BACKGROUND

[0001] In various situations, it may not be desirable to have a cable, such as a power cable, to an electronic device exposed. Aesthetics may be one reason. Another reason may be more practical: an exposed cable can be a hazard for a young child, such as due to accidental hanging, choking, or electrocution. A young child, especially a baby, may be attracted to any object within grasp. An exposed cable could become wrapped around the baby’s neck or the baby may chew on the cable, potentially exposing wires within.

[0002] In addition to safety issues and aesthetic issues, other factors may arise in association with the efficacy and/or desirability of a cable management solution, some of which may be at odds with each other and/or with safety or aesthetic issues, such factors including, for example: ease of packaging and transport (including environmental responsibility issues as well as cost); ease of installation; the degree to which installation is foolproof against installer error; ease of reconfiguration; and other factors.

SUMMARY

[0003] Various embodiments are described related to a wall-mountable cable housing system. In some embodiments, a wall-mountable cable housing system is described. The system may include a flexible fabric sleeve that may be shaped to form a first cavity to house a first portion of a cable. The system may include a zipper extending along a length of a front surface of the flexible fabric sleeve that may allow the flexible fabric sleeve to be opened and closed. The system may include a plurality of fastener mounts located on the flexible fabric sleeve configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to mount the flexible fabric sleeve to a wall.

[0004] Embodiments of such a system may include one or more of the following features: the flexible fabric sleeve may include a plurality of laminated fabric layers. Tension present between the plurality of laminated fabric layers may cause the flexible fabric sleeve to form the first cavity to house the cable when the zipper is zipped closed. The tension present between the plurality of laminated fabric layers may cause the flexible fabric sleeve to form the first cavity when the flexible fabric sleeve may be released from a coiled position and zipped closed. A back outer surface of the flexible fabric sleeve may include a polyester webbing. An inner surface of the flexible fabric sleeve may include knit fabric. A front outer surface of the flexible fabric sleeve may include a polyester woven fabric. An elastomer sleeve that may be shaped to form a second cavity to house a second portion of the cable. The flexible fabric sleeve may be mounted vertically to the wall and the elastomer sleeve may be mounted horizontally to the wall. The elastomer sleeve may further include an adhesive to attach the elastomer sleeve to the wall. The system may include an end interface that may be installed between the flexible fabric sleeve and the elastomer sleeve. The flexible fabric sleeve may further include a latching mechanism to close access to an end of the flexible fabric sleeve. A smart device hook that may attach to the flexible fabric sleeve and may allow the flexible fabric sleeve to hang from the smart device hook while the smart device hook may be attached with a smart device.

[0005] In some embodiments, a method for installing a wall-mountable cable housing system is described. The method may include attaching a flexible fabric sleeve with a smart device hook such that the flexible fabric sleeve may hang vertically from the smart device hook. The method may include attaching a smart device hook with an installed smart home device. The method may include fastening the flexible fabric sleeve to a wall while the flexible fabric sleeve may hang vertically from the smart device hook. The method may include attaching an elastomer sleeve to the wall horizontally such that the elastomer sleeve may extend from a lower end of the flexible fabric sleeve to a power outlet. The method may include installing a cable of the installed smart home device in the elastomer sleeve and the flexible fabric sleeve.

