GB2573098A

GB2573098A - Trunking

Info

Publication number: GB2573098A
Application number: GB1806204.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Smith Benjamin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-16
Filing date: 2018-04-16
Publication date: 2019-10-30
Also published as: GB201806204D0

Abstract

Trunking 200 for channelling a cable or a pipe (300, figure 2b) along a surface (10, figure 1), comprises a first length measurement scale 210 which is displayed on a surface 221 of at least a portion of the trunking. A method of providing trunking having a length scale on at least a portion of the trunking is also disclosed. A method of using the trunking may comprise cutting or bending the trunking at a point along a length of the trunking, wherein the point is determined with reference to the length measurement scale, perhaps in millimetre or centimetre units, or with reference to a second length measurement scale 211. Preferably the measurement scale either comprises: markings applied directly onto the surface of the trunking; a measuring tape which is adhered to the trunking (the tape may also comprise an adhesive for adhering the trunking to a surface); or indentations, marks, and/or ridges in the surface of the trunking.

Description

TRUNKING

Technical Field

The present invention relates to trunking for acting as a conduit for lines such as electrical cables, data cables, or fibre optic cables, or piping, such as water or gas piping.

Background

Trunking provides a channel and acts as a conduit for containing lines such as electrical cables, data cables, fibre optic cables, or piping. In an indoor space, such as a room in a house, for example, trunking may be fitted to extend along a wall or ceiling to contain lines running between two points on the walls, ceiling or floor. The trunking provides for containing lines which would otherwise be loose and/or exposed, and for controlling the direction in which the lines run.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided trunking for channelling a cable or a pipe along a surface, comprising a first length measurement scale which is displayed on a surface of at least a portion of the trunking.

The trunking may further comprise a second length measurement scale, wherein the first scale displays length values which increase with distance from a proximal end of the trunking, and the second scale displays length values which increase with distance from a distal end of the trunking.

The first and/or second length measurement scale may comprise a plurality of markings separated by a predetermined distance of less than equal to one centimetre, or less than or equal to once inch, or less than or equal to one millimetre. The trunking may be flexible trunking, which may comprise flexible plastics material.

The trunking may comprise a tape which is adhered to the trunking, wherein the tape comprises the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale. The tape may comprise an adhesive for adhering the trunking to a surface and may comprise a nonadhesive section which is removable to expose an adhesive section and allow adhering of the trunking to a surface, and wherein the non-adhesive section comprises the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing trunking having a length measurement scale on at least a portion of the trunking.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using the trunking according to the first aspect comprising cutting or bending the trunking at a point along a length of the trunking wherein the point is determined with reference to the first length measurement scale or the second length measurement scale.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows trunking forming a channel for lines along a wall.

Figure 2a shows a schematic representation of an example length of trunking.

Figure 2b shows a schematic transverse cross-sectional representation of the example length of trunking of Figure 2a.

Detailed Description

Trunking provides a channel for containing lines such as electrical cables, data cables, fibre optic cables, or piping and directing it in a particular direction and for a particular length. Depending on the desired course for the lines, a portion of trunking of a particular length may be required. For example, where the lines are to be directed along the wall of a room between two points, the length of trunking required may depend on the distance between the two points.

Trunking may need to direct lines in a direction which is not a continuous straight line. For example, cables may need to be directed around a comer of a room, which may be a concave comer or a convex corner. In other examples, the channel formed by trunking may need to change direction along one surface, for example where cables are to ran along a wall horizontally, from a plug socket or other point, before turning upwards to a ceiling, or downwards towards a floor. In other examples, the trunking may direct cables around obstacles in the room, such as obstacles protruding from a wall or ceiling.

Where the direction of a channel to be formed by the trunking is not a straight line, a number of straight portions of trunking may be fitted together to provide the channel. The portions of trunking may be obtained by cutting portions of the required length from a length of trunking. In order to determine the required lengths of the portions of trunking required, a length measuring device may be used. For example, the portions required, and their respective lengths may be determined by measuring distances along surfaces in the room.

Figure 1 shows an example of a space 10 in which trunking 100 is fitted to provide a channel for electrical cables. The space 10 in the example of Figure 1 is a room in which the trunking 100 provides channelling along a wall for electrical cables (not shown in Figure 1) from an electrical socket 50 to an exit point 60, in this example exiting the room 10 through the ceiling. The path of the channel formed by the trunking may be selected to satisfy various criteria. For example, the channel may be chosen such that a horizontal portion is a predetermined distance from the floor.

