GB2510875A

GB2510875A - Bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2510875A
Application number: GB201302716A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kim Samuel Howard Leeson
Original assignee: Miniflex Ltd
Current assignee: Miniflex Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-15
Filing date: 2013-02-15
Publication date: 2014-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-02-15
Also published as: GB201302716D0; GB2510875B

Abstract

A surface-mount bracket 1 routes and secures at least one cable 2 or pipe along a flat surface 4 (such as a wall), around a corner and along another adjoining flat surface 4. The bracket consists of two linear arms (12 & 14, figure 2) and an articulation joint 18, where the arms are pivotally joined. The joint is adjacent to the corner. The bracket has a means of retaining the cable / pipe 7, such as a cover 8. The inner surfaces (28, figure 2) of the arms are planar so that they can be secured to the flat surfaces 4; the articulation joint permitting the bracket to be adjusted to the angle between the flat surfaces. The outer surface of an arm has a concave profile (34, figure 2) extending away from one end of the bracket, which changes to a convex profile (36, figure 2) towards the joint, and becomes concave again towards the other end of the bracket.

Description

Bracket

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the routing of cables and/or pipes in a building, and in particular relates to a surface mountable bracket for retaining and routing the cable and/or pipe around a corner of the building.

More particularly this invention relates to the routing of optical fibres in a building for example business premises such as an office, or a domestic multiple occupancy building comprising a plurality of units at different locations within the building, in which one or more optical fibres are carried within an optical fibre cable, for example as a bundle of optical fibres. The cable or cables are then routed around the building. Individual optical fibres may then be extracted from the cable at different locations for routing into a particular business unit or dwelling, for example as described in our co-pending patent application GB 1212188.5. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to surface-mountable optical fibre ducting for protectively holding and routing one or more optical fibre cables within a building when the optical fibre cables have to be routed around a corner in the building.

b. Related Art In many situations it is necessary to route cables and/or pipes around a premises.

These cables and pipes may include, for example, electrical cables, optical fibre cables and flexible pipes for conveying fluids such as gas and water. Typically these cables and pipes are routed within ducting mounted on surfaces within the premises such as walls.

A number of problems arise when the ducting has to be routed around a corner, which may be either a convex (interior) corner or a concave (exterior) corner. One problem is that some cables and pipes have a minimum recommended bend radius, which if not adhered to, either during or after installation, may cause detects in the cable or pipe, or may even result in permanent damage or breakage of the cable or pipe.

Another problem is that not all corners are at right angles. Some may be approximately a right angle, but still deviate sufficiently trom this that the ducting does not fit around the corner properly. Other corners may be at completely different angles. It is inconvenient if the ducting has to be manually formed on site, for example by assembling sub-units, or by heat-bending, in order to match the ducting to the corner. It would also be inconvenient to provide a kit ot parts having a wide range of pre-tormed angles which could be selected from in order to form the ducting around a corner.

In a particular application to which this invention relates, a multiple occupancy building, for example a multiple dwelling unit such as a block of flats or a business premises having a plurality of business units under one roof, may be served by one or more optical fibre cables each of which contains at least one, but usually several, individual optical fibres. In this specification, each such business unit or premises will be referred to as a "unit". Each optical tibre will normally be protected by buffering or cladding to provide mechanical isolation, protection from physical damage and fibre identitication. In this specification, the term "optical fibre" includes both bare optical fibres and buffered optical fibres. The cable itself will then normally comprise a number of protective layers to guard each ot the buffered optical fibres inside the cable.

The optical fibre cables will normally be routed around a building inside a hollow conduit. All such conduits suitable for protectively holding optical fibre cabling are referred to in this specification as "optical fibre ducting". Such ducting will usually provide a good deal ot protection trom accidental damage and may also have a tire rating so that minor tires do not destroy the cabling. Junction boxes may be provided at intervals along the optical fibre ducting, from which one or more individual optical fibres are routed into a particular unit.

Optical fibre cables may be blown or pulled through ducting, however, this technique has limitations whenever the cabling has to traverse a corner within the building. To allow for future expansion for additional optical fibre connections, it may also be necessary to provide access to the interior of the optical fibre ducting, at least at intervals along the ducting.

