Claims:We claim:
1. A grommet device (100) comprising:
an outer grommet member (102)having a plurality of locking portions (102L) provided onto an inner portion (102I) of said outer grommet member (102); and
an inner grommet member (102)having,
a holding portion (104H); and
a plurality of locking legs (104L) connected to said holding portion (104H),
wherein
said outer grommet member (102) is adapted to be fixed to a work top (T); and
each of said locking leg (104L) is adapted to engage corresponding each of said locking portion (102L) therein to lock said inner grommet member (104) with said outer grommet member (102) when said holding portion (104H) is moved with respect to said outer grommet member.

2. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said outer grommet member (102) includes,
a plurality of inner grommet engaging portions (102P) extending from the inner portion (102I) of said outer grommet member (102),
wherein
each of said inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to support said inner grommet member (104); and
each of said inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to facilitate a rotational movement of said inner grommet member (104).

3. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said locking leg (104L) extends from said holding portion (104H) and spaced away from other said locking leg (104L).

4. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidouter grommet member (102) and each of said locking leg (104L) of said inner grommet member (104) defines a plurality of cable outlets (103) there between.

5. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of said outer grommet member (102) includes,
a first engaging portion (102Pa) adapted to be disposed at a bottom end (102x) of said outer grommet member (102); and
a second engaging portion (102Pb) adapted to be disposed in a reference plane which is above and away from said first engaging portion (102Pa).

6. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of said locking leg (104L) is adapted to engage the first engaging portion (102Pa) of corresponding each of said inner grommet engaging portion (102P) when said inner grommet member (102) is introduced into said outer grommet member (102); and
said holding portion (102H) is rotated to engage each of said locking leg (104L) with corresponding each of said locking portion (102L) therein to restrict a movement of said inner grommet member (104) thereby locking said inner grommet member (104) with said outer grommet member (102).

7. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of said locking portion (102L) is adapted to be disposed between the first engaging portion (102Pa) and the second engaging portion (102Pb) of corresponding each of said inner grommet engaging portion (102P) at a predefined angle.

8. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said locking leg (104L) of said inner grommet member (104) defines a plurality of locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB),
wherein
said locking leg finger (104LA) of each of said locking leg (104L) is adapted to be engaged with corresponding each of said locking portion (102L) to restrict a movement of said inner grommet member (104) thereby locking said inner grommet member (104) with said outer grommet member (102).

9. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said outer grommet member (102) includes,
a portion (102D) adapted to be provided onto the second engaging portion (102Pb) of at least one of said inner grommet engaging portion (102P),
wherein
said portion (102D) is adapted to provide locking feel to the user during locking of said inner grommet member (104) with said outer grommet member (10).

10. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first engaging portion (102Pa) of at least one of said inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to restrict said inner grommet member (104) from passing out of said outer grommet member (102).
11. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holding portion (104H) of said inner grommet member (104H) is substantially provided in a floating position which aesthetic, where said holding portion (104H) is disposed away from said outer grommet member (102).

12. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of cable outlets (103) is adapted to facilitate routing of cables (W) in a plurality of directions at the same time.

13. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said holding portion (104H) of said inner grommet member (104H) is adapted to retain at least one cable (W) in corresponding at least one of said cable outlet (103).

14. The grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of cable outlets (103) is adapted to allow the cables (W) to pass through diagonally within the height of said grommet device (100).

15. Then grommet device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking legs (104L) of said inner grommet member (104) is adapted to provide partitions for cables (W) thereby enabling desired distribution of cables (W) therethrough which in turn would restrict tangling up of cables (W) and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables (W).

16. A method (200) for managing cables (W) through a work top (T), said method (200) comprising:
providing a grommet device (100) having an outer grommet member (102) and an inner grommet member (104) locked to the outer grommet member (102);
fixing the grommet device (100) to the work top (T) by fitting the outer grommet member (102) with a grommet receiving portion provided in the work top (T);
removing the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102) by dis-engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) from corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102);
routing at least one wire (W) and it’s connector through a cable receiving opening (102W) of the outer grommet member (102); and
locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102).

17. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said method (200) includes re-introducing the inner grommet member (104) into the outer grommet member (102) prior to said locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104)with respect to the outer grommet member (102).

18. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said removing the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102) by dis-engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) from corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102)includes,
dis-engagingat least one locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) from corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) to unlock the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102) on rotation of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104).

19. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102)includes,
engaging at least one locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102) and rotating the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104).

20. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method (200) comprises,retaining the cables (W) in at least one cableoutlet (103) through the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104).

21. The method (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the method (200) comprises,providing partitions for desired distributionof the cables (W) through the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104).

22. A method (300) for managing cablesthrough a work top (T), said method (300) comprising:
providing a grommet device (100) having an outer grommet member (102) and an inner grommet member (104);
locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104)with respect to the outer grommet member (102);
fixing the grommet device (100) to the work top (T) by fitting the outer grommet member (102) with a grommet receiving portion provided in the work top (T); and
routing at least one cable(W) and its connector through at least one of a plurality of cable outlets (103) defined between the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) and the outer grommet member (102).

23. The method (300) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said method (300) includes introducing the inner grommet member (104) into the outer grommet member (102) prior to said locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104)with respect to the outer grommet member (102).

24. The method (300) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104)with respect to the outer grommet member (102)includes,
engaging at least one locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102) and rotating the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104).

25. The method (300) as claimed in claim 22,wherein said method (300) includes retaining the cables (W) in at least one cable outlet (103) through the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104), where the cable outlet (103) is defined between the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) and the outer grommet member (102).

26. The method (300) as claimed in claim 22,wherein said method (300) includes providing partitions for desired distribution of the cables (W) through the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104).