The trunking 100 in the example of Figure 1 comprises a first portion 101, having length dl, a second portion 102, having length d2, and a third portion 103, having length d3. In other examples, a channel may comprise any number, one or greater, portions of trunking. In an example method of selecting and fitting the trunking 100, the distances dl, d2 and d3 may be measured in the space 10 using any suitable length measuring device. For example, a tape measure may be used to measure desired distances along the wall. Portions of trunking of the desired length may then be cut from a length of trunking. In this example, a first portion 101 of length dl is cut, a second portion 102 of length d2 is cut, and a third portion 103 or length d3 is cut.

In prior art examples, in order to cut a portion of a particular length (for example of length dl) from a length of trunking, a measuring device, such as a tape measure is used to measure a length dl from the end of the length of trunking. For example, the end of a tape measure may be hooked to the end of the length of trunking and extended to the desired length. A marking may then be made on the length of trunking at a distance dl from the end of the length of trunking. The length of trunking may then be cut at the marking in order to produce the a portion of trunking of the desired length.

However, elements of the above-described prior art method of measuring and cutting a length of trunking can be inconvenient. For example, the trunking may have a degree of flexibility which results in difficulty in keeping the end of the tape measure hooked to the end of the length of trunking when measuring a portion of the length of trunking. Or, the length of trunking may be of such a length that it is difficult for a person measuring to find a location in the workspace in which the trunking may be laid out in a straight line for measuring and cutting. This may be especially true when the space 10 is small in relation to the length of trunking.

Figure 2a shows an example length of trunking 200 according to the present invention. The length of trunking comprises a length measurement scale 210. The length measurement scale 210 may be a graduated length scale. The length measurement scale 210 in this example comprises a plurality of length reference markings at intervals of a set length along a surface of the trunking. The length measurement scale 210 in examples is a metric length scale and comprises markings separated by one millimetre, and may in some examples comprise markings separated by a different amount, such as 5 millimetres, or 1 cm. In some examples, the markings may be separated by a distance such as 5 centimetres of 10 centimetres. The length measurement scale may comprise primary markings denoting whole centimetres, secondary markings denoting half centimetres and additional markings denoting each millimetre of length. In other examples, the markings may denote imperial length measurements and may display markings for each inch of length and additional markings denoting fractions of an inch of length. The length scale advantageously comprises one marking for each centimetre of length, and more advantageously comprises one marking for each millimetre of length. The length measurement scale provides a reference to allow a user to cut the trunking to the desired length, advantageously to the nearest millimetre, without use of a separate measuring device.

Figure 2b, shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the length of trunking 200 and lines 300 (in the example shown in Figure 2b comprising two cables) channelled by the trunking 200. In this example, the trunking comprises a base section 220 and a cap section 230. The base section 220 forms a rectangular channel having a back face 221, a first side face 222 and a second side face 223. In this example, the back face 221 is configured to be fitted against a surface, such as a wall, floor or ceiling, and the first and second sides 222, 223 form the sides of the channel for containing electrical cables 300. The trunking may comprise suitable means for securing the trunking to a surface. For example, the trunking 200 may comprise holes (not shown) through the back face 221 for securing the trunking to a surface by screws or other fixings. In other examples, the back face 221 may comprise an adhesive substance for securing the trunking 200 to a surface. In some examples where the back face 221 comprises an adhesive substance, the adhesive substance may comprise a strip of adhesive substance which is covered by a layer of non-sticky material which is peeled off during use to expose the adhesive surface. In some examples, the trunking may comprise a plastics material, such as a flexible plastics material. In other examples, the trunking may comprise a different material, for example a metal such as aluminium.

The trunking 200 of this example also comprises a cap section 230 which is configured to be removably fitted to the base section 220 to form a closed channel containing cables 300. The cap section 230 is removed to allow fitting of a section of trunking and insertion of the cables 300. The cap section 230 is then replaced on the base section 220 to enclose the cables 300. The cap section 230 has an upper surface 231 and may have suitable means 232 for securing the cap 230 to the base 220.

While examples herein describe a trunking having a back face which is configured to be secured to a surface, in other examples, different faces of the trunking may be configured for securing to a surface. For example, either of the side faces of a trunking forming a rectangular channel may be configured to be secured to a surface. In other examples, the trunking may not have a rectangular cross section and may have a different shaped cross-section.

