GB2527485A

GB2527485A - A cable support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2527485A
Application number: GB1402640.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tony Doyle
Original assignee: HellermannTyton Ltd
Current assignee: HellermannTyton Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-14
Filing date: 2014-02-14
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-14
Also published as: GB2527485B; GB201402640D0

Abstract

A cable securing bracket 22 is provided for securing to an overhead mounting feature of a vehicle comprising spaced mounting elements 2, 12. The bracket has a body (24) having opposed ends configured for attachment to the spaced mounting elements and a support section (26) to supporting and secure one or more cable conduits (76, Fig 7). A connector (30) is provided at a first end of the bracket body for connection to a first one of the spaced mounting elements, whereas one or more resiliently flexible arms (54, 56) extend outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the second mounting element. The resiliently flexible arms are arranged to flex outwardly away from the second end in a direction away from the first end during connection such that when the bracket is connected the flexible arms provide a returning inwardly directed biasing force in the direction of the first end. Cable can be secured to the bracket with cable ties.

Description

A CABLE SUPPORT APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a cable support apparatus, and in particular a retaining bracket for supporting cables within a vehicle.

Passenger vehicles such as buses and coaches require significant lengths of cabling extending substantially the full length of the vehicle to supply power to in-vehicle services such as lighting, heating and ventilation. Cabling must be channelled within the vehicle such that it is obscured from view and protected from damage. It is therefore common to channel cabling the length of a coach or bus along the ceiling.

Aluminium extrusions are typically secured to the roof section of the frame of the vehicle.

Such extrusions may include attachment points for ceiling panelling and lighting, as well as defining cable channels, Due to the movement and vibration of the vehicle the cabling, which is generally bundles and secured within cable conduits, must be secured within the cable channels to prevent movement that could cause noise and potential damage to the cables.

It is known to provide brackets to secure cable conduits to an extruded ceiling channel.

An example of a known bracket is shown in Figure 1, The bracket 101 comprises an elongate aluminium strip having opposed terminal ends 104 and 106. The first end 104 is bent through approximately 900 to form a foot 108 that is screwed to a first extrusion channel 110 connected to the vehicle roof. The second end 106 is bent through approximately 1800 to form a hook 112. A main support horizontal support section 114 is vertically spaced below the ends 104 and 106 by laterally spaced arm sections 116.

Apertures 118 are formed in and spaced alongthe length of the bracket 101.

In use the hook 112 is firstly hooked into engagement with a corresponding longitudinally extending lip 120 of the extrusion. A second longitudinally extending extrusion 122 is spaced above the lip 120. As the hook 112 is rotated into position over the lip 120 the elbow 124 of the hook section engages the upper extrusion 122 in a push fit engagement to hold the hook 112 in position. The opposing end 104 is then rotated upwardly until the foot 108 is in position against the corresponding extrusion channel 110 and then screwed in position. Cable conduits may then be run along the vehicle and supported on the upper surface of the support section 114. Cable ties or similar fastenings are then passed through the apertures 118 in the bracket 101 to secure the conduits to the bracket 101.

The conduits may only be secured at the sides of the bracket in limited positions, and the formation of apertures in the body of the bracket results in a weakening of the bracket and can be awkward to access to feed a tie through when the conduits are in position on the bracket.

Due to the direct metal on metal contact with the extrusions, the bracket 101 is prone to rattle. Any loosening of the screw fastening may lead to rattle of the foot 108 against the extrusion 110. Furthermore, material flow and fatigue of the hook end 112 leads to a loose engagement between the hook 112 and the extrusions 120 and 122, due to the is hook 112 being passively engaged with the extrusion. This also leads to rattle of the bracket which is extremely undesirable in a passenger vehicle as it causes an audible annoyance.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved cable securement bracket which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally.

According to the present invention there is provided as described in the accompanying claims.

In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cable securernent bracket for securing to an overhead mounting feature of a vehicle comprising spaced mounting element. The bracket comprises a bracket body having opposed ends configured for securement to the spaced mounting elements. The body has a support section spanning between the opposed ends for supporting and securement to by one or more cables. A connector is provided at a first end of the bracket body for connection to a first one of the spaced mounting elements. A resiliently flexible arm extends outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the second mounting element. The resiliently flexible arm is arranged to flex outwardly away from the second end in a direction away from the first end during connection such that when the bracket is connected the flexible arm provides a returning inwardly directed biasing force in the direction of the first end.

