EP1825571A2

EP1825571A2 - Channel unit with adjustable corner

Info

Publication number: EP1825571A2
Application number: EP05824166A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David H. Johnston; Richard A. Clark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-04
Filing date: 2005-11-03
Publication date: 2007-08-29
Also published as: AU2005304894A1; CA2598246A1; WO2006052747A3; WO2006052747A2

Abstract

An extendable molding unit (300) contains a conductor (135) and an adjustable corner assembly (302) for adapting the unit for use in a straight configuration or in a bent configuration. Telescopically arranged conduits (55, 75) allow the length of the unit to be adjusted, with an intermediate section (137) of the conductor effective to accommodate a change in length of the conduits. Two joints (308, 310) provide freedom of rotation about the conductor axis on opposed sides of an angled joint (312) that provides freedom of rotation about an axis disposed at a 45° angle to the axis of the conductor. This combination permits the unit to be configured to pass around both inside and outside corners, as well as to form upward and downward right angles along a straight wall.

Description

CHANNEL UNIT WITH ADJUSTABLE CORNER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to channel units utilized in conductor systems, and in particular, to an improved extendable channel unit having an adjustable corner assembly for selectively forming a bend or comer in the channel unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, various different moldings have been provided to conform an electrical system in a room. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 2,175,144 describes long and short molding units having a set of hollow conductors extending there through.

A combination of short and long units must be selected in an attempt to accommodate various room sizes. U.S. Patent No. 2,441 ,698 illustrates a molding carrying a pair of conductors. If it is desired to shorten the molding, the molding must be sawed or otherwise cut.

An improved device for conveying a conductor along the walls of a room is needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mounting device, which may be utilized in the practice of a method of assembling an extendable channel unit along a wall of a room in one form of the invention;

FIG. 2 is partial sectional view the assembled sections of the mounting device secured to the wall of the room;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the extendable channel unit releasably mounted to the mounting section of the mounting device and extending along the wall in predetermined space apart relation from a reference surface;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the above-mentioned extendable channel unit in one form of the invention; which is illustrated in its retracted position.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along section line 5-5 in FIG. 4; FIG. 6. is a sectional view taken along section line 6-6 in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an end view of the extendable channel unit taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the extendable channel unit taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 5; FIG. 9 is a partial view taken from FIG. 5 and illustrating an alternative conductor having expansible coils therein which is adapted for use in the extendable channel unit;

FIG. 10 is a partial view illustrating the conductive interconnection of an adjacent pair of the extendable channel units arranged in end-to-end relations in cross-section;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a wiring system for a room with the wiring systems having a plurality of the extendable channel units arranged in end-to-end relation therein;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an end cap assembly used to join a pair of extendable channel units.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an extendable molding unit having an integral adjustable corner assembly in a straight configuration.

FIGs. 14-19 are respective views of the extendable molding unit of FIG. 13 in various configurations. FIG. 20 is an exploded view of an extendable molding unit having an adjustable corner assembly.

FIG. 21 illustrates various views of a corner coupler.

FIGs. 22-25 contain various views of respective corner halves.

