Cable Management System and Components Therefor

Abstract

A cable management system including an elongate, flexible and length adjustable tubular conduit and a pair of mounting components to mount the elongate tubular conduit relative to a surface, one mounting component attaching a first end of the elongate conduit and a second mounting component attaching a second end of the elongate conduit, wherein together the tubular conduit and the mounting components define a body through which cables can extend and the tubular conduit is attachable and detachable as required from the mounting components used to mount the cable management system relative to the surface.

Claims

1.-17. (canceled)

18. An in-wall cable management system including an elongate, flexible and length adjustable tubular conduit and a pair of mounting components to mount the elongate tubular conduit relative to a wall surface, one mounting component attaching a first end of the elongate conduit and a second mounting component attaching a second end of the elongate conduit, wherein together the tubular conduit and the mounting components define a body through which cables can extend and the tubular conduit is attachable and detachable as required from the mounting components used to mount the cable management system relative to the wall surface.

19. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the tubular conduit is provided with a coupling provided at either end, one mounting component attaching the coupling at a first end of the elongate conduit and a second mounting component attaching the coupling at a second end of the elongate conduit, wherein together the tubular conduit and the couplings define a body through which cables can extend and which is attachable and detachable as required from the mounting components used to mount the cable management system relative to the wall surface.

20. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the tubular conduit has an attachment cuff provided at both ends of the elongate conduit, the attachment cuff having a tubular extension having a first portion of an attachment mechanism; and a pair of hollow elbow couplings each having a second portion of the attachment mechanism corresponding to the first portion on the attachment cuff and a mounting assembly to mount the elbow couplings relative to a wall surface, one elbow coupling attaching the attachment cuff at a first end of the elongate conduit and a second elbow coupling attaching the attachment cuff at a second end of the elongate conduit, wherein together the tubular conduit and the attachment cuffs define a body through which cables can extend and which is attachable and detachable as required from the elbow couplings used to mount the cable management system relative to the wall surface.

21. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the tubular conduit has an elbow coupling provided at either end, the elbow coupling having a tubular extension having a first portion of an attachment mechanism; and a pair of mounting components to mount the elbow couplings relative to a wall surface, each having a second portion of the attachment mechanism corresponding to the first portion on the elbow coupling, one mounting component attaching the elbow coupling at a first end of the elongate conduit and a second mounting component attaching the elbow coupling at a second end of the elongate conduit, wherein together the tubular conduit and the elbow couplings define a body through which cables can extend and which is attachable and detachable as required from the mounting components used to mount the cable management system relative to the wall surface.

22. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 wherein the elongate, tubular conduit is hollow and provided with a removable coupling provided at both ends.

23. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 22 wherein each coupling is an internally threaded screw cuff.

24. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 22 wherein each coupling is provided as a substantially tubular collar which is received at least partially within a corresponding coupling provided on the respective mounting component.

25. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 22 wherein each coupling is provided as a substantially tubular collar to receive at least partially, a corresponding coupling provided on the respective mounting component.

26. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 22 wherein each coupling further includes a releasable latching assembly in order to allow the coupling to be attached and detached to a coupling on the mounting component.

27. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 26 wherein the releasable latching assembly includes one or more bayonet engagement mechanisms.

28. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 wherein each mounting component has a mounting portion including a radially extending flange in order to overlie a portion of a wall or other surface into or through which an opening has been formed for the cable management system.

29. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 28 wherein the mounting portion includes a rearwardly extending tubular portion with a coupling.

30. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 further including a tapered leader for removable attachment to or relative to the tubular conduit during insertion into or through the wall.

31. An in-wall cable management system including an elongate, flexible and length adjustable tubular conduit and a pair of mounting components to mount the elongate tubular conduit relative to a surface, one mounting component attaching a first end of the elongate conduit and a second mounting component attaching a second end of the elongate conduit, and a tapered leader for removable attachment to or relative to a tubular conduit during insertion into or through a wall cavity wherein together the tubular conduit and the mounting components define a body through which cables can extend and the tubular conduit is attachable and detachable as required from the mounting components used to mount the cable management system relative to the surface.

32. The in-wall cable management system as claimed in claim 18 further including a cover plate or faceplate in order to at least partially close the opening in the mounting component to provide an aesthetically pleasing view to a user.

