AU2020260437A1

AU2020260437A1 - A single cavity duct or conduit

Info

Publication number: AU2020260437A1
Application number: AU2020260437A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chanaka ABEYSINGHE
Original assignee: Cubis Systems
Current assignee: Cubis Systems
Priority date: 2019-10-30
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2021-05-20

Abstract

A duct joiner assembly for housing cables includes a first body for mounting to a first duct tube, the first body including a plurality of markers; The duct joiner assembly further includes a second body for mounting to a second duct tube, the second body receiving at least a portion of the first body. The second body includes at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body. During assembly of the ductjoiner assembly, the selection marker is placed in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body, wherein the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body is selected to correspond to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled. a) C (I0E

Description

a) C

(I0E

A SINGLE CAVITY DUCT OR CONDUIT TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a duct or conduit. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a duct or conduit for housing cables and a joiner assembly for connecting two duct pieces together. In preferred applications, the duct or conduit may be used in relation to above ground and ground level cable protection systems for rail and other networks.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Typically, above-ground Galvanised Steel Troughing (GST) or "trunking," as well as Ground-Level Troughing (GLT), are known to be used in rail reserves and other networking applications. However, both GST and GLT have limitations. For example, GST cannot be cut or modified without protecting the cut or modified trough. Accordingly, the ability to modify GST for specific site requirements is difficult. Further, GST lacks the durability which some applications require.

[0003] In addition, GLT, which is manufactured from concrete and which is comparatively heavy to GST, is difficult to install at least partially due to the weight thereof. GLT is also difficult to modify and/or change to suit installation requirements.

[0004] In light of the above, there is a need for a ducting solution for above ground ducting projects where GST and GLT may not be suitable. Accordingly, the present invention seeks to provide a solution for applications where known ducting systems, such as GST and/or GLT systems, have been found not to be useful and/or suitable.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a duct or conduit, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides in a duct joiner assembly for housing cables, the duct joiner assembly including: a first body for mounting to a first duct tube, the first body including a plurality of markers; and, a second body for mounting to a second duct tube, the second body receiving at least a portion of the first body, the second body including at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body; wherein, during assembly of the duct joiner assembly, the selection marker is placed in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body, wherein the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body is selected to correspond to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

[0008] Preferably, each first body and each second body is substantially the same shape. In some preferred embodiments, each body is substantially a square prism and has a substantially square cross-sectional area. In some preferred embodiments, each body is substantially a rectangular prism and has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area. Advantageously, in these preferred embodiments, the square/ rectangular prism shaped bodies are stackable in order to create a multi-duct system without requiring additional support or spacers.

[0009] In other preferred embodiments, each body is substantially a circular prism and has a substantially circular cross-sectional area. A person skilled in the art would understand that the shape of each body may be any shape suitable for housing cables.

[0010] Each body may include at least one body portion. In some embodiments, each body may include at least two body portions. In some embodiments, at least two body portions are separated by a step. The step may be a step down. In some embodiments, the step may be a step up. In some embodiments, the at least two body portions may include a mouth portion having an opening, in the form of a mouth opening, for receiving at least a portion of a duct, tube or conduit and a connector portion for connecting with a corresponding body of the opposite gender.

[0011] Each body may further include at least one wall defining a body channel for receiving one or more cables. In some embodiments, each body includes at least two or more walls defining the body channel for receiving one or more cables. Each body channel may be an elongate channel. Each body channel may extend through the length of the respective body, for example the first body or the second body. When connected, the channel of the first body and the channel of the second body may form a duct joiner channel for receiving one or more cables.

[0012] Each body channel may include at least one body channel portion. In some embodiments, each body may include two or more body channel portions. In other embodiments, the body channel of the first body and the body channel of the second body may include a different number of body channel portions. Each body channel portion may be defined

-Y

by at least one of the body portions. In some embodiments that includes two or more body channel portions, the cross-sectional area of each body channel may be the same, or substantially the same. Alternatively, in some embodiments that includes two or more body channel portions, the cross-sectional area of each body channel may be different.