FIG. 26 illustrates various views of an endcap. FIG. 27 is a partial top view of an extendable molding unit having an adjustable corner assembly utilizing a bellows.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts through the several views of the drawings. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention in several forms thereof and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the invention in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated in one form of the invention a method of assembling an extendable channel unit such as molding unit 21 along a wall 23 of a room with respect to a preselected reference surface 25 associated with the wall, with the channel unit having a signal conductor 22 therein. Reference surface 25 may be defined by a floor or the top edge of a floor molding or the like for instances associated with wall 23. A mounting device 27 for extendable channel unit 21 may be formed of a resinous material, such as plastic or the like for instance having the desired strength and resilient characteristics. Other known materials may be used, such as wood, metal, composites, etc. The mounting device 27 includes a mounting section 29 and an integrally formed separable reference section 31 depending there from with the reference section having a distal end 33 arranged in preselected spaced apart relation from the mounting selection. Reference section 31 is connected to mounting section 29 by a pair of laterally spaced apart arms 35, and the arms each have notches 37 providing predetermently weakened areas therein to enhance separation of the reference section from the mounting section, as further discussed hereinafter. A pair of vertically spaced-apart mounting flanges 39, 41 extended from mounting section 29 terminating in enlarged gripping ends or ledges 43, respectively. A mounting opening or hole 45 spaced between the mounting flanges is provided through the mounting section. To complete the description of mounting device 27, a cylindrical extension 47 is concentrically arranged about mounting hole 45 so as to be spaced between mounting flanges 39, 41 , and the cylindrical extension terminates in an annular surface 49. In the practice of the aforementioned assembly method, mounting device 27 is associated in a preselected position along wall 23 by placing the engaging mounting section 29 of the mounting device against the wall. During the placement of the mounting section, distal end 33 of reference section 31 is seated or otherwise abutted against reference surface 25, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. It may be noted that the seating of reference section 31 with reference surface 25 spaces or locates mounting section 29 in predetermined position on wall 23 in spaced relation with the reference surface. When mounting device 27 is disposed in its preselected position on wall 23, as discussed above, a screw 51 is passed through mounting hole 45 and cylindrical extension 47 into threaded or mounting relation with wall 23 with a head 53 of screw 51 being disposed in abutment with annular surface 49 on the cylindrical extension, as best seen in FIG. 2. The abutment of screw head 51 with annual surface 49 in response to the threaded engagement of screw 50 with wall 23 effects the securement of mounting device 27 in its preselected position to the wall. While screw 50 is disclosed herein securing mounting device 27 to wall 25, it is contemplated that various other means, such as an adhesive or a nail or the like for instance, may be utilized to effect the securement of the mounting device to the wall. Subsequent to the securing of mounting devices 27 to wall 23 in the manner discussed hereinabove, reference section 31 of the mounting device may be separated or otherwise disassociated from mounting section 29. In order to effect the separation of reference section 31 from mounting section 29, the reference section may be manually moved to cause arms 35 thereof to be snapped or otherwise broken away from the mounting section generally at the purposely weakened notches 37, as seen in FIG. 3. It may be noted that the separation of reference section 31 from mounting section 29 may occur prior to or subsequent to the mounting of extendable molding unit 21 to the mounting section, as discussed in detail hereafter. Extendable molding unit 21 may be mounted or otherwise secured or associated with the mounting section so as to extend generally along the wall in preselected spaced apart relations with reference surface 25, as discussed in detail hereafter and as best seen in FIG. 3. Extendable molding unit 21 may be formed or molded from a desired resin material, such as a plastic or the like for instance having the required strength and dielectric characteristics, and the extendable molding unit is provided with a generally elongate conduit 55 in which conductor 22 is in part contained. The conduit has an elongate base wall 57 integrally interposed between a pair of elongate sidewalls 59, 61. Base wall 57 defines with opposite sidewalls 59, 61 a pair of opposite retaining grooves 63, 65 with the opposite sidewalls respectively terminating in a guide ledge or edge 67, and another groove or land 69 is provided in the base wall intermediate the retaining grooves. A cover wall 71 is spaced apart from base wall 57 and integrally formed between opposite sidewalls 59, 61 thereof to create at least in part a chamber 73 in which is contained conductor 22. Albeit not shown in FIG. 3 for purposes of drawing simplicity and brevity of disclosure, it may be noted that grooves 63, 65, 69 in base wall 57 extend lengthwise across conduit 55.

To effect the mounting engagement of extendable molding unit 21 with mounting device 27 secured in its predetermined position on wall 23, conduit 55 of the extendable molding unit may be manually located to laterally align the open ends of retaining grooves 63, 65 with flanges 39, 41 of the mounting device. Thereafter, the conduit 55 may be laterally moved to slidable receive gripping ledges 43 on mounting flanges 39, 41 within retaining grooves 63, 65, in base wall 57. When gripping ledges 43 are so slidable received within retaining grooves 63, 65, it may be noted that extendable molding unit 21 is generally laterally relatively movable along wall 23 with respect to mounting device 27, and it may also be noted that the gripping edges are arranged in association with guide ledges 67 on conduit opposite sidewalls 59, 61 thereby to obviate undesired displacement of molding unit 21 from the mounting device in a rightward direction as viewed in FIG. 3. To complete the above desired method of assembling extendable molding unit 21 with mounting device 27, it may be further noted that opposite sidewall 61 on the molding unit is predeterminedly spaced apart from reference surface 25.