While the example trunking shown in the figures acts as a conduit for electrical cables 300, in some examples, the trunking may be used as a conduit for a plurality of types of lines simultaneously. Trunking described herein may act as a conduit for any one or more of, for example, electrical supply cables, data cables (such as electrical data cables, or optical cables), or piping, such as water or gas piping. In some examples, the trunking may form a plurality of channels; for example, trunking may act as a conduit for an electrical supply line, a data supply line, and a water supply line, and the trunking may comprise a separate channel for each line it contains.

In the example of Figure 2a and 2b. The trunking 200 comprises a first length measurement scale 210 which is displayed on a surface of the trunking 200. The first length measurement scale 210 allows for a point on the trunking 200 to be identified which is a desired distance from the end of the trunking. The trunking 200 may then be cut at the point to produce a portion of trunking of the desired length. For example, a length of trunking of length dl may be desired. A point 250 on the scale which is a distance dl from the end of the trunking 200 may be determined from the scale 210 and may be marked or otherwise noted. The trunking 200 may then be cut, with a saw or the like, at the point 250 to produce a portion of trunking of length dl. When portions of the trunking are to be fitted together to form a channel, for example such as with portions 101-103 of Figure 1, a section of the first and/or second sides 222, 223 may be cut away to allow electrical wiring to leave or enter the portion of the trunking at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the trunking. In other examples, an elbow portion or the like may be used for joining portions of trunking to form a comer.

In the example of Figure 2a, the first measurement scale 210 is located along a first edge of the back face 221 of the trunking 200 and the scale runs from 0 at a proximal end 201 of the trunking and increases to a value L at a distal end 202 of the trunking, where L is the length of the trunking, which may be for example 3m. The scale preferably comprises length gradations at each millimetre and/or each centimetre along the length from 0 to L. The first length scale is oriented to ran from left to right when a user is viewing the trunking with the first edge nearest the user. In this example the trunking also comprises a second length measurement scale 211 which is located along a second edge of the back face 221 of the trunking. The second length measurement scale 211 is oriented to ran from left to right when a user is viewing the trunking with the second edge nearest the user. The second length measurement scale 211 is oriented to have values increasing from the distal end 202 towards the proximal end 201.

In the example of Figures 2a and 2b the first length measurement scale 210 and second length measurement scale 211 are located on the back face 221 of the base section 220 of the trunking 200. The user measuring and cutting the trunking may then place a length of trunking with the cap section 230 attached to the base section and the top face 231 facing downwards, to allow viewing of one of the length scales 210, 211 and cutting of the trunking 200.

Examples which provide a second length scale 211 in addition to the first length scale 210 are advantageous since, for example, when a portion of trunking is cut from the length of trunking using the first length scale 210, the remaining length of trunking retains the second length scale 211 starting from a value of 0. For example, for a 3m length of trunking, if the portion of trunking of length 1.2m is cut away using the first length scale 210 and the portion is removed for use, the portion of the first scale 210 remaining on the length of trunking will run from 1.2m to 3m. However, the second length scale 211 oriented opposite the first length scale will still run from 0 to 1.8m. The second length scale 211 may then be used for cutting a second portion of trunking and allows for eliminating calculations that would be required in using the first length scale for this second cut. That is, in examples, the first scale displays length values which increase with distance from a proximal end of the trunking, and the second scale displays length values which increase with distance from a distal end of the trunking. A first portion of trunking then may be measured and cut from the length of trunking with reference to the first length measurement scale, and a second portion of trunking is measured and cut with reference to the second length measurement scale. The second portion may be cut subsequently to the first portion being cut.

In some examples the length measurement scale 210 may be located on a different part of the trunking. For example, the scale 210 may be on a different face, such as one of the side faces 222, 223 or the top face 231. Or, as mentioned above, the trunking may not have a rectangular cross-section and the length scale may be located on any suitable surface of the trunking for use by a user when measuring and cutting the trunking. In one example comprising two length measurement scales, the first length measurement scale may be located on the first side 222 while the second length measurement scale may be located on the second side 223.

Each length measurement scale may be provided as markings, such as ink or paint markings on the surface of the trunking. In some examples, the scale 210 may be provided as indentations and/or ridges in the surface of the trunking; in such examples, the scale 210 may be formed in the moulding of the trunking. For example, ridges or indentations may be part of a mould for forming the trunking. In other examples, ridges or indentations may be formed by pressing a mould onto a formed length of trunking which is workable due to being at a high temperature, for example. Where the scale is provided when the trunking is at high temperatures, the application of the length scale may take into account subsequent contraction of the trunking upon cooling.

