Detachable cover for wire ducts having a living hinge
First Claim
1. A reclosable cover for converting a two-piece wire and cable duct system having a generally U-shaped elongate channel defined by a base and two opposed sidewalls, into a multiple re-access and reclosable integral duct system, said reclosable cover defining first and second edges along respective opposed sides thereof and including clip means integrally associated with the reclosable cover, said clip means disposed along said first edge for attaching the cover to one of the two opposed sidewalls of the U-shaped channel;
- an elongate, generally planar, top cover means for covering and enclosing the U-shaped channel;
hinge means between and integrally formed with the clip means and the top cover means, said hinge means being adjacent said reclosable cover first edge, the hinge means permitting the pivotal rotation of the top cover means between a first closed position whereby the top cover means is generally parallel to the U-shaped channel base and substantially bridges said two opposed sidewalls thereby closing the U-shaped channel and a second open position whereby the top cover means is pivoted upwardly to expose the U-shaped channel whereby cables and wires may be added and removed from the channel.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A reclosable cover for converting a two-piece electrical wire and cable duct system into a one-piece reclosable duct. The cover is fabricated from a dual-durometer plastic co-extrusion having a flexible hinge portion extruded of a resilient lower durometer plastic material. A clip assembly formed along one edge of the cover includes a modified U-shaped channel to receive and clamp the top end of a duct channel sidewall. Flexible fins are provided within this channel to further locate and retain the duct cover. A generally V-shaped hinge support member and dual ridges provide enhanced hinge integrity and an interference engagement therebetween to provide a cover `remain-open` function. The clip assembly and support member share common elements to thereby improve on the space and cost efficiency of the duct cover.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A reclosable cover for converting a two-piece wire and cable duct system having a generally U-shaped elongate channel defined by a base and two opposed sidewalls, into a multiple re-access and reclosable integral duct system, said reclosable cover defining first and second edges along respective opposed sides thereof and including clip means integrally associated with the reclosable cover, said clip means disposed along said first edge for attaching the cover to one of the two opposed sidewalls of the U-shaped channel;
- an elongate, generally planar, top cover means for covering and enclosing the U-shaped channel;
hinge means between and integrally formed with the clip means and the top cover means, said hinge means being adjacent said reclosable cover first edge, the hinge means permitting the pivotal rotation of the top cover means between a first closed position whereby the top cover means is generally parallel to the U-shaped channel base and substantially bridges said two opposed sidewalls thereby closing the U-shaped channel and a second open position whereby the top cover means is pivoted upwardly to expose the U-shaped channel whereby cables and wires may be added and removed from the channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- an elongate, generally planar, top cover means for covering and enclosing the U-shaped channel;
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8. A reclosable cover for converting a two-piece wire and cable duct system having a generally U-shaped elongate channel defined by a base and two opposed sidewalls, into a multiple re-access and reclosable integral duct system, said reclosable cover defining first and second edges along respective opposed sides thereof and including clip means integrally associated with the reclosable cover, said clip means disposed along said first edge for attaching the cover to one of said two opposed sidewalls of the U-shaped channel;
- an elongate, generally planar, top cover means for covering and enclosing the U-shaped channel;
hinge means between and integrally formed with the clip means and the top cover means, said hinge means being adjacent said reclosable cover first edge, the hinge means permitting the pivotal rotation of the top cover means between a first closed position whereby the top cover means is generally parallel to the U-shaped channel base and substantially bridges said two opposed sidewalls thereby closing the U-shaped channel and a second open position whereby the top cover means is pivoted upwardly to expose the U-shaped channel whereby cables and wires may be added and removed from the channel;
means for supporting the hinge means against deformation caused by the application of a lateral or downward force against the cover. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
- an elongate, generally planar, top cover means for covering and enclosing the U-shaped channel;
Specification