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein relate to a grommet deviceand a method for managing cablesthrough a work top.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, workstations are furnished with electrical and/or electronic devices such as computing devices, printers, lamps, telephones and the like. The wires, cords, cables and connectors of the aforementioned devices are to be appropriately routed topower plug points, usually provided below the workstation, to increase the available workspace. To accommodate these, the workstation usually includes a grommet inserted to a cut out provided in a table top to protect any of the wires, cords, cablesand/or connectors from being damaged. Most conventional grommets (10) include a grommet sleeve (10S, as shown in fig. 1a) provided with a large opening (10H) which allowscablesto pass therethrough.However, the relatively large size of the opening (10H) in the grommet sleeve (10) may result in tangling up of cables as well as allows smaller objects or any objects used on the table top to easily fall through. In most cases,these grommet sleeves (10) are not firmly engaged with the table top which in turn would lead to inadvertent movement of the grommet sleeve (10) which is undesirable as the grommet sleeve (10) is freely inserted to the cut out in the table top.Some conventional grommets (20) include a cover (24) mounted onto the grommet sleeve (22, as shown in fig. 1b) to not allow the smaller objects or any objects used on the table top to fall through it. However, the cover (24) is provided with a small cablereceiving opening (24H) due to which the number of cables that can be fed through it is limited and may be subjected to tangling of cables which is undesirable. The cover (24) needs to be removed and remounted onto the grommet sleeve (22) to allow cables to pass through, which is tedious and time consuming process. Further, the cover (24) is not firmly fixed with grommet sleeve(22) which in turn would lead to inadvertent movement of the cover(24) which is undesirable as the cover(24) is freely mounted onto the grommet sleeve (22). Further, the cover (24) can be easily lost or misplaced as the cover (24) is not secured to the grommet sleeve (22).
[003] Other conventional grommets (30, as shown in fig. 1c) are provided withmultiple cablereceiving openings (30H) in communication with each other,and allowthe cables (30W, only one of which is shown in fig. 1c)topass therethrough. However,the cablereceiving openings (30H) are smaller in size than an overall size of the grommet (30) due to which plug adapters cannot be passed through it and the number of cables which can be fed through the cable receiving opening (30H)is limited and may be subjected to tangling of cables which is undesirable. Further, these grommets (30) would not retain the cables(30W) at desired position and effective distribution of cables through the cable receiving openings (30H) is difficult and the cables can be removed only in one direction. Anotherconventionalgrommets (40, as shown in fig. 1d) have multiple flexible flaps (40F) with slits (40S) defined there between. At least one of the flexible flaps(40F) is moved to accommodate the cables(40W, only one of which is shown in fig. 1c) passing therethrough. However, routing of cables(40W)through these grommets (40) is cumbersome and the cables(40W) may get struck between the flexible flaps (40F) which in turn restricts the movement of the cables, due to friction between the flaps (40F) and the cables (40W) which is undesirable. Further, some portion of the flexible flaps (40F) may be projected upwards, which is aesthetically undesirable. The aforementioned grommets (10, 30 and 40) are molded as a single piece component and retaining the cables in the desired position and effective distribution ofthe cablesthrough the cable receiving opening is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
[004] In some cases, conventionalgrommets(50, as shown in fig. 1e) include a grommet sleeve (52), a cover (54) mounted thereon to the grommet sleeve (52) and a closure member (56) slidablyconnected to the cover (54). The closure member (56) is moved between a closed position in which the closuremember (56) covers a single cable receiving opening (52H) when the cablesare not being passed therethrough, and an open position in which the closure member (56) allow cablesto pass therethrough. However, the single cable receiving opening (52H) is smaller in size due to which the number of cables which can be fed through the cable receiving opening (52H) is limited and may be subjected to tangling of cableswhich is undesirable. Further, these grommets (50) would not retain the cables at desired position and effective distribution of cables through the cable receiving opening (52H) is difficult.The cover (54) needs to be removed and remounted onto the grommet sleeve (52) to allow cables to pass through, which is tedious and time consuming process. Further, the cover (54) can be easily lost or misplaced as the cover (54) is not secured to the grommet sleeve (52). Further, the cover(54) is not firmly fixed with the grommet sleeve (52) which in turn would lead to inadvertent movement of the cover(54) which is undesirable. Furthermore, the closure member (56) hangs in a position adjacent to the single cable receiving opening(52H) and can hinder the clear passage of cablestherethrough.
[005] In other cases, conventional grommets (60, as shown in fig. 1f) include a grommet sleeve (62), a cover support member (64) and a cover (66) rotatably connected to the cover support member (64). The cover support member (64) is provided with a plurality of cablereceiving opening(64H) and correspondingly the cover (66) is provided with a single cablereceiving opening (66H). The cover (66) is rotated with respect to the cover support member (64) therein to align the single cablereceiving opening(66H) of the cover (66) in line with any one of the cable receiving opening(64H) of the cover support member (64) thereby allowing cables to pass therethrough. The cover (66) needs to be removed and remounted onto the grommet sleeve (62) to allow cables to pass through, which is tedious and time consuming process. Further, the cover (66) can be easily lost or misplaced as the cover (66) is not secured to the grommet sleeve (62). However, the number of cables that are being passed through the cable receiving opening(64H, 66H) is limited and may be subjected to tangling up of cablesand these grommets (60) would not allow routing of cables in many directions at the same time. Further, the aforementioned conventional grommets (50 and 60) are complex in design and include many child parts and incur high cost, and routing of cables in many directions at the same time and retaining the cables in the desired position and effective distributionof the cablesthrough the wire receiving opening, is difficult and is one of the challenges posed to original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s).
