Wire management clip

Abstract

A wire management device that includes a connector and a first retainer. The connector includes a first channel that is at least partially formed from a first material. The first retainer is connected to a first end of the connector. The first retainer includes a convex section relative to the connector. The first retainer includes a second channel. The first retainer is constructed from a second material. The first material may be conductive, and the second material may be insulative.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 34704.2416 (750-479 WO)Wire Management ClipCross-Reference to Related Application:

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 691 ,461 , filed September 6, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Field:

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a clip. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electrically isolated clip.Background:

[0003] Solar panel arrays have a large quantity of cables that can be managed under the array. For example, the cables should be properly supported and arranged along a structure. Proper management limits damage to the cables, which can limit fires or personal injury.

[0004] Many current solutions for managing cables involves using standard fasteners, like zip ties. These may be inexpensive to use, but may not be reusable, particularly when attempting to remove and / or reposition the cables.

[0005] Cable hangers may also be used to support the cables. However, hangers generally fail to secure the cables, which can permit shifting and eventually damage to the cables and / or the arrays.

[0006] Clips may be used in some examples to secure the cables in place. These clips are generally constructed from metal or another conductive material. The metal clip can conduct electrical current and create an unintended electrical pathway, which can cause damage to the arrays. Therefore, there is a need to properly support cables while limiting damage caused by the clip.Summary:

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can overcome various of the aforementioned and other disadvantages associated with known clips and offer new advantages as well.

[0008] According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure there is provided clip constructed from a first material and a second material that is non- conductive and different than the first material.

[0009] According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure there is provided clip constructed from a conductive material and a non-conductive material.

[0010] According to one aspect of various examples of the present disclosure there is provided clip constructed from a conductive material that is at least partially surrounded by a non-conductive material.

[0011] According to another aspect of various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a wire management device that includes a connector and a first retainer. The connector includes a first channel with at least one prong. The prong is formed from a first material. The first retainer is connected to a first end of the connector. The first retainer includes a second channel. The first retainer is constructed from a second material. The first material may be conductive, and the second material may be insulative.

[0012] According to another aspect of various examples of the present disclosure, there is provided a wire management device that includes a connector and a first retainer. The connector includes a first channel that is at least partially formed from a first material. The first retainer is connected to a first end of the connector. The first retainer includes a convex section relative to the connector. The first retainer includes a second channel. The first retainer is constructed from a second material. The first material may be conductive, and the second material may be insulative.

[0013] According to another aspect of various embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a wire management device that includes a connector, a projection, and a first retainer. The connector includes a first channel with at least one prong. The prong is formed from a first material. The first retainer may be movably coupled to the connector to form a second channel. The first retainer is constructed from a second material. Theprojection extends away from the connector and can be selectively secured the first retainer. The first material is conductive and the second material is insulative.

[0014] The disclosure herein should become evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art given the following enabling description and drawings. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The following enabling disclosure is directed to one of ordinary skill in the art and presupposes that those aspects within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan are understood and appreciated.Brief Description of the Drawings:

[0015] Various aspects and advantageous features of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill when described in the detailed description of preferred embodiments and reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a clip in an open position.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the clip of FIG. 1 .

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of the clip of FIG. 1 .

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 1 .

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of the clip of FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of the clip of FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 5.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second example of a clip in an open position.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a side view of the clip of FIG. 9.

[0026] FIG. 1 1 is a front view of the clip of FIG. 9.

[0027] FIG. 12 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 9.

[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 coupled to a plurality of cables.

[0029] FIG. 14 is a side view of the clip and cables of FIG. 13.

[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of the clip and cables of FIG. 13 where the clip is coupled to a support.

[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a clip of a third example in a third position.

[0032] FIG. 17 is a side view of the clip of FIG. 16.

[0033] FIG. 18 is a front view of the clip of FIG. 16.

[0034] FIG. 19 is a top view of the clip of FIG. 19.Detailed Description:

[0035] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a wire management device or clip 100 that can be used to secure electrical conductors. The clip 100 includes a body 105 with an upper end 110 and a lower end 1 15. Upper and lower may refer to the orientation illustration in FIG. 1 , although the clip 100 may be used in other orientations where the upper and lower ends 1 10, 1 15 are in a different orientation.

[0036] In some forms, the body 105 of the clip 100 may include one or more connectors 120 (e.g., two shown). The connectors 120 may be disposed at the upper end 110 as illustrated in FIG. 1 .