The body section is rigid, and the resilient returning force provided by the flexible arm places the connected bracket into active biasing engagement with the corresponding mounting elements. This ensures constant contact between the bracket and the to mounting elements, thereby preventing loosening and more importantly rattle between the components.

The flexible arm is preferably connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during is connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal and proximal ends is expanded. This bent, hinged arrangement allows the arm to be pivoted open during flexing by increasing the relative lateral length of the flexible arm to create the desired returning biasing force.

The flexible arm preferably includes a hook section at its distal end to hook and laterally engage the corresponding mounting point to provide an inward lateral biasing force. Here the term lateral refers to the spanning direction between the mounting elements across which the bracket is longitudinally extended. In use the longitudinal direction of the cable conduits runs transverse to this lateral direction and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the bracket.

The distal end of the flexible arm preferably bends inwardly in the direction of the body section, thereby enabling the arm to grip a corresponding mounting feature while biasing in the inward direction.

The distance between the central axis of the connector of the first end and the inner edge of the hook section of the flexible arm in the non-flexed condition is selected to be less than the distance between the central axis of the connection point of the first mounting element, and the engagement edge of the second mounting element against which the s flexible arm biases, In this way, with the distal end of the flexible arm in engagement with the second mounting point in use, the flexible arm is caused to flex as the connector is moved into engagement with the corresponding mounting point in order to span the gap between the two mounting points. It is this flexing that results in the required lateral biasing force.

The cable securement bracket preferably comprises a second flexible arm extending outwardly awayfrom the bracket body at the second end for engagement with a third mounting point, the second flexible arm being spaced outwardly of the first flexible arm along the length of the bracket. Here the term outwardly' means further towards the distal end than the first flexible arm. The third mounting point may be a second part of the second mounting element.

The second flexible arm is connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal end proximal ends is expanded. The first and second flexible arms are substantially v-shaped, with the elbow being arranged uppermost in use. The arms extend from the outer surface of the arm section of the second end of the body section in a substantially parallel relationship to each other. The height of the flexible arms is defined by the vertical distance from the distal end to the upper edge of the elbow. The flexible arms are arranged such that when they flex outwardly, their height simultaneously decreases.

The second flexible arm may be configured to in use engage the corresponding mounting element in a flexed condition when the bracket is connected and to provide a biasing force against the mounting element in a direction substantially orthogonal to the biasing force of the first flexible arm when so engaged, The bracket body is preferably elongate and comprises an elongate central body section s defining the longitudinal axis of the bracket and parallel arm section extending perpendicularly relative to the central body section at either end thereof. The body section has an inner wall and an outer wall which in use face upwardly and downwardly respectively. The flexible arms extend longitudinally outwards from the outer wall at the second end of the body section relative to the longitudinal axis of the body section. The arms are arranged such that they extend in an upwardly angled direction way from the body towards the elbow, and form there downwardly in substantially the same but oppositely arranged angle.

The connector may comprise a connector head having a pair of flexible connector arms extending outwardly from the connector head in a rearward direction with the distal ends of the flexible connector arms being spaced from the connection head and able to flex inwardly towards the connector head. Here the term rearwardly' means in the return direction back along the length of the bracket.

The connector preferably further comprises a flange section spaced inwardly along the length of the bracket from the distal ends of the flexible connector arms, the flange comprising a base and flexible wings located either side of the base angled forwardly along the length of bracket towards the distal first end and able to flex rearwardly.

The connector preferably extends coaxially from the distal end of the arm section of the first end of the body section in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of the flexible arms. As such, the insertion direction of the connection is aligned with the direction of rotation of the first end when the bracket is pivoted about the distal end of the first flexible arm. The flexible arms are substantially v-shaped, but extend a lateral distance in token in a perpendicular direction away from the outer wall of the second end of the bracket that is taken to be the direction of extension of the arms.