With reference in general to the drawings and recapitulating at least in part with respect to the foregoing, extendable molding unit 21 in one form of the invention is provided a pair of telescopically arranged elongate conduits or conduit members 55, 75 (FIGS. 4 and 5) extendable or movable with respect to each other and defining therein expandable chamber 73 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Conductor 22 is disposed in and extends across chamber 73 and interconnected between opposed ends of conduits 55, 75. The conductor includes a section 77 arranged to accommodate a change in length of the chamber 73 resulting from the relative extension of the conduits (FIG. 5). The terms "expandable" and "extension" are used herein in shortcut form to refer to both an increase in dimension (expansion) and the reciprocal decrease in dimension (contraction), and repetitions thereof. More particularly and with specific reference to FIGS. 4-6, conduit 75 may be formed of any known material, for example a resin material such as a plastic or the like having the desired strength and dielectric characteristics, as mentioned above with respect to conduit 55. Conduit 75 is shaped or otherwise configured to be at least in part reciprocally received in conduit 55, and best seen in FIG. 6. Conduit 75 has a pair of opposite sidewalls 79, 81, slidably arranged with opposite sidewalls 59, 61 of conduit 55. A cover wall 83 on conduit 75 is integrally interposed between opposite sidewalls 79, 81 thereof, and cover wall 83 is slidably arranged with cover wall 69 on conduit 55. Conduit 75 is also provided with a base wall 85 spaced opposite cover wall 83 and integrally interposed between opposite sidewalls 79, 81. Base wall 85 is slidably arranged with base wall 57 on conduit 55. Base wall 85 on conduit 75 is provided with a land 87 having opposite edges 89, 91 , and the land 87 is slidably arranged with a wall on intermediate groove or land 70 of base wall 57 on conduit 55 while the opposite edges of the land are slidably and guideably contained between opposed sidewalls respectively 95, 97 of grooves 63, 65 in base wall 57 on conduit 55. A pair of opposite ledges 90, 92 is also provided on base wall 85 being interposed between opposite side edges of land 87 and opposite sidewalls 79, 81 of conduit 75 respectively. In the light of the foregoing, it may be noted that conduit 55, 75 are configured to be slidably arranged with each other thereby to provide the telescopic association or arrangement and the extendable movement of the conduits between their respective retracted and extended positions. A seal 100 may be disposed between conduit members 55, 75 to restrict the ingress of water or other fluid between the conduit members and into chamber 73. Seal 100 is illustrated as a flexible member such as a rubber gasket attached to conduit 55 and making sliding/sealing contact with conduit 75, although other configurations and locations may be used for various applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, a closure member 99 for conduit 55 includes a wall or plug 101 with an inner end or end portion 103 seated in the leftward end of the conduit against displacement there from as seen in FIGS. 5, 7 and 10, and if desired inner end portion 103 may be fixedly secured within the leftward end of the conduit by suitable adhesive means, such as by gluing or the like for instance. A sheath or shroud 105 integral with closure wall 101 extends generally opposite inner end portion 103 exteriorly of conduit 55, and an abutment or shoulder 107 on wall 101 extends between the inner end portion thereof and the sheath or sheathing. Shoulder 107 is seated or otherwise abutted against the leftward end of conduit 55, and the sheathing extends in protective relation about an exterior connector or female connector 109 provided on a terminal 111 mounted in wall 101 of closure member 99 so as to extend there through into chamber 73. It may be noted that sheathing 105 is provided with a configuration complimenting that of conduit 55 wherein an outer peripheral surface 109a of the sheathing defines extensions of the above described walls of conduit 55 as may be seen in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. To complete the description of closure member 99, terminal 111 has an interior end 113 disposed within chamber 73, and the interior end 113 of the terminal is conductively interconnected with one end of conductor 22.

Conduit 75 is also provided with a closure member 115 which includes a wall or plug 117 having an inner end or end portion 119 seated in the rightward end of the conduit against displacement therefrom, as seen in FIG. 5 and 8, and if desired the inner end portion 119 may be fixedly secured within the rightward end of the conduit by suitable adhesive means, such as an adhesive, set screw, or the like. Sheath or shroud 121 integral with wall 117 extends therefrom generally opposite inner end portion 119 exteriorly of conduit 75, and an abutment or shoulder 123 on wall 117 extends between inner end portion thereof and sheath or sheathing 121. Shoulder 123 is seated or otherwise abutted against the rightward end of conduit 75 and extends in protective relation about an exterior connector or male connector end 125 provided on a terminal 127 mounted in wall 117 of closure member 115. It may be noted that sheathing 121 is provided with a peripheral configuration complementary to that of conduit 75. Furthermore, it may also be noted that the peripheral configurations of sheathing 105, 121 on closure members 99, 115 are predetermined so as to be able to interfit with each other, as further discussed hereinafter. Terminal 127 has an interior end 129 disposed within chamber 73, and the terminal interior end is conductively interconnected with the other opposite end of conductor 22. With the opposite ends of conductor 22 conductively interconnected with interior ends 113, 129 of terminals 111 , 127, it may be noted that a generally central or intermediate section 131 of conductors 22 may be arranged in a generally sinuous configuration, as indicated generally at 133 and at best seen in FIG. 5. Thus, in response to manual relative movement of conduits 55, 75 from their retracted positions, as seen in FIG. 4, into their extended positions, as seen in FIG. 5, it may be noted that the sinuous configuration 133 at the generally central sections 131 of conductor 22 is conjointly moveable with the conduits so as to extend the effective length of the conductor and accommodate the extension of the conduits into their extended position.

While signal conductor 22 as illustrated herein as a coaxial cable, it is contemplated that the molding unit 21 of the present invention may be provided with various different types of conductors within the scope of the invention, including but not limited to, a signal transmitting conductor, a power transmitting conductor, a telephone cable, an electrical conductor, a fiber optic cable, a ribbon cable, and combinations thereof, for instance. Appropriate shielding may be provided within the device to isolate conductors susceptible to interference. Of course, different types of conduits or cable respectively require different types of terminals; therefore, while male and female terminals 111 , 127 are shown in the extendable molding unit, various different types of terminals required to terminate the aforementioned various types of conductors may be utilized within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is anticipated that extendable molding units 21 may be provided in various lengths and be interconnected so as be utilized in rooms of various different sizes. Various exterior shapes, materials, colors and textures may also be provided for decorative purposes.

