Detent plug for utility line installation

Abstract

Provided is a detent plug 10 for utility line installation, said detent plug 10 comprising a substantially U-shaped body 12 comprised of two outer resiliently flexible legs 14 connected via an upper transverse member 16 to define a utility cavity 18 therebetween. Each leg 14 defines at least one externally- projecting barb 20. The plug 10 further includes two inner resiliently flexible fingers 24 arranged within the utility cavity 18 and projecting from the upper transverse member 16, each inner finger 24 orientated at a respective outer leg 14. In this manner, pressing the plug 10 into a utility line channel 8 so that the legs 14 straddle a utility line 6 in-situ within said channel 8 urges the outer legs 14 together and against the inner fingers 24 which urges the externally-projecting barb(s) 20 outward against the channel 8 to secure the utility line 6 within the channel 8.

Description

DETENT PLUG FOR UTILITY LINE INSTALLATIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to the installation of utility lines , and more speci fically to a detent plug for utility line installation and an associated method for installing utility line using such a detent plug .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art i s intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Utility lines are well-known in the art and are typically used to convey power, water, gas , data, or the like . For example , buildings and similar constructions typically include various utility lines for providing such utility services to people and / or facilities within a building .

[0004] To this end, a wall chaser or slot cutter is a construction tool used to cut narrow grooves or channels into walls , floors , or other hard surfaces , and typically includes a motor driving a pair of abrasive discs similar to those found in an angle grinder, positioned closely together . In this manner, a wall chaser can be used for cutting narrow grooves or channels in walls , brickwork, blockwork, or concrete in order to install or lay utility lines within such surfaces .

[0005] Prior art plugs are known. For example, GB1249950A to Elro Produkte W E Roemer & Co et al. , EP0937929B1 to Siebert Stefan, EP3093541B1 to Clips Group Holding IVS and DE19646259A1 to Innovative Extrusionsprodukte provide examples of such known prior art utility plugs. However, such prior art plugs and clips are generally configured to cater for specifically- configured wall grooves or channels and / or specifically- configured utility lines.

[0006] Accordingly, Applicant has identified shortcomings with such prior art plugs or clips that require specifically- configured wall grooves or channels and / or specifically- configured utility lines, where the prior art clips are fixed to the utility line and then inserted into a wall groove, or interfere with the type of utility lines within a groove.

[0007] Applicant has identified a need in the art of such utility line installation within channels or grooves able to facilitate utility lines of various shapes and sizes, or multiple utility lines of various configurations within a wall channel or groove, and for a utility plug that does not interfere with subsequent plastering to cover the utility line(s) within a wall channel, and the present invention was conceived with this goal in mind.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to a 'utility line' generally comprises broad and non-limiting reference to any suitable pipe, cable or other linear conveyance system used to convey or transport electrical power, electromagnetic signals, water, gas or similar materials or information. For example, power lines, data cables, water pipes, gas pipes, signal cables, etc. are someexamples of such utility lines, as will become apparent to the skilled addressee. Of course, such power lines, data cables, water pipes, gas pipes, signal cables, etc. may have different shapes and / or diameters.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a detent plug for utility line installation, said detent plug comprising: a substantially U-shaped body comprised of two outer resiliently flexible legs connected via an upper transverse member to define a utility cavity therebetween, each leg defining at least one externally-pro ecting barb; and two inner resiliently flexible fingers arranged within the utility cavity and projecting from the upper transverse member, each inner finger orientated at a respective outer leg; wherein pressing the plug into a utility line channel so that the legs straddle a utility line in-situ within said channel urges the outer legs together and against the inner fingers which urges the externally-projecting barb(s) outward against the channel to secure the utility line within the channel.

[0010] In one embodiment, each inner resiliently flexible finger is arranged proximate a corner of the utility cavity where the upper transverse member meets an outer leg.

[0011] In an embodiment, each inner resiliently flexible finger is orientated to angle towards the associated outer leg .