33. A method for in-wall installation of an elongate, flexible and length adjustable tubular conduit into or through a wall cavity, the method including the steps of providing an elongate, flexible and length adjustable, tubular conduit for installation into or through a wall, attaching a tapered leader to or relative to a leading end of the tubular conduit during insertion into or through a wall cavity and attaching an elongate member to the tapered leader in order to draw the tubular conduit into or through the wall.

34. The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the tapered leader is attached to the tubular conduit during insertion into or through the wall and then removed from the tubular conduit in order to allow coupling of the tubular conduit to a mounting component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0078] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0079] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional illustration of a preferred location for a cable management system according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 2a is an exploded close-up illustration of the cable management system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 2b is an illustration of the cable management system shown in FIG. 2a but assembled.

[0082] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an elbow mounting component as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a view from beneath the elbow mounting component as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the elbow mounting component as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the elbow mounting component as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0086] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a cable management conduit with attachment cuff according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view the conduit from FIG. 7 attaching to the mounting component illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0088] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the configuration in FIG. 8 but attached.

[0089] FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative threaded bayonet configuration of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0091] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the configuration in FIG. 11 but attached.

[0092] FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative configuration of the present invention in which the conduit is directly threaded to an elbow mounting component.

[0093] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the configuration in FIG. 13 but attached.

[0094] FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative configuration of the present invention in which the conduit is directly threaded to a mounting component to form an elbow.

[0095] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the configuration in FIG. 15 but attached.

[0096] FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative configuration of the present invention with an elbow coupling overmolded onto the conduit and attachment to a corresponding mounting component.

[0097] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the configuration in FIG. 17 but attached.

[0098] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a tubular conduit and tapered leader according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the tubular conduit and tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 19 in the use condition.

[0100] FIG. 21 is a schematic end elevation of a wall with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20 in use.

[0101] FIG. 22A is an isometric view of a tapered leader according to a first preferred embodiment.

[0102] FIG. 22B is a plan view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 22A.

[0103] FIG. 22C is an end elevation view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 22A.

[0104] FIG. 22D is a side elevation view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 22A.

[0105] FIG. 23A is an isometric view of a tapered leader according to a second preferred embodiment.

[0106] FIG. 23B is a plan view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 23A.

[0107] FIG. 23C is an end elevation view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 23A.

[0108] FIG. 23D is a side elevation view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 23A.

[0109] FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a tapered leader according to a third preferred embodiment.

[0110] FIG. 24B is a plan view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 24A.

[0111] FIG. 24C is an end elevation view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 24A.

[0112] FIG. 24D is a side elevation view of the tapered leader illustrated in FIG. 24A.

[0113] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a preferred mounting component with a cover plate according to a preferred embodiment, in place.

[0114] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 25 with the cover plate removed.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0115] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a cable management system and components therefore are provided.

[0116] The cable management system 10 of the illustrated preferred embodiment includes an elongate tubular conduit 11 with a coupling 12 provided at either end; and a pair of mounting components 13 to mount the elongate tubular conduit 11 relative to a wall 14. As illustrated in FIG. 2 in particular, one mounting component 13 attaches the coupling 12 at a first end of the elongate conduit 11 and a second mounting component 13 attaches the coupling 12 at a second end of the elongate conduit 11. Together the tubular conduit 11 and the couplings 12 define a body through which cables (not shown) can extend and which is attachable and detachable as required from the mounting components 13 used to mount the cable management system relative to the wall 14.

[0117] The cable management system of the present invention is particularly well suited for collecting and protecting cables which a user may wish to run from one location to another. It is particularly useful for devices where cables can be hidden internally of the wall. Devices such as wall mounted TVs 15 and their associated equipment such as receivers, DVD players gaming consoles and the like which are located in a cabinet 16 separated from the TV 15.

[0118] A general Figure showing the location and use of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0119] The cable management system 10 includes an elongate, tubular conduit 11 with a coupling 12 provided at either end, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in FIG. 7. The preferred elongate tubular conduit 11 is length extendable or stretchable. When extended or stretched, some deformation is created and the preferred tubular conduit, also being resilient, retracts once the force creating the extension is removed. The resilient nature of the preferred conduit means that an amount of tension is maintained in the conduit making the threading of cables easier.