As seen in FIG. 4, conduit 75 is provided with an abutment or retainer 132 secured by suitable means, such as an adhesive or integrally formed or the like for instance, to land 87 on base wall 85 of the conduit with the abutment 132 being spaced adjacent opposite side edge 91 of land 87. The abutment is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 4 being predeterminedly spaced apart from the end of conduit 55 when conduits 55, 75 are in the retracted position thereof. Thus, it may be noted that abutment 132 on conduit 75 is movably or slidably received within a groove in base wall 57 of conduit 55. Further, another abutment or retainer 134 is provided within the groove being secured by suitable means, such as an adhesive or the like for instance, to base wall 57 of conduit 55 so as to extend into abutting engagement with abutment 132 of conduit 75. Albeit not shown for purposes of drawings simplification and brevity of disclosure, it may be noted that abutment 132 on conduit 75 is movable toward abutting engagement with abutment 134 of conduit 55 upon the relative movement of conduits 55, 75 from the retracted position thereof, as seen in FIG. 4, toward the extended position thereof, as seen in FIG. 5. To complete the description of extendable molding unit 21 , it may be noted that the above-discussed engagement of abutment 132, 134 not only retains conduit 75 against displacement from conduit 55 but also defines the most extended position of the conduits. Thus, during assembly of extendable molding unit 21 , conduit 75 is preferably slid into conduit 55 from the location of closure end 99 (left to right in FIG. 4) before closure end 99 is installed. Alternatively, retainer 132 may be formed to have one tapered surface and a degree of compressibility, such as being formed of an elastomer or being spring-actuated, so that it can be moved past retainer 134 in one direction to insert conduit 75 into conduit 55, and also to restrict its movement past retainer 134 in the opposed direction to function as a stop defining the extended position of unit 21.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, an alternative conductor 135 having an intermediate section 137 with a plurality of expansible or extendable coils 139 therein is provided in expansible chamber 73 between conduits 55, 75; however, for the purposes of drawing simplifications, the conductive interconnection of conductor 135 with terminals 111 , 127 of conduit 55, 75 is omitted. However, it may be noted that the respective manual movements of conduit 55, 75 from their retracted position to their extended position would effect the conjoint extension of extendable coils 139 in conductor 135 to accommodate the extension of conduits 55, 75 into the extended position thereof within the scope of the present invention. The spring constant of the extendable coils 139 may be selected to be sufficiently high to ensure that the length of conductor 135 is retracted to a desired shorter length upon the movement of unit 21 to its retracted length, as shown in FIG. 4, and also to be sufficiently low so that an undesired amount of spring-back of the unit 21 is not encountered when handling the unit 21 during installation. With reference again in general to the drawing and recapitulating at least in part with respect to the foregoing, there is illustrated in one form of the invention a method of assembling a plurality of extendable molding units 21 to define a wiring system 143 along at least one surface 145 of a room 147 (FIGS. 10 and 11 ). Each extendable molding unit 21 includes a pair of relatively extendable conduits members 55, 75 telescopically arranged with respect to each other and each having a closed end or closure member 99, 115 with a conductor conductively connected between the closed ends, and an extendable section 133 in the conductor (FIGS. 4- 6). Conduit pairs 55, 57 are arranged in end-to-end relation along surface 145 of room 147 (FIG. 11) and at least some of the conduit pairs are extended generally end-wise thereof upon their arrangement in the end-to-end relation thereof (FIGS. 4 and 5). Extension of conductor section 77 of the at least some conduit pairs 55, 75 is effected when the conduit pairs are extended generally end-wise thereof (FIG. 5), and conductors 22 of the conduit pairs of each extendable molding unit are interconnected in continuous conductive relation with each other.

More particularly and with specific reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a plurality of extendable molding units 21 arranged in end-to-end relation with each other to interconnect female and male terminals 111, 127 in conduits 55, 75 in conductive relation. As previously mentioned, outer peripheral surface 105a of sheathing 105 on closure member 99 is predeterminately configured to define an extension of the outer periphery of conduit 55. Inner peripheral surface 141 provided on sheathing 105 is predeterminately configured to form a slideway and slidably receive outer peripheral surface 125a of sheathing 121 on closure member 115 of conduit 95, which in turn is predeterminedly configured to form a slide to be received in said slideway when a pair of extendable molding units 21 are arranged in end-to- end relation with each other.

In the practice of the above mentioned assembly method, a plurality of extendendable molding units 21 are arranged or otherwise disposed in end-to-end relation along the at least one surface 145, and at least some of the conduit pairs 55, 75 are extended generally end-wise into their extended positions upon the arrangement of extendable molding units 21 into the end-to-end relation thereof; as seen in FIG. 10. Further is also seen in FIG. 10, extendable molding units 21 arranged in the end-to-end relation thereof are illustrated in box form for the purpose of drawing simplification and brevity of disclosure.

