MXPA98010333A - Flexion radio control liner with matrix of acoplamie elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A control liner (10) is described which houses a line, such as a fiber optic ribbon cable or other conductor and which limits the amount of bending and twisting movement of the line. The liner (10) preferably includes a multi-dimensional matrix (20) of coupling elements (30) separated by a plurality of spaces and joined by an underlying reinforcing structure. As the liner (10) is bent or twisted, the adjacent coupling elements (30) move together in engagement with each other, to limit the bending radius or torsion angle of the liner (10) and thus the fiber optic cable or other protected line. The liner (10) preferably includes at least one holding mechanism (100), which allows the control lining (10) to be opened along its length for easy insertion and removal of the line as necessary. Multiple liners can be placed end to end along the line to create a composite liner of any length desired

Description

FLEXION RADIO CONTROL LINER WITH COUPLING ELEMENT MATRIX BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The invention is concerned with cable shields and more particularly with liner type cable shields that at least partially surround a cable to limit its movement.

Description of the Related Art Light-emitting fiber optic cables enjoy a variety of uses and applications, in a wide range of technologies. Telephone communications, computer data transmission and laser applications are few examples and the number of uses increases rapidly. The small size and high transmission quality characteristics of the fiber optic cable are of course very advantageous and desirable. In a fairly common fiber optic configuration, a variety of individual fibers are placed side by side on a relatively flat ribbon or ribbon cable, for example a ribbon or ribbon cable. The ends of the fiber are inserted into connectors, for their attachment to, for example main computers or other devices. In a particular application, fibers REF: 28831 adjacent individual ones are sandwiched between two layers of tape to form the ribbon cable. Of course, round cables and cables of other geometric configurations are also available. Fiber optic cables usually demonstrate high flexibility, which allows them to be manipulated and channeled between and around various devices and / or obstacles. However, it is well known that straining the optical fibers for example by bending or twisting can cause severe physical damage, for example fatigue or breakage, either immediately or with the passage of time. Transmission degradation, such as bandwidth change, power loss, may also occur. Depending on the type of fiber, the transmission speed and / or the wavelength of the light, even the minimum tensile stresses can adversely affect the cable. Voltage relief systems for fiber optic cables are known in the art. U.S. Patent No. 5,390,272 issued to Repta et al, for example, shows a strain relief jacket for connection to the back side of a fiber optic connector. The enclosure includes a plurality of spaced coupling ribs, which limit the minimum bending radius of the fiber optic cable in the vicinity of its connection point to the connector. U.S. Patent No. 5,094,552 issued to Monroe et al, shows a similar tension relief device for attaching a fiber optic cable to a connector. The Monroe strain relief sleeve includes a series mounted on both sides or staggered with holes, with interlocking tongue and recess connection elements. Finally, WO 9309457-A1, describes an optical fiber envelope having circumferential annular or helical grooves to limit the maximum bending radius. These prior art devices suffer from a variety of significant disadvantages. For example, the enclosures described are not suitable for limiting the twisting movement of the underlying cable. The feeding of the cable from one device to another in some environments may require torsion, which puts the strain on the cable and deteriorates its resistance and / or light transmission characteristics. The prior art devices either allow unrestricted torsion to occur or prevent such twisting motion in a manner that could place undue stress on the fibers within the cable in the shell. Thus, the envelopes of the prior art are either inconvenient to manipulate or improbable to prevent cable damage in torsion.