[0012] In an embodiment, each inner resiliently flexible finger is arcuate to facilitate in urging the externally- projecting barb(s) outward when the associated outer leg is urged against said finger.

[0013] In an embodiment, the detent plug is manufactured from a polymer material, such as a plastic, rubber or foam.

[0014] Typically, the body is of indeterminable length, i.e. the body may be of variable length depending on requirements .

[0015] In an embodiment, the detent plug is manufactured as an elongate extrusion so that an end-user is able to cut a portion from said elongate extrusion for use as the detent plug .

[0016] In an embodiment, a total width of the two legs and utility cavity therebetween is predetermined to provide a press-fit into the utility line channel.

[0017] In an embodiment, a total height of the two legs and upper transverse member is predetermined to be less than or equal to a depth of the utility line channel.

[0018] In an embodiment, the at least one externally- projecting barb comprises a resiliently flexible projecting member extending longitudinally along said leg.

[0019] In an embodiment, an external surface of the upper transverse member is irregular, i.e. comprises a rough or striated surface, to facilitate adherence of plaster and / or paint thereto.

[0020] In an embodiment, the detent plug is manufactured from a predetermined colour selected according to a particular classification.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for installing a utility line , said method comprising the step of pressing, into a utility line channel , at least one detent plug comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprised of two outer resiliently flexible legs connected via an upper transverse member to define a utility cavity therebetween, each leg defining at least one externally- proj ecting barb ; and two inner resiliently flexible fingers arranged within the utility cavity and proj ecting from the upper transverse member, each inner finger orientated at a respective outer leg; so that the legs straddle a utility line in-si tu within said channel and urges the outer legs together and against the inner fingers which urges the externally- proj ecting barb ( s ) outward against the channel to secure the utility line within the channel .

[0022] In an embodiment , the method comprises a step of cutting the utility channel into a surface , such as a wall .

[0023] In an embodiment , the method comprises a step of arranging the utility line in-si tu within the channel before the step of pressing said at least one detent plug into the utility channel .

[0024] In an embodiment , the method comprises a step of plastering and / or painting over the detent plug and / or utility line .

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a detent plug for util ity line installation, said detent plug comprising : a substantially U-shaped body comprised of two resiliently flexible legs connected via an upper transverse member to define a utility cavity therebetween, at least oneleg defining at least one externally-proj ecting barb so that the plug is pressable into a utility line channel so that the legs straddle a portion of a utility line within the cavity to secure the utility line within the channel .

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a detent plug for util ity line installation and an associated method for installing utility line , substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of one example of a detent plug for utility line installation, in accordance with aspects of the present invention ;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the detent plug for utility line installation of Figure 1 ;Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of one example of the detent plug for utility line installation of Figure 1 , exempli fying that the upper transverse member may be of indeterminable length;Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the detent plug for utility line installation of Figure 1 , in use , securing a utility line within a utility line channel ;Figure 5 is diagrammatic perspective-view representation of another example of a detent plug for utility line installation, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 6 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the detent plug of Figure 5 in-si tu for utility line installation;Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a further example of a detent plug for utility line installation, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; andFigure 8 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional representation of the detent plug of Figure 7 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0028] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0029] Additionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings, but provide a functional overview of the invention only. As a result, features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure, but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0030] Broadly, the present invention provides for a detent plug 10 that finds particular application for utility line 6 installation. As described, such utility line(s) 6 are typically installed within a channel 8 cut in walls, brickwork, blockwork, concrete, etc. in order to install or lay utility lines within such surfaces, typically during construction or renovation .

[0031] As such channel 8 is typically cut by means of a wall chaser or slot cutter, the channel 8 may have predetermined dimensions, i.e. industry standard type width, depth, etc. The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the detent plug 10 described herein is generally configured to cater for such various predetermined dimensions, as will become apparent from this disclosure. The plug 10 is also able to accommodate utility lines of different types, sizes, etc. For example, whilst utility line 6 shown in the accompanying figures is indicated as a single line, this is often not the case, where multiple different lines 6 may be used within a single channel 8, i.e. electrical, data, etc.

