GB2592913A

GB2592913A - A container

Info

Publication number: GB2592913A
Application number: GB2002997.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Macdonald Andrew; Macdonald Mary
Original assignee: Tv Tidy Ltd
Current assignee: Tv Tidy Ltd
Priority date: 2020-03-02
Filing date: 2020-03-02
Publication date: 2021-09-15
Also published as: GB202002997D0

Abstract

A container (10), suitable for storing at least one cable, comprises a base (12), and at least one sidewall (14) upwardly projecting from the base (12) defining a chamber (16). The container (10) comprises at least one spool member (18) upwardly projecting from the base (12) inside the chamber (16). The at least one spool member (18) has a passage (26) extending along the length of the spool member (18). The passage (26) enables improved cooling within the container (10). The spool member (18) may be connected to the base (12) at one end, and provided with at least one flange (24) at the other end. The container (10) may comprise a plurality of spool members (18). Also, any of the sidewall (14), spool member (18), and base (12) may be formed integrally.

Description

A CONTAINER

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a container for storing cables therein. The cables stored in the container are optionally cables associated with a television, including electrical and HDMI cables.

Background of Invention

An electrical device such as a television or desktop computer has cables associated with it. These cables include electrical power cables and optical cables such as HDMI cables. These cables can become tangled and kinked in an untidy cluster, if they are not managed and stored correctly. It be can be difficult for a user to disassociate an individual cable from the cluster.

Various cable storage containers have therefore been proposed to store the cables neatly so that cables do not become kinked and individual cables can be easily replaced. However, these cable storage containers become hot as a result of heat emanating from the cables and the device if the container is mounted upon the device. This heating if unchecked can in some circumstances lead to a fire starting. Furthermore, if the heating is such that it does not lead to a fire it can lead to the container becoming hot and uncomfortable for a user to handle.

It is the object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one disadvantage with prior cable storage containers.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for storing at least one cable therein, comprising: a base; at least one sidewall upwardly projecting from the base so as to define a chamber; and at least one spool member upwardly projecting from the base inside the chamber, wherein the at least one spool member has a passage extending along the length thereof.

The spool member may comprise a first end connected at the base and a second end distal the first end, wherein the second end is provided with at least one flange.

The at least one spool member may comprise a plurality of spool members.

The cross-section of the spool member may be a stadium.

The container may comprise a lid which may be releasably attached to the at least one sidewall to enclose the chamber, wherein the lid comprises at least one aperture which is adapted to be in fluid communication with the passage when the lid is attached to the sidewall.

The sidewall, spool member and base may be integrally formed.

The container may further comprise a mounting arrangement adapted to in use mount the container on an electrical device.

The at least one sidewall may be provided with at least one opening for the cable to enter the chamber.

The container may further comprise at least one tensioning resilient element extending from an inner surface of the sidewall and being arranged to contact the at least one cable in use.

The chamber may comprise an area located between the spool member and the sidewall, the area being sized to house a power strip therein.

The opening may be provided in the sidewall such that the spool member is located between the opening and the area for housing the power strip therein.

The area for housing the power strip therein may comprise at least one first slot adapted to in use receive at least one protrusion provided on an attachment strip, and the sidewall may have at least one second slot adapted to in use receive the at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one second slot is provided opposite the opening.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising: the container of the first aspect, wherein the at least one sidewall is provided with at least one opening for the cable to enter the chamber, wherein the chamber comprises an area located between the spool member and the sidewall, the area being sized to house a power strip therein, wherein the opening is provided in the sidewall such that the spool member is located between the opening and the area for housing the power strip therein, wherein the area for housing the power strip therein comprises at least one first slot adapted to in use receive at least one protrusion provided on an attachment strip, and the sidewall has at least one second slot adapted to in use receive the at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one second slot is provided opposite the opening; and (ii) an attachment strip comprising an adhesive layer on a first side of the attachment strip, the adhesive layer for attaching the attachment strip to the power strip, wherein a second side of the attachment strip, which is opposite the first side, comprises one or more protrusions for location in each of the at least one first slot and the at least one second slot.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement comprising: (i) the container of the first aspect, wherein the at least one sidewall is provided with at least one opening for the cable to enter the chamber, wherein the chamber comprises an area located between the spool member and the sidewall, the area being sized to house a power strip therein; and 00 a power strip and a cable extending from the power strip, wherein the power strip lies on the area for housing the power strip therein, and the cable is wrapped around the spool member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical device comprising the container of the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a container for storing at least one cable according to an embodiment of the invention when the container is closed; Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the container of Fig. 1 when the container is closed; Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of the container of Fig. 1 when the container is open; Fig. 3B shows a detail view of a tensioning arrangement shown in Fig. 3A; and Figs. 4A and 4B show the container of Fig. 1 when the container is open with an attachment strip.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

With reference to Figs. 1 to 4B, there is shown a container 10 according to the invention. The container 10 is for the storage of cables therein. These cables can include cables associated with an electrical device (such as a television or desktop computer). Specifically, these cables may include power cables, HDMI cables and the like.