[0013] Preferably, each body channel has substantially the same cross-sectional area and/or shape. In some preferred embodiments, each body channel has a square or substantially square cross-sectional area. In alternative preferred embodiments, each body channel has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross-sectional area. In other preferred embodiments, each channel has a circular or substantially circular cross-sectional area. A person skilled in the art would understand that the cross-sectional area and/or shape of the body channels may be any cross sectional area or shape suitable for housing cables.

[0014] Each body may further include a first end and a second end. Each end may be an open end. Each first end may include the mouth portion defining a mouth opening for receiving at least a portion of a duct tube. Each mouth opening may define a channel opening for receiving at least a portion of a duct tube. Each mouth portion may include an inner abutment surface for abutting at least a portion of an outer surface of the duct tube. In preferred embodiments, each mount opening is substantially the same size and shape, or slightly larger in size and shape, as the duct tube portion mounted thereto. In preferred embodiments, each mouth opening may fully surround at least a portion of the duct tube.

[0015] Each second end of the first body or the second body may include a connecting portion. The connecting portion may be a male, or female, connecting portion for connecting with a corresponding female, or male portion, of the other body. The male connecting portion may be received, or at least partially received, within the corresponding female connecting portion. At least a portion of the female connecting portion may overlap at least a portion of the male connecting portion.

[0016] Each female connector portion may define a connector channel having a cross sectional area. The connector channel may form one of the at least one body channel portions. The connector channel of the female connector portion may form part of the first body channel. Alternatively, the connector channel of the female connector portion may form part of the second body channel. The cross-sectional area of the connector channel may be the same or similar in size and shape to the channel defined by the corresponding mouth opening.

_r

[0017] The female connector portion may include an inner abutment surface for abutting an outer surface of the male connector portion. The female connector portion may include at least one wall for at least partially overlapping at least one wall of a corresponding male connector portion.

[0018] Each male connector portion may define a connector channel having a cross-sectional area. The connector channel may form one of the at least one body channel portions. The connector channel of the male connector portion may form part of the first body channel. The connector channel of the male connector portion may form part of the second body channel. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the connector channel may be the same, or substantially the same, shape but smaller in size than the channel defined by the corresponding mouth portion. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the connector channel may be the same, substantially the same, shape and the same or substantially the same size in comparison to the channel defined by the corresponding mouth portion or opening.

[0019] The male connector portion may include an outer abutment surface for abutting at least a corresponding surface of the corresponding female connector portion. The male connector portion may include at least one wall for being at least partially overlapped by at least one wall of the female connector portion.

[0020] In use, the male connector portion and/or female connector portion may expand and/or contract relative to the corresponding male or female connector portion.

[0021] The duct joiner assembly may include a pair of corresponding markers. The pair of corresponding markers may include a first type of marker and a second type of marker. The first type of marker may include the plurality of markers. The second type of marker may include the at least one selection marker for selecting one of the plurality of first markers. In preferred embodiments, the selection marker may be in the form of one or more edges. In one embodiment, the selection marker comprises an end edge of the second body.

[0022] In preferred embodiments the first type of marker may be located on an outer surface of the first body. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of markers may include a plurality of evenly spaced apart markers. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of markers may represent or indicate an environmental temperature at the time of installation. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of markers may represent or indicate an environmental temperature at the time of installation between 0 degree and 70 degrees. During installation, an installer may align the selection marker with one of the plurality of markers corresponding to a current environmental temperature such that the duct joiner assembly may expand or contract in response to a change in environmental temperature.

[0023] In preferred embodiments, the male connector portion may include the first type of marker and the female connector portion may include or define the second type of marker.