In another example, the length measurement scales 210, 211 may be provided as a tape which is adhered to a surface of the trunking. For example, a tape comprising length markings may be applied to the trunking after formation of the trunking by extrusion or moulding and after cooling of the trunking. Applying the length scale in this way after cooling of the formed trunking may avoid issues with contraction of the trunking upon cooling, and allow the length markings to remain accurate. The tape may comprise paper, or any material suitable to be cut by an implement used for cutting the trunking. The tape may be applied to the trunking by rolling a tape comprising an adhesive along a length of the trunking, or an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the trunking and the tape rolled over said surface.

In examples where the length measurement scale comprises a tape comprising measurement markings, the tape may also function as an adhesive tape for adhering the trunking to a surface. For example, the measurement markings may be printed on a portion of the tape which is configured to be peeled off to expose an adhesive section of the tape. In an example method of installing the trunking, the desired length of trunking may be determined; a portion of trunking of the desired length is cut at a point determined with reference to the length measurement scale, wherein the length measurement scale is printed on a non-adhesive strip covering the adhesive portion; and the non-adhesive strip, for example a paper strip, comprising the length measurement scale may then be peeled off to expose the adhesive portion for adhering the trunking to a surface.

Providing a length measurement scale on the trunking removes the need for a user cutting the trunking to using a measuring device, such as a tape measure to measure a portion of the trunking. This removes the difficulties caused by attempting to attach a tape measure or the like to a portion of trunking, which as mentioned, is particularly advantageous where the trunking is flexible. The need for the trunking to be held straight for measurement is also removed, since the length measurement scale gives a clear reference for determining length at each point of the trunking. The person cutting the portion of the trunking may, for example, measure the distances along the wall or ceiling required for each portion of the trunking, and with reference to the measurement scale, easily find the point on the length of trunking to cut to obtain a portion of trunking of the desired length. In another example, the user may bend, rather than cut the trunking at the desired point.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Other embodiments are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Trunking for channelling a cable or a pipe along a surface, comprising a first length measurement scale which is displayed on a surface of at least a portion of the trunking.

2. Trunking according to claim 1, further comprising a second length measurement scale, wherein the first scale displays length values which increase with distance from a proximal end of the trunking, and the second scale displays length values which increase with distance from a distal end of the trunking.

3. Trunking according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale comprises a plurality of markings separated by a predetermined distance of less than or equal to one centimetre, or less than or equal to once inch.

4. Trunking according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first length scale and/or the second length scale is a millimetre length scale comprising markings separated by a distance of one millimetre.

5. Trunking according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the portion of the trunking displaying the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale is configured to be cut to separate a first portion of the trunking from the remainder of the trunking.

6. Trunking according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the portion of the trunking displaying the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale is configured to be bent to provide a bend in the trunking at a point determined with reference to the length measurement scale.

7. Trunking according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale comprises markings applied directly to the surface of the trunking.

8. Trunking according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising a tape which is adhered to the trunking, wherein the tape comprises the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale.

9. Trunking according to claim 8, wherein the tape comprises an adhesive for adhering the trunking to a surface.

10. Trunking according to claim 9, wherein the tape comprises a non-adhesive section which is removable to expose an adhesive section and allow adhering of the trunking to a surface, and wherein the non-adhesive section comprises the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale.

11. Trunking according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first length measurement scale and/or the second length measurement scale is provided as indentations and/or ridges in the surface of the trunking.

12. Trunking according to any preceding claim which is flexible, optionally wherein the trunking comprises flexible plastics material.

13. A method of manufacturing trunking, comprising: providing trunking having a length measurement scale on at least a portion of the trunking.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein providing the trunking comprises moulding or extruding a plastics material.

15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein providing the length measurement scale comprises applying markings to a surface of the trunking.

16. A method according to any of claims 14 or claim 15, wherein providing the length measurement scale comprises forming the trunking with indentations in a surface of the trunking.

17. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein providing the length measurement scale comprises adhering a scale to a surface of the trunking.

18. A method of using trunking according to any of claims 1 to 12, comprising cutting or bending the trunking at a point along a length of the trunking wherein the point is determined with reference to the first length measurement scale or the second length measurement scale.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the first scale displays length values which increase with distance from a proximal end of the trunking, and the second scale displays length values which increase with distance from a distal end of the trunking and wherein a first portion of trunking is measured and cut from the length of trunking with reference to the first length measurement scale and a second portion of trunking is measured and cut with reference to the second length measurement scale.