A plurality of apertures is preferably formed by the bracket that are configured to receive one or more attachment straps for securing a cable conduit to the bracket. The apertures are preferably defined by a plurality of loops extending from at least one side wall of the S bracket.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a cable securement apparatus comprising first and second mounting elements configured to be secured to a common surface in a spaced arrangement. A cable securement bracket is configured to connect to the spaced first and second mounting elements, The bracket comprises a bracket body having opposed ends configured for securenient to the spaced mounting elements, the body having a support section spanning between the terminal ends for supporting and securement to by one or more cables. A connector is provided at a first end of the bracket body for connection to one of the mounting elements. A resiliently flexible arm extends is outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the second mounting element. The resiliently flexible arm is arranged to flex outwardly away from the second end in a direction away towards the second mounting element and away from the first end during connection such that when connected the flexible arm provides an inwardly directed biasing force against the second mounting element in the direction of the first end.

The mounting element preferably comprises a first mounting section including an elongate projection that is preferably a ridge extending laterally inwards towards the first mounting element and having an upturned lip at its free edge. The flexible arm is connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal and proximal ends is expanded. A hook section is provided at the distal end of the flexible arm to hook and laterally engage the inner edge of the upturned lip of the second mountIng element to provide an inward lateral biasing force. The expandable flexible form of the arm allows the bracket to expend in width to hook the corresponding lip of the ridge, and in doing so generates a lateral biasing force to secure the bracket in engagement with the roof mounting elements which are preferably aluminium extrusions.

The distance between the connector of the first terminal end and the hook section of the flexible arm in the non-flexed condition is preferably selected to be less than the distance between the connection point of the first mounting element and the inner edge of the lip of the second mountain element, such that with the distal end of the flexible arm in engagement with the lip the flexible arm is caused to flex as the connector moved into engagement with the connection point of the first mounting element.

The first mounting section includes a second ridge arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship with the first ridge and arranged such that in use the second ridge is spaced vertically above the first ridge. The bracket comprises a second flexible arm extending outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the is second ridge, the second flexible arm being distally spaced from the first flexible arm along the length of the bracket. The second flexible arm may be connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal end proximal ends is expanded. The second flexible arm is configured to engage the upper surface of the second ridge when the first flexible arm engages the lip of the first ridge. Engagement of the second flexible arm with the second ridge provides a further point of biased engagement with the mounting elements to further stabilise and secure the bracket in position.

The first mounting section may include an upper end configured to secure to the common surface that is preferably a roof panel. The first mounting section is preferably arranged such that when secured to said common surface by the upper end a channel is defined between the common surface and the second ridge, with the ridge being parallel to the roof panel and the height of the channel being less than the height of the flexible arm, so such that as the second flexible arm is urged into the channel it is caused to expand laterally and compress vertically thereby creating a resulting vertical biasing force imparted by the second flexible arm against the upper and lower surfaces of the channel within which it is received. The second mounting element preferably includes a flange for securement to the rood panel with the body of the mounting element extending perpendicularly downwards from the flange in use, the ridges extending laterally inwards from the main body section inwards the first mounting element.

The second mounting section preferably comprises an elongate channel arranged parallel to the first mounting section, the channel including a longitudinally extending opening configured to receive the bracket connector, the bracket connector comprising a connector head configured to be received through the opening of the channel and a pair of flexible connector arms extending outwardly from the connector head in a rearward direction with the distal ends of the flexible connector arms being spaced from the connection head and able to flex inwardly towards the connector head as the head extends into the channel, and to return to their original unflexed condition when the is head is received in the channel to retain the head within the channel. As such the connector is able to be pushed fitted into the channel in a quick and easy operation.

The connector may further comprise a flange section spaced inwardly along the length of the bracket from the distal ends of the flexible connector arms, the flange comprising a base and flexible wings located either side of the base angled forwardly along the length of bracket towards the distal first end and configured flex rearwardly on engagement with an outer surface of channel to bias the flexible arms into engagement with the channel.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following illustrative figures in which: Figure lisa cable support bracket of the prior art; Figure 2 shows a cable support bracket and roof extrusion arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a front view of the bracket of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the flexible arms of the brackets of Figure 3; FigureS shows a bracket according to an embodiment of the Invention in a first installation position; Figure 6 shows the bracket of FigureS in a second installation position; and is Figure 7 shows a fully installed set of bracket according to an embodiment of the invention supporting a cable conduit in use.