To accommodate the end-to-end arrangement of extendable molding units 21 along surface 145 of room 147, conduit 55 of each extendable molding unit is secured or otherwise disposed in a preselected position on the surface. In order to effect the aforementioned securing of conduit 55 to surface 145, mounting devices 27, as discussed in detail above and as seen in FIGS. 1-3, may be positioned or otherwise mounted in pre-selected positions along surface 145, and conduit 55 of each extendable molding device 21 is mounted to the mounting devices, as seen in FIG. 3. For the purpose of drawing simplification, mounting devices 27 are diagrammatically shown as boxes in clotted outline in FIG. 11. To effect the aforementioned releasable mounting of conduit 55 of each extendable molding unit 21 , such conduits 55, 75 are respectively received in sliding relation on mounting devices 27 which accommodates the aforementioned extension of conduits 55, 75 of each extendable molding unit 21 arranged in the end-to-end relation thereof. In other embodiments, the conduits may be configured to snap onto the mounting devices, then to slide laterally into a desired position. It may be noted that upon aforementioned extension of conduit pairs 55, 75 of at least some of the extendable molding units 21 arranged in the end-to-end relation thereof, female and male connectors 109, 125 on terminals 111 , 127 in adjacent ones of conduit pairs 55, 75 are interconnected in conductive relation as the conduit pairs are arranged in their end-to-end relation generally concurrently with the above discussed end-to-end arrangement of extendable molding units, as seen in FIG. 10. While mounting devices 27 are utilized in conjunction with conduits 55 of extendable molding units 21 as set out in the discussion relating this method of assembling the extendable molding units in end-to-end relation, it is contemplated that various other mounting devices and/or attachment points on the molding units 21 may be utilized with the extendable molding units within the scope of the invention.

When conduits 55, 75 of extendable molding units 21 are extended, i.e. manually moved from the retracted position to the extended position thereof, as previously discussed and as seen in FIG. 4 and 5, it may be noted that the sinuous arrangement 133 in section 131 of conductor 22 is conjointly movable with the conduits thereby to extend the effective length of conductor 22 which serves to accommodate the extensions of conduits 55, 75 in respective ones of extendable molding units 21 in their end-to-end relation. Furthermore, when extendable molding units 21 are associated in the end-to-end relation thereof, it may be noted that conduits 55, 75 in adjacent ones of the extendable molding units 21 are interconnected with each other which effects the interconnection of conductors 22 in each of the extendable molding units in a continuous conductive relation with each other. As seen in FIG. 11 , a signal or power outlet 149 for wiring system 143 is provided on wall 145 of room 147, and a jumper conductor or cable 151 is interconnected in conductive relation between outlet 149 and extendable molding units 21 in the end-to-end relation thereof on wall 145. A power or signal operated unit or device 153 is schematically illustrated in box form in room 147, and to complete the description of this assembly method, another jumper conduit or cable 155 for wiring system 143 is interconnected in conductive relation between device 151 and extendable molding units 21. In this manner, the device of the present invention may be used to provide connectivity for Internet, cable TV₁ phone, video, games, computers and peripherals, IP addressable devices, high-speed data transmission, etc., to satisfy the increasing demand for such signals into existing spaces and into buildings under renovation or construction. A decorative cover 152 having an exterior shape configured to match the exterior shape of conduit 55 may be installed over the exposed portions of conduit 75 in order to provide an aesthetically more pleasing appearance to the assembly. Corner pieces may be provided to interconnect units 21 mounted on intersecting surfaces; i.e. a ninety degree bend piece 157 to fit around comer 150 of FIG. 11. Piece 157 includes three legs for interconnecting two horizontal runs 21 and one vertical run 158 of extendable molding units. Furthermore, corner units may be configured to fit into an inside corner (as shown) or around an outside corner. Vertical run molding unit 158 is illustrated as being disposed along a corner of two walls 145 of a room. While the geometry for such a location may be different than the embodiment of horizontal run molding unit 21 , one skilled in the art may appreciate that the aspects of mounting, interconnection, extendibility, etc. described above likewise may be advantageously applied to this embodiment.

One skilled in the art may appreciate that the present device and method may be used to extend a conductor along any wall, floor or ceiling of a room, around windows and doors, along corners, etc. The architectural style of the exterior portions of the device may be selected to be aesthetically pleasing for each of these arrangements. It is believed that extendable molding unit 21 may be associated in end-to-end relation mounted to a wall of a room or in ramp devices 157, as discussed above, without employing professional installers since no cutting or custom tools are required thereby resulting in lower installation costs. It is also believed that the exterior of extendable molding units 21 may be provided with various different decors, colors, materials, etc. Furthermore, it is also believed that the extendable molding units 21 arranged in end-to-end relation lend themselves to either vertical or horizontal placement along or on any surface, as well as providing simple removal from such placement.

The installation and removal of molding units 21 in end-to-end relation as illustrated in FIG. 11 may be facilitated by the incorporation of the end cap assembly 240 illustrated in sectional view in FIG. 12. End cap assembly 240 includes cooperating male and female end caps 242, 244. End caps 242, 244 include respective distal ends 246, 248 configured for installation on opposed ends of conduits 75, 55 respectively of FIG. 4. End caps 242, 244 may be affixed to the opposed ends of conduits 75, 55 with an adhesive such as an epoxy or solvent or by other appropriate means. Molding units 21 are then joined in end-to-end relation by inserting male end cap 242 of one molding unit 21 partially into female end cap 244 of an adjoining molding unit 21 to form the assembly of FIG. 21. Male end cap 242 includes a protruding member 250 disposed at an end of a flexible member 252 that provides a spring bias to the protruding member 250. The spring bias allows protruding member 250 to be displaced by female end cap wall member 254 as male end cap 242 is inserted into female end cap 244, and further allows protruding member 250 to spring outwardly into an opening 256 formed in wall member 254 once the end cap assembly 240 is assembled into its fully assembled position joining adjacent molding units 21 in end-to-end relation. The protruding member 250 and opening 256 together function as a snap feature maintaining a compressive restraining force across terminals 111 , 127 (not shown in FIG. 12) thereby ensuring the integrity of the connection between conductors of adjoined molding units 21. The forces needed to join and to separate the male and female end caps 242, 244 may be affected by the selection of the spring bias of flexible member 252 and the angle of slope provided on protruding member 250 relative to respective edges 258, 260 of wall member 254. In one embodiment, the forces are designed to maintain a desired degree of compressive force for securing the joining of terminals 111 , 127 while still permitting the end cap assembly 240 to be manually pulled apart during a disassembly process. Female cap 244 may further include opposed guide ledges 262 configured to make sliding contact with gripping ledges 43 of mounting device 27.