[0006] Embodiments of such a method may include one or more of the following features: the method may include, prior to attaching the flexible fabric sleeve with the smart device hook, uncoiling the flexible fabric sleeve such that the flexible fabric sleeve may expand and may form a cavity to house the cable within the flexible fabric sleeve. The method may further include installing one or more fasteners through the flexible fabric sleeve into the wall while the flexible fabric sleeve may hang vertically from the smart device hook. The method may include removing the smart device hook from the installed smart home device and the flexible fabric sleeve after installing the one or more fasteners through the flexible fabric sleeve into the wall. The method may further include cutting the elastomer sleeve based on a distance between the lower end of the flexible fabric sleeve and the power outlet. The method may further include installing an end interface on a cut end of the elastomer sleeve. Attaching the elastomer sleeve to the wall may include using an adhesive to attach the elastomer sleeve to the wall. Installing the cable of the installed smart device in the elastomer sleeve and the flexible fabric sleeve may include deforming the elastomer sleeve to allow the cable to be pushed into a cavity present within the elastomer sleeve. The method may include inserting the cable within the flexible fabric sleeve with the flexible fabric sleeve unzipped. The flexible fabric sleeve may include a zipper extending along a length of a front surface of the flexible fabric sleeve that may allow the flexible fabric sleeve to be opened and closed. The method may include closing the zipper of the flexible fabric sleeve after the cable has been inserted with the flexible fabric sleeve. [0007] In some embodiments, a wall-mountable cable housing system is described. The system may include a flexible fabric sleeve that may be shaped to form a first cavity to house a first portion of a cable. The system may include a zipper extending along a length of a front surface of the flexible fabric sleeve that may allow the flexible fabric sleeve to be opened and closed. The system may include a plurality of fastener mounts located on a back surface of the flexible fabric sleeve configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to mount the flexible fabric sleeve to a wall. The system may include an elastomer sleeve that may be shaped to form a second cavity to house a second portion of the cable. The system may include a plurality of end interfaces to attach to ends of the elastomer sleeve. The system may include a smart device hook that attaches with the flexible fabric sleeve and may allow the flexible fabric sleeve to hang from the smart device hook while the smart device hook may be attached with a smart device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a wall-mounted cable management system that protects a cable.

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a cable secured within a flexible fabric sleeve.

[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a flexible fabric sleeve with a zipper closed.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a flexible fabric sleeve with a zipper open.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a cross section of a flexible fabric sleeve.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of a flexible fabric sleeve with a zipper closed.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an angled rear view of an embodiment of a smart device hook attached with a streaming video camera and a flexible fabric sleeve.

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of a coiled flexible fabric sleeve. [0017] FIG. 9 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of an elastomer sleeve. [0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section of an elastomer sleeve.

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a cable inserted within an elastomer sleeve and an end interface.

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of an interface between a flexible fabric sleeve and an elastomer sleeve.

[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a method for installing a wall-mounted cable management system that protects a cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A smart home device, such as a streaming video camera, may have at least one cable. Such a cable may be used to provide power to the smart home device from a power outlet. A wall- mounted cable management system may be used to secure one or more cables such that the cable is not readily accessible (e.g., by a baby or young child). The wall-mounted cable management system may be adaptable enough to be installed in a large number of homes (or other locations, such as offices) that each have different room, power outlet, and furniture configurations. Further, the wall-mounted cable management system may be compactable such that it can be packaged in relatively small space for shipping and transport after manufacture and prior to installation.

Moreover, the wall-mounted cable management system may have features that allow a single installer to install the components of the wall-mounted cable management system without requiring help from another person.

[0023] Parents or other caregivers of young children may desire to have a camera in the child’s nursery to monitor the child. Typically, a streaming video camera may be positioned so that the child’s activities while in a crib, playpen, or the nursery (or other type of room) in general can be monitored. To provide power to the streaming video camera, a power cable extending from the streaming video camera to a nearby power outlet may be needed. Local regulations (and common sense) may require that loose cables not be left hanging close to where the young child is expected to be, such as within arm’s reach from a crib or playpen. Specifically, it may be required or it may be desirable that a streaming video camera be positioned at least seven feet from the ground to minimize the chances of a child being able to grab the streaming video camera. Cable management systems, as detailed herein, may help to prevent access to one or more cables by a baby or young child. Such cable management systems may also encourage the installer to install the streaming video camera at a recommended height (e.g., to comply with regulations). Further, cable management systems detailed herein may hide one or more cables in an aesthetically pleasing way. [0024] While the embodiments detailed herein are focused on a cable management system to be used in association with a streaming video camera, it should be understood that such a cable management system may be used in various other situations in which a cable is desired to be protected, hidden, or both. For example, a power cable may need to be routed from a power outlet to a thermostat, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, home assistant device, temperature sensor, television, monitor, computer system, stereo, or some other type of smart home device or, more generally, any device that requires power. Further, while embodiments detailed herein are focused on routing power cables from an outlet to a streaming video camera, it should be understood that one or more alternative or additional types of cables or wires may be routed, such as speaker wires, network cables, antenna wires, charging cables, etc.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a wall-mounted cable management system 100 that protects a cable. Wall-mounted cable management system 100 may include: streaming video camera 105; streaming video camera base 110; fabric sleeve 115; elastomer sleeve 125; end interfaces 120 (120-1, 120-2); plug 130; and power outlet 135.

