fire. In the event that cable trays are on the ceiling, this can lead to the cables 120, 122 becoming detached from the cable trays 110, 112 and dangling down and causing a fire hazard for both occupants wishing to evacuate a building and also firefighters.

[0106] Figure 2 shows a further arrangement of cable ties 202, 204, 206 and cables generally designated 210 located in a cable tray 220. The cables 210 and cable tray 220 traverse horizontally. In the figure shown, the cable tray 220 is oriented such that the cable tray 220 is in a ‘u’ position. However, cable trays 220 are often attached to ceilings, and are rotated 180 degrees from Figure 2, such that the orientation is in an ‘n’ position. This is much more dangerous from a fire safety point of view, as cable ties 202 can melt which results in the cables dangling from the ceiling.

[0107] Figure 3 shows an arrangement of a cable tray 310 and a cable tray cover 320 according to the prior art. Cables may therefore be located within the cable trays 310 and cable tray cover 320. However, this adds further complexity and expense to installing cables for machinery, apparatus and devices. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, a clamp 330 is used to attach the cable tray 310 to the cable tray cover 320. This adds further cost, complexity and this is timeconsuming for an installer.

[0108] Figure 4 is a representation of a standard cable tray generally designated 400. As shown in Figure 4, the cable tray 400 comprises a lower substantially flat section 410 and two upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections 412, 414.

[0109] Figure 4 also shows that along the upper end of the upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections 412, 414 of the cable tray 400 there are bent-over sections 420, 430, respectively. The bent-over sections 420, 430 are in the form of lips and are substantially ‘U’-shaped and may be described as operating as flanges. The bent-over sections 420, 430 may function as attachment means and bent-over lip sections. Figure 5 is a representation of a cable retaining clip generally designated 500 according to the present invention. The cable retaining clip 500 comprises three main sections: a main elongate portion 510; and two outwardly extending portions 512, 514. The outwardly extending portions 512, 514 are depending.

[0110] The main elongate portion 510 of the cable retaining clip 500 is substantially flat apart from two grooves 520, 530 that extend from one side of the main elongate portion 510 to the other. The grooves 520, 530 are co-linear and are intended to fit (e.g. snap-fit) into the bent-over lip sections 420, 430 of the cable tray 400.

[0111] The grooves 520, 530 may be of any suitable shape such as ‘V’ -shaped as shown in Figure 5.

[0112] The cable retaining clip 500 may be made from any suitable sheet metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel and / or plastics material. The dimensions of the cable retaining clip 500 may be adapted for a range of purposes and to fit any range of cable tray sizes and dimensions. For example, the cable retaining clip 500 may have a length ‘A’ of about 5 - 50 cm, a depth ‘B’ of about 1 - 20cm, and a width ‘C’ of about 0.5 - 5 cm.

[0113] The grooves 520, 530 may have a width ‘C’ of about 0.5 - 5 mm and a depth of about 0.5 - 5 mm.

[0114] Figure 6 is a representation of how the cable tray 400 (shown in Figure 4) and the cable retaining clip 500 (shown in Figure 5) are intended to be connected together.

[0115] During use, cable retaining clips 500 may be inserted and / or located along the cable tray 400 at, for example, every 1 - 3 metres. For example, along a 3 m section of cable tray 400, there may be 2 - 10 cable retaining clips 500. There is therefore a significant break (i.e. distance) between each of the cable retaining clips 500 during use.

[0116] The grooves 520, 530 may be pressed and / or pushed into position in, for example, a snap-fit arrangement, rather than using fiddly steel, plastics cable ties according to the prior art.

[0117] The cable retaining clips 500 of the present invention have been found to provide a much more robust and efficient way of tying cables together. Furthermore, due to the very secure attachment provided by the cable retaining clips 500 they are particularly suitable where the tray is reversed in a horizontal application such as being fixed to a ceiling. A further specific advantage of the cable retaining clips 500 of the present invention is that previously manufacturers provided a range of different patterned holes and slots in their cable trays to be unique to their product with the unique holes and slots being used to secure cables by means of plastic and stainless-steel cable ties. The pattern of holes and / or slots and cable trays are therefore unique for each manufacturer. This causes a problem for securing cables which is addressed by the presently provided cable retaining clips 500.

