GB2325789A

GB2325789A - Cable trunking system

Info

Publication number: GB2325789A
Application number: GB9711265A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reilly Kevin O
Original assignee: PERFECTLY POSSIBLE Ltd
Current assignee: PERFECTLY POSSIBLE Ltd
Priority date: 1997-05-27
Filing date: 1997-05-30
Publication date: 1998-12-02
Anticipated expiration: 2017-05-30
Also published as: GB2325789B; GB9711265D0; IE80946B1; IE970393A1

Abstract

A cable trunking system 1 comprises a standard three metre length of trunking 2 and a lid comprising three sections 3. The sections are each approximately three metres long and include lug 10 which extends longitudinally from one end of each section to engage, on assembly, underneath the other end of an adjacent section. Each section has a single coupling device 20 for mounting the section to the trunking (Figures 4 and 5).

Description

"Cable Trunking" Introduction The invention relates to cable trunking particularly for mounting on a wall for housing electrical wiring. More particularly the invention relates to a cable trunking system comprising a length of preformed trunking and a lid for the trunking. Typically, a releasable fastening means is used to fasten the lid to the trunking. Because of weight and safety considerations, generally two people are required to install such trunking systems. When installed, it is often inconvenient to obtain access to the particular length of trunking when an electrician is to carry out work.

There is therefore a need for an improved cable trunking system which will overcome at least some of these problems.

Statements of Invention According to the invention, there is provided a cable trunking system comprising a standard length of preformed trunking and a lid for the trunking wherein the lid comprises a number of lid sections which engage in use, the lid sections being of substantially the same length and the length of each lid section being less than half the length of the standard length of trunking.

This arrangement allows a number of lids to be easily carried and more easily installed and released as required.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of each lid section is approximately one third the length of the standard length of trunking. Most preferably, each lid section is approximately 1 metre long. This is particularly advantageous as it is a length which can be easily manufactured, transported, installed, released as required, and re-fastened into position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, each lid section includes engagement means for engaging on assembly in use with another lid section. The provision of an integral engagement means on the lid sections greatly facilitates assembly of the sections in use on the preformed length of trunking. Most preferably, the engagement means comprises a lug extending from at least one end of the lid section for engagement underneath an adjacent lid section, on assembly. This is a particularly simple method which facilitates engagement between adjacent lid sections.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each lid section includes a single coupling device for coupling the lid section to the trunking. Because the lid sections are much shorter than standard, a single coupling device may be used for mounting the lid sections to the trunking.

This is not only a saving in materials costs but also is a simpler and more secure installation.

Preferably, for ease of manufacture, installation and use, the coupling device is provided at the end of the lid section remote from the engagement means.

The invention also provides a trunking lid section for use in the cable trunking system of the invention.

Brief Description of Drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cable trunking system of the invention installed in position of use; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of part of the cable trunking system of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective, partially cross-sectional, view of a detail of the trunking system; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cable trunking system of the invention illustrating a coupling device used in the system of the invention; and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a single coupling device used in the cable trunking system of the invention.

Detailed DescriDtion Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a cable trunking system according to the invention and indicated generally by the reference numeral 1. The cable trunking system 1 comprises a standard three metre length of trunking 2 and a lid for the trunking 2. The lid comprises, in this case, three lid sections 3 which engage in use. The lid sections 3 are of substantially the same length and the length of each lid section 3 is less than half and, most preferably, approximately one third of the length of the standard length of trunking 2. Thus, each lid section 3 is approximately one metre long.

The trunking 2 is of galvanised steel material which is formed into the desired channel-shape illustrated. The channel has a pair of upper inturned flange portions 5.

Each lid section 3 is also of galvanised steel and is of generally inverted channel-shape including a pair of downwardly extending flange portions 6. On assembly in use, the flange portions 5 of the lid sections 3 fit snugly over the trunking 2 as is particularly illustrated in Fig. 4.

Because the lid sections 3 are of one metre length, they can be easily press-formed to a much closer tolerance, which not only facilitates efficient manufacturing,q but also enhances the quality of the trunking system as the lid sections 3 are a much closer fit to the trunking sections 2 on assembly in use.

Each lid section 3 includes engagement means for engaging on assembly in use with another lid section 3. In this case, the engagement means comprises a lug 10 which extends longitudinally from one end of the lid section 3 to engage on assembly underneath the other end of an adjacent lid section 3.

Each lid section 3 includes a single coupling device 20 for coupling the lid section 3 to the trunking 2 as best illustrated in Fig. 4. The coupling device 20 comprises a fastener with a shank 21 of non-circular cross section and a screw head 22. The shank 21 engages in a correspondingly shaped slot 23 of a coupler 24 having a pair of side wings 25. The fastener is captive with respect to the coupler 24 by means of a force-fitting clip 27. In this arrangement, rotation of the screw head 22 of the fastener correspondingly rotates the coupler 24 from a release position for mounting and demounting the lid section 3 from the trunking 2 to a locked position in which the side wings 25 of the coupler engage underneath the flange sections 5 of the trunking 2 as illustrated i Fig. 4.

To assemble the trunking system, a length of trunking 2 ir first mounted in position on a wall or the like. Cables are then run along the trunking system in a conventionaj manner. When wiring is complete, the trunking is closet by the lid sections 3. The lug 10 at one end of a liz section 3 is engaged underneath a leading lid section and this section is then locked in position by rotating the fastener of the coupling device 20. A following lic section 3 is then positioned by engaging the lug 1( underneath the end of the adjacent lid section 3 and agair locking the lid section 3 in position by rotation of th fastener. This is continued until the run of trunking ie covered by the lid sections 3. When access is required te a particular section of trunking, only one of the lic sections 3 has to be removed by releasing the coupline device.

The trunking system of the invention provides ver substantial advantages in manufacture, installation an use.

Many variations on the specific embodiment of thz invention described will be readily apparent ane accordingly the invention is not limited to thE embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied ir both construction and detail.

Claims

1. A cable trunking system comprising a standard length of preformed trunking and a lid for the trunking wherein the lid comprises a number of lid sections which engage in use, the lid sections being of substantially the same length and the length of each lid section being less than half the length of the standard length of trunking.

2. A cable trunking system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the length of each lid section is approximately one third the length of the standard length of trunking.

3. A cable trunking system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein each lid section is approximately 1 metre long.

4. A cable trunking system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each lid section includes engagement means for engaging on assembly in use with another lid section.

5. A cable trunking system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the engagement means comprises a lug extending from at least one end of the lid section for engagement underneath an adjacent lid section, on assembly.

6. A cable trunking system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a lid section includes a single coupling device for coupling the lid section to the trunking.

7. A cable trunking system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the coupling device is provided at the end of the lid section remote from the engagement means.

8. A cable trunking system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9. A cable trunking lid section for use in a cable trunking system as claimed in any preceding claim.

10. A cable trunking lid section substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.