Referring to Figure 2, a roof extrusion for a passenger vehicle such as a bus or coach comprises a first extruded mounting section 2 and a second mounting section 12. The first mounting section 2 is a channel section comprising side walls 4 interconnected by an upper wall 6. The side walls 4 bend inwardly through 90° at their base to form longitudinally extending flanged rails 8 spaced from each other by a gap 10. The side walls 4 are elongate and extend longitudinally in a parallel arrangement. The channel section 2 is secured to the roof of a vehicle by the upper wall 6 via resin adhesive, or alternatively screws or any suitable fixing means. The gap 10 extends longitudinally defining a channel along the length of the channel section 2 allowing access to the internal volume of the channel section 2.

The opposing extrusion 12 is laterally spaced from and arranged parallel to the channel section 2. The extrusion 12 includes an elongate horizontal upper flange 14 that secures the extrusion to the roof of the vehicle. Extending vertically downwards from the inner edge of the flange 14 perpendicularly to the flange 14 is a side wall 16. A first inwardly extending ridge 16 extends perpendicularly from the inner face of the side wall 16 and runs longitudinally along the length of the side wall 16. The term inwardly' Is used here to mean laterally in wards in the direction of the opposing channel section 2, and the terms vertical', horizontal', above', below', up' and down' are used relative to the roof panel which is uppermost in use. A further ridge iBis vertically spaced below the first to ridge 6 and also extends inwardly. The ridge 18 curves upwardly in the lateral inwards direction and includes an upwardly extending 1ip 20 at its free end.

A bracket 22 is provided that is configured to secure to the extrusions 2 and 12. The bracket 22 as shown in Figure 3 includes an elongate substantially u-shaped body 24 is including a main horizontal body section 26 defining a cable support section and side arms 28 extending upwardly 2t their ends arranged at 90c from the horizontal body section 26, with intermediate sections 29 arranged at an angle of approximately 45°. The bracket 22 is a one piece moulded component formed from a moulded polymer, and preferably from nylon, and more preferably nylon 6-6.

At a first terminal end 28 the brackets 22 includes a connection head 30. The connection head 30 is arrow shaped, having a tip 32 and flexible arms 34 extending downwardly away from the tip in an outwardly angled arrangement in the lateral direction i.e. parallel with the longitudinal axis of the bracket 22. The free ends of the flexible arms 34 are spaced from the base of the connection head 30 and are able to flex inwardly and outwardly in the lateral direction. A flange section 36 is spaced below the arrow head 32 along the length of the bracket, with the flange 36 having a horizontal base section 38 spaced from the free ends of the flexible arms 34 a distance substantially the thickness of the flange sections 8 of the channel section 2, and distal ends 40 that are angled upwardly towards the free ends of the flexible arms 34, with the distal ends 40 being spaced from the free ends by a lesser vertical distance than the base 38.

A plurality of voids 42 are formed width wise through the bracket 22 along its length, defining an upper section 44 and a lower section 46 that are interconnected by vertical bridging elements 48. The voids 42 minimise weight and material usage, with the spaced upper and lower wall arrangement, iricludingthe interconnecting bridges 48 still providing a high level of strength to support the structure during flexing. The voids 42 also provide apertures through which connection straps may be passed if required.

A u-shaped loops or eyes 50 are located along at least one of the sides of the bracket 22.

to The eyes 50 are spaced along the length of the bracket 22, preferably at multiple locations coincident with the bridging elements 48. The eyes 50 provide connection points through which cable ties or similar connection straps maybe passed. Locating the eyes on the side of the bracket 22 allows the connection straps to be secured without having to pass the straps through the body of the bracket 22. The use of connection 50 is also allows multiple connection points to be provided without weakening the structure of the brackets 22 as compared to providing apertures through the body.

The second terminal end 52 includes a pair of flexible arms 54 and 56, as shown in Figure 4. The end section 26 extents substantially vertically at the end of the bracket 22 relative to the horizontal main body section 24. The first flexible arm 54 extends from the end of the upright section 26. The upper wall 44 and lower wall 46 terminate at the end of upright section 26 at an end wall 58 that is angled at approximately 45°. The end wall 58 extends outwardly past the lower wall section 46 at which point it becomes the flexible arm 54. The flexible arm 54 is substantially V' shaped having an elbow section 60 forming the inflection point of the V', The distal 62 of the first flexible arm 54 includes an wider foot section.

