GB2564883A

GB2564883A - Cable tie wall hanging system

Info

Publication number: GB2564883A
Application number: GB1712026.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zvi Karl Kilim Rafael; Izhak Kilim Simcha
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-26
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2019-01-30
Also published as: GB201712026D0

Abstract

A cable (or pipe) fixing comprises, in combination, a flexible cable tie and a plug which can be inserted into a socket drilled into a solid surface such as a wall. The plug has formations to grip the wall of the socket and a head portion having an end face which, in use, is parallel with or in the same plane as the wall surface. The end face includes openings to a channel along or through the plug through which the cable tie is looped to extend from the end face so as to be securable around a cable. The plug may be expanded by a screw, or by pulling a wedge (99, Fig 12) up it. The plug and cable tie may be made of metal to provide fire proofing, or of plastics. Hooks (160, 161, Fig 16) may provide a resting place for the cable, and cut-outs (190, Fig 19) allow the passage of adhesive.

Description

This invention relates to a device for securing objects to a surface, for example electricity or communications cables or pipes to a wall.

Background to the Invention

In running cables and pipes along solid walls it is known to use hammerin fixings configured to be driven into a socket drilled into the wall and to deform to hold the fixing in place in the socket. The fixing is provided with a head portion projecting therefrom, through which a cable tie may be passed. The cable tie is then secured around the cable(s) or pipe(s) to hold them in place. Typically, the body of the fixing has a cylindrical elongate core surrounded by radially extending deformable fins or ribs that are of a diameter slightly greater than the internal diameter of the socket so as to deflect inwardly and towards the head portion as the fixing is driven into the socket. When the fixing is in place, the ribs or fins tend to engage the wall of the socket and to grip the surface more firmly if an outward axial force is applied to the fixing.

Cable ties are typically formed of nylon and consist of a flexible tape portion formed with teeth and a head portion containing a pawl that engages the teeth when the tape portion is looped back through the head portion to form a ratchet which permits tightening of the loop, but prevents its release. They have been available for many years and have been used for a wide variety of applications in addition to the original use for holding together bundles of wires or cables.

An alternative form of cable tie, particularly for use in installations where fire resistance is important, is formed of a flexible metal strip, for example stainless steel. There are two main forms of locking mechanism for metal cable ties: a ball-locking mechanism in which a free-moving ball is wedged between the interior of a tapering lock head and the cable tie to prevent its withdrawal; and a barb which is angled within the lock head to allow insertion but to cut into the cable tie to prevent release.

Hammer-in fixings have typically been made of flexible plastics such as nylon or polyethylene, with the cable ties similarly formed of plastics. However,

- 2 a recent revision of the UK Wiring Regulations requires the use of fireproof supports for cables so that the cables are held in place if a fire occurs and so do not constitute an entanglement hazard, for example. Fireproof supports can have a similar design to the plastics ones, but are formed from metal, such as stainless steel, the cable ties also being formed from stainless steel.

The head portion is hollow to allow for passage therethrough of the cable tie, but is required to be robust enough to enable it to be struck with a hammer or the like to drive the fixing into the socket. As a result, the head has a bulk projecting from the wall surface and so holding the cable or pipe away from the surface of the wall. In some situations, it is desirable to mount cables or pipes in contact with the wall, to improve appearance and reduce the risk of snagging of the cable or pipe in use.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a cable fixing comprising, in combination, a flexible cable tie and a plug insertable into a socket drilled into a solid surface, the plug having formations therealong engageable with the wall of the socket to resist removal of the fixing from the socket, the plug comprising a head portion having an end face which, in use, is parallel with or in the same plane as the wall surface, the end face including openings to a channel along or through the plug through which the cable tie is looped to extend from the end face.

In one embodiment of the invention, the plug comprises an elongate core with a plurality of radially-extending deformable ribs or fins extending therefrom dimensioned so as to deform to allow the fixing to be driven into the socket and in the deformed state to engage the wall of the socket to resist removal of the fixing from the socket.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plug has an cavity therein which widens away from the head to an opening remote from the head and a tapering wedge co-operating with the cavity, the wedge receiving a portion of the cable tie, whereby tightening the cable tie draws the wedge into the cavity, expanding the plug outwardly into engagement with the socket, in use. The surfaces of the cavity and of the tapering wedge may be provided with serrations or ridges which co-operate to hold the wedge in the cavity.

-3ln yet another embodiment of the invention, the plug has a central aperture through the end face through which a screw may be driven to expand the plug outwardly into engagement with the socket, in use.

The plug and the tie may be formed of a resilient plastics material, for example nylon. Alternatively, the two parts may be formed of resilientlydeformable metal such as stainless steel. Combinations of materials can be used in the manufacture of the plug, for example with a metal body and plastics fins or ribs therearound, or vice versa.

The end face may have a support formation extending outwardly therefrom for supporting a cable. The support formation may be provided with at least one outwardly-directed planar face where by the plug may be driven into the socket by striking the face or faces with a hammer. The support formation may comprise a pair of hooks, one each side of the end face.