[0026] Streaming video camera 105 may communicate with a remote server via a wireless network connection (e.g., a wireless local area network). Streaming video camera 105 may transmit a video stream, audio stream, or both to a remote server system. Streaming video camera 105 may be mounted to a wall via streaming video camera base 110. One or more cables may be connected with either streaming video camera 105 or streaming video camera base 110, such as a power cable. A power cable may need to be plugged into a power outlet, which is typically located on a wall between 12 inches and 16 inches above the floor. Therefore, if stream video camera 105 is installed near the ceiling, the power cable may need to be run a significant distance vertically to reach power outlet 135. Further, depending on the location of power outlet 135 in relation to the installed streaming video camera 105, the power cable may need to be run a short distance (if streaming video camera 105 is almost directly above power outlet 135) or a long distance (if streaming video camera 105 is significantly horizontally displaced from power outlet 135).

[0027] Flexible fabric sleeve 115 (“fabric sleeve” 115 for short) may be intended to be installed vertically to a wall extending from a height of power outlet 135 up to a height of streaming video camera base 110 (“base 110”). Fabric sleeve 115 may have a zipper on an exposed surface allowing an installer to open and close fabric sleeve 115 as needed. Fabric sleeve 115 may be a fixed length and may not be intended for the installer to shorten the length of fabric sleeve 115. That is, the fixed length of fabric sleeve 115 may encourage the installer to install stream video camera 105 and base 110 at a height sufficient to accommodate the full length 116 of fabric sleeve 115. For example, length 116 of fabric sleeve 115 may be six feet. Assuming power outlet 135 is installed approximately one foot above the floor, streaming video camera base 110 may be installed seven feet above the floor. For a use other than a streaming video camera that is to be mounted towards ceiling height, length 116 may be adjusted accordingly. For example, if wall- mounted cable management system 100 is to be used with a thermostat that is mounted about five feet above the floor, length 116 may be approximately four feet. In some embodiments, a closing fastener, rather than a zipper, may be used to open and close fabric sleeve 115. For example, snaps or a hook-and-loop fastener may be used instead of a zipper.

[0028] Elastomer sleeve 125 may be intended to be installed horizontally on the wall extending from power outlet 135 to a bottom end of fabric sleeve 115. Elastomer sleeve 125 may not have a zipper, but rather may have an opening through which one or more cables can be installed or removed from a cavity within elastomer sleeve 125. Elastomer sleeve 125 may be cut, such as using scissors, at any desired length. As such, length 126 can be adjusted as needed to

accommodate the horizontal distance between a bottom of fabric sleeve 115 and power outlet 135. Installed on one or both ends of elastomer sleeve 125 may be end interfaces 120. End interface 120-1 may serve to conceal a cable in the region where the cable transitions from being concealed by fabric sleeve 115 to elastomer sleeve 125. End interface 120-2 may serve to conceal a cable in the region where the cable transitions from being concealed by elastomer sleeve 125 to plug 130. In some embodiments, rather than elastomer sleeve 125 being flexible, a rigid or semi-rigid sleeve may be used.

[0029] When wall-mounted cable management system 100 is installed, no portion of the cable (or multiple cables) may be exposed and/or easily accessible by a baby or child. Near base 110, where the cable is mated with base 110 of streaming video camera 105, a small portion of cable may be exposed. In some embodiments, excess cable may be wrapped around base 110 or another structure to keep excess cable out of reach of a baby or child. In other embodiments, excess cable may be spooled near or around plug 130. In such embodiments, there may be a power adapter cover that conceals such spooled cable from being accessible by a child. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet may be in a position that is out-of-reach from any child.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment 200 of a cable secured within a flexible fabric sleeve. Flexible fabric sleeve 201 (“fabric sleeve 201”) can represent a more detailed embodiment of fabric sleeve 115. Flexible fabric sleeve 201 may include rear cloth fabric 210; front cloth fabric 205; a zipper system that includes teeth 225, slider 230, and pull tab 231; and cable retention clip 220. Flexible fabric sleeve 201 may have a zipper system that includes teeth 225 that may be zipped or unzipped using slider 230. Pull tab 231 may be attached with slider 230 to assist a user in zipping or unzipping teeth 225.