[0118] The cable retaining clips 500 of the present invention therefore overcome the problem deriving from manufacturers providing a range of different pattern of holes and slots by providing an attachment / snap-fit mechanism that universally fits onto the bent-over lip sections of the cable tray.

[0119] The cable retaining clips 500 may be easily manufactured in a range of different widths, different thickness of metal and / or steel and / or plastics material depending on the required application.

[0120] The cable retaining clips 500 may be manufactured using a variety of methods such as a multislide press.

[0121] For example, applications of the cable retaining clips 500 of the present invention may include Heavy Duty (HDRF) cable trays, Medium Duty (MDRF) cable trays. Uses for Heavy Duty (HDRF) cable trays may include oil and gas / industrial applications. Uses for Medium Duty (MDRF) cable trays may include residential, shopping centres etc.

[0122] Figure 7 is a representation of the cable tray shown in Figure 6 with a cable retaining clip 600 fitted and shown in 2D according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in 2D, this particular embodiment of the cable retaining clip 600 creates an arc over the width of the cable tray 400. This provides a biasing force to keep the cable retaining clip 600 tightly fitted within the cable tray 400. Furthermore, in the event of a fire, if the cables within the cable tray 400 are found to sag or drop onto the cable retaining clip 600, then they will not pop the cable retaining clip 600 out of place since the cable retaining clip 600 is already tightly secured to the cable tray 400. Any further force exerted onto the cable clip 600 will act to tighten the grip of the cable clip 600 onto the cable tray 400.

[0123] Figure 8 is an end elevation view of a cable retaining clip 600 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The cable retaining clip 600 is shown located within an example cable tray 400, with cables 120 installed in a typical location. As previously described, the cables 120 are usually secured via plastic cable ties. The cable retaining clip 600 therefore functions as a back-up safety device.

[0124] The cable clip 600 comprises a main elongate section 610 which is generally arcuate shaped. When the cable clip 600 is fitted to the cable tray 400, the cable clip 600 arc extends in a convex manner relative to the cable tray 400. This is to allow for the use of multiple cables, and means that the cable clip 600 does not infringe on any available space within the cable tray 400.

[0125] At the ends of the elongate section 610, there are hooked ends 620,630. The hooked ends 620,630 are designed to engage with the lipped portions 420,430 of the cable tray.

[0126] The cable clips 600 may be suitable for cable tray systems which are from 12-50mm deep and 50-900mm wide. The hooked ends 620,630 may be symmetrical or they may be asymmetrical. For example, one hooked end 620 may have a narrower opening than the other hooked end 630. The hooked end 620 shown in Figure 8 has a narrower opening than the hooked end 630 on the right of the image. The hooked end 620 on the left in this embodiment is 6mm deep, and the opening is 4mm wife. The hooked end 630 on the right in this embodiment is 6mm deep and 20mm wide. Both hooked ends 620,630 are 6mm high.

[0127] The width of the whole cable clip 600 from one hooked end to the other will depend on the size of the cable tray 400. For example, tray sizes of 75mm, 100mm, 150mm and 225mm will have clips which are 62mm, 87mm, 137mm and 212mm wide and around 1 mm, 1 mm, 1mm, and 1 ,3mm thick respectively. The thickness of the clip may vary by around 0.3mm, depending on the application.

[0128] Figures 9 and 10 show different angles of the cable clip 600 located inside different sized cable trays 400. Figure 9 shows a wide cable tray 400 on the left, with a wide cable clip 600 inserted, with a narrow cable tray 400 on the right with a narrower cable clip 600 inserted.

[0129] Figure 10 is a closer view of one of the cable clips 600. As can be seen, the cable clip 600 also comprises a barbed section 425. The barbs 425 are located on one of the hooked ends 420. The barbs 425 will be described in more detail below.

[0130] The barbs 425 can be more easily seen in Figures 11 and 12. The barbs 425 shown in Figures 11 and 12 are generally triangular shaped, and they are integral to the cable clip 600. The barbs 425 have been stamped out of the cable clip 600, and form a friction fit with the cable tray 400 when the hooked end 620 is coupled to it.

[0131] The barbs 425 shown are merely exemplary and should not be construed to be limiting. The barbs 425 may be in a different shape or size. There also may be a different number of barbs 425, for example there may be a single barb or there may be a plurality of barbs.