The cable fixings of the invention are simple to install while holding cables securely and tidily against the surface of a wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a hammer-in wall plug;

Figure 2 is a cross section on line A-A of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of a hammer-in wall plug according to a second embodiment, made from two materials;

Figure 4 is a cross section on line B-B of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a hammer-in wall plug according to a third embodiment, with a place for 2 straps at 90 degrees from each other used for installing cable ties in a junction where the cables go in more than one direction;

Figure 6 is a cross section on line C-C in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a hammer-in wall plug according to a fourth embodiment, with a lock-in ratchet incorporated;

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of the plug of Figure 7, installed in a wall and carrying cables;

-4Figure 9 is an isometric view of a wall plug according to a fifth embodiment, which can be inserted by hand with no need for a hammer or any other tool;

Figure 10 is a corresponding view of the wedge;

Figure 11 is an assembly of the plug of Figure 9 and the wedge of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a cross section on line E-E of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the hammer-in wall plug of Figure 3 assembled with a cable tie and electric cable;

Figure 14 is a cross section of the assembly of Figure 13 in use in a wall;

Figure 15 is an isometric view of a metal wall plug for expansion with a screw, according to a sixth embodiment;

Figure 16 is an isometric view of a metal wall plug according to a seventh embodiment with resting hooks to support a cable;

Figure 17 is an isometric view of the metal wall plug of Figure 16, assembled with a metal cable tie in use;

Figure 18 is an isometric view of a metal wall plug according to an eighth embodiment; and

Figure 19 is an isometric view of a metal wall plug according to a ninth embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment

Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, the plug 10 comprises an integrally moulded plastics body having a head portion 11 with an end face 12 with a pair of slotted openings 13 and 14 which extend through the head portion to connect with each other through a curved channel 15 which also opens to the sides of the head portion 11. Extending away from the head portion is a tapering or frusto-conical core 16 whose smaller diameter end is remote from the head portion. A plurality of radially-extending deformable fins 17 are provided spaced along the core 16.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a variant of this, in which all the fins 17 except the fins 17a and 17b respectively nearest to and furthest from the head portion, the intermediate fins, are formed separately of the remainder of the plug, in a

- 5different material and co-moulded with the plug. For example, the intermediate fins may be formed from elastomer to improve the grip within the socket as hereinafter described. The fins are formed as a separate integral unit 20 with a web 18 linking them together for ease of manufacture, the unit 20 being inserted into the injection mould before injection of plastics material, e.g. elastomer, so that the unit is firmly bonded into the resulting moulding.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, two sets of slotted openings 50, 51, 52 and 53, each opening in a pair being connected to the other by a respective curved channel 54 and 55, the two sets being at 90 degrees from each other for installing cable ties at a junction where the cables go in more than one direction.

Figures 7 and 8 show yet another alternative form, in which the plug incorporates a lock-in ratchet arrangement in conjunction with a loop-back channel of the general type described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The plug 70 has an end face 71 in which there is an inlet opening 72 communicating with a curved channel 73, which in turn communicates with an outlet opening 74 in the face 71. The outlet opening 74 is larger than the inlet opening 72 to accommodate an integrally-moulded resilient ratchet 75 of the type used in conventional cable ties, provided with a release tab 76 which can be engaged by a tool to move it downwardly, thereby releasing any cable tie with which it is engaged. In use, a bundle of cables 77 is fixed together using a cable tie 78 in conventional manner, leaving the tail 78a of the tie extending from the ratchet head 78b. The tail is then inserted into an inlet opening 72 in the end face 71 of the plug 70 and pushed through the curved channel 73 to emerge through the outlet opening 74, where the serrations, provided along the tie in conventional manner, are engaged by the ratchet 75, which is angled to engage more firmly with the serrations if tension is applied to the tie and cables. To meet fire regulations, the tie and the plug are suitably formed of metal.

Figures 9 to 12 illustrate another embodiment, in which the plug has a flat end face 91 having openings 92 and 93 therein each communicating with a respective groove 94 and 95 extending along the upper and lower surfaces of the body 96 of the plug (“upper” and “lower” are used here with reference only