[0037] In the illustrated example, the connectors 120 may be at least partially open. For example, each connector 120 may have a substantially U-shape. However, other examples of the connector 120 may have a different shape.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the connector 120 may have an opening 125 that leads to a channel. The channel may be substantially rectangular in shape (e.g., as viewed in cross section), although other examples may include a different shape (e.g., a curved shape).

[0039] In some forms, the connector 120 may be wider proximate to the opening 125. For example, each free end of the connector may be angled away from the other free end so that the outer surface of the connector 120 is wider at the proximate to the opening 125.

[0040] In some forms, one or more of the free ends (e.g., both shown) may include a hook or undercut portion 130. The undercut portion 130 on each free end may extend toward the center of the opening 125. Each undercut 130 may extend along substantially the entire length of the respective free end (see e.g., FIG. 3), although one or more of the undercuts 130 may extend along only part of the length of the free end.

[0041] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the connector 120 may include one or more prongs 135 disposed within the channel. The illustrated prongs 135 may beangled relative to the inner surface of the connector 120. For example, each prong 135 may be formed as a cantilever member with a fixed end on an inner surface of the channel and a free end that extends toward the center of the channel. The prongs 135 may be oriented so that the fixed ends are closer to the opening 125 than each respective free end.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, each illustrated connector 120 may include six prongs 135. Specifically, the connector 120 may include two center prongs 135 (e.g., one upper and one lower) and two pairs of outer prongs (e.g., an upper and lower outer prong positioned on either side of the center prongs 135). The free end of each of the prongs 135 may include an inclined shape. The direction of the incline may be toward the center of the channel. The illustrated center prongs 135 may be wider than the outer prongs 135, and the inclined shape may be a substantially V-shape. In other examples, the size, shape, and position may be different of one or more of the prongs 135, and / or there may be a different number of prongs 135.

[0043] In certain forms, the prongs 135 may be constructed from a different material than the rest of the connector 120. For example, the prongs 135 may be constructed from a metallic material and the remainder of the connector 120 may be constructed from an electrically insulated material (e.g., a plastic material). This may permit the prongs 135 to resiliently flex while the outer surface of the connector 120 is insulated. In other examples, the prongs 135 and the remainder of the connector 120 may be formed from any other material combination (e.g., entirely formed from plastic).

[0044] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first retainer 140 may be connected to at least one of the connectors 120 and extend toward the lower end 115. In the illustrated example, the first retainer 140 may have a curved shape, although other examples may include another shape (e.g., an angled shape).

[0045] In some forms, the first retainer 140 may extend from a rear end of a connector 120. For example, the first retainer 140 may extend from a rear-most end of the body 105. The illustrated first retainer 140 may be formed as an integral piece with the connector 120 (e.g., injection molded as a single piece). However, other examples may include a first retainer 140 that is separately attached to the connector 120.

[0046] In some forms, the first retainer 140 may be formed as a cantilever shape. For example, a fixed end of the first retainer 140 may be connected to a rear surface of the connector 120. A free end of the first retainer 140 may extend toward the front edge of the other connector 120. The first retainer 140 therefore may extend substantially along the entire length of the body 105. An opening 145 may be formed between the free end of the first retainer 140 and the front edge of the front connector 120.

[0047] In some forms, a width between the inner surface of the first retainer 140 and the outer surface of the connector 120 may not be uniform along the length of the first retainer 140. For example, curvature of the first retainer 140 may create a non-uniform width of the channel along the length.

[0048] In the illustrated example, a portion 150 of the first retainer 140 may extend inwardly (e.g., toward the surface of the connector 120). The width of the channel may be at least partially decreased at this portion 150 (e.g., as compared to a first retainer 140) with a constant inner surface.

[0049] In certain forms, the inner surface of the first retainer 140 may include a convex portion surrounded by a pair of concave portions. For example, the portion 150 may be a convex portion as related to the connectors 120. Concave portions 152 (e.g., with respect to the connector 120) may be formed on either side of the convex portion 150.

[0050] In some forms, the free end of the first retainer 140 may include a straight or planar section 155. The straight section 155 may extend away from one of the concave portions 152. However, other examples may include a free end with a curved (e.g., concave or convex) portion.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the straight section 155 may include an aperture 160. The illustrated aperture 160 has a substantially rectangular shape. However, other examples of the aperture 160 may be any other shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.).