[0024] The duct joiner assembly may further include at least one or more recesses for at least partially receiving a protrusion, and at least one protrusion, ridge or the like for being at least partially received within a corresponding recess. In some embodiments, each protrusion extends from an outer surface of the first body and each recess extends inwardly from an inner surface of the second body. In some embodiments, each protrusion extends from an outer surface of the male portion and each recess extends inwardly from an inner surface of the female portion. In some embodiments, each protrusion extends from an inner surface of the second body and each recess extends from an outer surface of the first body. In some embodiments, each protrusion extends from an inner surface of the female portion and each recess extends from an outer surface of the male portion. In some embodiments the first body and the second body can snap fit together or click together.

[0025] In some embodiments, the duct joiner assembly includes at least two or more recesses for receiving a protrusion and at least two or more protrusions, each for being at least partially received within a corresponding recess. In some embodiments, each of the at least two or more protrusion extends from an outer surface of the first body and each of the at least two recesses extend inwardly from an inner surface of the second body. In some embodiments, each of the at least two or more protrusion extends from an outer surface of the male portion and each of the at least two or more recesses extends inwardly from an inner surface of the female portion. In some embodiments, each of the two or more protrusion extends from an inner surface of the second body and each of the two or more recesses extends from an outer surface of thefirst body. In some embodiments, each of the two or more protrusion extends from an inner surface of the female portion and each of the two or more recesses extends from an outer surface of the male portion. In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more protrusions extends from an outer surface of the first body and at least one of the two or more protrusions extends from an inner surface of the second body, and at least one of the two or more recesses extends from an inner surface of the second body and at least one of the two or more recesses extends from an inner surface of the first body. In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more protrusions extends from an outer surface of the male portions and at least one of the two or more protrusions extends from an inner surface of the female portion, and at least one of the two or

V

more recesses extends from an inner surface of the female portion and at least one of the two or more recesses extends from an inner surface of the male portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more recesses is located on a wall defining one of the first body or second body and at least one of the two recesses is located on another wall defining the same body. In some embodiments, at least one of the two or more protrusions is located on a wall defining one of the first body or second body and at least one of the two protrusions is located on another wall defining the same body.

[0027] Each recess may include at least one abutment surface for abutting a portion of the corresponding protrusion to prevent the first body and the second body from easily separating once connected. Each recess may be any suitable size or shape for receiving at least a portion of a corresponding protrusion. Preferably, each recess will be substantially elongate such that the protrusion may be movably slidable within the recess.

[0028] Each protrusion may be any particular size or shape suitable for being received within the corresponding recess. Each protrusion may include at least one angled side wall. Advantageously, the angled side wall may make it easier to locate the protrusion within the corresponding recess when mounting the first body to the second body.

[0029] Each protrusion may be in the form of a stopper.

[0030] The ductjoiner assembly may define a seal channel or neck for receiving a seal. In some embodiments, the first body may define the seal channel or neck. In alternative embodiments, the second body may define the seal channel or neck. In some embodiments, the seal channel or neck may extend from an outer surface of the first body towards an inner surface of the first body. In alternative embodiments, the seal channel or neck may extend from an inner surface of the second body and toward an outer surface of the second body. Typically, the seal channel or neck will extend around a circumference of the first body or the second body. In some embodiments the seal channel or neck will be located on the female or male portion of the first body or the second body. In some embodiments, the seal channel or neck will be located towards the female or male connector portion end of the first body or second body.

[0031] A skilled person would understand that the size and shape of the seal channel will correspond to the size and shape of the seal being received therein.

[0032] The first body and the second body may be made from any suitable material. In one embodiment, the first body and the second body are made from a plastic material. In preferred embodiments, the first body and the second body are made from the same material. In some embodiments, the first body and the second body may be made from different materials. In some preferred embodiments, the first body and the second body may be made from an unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) material.

[0033] Each of the first body and the second body may be formed from any suitable known manufacturing process known in the art. In some preferred embodiments, each of the first body and the second body are formed from injection moulding.