[0031] Front cloth fabric 205 may be flexible such that, when unzipped, a user can access an interior cavity of flexible fabric sleeve 201 to insert or remove cable 215. Rear cloth fabric 210 may be less flexible and more rigid to help maintain contact between rear cloth fabric 210 and a wall to which fabric sleeve 201 is mounted. In other embodiments, a material other than fabric may be used. For example, an elastomer, plastic, or rubber may be used instead of fabric to form the flexible sleeve.

[0032] One or more cable retention clips, such as cable retention clip 220, may be present within fabric sleeve 201. Cable retention clips may be made from fabric, plastic, elastomer, rubber, or some other material. For example, a cable retention clip may be present at intervals of one foot (or some other predefined distance) within fabric sleeve 201. Cable retention clip 220 may help secure one or more cables, such as cable 215, within fabric sleeve 201 and may help prevent the one or more cables from inadvertently falling out of fabric sleeve 201 when unzipped. Cable retention clip 220 (and any other cable retention clips) may be deformable to allow one or more cables to be inserted behind it. Alternatively, cable retention clip 220 (and any other cable retention clips) may use a snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or some other form of fastener to fasten in place.

[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment 300 of a flexible fabric sleeve with a zipper closed. In embodiment 300, fabric sleeve 201 has been zipped fully closed. While fully zipped closed, slider 230 and pull tab 231 may reside near a top end of flexible fabric sleeve 201. Such a position can result in slider 230 and pull tab 231 being out of reach of a small child or baby.

[0034] Additionally present in FIG. 3 is smart device hook 305. Smart device hook 305 can be used to temporarily (or permanently) hang fabric sleeve 201. Smart device hook 305 may be shaped to hang around base 110 and allow fabric sleeve 201 to hang vertically. Aided by gravity, fabric sleeve 201 may hang vertically without any or minimal alignment being needed from an installer. While fabric sleeve 115 is hanging vertically from smart device hook 305, an installer may use one or more fasteners to attach fabric sleeve 201 in a fixed position to a wall such that smart device hook 305 can then be removed.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment 400 of a flexible fabric sleeve with a zipper open. In embodiment 400, fabric sleeve 201 has been zipped fully open. While fully unzipped, slider 230 and pull tab 231 may reside near a bottom end (not visible) of flexible fabric sleeve 201. Visible in embodiment 400 is cable retention clip 220. [0036] In embodiment 400, grommet 410 and fastener 415 are visible. Smart device hook 305 may couple with a rear portion of grommet 410. When coupled, fabric sleeve 201 can dangle and be held against a wall without any additional fastening. While grommet 410 is coupled with smart device hook 305, a fastener, such as a screw or nail, may be inserted through grommet 410 into a wall. Following insertion of such a fastener, fabric sleeve 201 is attached directly to the wall, thus allowing smart device hook 305 to be removed (or left in place if the installer desires). Additional grommets may be located along the length of fabric sleeve 201 to allow fabric sleeve 201 to be firmly attached with the wall, such as every twelve inches. Having a significant number of fasteners may be useful so that fabric sleeve 201 cannot easily be pulled from the wall by a child or baby. The specific type of fastener used to secure fabric sleeve 201 may be selected based on the type of wall to which fabric sleeve 201 is being attached. Dry wall anchors or wood screws that are long enough to attach to a stud located behind the drywall may be used. Brick anchors may be used for a brick wall.