[0052] Returning to FIG. 2, the body 105 may also include a projection 165. In the illustrated example, the projection 165 may extend from the front end of the body 105. For example, the projection 165 may extend from the opposite end as the first retainer 140.

[0053] In some forms, the projection 165 may be formed as a cantilever member. A fixed end of the projection may extend from a front end of a connector 120 (e.g., the otherconnector 120 than where the fixed end of the first retainer 140 is disposed). The free end of the projection 165 may extend away from the connector 120 and toward the free end of the first retainer 140. The illustrated projection 165 may also extend substantially linearly between the fixed and free ends, although other examples of the projection 165 may not be substantially linear.

[0054] In some forms, the projection 165 may include a tab 170 proximate to the free end. The tab 170 may be angled relative to the remainder of the projection 165. For example, the tab 170 may extend in a direction at least partially toward the connector 120.

[0055] In some forms, the first retainer 140 may be formed as a resilient member. For example, the first retainer 140 may be able to flex (e.g., about the fixed end) to adjust its position relative to the projection 165. The first retainer 140 may initially be in a neutral position (see e.g., FIG. 2) and may be movable away from the projection 165 to increase the width of the opening 145 when an external force is applied. When the force is removed, the first retainer 140 may return to the neutral position.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the first retainer 140 may be able to flex about the fixed end to move toward the projection 165 and decrease the width of the opening 145. Specifically, the first retainer 140 may be able to flex so that the aperture 160 can receive the tab 170. The tab 170 may be sized and shaped to be fit at least partially through the aperture 160 and retain the first retainer 140 in the closed position where the opening 145 may have substantially no width. As described in more detail below, this may permit the retention of cables within the channel formed between the first retainer 140 and the connectors 120.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a closed perimeter may be formed between the first retainer 140 and the connectors 120 when the tab 170 is received within the aperture 160. The bias in the first retainer 140 may pull the perimeter of the aperture 160 against the tab 170 to retain the closed perimeter. A technician may apply an external force to the first retainer 140 to space the aperture 160 apart from the tab 170 and return the first retainer 140 to the neutral position.

[0058] In some forms, the closed perimeter may have a partially curved shape formed by the two concave portions 152 and the convex portion 150. The portion of the perimeteralong the connectors 120 may be substantially linear. As described in more detail below, this shape may assist in retaining multiple cables or conductors.

[0059] FIGS. 9 to 12 disclose a second clip 300 that may be similar to the clip 100. Similar elements may be described with the same reference number plus “200”. Only some similarities and differences are described.

[0060] FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate a wire management device or clip 300 that can be used to secure electrical conductors. The clip 300 includes a body 305 with an upper end 310 and a lower end 315. Upper and lower may refer to the orientation illustration in FIG. 9, although the clip 300 may be used in other orientations where the upper and lower ends 310, 315 are in a different orientation.

[0061] The illustrated clip 300 may include two connectors 320 disposed at the upper end 310 of the body 305. The connectors 320 may be at least partially open. For example, each connector 320 may have a substantially U-shape. However, other examples of the connector 320 may have a different shape. The connector 320 may have an opening 325 that leads to a channel.

[0062] In some forms, one or more of the free ends (e.g., both shown) may include a hook or undercut portion 330. The undercut portion 330 on each free end may extend toward the center of the opening 325. Each undercut 330 may extend along substantially the entire length of the respective free end (see e.g., FIG. 1 1 ), although one or more of the undercuts 330 may extend along only part of the length of the free end.

[0063] With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the connector 320 may include one or more prongs 335 disposed within the channel. The illustrated prongs 335 may be angled relative to the inner surface of the connector 320. For example, each prong 335 may be formed as a cantilever member with a fixed end on an inner surface of the channel and a free end that extends toward the center of the channel. The prongs 335 may be oriented so that the fixed ends are closer to the opening 325 than each respective free end.

[0064] In certain forms, the prongs 335 may be constructed from a different material than the rest of the connector 320. For example, the prongs 335 may be constructed from a metallic material and the remainder of the connector 320 may be constructed from an electrically insulated material (e.g., a plastic material). This may permit the prongs335 to resiliently flex while the outer surface of the connector 320 is insulated. In other examples, the prongs 335 and the remainder of the connector 320 may be formed from any other material combination (e.g., entirely formed from plastic).