[0034] The duct joiner assembly may further include at least one seal. The number of seals will generally correspond to the number of seal channels or necks. Advantageously, the seal prevents moisture from entering the ductjoiner assembly. In most embodiments, the seal may be substantially the same size, or slightly smaller than, the size of the channel. In most embodiments, the seal may the same or substantially the same shape as the channel. A skilled person would understand that the seal may be any size or shape suitable for being received within the channel. Typically, the seal will be made from a rubber material.

[0035] The present invention in another form, resides in a duct assembly for housing cables, the duct assembly including: at least a first body, in the form of afirst tube, the first tube including a plurality of markers; at least a second body, in the form of a second tube, for receiving at least a portion of at least the first tube, the second tube including at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first tube; and, wherein, during assembly of the duct assembly, the selection marker is placed in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body, wherein the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body is selected to correspond to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

[0036] A skilled person would understand that the first tube and the second tube may include one or more of the features as substantially described above in relation to the first preferred embodiment.

[0037] The present invention in another form, resides in a method for assembly of a duct system, the method including the steps of: mounting a first body including a plurality of markers to a second body including at least one marker, the second body receiving at least a portion of the first body, the second body including at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body; wherein, during assembly of the duct system, the selection marker is placed in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body, wherein the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body is selected to correspond to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

[0038] The method may further include the step of mounting the first body to a first duct tube. Further, the method may further include the step of mounting the second body to a second duct tube. A skilled person would understand that the first body may be mounted to the first duct tube and/or the second body may be mounted to the second duct tube, using any method known in the art, for example, via a push fit, friction fit, using one or more clips, adhesives or the alike.

[0039] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0040] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0041] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0042] Figure 1 shows an exploded duct assembly, including a duct joiner assembly, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 shows an enlarged detailed portion of Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a duct assembly as shown in Figure 1.

[0045] Figure 4 shows an enlarged detailed portion of Figure 3.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a section view of sectioned view C-C indicated in Figure 3.

[0047] Figure 6 shows a sectioned view of D-D indicated in Figure 4.

[0048] Figure 7 shows an enlarged portion of Figure 4.

[0049] Figure 8 shows a sectioned view of F-F indicated in Figure 6.

[0050] Figure 9 shows an enlarged portion of Figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0051] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the form of a duct assembly 100 for housing cables, is shown in best in Figures 1 to 3. Figures 1 and 2, in particular, show an exploded view of duct assembly 100. Duct assembly 1000 includes a ductjoiner assembly 1002 that includes a first body 2 for mounting to the first duct 3A. First body 2 includes a plurality of markers 200. Duct joiner assembly 1002 further includes a second body 1 for mounting to the second duct 3B. Second body 1 is for receiving a portion of the first body and includes a selection marker 100 for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers 200. During assembly of duct joiner assembly 1002, the corresponding marker 200 is placed in alignment with the selection marker 100 which corresponds to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

[0052] As can best be seen in Figures 1 and 2, first body 2 and second body 1 are substantially the same shape. In the embodiment shown, each body is substantially rectangular shaped. However, a person skilled in the art would understand that the shape of each body may be any shape suitable for housing cables.

[0053] In the preferred embodiment shown, each body 1, 2 includes two body portions, in the form of a mouth portion 102, 202 having an opening for receiving at least a portion of duct 3A or 3B, and a connector portion 104, 204 for connecting with a corresponding body of the opposite gender 100 or 200. The two body portions 202, 204 of the first body are separated by a step down 206.

[0054] Each body 1, 2 further includes a wall 108, 208 defining a channel 110, 210 for receiving one or more cables. As can be best seen in Figures 1 and 2, each channel 110, 210 extends through the length of the respective body and is substantially elongate. When connected, channels 110, 210 form a duct joiner channel 1004 for receiving one or more cables (best shown in Figure 8).