[0032] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is exemplified several non-limiting embodiments of a detent plug 10 for utility line 6 installation. Broadly, the detent plug 10 comprises a substantially U-shaped body 12 whichis comprised of two resiliently flexible legs 14 that are joined or connected via an upper transverse member 16, as shown, in order to define a utility cavity 18 therebetween. Each leg 14 generally defines at least one externally- projecting barb 20.

[0033] Importantly, in a preferred embodiment, the detent plug 10 also comprises two inner resiliently flexible fingers 24 arranged within the utility cavity 18 which projects from the upper transverse member 16, as shown, with each inner finger 24 orientated at or towards a respective outer leg 14. In this manner, pressing the plug 10 into a utility line channel 8, so that the legs 14 straddle a utility line 6 in- situ within the channel 8, urges the outer legs 14 together and against the inner fingers 24 which, in turn, urges the externally-projecting barb(s) 20 on the legs 14 outward against sides of the channel 8 to secure the utility line 6 within the channel 8.

[0034] In one embodiment, each inner resiliently flexible finger 24 is arranged proximate a corner of the utility cavity 18 where the upper transverse member 16 meets an outer leg 14. In one embodiment, each inner resiliently flexible finger 24 is orientated to angle towards the associated outer leg 14, i.e. point towards a leg to facilitate when resiliently deforming when the legs 14 are urged together. In one embodiment, each inner resiliently flexible finger 24 is arcuate, as shown, to facilitate in urging the externally- projecting barb(s) 20 outward when the associated outer leg 14 is urged against said finger 24.

[0035] The inner resiliently flexible fingers 24 are typically manufactured from a suitable resiliently flexible material in order to provide an urging force against the legs14, in use. For example, a suitable polymer material may be selected for manufacturing the overall detent plug 10, including the resiliently flexible fingers 24, or the like. Other materials are also possible, such as metal, or the like. Appropriate selection of such a resiliently flexible material able to provide a suitable urging force against the legs 14 would be apparent to the skilled addressee in light of the present disclosure.

[0036] Typically, at least one of the legs 14, if not both, defines at least one externally-projecting barb 20 that may take various shapes so that the plug 10 is pressable into a utility line channel 8 so that the legs 14 straddle a portion of a utility line 6 within the utility cavity 18 in order to secure the utility line 6 within the channel 8. In one embodiment, the at least one externally-pro ecting barb 20 comprises a resiliently flexible projecting member extending longitudinally along said leg 14, as shown. By having the resiliently flexible legs 14 with associated resiliently flexible fingers 24, the utility cavity 18 can be relatively large to accommodate various types and / or sizes of utility lines 6, and the legs 14 can be urged into the sides of the channel 8 with sufficient force (due to fingers 24) to accommodate various utility lines 6.

[0037] Conventionally, tradespeople typically make use of makeshift and / or offcut materials in order to wedge a utility line 6 into a utility channel 8 when installing such line 6, e.g. offcut wire, fastener wall plugs, offcut pipe, etc. Once the line 6 is wedged into the channel by means of the makeshift and / or offcut materials, the line 6 must remain in the channel until a plasterer or similar tradesperson is able to come and cover the channel via plastering, or the like. Of course, it's common for a delay between installation of utility line 6 untila plasterer or the like is able to secure the line within the channel, which means installed line 6 held in place via such temporary and often insufficient makeshift means may fall out of the channel, which complicates overall installation of utility line. The detent plug 10 of the present invention was developed in order to address this problem, where utility line 6 can be securely held within the channel 8 via the plug 10 until covering by means of plastering, or the like.

