GB2346267A

GB2346267A - Modular trunking system

Info

Publication number: GB2346267A
Application number: GB9930130A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel John Moss; John Lawrence Monks
Original assignee: SWITCHCRAFT TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Current assignee: SWITCHCRAFT TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date: 1998-12-22
Filing date: 1999-12-22
Publication date: 2000-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-22
Also published as: GB9930130D0; GB9828174D0; GB2346267B

Abstract

Trunking for supporting electrical cables is in the form of an elongate module unit 10 with angled sides 14 and a front 12 which may be detachable or hinged. Sides 14 have recesses D which allow the module to be connected to an adjoining module by means of connecting pieces G. Depending on the angle between the sides, a trunking system made up of one or more connected module units can be mounted on internal or external wall corners (Figs 9, 10, 12), be semi-circular (Figs 5, 11), or circular in cross section, Fig 2, for mounting eg on a central rod (Figs 13-18). Cables introduced through holes in wall A are smoothly engaged by cheeks B and can be clamped by clamps (not shown) screwed into slots C.

Description

MODULAR TRUNKING SYSTEM This invention relates to an inter connectable modular trunking system, particularly but not exclusively for use with electric cabling.

There are many different varieties of trunking systems for mounting and carrying electrical cables, and which are assembled for specific applications or mounting.

Some trunking systems are purely utilitarian while other systems are also aesthetically pleasing. This invention covers both points and also adds the ability to be multi functional by use of an innovative module connecting method. Additional design features also allow the system to be used in a number of ways.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate modular trunking unit having a front portion and two or more adjacent flat side portions, each side portion having one or more longitudinal recesses, each recess adapted to receive a connecting piece for conjoining the unit with another such unit therealongside.

Thus, two or more units can be connected to create modules to particularly accommodate or fit their location in use.

The units can be formed with any exterior shape. In one embodiment, the unit has two perpendicular side portions and a generally arcuate front portion to form a quadrant or"corner"unit.

In another embodiment of the present invention the unit may have two side portions at an angle thereinbetween, e. g. of approximately 90 , or so as to create different outer shape once a plurality of such units are connected. In alternative embodiments of the invention the unit may have between two and eight side portions of angles between 180'and 45'.

As mentioned above, one unit of the present invention could be used as an interior corner module. Two right angle units could be combined to form a flat-based semi-circular module; three such units can be combined to form an exterior corner module, and four right angle units can be combined to form a complete circular module.

The units of the present invention are preferably adapted to receive end caps, which end caps may have the cross sectional shape of one or more combined units. The units of the present invention may be used along side any suitable supporting surface, or be free standing. Where the units form a module which is free standing, preferably a base support portion is added.

Each unit preferably includes one or more internal attachment means for securable attachment of relevant items such as electric cabling therewithin. Each unit may also include one or more slots to receive fixing screws or similar.

Preferably, the units of the present invention are openable to provide access therewithin partly, substantially or wholly along the length of each unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the front portion of the unit has an openable section therealong.

The openable section may be a conjoined door, flap or hinge, or a separable section.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apex between the side portions is truncated. Thus, when two or more units are connected to form a module, there is created a central hollow section along which a supporting piece such as a rod can be located. Where the module formed is wholly or substantially circular, a supporting rod could support the module in a free standing vertical position, or in a hanging horizontal position.

The recess slots on the units may be shaped to receive not only suitable connection pieces, but also surfacemounting means, or indeed simple mounting strips such as rubber strips.

The connecting pieces may be integral with the units.

Preferably, the connecting pieces are separate. More preferably the connecting pieces are elongate, and have in cross section enlarged head portions, and a connecting neck portion.

The units of the present invention may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, they are made from metal or plastic.

The units of the present invention are preferably formed by extrusion and either pre-cut to suitable lengths or are cutable to suitable lengths on site.