Another significant disadvantage of the prior art exists in that the envelopes must slide longitudinally on the fiber optic cable and / or the associated connector (s) in order to be used. A) Yes, the installation of the enclosures requires the "insertion" of the enclosures on the cables before the installation of the connector. Similarly, the separation of the enclosure requires the separation of the cable connector, the cutting of the cable or the cutting of the liner, which of course alters the use of the connected devices and / or damages the underlying cable. A further disadvantage is that the prior art liners allow exposure of their underlying cables to the external environment, not only beyond their intersection with the cables but also, in the case of the US Patent No. 5,094,552 discussed above, directly through the openings in the linings. This environmental exposure puts at risk of contamination or otherwise damages cables. Finally, the prior art devices are designed for round optical fiber cables instead of the preferred flat ribbon cables in many situations. In view of these disadvantages a need has arisen for a cable protection device that allows bending and twisting but limits the torsion angle and the bending radius, which allows easy installation and separation, which protects against environmental contamination and which accommodate flat ribbon cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to overcome the disadvantages described above, a control envelope or shell according to the embodiments of the invention houses a line, such as an optical fiber or fiber optic cable and limits the amount of bending and torsion movement imparted to the line. A multidimensional array of coupling elements substantially covers the line and a plurality of spaces separate the adjacent coupling elements from the array. The elements are coupled together in the movement of bending and twisting of the lining. This coupling limits the final bending and twisting of the lining, to prevent damage to the line. According to one embodiment, the array of coupling elements includes a plurality of rows or lines and columns. The adjacent coupling elements in the same row and / or the same column engage with each other in twisting the liner and / or bending the liner in a direction in and out of the plane. According to one embodiment, the longitudinally adjacent coupling elements close at least partially their respective intermediate spaces and engage with each other in flexure outside the plane of the liner along their longitudinal direction and the coupling elements adjacent transversely in the longitudinal direction. at least partially close their respective intermediate spaces and engage each other in the flexure outside the plane of the lining along its transverse direction in the plane. Additionally, the adjacent coupling elements engage with each other in flexure in the plane of the liner. According to another aspect of the invention, the liner can be opened along its longitudinal direction to allow application or insertion on the fiber optic cable or another line that is protected. Similarly, the liner can be closed along its longitudinal direction for securing the line within the liner. According to one embodiment, the structure allowing the opening / closing movement includes first and second rack fasteners that extend along opposite sides of the liner. The liner according to this embodiment comprises two portions, for example half identical portions, which are coupled and uncoupled by rack fasteners. Another embodiment uses only a rack fastener with an articulation structure opposite the rack fastener to rotate the two positions of the liner with respect to each other. The line to be protected may consist of a ribbon cable, for example a fiber optic ribbon cable, a fiber optic cable of another geometry and / or electrically conductive wire of various geometries, to name a few examples. According to the modality in which the lining can be opened and closed along its length, the lining can be attached to the line at points accessed randomly along its length, not only when inserted over the end of the lining. line. Thus, the liner can be applied to provide protection at any point along the length of the line where potential damage is anticipated due to bending or twisting. In addition, with one embodiment, multiple interconnected liners can be arranged along the line to protect a line of any length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar elements and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a control liner according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view in approach of the control lining of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the control liner of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a control liner having octagonal coupling elements according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a control liner flexed and twisted to a desired shape, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the control liner according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the control liner of Figure 7 in an open configuration; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the control liner of Fig. 7 in a closed configuration; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a control liner in a straight configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the control liner of Figure 10 in a flexed configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention; Figures 12-14 are cross-sectional views of spaces between coupling elements of a control liner according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 15 is a side view of a space according to an embodiment of the invention for describing the calculation of the radius of flexure; Figure 16 is a perspective view of multiple control liners connected together end-to-end according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments The embodiments of the invention apply to a variety of technologies. For example, the control liners according to the invention can protect individual optical fibers or fibers grouped in a bundle or cable. Other conductors of wire type or cable type can also be protected, for example copper wiring. Even fluid transmission lines, such as water, hydraulic or pneumatic lines or flexible circuits can also be protected. The term "line" will be used throughout the application to refer to the wide variety of fibers, wires, cables, hoses and other devices that can be protected according to the invention and optionally any insulating element that surrounds them. Although the control liners according to the invention are particularly suitable for lines having a flat rectangular aspect ratio, the invention also contemplates other line geometries. In addition, the embodiments of the invention can be used in a variety of physical environments, which include computer interconnections, structures such as constructions or fuselages, underground and carpets for example. Thus, although the embodiments of the invention will be described frequently with respect to fiber optic ribbon cable, the invention is in no way limited to those embodiments. Figures 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of control liner according to the invention. The liner 10 preferably includes 2 substantially identical liner portions 15, 15 ', which are interlocked and arranged in overlapping relationship, as shown.

To simplify the description only the liner portion 15 will be described in detail. Of course the liner portions 15, 15 'do not need to be identical and do not need to divide the liner 10 into equal halves. The liner portions 15, 15 'jointly define the space 17 between them to accommodate a line to be protected. In the embodiment of Figures 1-3, a flat line, such as a flat fiber optic ribbon cable, is appropriate for the space 17. Both liner portions 15, 15 'include a plurality of coupling elements 30, some Sometimes called "wedges" arranged in a multidimensional matrix 20, as will be described. The coupling elements 30 each preferably include substantially polygonal, substantially planar faces 31 (FIG. 2) with straight edges 32 and rounded corners 33. Rounded corners 33 allow for easier mold production to form the liner portions 15, 15 and also allow greater movement of the elements 30 to allow greater torsional movement, for example. Of course, right angle types or other corner types can be used in place of the rounded corners 33. As shown in the figures, the elements 30 are substantially in the form of a trunk of a pyramid.

The faces 31 of the elements 30 need not be substantially square. As shown in Figure 4, for example the coupling elements 30 of the portion lining may include octagonal faces 31, which provide additional freedom of movement and control in? the flexing / twisting of the lining 10. The coupling elements 30 are separated by spaces 40 that run preferably in the transverse direction 45, and by spaces 50 running in the longitudinal direction 55. Of course, the spaces that run in a diagonal direction or other directions are also contemplated. Since the lining 10 absorbs the bending and / or torsional forces, the elements 30 of the multidimensional matrix 20 move toward each other, to finally engage with each other by at least partially closing spaces 40, 50 to limit the radius of bending and torsion angle of the liner 10, as will be described later herein. As shown in Figure 2, it can be considered that the longitudinal direction 55 is a direction on the X axis and the transverse direction 45 can be considered to be in a Y direction, to define an XY plane of the control lining 10. For discussion purposes, the XY plane can be considered as the primary plane of the lining 10 and the terms "in the plane" and "out of plane" 'are taken with respect to the XY plane, unless otherwise indicated . Additionally, the second transverse direction 65, which in the illustrated mode runs vertically, can be considered as a Z direction to define corresponding planes XZ and YZ. The liner 10 can be flexed in these three planes. A bending in the XZ plane as illustrated for example in Figure 11, is an outward bending of the XY plane (this is a bending out of plane) along the longitudinal direction 55. A bending in the YZ plane is a bending out of plane along the transverse direction 45. A bending in the XY plane this is a bending in the plane, it is also possible but requires a significant bending force, particularly with lines of relatively large width 'in the transverse direction 45. The combinations of these flexion movements are also possible, of course. The liner 10 can also be twisted about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction 55, for example a central longitudinal axis. The term "multi-dimensional" matrix is intended to encompass all arrangements that have elements that extend in at least two directions, as opposed to a one-dimensional matrix or "arrangement" that has elements that run in only one direction. Preferred embodiments of the invention include arrays having substantially identical rows and columns of elements, although other configurations are also contemplated. According to the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the matrix 20 includes three rows 60 running longitudinally and a large number of columns 70 of elements 30 running transversely in the plane. Of course, other numbers of rows 60 and columns 70 are contemplated, depending for example on the dimensional characteristics of the line to be protected. As shown, the rows 60 and columns 70 are preferably substantially linear, such that the liner portion 15 has a substantially rectangular overall shape. Other modalities, however, are contemplated. For example, the rows 60 and / or columns 70 may be arranged in an arc around the line to be protected, to accommodate a line having a rounded geometry. With such an embodiment, the coupling elements 30 could have arc-shaped external faces 31 instead of substantially flat external faces, to form the overall liner 10 in a substantially cylindrical rounded shape. Each portion of the liner 15, 15 'includes an underlying reinforcing structure 80 for interconnecting the coupling elements 30. The reinforcing structure 80 forms a plurality of articulation elements 90 directly below the spaces 40.50 to allow the elements of coupling 30 are flexed one with respect to the other and they are coupled to each other, as will be described. (alternatively for the purposes of that description, the coupling elements 30 may be considered to extend over the entire length to the cavity 17, with the articulation elements 90 which are considered the interconnection coupling elements 30 of the structure). As the liner 10 flexes out of the plane along the longitudinal direction 55, as shown in Figure 11, for example, the joints 90 extending between the adjacent coupling elements 30 within the rows 60 they allow the elements 30 to move one with respect to the other, in engagement. The adjacent elements in the same rows are coupled together and finally limit the degree of longitudinal bending. Similarly, the flexure of the liner 10 flexes out of the plane along the transverse direction 45 causes the adjacent elements 30 in the columns 70 to move in engagement with each other, to limit the degree of transverse flexure. The flexure within the plane of the liner 10 also causes the adjacent elements 30 in the columns 70 to be coupled together to limit (together with the reinforcing structure 80 itself) the degree of flexion in the plane. The degree of bending allowed by the coupling elements 30 in a particular direction is called the "bending radius" and will be described hereinafter in relation to Figure 15 below. The control liner 10 also allows and limits the torsional movement, ie, the torsion angle, without placing undue or damaging tension on any portion of the liner 10. One type of torsion movement involves the turning or twisting of one end of the torsion beam. lining 10 in one direction, this is in the clockwise direction and the other end of the liner 10 in an opposite direction, ie, counterclockwise, in such a way that the lining 10 is twisted around of a central longitudinal axis. The joints 90 between the coupling elements 30 absorb the tension imparted by this torsional movement, to allow the coupling elements 30 to move together or separate as necessary. For example, the adjacent coupling elements 30 in the columns 70 can be coupled together in the torsion movement to limit the torsion transmitted to the line. During twisting, the underlying structure 80 (of which the joints 90 can be considered as part) can be considered as a continuous reinforcement of relatively thin dimension. The coupling elements 30 are arranged on top of the reinforcement. Although the reinforcement 80 is twisted in a relatively easy manner due to its relative thin thickness, the coupling elements 30, prevent the reinforcement from twisting to the point of damaging the liner or the underlying lines. Figure 5 illustrates the liner 10 under torsional tension. According to the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the clamping mechanism 100 joins the liner portions 15, 15 'together. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping mechanism 100 comprises two rack-type fasteners running longitudinally along opposite sides of the liner 10. Each fastener includes a plurality of detents or "teeth" 110. The liner portion 15 includes teeth 120 which they extend downwards, integrally joined at 125 as a piece with respective coupling elements 30. The lining portion 15 'on the other hand includes tooth 130' directed upwards also integrally joined as a piece on respective coupling elements, to interlock with the teeth 120 dependent downwards. Thus the teeth 110 are intercoupling elements that engage and interlock with each other to retain or keep the liner 10 closed. As shown, the teeth 110 preferably include tapered surfaces 113 and splicing surfaces 117 to promote easy interfitting of the teeth 110., although of course other geometries of teeth will be evident for those of ordinary experience. According to the illustrated embodiment, the liner portions 15, 15 'are identical. Thus the teeth 120 extending downwardly from the portion of the liner 15 correspond to the teeth 120 'extending upwardly of the liner portion 15', on the opposite side of the liner 10. Similarly, the teeth 130 extending downwardly of the portion of the liner 15 correspond to the teeth 130 'extending upwardly of the liner portion 15'. Also, according to the illustrated embodiment, the liner portions 15, 15 'are joined only along the first and second rack-type fasteners of the fastening mechanism 100, not towards the center of the space 17. Therefore, the line retained within space 17 between liner portions 15, 15 'can freely slide or "float" within liner 10 to allow relative movement between liner 10 and line. This design presents a significant advantage. If the line were continuously secured to or in fixed connection relationship with the liner 10 for its entire length and through the space 17, it would be subjected to shear forces generated by the bending of the liner and thus be potentially damaged.

By securing the liner 10 to the line only at one end, as will be described, bending and twisting of the line is prevented and still the line can slide relative to the liner, to eliminate the accumulation of potentially damaging cutting forces. The teeth 110 are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the spaces 40 extending transversely. Because the teeth 110 do not interconnect together through the spaces 40 the teeth 110 and coupling elements 30 move substantially independently. By maintaining the movement of the coupling elements 30 and the teeth 110 independently allows the coupling elements 30 to control the bending radius and torsion angle instead of the teeth 110. In other words the teeth 110 are spaced closely enough so as not to be easily uncoupled in bending or twisting, but they have sufficient play in such a way that the elements 30 determine the radius of bending, not the teeth 110. As shown in figure 1 for example, the control liner 10 includes a end portion 140, which is designed specifically for attachment to a connector (not shown). The end portion 140 preferably includes an area 150 that is free of uncoupling elements 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the end members 160 are approximately twice the length of the other coupling elements 30, but can of course be of any desired length. According to one embodiment, the end portion 140 is adhered directly onto the connector and / or the line, to prevent the liner 10 from sliding along the line. Liner portions 15, 15 'are preferably held together with adhesive at an end portion 140, to promote a stronger bond and lessen the likelihood of inadvertent separation from each other or from the connector. Possible different types of adhesive will be described later herein. Thus, the liner 10 advantageously protects the transition point on the line in the container, a point which must normally withstand high stresses and thus is frequently subject to damage. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to using the end portion 140, the liner 10 can simply be broken or cut along one of the transverse spaces 40 or for that case along a longitudinal space 50, to form a liner of desired size for connection to the connector or other external element. Instead of the coupling elements specifically illustrated in Figures 1-3, other types of fastening mechanisms can be used to hold the liner portions 15, 15 'together. Figure 6, for example, illustrates tongue and groove joint 170. The portion of the liner 15 includes slit members 175 that extend downwardly for engagement with tab members 173 'that extend upwardly of the liner portion 15'. As with the previous embodiments, the lining portions 15, 15 'are preferably identical in shape, so that the slit elements 175 extending downwardly from the lining portion 15 correspond to the slit elements 175' which are formed by the lining elements 175 '. they extend upwardly from the portion of the lining 15 ', on the opposite side of the liner 10. Similarly, the tongue elements 173, 173' correspond to each other. Other mechanical fastening mechanisms, for example pin mechanisms, will be evident in reading this description. Alternatively, an adhesive can permanently secure the liner portions 15, 15 'together along their opposite edges. A wide variety of adhesives can be used, for example a liquid adhesive extruded longitudinally along the liner portions and / or a thermal flexure or rapid pressure sensitive curing adhesive and / or an adhesive tape with a backing adhesive. paper, such as a transfer sticker, acrylic. With this last example, the ribbon lines would be fixed to one of the liner portions 15, 15 'and the paper support would be left in place until use, to protect the tape from contamination. The liner portions 15, 15 'would be moved to their position around the line to be protected, the paper backing would be removed and then the liner portions would adhere together to secure the line within the space 17. By adhering the portions of lining 15, 15 'together alone along its edges, by tape or any means, the line can "float" within the liner 10 as described above. Of course adhesive can also be applied completely through the space 17 if desired for a particular application. Alternatively, the clamping mechanism 100 may include one or more welding seams extending longitudinally along the liner 10. According to this embodiment, one or more edges of the liner 10 are heated to fuse the liner portions 15, 15. ' jointly. Alternatively, the edges of the liner 10 could be ultrasonically welded to hold together the liner portions 15, 15 '. Although this would provide a permanent seal and so can not be opened, the improved resistance obtained may be useless in some applications. Figures 7-11 illustrate an additional modaliad according to the invention. Figures 8-9 illustrate in particular a significant feature of this embodiment in relation to the embodiment of Figures 1-3: One of the clamping mechanisms is replaced by the articulation 280. The articulation 280 rotates the liner portions 215, 215 'relative to each other to open and close the liner 210. The articulation 280 also like the articulations 90 between the coupling elements. adjacent 30, are preferably "active" joints which means that they are formed of a material and thickness that allows repeated bending without damage. When the liner 210 is open, the line 200, which in the illustrated embodiment is a fiber optic ribbon cable, is inserted. Then the adhesive 290 can be extruded along the edge of the liner 210 opposite the hinge 280, to hold together the liner portions 215, 215 '. Alternatively, instead of the extruded adhesive 290, the liner 210 may include adhesive tape or a plurality of interfiber elements, such as the elements 110 in the embodiment of Figures 1-3 for example. As with the embodiment of Figures 1-3 the liner 210 includes a multi-dimensional matrix 220 of coupling elements 230. The coupling elements 230 are separated by spaces 240, 250 and arranged in rows 260 and columns 270 along longitudinal and transverse directions 255, 245. The geometry of the elements 230 differs from those of Figures 1-3, in that the elements 230 include inclined lateral surfaces instead of straight lateral surfaces and include faces 231 having sharp corners instead of rounded Figure 10 illustrates a liner 210 in a straight configuration and Figure 11 illustrates a flexure configuration with a minimum bending radius 300 about the center point 305. The bending radius will be described below with reference to Figure 15. The figures 12-14 show different examples of the possible spaces between the adjacent coupling elements. In Figure 12, for example, the front side surfaces 313 of the adjacent coupling elements 30 are non-parallel, that is at an angle to each other, to define a space 310 that widens. With this configuration, the side surfaces 313 will substantially completely engage with each other in the flexing and / or twisting of the liner 10, to completely close the space 310. In Figure 13, the front side surface 323 of the adjacent elements 30 are parallel , to define a space of substantially straight walls 320. After the relative movement of these coupling elements, the side surfaces 323 will contact each other towards the upper end of the space 320, to partially close the space 320 but leaving an opening substantially triangular.

The space 330 of Figure 14 is defined by opposing curved side surfaces 333 of adjacent elements 30. In relative motion, the curved surfaces 333 will be coupled together beneath the faces of the coupling elements 30, to partially close the space again 330 but leaving an open space. The embodiment of Figure 14 is possibly more difficult to mold than the previous modalities, but may have advantages for certain applications. For a tapered space geometry, as shown in Figure 15, it will be evident that the radius of LL bending R = =, where L is the 2cosT 2cos (atan (2H ID)) distance between the adjacent spaces, H is the space height, D is the width of space in the upper surface of lining and? is the angle defined by the side surface of the element. For a space with straight walls, it will be evident that the radius of bending R = [2 (1_ ^ o,.] 1 /, where L is the length between the adjacent spaces and f is the angle between the upper edges of the coupling elements taken with respect to the lower center of the space. For typical fiber optic applications, the radius of flexion R preferably ranges from approximately 0.317 cm (1/8 inch) to approximately 5.1 cm (2"), depending on the size of the cable, the transmission speed, the wavelength and other factors. According to one embodiment the thickness of the coupling elements 30 to the adjacent reinforcing structure 80 is approximately 0.1016 cm (40 mils) and the underlying reinforcing structure 80 itself is approximately 0.051 cm (20 mils). of thickness. Of course, other bending radii and larger liner sizes may be preferable for other applications that use larger cables, which include applications that do not consist of optical fiber. Whatever the size of the bend radius, the space geometry is chosen to define a desired bend radius R. The geometry of the space can vary with the direction. For example, the liner 10 may have different bending radii in the longitudinal and transverse directions, if desired. The geometry of the space can also differ to a certain extent along a single direction, that is the radius of flexion can change along the length of the liner 10. The torsion angle will be affected according to the radius of bending selected. It is more important to define the geometry of space precisely with larger liner sizes. As the liner size and thus the size of the space decrease, the geometry of the space can be approximated to the straight side without significantly affecting the radius of bending.

As shown in Figure 16, multiple liners can be serially placed end-to-end together to form a composite protective liner of any desired length. The adjacent liners 10 together form tongue and groove joints 320 to secure the liners together. The slit elements 340 receive protruding tongue elements 330 and elements 330, 340 which preferably extend over the entire height of the liner portions 15, 15 'to provide the safest connection possible. Alternatively, the joints 320 may assume more than one ball configuration and may be arranged at an average height along the elements 30. In addition, although the embodiment illustrated includes two joints 320, a third joint or multiple additional joints may be provided, on the basis, for example, of the number of coupling elements in each transverse column 70. Other sites and types of meetings will be evident for those of ordinary experience. The liner 10 is preferably formed of a material that readily allows bending, that is at the joints 90 and / or 280, but which also has a high compression stiffness. The material should also be relatively light and not expensive and polymeric materials such as thermoplastics or thermoplastic elastomers are preferred. Polypropylene is a material especially suitable for use although of course other materials such as for example polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyurethanes, such as those available from BF Goodrich under the trade designation TIN and from Monsanto under the trade designation SANTOPRENE, co-polyesters such as those available from General Electric under the trade designation LO-MOD or those available from Dupont under the trade designation HYTREL, silicone materials such as silicone / rubber or silicone / elastomer products, PVC vinyl polymers such as those available from BF Goodrich under the GEON trade designation, styrenics such as those available from Shell under the KRATON trade designation, and other design polymers / plastics may be employed. Fillers can be added to the polymers to provide a material with a desired combination of strength and flexibility. The types of fillers that can be used can vary widely depending on the proposed application and examples of appropriate fillers and include for example fibers such as Kevlar, nylon, carbon and glass fibers, wires or metal particles and ceramic materials. The fillings can be arranged randomly or they can be formed in a matrix or cloth-like arrangement.