The extendable channel unit of the present invention may be provided without conductor 22 and terminals 111 , 127 and mounted on a surface 23 to function as a raceway for the subsequent installation of conductor 22. To facilitate such later installation of conductor 22, the configuration of closure members 99, 115 may be selected to provide a relatively large opening for the passage of conductor 22 with or without terminals 111 , 127. FIG. 11 illustrates the application of the extendable channel unit of the present invention around an inside corner 150 of a room 147 using a bend piece 157. The bend piece 157 of FIG. 11 is a three-way unit including three legs for interconnecting two horizontal runs 21 and one vertical run 158 of extendable molding units. Other configurations of bend pieces may be used for outside corners and for horizontal and vertical bends that require only two legs. A selected bend piece may be joined to the extendable channel unit 21 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 10, with terminals 111 , 127 interconnecting respective lengths of conductor 22 therein. One may appreciate that there is a cost associated with the design, manufacturing and inventory for the various types of bend pieces that are required to address all possible geometries. Furthermore, each terminal-to-terminal connector in a signal cable results in a loss of signal strength, e.g. typically about -3 db. Accordingly, the present invention includes an extendable channel unit 300 having an adjustable corner assembly 302 attached to an end of a main conduit member 301 , as illustrated in FIGs. 13-20. This embodiment allows a single channel unit 300 to be used to run along a straight wall, to make a 90° vertically upward bend, to make a 90° vertically downward bend, to go around an inside corner, or to go around an outside corner, all without the need for any additional conductor connector. The conduit member 301 may be an extendable member, as described above with respect to extendable molding unit 21 , or it may be a member having a fixed length along longitudinal axis 305. Corner assembly 302 illustrated in FIGs. 13-20 includes a center section 304 and two opposed corner couplers 306, 307. Rotatable joints 308, 310 between the center section 304 and the respective corner coupler 306, 307 allow axial rotation there between about the longitudinal axis 305, i.e the axis of a conductor (not shown in FIG. 13) passing through the conduit member 301. An angled joint 312 within the center section 304 allows rotation about an axis disposed at a 45° angle to the longitudinal axis 305. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the extendable channel unit 300 in a straight configuration. FIG. 14 is a side view of the unit 300 in its straight configuration as viewed from the side that would be installed against a wall. FIG. 15 is also a side view of the unit 300 as viewed from the side that would be installed against a wall, but with the unit 300 configured in a right angle downward bend configuration along the wall. FIG. 16 is another side view of the unit 300 as viewed from the side that would be installed against a wall, but with the unit 300 configured in a right angle upward bend configuration along the wall.

In comparing FIGs. 14 and 15, it is noted that angled joint 312 has been rotated 180° to create the 90° bend configuration. Taken alone, the rotation of angled joint 312 by 180° would rotate the coupler 307 so that the side that should face the wall would actually be facing away from the wall. Accordingly, joint 310 is rotated 180° to properly position the coupler 307 as illustrated in FIG. 15.

In comparing FIGs. 15 and 16, it is noted that joint 308 is rotated 180° to direct the 90° bend at joint 312 to an upward direction. This movement taken alone would rotate coupler 307 so that the side that should face the wall would actually be facing away from the wall. Accordingly, joint 310 is rotated 180° to properly position the coupler 307 as illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the unit 300 in its straight configuration as viewed from above as it would be installed against a straight wall. FIG. 18 is a similar top view having the unit 300 configured to extend around an inside corner. FIG. 19 is a similar top view having the unit 300 configured to extend around an outside corner. In comparing FIGs. 17 and 18, it is noted that joint 308 has first been rotated

180°, then joint 312 has been rotated 180° to form the 90° angle. These two movements position coupler 307 in the proper orientation to extend along the wall beyond the inside corner as illustrated in FIG. 18.

In comparing FIGs. 17 and 19, it is noted that joint 312 has been rotated 180° to form the 90° angle. This movement taken alone would rotate coupler 307 so that the side that should face the wall would actually be facing away from the wall. Accordingly, joint 310 is rotated 180° to properly position the coupler 307 as illustrated in FIG. 19.