[0120] According to the preferred embodiment, the conduit 11 is resilient and flexible with rigid or partially rigid couplings 12 provided at either end.

[0121] In Australia, the minimum cavity dimension in an internal wall is approximately 70 mm. The conduit illustrated in FIG. 7 has representative dimensions and is approximately 50 mm in external cross-sectional dimension.

[0122] The coupling 12 provided at either end of the tubular conduit 11 can be of any type. The coupling 12 illustrated is hollow in order to allow cables to extend through the coupling 12.

[0123] The coupling is a substantially in line configuration. According to the first preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the coupling 12 is provided as a substantially tubular collar 17 which is received at least partially within a corresponding coupling provided on the mounting component 13, discussed in more detail below. In this configuration, the coupling 12 of the tubular conduit 11 is a male component which is received within a correspondingly shaped and sized female component provided on the mounting component 13.

[0124] An at least partially circumferentially extending stop or abutment shoulder 18 is generally provided relative to the tubular collar 17 in order to prevent the tubular collar 17 being inserted too far within the coupling on the mounting component 13.

[0125] A guide protrusion 19 is provided in order to align the tubular conduit 11 with the coupling provided on the mounting component 13 and in order to allow a user to more easily align the components for attachment relative to one another. As illustrated, the guide protrusion 19 which is received in a correspondingly sized and shaped depression or scallop 20 located on the mounting component 13. The guide protrusion 19 extends towards the free end of the collar 17, away from the stop or abutment shoulder 18.

[0126] The preferred latching assembly of the coupling 12 include a pair of latches, located substantially on opposed sides of the tubular collar. Normally, the latches will be offset from the guide protrusion.

[0127] Normally, each latch will be provided as a resilient tab which is movable in order to move a latch tongue 21 into, and particularly from engagement with a latch assembly. Preferably, the resilient tab will be provided as a substantially L-shaped arm. A first portion 22 of the arm extends laterally away from the collar 17 of the coupling and a second portion 23 of the arm extends substantially parallel to the collar 17 from the end of the first part 22 but spaced from the collar 17 in order to allow movement of the second part 23 relative to the collar 17. Typically, the L-shaped arm extends in the direction away from the free end of the coupling 12.

[0128] The latch tongue 21 is preferably provided on an outer side of the L-shaped arm. The latch tongue 21 engages with a latch opening 25, provided in the mounting component 13. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the latch tongue 21 is substantially rectangular and spaced from both ends of the second portion 23 of the L-shaped arm. The latch tongue 21 extends substantially perpendicularly across the longitudinal dimension of the second portion 23 of the L-shaped arm. As indicated above, the L-shaped arm, and particularly the second part 23 of the L-shaped arm is depressible towards the centre of the coupling 12 in order to clear the latch tongue 21 from the latch opening 25 during attachment of the coupling 12 from the mounting component 13 and the arm is resilient in order to hold the latch tongue 21 in the latch opening 25 until detachment is desired. Normally, the latch arm will be depressed manually by a user using the end of the second portion 23 as a press tab 24.

[0129] A preferred mounting component 13 is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6. Each of the mounting components 13 includes a mounting portion in order to mount the mounting component relative to the surface and a coupling attachment portion to attach a coupling provided on the elongate conduit 11.

[0130] The mounting portion of each mounting component 13 includes a flange 26 that extends radially in order to overlie a portion of the wall or other surface into or through which an opening has been formed for the cable management system 10. The flange 26 is planar in order to sit relatively flush against the wall surface and can have any shape but will generally be circular or annular surrounding a central opening through the mounting component 13 which is generally hollow in order to allow cables to be inserted therethrough.

[0131] In use, a rear surface of the flange 26 of the mounting portion 13 abuts a wall surface in order to locate the mounting component.

[0132] The mounting portion also includes a rearwardly extending tubular portion 27. The tubular portion will preferably be substantially the same cross-sectional shape and dimension as the elongate tubular conduit 11 which is attached to the mounting component 13. As mentioned above, there is preferably a bore through the flange 26 and indeed, through the mounting portion and the mounting component 13 in order to form a bore through which cables can be received.

[0133] The tubular portion of the illustrated embodiment is a 90 degree elbow where portions are at different angles to one another. A support member 33 is preferably provided between the rear of the flange 26 and the angled portion of the elbow as best illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0134] The coupling attachment portion is provided on the rearwardly extending tubular portion 27. Preferably, the rearwardly extending tubular portion 27 is smaller in diameter than the flange 26 which preferably extends radially outwardly from the tubular portion 27.