A second flexible arm 56 also extents laterally outwardly of the upright section 26 in the same direction as the first flexible arm 54. The second flexible arm 56 is vertically spaced 3o below the first flexible arm 54 inwardly along the length of the bracket 22. The second flexible arm 56 extends away from the upright section 26 in a direction parallel to the upwardly angled post section of the first of the first flexible arm 54. The second flexible arm 56 is also substantially V1 shaped and the inflexion point 64 is laterally aligned with the inflection point of the first flexible arm 54. The angle of this inflection point is substantially the same as the angle of the inflexion point of the first flexible arm 54 such s that the downwardly angled section of the second flexible arm 56 is substantially parallel to the corresponding portion of the first flexible arm 54. The distal end 66 of the second flexible arm 56 Includes a further bend with the distal end 66 bending downwardly and inwardly back towards the upright section 26. The distal end 66 terminates with a widened foot section in a similar manner to the first flexible arm 54.

The upper surface of the elbow 64 of the second flexible arm 56 is vertically spaced a distance dl from the lowermost surface of the distal end 62 of the first flexible arm 54, which is selected to be substantially equal to the thickness of the first ridge 16 of the corresponding extrusion. The base of the distal end of the first flexible arm 54 is spaced to vertical height d2 from the uppermost edge of the elbow 60. The base of the distal end of the second flexible arm 56 is spaced a distance d3 from the upper most surface of the elbow 64. The distal end of 66 of the second flexible arm 56 defines an inwardly bend hook section.

In use, to secure the bracket 22to the extrusions 2 and 12 a first installation step is performed, as illustrated in ligure 4. In the first installation step the second internal end 52 is introduced to the extrusion 12 wIth the distal end 66 of the second flexible arm 56 being hooked behind the upwardly bent lip 20 of the lower ridge 12. The distance d3 between the base of the end distal end 66 and the upper surface of the elbow 64 of the second flexible arm 56 may be selected to be equal to or less than the distance between the lower surface of the upper ridge 16 and the upper surface lower ridge 13 such that the second flexible arm 56 is free to rotate in the channel defined between the lower ridge 13 and the upper ridge 16. The base of the distal end 16 of the first flexible arm 54 is spaced a distance dl. from the upper surface 64 of the elbow of the second flexible arm so 56 with distance dl being substantially equal to the thickness of the upper ridge 16. As such, when the upper surface of the elbow 64 approaches the lower surface of the ridge 16 the base of the first flexible arm 54 simultaneously comes into engagement with the upper surface of the ridge 16.

The distance of d2 between the base of the distal end 62 and the upper surface of the S elbow 60 of the first flexible arm 54 is selected to provide an interference fit within the channel defined between the upper surface between the ridge 16 and the roof panel 17.

The distance d3 between the base of the end distal end 66 and the upper surface of the elbow 64 of the second flexible arm 56 may also be selected to be greater than the distance between the lower surface of the upper ridge 16 and the upper surface lower to ridge 18 such that an interference fit is provided between the second flexible arm 56 and the channel defined between the lower ridge 18 and the upper ridge 16.

With the upper surface of the elbow 64 of the second flexible arm 56 proximate to or in engagement with the lower surface of the ridge 16 and the upper surface of the elbow 60 of the first flexible arm 54 in engagement with the roof panel 17 in a first unforced passive condition, the bracket is angled downwardly away from the second end 52 as shown in Figure 4, with elbows 60 and 64 being out of vertical alignment angled away from the extrusion 12 in the upper direction. In this configuration the first end 28 is spaced from the guides of channel 2.

In a second installation operation as shown in Figure 5 the user grips the bracket 22, preferably by the main body section 24 and rotates the arrowhead connector 30 into the channel section 2. The tip 32 of the arrowhead connector 30 has a width less than the width of the gap 10 substantially tip 32 is able to be received within the gap 10. The outer edges of the tip 32 curve towards the flexible arms 34 to provide a radiussed intersection between the tip 32 and flexible arms 34 to provide curved leading edges. In the un-flexed state the distal ends of the flexible arms 34 are spaced a distanced greater than the gap 10 in channel section 2. As the arrowhead connector 30 is urged into the gap 10 the flexible arms are urged against the edges of the flanges 8 arranged along the gap 10 causing the arms 34 to flex inwardly until they are vertically arranged. This flexing continues as the arrowhead connector 30 is urged into the gap 10 until the distal ends of the flexible arms 34 pass through the gap 10. As the distance between the distal ends of the flexible arms 34 and the upwardly extending ends 40 of the flange section 38 in the inflexed state is less than the thickness of the flanges 8, the user must force the flange 38 against the lower surface of the flanges $ causing the upwardly angled distal ends 40 of S the flange 38 to flex downwardly in order to allow the distal ends of the flexible arms 34 to pass fully through the gap 10.