[0065] Returning to FIGS. 9 and 10, a first retainer 340 may be connected to at least one of the connectors 320 and extend toward the lower end 315. In the illustrated example, the first retainer 340 may have a curved shape, although other examples may include another shape (e.g., an angled shape).

[0066] In some forms, the first retainer 340 may extend from a rear end of a connector 320. For example, the first retainer 340 may extend from a rear-most end of the body 105. The illustrated first retainer 340 may be formed as an integral piece with the connector 320 (e.g., injection molded as a single piece). However, other examples may include a first retainer 340 that is separately attached to the connector 320.

[0067] In some forms, the first retainer 340 may be formed as a cantilever shape. For example, a fixed end of the first retainer 340 may be connected to a rear surface of the connector 320. A free end of the first retainer 340 may extend toward the front edge of the other connector 320. The first retainer 340 therefore may extend substantially along the entire length of the body 305. An opening 345 may be formed between the free end of the first retainer 340 and the front edge of the front connector 320.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, certain forms of the first retainer 340 may include a substantially linear portion 347. The linear portion 347 may be angled relative to the connectors 320 so that the channel width increases in a direction distal to the fixed end of the first retainer 340.

[0069] In one form, a curved portion 350 may be formed on the inner surface of the linear portion 347. The curved portion 350 may be formed as a convex portion relative to the connectors 320. The curved portion 350 may decrease the width of the channel along its length as compared to the width of the just the linear portion 347 in the same location.

[0070] In some forms, the free end of the first retainer 340 may include a straight or planar section 355. The straight section 355 may extend away from one of the linear portion 347 (e.g., at a substantially right angle). However, other examples may include a free end with a curved (e.g., concave or convex) portion.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11 , the straight section 355 may include an aperture 360. The illustrated aperture 360 has a substantially rectangular shape. However, other examples of the aperture 360 may be any other shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.).

[0072] Returning to FIG. 10, the body 305 may also include a projection 365. In the illustrated example, the projection 365 may extend from the front end of the body 305. For example, the projection 365 may extend from the opposite end as the first retainer 340.

[0073] In some forms, the projection 365 may be formed as a cantilever member. A fixed end of the projection may extend from a front end of a connector 320 (e.g., the other connector 320 than where the fixed end of the first retainer 340 is disposed). The free end of the projection 365 may extend away from the connector 320 and toward the free end of the first retainer 340. The illustrated projection 365 may also extend substantially linearly between the fixed and free ends, although other examples of the projection 365 may not be substantially linear.

[0074] In some forms, the projection 365 may include a tab 370 proximate to the free end. The tab 370 may be angled relative to the remainder of the projection 365. For example, the tab 370 may extend in a direction at least partially toward the connector 320.

[0075] In some forms, the first retainer 340 may be formed as a resilient member. For example, the first retainer 340 may be able to flex (e.g., about the fixed end) to adjust its position relative to the projection 365. The first retainer 340 may initially be in a neutral position (see e.g., FIG. 10) and may be movable away from the projection 365 to increase the width of the opening 345 when an external force is applied. When the force is removed, the first retainer 340 may return to the neutral position.

[0076] Additionally, the first retainer 340 may be able to flex about the fixed end to move toward the projection 365 and decrease the width of the opening 345. Specifically, the first retainer 340 may be able to flex so that the aperture 360 can receive the tab 370. The tab 370 may be sized and shaped to be fit at least partially through the aperture 360 and retain the first retainer 340 in the closed position (not shown but similar to FIGS. 5 to 8) where the opening 345 may have substantially no width. As described in more detailbelow, this may permit the retention of cables within the channel formed between the first retainer 340 and the connectors 320.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the clip 100 may be used to at least partially retain electrical conductors 25. The electrical conductors 25 may be received within the first retainer 140 (or the first retainer 340). For example, the electrical conductors 25 can be received through the opening 145 when the first retainer 140 is in the open position (e.g., when the tab 170 is not received within the aperture 160). A technician may apply a force to the first retainer 140 to increase the width of the opening 145 to provide more space for the electrical conductors 25 to enter the channel. In other examples, the electrical conductors 25 could be inserted into the channel from the side (e.g., not through the opening 145).