[0135] According to the most preferred embodiment, three spring clips 28 are provided on a rear side of the flange 26 to achieve this purpose. Three spring clips 28 are preferred on each mounting component 13 to hold it securely in place due to eccentric tension caused by the conduit 11.

[0136] Each spring clip 28 is mounted on a mounting arm 29 provided on the rear surface of the flange 26. Each mounting arm is typically planar extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the flange 26. Each mounting arm 29 is braced to the tubular portion 29 to provide strength to the mounting arm.

[0137] Each spring clip 28 is mounted on a mounting arm 29 and projects outwardly away from the tubular portion 27. The spring clips 28 act to force or hold the flange 26 against the wall 14. The spring clips 28 are provided in this manner also have the advantage of being hidden so as to make the external appearance of the mounting component 13 aesthetically pleasing. The spring clips 28 also allow removal of the mounting component 13 from the wall 14 by pulling the mounting component 13 away from the wall 14, which in turn draws the mounting component 13 out of the opening in the or, against the bias of the spring clips 28. In order to insert the mounting component 13 into the hole formed in the wall 14, the spring clips 28 are temporarily deformed in order to fit into the opening and held their whilst forcing the mounting component 13 into the opening.

[0138] The mounting component also includes a coupling having a configuration which is basically the reverse configuration to the coupling of the tubular conduit 11 to form a secure, but detachable coupling arrangement.

[0139] The coupling as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6 includes a substantially tubular collar 30 but the collar is typically female to receive the male tubular collar 17 of the coupling of the tubular conduit 11. The coupling of mounting component 13 also includes an abutment shoulder 31, but this abutment shoulder 31 is internal. A scallop 20 is provided to receive the guide protrusion 19 explained above in reference to the coupling of the tubular conduit 11.

[0140] The coupling of the mounting component 13 is also provided a cavity 32 to match the shape and size of the L-shaped arm provided on the coupling of the tubular conduit 11. Normally, this cavity 32 is provided in the substantially tubular collar 30 such that the L-shaped arm can be partially received within the tubular collar during attachment.

[0141] The latch opening 25 provided in the sidewall of the cavity 32 in order to receive and engage the latch tongue 21 provided on the coupling of the tubular conduit 11. Normally, a pair of latching assemblies is provided, although this number may vary and it is preferred that two latching assemblies are provided substantially on opposed sides of the tubular collar 30 and offset from the scallop 20.

[0142] In installing the system of the preferred embodiment, two holes of approximately 88 mm diameter are drilled into the plasterboard wall 14 (or similar type wall) at the requisite positions, approximately in a vertical orientation to each other, and of minimum diameter to insert and accommodate the mounting components 13. One hole is higher than the other on the wall 14 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0143] One end of the flexible, stretchable conduit 11 is attached to one mounting component 13 and then the other, unattached end of the conduit 11 is fed into the top hole drilled in the wall 14. The conduit 11 is fed in allowing it to drop down vertically in the wall cavity.

[0144] To insert the mounting component 13 into the wall 14, the springs clips 28 on the mounting component 13 are depressed backwards to enable the spring clip 28 to fit inside the top portal hole as well. Mounting component 13 is pushed in, until the spring clips 28 on the mounting component 13 rebound against the back of the wall 14 to hold the mounting component 13 in place.

[0145] An operator will then preferably measure and cut flexible conduit to approximate the required length. A hand is inserted in the second and lower portal hole to pull through the flexible and stretchable conduit 11.

[0146] The other mounting component 13 is attached to the free end of the conduit 11 that has been pulled through. The conduit 11 is then released and the mounting component 13 inserted with the elbow leg attached to the flexible conduit 11 facing vertically upwards.

[0147] To insert the other mounting component 13 into the wall 14, the spring clips 28 on the mounting component 13 are depressed backwards to enable the spring clip 28 to fit inside the top portal hole as well. The mounting component 13 is pushed in, until the spring clips 28 on the mounting component 13 rebound against the back of the wall 14 to hold the mounting component 13 in place.

[0148] Cords & cables can now be fed through the continuous conduit 11. It is recommended these be fed from the top down.