[0037] In embodiment 400, grommet 410 is used to attach smart device hook 305 to fabric sleeve 201 and is also used to insert fastener 415. In other embodiments, a dedicated coupling mechanism on fabric sleeve 201 can be used to attach with smart device hook 305 and grommet 410 may only be used to attach fabric sleeve 201 to the wall using fastener 415. In some embodiments, rather than one or more grommets being present, an installer may attach fasteners directly through rear cloth fabric 210. Such an arrangement may allow an installer to install fasteners at any desired location along rear cloth fabric 210 rather than using the predefined locations of grommets, such as grommet 410. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively to fasteners, adhesive may be used to attach fabric sleeve 201 to the wall.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a cross section 500 of a flexible fabric sleeve. The location of cross section 500 of fabric sleeve 201 can be seen in FIG. 3. In the embodiment of cross section 500, multiple layers of fabric are visible. Outer fabric layer 510 may be a polyester woven fabric (or some other form of fabric, such as woven or knit natural or synthetic fabric). Outer fabric layer 510 may be a yarn that is intermingled to create a melange texture. The yarn composition may be PET (polyester) and cationic dyeable polyester (CDP). The thickness of the outer fabric may be 0.45 mm or, in other embodiments, between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. In some embodiments, outer fabric layer 510 may be obtained from knit fabric such that the yarn is aligned along a grid that is 45° offset from teeth 225. Such an alignment may improve ability of the fabric to retain its shape, aesthetics, or both. [0039] Inner fabric layer 520 may be a knit natural or synthetic fabric. Such a knit fabric may be flexible and soft. In some embodiments, inner fabric layer 520 is a knitted polyester. Yam may be knitted into a double knit structure. The yam may be made from CDP and spandex. The thickness of inner fabric layer 520 may be 0.6 mm or, in other embodiments, may be between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. Generally speaking, inner fabric layer 520 may be a soft, highly flexible and stretchable fabric, while outer fabric layer 510 may be more rigid than inner fabric layer 520 and have a less soft feel than inner fabric layer 520. Rear fabric layer 530 may be a polyester webbing that is more rigid than inner fabric layer 520 or outer fabric layer 510. Other types of fabric, natural or synthetic, may be used for the rear fabric layer 530 in other embodiments. Fabric layers 510, 520, and 530 may be laminated or sewn together.

[0040] When laminated together, fabric layers 510 and 520 may be laminated together such that tension is present between the layers. This tension may cause the fabric sleeve to default to a shape as shown in cross section 500, resulting in cavity 550, when no substantial additional forces are exerted on fabric layers 510, 520 and 530 and teeth 225 are zipped closed. However, such fabric layers may remain flexible such that the fabric sleeve can be coiled, rolled, or otherwise compressed to remove cavity 550, such as for shipping after manufacture and prior to installation. Zipping teeth 225 open may substantially reduce the tension and allow the fabric sleeve to be more easily coiled, rolled, or otherwise compressed. The fabric sleeve may be coiled, and when uncoiled, the fabric sleeve may expand when the pressure of coiling is removed, allowing the default or natural position of the fabric sleeve to reform due to the internal tension between fabric layers 510, 520, and/or 530. Such an arrangement can greatly reduce the amount of space needed for packaging and shipping fabric sleeve 201.

[0041] Also visible in cross section 500 is grommet 410. Grommet 410 may have an inner portion 540 and outer portion 545. Smart device hook 305 may attach with outer portion 545. Grommet 410 may provide additional strength and help prevent tears in rear fabric layer 530, inner fabric layer 520, and outer fabric layer 510 when lateral force is applied to fabric sleeve 201 when a fastener is present through grommet 410.