Once the distal ends of the flexible arms 34 have passed through gap 10 the arms flex laterally outwardly and return to a distance that is greater than the width of the gap 10 thereby preventing release of the arrowhead connector 30 from the channel section due to the engagement of the flexible arms 30 with the inner surfaces of the flanges 8. With the free ends 40 of the flanges section 38 in the flexed state the flange 38 provides a vertical biasing force that pulls the arrow head 32 downwardly against the flanges section 8 to clamp the flanges 8 between the distal ends of the flexible arms 34 and the upper surface of the flanges 38. This actively biasing arrangement prevents any movement between the arrow head connector 30 and the channel section 2 in use. The thickness of the arrowhead connector in the direction transverse to the length of the bracket 22 is selected to be between 14-18mm and is preferably 16mm. It would be generally considered that the thickness of the arrowhead and in particular the thickness of the arms should be minimised in order to require a lower insertion force to insert the connector in the channel. However, it has been surprisingly found that the thickness of the connector may be increased to the range of 14-18mm without any significant increases in the insertion force, while simultaneously causing a significant increase in the force required to remove the connector from the channel, with 16mm providing the optimum balance of insertion force versus removal force.

In moving the arrowhead connector 30 into the channel section 2 the brackets of 22 is pivoted about a pivot axis defined by the line of contact between the distal end section 66 of the second flexible arm 56 and the inner edge of the lip 20. The elbows 64 and 60 of the flexible arms 56 and 54 respectively are regularly spaced relative to the pivot axis 70. Referring back to figure 3, the lateral central centre line 72 of the arrowhead connector 30 aligns centrally with the channel section to when inserted into position. The lateral space between the lateral central tine 72 of the hour head connect 30 and the inner edge 74 of the distal end of second flexible arm 56 is a distance dS. The distance d5 when the bracket 22 is in the unstrained unflexed condition is less than the distance between the centre line of the gap 10 and the edge of the lip 20 of which the flexible arm 56 engages.

Therefore, in order for the arrow head connector 30 to be inserted into the channel section 2 while the distal end of the second flexible arm 56 remains in contact with the inner edge of the ridge 20, the distance dS must be increased. The main body of the bracket 24 is substantially rigid compared to the flexible arms 54 and 56. As such, as the arrow head connector 32 is rotated and forced into the channel section 2 the second arm 56 begins to flex to increase a distance of d5 with the distance d4 and the angle a2 subsequently increasing. As this occurs the upright section 26 begins to move towards a more upright vertical condition. The upper flexible arm 54 that is radially spaced from the pivot axis 70 is simultaneously rotated further into the corresponding channel defined between the ridge 16 and the roof panel 17. Due to the interference fit the height d2 of the first flexible arm 54 must decrease in order for the first flexible arm 54 to fit within the channel. Therefore the arm 54 begins to flex with the end section of the arm 54 moving away from the floor section with the angle al increasing.

With the connector 30 inserted into the channel section 2 both the first flexible arm 54 and second flexible arm 56 are in an expanded flexed condition. The second flexible arm 56 in attempting to return to the original position provides an inward biasing force in the lateral direction biasing the inner edge 74 against the lip 20 at the same time a vertical force is imparted upwardly at the elbow 64 against the lower surface of the ridge 16 and downwardly at the base of the distal end 66 against the upper surface of the ridge 18, which acts to vertically restrain the second flexible arm 56. Similarly, the first flexible arm 54 in attempting to return to its original and flexed condition imparts a vertical biasing o force upwardly at the elbow 60 against the roof panel 17 and downwardly at the distal end 62 against the upper surface of the ridge 16. As such, the second end 52 of the bracket 22, via the flexible arms 54 and 56, is biased into engagement both vertically and laterally against the extrusion 12 in the secured position.