Joints 308, 310, 312 may be designed to limit the extent of available rotation such as by including appropriate mechanical stops in the joint mechanisms. This prevents the enclosed conductor from becoming twisted to an unacceptable degree by repeated rotations of any joint. In one embodiment, joints 308 and 310 are each free to rotate only 270°, and joint 312 is free to rotate only 180°. FIG. 20 is an exploded view of channel unit 300 illustrating the plurality of individual parts that are assembled into this particular embodiment. For one embodiment utilizing injection molded plastic parts, joints between non-moving parts may be fastened by glue, plastic welding, and/or snap fits, for example. The conduit member 301 includes an inner conduit member 316 telescopically arranged within an outer conduit member 318. An end cap 320 is fitted with an adapter 322 configured for the appropriate connectors 324 for conductor 326. FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment utilizing an electrical conductor with RJ connectors, although alternative end cap and/or adapter designs may be configured for any desired type of conductors/connectors. Cooperating tab locks 328 may be affixed to the inner and outer conduit members 318, 320 to prevent the conduit member 301 from over- extending and pulling apart once assembled.

The adjustable corner assembly 302 includes a corner coupler 330, a center section first portion 332, a center section second portion 334, and corner coupler 336. The inner conduit member 316 is connected to the adjustable corner assembly 302 at corner coupler 330. The center section first portion 332 and second portion 334 may be fabricated from identical halves 332a, 332b and 334a, 334b respectively that are affixed together during assembly. The design of these parts provides a freedom of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the conduit members 318, 320 at joint 308 between the corner coupler 330 and center section first portion 332; a freedom of rotation about an axis disposed at a 45° angle relative to the longitudinal axis at joint 312 between the center section first portion 332 and the center section second portion 334; and a freedom of rotation at joint 310 between the center section second portion 334 and the corner coupler 336. One may appreciate that the freedom of rotation at joint 310 is about the longitudinal axis as illustrated in FIGs. 14 and 20 but may be about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when joint 312 is disposed at a right angle as illustrated in FIGs. 15, 16, 18 and 19. The freedom of rotation at joints 308 and 310 are about an axis parallel to the direction of travel of the conductor 326 through the joint. FIG. 21 is a group of related views of corner couplers 330, 336, which in the embodiment of FIGs. 13-20 are identical. The outer wall member 338 defines a center cavity 340 for receiving the conductor 326 and extends to form gripping ledges 342 for engaging a wall mounting unit (now shown). A first end 344 of the coupler 330, 336 is open for receiving either the inner conduit member 316 or male end cap 344. A second end 348 is defined by end wall 350 including opening 352. A stop member 354 is connected to the outer wall member 338 for limiting rotation about joint 308, 310, as will be described more fully later. Details of the construction of center section first portion 332 are illustrated in

FIGs. 22 and 23 for halves 332a and 332b respectively. Center section first portion 332 includes a first end 356 having a protruding collar 358a, 358b (referred to as 358 in their assembled configuration) including a raised rim portion 360a, 360b (referred to as 360 in their assembled configuration). The collar 358 is sized to extend through the end wall opening 352 in corner coupler 330, with the rim portion 360 being larger than the opening 352 so as to capture the collar 358 within the opening 352. The circular shape of opening 352 and collar 358 provides for the freedom of rotation of joint 308. An extended portion 362 of rim portion 360 will engage the stop member 354 of corner coupler 330 in order to limit that maximum range of rotation available in joint 308 in order to avoid the twisting of conductor 326.

Center section first portion 332 also includes a second end 364 disposed at a 45° angle relative to the first end 356. The second end 364 includes a circular opening 366 formed by respective semicircular openings 366a, 366b in the respective halves 334a, 334b. Center section first portion 332 also includes a stop member 367.

Details of the construction of center section second portion 334 are illustrated in FIGs. 24 and 25 for halves 334a and 334b respectively. The center section second portion 334 includes protruding collars 368, 370 having raised rim portions 372, 374 respectively on opposed ends. The unassembled halves of these features are marked on the drawings as 368a, 368b, 370a, 370b, 372a, 372b, 374a and 374b respectively. Collar 368 extends through opening 366 in the second end 364 of center section first portion 332, with rim portion 370 being larger than opening 366 to retain the center section first portion 332 against the center section second portion 334 to form joint 312. An extended portion 376 of rim portion 370 cooperates with stop member 367 to limit the range of rotational movement to avoid twisting of conductor 326. Collar 372 extends through opening 352 in corner coupler 336 in a similar manner to form joint 310, with an extended portion 378 of rim portion 372 cooperating with stop member 354 to limit the range of rotational movement. FIG. 26 illustrates the details of construction of end cap 346, called a male end cap because it's wall member 380 is sized to slide into the corner coupler 336. End cap 320 on the opposed end of the extendable channel unit 300 is called a female end cap 320 because it is sized to receive adapter 322. End cap 346 includes an end wall 382 defining an opening 384 for retaining connector 324 of conductor 326. A sidewall 386 includes slots 388 defining a flexible tab 390. The tab 390 contains a protruding lip 392 for engaging an adjacent extendable channel unit (not shown). Other designs of end caps and other types of connections between adjacent channel units may be used in other embodiments. FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a channel unit 400 including an adjustable corner assembly 402 providing flexibility for creating bends or curves in the unit 400. The comer assembly 402 includes a flexible member such as bellows member 404 that can be manipulated to take a straight or curved shape, such as the right angle illustrated in FIG. 27. The bellows member 404 may be manipulated to a range of angles from straight to greater than 90 degrees. The flexible member may be made of metal, plastic or an elastomeric material providing the desired degree of flexibility without structural failure. The flexible member permits the selective creation of an angle relative to a longitudinal axis without the need for rotational movement. The channel unit 400 optionally may include one or more rotatable joints. The channel unit main body 408 may be of fixed length or it may be extendable along its longitudinal axis. The channel unit 400 may be provided with an installed conductor of any type or it's hollow central volume may be empty to allow for the installation of a conductor after installation.