[0038] In one embodiment, the detent plug 10 is typically manufactured from a polymer material, such as a plastic, rubber or foam. For example, a synthetic polymer like Nylon™, or the like, may be used. Of course, variations hereon are possible and expected. As exemplified in the figures, the body 12 may be of indeterminable length, i.e. the body 12 may be manufactured in variable lengths depending on requirements. For example, in one embodiment, the detent plug 10 is manufactured as an elongate extrusion of such indeterminable length so that an end-user, such as an installer of utility line 6 is able to cut a portion from said elongate extruded body 12 for use as the detent plug 10, as required.

[0039] In one embodiment, a total width of the two legs 14 and utility cavity 18 formed therebetween is predetermined to provide a press-fit into the utility line channel 8. For example, if a conventional wall chaser or slot cutter cuts a channel 8 an inch in width, then such total width may be an inch or slightly more to allow the detent plug 10 to be press- fitted into the channel, i.e. detent plug resiliently deforms to provide a friction fit within the channel 8 to stay in place .

[0040] Similarly, in one embodiment, a total height of the two legs 14 and upper transverse member 16 is predetermined tobe less than or equal to a depth of the utility line channel 8. For example, the total height of the detent plug 10 may be predetermined to that the detent plug 10 lies flush with the channel 8 when inserted, or the detent plug 10 may be 'shorter' to be recessed when inserted into channel 8.

[0041] In one embodiment, an external surface 22 of the upper transverse member 16 is irregular, i.e. comprises a rough or striated surface, to facilitate adherence of plaster and / or paint thereto. For example, the external surface 22 may be configured so that paint and / or plaster adheres readily thereto, or the like.

[0042] In one embodiment, the upper transverse member 16 may be adjustable. For example, in one embodiment, the upper transverse member 16 may comprise two telescoped portions slidingly arranged with respect with each other to allow adjusting an overall length of the upper transverse member 16, or the like. In one example, such telescoped portions comprising the upper transverse member 16 may include a ratchet-like gear and pawl arrangement to allow relative extension of said portions only, i.e. such as those found in conventional cable or zip ties to prevent said portions from sliding into each other, or the like.

[0043] In one embodiment, the detent plug 10 is manufactured from a predetermined colour selected according to a particular classification. For example, a colour of the plug may be predetermined in order to convey information to a tradesperson once the plug 10 is inserted into the channel 8 to secure the line 6. In one example, such a colour may be predetermined to advise on a type of utility line 6 installed, e.g. green for internet cable, red for power cable, blue for water pipe, etc.Of course, variations hereon are possible and anticipated.

[0044] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the present invention also includes an associated method for installing a util ity line 6 . Such a method generally comprises the step of press ing at least one detent plug 10 into a utility line channel 8 so that the legs 14 straddle a portion of a utility line 6 within said cavity 18 in order to secure the utility line 6 within the channel 8 .

[0045] In one embodiment , the method may comprise a step of cutting the utility channel 8 into a surface , such as a wall . In one embodiment , the method may comprise a step o f arranging the utility line 6 within the channel 8 before the step of pressing said at least one detent plug 10 into the utility channel 8 . In one embodiment , the method may also comprise a step of plastering and / or painting over the detent plug 10 and / or utility line 6 .

[0046] In the example embodiments , well-known processes , well-known device structures , and well-known technologies are not described in detail , as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee . Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts , elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts , elements or features . Where speci fic integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates , such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as i f individually set forth .

[0047] The Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the detent plug 10 described herein is able to cater to various si zes of channels 8 , as well as various types and / orsizes of utility lines 6. In particular, the complementary interaction between the resiliently flexible legs and fingers enables a size of the utility cavity 18 to be relatively large, i.e. the plug 10 does not occupy a large portion of the channel 8, thereby leaving space for utility lines 6, whilst the 'offset' of the fingers 24 arranged to urge against the legs 14 allow relatively large forces to retain the utility line(s) 6 securely within the channel 8.