[006] Therefore, there exists a need for agrommet device and a method for managing cables, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[007] The principal object of embodimentsherein is toprovide agrommet device for managing cables.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method for managing cables.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide agrommet device, which allows routing of cablesin a plurality of directions at the same time.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which restricts tangling up of cablespassing therethrough.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which simultaneously accommodates and allows various types of cables to pass therethrough.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which comprises an inner grommet member adapted to be locked with an outer grommet member when the inner grommet member is introduced into and engaged and rotated with respect to the outer grommet member.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which is aesthetic and retainscables in a better position.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to providea grommet device, which allows cables to pass through diagonally within the height of the grommet device.
[0015] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which provides partitions for cables thereby enabling desired distribution of cables therethrough which in turn would restrict tangling up of cables and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables.
[0016] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a grommet device, which has cables outlets defined between an outer grommet member and an inner grommet member and the cable outlets extends from a bottom end to a top end of the grommet device.
[0017] These and other objects of embodimentsherein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0019] Fig. 1a to fig. 1f depict schematic views of conventional grommets;
[0020] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of a grommet device fixed to a work top, where grommet device allows routing of cables in a plurality of directions at the same time, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of thegrommet device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 4a depicts a perspective view of an outer grommet member, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0023] Fig. 4b depicts a cross-sectional view of the outer grommet member, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0024] Fig. 5a depicts a perspective view of an inner grommet member, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0025] Fig. 5b depicts a cross-sectional view of the inner grommet member, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0026] Fig. 6a depicts a bottom view of the grommet device, where the inner grommet member is locked with the outer grommet member, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0027] Fig. 6b depicts another bottom view of the grommet deviceduring locking of theinner grommet member with the outer grommet member, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0028] Fig. 7a depicts a flowchart indicating a method for managing cables, according to embodimentsas disclosed herein; and
[0029] Fig. 7b depicts a flowchart indicating a method for managing cables, according to another embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0031] The embodiments herein achieve agrommet device for managing cables. Further, embodiments herein achieve a methodfor managing cables. Furthermore, embodiments herein achieve the grommet device which is aesthetic, retains cables in a better position and allows routing of cables in a plurality of directions at the same time and allows cables to pass through diagonally within the height of the grommet device and provides partitions for cables thereby enabling desired distribution of cables therethroughwhich in turn would restrict tangling up of cables and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables. Referring now to the drawings Figs 2 through 7b, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0032] Fig. 2 depicts a perspective view of a grommet device (100) fixed to a work top (T), where grommet device (100) allows routing of cables(W) in a plurality of directions at the same time, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the grommet device (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The grommet device (100) is adapted to allowat least one cable (W) to pass therethrough the work top (T, as shown in fig.2). In an embodiment, the grommet device (100) includes an outer grommet member (102) and an inner grommet member (104). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grommet device (100) is explained herein below with reference to be fixed on the work top (T) of a table used in a work station such as office. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to fix the grommet device (100) onto any of a work top, a table top, a desk top, a work surface, a panel, a divider, a wall and a furniture member used in schools, homes, work stations, commercial places or any other places or in vehicles or in any other applications, where routing of any of wires, cords, cables, cable cords and/or its respective connectorstherethrough is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the grommet device (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0033] Fig. 4a depicts a perspective view of an outer grommet member (102), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 4b depicts a cross-sectional view of the outer grommet member (102), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The outer grommet member (102) is a stationary memberwhich isfixed to the work top (T) by press fitting the outer grommet member (102) with a grommet receiving portion (not shown) provided in the work top (T). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to secure the outer grommet member (102) with the work top (T) by using fasteners or any other means or by adhesive bondingor by snap fittingor through any other connecting process, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the outer grommet member (102) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the grommet receiving portion (not shown) provided in the work top (T) is considered to be an opening. The outer grommet member (102) is configured to receive the inner grommet member (104) therein to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). The outer grommet member (102) includes a body (102B) and a flange (102F).