As best shown in Fig. 3A, the container 10 comprises a base 12 which comprises a sidewall 14 which projects upwardly from the base so as to define a chamber 16. Inside the chamber 16 and projecting from the base 12 is a spool member 18. In use, one or more cables may be wrapped around the spool member to secure the cables within the container 10. In the depicted example, there are four spool members 18 located within the chamber 16 which are arranged in a row on the base. Each spool member 18 has a first end 20 connected at the base 12 and a second end 22 distal the first end which is provided with a flange 24. The flange 24 serves to in use further secure the cables to their respective spool member 18. In the depicted example, a flange 24 is provided on either side of the spool member 18 at its second end 22. In the depicted example, each of the spool members 18 has a cross-section in the shape of a stadium. The cross-section is taken along the axis of the spool member 18. The axis of each spool member 18 is perpendicular to the base 12. The base 12, sidewall 14 and spool member 18 are optionally integrally formed and optionally formed from plastic by injection moulding.

Each of the spool members 18 also comprises a passage 26 for the flow of air therethrough. Each passage 26 extends along the length of its respective spool member 18. An inlet of each passage is provided in the base 12 and an outlet of each passage is provided in the second end of its respective spool member 18.

A plurality of openings 30 are provided in the sidewall 14. Each of the openings 30 allow a cable to enter the chamber 16. A resilient tensioning element 32 is provided next to each opening 30. Each tensioning element 32 projects inwardly from an inner surface of the sidewall 14.

The purpose of each tensioning element 32 is to when a cable is located in its respective opening 30 tension the portion of the cable located inside the chamber 16. Each tensioning element 32 is displaced from its rest position when the cable is inserted inside the container and its respective opening 30 causing the tensioning element to push against the cable, and thereby tension the portion of the cable located inside the container. In the depicted example, each tensioning element comprises an arcuate contact portion 34 which is arranged to contact a cable inserted into its respective opening 30.

Located within the chamber 16 on the opposite side of the row of spool members 18 to the plurality of openings is an area 33 sized to house a power strip therein. In use this is where a power strip may be located. This area 33 comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting the container upon an electrical device. In the depicted example, the mounting arrangement is a row of mounting apertures 36 provided in the base 12.

The area also includes at least one first slot 38 arranged to receive at least one protrusion provided on an attachment strip. The attachment strip will be described in greater detail below. In the depicted example, there are two first slots 38, and each first slot 38 comprises a slot aperture 40 and a channel 42 extending from the slot aperture. The width of the channel 42 is less than the width of the slot aperture 40. The portion of the sidewall 14 adjacent the area 33 comprises at least one second slot 44. The second slot 44 is arranged to receive the protrusion in use. In the depicted example, there are two second slots 44, and each second slot is provided in a slot portion 46 which projects from a main portion of the sidewall 14.

As shown in Figure 1, the container 10 may be closed with a lid 50. The lid 50 comprises a top portion 52 and a lid sidewall 54 which projects downwardly from the top portion. In use to close the container the top portion 52 and lid sidewall 54 are placed over the sidewall 14 to close the container 10. Optionally, the lid is releasably mounted upon the sidewall 14 by one or more snapfit joints. Each of the snapfit joints comprises a first snapfit member 56 provided on the sidewall 14 which engages with a corresponding second snapfit member located on the lid sidewall 54. The first snapfit member is shown in Figure 3A. The lid sidewall 54 includes a lid opening 55 which allows access to the plurality of openings 30.

As shown in Figure 1, the top portion 52 of the lid 50 comprises a plurality of groups of apertures 58. Each group of apertures 58 is positioned in the top portion so as to be in communication with the passage of a spool member located beneath it when the lid 50 closes the container 10. The group of apertures 58 therefore allow air flowing through its respective passage to exit the container when the container 10 is closed.

The attachment strip 62 discussed above is shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Specifically, the attachment strip 62 comprises first and second opposing sides. On the first side 64 there is provided at least one protrusion which is adapted to be received in the first and second slots 38, 44 mentioned above in use. In the depicted example, there are two protrusions provided on the first side 64. On the second side 66 there is provided an adhesive which is provided to attach the attachment strip 62 to a power strip in use. The adhesive may be provided in the form of an adhesive layer, and a release paper may be provided to cover the adhesive layer. The protrusions of the attachment strip 62 are shown located in the second slots 44 in Fig. 4A and in the first slots 38 in Fig. 4B.