[0048] The detent plug 10 is further expressly configured to provide for an external surface 22 of the upper transverse member 16 to be irregular, i.e. comprises a rough or striated surface, for facilitating adherence of plaster and / or paint thereto. This makes it a simple process to seal the detent plug in-situ within the channel 8 by means of plastering, paint, etc.

[0049] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s)intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0051] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0052] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A detent plug for utility line installation, said detent plug comprising : a substantially U-shaped body comprised of two outer resiliently flexible legs connected via an upper transverse member to define a utility cavity therebetween, each leg defining at least one externally-proj ecting barb ; and two inner resiliently flexible fingers arranged within the utility cavity and proj ecting from the upper transverse member, each inner finger orientated at a respective outer leg; wherein pressing the plug into a utility line channel so that the legs straddle a utility line in-si tu within said channel urges the outer legs together and against the inner fingers which urges the externally-proj ecting barb ( s ) outward against the channel to secure the utility line within the channel .2 . The detent plug of claim 1 , wherein each inner resiliently flexible finger is arranged proximate a corner of the utility cavity where the upper transverse member meets an outer leg .3 . The detent plug of either of claims 1 or 2 , wherein each inner resiliently flexible finger is orientated to angle towards the associated outer leg .4 . The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 3 , wherein each inner resiliently flexible finger is arcuate to facilitate in urging the externally-proj ecting barb ( s ) outward when the associated outer leg is urged against said finger .5 . The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the detent plug is manufactured from a polymer material , such as a plastic, rubber or foam .

6. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body is of indeterminable length, i.e. the body may be of variable length depending on requirements.

7. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detent plug is manufactured as an elongate extrusion so that an end-user is able to cut a portion from said elongate extrusion for use as the detent plug.

8. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a total width of the two legs and utility cavity therebetween is predetermined to provide a press-fit into the utility line channel .

9. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein a total height of the two legs and upper transverse member is predetermined to be less than or equal to a depth of the utility line channel.

10. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one externally-projecting barb comprises a resiliently flexible projecting member extending longitudinally along said leg .

11. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein an external surface of the upper transverse member is irregular, i.e. comprises a rough or striated surface, for facilitating adherence of plaster and / or paint thereto.

12. The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the detent plug is manufactured from a predetermined colour selected according to a particular classification.13 . The detent plug of any of claims 1 to 12 , wherein a length of the upper transverse member is selectively adj ustable .14 . The detent plug of claim 13 , wherein the upper transverse member comprises a ratchet arrangement configured to allow length ad ustability of said upper transverse member in one direction only .15 . A method for installing a utility line , said method comprising the step of pressing, into a utility line channel , at least one detent plug comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprised of two outer resiliently flexible legs connected via an upper transverse member to define a utility cavity therebetween, each leg defining at least one externally- proj ecting barb ; and two inner resiliently flexible fingers arranged within the utility cavity and proj ecting from the upper transverse member, each inner f inger orientated at a respective outer leg; so that the legs straddle a utility line in-si tu within said channel and urges the outer legs together and against the inner fingers which urges the externally- proj ecting barb ( s ) outward against the channel to secure the utility line within the channel .16 . The method of claim 15 , which comprises a step of cutting the utility channel into a surface , such as a wall .17 . The method of claim 15 , which comprises a step of arranging the utility line in-si tu within the channel before the step of pressing said at least one detent plug into the utility channel .18 . The method of claim 15 , which comprises a step of plastering and / or painting over the detent plug and / or utility line .19 . A detent plug for utility line installation, said detent plug comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprised of two resiliently flexible legs connected via an upper transverse member to define a utility cavity therebetween, at least one leg defining at least one externally-proj ecting barb so that the plug is pressable into a utility line channel so that the legs straddle a portion o f a utility line within the cavity to secure the utility line within the channel , and wherein an external surface of the upper transverse member is irregular, i . e . comprises a rough or striated surface , for facilitating adherence of plaster and / or paint thereto .

Images