[0149] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the conduit 11 is attached to the mounting component 13 using a threaded bayonet coupling 12 and a mounting component 13 adapted for bayonet coupling. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the coupling 12 is tubular. The coupling 12 has an engagement portion to engage with the elongate conduit 11 provided at one end of the coupling 12 and a first portion of a bayonet coupling assembly provided at the opposite end of the coupling 12.

[0150] The engagement portion to engage with the elongate conduit 11 is an internally threaded portion 34, best illustrated in FIG. 10. This allows engagement with the conduit 11 with a helical configuration and allows the elongate conduit 11 to be threaded into engagement with the coupling 12.

[0151] The coupling 12 of the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12 is a male portion and the female portion is provided on the mounting component

[0152] The first portion of the bayonet coupling assembly provided on the coupling 12 includes a pair of protrusions 35 extending from an outer surface of the tubular coupling 12. The protrusions 35 are provided on opposed sides of the coupling 12, each being substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0153] The coupling 12 is received within a female collar 30 provided on the mounting component 13. The collar 30 is shaped to match the coupling 12 and dimensioned in order to be closely received within the collar 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, the collar 30 has a number of substantially L-shaped openings 36 therein, corresponding in number and separation distance to the number of protrusions 35 provided on the coupling 12 and the separation distance between the protrusions 35 on the coupling 12.

[0154] The openings 36 extend through the collar 30 provided on the mounting component 13. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12, each opening 36 has two parts thereto with the parts being substantially perpendicular to one another. Two separate movements are thus required to engage the coupling 12 with the mounting component 13 including a movement where the components are pressed together longitudinally and then a second movement where the parts are rotated relative to one another.

[0155] One portion of each L-shaped opening 36 extends circumferentially on the collar 30 and the second portion is an entry portion which is substantially perpendicularly located in the collar 30 to the first portion.

[0156] An enlarged portion is provided at the end of the circumferential portion of the L-shaped opening 36 in order to seat a protrusion 35 in this portion securely and minimise the chance of accidental dislodgement of the protrusion 35 from the enlarged portion. Typically the enlarged portion will be provided with an abutment shoulder against which the protrusion 35 provided on the coupling 12 will abut once properly attached.

[0157] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the elongate conduit 12 may be directly attached to the mounting component 13 without an intervening coupling. Again, this alternative embodiment is particularly preferred when the elongate conduit 12 is provided in the helical configuration.

[0158] According to this embodiment, the mounting component 13 is provided with a collar 30 and the collar 30 is adapted to directly engage the end of the conduit 11. A particularly preferred manner in which this may be achieved is to provide an internally threaded portion 34 on the collar 30.

[0159] According to this embodiment, the mounting component 13 may be provided in an elbow configuration such as that illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 or as a straight-in type such as that illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 in which the conduit 11 is bent or deformed prior to insertion into the mounting component 13 and thereby forming an elbow as required.

[0160] An additional mounting assembly is included on the rear of the mounting flange of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, in order to minimise the chance that the spring clips 28 can pull the flange 26 into misalignment. In particular, a mounting assembly may be provided with a flange 37 that is substantially parallel to but spaced from the rear of the mounting flange 26 to balance any force applied by the spring clips 28 and to maintain the mounting flange 26 flush on the wall.

[0161] According to yet a further alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, a coupling 12 may be provided that is overmoulded with the conduit 11 and the coupling 12 is engaged with a mounting component 13.

[0162] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the coupling 12 is provided in an elbow configuration. The coupling 12 is provided with a number of radially extending flange portions 38 at or adjacent the end of the coupling 12 opposite the conduit 11. Three flange portions are provided, one which is approximately 180° about a portion of the coupling, and two other portions which are spaced from the first portion and from each other and extend approximately 90° about a portion of the coupling.

[0163] A bracing rib 39 is also provided.

[0164] The mounting component 13 of this particular embodiment includes a flange 26 to abut a wall surface and the spring clip assemblies 28 as discussed above spaced around a central opening 40. A number of guide posts 41 are provided, normally one adjacent each spring clip assembly in order to be received between the spaced apart flange portions 38 provided on the coupling 12 for alignment of the coupling 12 with the mounting component 13.