[0042] Regarding dimensions, internal height 565 may be 6 mm. In other embodiments, different internal heights of the cavity may be possible, such as from 3 mm to 40 mm. Internal width 560 may be 20 mm. In other embodiments, different internal widths may be possible, such as between 5 mm and 45 mm. External height 566 may be 8.5 mm, or may range from 5.5 mm to 42.5 mm. External width may be 24 mm, or may range from 9 mm and 49 mm. [0043] In the illustrated embodiment, three fabric layers are present. In other embodiments, additional or fewer fabric layers may be present. For example, inner fabric layer 520 and outer fabric layer 510 may be supplemented with one or more additional fabric layers, such as to increase the amount of inter-layer tension. In some embodiments, more than one rear fabric layer 530 may be present or rear fabric layer 530 may not be present. In still other embodiments, some or all of the layers may be made from materials other than fabric. For example, rear fabric layer 530 may be made from an elastomer.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment 600 of a flexible fabric sleeve with a zipper closed. In FIG. 6, fastener 610 is shown. Fastener 610 may pass through a grommet located on rear fabric layer 530 of fabric sleeve 201. Similarly grommets (and accompanying fasteners, when installed) may be located along the length of fabric sleeve 201.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates an angled rear view of an embodiment 700 of a smart device hook attached with a streaming video camera and a flexible fabric sleeve. In embodiment 700, streaming video camera 701 (which is an embodiment of streaming video camera 105) is attached to streaming video camera base 702 (“base 702,” which is an embodiment of streaming video camera base 110). Cable 703 (which is an embodiment of cable 215) protrudes from a top of streaming video camera base 702. Cable 703 may be routed around base 702 and inserted into a top opening of fabric sleeve 201. In embodiment 700, details of smart device hook 305 are visible. Smart device hook 305 can include: body 306; arms 710 (710-1, 710-2); gap 725; and grommet opening 720. Smart device hook 305 may be formed from a single piece of semi-rigid material, such as plastic. Smart device hook 305 may be semi-rigid in that it maintains its form but can be deformed when pressure is applied by an installer.

[0046] First, grommet 410 may be passed through gap 725 and into grommet opening 720 formed by the shape of body 306. An installer applying pressure to body 306 may temporarily deform smart device hook 305 (such as one arm bending in an opposite direction from the other arm) to allow grommet 410 to pass through gap 725. Grommet opening 720 may be sized such that grommet opening 720 attaches to an outer portion 545 of grommet 410, thus attaching flexible fabric sleeve 201 to smart device hook 305. Arms 710 may be shaped such that arms 710 can then be deformed and attached around base 702 while base 702 is attached to a wall. Base 702 may be attached via one or more fasteners, such as screws, to a wall. Flexible fabric sleeve 201 may then dangle from base 702 via smart device hook 305. By smart device hook 305 holding flexible fabric sleeve 201 in a vertical position, an installer’s hands may be freed to perform other tasks, such as installing one or more fasteners through grommets in flexible fabric sleeve 201 to a wall. Once successfully fastened to the wall, smart device hook 305 may be deformed and removed from base 702 and fabric sleeve 201. In some embodiments, due to an opening at a top of arms 710 and gap 725, by an installer pulling smart device hook 305 in one direction (e.g., down), smart device hook 305 can simultaneously be detached from streaming video camera base 702 and grommet 410.

[0047] In other embodiments, the shape of smart device hook 305 may be different to

accommodate different shapes and sizes of base 702. For example, different types of smart home devices or other forms of devices may have different style bases. Similarly, the location and size of gap 725 and grommet opening 720 may be altered to accommodate different arrangements of fabric sleeve 201.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment 800 of a coiled flexible fabric sleeve. In embodiment 800, flexible fabric sleeve 801 has been coiled, such as for shipping post manufacture. As can be seen in embodiment 800, flexible fabric sleeve 801 may be coiled while unzipped. When unzipped, the amount of tension to maintain the shape that creates cavity 410 may be decreased or eliminated. By coiling flexible fabric sleeve 801, cavity 410 may be removed and the tension present between fabric layers may be temporarily overcome. Once removed from a coiled position, pressure on surfaces of fabric sleeve 801 may be removed, allowing fabric sleeve 801 to expand and cavity 410 to reform due to the tension between fabric layers. In other embodiments, rather than coiling, fabric sleeve 801 may be folded or otherwise compressed to decrease the amount of space occupied by flexible fabric sleeve 801.