IU

[0055] In the preferred embodiment shown, each channel 110, 210 has substantially the same cross-sectional shape, namely square. A person skilled in the art, however, would understand that the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be any cross-sectional shape suitable for housing cables.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment shown, each body channel includes two channel portions. Each channel portion is defined by a respective body portion 102, 202, 104, 204. A skilled person would understand that in alternative embodiments, each body may include two or more channel portions, and that the channel of the first body and the channel of the second body may include a different number of channel portions.

[0057] Each body 1, 2 furthers include a first end, in the form of a mouth portion defining a mouth opening for receiving a portion of a duct tube 112, 212, and a second end, in the form of connector end 114, 214. Each end is an open end.

[0058] Each mouth portion 112, 212 includes an inner abutment surface 214 for abutting a portion of an outer surface 300 of the respective duct tube 3 (best shown in Figure 1). In the preferred embodiment shown, each mouth opening is slightly larger in cross sectional size and shape in comparison to the cross-sectional size and shape of the duct tube portion mounted thereto. As can be seen best in Figure 8, each mouth portion fully surrounds a portion of the duct tube.

[0059] As mentioned above, each second end of the first body and second body includes a connector portion 104, 204. In the embodiment shown, the connector portion 204 of body 2 is a male connector portion and the connector portion 104 of body 1 is a female connector portion. The male connecting portion at least partially received within the corresponding female connecting portion (best shown in Figures 4, 6 and 8). As can be best seen in Figures 6 and 8, a portion of female connector portion overlaps a portion of the male connector portion.

[0060] The female connector portion defines channel 116 having a cross sectional area. Channel 116 is defined by one of the body channel portions of body 1.

[0061] Female connector portion 104 includes an inner abutment surface 118 for abutting an outer surface 218 of male connector portion 208. The female connector portion includes a wall for overlapping a corresponding wall of the corresponding male connector portion.

[0062] Male connector portion 208 defines a channel having a cross-sectional area. In the preferred embodiment shown, the channel forms one of the body channel portions of body 2.

II

The channel of the male connector portion also forms part of the first body channel. In preferred embodiments, such as the one shown, the cross-sectional area of the channel is substantially the same shape but smaller in size than the channel defined by the corresponding mouth portion.

[0063] The male connector portion includes an outer abutment surface 218 for abutting at least a corresponding surface 118 of the corresponding female connector portion. The male connector portion further includes a wall for being overlapped by a corresponding wall of the female connector portion.

[0064] The duct joiner assembly includes a pair of corresponding markers, in the form of the plurality of markers 200 and selection marker, in the form of edge 100, for selecting one of the plurality of first markers. Marker 200 are located on an outer surface of the first body, and includes a plurality of evenly spaced apart markers, in the form of lines. As best shown in Figure 7, each of the plurality of markers represents or indicates an environmental temperature at the time of installation. During installation, an installer aligns selection marker 100 with one of the plurality of markers 200 corresponding to a current environmental temperature such that the duct joiner assembly 1002 may expand or contract in response to a change in environmental temperature.

[0065] The duct joiner assembly further includes a pair of recesses 120, each for receiving a protrusion and a pair of protrusions, ridge or the alike, in the form of a stopper 220, for being received within the corresponding recess 120. As can be best seen in Figure 2, a first recess is located on a wall defining second body 1 and a second recess is located on an opposite wall defining the same body 1. Further, it can be seen that each protrusion 220 extends from an outer surface of the first body 2.

[0066] Each recess 120 includes an abutment surface for abutting a portion of the corresponding protrusion to prevent bodies 1 and 2 from easily separating once connected. As shown best in Figure 9, each recess 120 is substantially elongate such that protrusion 220 received therein may be movably slidable within the recess.

[0067] Each protrusion 220 may be any particular size or shape suitable for being received within the corresponding recess. In the preferred embodiment shown, each protrusion 220 includes an angled side wall 224. Advantageously, the angled side wall makes it easier to locate the protrusion within the corresponding recess when mounting the first body to the second body.

I /

[0068] The ductjoiner assembly further defines a seal channel 400 for receiving a seal 4. As best shown in Figure 9, first 2 body defines seal channel 400. The seal channel, in the form of a recess, extends around the circumference of first body 2.