[0078] In the illustrated example, a plurality of electrical conductors 25 (e.g., nine conductors 25) may be received within the channel formed by the first retainer 140. Once the electrical conductors 25 are received within the channel, the first retainer 140 may be moved to the closed position, thereby securing the electrical conductors 25 in the enclosed perimeter (see e.g., FIG. 14). When the first retainer 140 moves to the closed position, the convex portion 150 may be brought into engagement with at least one of the electrical conductors 25. This engagement may force the electrical conductor 25 toward the connectors 120. When the electrical conductors 25 are stacked as shown, the upper electrical conductors 25 (e.g., as viewed in FIG. 14) may be pushed toward the connectors 120. The convex portion 150 may therefore assist with holding the electrical conductors 25 in position (e.g., by creating a tight fit within the channel). Although not illustrated, the curved portion 350 may function similarly to contract one or more of the electrical conductors 25 within the channel to tightly secure the electrical conductors in place.

[0079] In certain forms, the clips 100, 300 may be used in a commercial environment where there are large bundles of electrical conductors 25. A large clip 100, 300 with a large channel is needed to extend around all of the electrical conductors 25 in the bundle. The size of the first retainer 140, 340 may be sufficient to extend around a bundle of electrical conductors 25 and the convex portion 150, 350 may assist to ensure that electrical conductors 25 are snug within the channel.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 15, the clip 100 may connect to a support 50. The support 50 may be any type of structure, but can particularly be a portion of a building (e.g., a commercial building) that includes solar panels. However, the support 50 may be part of any structure (e.g., a non-residential structure) and / or may be entirely unrelated to solar panels.

[0081] The illustrated support 50 is an elongated structure that may be constructed from a rigid material (e.g., metal). However, the support 50 may have other shapes and still permit connection with the clip 100. The connectors 120 may engage the support 50. For example, channel of each connector 120 may receive at least a portion of the support 50. The illustrated supports 50 may include an elongated section that may be approximately the same size as the channels.

[0082] In use, the opening 125 of each connector 120 may be positioned proximate to the support 50 and moved so that the opening 125 at least partially receives the support 50. As the support 50 moves into the channel, the prongs 135 may contact the support 50. The angle of the prongs 135 may permit the support 50 to enter the channel but may grip into the support 50 to limit the removal of the support 50 from the channel. For example, the connector 120 may be able to support the weight of the clip 100, as well as any electrical conductors 25, against the force of gravity. The clip 100 may include two connectors 120 to support the weight of the bundle of electrical conductors 25 used in the commercial setting, although clips with other amounts of connectors 120 may be used. Although not illustrated, multiple clips 100 may be used along the length of the support 50 and may be connected to the same electrical conductors 25.

[0083] When coupled together, the prongs 135, which may be constructed from a metallic material, may remain in contact with the support 50. In many examples, the support 50 may be a conductive material, and thus electrical current could pass between the support 50 and the prongs 135. The remainder of the clip 100 (e.g., the first and second retainers 140, 160) may be constructed from the insulative material. Thus, any current passing between the prongs 135 and the support 50 may be unable to reach the first retainer 140, and therefore the electrical conductors 25 supported by the retainer 140. This may limit the creation of unintended electrical pathways, which could damage an electrical system (e.g., solar panel arrays).

[0084] The structure of the prongs 135 (e.g., a cantilever structure constructed from metal) may be able to grip the support 50 and retain the position of the clip 100 better than an alternative clip constructed entirely from an insulative material (e.g., plastic). Surrounding the prongs 135 with an insulative material may enable the gripping benefit without creating unwanted electrical pathways.

[0085] FIGS. 16 to 19 disclose a third clip 500 that may be similar to the clip 100. Similar elements may be described with the same reference number plus “400”. Only some similarities and differences are described.

[0086] The clip 500 includes a body 505 with an upper end 510 and a lower end 515. Upper and lower may refer to the orientation illustration in FIG. 16, although the clip 500 may be used in other orientations where the upper and lower ends 510, 515 are in a different orientation.

[0087] In some forms, the body 505 of the clip 500 may include a single connector 520. The connector 520 may be disposed at the upper end 510 as illustrated in FIG. 16. The connector 520 may extend the entire length of the upper end 510, although other examples may include a connector 520 that extends a different length.