[0034] In an embodiment, the outer grommet member (102) includes a plurality of inner grommet engaging portions (102P, as shown in fig. 4a and fig. 4b) extending from an inner portion (102I) of the body (102B) of the outer grommet member (102)along a circumferential direction.Each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to be engaged by the inner grommet member (102) and facilitates a rotational movement of the inner grommet member (104) therein to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is being introduced into and rotated with respect to the outer grommet member (102). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide the inner grommet engaging portions (102P) at any other orientation and to alter the structural design of the inner grommet engaging portions of the outer grommet member, where the inner grommet engaging portion is engaged by the inner grommet member and facilitates in locking of the inner grommet member with the outer grommet member is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the inner grommet engaging portions (102P) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0035] In an embodiment, each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) includes a first engaging portion (102Pa) and a second engaging portion (102Pb), as shown in fig. 4a and fig. 4b). The first engaging portion (102Pa) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to be engaged by the inner grommet member (104) and facilitates the rotational movement of the inner grommet member (104) therein to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is being introduced into and rotated with respect to the outer grommet member (102). Further,the first engaging portion (102Pa) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to restrict the inner grommet member (104) from passing out of the outer grommet member (102). The first engaging portion (102Pa) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to be disposed at a bottom end (102x), as shown in fig. 4b) of the outer grommet member (102). The first engaging portion (102Pa) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is coplanar to the bottom end (102x) of the outer grommet member (102). It is also within the scope of this invention to space away thefirst engaging portion (102Pa) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) from the bottom end (102x) of the outer grommet member (102).The second engaging portion (102Pb) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to be engaged by the inner grommet member (102) and facilitates the rotational movement of the inner grommet member (104) therein to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is being introduced into and rotated with respect to the outer grommet member (102). Further, the second engaging portion (102Pb) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to assist in locating the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). The second engaging portion (102Pb) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is adapted to be disposed in a reference plane which is aboveand away from the first engaging portion (102Pa). In one embodiment, the first engaging portion (102Pa) and the second engaging portion (102Pb) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is an arcuate portion. In another embodiment, the first engaging portion (102Pa) and the second engaging portion (102Pb) of each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) is a planar portion. The number of inner grommet engaging portions (102P) provided in the outer grommet member (102) is at least three. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide two inner grommet engaging portions (102P) or any number of inner grommet engaging portions (102P) to the outer grommet member (102) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the inner grommet engaging portions (102P) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawing.
[0036] In an embodiment, the outer grommet member (102) defines a plurality of locking portions (102L), as shown in fig. 4a and fig. 4b). Each locking portion (102L) isadapted to be angularly disposed between the first engaging portion (102Pa) and the second engaging portion (102Pb) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P). In an embodiment, eachlocking portion (102L) is adapted to be engaged by the inner grommet member (104) which in turn restricts a movement of the inner grommet member (104) thereby locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is being introduced into the outer grommet member (102) and engaged and rotated with respect to the first engaging portion (102Pa) of each inner grommet engaging portions (102P) of the outer grommet member (102).It is also within the scope of this invention to provide any other locking portions onto the inner portion (102I) of the body (102B) of the outer grommet member (102) or onto or between the inner grommet engaging portions (102P) to facilitate any of press fitting or snap fitting or any other positive locking of the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). Each locking portion (102L) is provided at a predefined angle with respect to the first engaging portion (102Pa) and the second engaging portion (102Pb) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102). For example, each locking portion (102L) is a slope portion provided between the first engaging portion (102Pa) and the second engaging portion (102Pb) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102).
[0037] In an embodiment, the outer grommet member (102) includes at least one portion (102D), as shown in fig. fig. 4b) adapted to providelocking feel to the user during locking of the inner grommet member (104) with outer grommet member (102). For example, the portion (102D)is adapted to produce a click sound on engagement of the inner grommet member (104) therein to provide locking feel to the user during locking of the inner grommet member (104) with outer grommet member (102).The portion (102D) is provided onto the second engaging portion (102Pb) of at least one of the inner grommet engaging portion (102P). In an embodiment, the portion (102D) is at least a protrusion extending outwards from the second engaging portion (102Pb) of any one of the inner grommet engaging portion (102P) in a direction towards the bottom end (102x) of the outer grommet member (102).
[0038] The outer grommet member (102) includes a plurality of ribs (102R), as shown in fig. 4a) provided onto an outer portion (102S) of the body (102B) of the outer grommet member (102). The plurality of ribs (102R) is adapted to frictionally fit the outer grommet member (102) with the grommet receiving portion (TR) of the work top (T) thereby securing the grommet device (100) with the work top (T). Each rib (102R) is provided in form of elongated ribs extending along a circumferential direction of the outer grommet member (102). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide the ribs (102R) parallel to a central vertical axis of the outer grommet member (102) or in a radial direction or in any other orientation with respect to the outer grommet member (102), where frictional fitting of the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the ribs (102R) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The flange (102F) of the outer grommet member (102) is adapted to be engaged with the work top (T) after fitment of the grommet device (100) with the work top (T). The outer grommet member (102) is a double walled member. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to alter and optimize the size and structural design of the outer grommet member (102) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the outer grommet member (102) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0039] Fig. 5a depicts a perspective view of an inner grommet member (104), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. Fig. 5b depicts a cross-sectional view of the inner grommet member (104), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The inner grommet member (104) is adapted to be removably connected to the outer grommet member (102). In an embodiment, the inner grommet member (104) is adapted to be locked with the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is introduced into and engaged and moved with respect to the outer grommet member (102). For example, the inner grommet member (104) is adapted to be introduced into and rotatably engaged with the inner grommet engaging portions (102P) of the outer grommet member (102) therein to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). The inner grommet member (104) is a movable member during locking of the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). The inner grommet member (104) is a stationary member when the inner grommet member (104) is locked with the outer grommet member (102). In an embodiment,the inner grommet member (104) includes a holding portion (104H) and a plurality of locking legs (104L).
[0040] In an embodiment, the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) is adapted to facilitate introducingof the inner grommet member (104) into the outer grommet member (102) and for engaging and rotating the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102). Forexample, the holding portion (104H) is held by the user for introducing the inner grommet member (104) into the outer grommet member (102) and for engaging and rotating the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102) therein to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). In an embodiment, the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) is adapted to retain the cables (W) in a better position. The holding portion (104H) is adapted to support the locking legs (104L). The holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104H) is substantially provided in a floating position which is aesthetic, where the holding portion (104H) is disposed away from the outer grommet member (102). The holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104H) is adapted to hide the locking legs (104L), which in turn improves the aesthetic of the grommet device (100). The holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) substantially defines a disc shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide the holding portion (104H) in any other shape and size without otherwise deterring the intended function of the holding portion (104H) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. Each locking leg (104L) extends from the holding portion (102H) in a direction towards the bottom end (102x) of the outer grommet member (102). Each locking leg (104L) is spaced away from the other. In an embodiment, each locking leg (104L) is adapted to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102). One end of each locking leg (104L) is connected to the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) and the other end of each locking leg (104L) is connected to corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is locked with the outer grommet member (102).
[0041] In an embodiment, each locking leg (104L) defines a plurality of locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB), as shown in fig. 5a and fig. 5b). The locking leg fingers (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) is adapted to be rotatablyengaged with respect to corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102) on rotation of the holding portion (102H) therein to engage the locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) thereby locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102).Each locking leg finger (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) is spaced away from the other. Each locking leg finger (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) defines a receiving portion (104LR) adapted to receive the second engaging portion (102Pb) of the outer grommet member (102) during locking of the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). The plurality of locking legs (104L) is adapted to provide partitions for cables (W) thereby enabling desired distribution of cables (W) therethrough which in turn would restrict tangling up of cables (W) and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables (W). Each locking leg(104L) of the inner grommet member (104) substantially defines a L shape configuration. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide the locking legs (104L) in any other shape without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking legs (104L) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. The number of locking legs (104L) provided in the inner grommet member (104) is at least three. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to provide two locking legs or any numbers of locking legs (104L) to the inner grommet member (104) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the locking legs (104L) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.The inner grommet member (104) is a double walled member. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to alter and optimize the size and structural design of the inner grommet member (104) without otherwise deterring the intended function of the inner grommet member (104) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0042] In an embodiment, a plurality of cable outlets (103, as shown in fig. 2 and fig. 3) are defined between the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) and the outer grommet member (102) when the inner grommet member (104) is connected to the outer grommet member (102). Each cable outlet (103) extends from the bottom end (102x) to a top end (102y), as shown in fig. 4b) of the outer grommet member (102). In an embodiment, the plurality of cable outlets (103) is adapted to facilitate routing of cables(W) and/or its connectors in a plurality of directions at the same time. The plurality of cable outlets (103) is adapted to accommodate and allow various types of cables (W) and/or its connectors to pass therethrough at the same time. For example, the cable outlets (103) are adapted to accommodate and allow both thick and thin cablesand/or its respective connectors to pass therethrough at the same time.