Ducting may be surface-mounted to facilitate installation and to provide easy access to the optical fibre cables whenever this is needed. Surface mounted ducting need to conform to the shape of the surface to which it is mounted, for example a vertically extending wall. As discussed above, however, a number of problems arise when the ducting has to be routed around a corner. One particular problem in the case of optical fibres is that the optical fibres have a minimum recommended bend radius which, if not adhered to, may cause unacceptable attenuation of the optical signal carried by each fibre, or may even result in permanent damage to the fibre and complete loss of its signal transmitting capacity.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a more convenient apparatus for routing cables and/or pipes around corners in a building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a surface-mount bracket for routing at least one cable or pipe along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces angled to one another and around a corner separating said supporting surfaces, the bracket comprising an articulated main member and retaining means for retaining said cable or pipe to said main member, wherein: -the main member comprises an elongate first arm, an elongate second arm and an articulation joint, the first arm being joined to said second arm at said joint whereby said arms of the main member are articulated with respect to each other by said joint, the first arm extending away from said joint towards a first end of said main member and the second arm extending away from said joint towards a second end of said main member; -each of said arms has extending along its length a first side and a second side, said sides being opposite sides of each arm, the first side of each arm defining a mounting plane, whereby each of said first sides is securable to one of said substantially planar supporting surfaces when said arms are articulated to make said mounting planes conform to the angle between said pair of supporting surfaces; and -along the length of each of said arms the separation between the second side and the mounting plane varies, said variation in separation being provided by a concave curve in said second side extending away from the respective end of said main member and by a convex curve in said second side extending away from said concave curve towards said joint.

The retaining means may comprise clips. Preferably the retaining means comprises a cover, the cover being removably joined to said main member to provide between said joined cover and main member an elongate protective passage for said at least one optical fibre cable. In this way the bracket forms a duct that can conceal and protect the cable or pipe.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the bracket is for routing at least one optical fibre.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a set of parts for making a surface-mount bracket for routing at least one cable or pipe along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces angled to one another and around a corner separating said supporting surfaces, said set of parts comprising a main member and a plurality of covers, said main member being articulated and having a variable shape depending on the articulation of said main member and said covers being of a plurality of different shapes, each one of said covers being removably joinable to said main member when the shape of said cover matches the shape of said main member as articulated, and each of said covers when joined to said main member providing between said joined cover and main member an elongate protective passage for said at least one cable or pipe, wherein: -the main member comprises an elongate first arm, an elongate second arm and an articulation joint, the first arm being joined to said second arm at said joint whereby said arms of the main member are articulated with respect to each other by said joint, the first arm extending away from said joint towards a first end of said main member and the second arm extending away from said joint towards a second end of said main member; -each of said arms has extending along its length a first side and a second side, said sides being opposite sides of each arm, the first side of each arm defining a mounting plane, whereby each of said first sides is securable to one of said substantially planar supporting surfaces when said arms are articulated to make said mounting planes conform to the angle between said pair of supporting surfaces; and -along the length of each of said arms the separation between the second side and the mounting plane varies, said variation in separation being provided by a concave curve in said second side extending away from the respective end of said main member and by a convex curve in said second side extending away from said concave curve towards said joint.

The cover may be a single-piece component or may be composed of separate pieces, for example which join together, abut or overlap in order to provide protection to the optical cable held within the passage.

The supporting surfaces will most often both be two different and adjacent vertically extending wall surfaces, however, the invention is applicable to other types of paired supporting surfaces either side of a corner, for example a ceiling surface and an adjacent, vertically extending wall surface.

The articulation of said arms may be such that said mounting planes of the first sides of the arms are capable of conforming to a plurality of different obtuse angles, these obtuse angles corresponding to surfaces of a plurality of different interior corners.

The arms will normally each comprise a mounting means by which each arm can be mounted to one of the supporting surfaces. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting means is a hole through each arm with a surrounding seat for engaging with the head of a screw or bolt that is set into the supporting surface.

Obtuse in the context of the present invention means from about 900 up to 1800, as measured between the pair of wall surfaces around the corner.

The articulation of the arms is preferably such that the mounting planes of the first sides of the arms are capable of conforming to a plurality of different reflex angles, these reflex angles corresponding to surfaces of a plurality of different exterior corners.

The term "reflex angle" normally means from 180° up to 360°, although in the context of the present invention, because adjacent wall angles of greater than about 270° are very uncommon, this term "reflex angles" effectively means those angles from 180° up to about 270°, as measured between the pair of wall surfaces around the corner.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the articulation of the two arms is such that the two mounting planes of the two first sides are capable of conforming to a plurality of different angles of the two supporting surfaces, including when the angles are those of at least one interior corner and at least one exterior corner.