[0088] In the illustrated example, the connector 520 may be at least partially open. For example, the connector 520 may have a substantially U-shape. However, other examples of the connector 520 may have a different shape.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 18, the connector 520 may have an opening 525 that leads to a channel. The channel may be substantially rectangular in shape (e.g., as viewed in cross section), although other examples may include a different shape (e.g., a curved shape). The connector 520 may be wider proximate to the opening 525.

[0090] In some forms, one or more of the free ends (e.g., both shown) may include a hook or undercut portion 530. The undercut portion 530 on each free end may extend toward the center of the opening 525. Each undercut 530 may extend along substantially the entire length of the respective free end (see e.g., FIG. 16), although one or more of the undercuts 530 may extend along only part of the length of the free end.

[0091] With continued reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the connector 520 may include one or more prongs 535 disposed within the channel. The illustrated prongs 535 may be angled relative to the inner surface of the connector 520. For example, each prong 535may be formed as a cantilever member with a fixed end on an inner surface of the channel and a free end that extends toward the center of the channel. The prongs 535 may be oriented so that the fixed ends are closer to the opening 525 than each respective free end. The free end of each of the prongs 535 may include an inclined shape. The direction of the incline may be toward the center of the channel. The illustrated center prongs 535 may be wider than the outer prongs 535, and the inclined shape may be a substantially V-shape. In other examples, the size, shape, and position may be different of one or more of the prongs 535, and / or there may be a different number of prongs 535.

[0092] In certain forms, the prongs 535 may be constructed from a different material than the rest of the connector 520. For example, the prongs 535 may be constructed from a metallic material and the remainder of the connector 520 may be constructed from an electrically insulated material (e.g., a plastic material). This may permit the prongs 535 to resiliently flex while the outer surface of the connector 520 is insulated. In other examples, the prongs 535 and the remainder of the connector 520 may be formed from any other material combination (e.g., entirely formed from plastic).

[0093] Returning to FIGS. 16 and 17, a first retainer 540 may be connected to the connector 520 and extend toward the lower end 515. In the illustrated example, the first retainer 540 may have a curved shape (e.g., a bell shape), although other examples may include another shape (e.g., an angled shape). The first retainer 540 may have similar concave portions 552 and straight sections 555. However, the first retainer 540 may include two adjacent concave portions 552 to form the bell shape. A concave portion 552 proximate to a rear edge of the connector 520 may have a larger area of curvature and may function as a hinge for flexing the first retainer 540.

[0094] In some forms, the first retainer 540 may extend from a rear end of a connector 520. For example, the first retainer 540 may extend from a rear-most end of the body 505. The illustrated first retainer 540 may be formed as an integral piece with the connector 520 (e.g., injection molded as a single piece). However, other examples may include a first retainer 540 that is separately attached to the connector 520.

[0095] In some forms, the first retainer 540 may be formed as a cantilever shape. For example, a fixed end of the first retainer 540 may be connected to a rear surface of the connector 520. A free end of the first retainer 540 may extend toward the front edge ofthe other connector 520. The first retainer 540 therefore may extend substantially along the entire length of the body 505. An opening 545 may be formed between the free end of the first retainer 540 and the front edge of the connector 520.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 18, the straight section 555 may include an aperture 560. The illustrated aperture 560 has a substantially rectangular shape. However, other examples of the aperture 560 may be any other shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.).

[0097] Returning to FIG. 17, the body 505 may also include a projection 565. In the illustrated example, the projection 565 may extend from the front end of the body 505. For example, the projection 565 may extend from the opposite end as the first retainer 540.

[0098] In some forms, the projection 565 may be formed as a cantilever member. A fixed end of the projection may extend from a front end of a connector 520 (e.g., the other connector 520 than where the fixed end of the first retainer 540 is disposed). The free end of the projection 565 may extend away from the connector 520 and toward the free end of the first retainer 540. The illustrated projection 565 may also extend substantially linearly between the fixed and free ends, although other examples of the projection 565 may not be substantially linear.

[0099] In some forms, the projection 565 may include a tab 570 proximate to the free end. The tab 570 may be angled relative to the remainder of the projection 565. For example, the tab 570 may extend in a direction at least partially toward the connector 520.

[0100] The first retainer 540 may be able to flex (e.g., about the fixed end) to adjust its position relative to the projection 565. The first retainer 540 may initially be in a neutral position (see e.g., FIG. 17) and may be movable away from the projection 565 to increase the width of the opening 545 when an external force is applied. When the force is removed, the first retainer 540 may return to the neutral position.