[0049] While a fabric sleeve may be used for a vertical portion of a wall-mounted cable management system that protects one or more cables, an elastomer sleeve may be used for a horizontal portion. For a horizontal section, an elastomer section may make more practical sense than fabric because an elastomer may: 1) be cuttable to a desired length; and 2) be more rigid. Rigidity may be important since gravity may help a sleeve in a vertical position hang along a wall but may tend to cause droop in a sleeve installed in a horizontal position. FIG. 9 illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of an elastomer sleeve 900. Elastomer sleeve 900 can represent an embodiment of elastomer sleeve 125. Elastomer sleeve 900 may be formed as a single piece of material, such as a form of plastic, that is semi-rigid. An installer can deform arms of 1010

(detailed in FIG. 10) to install and remove one or more cables. Elastomer sleeve 900 may be cuttable to a desired length by an installer. A rear surface 1020 (indicated on FIG. 10) of elastomer sleeve 900 may have an adhesive that allows an installer to adhere elastomer sleeve 900 to a wall. In other embodiments, a form of fastener other than adhesive may be used. For example, a user may install screws or nails through a rear surface of elastomer sleeve 900 or grommets configured to receive screws or nails may be present along the rear surface of elastomer sleeve 900. A zipper may not be used on elastomer sleeve 900 to allow for elastomer sleeve 900 to be cuttable by an installer.

[0050] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section 1000 of an elastomer sleeve. The location and direction of cross section 1000 is denoted on FIG. 9. Cross section 1000 illustrates portions of elastomer sleeve 900, including: body 1001; arms 1010 (1010-1, 1010-2); rear surface 1020; and adhesive layer 1030. Arms 1010 may be semi-rigid in that force applied by an installer may be able to flex arms 1010 outward or inward to provide access to cavity 1002. One or more cables may be installed within cavity 1002. Such cables can later be removed by flexing arms 1010 and pulling the one or more cables through gap 1003 between arms 1010.

[0051] Elastomer sleeve 900 may be flexible enough that it can be coiled or folded similarly to a fabric sleeve. When coiled or folded, cavity 1002 may be fully or partially removed by arms 1010 being compressed towards rear surface 1020. Such coiling or folding may help reduce the size of elastomer sleeve 900, such as for shipping post-manufacture.

[0052] Elastomer sleeve 900 may be cut to any length; an end interface, such as an end cap may be placed on either or both ends. Such end interfaces may improve aesthetics, block access to one or more cables, or both. FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment 1100 of cable 215 inserted within elastomer sleeve 900 and an end interface 1120. End interface 1120 can represent an embodiment of end interface 120-1, 120-2, or both. End interface 1120 may be slipped over an end of elastomer sleeve 900 and may conceal cavity 1002. End 1125 may define an opening through which one or more cables can pass. End interface 1120 may be semi-rigid such that it can slightly deform and exert pressure on the end of elastomer sleeve 900 to which it is attached, to cable 215, or both. End interface 1120 may be snapped on or slid onto an end of elastomer sleeve 900. In some

embodiments, end interface 1120 may not be present.

[0053] In some embodiments, different style end interfaces are used for end interface 120-1 and end interface 120-2. End interface 1120 may be used as end interface 120-2 to conceal a portion of a cable (or more than one cables) between elastomer sleeve 125 and plug 130. A different style end interface, such as detailed in relation to FIG. 12 may be used for end interface 120-1 that serves as an interface between fabric sleeve 115 and elastomer sleeve 125. FIG. 12 illustrates an

embodiment 1200 of an interface between flexible fabric sleeve 201 and elastomer sleeve 900. Flexible fabric sleeve 201 may have a closure mechanism 1220 on its end intended to be closest to the floor. Closure mechanism 1220 may be able to be opened and closed by an installer. When open, closure mechanism 1220 may allow access to cavity 550. When closure mechanism 1220 is closed, one or more cables may be routed out a left or right side of flexible fabric sleeve 201 at approximately a ninety degree angle (to enter elastomer sleeve 900). Closure mechanism 1220, when closed, may help prevent a young child or baby from grabbing a cable at the transition point between fabric sleeve 201 and elastomer sleeve 900, but may still allow one or more cables to pass through the end of fabric sleeve 201. In some embodiments, closure mechanism 1220 may be a hook-and-eye style closure that holds the end of fabric sleeve 201 pinched shut. In other embodiments, different forms of closure mechanism 1220 may be used, such as hook-and-loop style closure, a clasp, a snap, a button, adhesive, a fastener, etc.

[0054] End interface 1210 may be shaped to overlap top end surface 1230 of fabric sleeve 201. By overlapping end interface 1210 over top end surface 1230, access to one or more cables in the space between elastomer sleeve 900 and fabric sleeve 201 may be physically blocked.