The combination of concave and convex curves in the second sides of each of the arms provides a number if benefits, depending on the angle of supporting surfaces. The passage for optical fibre cables can be thought of as having two halves each half being provided in part by one of the arms. When the surface mount duct is to be mounted to surfaces either side of an exterior corner, that is, a convex corner for example having a 2700 external angle, then the two concave second side surfaces cause the course of each half of the passage to be deflected away from the mounting plane and supporting surface, as viewed from an entrance to each half of the passage at either end of the main member. Further into each passage half, each of the second side surfaces then transitions to a convex surface, with the result that the course of the passage then begins to curve back towards the mounting plane and supporting surface, finally meeting the other passage half mid-way between the two ends of the main member.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the course of the passage is substantially symmetric about a mid-point, for all mounting surface angles for which the articulated arms may achieve a fit, between articulation limits of the arms at 90° and 270°. In the case of the external corner having a 270° angle, the convex portions of the two arms are fully separated from each other by the movement of the second sides of the arms away from each other as the arms are articulated to be mounted either side of the external corner. This, together with the deviation of passage so that the course of the passage is directed away from the plane of each mounting surface, allows the bend radius of the optical fibre cable to be increased as compared with a simple passage having a right angle bend at the corner. This allows an acceptable bend radius to be achieved while at the same time rninimising the projection of the ducting away from the mounting surfaces in the vicinity of the external corner.

In the case of the internal corner having a 90° angle, the convex portions of the two arms are moved towards each other by the movement of the second sides of the arms towards each other as the arms are articulated to be mounted either side of the internal corner. This brings the concave parts of the second sides of each arm into proximity with each other, and also rotates these such that, with a suitable choice of concave surface radius, each of the concave surfaces can have a common centre of curvature. The convex sections of the second surface are of no use in this configuration, and may for example fold into one another if these are provided with an inter-engaging grille or mesh. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or both of the convex surfaces is partially truncated, having a hollow portion in the form of slots into which the other convex surface fits when the arms are moved towards one another in this configuration. In either case, the result is that the course of the passage follows a continuous, and preferably constant radius, curve spaced sufficiently far from the internal corner that the bend radius of the optical fibre cable is increased to an acceptable level as compared with a simple passage having a right angle bend at the corner. At the same time, the projection of the ducting is minimised in the direction away from the mounting surfaces in the vicinity of the internal corner.

The articulation joint may comprise a pivot axis which is parallel to each of the mounting planes for the two arms.

As mentioned above, the convex curve of the second side of the second arm may be truncated in part to the allow the convex curve of the second side of the first arm to fit against the second arm when the articulation of the two arms is such that the two mounting planes of the two first sides are capable of conforming to an obtuse angle corresponding to surfaces of an interior corner.

Preferably, for at least one of the arms, the concave curve of the second side blends into the convex curve of the second side to form a reverse curve in the second side of said arm. In this respect, it should be noted that a "reverse curve" is the general name of any S-shaped curve produced by the joining of two curves that turn in opposite directions.

Preferably, when the articulation of the two arms is such that the two mounting planes of the two first sides are capable of conforming to a reflex angle corresponding to surfaces of an exterior corner, the elongate passage follows two joined reverse curves around the corner.

It is also preferable if, when the articulation of the two arms is such that the two mounting planes of the two first sides are capable of conforming to an obtuse angle corresponding to surfaces of an interior corner, the elongate passage follows a substantially uniform curve around the corner.

Preferably, in at least one of the two arms, the concave curve in the second side is adjacent, and most preferably directly adjacent, the convex curve in the second side. The concave and convex curves may therefore meet at an inflection point so that these two curves blend into one another, without a separate straight portion between the two curves.

Also preferably, in at least one of the two arms, the concave curve in the second side and the convex curve in the second side meet mid-way along the length of the arm.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, in the first arm, these two curves each extend along the second side for up to half the length of the arm.

Each arm may have a pair of opposite lateral sides. Each of these lateral sides may then extend along at least some of the length of each arm and also extend between the first and second sides. The cover may then be removably joined to the main member along these lateral sides of each of the two arms.

The cover and the lateral sides may have, in between edge portions of the cover and corresponding portions of each of the lateral sides, one or more inter-engaging features which when engaged with each other removably join the cover to the main member. These inter-engaging features may extend along the lateral sides only in a region of the lateral sides adjacent the concave curve in the second side of each arm.

The cover may have a pair of opposite side walls and a base wall. The base wall may then extend between the side walls such that these walls define three corresponding sides of the passage. A fourth side of the passage is then defined by the second side of each of the arms.

The cover may be a substantially U-shaped channel.