[0101] As described with respect to the clips 100, 300, the first retainer 540 may be able to flex about the fixed end to move toward the projection 565 and decrease the width of the opening 545. Specifically, the first retainer 540 may be able to flex so that the aperture 560 can receive the tab 570. The tab 570 may be sized and shaped to be fit at least partially through the aperture 560 and retain the first retainer 540 in the closedposition where the opening 545 may have substantially no width. As described in more detail below, this may permit the retention of cables within the channel formed between the first retainer 540 and the connectors 520.

[0102] A closed perimeter may be formed between the first retainer 540 and the connectors 520 when the tab 570 is received within the aperture 560. The bias in the first retainer 540 may pull the perimeter of the aperture 560 against the tab 570 to retain the closed perimeter. A technician may apply an external force to the first retainer 540 to space the aperture 560 apart from the tab 570 and return the first retainer 540 to the neutral position. The clip 500 may be used to retain conductors in substantially the same way as described above.

[0103] One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the exact dimensions and materials are not critical to the disclosure and all suitable variations should be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure if deemed suitable for carrying out the objects of the disclosure.

[0104] One of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that it is well within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan to modify one or more of the constituent parts for carrying out the various embodiments of the disclosure. Once armed with the present specification, routine experimentation is all that is needed to determine adjustments and modifications that will carry out the present disclosure.

[0105] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the adaptation of the features described herein to particular. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A wire management device comprising: a connector including a first channel, wherein the connector is at least partially formed from a first material; and a first retainer connected to a first end of the connector, the first retainer including a convex section relative to the connector, wherein the first retainer includes a second channel, and wherein the first retainer is constructed from a second material; wherein first material is conductive and the second material is insulative.

2. The wire management device of claim 1 , wherein the first material is a metal, and wherein the second material is plastic.

3. The wire management device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first retainer is formed as a cantilever member and a space between a free end and the connector forms an opening to the second channel, and wherein the convex section is formed between the free end and a fixed end.

4. The wire management device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first channel has at least one prong, and wherein the prong is formed from a first material.

5. The wire management device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a second connector having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end is disposed proximate to a second end of the connector, and wherein the first retainer extends between the first end and the fourth end.

6. The wire management device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a projection that extends away from the connector, wherein the first retainer includes an aperture, and wherein the projection is configured to be selectively received within the aperture.

7. The wire management device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first retainer includes a first position defining a first width to an opening of the second channel, wherein the first retainer is movable between a second position defining a second width greater than the first width and a third position defining a third width less than the first width.

8. The wire management device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first retainer and the connector are integrally formed.

9. The wire management device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first retainer includes a planar section, wherein the convex section extends from the planar section, and wherein the convex section is movable relative to the planar section.

10. A wire management device comprising: a connector including a first channel having at least one prong, wherein the prong is formed from a first material; a first retainer movably coupled to the connector to form a second channel, wherein the first retainer is constructed from a second material; and a projection extending away from the connector and configured to selectively secure the first retainer; wherein first material is conductive and the second material is insulative.1 1 . The wire management device of claim 10, wherein the projection includes a tab and the first retainer includes an aperture, wherein the tab is configured to be selectively received within the aperture to retain the first retainer in a closed position.

12. The wire management device of claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the first material is a metal, and wherein the second material is plastic.

13. The wire management device of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first retainer is formed as a cantilever member and a space between a free end and the connector forms an opening to the second channel, and wherein a convex section, relative to the connector, is formed between the free end and a fixed end.

14. The wire management device of any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a second connector having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end is disposed proximate to a second end of the connector, and wherein the first retainer extends between a first end of the connector and the fourth end of the second connector.

15. The wire management device of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the first retainer includes a first position defining a first width to an opening of the second channel, wherein the first retainer is movable between a second position defining a second width greater than the first width and a third position defining a third width less than the first width, and wherein the projection is coupled to the first retainer in the third position.

16. The wire management device of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first retainer is formed as a cantilever member with a fixed end and a free end, and wherein the first retainer includes a convex section relative to the connector formed between the free end and the fixed end.

17. The wire management device of claim 16, wherein the first retainer includes a planar section, wherein the convex section extends from the planar section, and wherein the convex section is movable relative to the planar section.

18. The wire management device of any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the first retainer and the connector are integrally formed.

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