As shown in Figure 6, multiple brackets 22 are inserted along the length of the extrusions s 2 and 12 with the brackets 22 extending laterally between the extrusions. Once the brackets 22 have secured in an actively biased condition, cable conduits 76 are inserted into the channel defined between the inner edge of the brackets 22 and the roof panel 17. The conduits are supported on the inner most surface of the brackets 22. With the cable conduits 76 in position, cable ties are passed through the eye connectors 50 to secure the cable conduits 76 to the brackets 22. With both the arrowhead connector 32 at the first end 28 and the flexible arms 54 and 56 at the second end 52 being actively biased against their respective extrusions there is no possibility of rattle between the bracket and the extrusions. Furthermore, to the extent that any minimal vibration were to occur between the two components the use of a moulded plastic material, in addition is to providing the requiring biasing resilience, also minimises and dampens any noise that would usually be experienced between a metal to metal contact.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cable securement bracket for securing to a mounting feature comprising spaced mounting elements, the bracket comprising: s a bracket body having opposed ends configured for securement to the spaced mounting elements, the body having a support section spanning between the terminal ends for supporting and securement to by one or more cables; a connector provided at a first end of the bracket body for connection to one of the mounting elements; and a resiliently flexible arm extending outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the second mounting element; wherein the resiliently flexible arm is arranged to flex outwardly away from the second end in a direction away from the first end during connection such that when connected the flexible arm provides an inwardly directed biasing force in the direction of the first end.
2. A cable securement bracket according to claim 1 wherein the flexible arm is connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal and proximal ends is expanded.
3. A cable securement bracket according to claim 2 wherein the flexible arm includes a hook section at its distal end to hook and laterally engage the corresponding mounting element to provide an inward lateral biasing force.
4. A cable securenient bracket accordIng to claim 3 wherein the distal end of the flexible arm bends inwardly in the direction of the body section.
5. A cable securement bracket according to claim 3 wherein the distance between the connector of the first terminal end and the hook section of the flexible arm in the non-flexed condition is selected to be less than the distance between the first and second mounting elements such that, with the distal end of the flexible arm in engagement with the second mounting element in use, the flexible arm is forced to flex as the connector is moved into engagement with the corresponding mounting element.
6. A cable securenient bracket according to any preceding claim further comprising a second flexible arm extending outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with a third mounting element, the second flexible arm being spaced outwardly of the first flexible arm along the length of the bracket.
7. A cable securement bracket according to claim 6 wherein the second flexible arm is connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal end proximal ends is expanded.
8. A cable securement bracket according to claim 7 wherein the second flexible arm is configured to in use engage the corresponding mounting element in a flexed condition when the bracket is connected and to provide a biasing force against the mounting element in a direction substantially orthogonal to the biasing force of the first flexible arm when so engaged.
9. A cable securement bracket according to any one of claIms 6 to 8 wherein the bracket body is elongate and comprises an elongate central body section defining the longitudinal axis of the bracket and parallel arm section extending perpendicularly relative to the central body section at either end thereof, the body section having an inner wall and an outer wall, and wherein the flexible arms extend longitudinally outwards from the outer wall at the second end of the body section.
10. A cable securement bracket according to claim 9 wherein first and second flexible arms are substantially v-shaped and extend from the outer surface of the arm section of the second end of the body section in a substantially parallel relationship to each other.
11. A cable securement bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the s connector comprises a connector head and a pair of flexible connector arms extending outwardly from the connector head in a rearward direction with the distal ends of the flexible connector arms being spaced from the connection head and able to flex inwardly towards the connector head,
12. A cable securement bracket according to claim 11 wherein the connector further comprises a flange section spaced inwardly along the length of the bracket from the distal ends of the flexible connector arms, the flange comprising a base and flexible wings located either side of the base angled forwardly along the length of bracket towards the distal first end and able to flex rearwardly.
13. A cable securement bracket according to claim 12 wherein the connector extends coaxially from the distal end of the arm section of the first end of the body section.
14. A cable securement bracket according to claim 13 wherein the connector extends from the first end of the body section is a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the flexible arms.
15. A cable securement bracket according to any preceding claim wherein a plurality of apertures are formed by the bracket configured to receive one or more attachment straps for securing a cable conduit to the bracket.
16. A cable securement bracket according to claim 15 wherein the apertures are defined by a plurality of loops extending from at least one side wall of the bracket.
17. A cable securement bracket according to any preceding claim wherein the bracket body has a greater rigidity that the flexible arm.