The side walls of the cover may optionally be slotted whereby the cover can flex to accommodate a range of articulation between said arms. The slots may be parallel cuts in each side wall or may be V-shaped cut-outs in the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view of a surface-mount bracket according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, having an articulated main member and a removable cover, for routing at least one optical fibre cable along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces either side of a corner, which is here a 2700 external corner; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 1, with the cover shown separated from the main member; Figures 3 and 4 are, respectively front and rear perspective views of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 1, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 5 is a top view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 1, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 6 is a side view of the surface-mount bracket, along line VI-VI of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top view of a surface-mount bracket according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, having the same articulated main member as the first embodiment but configured to fit a 900 internal corner, and with a removable cover suitable for this internal corner; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 7, with the cover shown separated from the main member; Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 7, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 10 is a top view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 7, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 11 is a side view of the surface-mount bracket, along line Xl-Xl of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a variation of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 7, in which the removable cover has a series of V-shaped slots on either side of a U-shaped channel, so that the removable cover can be made flexible in order to fit different configurations of the articulated main member, and also readily cut to length between the slots as required for the different configurations; Figure 13 is a top view of a surface-mount bracket according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the main member secured to an external corner and showing a cable retained to the main member by means of clips; Figure 14 is a top view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 13, showing the main member secured to an internal corner; Figure 15 is a top view of a surface-mount bracket according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, having the same articulated main member as the previous embodiments but configured to fit a 225° external corner, and with a removable cover suitable for this external corner; Figure 16 is a perspective view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 15, with the cover shown separated from the main member; Figure 17 is a view from above of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 15, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 18 is a perspective view from above of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 15, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 19 is a view of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 15 when attached to wall surfaces either side of a corner, and connected at either end of the articulated main member to straight sections of ducting.

Figure 20 is a top view of a surface-mount bracket according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, having the same articulated main member as the previous embodiments but configured to fit a 135° internal corner, and with a removable cover suitable for this internal corner; Figure 21 is a perspective view from above and one end of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 20, with the cover shown separated from the main member; Figure 22 is a perspective view from above of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 20, with the cover shown attached to the main member; Figure 23 is a perspective view from above and one end of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 20, with the cover shown joined to the main member; and Figure 24 is a view from above of the surface-mount bracket of Figure 20, with the cover shown attached to the main member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 6 show a surface-mount bracket 1 for routing at least one cable or pipe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the bracket 1 is shown routing an optical fibre cable 2; however, it will be appreciated that the bracket 1 may also be used to support and retain other cables, for example electrical cables, as well as pipes, for example ducts being used to convey cables or flexible pipes conveying fluids such as water and gas.

As shown in Figure 1, the surface-mount bracket 1 allows the at least one optical fibre cable 2 to be routed along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces 4 angled to one another and around a corner separating the supporting surfaces 4.

These supporting surfaces 4 are most typically vertical walls in a building, but may be any other supporting surfaces meeting at a corner.

The bracket 1 comprises an articulated main member 6 and retaining means 7 in the form of a cover 8 which is removably joined to the main member 6 to provide, between the cover 8 and main member 6, an elongate protective passage 10 (Figure 4) for at least one optical fibre cable 2. In this way, in this example, the bracket 1 forms a surface mountable optical fibre duct.

The main member 6 comprises an elongate first arm 12, an elongate second arm 14 and an articulation joint 16. The first arm 12 is joined to the second arm 14 at the joint 16 so that the arms 12, 14 of the main member 6 are articulated with respect to each other.

In this example the arms 12, 14 are pivotably joined and the joint 16 includes a pivot 18 which defines a pivot axis 20 which, in use, will normally be parallel with the edge of a corner about which the main member 6 is mounted. The pivot 18 includes a pivot pin that extends through respective holes in each of the first and second arms 12, 14. Advantageously, the pivot 18 allows the first and second arms 12, 14 to freely rotate about the pivot axis 20 and move with respect to each other such that an angle defined between the first and second arms 12, 14 can take any value between, for example, 50° and 280°, and more preferably between 90° and 270°.

It will be appreciated, however, that the articulation between the first and second arms 12, 14 may be achieved using any suitable mechanism or means and is not limited to a pivot. For example, the first and second arms 12, 14 may be integrally formed and a natural hinge, comprising a flexible portion of the main member 6, may be formed between the first and second arms 12, 14. In some embodiments the first and second arms 12, 14 may be joined together by an elastomeric member or portion.

The first arm 12 extends away from the joint 16 towards a first end 24 of the main member 6 and the second arm 14 extends away from the joint 16 towards a second end 26 of the main member 6. Each of the arms 12, 14 has, extending along its length, opposite first and second sides 28, 30. The first side 28 of each arm 12, 14 defines a mounting plane 32 (shown in Figure 5), whereby each of the first sides 28 is securable to one of the substantially planar supporting surfaces 4 when the arms 12, 14 are articulated to make the mounting planes 32 conform to the angle between the pair of supporting surfaces 4. The first side 28 may be substantially solid and planar or alternatively may include one or more cavities to reduce the amount of material used to form the main member 6, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The separation between the second side 30 and the mounting plane 32 varies along the length of each of the two arms 12, 14. This lengthwise variation in separation is provided by a concave curved surface portion 34 in the second side that extends away from the respective end 24, 26 of the main member 6 and by a convex curved surface portion 36 in the second side 30 that extends away from the concave curved surface portion 34 towards the articulation joint 16.