[0132] Figure 13 is another embodiment according to the present invention, showing two cable retaining clips 700 inserted onto a cable tray 900 which has no return flange (i.e. straight sides); and

[0133] Figure 14 is an example of a cable retaining clip 700 according to one of the embodiments in Figure 13.

[0134] As shown, these cable clips 700 are similar to the previously described embodiments, however they are suitable for cable trays 900 which have no lip or return flanges. The cable tray 900 shown in Figure 13 has straight sides containing no return flange. The cable tray 900 is effectively made by bending a flat sheet of metal twice, to create two 90 degree bends or folds. The cable tray 900 shown also comprises slots.

[0135] The dimensions of the cable clip 700 can vary according to the size of the cable tray 900 in consideration. For example, the cable clip 700 may be around 50mm long, by around 20mm wide. The cable clip 700 comprises cable clip ends 710 which are suitable for slotting onto the sides of the cable tray 900. The cable clip ends 710 are formed from a bent part of the clip, which forms a V shape. The V shape is tapered, and is designed to be pressed onto the cable tray 900.

[0136] The embodiment of the cable clip 700 shown also comprises barbs 720 on the cable clip ends 710. The barbs 720 are pointed in the direction of insertion, i.e. to prevent unwanted removal from the cable tray 900. The barbs 720 are designed to make insertion of the cable clip 700 onto the cable tray 900 easy, but removal difficult. There may be three barbs 720 on each end as shown, or there may be any suitable number of barbs 720 to make the cable clip 700 effective.

[0137] Figure 15 shows another embodiment according to the present invention, showing a cable retaining clip 800 which comprises side press-fit fittings 810. The idea behind this embodiment is that the cable retaining clip 800 is pressed over the sides of a cable tray, as is shown in Figure 7 for example. Cable trays often have perforations in the side walls, in the form of a hole or a slot. The cable retaining clip 800 in Figure 15 comprises a plurality of pressed portions 810 which are designed to interference fit into an existing slot or hole in a cable tray.

[0138] As in previous embodiments, the cable retaining clip 800 extends the full width of the cable tray, and the legs of the cable retaining clip 800 would typically extend over the outside of the cable tray.

[0139] Figure 16 shows a another embodiment according to the present invention, showing a cable retaining clip 850 which comprises bottom press-fit fittings 860. These bottom press-fit fittings 860 are similar to the pressed portions in Figure 15, and function in a similar way.

[0140] The press-fit fittings 860 are suitably sized and designed to fit inside existing slots or holes which are present in cable trays according to the art. These cable clips can be used on cable trays with out without retaining lips.

[0141] The retaining clip 850 in Figure 16 would be opened from the bottom and stretched over the cable tray. The press-fit fittings 860 would then ‘hug’ the cable tray, and form an interference fit inside the holes or slots of the cable tray.

[0142] This would provide a secure grip onto the cable tray, and ensure that the cables were safely maintained within the cable tray, even if they were to exert force onto the cable retaining clips.

[0143] Example dimensions of the cable retaining clips according to Figures 15 and 16, are that the cable retaining clips 800,850 are around 50mm long. This is a typical width of a cable tray. The cable retaining clips 800,850 are around 20mm wide, with a height depending on the cable tray.

[0144] It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely exemplary, and that various modifications and improvements thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the cable retaining clip may comprise any shape of grooves and / or notches to provide secure attachment to the cable tray. Moreover, the cable retaining clip may be manufactured using any suitable material or method.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A cable retaining clip for maintaining cables within a cable tray which comprises flanges with lipped edges, wherein: the cable retaining clip is of unitary construction; the cable retaining clip comprises a main elongate section which is generally arcuate shaped; and wherein the main elongate section comprises hooked ends to engage with a cable tray.

2. A cable retaining clip according to claim 1 , wherein the cable retaining clip is formed from a single piece of sheet metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel.

3. A cable retaining clip according to claim 2, wherein the arcuate shape of the main elongate section and / or the material of the clip provide a biasing force to repel the hooked ends apart from one another, thus when in use, providing a secure connection between the cable retaining clip and a cable tray.

4. A cable retaining clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the hooked ends are shaped to conform to the lipped portions of a cable tray.

5. A cable retaining clip according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the hooked ends comprises barbs, which are for increasing friction between the cable retaining clip and a cable tray.

6. A cable retaining clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable retaining clip is formed via stamping and pressing.