18. A cable securement apparatus comprising; first and second mounting elements configured to be secured to a common surface in a spaced arrangement; and a cable securement bracket configured to connect to the spaced first and second mounting elements, the bracket comprising: a bracket body having opposed ends configured for securement to the spaced mounting elements, the body having a support section spanning between the terminal ends for supporting and securement to by one or more cables; a connector provided at a first end of the bracket body for connection to one of the mounting elements; and a resiliently flexible arm extending outwardly away from the bracket is body at the second end for engagement with the second mounting element; wherein the resiliently flexible arm is arranged to flex outwardly away from the second end in a direction away towards the second mounting element and away from the first end during connection such that when connected the flexible arm provides an inwardly directed biasing force against the second mounting element in the direction of thefirstend.
19. A cable securement apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the second mounting element comprises an elongate ridge extending laterally inwards towards the first mounting element and having an upturned lip at its free edge, and wherein the flexible arm is connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal and proximal ends is expanded and a hook section at its distal end to hook and laterally engage the inner edge of the upturned lip of the second mounting element to provide an inward lateral biasing force.
20. A cable securement apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the distance between the connector of the first terminal end and the hook section of the flexible arm in the non-flexed condition is selected to be less than the distance between the connection point of the first mounting element and the inner edge of the lip of the second mountain element, such that with the distal end of the flexible arm in engagement with the lip the flexible arm is caused to flex as the connector is moved into engagement with the connection point of the first mounting element.
21. A cable securement apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the second mounting element includes a second ridge arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship with the first ridge and arranged such that in use the second ridge is spaced vertically above the first ridge, and wherein the bracket comprises a second flexible arm extending outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the second ridge, the second flexible arm being distally spaced from the first flexible arm is along the length of the bracket.
22. A cable securement bracket according to claim 21 wherein the second flexible arm is connected to the bracket body at its proximal end and includes an elbow along its length, the arm being arranged to flex about the elbow during connection from an unflexed condition to a flexed condition in which the distance between the distal end proximal ends is expanded.22. A cable securement bracket according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the second flexible arm is configured to engage the upper surface of the second ridge when the first flexible arm engages the lip of the first ridge.
23. A cable securement bracket according to claim 22 wherein the mounting element includes an upper end configured to secure to said common surface, the mounting element being arranged such that when secured to said common surface by the 9o upper end a channel is defined between the common surface and the second ridge, with the height of the channel being less than the height of the flexible arm, such that as the second flexible arm is urged into the channel it is caused to expand laterally and compress vertically thereby creating a resulting vertical biasing force imparted by the second flexible arm against the upper and lower surfaces of the channel within which it is received.
24. A cable securement apparatus according to any one of claims 15 or 16 wherein the second mounting element comprises an elongate channel arranged parallel to the second mounting element, the channel including a longitudinally extending opening configured to receive the bracket connector, the bracket connector comprising a connector head configured to be received through the opening of the channel and a pair of flexible connector arms extending outwardly from the connector head in a rearward direction with the distal ends of the flexible connector arms being spaced from the connection head and able to flex inwardly towards the connector head as the head extends into the channel, and to return to their original unflexed condition when the is head is received in the channel to retain the head within the channel.
25. A cable securement apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the connector further comprises a flange section spaced inwardly along the length of the bracket from the distal ends of the flexible connector arms, the flange comprising a base and flexible wings located either side of the base angled forwardly along the length of bracket towards the distal first end and configured flex rearwardly on engagement with an outer surface of channel to bias the flexible arms into engagement with the channel.
26. A cable securement bracket for securing to a mounting feature comprising spaced mounting elements, the bracket comprising: a bracket body having opposed ends configured for securement to the spaced mounting elements, the body having a support section spanning between the terminal ends for supporting and securenient to by one or mare cables; a connector provided at a first end of the bracket body for connection to one of the mounting elements; and first and second resiliently flexible arms extending outwardly away from the bracket body at the second end for engagement with the second mounting element; wherein the first and second resiliently flexible arms are arranged to flex outwardly away from the second end in a direction away from the first end during s connection and are arranged such that when connected the first flexible arm provides an inwardly directed biasing force in the direction of the first end and the second resiliently flexible arm provides a second biasing directed transversely to the inward biasing force such that the first and second arms actively restrain the bracket in two substantially transverse directions.26. A vehicle including a cable securement apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 25.