[0069] The first body 2 and the second body 1 may be made from any suitable material. In the preferred embodiments the first body and the second body are made from the same material, for example, an unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) material.

[0070] Each of the first body 2 and the second body 1 may be formed from any suitable manufacturing process known in the art. In the preferred embodiments, each of the first body and the second body is injection moulded.

[0071] The duct joiner assembly 1002 further includes seal 4. Advantageously, seal 4 prevents moisture from entering the duct joiner assembly 1002. A skilled person would understand that seal 4 may be any size or shape suitable for being received within the channel. In preferred embodiments, the seal is typically made from a rubber material.

[0072] A preferred method for installation of the duct joiner assembly is now described below. The method includes the steps of: mounting the first body 2 including the plurality of markers 200 to a second body 1 including a selection marker 100, the second body 1 receiving a portion of the first body 2, the second body 1 including the selection marker 100 for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers 200 of the first body 2; wherein, during assembly of the duct joiner assembly 1002, the corresponding marker 100 is placed in alignment with the selected marker on the first body 2 which corresponds the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

[0073] The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes the following engineering design characterises and/or provides the following advantages: • has the ability to be installed elevated on supports with a spacing of 3m and installed

sitting at ground level while stacked; • is UV stabilised; • accommodates thermal expansion/contraction; • permits separated services and allow one single cavity to branch off at any point in the services route; • is approximately $20-30/m; • has a design life of greater than 50 years;

• is IP45 rated; • is easily installed and lightweight; • includes product labelling, e.g. electrical or communications markings; • is nontoxic and chemically stable; • is not be electronically conductive; • is fire & burning resistant; • is strong enough to support a minimum cable weight of 4kg/m per duct and any accidental weight placed onto the duct when it is installed at ground level; • joints are strong enough to allow them to be placed in between two posts with no direct support.

[0074] More specific details of the preferred embodiment are also provided in the table below:

Item Description Reference | Specification Measure Standard Dimensioni CUBIS Duct Ahave ground duot with 1. -tiai measure Drawing rnirnrnT infmtal size Fi 1 mm Xn EC'71- 1I1 0mm Span f 3 PVC R A betwveert aiJp 'Thickness measure 4 0m

Length SUDDrmm

2 Weight N/A Single man Lifi Maximum Weight of 8 Kg

4 ~5ftrenqth N/AT spport cale weivght of 4lin-ai 1.:)P)desLsosa1ftlei 1o sericeability load and .6kg/m 2. Ultmiate Design Lirnit ultirmate load

Material N/A UPVC-Whit e Colour PJ Polyvinyl Chloride (Rigid PVC) Stbiiaton 177:21017 stregt h or slip resistanc-e duie ----- ------------------------- to degradation ftom U -----------------------------

8 Thermal Linear expansion 0.08 Expansion mm/m/°C 9 1Fre~IRnfincl k:~ii30, Incirasliig levels~~of rifier B1_C25 attack and buying debis ignited by wPi ndbarnembers together with increasing heat flux between 19 and 2kWm2

I -T

[0075] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0076] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0077] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A ductjoiner assembly for housing cables, the ductjoiner assembly including: a first body for mounting to a first duct tube, the first body including a plurality of markers; and, a second body for mounting to a second duct tube, the second body receiving at least a portion of the first body, the second body including at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body; wherein, during assembly of the duct joiner assembly, the selection marker is placed in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of markers of thefirst body, wherein the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body is selected to correspond to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

2. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each first body and each second body is substantially the same shape.

3. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each body is substantially a square prism and has a substantially square cross-sectional area, or each body is substantially a rectangular prism and has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional area, or each body is substantially a circular prism and has a substantially circular cross-sectional area.

4. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each body includes at least two body portions and the at least two body portions are separated by a step.

5. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least two body portions include a mouth portion having an opening, in the form of a mouth opening, for receiving at least a portion of a duct, tube or conduit and a connector portion for connecting with a corresponding body of opposite gender.

6. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each body further includes at least one wall defining a body channel for receiving one or more cables.

7. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each body includes a first open end and a second open end, each first end including a mouth portion defining a mouth opening for receiving at least a portion of a duct tube, each mouth opening defining a channel opening for receiving at least a portion of a duct tube, each mouth portion including an inner abutment surface for abutting at least a portion of an outer surface of the duct tube.

IV

8. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 7 wherein each mount opening is substantially the same size and shape, or slightly larger in size and shape, as the duct tube portion mounted thereto and each mouth opening fully surrounds at least a portion of the duct tube.

9. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each second end of the first body or the second body include a connecting portion.

10. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the connecting portion comprises a male, or female, connecting portion for connecting with a corresponding female, or male portion, of the other body, wherein in use the male connecting portion is received, or at least partially received, within the corresponding female connecting portion and at least a portion of the female connecting portion overlaps at least a portion of the male connecting portion.

11. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the duct joiner assembly includes a pair of corresponding markers, the pair of corresponding markers including a first type of marker and a second type of marker, thefirst type of marker including the plurality of markers and the second type of marker including the at least one selection marker for selecting one of the plurality offirst markers.

12. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the selection marker is in the form of one or more edges, or the selection marker comprises an end edge of the second body.

13. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the first type of marker is located on an outer surface of the first body and each of the plurality of markers represent or indicate an environmental temperature at the time of installation, wherein during installation, an installer aligns the selection marker with one of the plurality of markers corresponding to a current environmental temperature such that the duct joiner assembly can expand or contract in response to a change in environmental temperature.

14. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the male connector portion includes the first type of marker and the female connector portion includes or defines the second type of marker.

15. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including at least one or more recesses for at least partially receiving a protrusion, and at least one protrusion, ridge or the like for being at least partially received within a corresponding recess, or wherein the first body and the second body snap fit together or click together.

I

/

16. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein the duct joiner assembly includes at least two or more recesses for receiving a protrusion and at least two or more protrusions, each for being at least partially received within a corresponding recess, each of the at least two or more protrusion extending from an outer surface of the first body and each of the at least two recesses extending inwardly from an inner surface of the second body.

17. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein at least one of the two or more recesses is located on a wall defining one of the first body or second body and at least one of the two recesses is located on another wall defining the same body and at least one of the two or more protrusions is located on a wall defining one of the first body or second body and at least one of the two protrusions is located on another wall defining the same body.

18. A duct joiner assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the duct joiner assembly defines a seal channel or neck for receiving a seal and the duct joiner assembly further includes at least one seal.

19. A duct assembly for joining a first duct and a second duct, the duct assembly including:

at least a first body, in the form of afirst tube, the first tube including a plurality of markers; at least a second body, in the form of a second tube, for receiving at least a portion of the first tube, the second tube including at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first tube; and, wherein, during assembly of the duct assembly, the corresponding marker is placed in alignment with the selected marker on the first tube which corresponds the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

20. A method for assembly of a duct system, the method including the steps of: mounting a first body including a plurality of markers to a second body including at least one marker, the second body receiving at least a portion of the first body, the second body including at least one selection marker for aligning with a selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body; wherein, during assembly of the duct system, the selection marker is placed in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body, wherein the selected one of the plurality of markers of the first body is selected to correspond to the environmental temperature in which the duct is being assembled.

1002

1000

108 102 208 104

206 3B 212 214 112 3 1/2

110 100 114 1002 204 300 200 210 202 116 214 3A 300 3 118 218

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

220 224 120 1

1 400

1004 3A 2 3B 2 4

FIG. 8 1

3A 2 3B 2 1 2/2

FIG. 9

FIG. 6

3A 2 1 3B 200 100

200 100

3 3A 3 3B FIG. 7 FIG. 4

FIG. 3 FIG. 5