[0055] Various methods may be performed using the systems and devices detailed in FIGS. 1- 12. FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a method 1300 for installing a wall-mounted cable management system that protects one or more cables or wires. Method 1300 may be performed using wall-mounted cable management system 100 of FIG. 1. More specifically, method 1300 may involve using the embodiments detailed in relation to FIGS. 2-12 or some other embodiment of a wall-mounted cable management system.

[0056] At block 1305, a flexible fabric sleeve, an elastomer sleeve, or both may be uncoiled or unfolded. When uncoiled, the flexible fabric sleeve may initially be unzipped. Block 1305 may involve removing the flexible fabric sleeve, elastomer sleeve, or both from packaging in which the manufacturer shipped the components. While coiled or folded, cavities with the flexible fabric sleeve, the elastomer sleeve, or both may be eliminated or reduced in volume. When uncoiled, the flexible fabric sleeve may return to a natural or default position due to internal tensions between layers of fabric of the sleeve, creating a cavity within the flexible fabric sleeve. The elastomer sleeve may similarly flex to a natural position in which a cavity is present within the elastomer sleeve.

[0057] At block 1310, the flexible fabric sleeve may be attached with a smart device hook. To do so, the smart device hook may be deformed in order to couple the smart device hook with a protrusion, such as a grommet, of the flexible fabric sleeve. Such a protrusion may extend from a back, top, or front, of the flexible fabric sleeve. The flexible fabric sleeve may be of a fixed length and may be designed to not be cut; thus, the flexible fabric sleeve may encourage the installer to install the device (e.g., streaming video camera) at least a height above the floor, ground, or outlet. [0058] At block 1315, the smart device hook may be attached with a smart home device (that has been previously installed), such as a streaming video camera, or some other form of device to which a cable or wire is being routed. The smart device hook may be deformed in order to couple the smart device hook with the device. In some embodiments, the smart device hook may rest flush with the wall and may couple with a base of the installed device.

[0059] At block 1320, the flexible fabric sleeve may be fastened to the wall or other surface, such as a ceiling. Such fastening may be performed using one or more fasteners, such as screws, nails, or adhesive. While fastening, the smart device hook may be holding the flexible fabric sleeve in place; thus, the installer’s hands may be left free to install the one or more fasteners. Further, by virtue of the fabric sleeve being installed vertically, gravity may cause the smart device hook to rotate and thus result in the fabric sleeve hanging vertically.

[0060] At block 1325, the elastomer sleeve may be cut to a length needed to extend from the bottom end of the flexible fabric sleeve to where the one or more cables or wires terminate, such as a power outlet. The elastomer sleeve may be cuttable at any desired length or at various predefined lengths. At block 1330, the elastomer sleeve may be installed onto the wall using adhesive, fasteners, or both.

[0061] At block 1335, a cable may be installed through the elastomer sleeve and the flexible fabric sleeve. This may involve deforming the elastomer sleeve to allow insertion of the cable and unzipping the fabric sleeve. One or more cable retention clips within the fabric sleeve may be used to hold the cable in place within the fabric sleeve. Once the cable has been installed, the fabric sleeve may be zipped and an end of the fabric sleeve may be closed using a closure mechanism at block 1340 by the installer. At block 1345, one or more end interfaces may be installed to cover a transition region between the fabric sleeve and the elastomer sleeve, a transition region between the elastomer sleeve and the plug, or both.

[0062] At block 1350, the smart device hook may be removed, if desired, by the installer. The smart device hook may be removed at any time after block 1320 during which the flexible fabric sleeve was fastened to the wall. The smart device hook may simultaneously be removed from the device and the fabric sleeve by an installer pulling it in a defined direction. Referring to FIG. 7, an installer may pull the smart device hook downwards to uncouple it from base 702 and a grommet of the fabric sleeve. If a power cord is used, the power cord may then be plugged into the outlet. If excess cable is present, it may be coiled around the plug or around the base of the installed device. Alternatively, excess cable may be tucked within the fabric sleeve. [0063] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

[0064] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations (including implementations). However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

[0065] Also, configurations may be described as a process which is depicted as a flow diagram or block diagram. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure.

[0066] Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered.