Self-supporting cable carrier

Abstract

A self supporting cable carrier in the form of a flexible tube for fully enclosing the cable to protect it from damage as well as to support it. The flexible tube comprises a plurality of segments or links coupled to each other successively and pivotable relative to each other a limited amount. The segments are constructed so that they can etend in a straight line and can pivot from this straight line in one direction but not in the other direction. As a result the carrier can carry the cable along a curve in one direction but a span of tubing extending across a space cannot collapse since the segments cannot pivot in that direction. This arrangement makes the carrier self supporting along such span. The segments are formed of molded plastic with each segment having a pair of bosses extending inwardly from its trailing portion and a pair of complementary openings in its forward portion for receiving the bosses from the adjoining segment to couple the two segments together. The bosses are dimensioned so that they are pivotable a limited amount within their cooperating openings to render the entire segment pivotable such limited amount relative to its adjacent segment. Moreover, the bosses and their cooperating openings are completely covered when the segments are assembled to eliminate pinch points and fully protect the coupling.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.