In this example the concave curved portion 34 of the second side 30 is continuous with the convex curved portion 36 of the second side 30 to form a reverse curve, or S-shaped curve, in the second side 30 of each arm 12, 14.

The first and second arms 12, 14 further include a pair of opposite lateral sides 38, 40. Each of these lateral sides 38, 40 extends along the length of each arm 12, 14 and between the first and second sides 28, 30. In this example, a part of each of the lateral sides 38, 40 protrudes beyond the second side 30 such that the second side 30 and a part of each of the lateral sides 38, 40 forms a channel 42 of the main member 6, as shown most clearly in Figure 2. The channel 42 is preferably substantially U-shaped in at least the concave portion 34 of each of the arms 12, 14.

To form the pivot joint 16, the convex portion 36 of each of the arms 12, 14 includes fingers or tines 44 which interleave with each other, as shown in Figure 2.

In this example, the arms 12, 14 are identical and each of the arms 12, 14 includes two tines 44 separated by a corresponding gap or slot 46. A hole is formed in each tine 44 for receiving a pivot pin as described above. The tines 44 are offset and positioned such that a first tine 44' oteach arm 12, 14 comprises one of the lateral sides 38 and the opposing lateral side 40 of the arm 12, 14 is truncated to form a shoulder 48. When the arms 12, 14 are joined together the tines 44 interleave such that the second tine 44" of each arm 12, 14 is received in the slot 46 between the tines 44 of the other arm 12, 14. Furthermore, the first tines 44' are accommodated by the respective truncated lateral sides 40 of the other arm 12, 14. In this way, the lateral side 38 of the first arm 12 is contiguous with the lateral side 40 of the second arm 14, and the lateral side 38 of the second arm 14 is contiguous with the lateral side 40 of the first arm 12.

The tines 44 are, therefore, able to slide past and over one another when the second sides 30 of the arms 12, 14 are folded towards one another to conform the main member 6 to an internal corner as described below. In particular, the truncated lateral side 40 of each arm 12, 14 allows the first tine 44' of the other arm 12, 14 to move without interference. In a preferred embodiment the shoulder 48 has a shape corresponding to the shape of a part of the first tine 44'.

Although this partial truncation of the convex surfaces 36 of each of the second sides 30 does mean that these sides 30 do not present a continuous surface to the optical fibre cable within the passage 10 when the arms 12, 14 are rotated to conform with an external corner (as shown in Figure 2), this does not present any problems in terms of guiding the path or location of the cable 2 within the passage 10, as any gaps in the second side 30 are relatively short as compared with the bendability or flexibility of the cable 2.

It will of course be appreciated that the joint may be formed in any suitable manner. For example each arm 12, 14 may include a greater number of tines, or may include only one tine spanning half of the width of the second side 30.

Furthermore, the tines 44 may be formed with inter-engaging features that snap together to form a pivot when the tines 44 of the first and second arms 12, 14 are interleaved. For example, a protrusion may extend from the first tine 44' of one arm that engages with a corresponding recess in the second tine 44" of the other arm, with some flexing of the tines 44 permitting the protrusion and recess to engage once the first and second arms 12, 14 have been pushed together. This snap fit method of forming the pivot has the advantage of not requiring an additional pivot pin as described above.

As mentioned above an advantageous feature of the main member 6 is that the two arms 12, 14 are identical, thereby reducing the number of different components that need to be manufactured to form the main member 6.

Each of the arms 12, 14 also includes mounting means by which each arm 12, 14 can be mounted or secured to one of the supporting surfaces 4. In this embodiment, the mounting means is a hole 50 extending fully through each arm 12, 14 between the first and second sides 28, 30, for receiving a screw 52. A surrounding seat 54 is provided around the hole 50 to provide a recess in the second side 30 for receiving the head of the screw 52, such that the screw 52 is recessed within the main member 6 and does not protrude into the channel 42.

To secure the main member 6 to the supporting surfaces 4, a screw 52 or bolt is introduced through the hole 50 so that the head of the screw or bolt is seated. The screw or bolt may then be secured into plugs 56 set into the walls or supporting surfaces, for example, or screwed directly into the supporting surfaces 4.

In other embodiments other mounting means may be provided. Alternatively the main member 6 may be secured to the supporting surface 4 using any suitable means, such as an adhesive.