[0043] The position of the locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking legs (104L) of inner grommet member (104) when the inner grommet member (104) is being introduced into the outer grommet member (102) is as follows, the locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) is engaged with the first engaging portion (102Pa) of the outer grommet member (102), and another locking leg (104LB) of each locking leg (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) is not in contact with the outer grommet member (102) and disposed in a reference plane which is immediately above from the second engaging portion (102Pb) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102).
[0044] Fig. 6b depicts another bottom view of the grommet device (100) during locking of theinner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The position of the locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking legs (104L) of inner grommet member (104) during locking of the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) is as follows. The receiving portion (102LR) of locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) is adapted to be receive the second engaging portion (102P) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portions (102P) of the outer grommet (102) therein to facilitate rotational movement of the inner grommet member (104) on rotation of the holding portion (104H) with respect to the outer grommet member (102). Further, the locking leg finger (104LB) of at least one leg (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) engages and move over the portion (102D) provided on corresponding second engaging portion (102Pb) of the outer grommet member (102) which in turn produces a sound therein to provide locking feel to the user during locking of the inner grommet member (104) with outer grommet member (102).
[0045] Fig. 6a depicts a bottom view of the grommet device (100), where the inner grommet member (104) is locked with the outer grommet member (102), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. The position of the locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking legs (104L) of inner grommet member (104) when the inner grommet member (104) is locked with the outer grommet member (102) is as follows. The locking leg finger(104LA) of each locking legs (104L) of inner grommet member (104) engages with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) therein to restrict a movement of the inner grommet member (104) thereby locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). In the locked condition, a portion of locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking legs (104L) of inner grommet member (104) is in engagement with the second engaging portion (102Pb) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102).
[0046] It is also within the scope of this invention to slidably engage the inner grommet member with the outer grommet member in a vertical direction and locking the inner grommet member with the outer grommet member by any of press fit, snap fit or positive fitting or by using locking members pivoted to at least one end of the outer grommet member or by using any locking elements or providing the locking element with flexible means or resilient means or by providing grooves or slots in the outer grommet member and correspondingly, the inner grommet member is provided with retractable portions.
[0047] The grommet device (100) is aesthetic, retains cables (W) in a better position and allows routing of cables (W) in a plurality of directions at the same time and allows cables (W) to pass through diagonally within the height of the grommet device (100) and provides partitions for cables (W) thereby enabling desired distribution of cables (W) therethrough, which in turn would restrict tangling up of cables (W) and to restrict the possibility of electrical interference between the cables (W).
[0048] Fig. 7a depicts a flowchart indicating a method (200) for managing cables (W) through the work top (T), according to embodiments as disclosed herein.For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (200) is explained herein below with reference toroutingcables(W) and/or its respective connectors such as, but not limited to,bigger plug adapters,smaller plug adapters, USB connectors and any other type of connectors, through the work top (T) of a table provided in a work station such as office. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (200)in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step of the method (200) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (200)for managing any of wires, cords, cable cords and cables(W) throughany of a work top, a table top, a desk top, a work surface, a panel, a divider, a wall and a furniture member used in schools, homes, work stations, commercial places or any other places or in vehicles or in any other applications, where routing of any of wires, cords, cables, cable cords and/or its respective connectors therethrough is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawing. In an embodiment, the method (200) includes providing a grommet device (100) having an outer grommet member (102) and an inner grommet member (104) locked to the outer grommet member (102), step (202);fixing the grommet device (100) to the work top (T) by fitting the outer grommet member (102) with a grommet receiving portion (not shown) provided in the work top (T), step (204); andremoving the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102) by dis-engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) from corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102), step (206); routing at least one cable (W) and it’s connector (not shown) through a cable receiving opening (102W) of the outer grommet member (102), step (208); and locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102), step (210).The method (200) includes re-introducing the inner grommet member (104) into the outer grommet member (102), step (209), prior to the method step (210) of locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102).
[0049] Further, the method step (206) of removing the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102) by dis-engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) from corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102), includes,dis-engaging a locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) from corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) to unlock the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102) on rotation of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) in an anticlockwise direction.