- 6to the orientation of the plug as illustrated in the Figures - it will be appreciated that the plug could be used in any orientation). The body 96 of the plug is bifurcated, with a tapering cavity 97 extending along the body away from the end face 91 such that the widest part is at the end remote from the end face. The body 96 is provided with spaced ribs 96a therealong engageable with a socket, in use. The opposed surfaces of the cavity 97 are provided with parallel ridges or serrations 98. A wedge 99 (Figure 10) has corresponding ridges 100 thereacross and an end formation 101 with an opening 102 therethrough for receiving a cable tie. In use, a cable tie (not shown) is threaded through the opening 102 of the wedge 99 which is then inserted lightly into the cavity 97 of the plug. With the ends of the cable tie bent over to extend along the grooves 94 and 95 and project through the openings 92 and 93, the resultant fixing is inserted into a socket drilled into a solid wall. The ends of the cable tie may then be passed around a cable and the free end of the cable tie passed through the ratchet head of the tie. Pulling on the tie to tension it and secure the cable will tend to pull on the wedge 99, urging it further into the cavity 97, in turn forcing the bifurcated parts of the body 96 away from each other and bringing the ribs 96a into firmer contact with the walls of the socket, locking the fixing in place.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the use of the plug shown in Figures 3 and 4 in fixing a cable to a wall. The fixing is first hammered into a socket 131 drilled into a wall 132 so that the fins 17 engage and are resiliently deflected slightly towards the head as the plug is urged into the socket, as the socket is dimensioned such that its diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fins. As a result, the fins tend to engage the wall of the socket and resist removal of the plug from the socket. The free end of a cable tie 130 is passed through one opening 13 and is caused to bend around the curved channel 15 and thence to emerge through the other opening 14. The cable tie 130 is passed around a cable 133 and the free end is inserted into the ratchet head 134 thereof and tightened to hold the cable in place against the wall.

Figure 15 illustrates a metal plug in which the end face 150 is provided with a central opening 151 between the entrances 152 and 153 to longitudinal

- 7recesses 154 and 155 defined along the body of the plug, which is bifurcated to allow separation of the bifurcated parts when a screw is driven into the body through the opening 151. A metal cable tie is first passed around the plug through the recesses 154 and 155 and extending through the entrances 152 and 153. The fixing can then be pushed into a socket drilled in a wall and the screw driven in to separate the bifurcated parts and urge them into firm engagement with the socket, resisting removal of the fixing.

Figures 16 and 17 show variants of the metal plug of Figure 15, having an integrally-formed pair of hooks 160 and 161 extending from the end face 162 for receiving and supporting a cable during installation. When the cable 165 has been positioned resting in the hooks, it can be secured in position by means of the cable tie 163 installed in the plug before insertion in the socket in the wall.

Figure 18 illustrates a hammer-in plug 180 with an external support 181 through which one opening 182 extends, communicating with the other opening 183 through a curved channel 184, allowing a cable tie to be passed through after the plug has been hammered into a socket in the wall and then fastened to secure a cable or the like resting on the support 181.

Figure 19 shows yet another embodiment, essentially as in Figures 1 and 2, but in which cut-outs 190 are formed in the annular fins 191 to facilitate the use of adhesive in securing the plug in a socket in the wall. After the socket has been drilled, adhesive, for example a self-setting resin, is inserted into the socket before the plug is hammered into position. The cut-outs 190 permit the adhesive to flow along the plug, filling the gaps between the fins 191. When the adhesive has solidified, the plug is held even more securely in the socket. A cable tie is then attached as hereinbefore described.

It will be appreciated that, although the invention is described with reference to cable fixing, it is equally applicable for use in fixing pipes.

Claims

1. A cable fixing comprising, in combination, a flexible cable tie and a plug insertable into a socket drilled into a solid surface, the plug having formations therealong engageable with the wall of the socket to resist removal of the fixing from the socket, the plug comprising a head portion having an end face which, in use, is parallel with or in the same plane as the wall surface, the end face including openings to a channel along or through the plug through which the cable tie is looped to extend from the end face.

2. A cable fixing according to Claim 1, wherein the plug comprises an elongate core with a plurality of radially-extending deformable ribs or fins extending therefrom dimensioned so as to deform to allow the fixing to be driven into the socket and in the deformed state to engage the wall of the socket to resist removal of the fixing from the socket.

3. A cable fixing according to Claim 1, wherein the plug has an cavity therein which widens away from the head to an opening remote from the head and a tapering wedge co-operating with the cavity, the wedge receiving a portion of the cable tie, whereby tightening the cable tie draws the wedge into the cavity, expanding the plug outwardly into engagement with the socket, in use.

4. A cable fixing according to Claim 3, wherein the surfaces of the cavity and of the tapering wedge are provided with serrations or ridges which co-operate to hold the wedge in the cavity.

5. A cable fixing according to Claim 1, wherein the plug has a central aperture through the end face through which a screw may be driven to expand the plug outwardly into engagement with the socket, in use.

6. A cable fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the plug and the tie are formed of a resilient plastics material.

7. A cable fixing according to Claim 7, wherein the resilient plastics material is nylon.

8. A cable fixing according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the plug and the tie are formed from a resiliently-deformable metal.

9. A cable fixing according to Claim 8, wherein the resilientlydeformable metal is stainless steel.

10. A cable fixing according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the plug is formed from a combination on plastics and metal parts.

11. A cable fixing according to any preceding claim, wherein the end face has a support formation extending outwardly therefrom for supporting a

5 cable.

12. A cable fixing according to Claim 11, wherein the support formation is provided with at least one outwardly-directed planar face where by the plug may be driven into the socket by striking the face or faces with a hammer.

13. A cable fixing according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the support 10 formation comprises a pair of hooks, one each side of the end face.

14. A cable fixing according to Claim 2, wherein the radially-extending ribs or fins are each provided with a cut-out therein to allow the flow of adhesive along the plug.