The units of the present invention may be used for providing ducting or trunking for any suitable purpose, either along a suitable supporting surface, or in a free standing position. The units are particularly suitable but not exclusively for carrying electric cables.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular trunking system comprising a plurality of connectable modular trunking units, each unit preferably having the same cross section, wherein the units are connectable by separate connecting pieces extending longitudinally along the units'length.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described as way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of modular unit and two connecting pieces and a lid section; Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a number of units; Figure 3 shows the units in Figure 2 connected to form a trunking module; Figure 4 illustrates a one unit module for corner, flat top or floor mounting; Figure 5 illustrates a two unit module, flat top or floor mounting; Figure 6 illustrates a one unit module for screen or wall mounting in a horizontal position; Figure 7 illustrates a one unit module, screen or wall mounting, in a horizontal position; mounted against side A; Figure 8 illustrates a two unit module, screen or wall mounting, in a horizontal position; Figure 9 illustrates one unit module, screen or wall mounting, in a vertical position ; Figure 10 illustrates a one unit module, screen or wall mounting, in a vertical position ; mounted against side A; Figure 11 illustrates a two unit module, screen or wall mounting, in a vertical position ; Figure 12 illustrates a three unit module mounted on the outside corner of a wall or square object; Figure 13 illustrates a four unit module mounted on its base only using a base mounting plate; Figure 14 illustrates a four unit module using a base mounting plate and height adjustable ceiling/top mounting assembly; Figure 15 illustrates a four unit module mounted on a ceiling or in a manner as to drop down vertically using a ceiling mounting plate; Figure 16 illustrates a four unit module acting as either supporting/none supporting leg, fixed or rotating around a central support; Figure 17 illustrates a four unit module fixed or rotating around a central support with a base mounting plate or other base fixing; and Figure 18 illustrates a four unit module fixed or rotating around a central support.

Referring to the drawings, the figures show an elongate modular trunking unit 10 having a front portion 12 and two adjacent flat side portions 14. Internal cheeks B are designed to allow smooth cable entry via one or more holes in A. Slots C accept screws for cable clamps along the length of the unit 10 and/or to receive fixing screws in end plain round slot.

Recesses D accept extruded dumbbell shaped connecting pieces G for joining units 10 together to form modules as shown in Figures 3, 5,8,11-18. The recesses D could also receive angle brackets in the side slot section, or receive perpendicular fixing screws or rubber strips or receive fixing screws in the end plain round slot.

Slot section D and shape section G can be any shape which cooperate.

Shaped sections E are designed to accept any form of separately manufactured component. In one embodiment, the shaped sections E accept a lid section F. They could also accept any other design of lid or diffuser.

The spacing between point 1 and point 2 may vary. The lid F preferably fits the full length of the module or is spaced between components.

Extruded dumbbell shapes G are used for joining modules together. Any length of extrusion can be used.

Some examples of four unit modules are shown in figs 13 -18. Some have base supports, eg Fig 13, whilst others have ceiling supports, eg Fig 15. The base or ceiling supports include a central supporting rod locatable in the hollows A (as shown in Fig 1). Some of the embodiments shown in Figs 13-18 could equally be arranged in a horizontal position.

The present invention provides a modular unit and system for carrying any suitable means, and which are very flexible in shape and design to fit the particular desired location, whether it be along or up a wall, or even in a free standing location.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A modular trunking unit having an elongate body having a front portion and two or more adjacent flat side portions, each side portion having one or more longitudinal recesses, each recess adapted to receive a connecting piece for conjoining the unit with another such unit therealongside.
2. A modular trunking unit as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the unit has two perpendicular side portions and a generally arcuate front portion to form a quadrant.
3. A modular trunking unit as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the unit has between two and eight side portions at angles of between 180 and 45 .
4. A modular trunking unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the unit is adapted to receive an end cap.
5. A modular trunking system comprising a plurality of connectable modular trunking units as claimed in any of the preceding claims.
6. A modular trunking system as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the interconnectable modular units include recesses which enable them to be connectable via extruded dumbbell sections.
7. A modular trunking system as claimed in the Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein internal cheeks are incorporated to allow smooth cable entry.
8. A modular trunking system as claimed in any of Claims 5,6 or 7 wherein a slot is provide to accept screws for the provision of cable clamps along the length of the section and receive screws in the end plain.
9. A modular trunking system as claimed in any of the Claims 5,6,7 or 8 wherein the units are designed to accept a lid of diffuser.
10. A modular trunking unit as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
11. A modular trunking system as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.