One may appreciate that other embodiments of an adjustable corner assembly are possible within the scope of the present invention, provided that such adjustable corner assembly is configurable between a straight configuration and an angled configuration. It is contemplated that various changes as to the precise arrangements, configurations and connections of the components employed in a channel unit of the present invention may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope thereof as set out in the claims which follow.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A channel unit comprising: a conduit member extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a portion of a chamber; an adjustable corner assembly attached to the conduit member and further defining the chamber, the adjustable corner assembly comprising a joint alternatively configurable between a straight configuration and an angled configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis; and a signal conductor disposed within the chamber and conformable to both the straight and angled configurations.

2. The channel unit of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable corner assembly further comprises a first joint rotatable about an axis disposed at a 45° angle relative to the longitudinal axis to selectively direct the conductor around a right angle.

3. The channel unit of claim 2, wherein the adjustable corner assembly further comprises a second joint disposed between the first joint and the conduit member, the second joint rotatable about the longitudinal axis to selectively direct an end of the right-angled conductor relative to the longitudinal axis.

4. The channel unit of claim 3, wherein the adjustable corner assembly further comprises a third joint disposed on a side of the first joint opposed from the second joint, the third joint rotatable about an axis of the end of the right-angled conductor.

5. The channel unit of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable corner assembly further comprises: a center section comprising a first portion and a second portion rotatably joined along respective parallel faces disposed at a 45° angle relative to the longitudinal axis; a first corner coupler rotatably joined to a first end of the center section at one end and to the conduit member at an opposed second end; and a second corner coupler rotatably joined to a second end of the center section opposed the first end.

6. The channel unit of claim 5, further comprising: a first circular opening formed in the face of the center section first portion; a collar comprising a distal rim extending from the center section first portion about the first circular opening; a second circular opening formed in the face of the center section second portion, the second circular opening receiving the collar and capturing the rim of the center section first portion to rotatably join the center section first portion to the center section second portion.

7. The channel unit of claim 6, further comprising: a stop member comprising an extension of a portion of the rim of the center section first portion; and the center section second portion comprising a stop member operable to engage the center section first portion stop member to limit a degree of rotational freedom between the center section first portion and the center section second portion.

8. The channel unit of claim 5, further comprising: a circular opening formed in an end of the center section second portion; a collar comprising a distal rim extending from the center section second portion about the circular opening; a circular opening formed in an end of the first corner coupler for receiving the collar and capturing the rim of the center section second portion to rotatablyjoin the center section second portion to the first corner coupler.

9. The channel unit of claim 8, further comprising: a stop member comprising an extension of a portion of the rim of the center section second portion; and the first corner coupler comprising a stop member operable to engage the center section second portion stop member to limit a degree of rotational freedom between the center section second portion and the first corner coupler.

10. The channel unit of claim 1 , further comprising: a pair of telescopically arranged conduit members relatively extendable with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis and defining an extendable length for the chamber; and said conductor including a section arranged to accommodate a change in length of the chamber during relative extension of said conduit members.

11. The channel unit of claim 10, wherein said section of said conductor comprises a generally sinuous arrangement of said conductor within said chamber.

12. The channel unit of claim 10, wherein said section of said conductor comprises a plurality of expandable coils arranged in said conductor within said chamber.

13. The channel unit of claim 1 , wherein the conduit member comprises a mounting structure; and further comprising a mounting device affixable to a surface and cooperatively associated with said mounting structure for retaining the channel unit adjacent the surface.

14. The channel unit of claim 13, wherein the mounting device further comprises a mounting section and a reference section, the reference section shaped to position the mounting section a predetermined distance from a reference surface, and wherein the mounting section and reference section are interconnected by a weakened section to facilitate the removal of the reference section after the mounting section is affixed to the surface.

15. A channel unit comprising: a pair of telescopically arranged conduit members relatively extendable with respect to each other along a longitudinal axis and partially defining an expandable chamber therein; and an adjustable corner assembly attached to one end of the telescopically arranged conduit members and further defining the chamber, the adjustable corner assembly selectively configurable in a straight configuration and in an angled configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis.

16. The channel unit of claim 15, further comprising a signal conductor disposed in the chamber, the signal conductor comprising an expandable section for accommodating a change in length of the chamber during relative extension of said conduit members.

17. A channel unit comprising: a conduit member; a means for changing a length of the conduit member; a corner assembly attached to an end of the conduit member; and a means for configuring the comer assembly in a straight configuration and in a bent configuration.

18. The channel unit of claim 17, further comprising a conductor disposed through the conduit member and the corner assembly, the conductor comprising a means for accommodating a change in length of the conduit member.