[0165] A number of latch arms 42 with abutment shoulders are provided on the mounting component 13 in order to engage with the flange portions 38. The latch arms 42 are slightly resilient to allow temporary deformation of the arms 42 during attachment and detachment of the coupling 12. Each latch arm 42 has an angled portion provided in order to force deformation of the latch arm 42 as the flange portion 38 passes. Thereafter, the abutment shoulders will typically abut a surface of the flange portions 38 in order to removably hold the coupling 12 to the mounting component 13.

[0166] The system of the preferred embodiment may further include a tapered leader 43 for removable attachment to or relative to the tubular conduit 11 during insertion into or through a wall cavity. This is particularly case in situations where the wall cavity is provided with internal installation between the wall facing panels which may cause issues with trying to feed the tubular conduit into or through the wall. This configuration and the use of the tapered leader 43 is illustrated in FIG. 21. The tapered leader 43 will typically be attached to the tubular conduit during insertion into or through the wall and can then be removed from the tubular conduit 11 in order to allow coupling of the tubular conduit 11 to a coupling 12 or directly to a mounting component 13.

[0167] As illustrated in FIG. 21, after drilling the top and bottom holes 44 in the wall for installation, a drawstring 45 is fed through from the top hole to the bottom hole 44 between the close wall panel 46 and the insulation 47. This can be achieved with many methods including using electricians “yellow tongue”, pull rods or the like instead of a drawstring.

[0168] Once the conduit 11 has been trimmed to the correct length, the tapered leader 43 is screwed onto on end of the conduit 11. The drawstring 45 is then securely attached to the tapered leader 43 at the at the top hole end. The opposite end of the drawstring 45 i.e at the bottom hole 44, is then pulled continuously so as to pull the tapered leader 43 into the top hole and down inside the wall between the close wall panel 46 and the insulation 47. As the tapered leader 43 travels down the cone has the effect of pushing the insulation 47 away from the close wall panel 46, thus creating a void so the trailing conduit 11 can be pulled through between the insulation 47 and the close wall panel 46 as illustrated in FIG. 21. When the tapered leader 43 is visible at the bottom hole 44, it can be pulled through the bottom hole 44. The tapered leader 43 is then removed and the coupling 12 is screwed back on. The top and bottom mounting components 13 are then attached and installed as usual.

[0169] According to a first preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 22A to 23D, the tapered leader 43 may include an at least partially conical forward portion 48. The tapered leader 43 of these embodiments includes a collar 49 to allow removable attachment to the tubular conduit 11 and as illustrated, the collar 49 is substantially cylindrical. The collar 49 internally threaded 50 to allow releasable engagement with the tubular conduit 11. An opening 51 is provided in a forward end or portion of the tapered leader 43. The opening 51 may be provided through a forward portion of the tapered leader 43 as illustrated in FIGS. 22A to 22D or in a forwardly extending tab 52 as illustrated in FIGS. 23A to 23D.

[0170] In an alternative configuration illustrated in FIGS. 24A to 24D, the tapered leader 43 may have an at least partially wedge shaped forward portion. The tapered leader 43 of this embodiment includes a substantially cylindrical collar 53 to allow removable attachment to the tubular conduit 11. The collar 53 is internally threaded 54 to allow releasable engagement with the tubular conduit. An opening 56 is provided in a forwardly extending tab portion 55.

[0171] It is also recognised that the system of the present invention might be used where the faceplates of the mounting component 13 might be visible i.e not behind the TV or cabinets for example. To improve the aesthetics, a clip-in cover plate 57 may be provided in order to at least partially close the opening 59 in the mounting component 13 to provide an aesthetically pleasing view to a user. Preferably, the cover plate 57 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26 simply attaches to or relative to the mounting component 13, preferably at least partially within the opening 59 in the mounting component 13 to partially close the opening in the mounting component 13. It is particularly preferred that the cover plate 57 be at least partially crescent shaped with a scalloped portion 59 as this will provide a covering for the majority of the opening 59 but leave a small portion of the opening uncovered to allow cables to extend therefrom as illustrated in FIG. 25.

[0172] Once the cables are fed through the in-wall conduit, it will be possible to clip the cover plate 57 into the opening 59, reducing the exposed mouth area to improve the aesthetics. The cover plate 57 is similar to those currently used in desk cable management (holes through the desks) but it is unique in this in-wall cable management solution.

[0173] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0174] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.