Industrial Applicability

With reference to Figs. 1 to 4B, in use, the user first of all places a power strip on the area 33. The user may optionally employ the attachment strip 62 at this point by attaching the attachment strip to the power strip by pressing the second side 66 of the attachment strip against the power strip. The user may then locate the protrusions on the first side 64 of the attachment strip in the first or second slots 38, 44, depending on what type of plug and socket arrangements are being utilised.

The user then wraps a cable extending from the power strip around one of the spool members 18. The user can then tension the cable by passing the cable through one of the openings 30. The tension in the portion of the cable located within the container 10 is maintained by the action of the tensioning element 32 which pushes against the cable.

The user then inserts the plugs of multiple cables into the power strip and wraps each of these cables around the spool members 18, and then inserts them into one of the openings 30 in the same manner as with the cable extending from the power strip. These cables are also tensioned in the same way as the cable extending from the power strip.

The user then closes the container 10 by placing the lid 50 over the sidewall 14.

B

Optionally, the user may mount the cable to an electrical device using the mounting arrangement 36 before performing the steps outlined above.

The provision of the passage extending along the length of the spool member means, not only that the container can neatly store cables therein, but that the heat emanating from the cables, and a device if the container is mounted upon the device, can be dissipated. This means the risk of fire is reduced and that the container is of a comfortable temperature for the user to handle.

The tensioning resilient element more securely holds the cables in position within the container.

The area sized to house a power strip therein provides a novel and neat way of storing a power strip having an electrical cable inside the container.

The arrangement of slots allows the container to be used in conjunction with an attachment strip to securely fix in position. within the container, either a power strip, which is arranged to receive UK plugs, or a power strip which is arranged to receive plugs from the rest of the world.

The flange provided at the second end of the spool member further secures the cable to the spool member in use.

The stadium cross-section of the spool members is advantageous for a number of reasons. Firstly, it prevents kinking of the cable as in comparison to other shapes a staduim shape allows the cable to be held under greater tension. Secondly, the shape means that the cables may be more securely held on the spool member. Furthermore, per unit of volume, it allows the container to store greater lengths of cable.

The fact that the lid has an aperture which is adapted to be in fluid communication with the passage means that the cables are securely held within the container but that also heat from the cables/device is dissipated.

It will be understood that it is not essential that multiple spool members are provided within the container. A single spool member could be employed for example.

It will be understood that only one opening may be employed, rather than the multiple openings employed in the specific embodiment described herein.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A container for storing at least one cable therein, comprising: a base; at least one sidewall upwardly projecting from the base so as to define a chamber; and at least one spool member upwardly projecting from the base inside the chamber, wherein the at least one spool member has a passage extending along the length thereof.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the spool member comprises a first end connected at the base and a second end distal the first end, wherein the second end is provided with at least one flange.
3. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one spool member comprises a plurality of spool members
4. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the cross-section of the spool member is a stadium.
5. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a lid which may be releasably attached to the at least one sidewall to enclose the chamber, wherein the lid comprises at least one aperture which is adapted to be in fluid communication with the passage when the lid is attached to the sidewall.
6. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the sidewall, spool member and base are integrally formed.
7. The container of any preceding claim, further comprising a mounting arrangement adapted to in use mount the container on an electrical device.
8. The container of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one sidewall is provided with at least one opening for the cable to enter the chamber.
9. The container of claim 8, further comprising at least one tensioning resilient element extending from an inner surface of the sidewall and being arranged to contact the at least one cable in use.
10. The container of claim 8 or 9, wherein the chamber comprises an area located between the spool member and the sidewall, the area being sized to house a power strip therein.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the opening is provided in the sidewall such that the spool member is located between the opening and the area for housing the power strip therein.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the area for housing the power strip therein comprises at least one first slot adapted to in use receive at least one protrusion provided on an attachment strip, and the sidewall has at least one second slot adapted to in use receive the at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one second slot is provided opposite the opening.
13. A kit comprising the container of claim 12 and an attachment strip comprising an adhesive layer on a first side of the attachment strip, the adhesive layer for attaching the attachment strip to the power strip, wherein a second side of the attachment strip, which is opposite the first side, comprises one or more protrusions for location in each of the at least one first slot and the at least one second slot.
14. An arrangement comprising: the container of any of claims 10 to 12, a power strip and a cable extending from the power strip, wherein the power strip lies on the area for housing the power strip therein, and the cable is wrapped around the spool member.
15. An electrical device comprising the container of any of claims 1 to 12.