7. A cable retaining clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the cable retaining clip has a length of about 50 - 200 mm, a thickness of about 0.8 - 1.5mm, and a width of about 18 mm.

8. A cable retaining clip according to any preceding claim, wherein during use, the cable retaining clip is attached to a cable tray by engaging the hooked ends of the cable retaining clip into the lipped portions of a cable tray.

9. A cable retaining clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the hooked ends in the main elongate section are capable of being pressed and / or pushed into position in a snap-fit arrangement, onto a cable tray.

10. A cable retaining clip according to claim 5, wherein the barbs are formed via pressing material from the unitary construction.

11. A cable retaining clip fitted and / or engaged onto a cable tray which comprises flanges with lipped edges, wherein: the cable retaining clip is formed from a unitary construction; the cable retaining clip comprises a main elongate section which is generally arcuate shaped; and wherein the main elongate section comprises hooked ends to engage with a cable tray; wherein at least one of the hooked ends located on the main elongate section are fitted and / or engaged onto bent-over lip sections extending along an upper section of a cable tray.

12. A cable retaining clip fitted and / or engaged onto a cable tray according to claim 11 , wherein the cable retaining clip is as defined in any of claims 1 to 10.

13. A cable retaining clip fitted and / or engaged onto a cable tray according to any of claims 11 and 12, wherein the cable tray comprises a lower substantially flat section and two upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections and along the upper end of the upstanding substantially vertical elongate sections of the cable tray there are bent-over sections, wherein the cable retaining clip forms a lid over the cable tray, thus forming an enclosure for the cables in the cable tray.

14. A cable retaining clip fitted and / or engaged onto a cable tray according to claim 13, wherein the bent-over sections in the cable tray are in the form of lips and are substantially ‘u’ or ‘n’-shaped.

15. A cable retaining clip according to any of claims 1 to 10 and a cable tray which are connected together.

16. A method of installing and / or fitting a cable retaining clip according to any of claims 1 to 10 onto a cable tray.

17. A method of installing and / or fitting a cable retaining clip according to claim 16, wherein the method of installing and / or fitting comprises fitting and / or engaging bent-over lip sections of the cable tray onto the hooked ends of the cable retaining clip.

18. A method of installing and / or fitting a cable retaining clip according to claim 17, wherein the hooked ends of the main elongate section are pressed and / or pushed into position in, for example, a snap-fit arrangement, onto the cable tray.

19. A method of installing and / or fitting a cable retaining clip according to claim 17 or 18, when the hooked end with barbs is connected to the cable tray before connecting the hooked end without barbs.

20. A method of manufacturing a cable retaining clip according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method of manufacture comprises pressing and / or moulding a section of material into: a main elongate section; and hooked ends located on the main elongate section.

21. A method of manufacturing a cable retaining clip according to claim 20, wherein the method of manufacture uses a multi-slide press or any other suitable apparatus for bending sheet-metal and / or alloy and / or stainless steel.

22. A method of manufacturing a cable retaining clip according to claim 21 , wherein the method further comprises bending the main elongate section into a generally arcuate shape, and / or forming barbs in at least one of the hooked ends.

23. A building comprising cable retaining clips as defined in any preceding claim attached to cable trays.

24. A cable retaining clip for maintaining cables within a cable tray containing flanges without lipped edges, and containing a hole or slot pattern throughout, wherein: the cable retaining clip is of unitary construction;the cable retaining clip comprises a main elongate section for maintaining the cables in position, and two end sections for attaching the cable retaining clip onto the cable tray; wherein the end sections comprise an attachment feature for easily securing the cable retaining clip onto the cable tray without the use of tools.

25. A cable retaining clip according to claim 24, wherein the attachment feature is a series of bends within the cable retaining clip which form a wedge, which is pressed onto the flanges to secure the cable retaining clip in place.

26. A cable retaining clip according to claim 25, wherein the wedge comprises a plurality of barbs to increase the friction between the cable retaining clip and the cable tray.

27. A cable retaining clip according to claim 24, wherein the attachment feature is a kink in the end sections, wherein the kink is for forming an interference fit with the holes or slots.

28. A cable retaining clip according to claim 27, wherein the attachment feature is for the sides of the cable tray.

29. A cable retaining clip according to claim 27, wherein the attachment feature is for the bottom of the cable tray.

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