[0050] Further, the method step (210) of locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102), includes, engaging at least one locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102) and rotating the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104)in a clockwise direction.
[0051] Further, the method (200) includes,retaining the cables(W) in at least onecable outlet (103) through the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104). Furthermore, the method (200) includes, providing partitions for desired distribution of the cables (W) through the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104).
[0052] The working of the grommet device (100) in conjunction with the method (200) for managing cables (W) through the work top (T) is as follows.In the initial condition, the inner grommet member (104) is locked with the outer grommet member (102). The outer grommet member (102) is press fitted to the grommet receiving portion (not shown) of the work top (T) thereby securing the grommet device (100) to the work top (T). Thereafter, holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) is rotated in the anticlockwise direction to dis-engagethe locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) from corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) therein to remove the inner grommet member (104) from the outer grommet member (102). Thereafter, the cables (W) and its respective connectors such as plug adapters areadapted to be routed through thecable receiving opening (102W, as shown in fig. 4a) of the outer grommet member (104). Then, the inner grommet member (104) is re-introduced into the outer grommet member (102) for engaging the locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104) with the first engaging portion (102Pa) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102). Thereafter, the holding portion (104H) of inner grommet member (104) is rotated in the clockwise direction to engagethe locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102)therein to restrict a movement of the inner grommet member (104) thereby locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102).
[0053] Fig. 7b depicts a flowchart indicating a method (300) for managing cables (W) through the work top (T), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (300) is explained herein below with reference to routing cables (W) and/or its respective connectors such as smaller plug adapters, USB connectors and the like, through the work top (T) of a table provided in a work station such as office. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (300)in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step of the method (300) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (300)for managing any of wires, cords, cable cords and cables (W) through any of a work top, a table top, a desk top, a work surface, a panel, a divider, a wall and a furniture member used in schools, homes, work stations, commercial places or any other places or in vehicles or in any other applications, where routing of any of wires, cords, cable cords and cables and/or its respective connectors therethrough is required, without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (300) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawing. In an embodiment, the method (300) includes, providing a grommet device (100) having an outer grommet member (102) and an inner grommet member (104), step (302); locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102), step (304); fixing the grommet device (100) to a work top (T) by fitting the outer grommet member (102) with a grommet receiving portion provided in the work top (T), step (306); and routing at least one cable (W) and/or its connector (not shown) through at least one of a plurality of cable outlets (103) defined between the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) and the outer grommet member (102), step (308).Further, the method (300) includes, introducing the inner grommet member (104) into the outer grommet member (102), step (303) prior to the method step (304)of locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102).
[0054] The method step (304) of locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding locking portions (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) on movement of a holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104) with respect to the outer grommet member (102) includes, engaging at least one locking leg finger (104LA) of at least one locking leg (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) with corresponding at least one locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) to lock the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102) by engaging locking leg fingers (104LA and 104LB) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102) and rotating the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (10) in the clockwise direction.
[0055] Further, the method (300) includes, retaining the cables (W) in at least one cable outlet (103) through the holding portion (104H) of the inner grommet member (104), where the cable outlet (103) is defined between the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104) and the outer grommet member (102). Furthermore, the method (300) includes, providing partitions for desired distribution of the cables (W) through the locking legs (104L) of the inner grommet member (104).
[0056] The working of the grommet device (100) in conjunction with the method (300) for managing cables (W) through the work top (T) is as follows.The inner grommet member (104) is introduced into the outer grommet member (102) for engaging the locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104) with the first engaging portion (102Pa) of corresponding each inner grommet engaging portion (102P) of the outer grommet member (102).Thereafter, the holding portion (104H) of inner grommet member (104) is rotated in the clockwise direction to engage locking leg finger (104LA) of each locking leg (104L) with corresponding each locking portion (102L) of the outer grommet member (102) therein to restrict a movement of the inner grommet member (104) thereby locking the inner grommet member (104) with the outer grommet member (102). Then, the outer grommet member (102) is press fitted to the grommet receiving portion (not shown) of the work top (T) thereby securing the grommet device (100) to the work top (T). Thereafter, the cables (W) and its respective connectors are adapted to be routed through thecableoutlets (103) in at least one of the plurality of directions.
[0057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.