As shown most clearly in Figures 1 and 5, when the main member 6 is mounted around an external corner, the curved surfaces of the second sides 30 of the arms 12, 14 are such that, as a cable 2 passes around the corner from the first end 24 of the main member 6 to the second end 26, a concave curved portion 34 of the first arm 12 initially causes the cable to be deflected in a direction away from the supporting surface 4. The convex curved portions 36 of the arms 12, 14 are shaped so that, in a central region of the main member 6 proximate the articulation joint 16, the main member 6 has a convex continuously curved portion having a substantially constant radius of curvature. The cable 2 is then guided by this convex curved portion around the corner. Preferably the curvature of the convex curved portions 36 of each of the arms 12, 14 is such that this central region of the main member 6 has a radius of curvature, or bend radius, that is substantially larger than the radius of curvature of the original corner formed by the supporting surfaces 4. In this way, the main member 6 limits the curvature or bending of the cable 2 around the corner to minimise the likelihood of damage to the cable. Once the cable 2 has passed around the corner, the concave curved portion 34 of the second arm 14 then directs the cable 2 to extend away from the corner substantially parallel to the supporting surface 4 to which the second arm 14 is secured.

Preferably the main member 6 is made from a plastics material. The main member 6 may be formed by injection moulding.

In some applications it is desirable to conceal the cable or pipes within the bracket 1 and a cover 8 is, therefore, provided that is removably securable to the main member 6. The cover 8 comprises an elongate member having a base wall portion and side wall portions integrally formed and extending from the base portion such that the cover has a generally U-shaped cross-section transverse to its longitudinal axis. The cover 8 has a shape that corresponds to the resultant shape of the channel 42 when the main member 6 is secured around an external corner.

In this embodiment the cover 8 is secured to the main member 6 by attachment means provided on the lateral sides 38, 40 of the main member 6 and edge portions of the cover 8. The attachment means comprises inter-engaging features including a groove 58 formed in the lateral sides 38,40 of each of the arms 12, 14 and corresponding protrusions formed on the edges of the cover 8. When the cover 8 is pressed over the main member 6, the cover 8 flexes to permit the protrusions to slide over an edge portion of the lateral sides 38, 40 and engage with the grooves 58 to retain the cover 8 over the main member 6. In this way, the channel 42 of the main member 6 and the U-shaped cover 8 together form a protective and concealed passageway 10 through which the cable 2 extends.

In this example the grooves 58 extend along the lateral sides 38, 40 only in a region of the lateral sides adjacent the concave curve in the second side 30 of each arm 12, 14. As such, it is not necessary to press fit the cover 8 to the main member 6 along the whole length of the cover 8, but instead the cover 8 may be clipped to the main member 6 only along end regions of the cover 8.

The cover 8 made be made of a substantially rigid material to provide crush protection to the cables or pipes held by the bracket 1, or alternatively the cover 8 may be made of a flexible or elastomeric material to permit the cover 8 to be fitted to the main member 6 when the arms 12, 14 of the main member 6 are at different angles to each other, as described in more detail below.

A second embodiment of a surface mount bracket 101 of the present invention is shown in Figures 7 to 11. The bracket 101 comprises a main member 106 and a cover 108 which is releasably securable to the main member 106. The main member 106 is the same as the main member 6 described in relation to the first embodiment above and will not be described further here.

In this embodiment, the arms 112, 114 of the main member 106 are angled with respect to each other such that the angle between the mounting planes 132 of the arms 112, 114 is about 270°. In this way, the main member 106 is configured to be secured around an internal corner as shown in Figure 7.

When the main member 106 is mounted around an internal corner, having an angle of substantially 90°, the convex portions 136 of the two arms 112, 114 are moved to overlap each other by the movement of the second sides 130 of the arms 112, 114 towards each other. This brings the concave portions 134 of the second sides 130 of each arm 112, 114 into proximity with each other. The curvature of the concave surface portions 134 is preferably designed such that, when the angle between the mounting planes 132 of the arms 112, 114 is about 270°, both of the concave surfaces 134 have a common centre of curvature.

Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the concave surfaces 134 is preferably substantially larger than the radius of curvature of the internal corner. In this way, -20 -the main member 106 limits the curvature or bending of the cable 102 around the corner to minimise the likelihood of damage to the cable 102.

As described in relation to the first embodiment, a cover 108 is used to conceal the cable 102 within the bracket 101. The cover 108 is similar to that described above in relation to embodiment 1.

The cover 108 of this embodiment differs from the cover 8 of the first embodiment in that the cover 108 is curved in generally the opposite direction to the first cover 8 in order to conform to the concave curvature of the main member 106 when the main member 106 is secured around an internal corner. In particular a length of a base wall portion of the cover 108 is less than a length of free edges of the side wall portions.

The cover 108 is secured to the main member 106 in the same way as described above in relation to the first embodiment. In particular the inter-engaging features include a groove 158 formed in the lateral sides 138, 140 of each of the arms 112, 114 and corresponding protrusion or flange 159 formed along the each edge of the cover 108, as shown most clearly in Figure 8.