The liner portions 15, 15 'can be formed in a variety of ways. For example, each portion can be molded and thus completely formed in one piece. Although the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, in which the two liner portions 15, 15 'are hinged together, they can be molded and thus formed in one piece. The liner portions 15, 15 'can be extruded into a fiber tape assembly or the liner portions 15, 15' can still replace the tape layers of the tape assembly. In this case the propylene or other material would be extruded directly on the fibers and for example engraving wheels and other elements used to form the spaces (and thus define the coupling elements themselves). Alternatively, the spaces can be cut into a preformed liner preform. While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is illustrative and will not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the characteristics of the various control liner embodiments described can be mixed and matched to suit a particular application. For example, the spaces of Figures 12-14 can be used with the adhesive of Figure 3 or the slide fasteners of Figures 1-3. According to the invention a wide variety of lines can be protected in a wide variety of physical environments and locations. Various other modifications and changes may be presented to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It is noted that, regarding this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (14)

1. Claims 1. A control liner for receiving a flat line having opposite flat surfaces and limiting the amount of bending and twisting of the line, the control liner is characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of coupling elements disposed in two arrangements substantially linked planes to cover the opposite planar surfaces of the planar line, - a plurality of spaces separating the adjacent coupling elements from the matrix and, - a reinforcement structure interconnecting the coupling elements to allow the movement of the coupling elements adjacently in engagement with each other that substantially closes the spaces in the flexure and torsion of the control ferro, the coupling of the coupling elements with each other limits the amount of bending and twisting of the control lining to prevent damage to the line. The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that each coupling element includes a substantially polygonal face that forms a portion of an external control liner surface. 3. The control lining according to claim 1, characterized in that each coupling element is in the form of a trunk of a pyramid. The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat arrangement of coupling elements includes rows and columns of coupling elements. The control liner according to claim 4, characterized in that the adjacent coupling elements in the same column are coupled together when the control lining is twisted. 6. The control liner according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjacent coupling elements in the same row are coupled together when the control lining is flexed in a direction out of the plane where the flat line defines the plane . The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the control liner defines a longitudinal direction and two transverse directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, one of the two transverse directions being in a transverse direction in the plane and the other of the two transverse directions is in a transverse direction away from the plane, where the planar line defines the plane, longitudinally adjacent coupling elements that at least partially close their respective intermediate spaces and engage with each other in flexure outside the plane of the control lining along the longitudinal direction and adjacent coupling elements transversely in the plane which at least transversally close their respective intermediate spaces and engage with each other in flexure outside the plane of the control lining as length of the transverse direction in the plane. The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that each coupling element includes lateral surfaces, front lateral surfaces of the adjacent coupling elements that are parallel to each other. The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that each coupling element includes lateral surfaces, front side surfaces of adjacent coupling elements that are at an angle to each other. The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that the reinforcement structure interconnecting the coupling elements includes a plurality of joints interconnecting the adjacent coupling elements. The control liner according to claim 1, characterized in that the control liner is constructed to substantially cover a line comprising a substantially flat ribbon cable. 12. The control liner in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the control lining comprises two halves, each half includes a flat arrangement of coupling elements. The control liner according to claim 12, characterized in that the control liner includes a hinge for rotating the two halves one with respect to the other to open and close the control lining along its length, so as to allow the insertion of the line along the length of the control liner. 14. A control liner for housing a flat line having opposite flat surfaces, the control liner defines a longitudinal direction and can be opened along the longitudinal direction to allow insertion of the line to the control liner, the liner of control is characterized in that it comprises: - at least two substantially flat arrangements linked by spaced coupling elements, separated by intermediate spaces, the spaced coupling elements are movable to couple with each other and at least partially close the intermediate spaces to cover the opposing flat surfaces to limit the bending of the control liner and prevent damage to the line and a reinforcing structure operatively coupled with the flat arrangements of spaced coupling elements to allow opening of the control liner along the longitudinal direction for the insertion of the line and to allow the closing of the lining of control along the longitudinal direction for the securing of the line inside the control lining.