A variation on the second embodiment in shown in Figure 12. In this variation, as in the previous embodiments, the cover 208 comprises a base wall portion and side wall portions integrally formed with the base wall portion such that the cover has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape transverse to a longitudinal axis.

In this variation a plurality of slots or notches 270 are formed in the side wall portions of the cover 208. In this example the notches 270 are V-shaped cut-outs that extend for the full depth of the cover. Hinges are thereby formed in the base wall portion of the cover coincident with the notches. These hinges are preferably natural hinges formed by regions of the base wall. The notches 270 allow the cover 208 to flex to accommodate a range of articulation between the arms 212, 214 of the main member 206.

-21 -In a third embodiment of the invention the surface mount bracket 301 comprises a main member 306 and retaining means 307 in the form of clips 360. The cable 302 or pipe is retained within the channel 342 of the main member 306 by the clips 360, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. The main member 306 is substantially the same as that described in relation to the first and second embodiments and will not be described further in relation to this embodiment.

The clips 360 are generally U-shaped having two arm portions. The clips 360 are releasably attached to the main member 306 by means of inter-engaging features in a similar manner to the cover 8 described above in relation to the first embodiment. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of parallel grooves 362 are formed in an end region of the lateral sides 338, 340 of the main member 306.

Once a cable 302 or pipe has been laid within the channel 342 of the main member 306, a clip 360 is pressed over the cable or pipe so that the ends of the arms of the clip 360 engage with one of the grooves 362. Providing a plurality of grooves 362 allows the clips 360 to be engaged in different positions so as to be able to retain different sizes of cable and/or pipe within the bracket 301.

Fourth and fifth embodiments are shown in Figures 15 to 19 and Figures 20 to 24 respectively. The surface mount brackets 401, 501 of these embodiments are substantially the same as those described in relation to the first and second embodiments and identical features will not be described further.

In these embodiments the covers 408, 508 are shaped so as to conform to resultant shape of the main member 406, 506 when the main member 406, 506 is secured around a 225° external corner and a 1350 internal corner respectively.

These embodiments illustrate the potentially large range of differently shaped covers that are required to engage with the main member of the surface mount bracket depending on the angle between the supporting surfaces.

If it is desirable to form the brackets with rigid or substantially rigid covers, for -22 -example for crush protection, then in order to accommodate a range of internal and external corners having different angles between the supporting surfaces, it is necessary to have a plurality of covers that are each shaped to conform to the main member when the arms of the main member are articulated to different angles.

Even if the covers are formed of a flexible or elastomeric material it is still likely to be necessary or preferable to provide at least two differently shaped covers corresponding generally to the resultant shape of the main member when it is secured around an internal corner and an external corner.

Finally, Figure 19 illustrates how a surface mount bracket 401 of the fourth embodiment may be connected at its ends 424, 426 to two further surface mount brackets or ducting 480. These further brackets or ducting 480 may be for supporting the cable or pipe around a neighbouring internal or external corner or along a planar section of supporting surface or wall.

An adjacent length of ducting 480 is positioned end to end with the surface mount bracket 401. A single clip 482 is then secured to adjacent end regions of the ducting 480 and bracket 401 so as to secure the ducting 480 and bracket 401 together. Preferably corresponding inter-engaging features are provided on the end regions of the bracket 401 and ducting 480 and the clip 482. In this way a substantially continuous support for the cable or pipe may be formed around the walls of a premises.

The invention therefore provides a convenient and economical apparatus for routing optical fibre cables around corners in a building.

Claims

-23 -CLAIMS1. A surface-mount bracket for routing at least one cable or pipe along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces angled to one another and around a corner separating said supporting surfaces, the bracket comprising an articulated main member and retaining means for retaining said cable or pipe to said main member, wherein: -the main member comprises an elongate first arm, an elongate second arm and an articulation joint, the first arm being joined to said second arm at said joint whereby said arms of the main member are articulated with respect to each other by said joint, the first arm extending away from said joint towards a first end of said main member and the second arm extending away from said joint towards a second end of said main member; -each of said arms has extending along its length a first side and a second side, said sides being opposite sides of each arm, the first side of each arm defining a mounting plane, whereby each of said first sides is securable to one of said substantially planar supporting surfaces when said arms are articulated to make said mounting planes conform to the angle between said pair of supporting surfaces; and -along the length of each of said arms the separation between the second side and the mounting plane varies, said variation in separation being provided by a concave curve in said second side extending away from the respective end of said main member and by a convex curve in said second side extending away from said concave curve towards said joint.
2. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 1, in which the retaining means comprises a cover, the cover being removably joined to said main member to provide between said joined cover and main member an elongate protective passage for said at least one cable or pipe.
3. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the bracket is for routing at least one optical fibre cable.

-24 -
4. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the articulation of said arms is such that said mounting planes of said first sides are capable of conforming to a plurality of different obtuse angles, said angles corresponding to surfaces of a plurality of different interior corners.
5. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, in which the articulation of said arms is such that said mounting planes of said first sides are capable of conforming to a plurality of different reflex angles, said angles corresponding to surfaces of a plurality of different exterior corners.
6. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the articulation of said arms is such that said mounting planes of said first sides are capable ot conforming to a plurality of different angles, said angles corresponding to surfaces of at least one interior corner and at least one exterior corner.
7. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 6, in which said at least one interior corner comprises a 900 interior corner.
8. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, in which said at least one exterior corner comprises a 2700 exterior corner.
9. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said articulation joint comprises a pivot axis, said pivot axis being parallel to each of said mounting planes.
10. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the convex curve of the second side of the at least one arm is truncated in part to the allow the convex curve of the second side of the other arm to fit against the truncated part when the articulation of said arms is such that said mounting planes of said first sides are capable of conforming to an obtuse angle corresponding to surfaces of an interior corner.

-25 -
11. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which, for at least one of said arms, said concave curve blends into said convex curve to form a reverse curve in the second side of said arm.
12. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which, when the articulation of said arms is such that said mounting planes of said first sides are capable of conforming to a reflex angle corresponding to surfaces of an exterior corner, the elongate passage follows two joined reverse curves around said corner.
13. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which, when the articulation of said arms is such that said mounting planes of said first sides are capable of conforming to an obtuse angle corresponding to surfaces of an interior corner, the concave curves of said first and second arms follows a substantially uniform curve around said corner.
14. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 13, when dependent on Claim 2, in which the elongate passage follows a substantially uniform curve around said corner.
15. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which in at least one of said arms said concave curve in said second side is adjacent said convex curve in said second side.
16. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which in at least one of said arms said concave curve in said second side and said convex curve in said second side meet mid-way along the length of said arm.
17. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each arm has a pair of opposite lateral sides, each of said lateral sides extending along at least some of the length of each arm and between said first and second sides, -26 -the retaining means being removably attached to said lateral sides.
18. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 17, when dependent on Claim 2, in which the cover is removably joined to said main member along said lateral sides of each of said arms.
19. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18, in which the retaining means and said lateral sides have therebetween inter-engaging features which when engaged with each other removably join the retaining means to said main member, said inter-engaging features being provided along said lateral sides only adjacent the concave curve in said second side.
20. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on Claim 2, in which the cover has a pair of opposite side walls and a base wall, the base wall extending between the side walls such that said walls define three corresponding sides of said passage, a fourth side of said passage being defined by said second side of each of said arms.
21. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in Claim 20, in which said side walls are slotted whereby the cover can flex to accommodate a range of articulation between said arms.
22. A surface-mount bracket as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on Claim 2, in which the cover is of an elastomeric material.
23. A set of parts for making a surface-mount bracket for routing at least one cable or pipe along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces angled to one another and around a corner separating said supporting surfaces, said set of parts comprising a main member and a plurality of covers, said main member being articulated and having a variable shape depending on the articulation of said main member and said covers being of a plurality of different shapes, each one of said covers being removably joinable to said main member when the shape of said -27 -cover matches the shape of said main member as articulated, and each of said covers when joined to said main member providing between said joined cover and main member an elongate protective passage for said at least one cable or pipe, wherein: -the main member comprises an elongate first arm, an elongate second arm and an articulation joint, the first arm being joined to said second arm at said joint whereby said arms of the main member are articulated with respect to each other by said joint, the first arm extending away from said joint towards a first end of said main member and the second arm extending away from said joint towards a second end of said main member; -each of said arms has extending along its length a first side and a second side, said sides being opposite sides of each arm, the first side of each arm defining a mounting plane, whereby each of said first sides is securable to one of said substantially planar supporting surfaces when said arms are articulated to make said mounting planes conform to the angle between said pair of supporting surfaces; and -along the length of each of said arms the separation between the second side and the mounting plane varies, said variation in separation being provided by a concave curve in said second side extending away from the respective end of said main member and by a convex curve in said second side extending away from said concave curve towards said joint.
24. A surface-mount bracket for routing at least one cable or pipe along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces angled to one another and around a corner separating said supporting surfaces, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in the drawings.
25. A set of parts for making a surface-mount bracket for routing at least one cable or pipe along a pair of substantially planar supporting surfaces angled to one another and around a corner separating said supporting surfaces, substantially as herein described, with reference to or as shown in the drawings.