US 4,942,271 AGranted

Hinged plastic duct for conduit

AssigneeHubbell Incorporated

InventorsPaul J. Corsi, Lawrence W. Engdahl, Daniel E. Klas

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Abstract

A duct assembly for enclosing conduits, cables, wires, lines and the like, comprising a base having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis, and a cover having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis. The base includes a generally planar central portion with first and second legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The cover includes an intermediate portion having third and fourth legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The cover is pivotally and releasably coupled to the base at one end and releasably coupled to the base at the other end. The pivotal and releasable coupling is made up and released via a snap fit resulting from forces exerted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the cover and the base. The pivotal coupling allows angular movement of the cover relative to the base through about 45.degree. to about 60.degree..

Claims19

Dependent claims

A duct assembly for enclosing conduits therein, the combination comprising:

a base having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis, including a generally planar central portion having first and second legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto;
a cover having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis, including an intermediate portion having third and fourth legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto;
means, coupled to said first and third legs, for releasably coupling said first and third legs together;
and
means, coupled to said second and fourth legs, for pivotally coupling said second and fourth legs together through a maximum angular movement of about 60.degree. .
said means for pivotally coupling including means for releasably coupling said second and fourth legs, which are coupled and released via application of forces in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said base and said cover, said means for releasably coupling said second and fourth legs comprising an elongated rib having a maximum transverse thickness, and an elongated groove having an elongated opening at least partially defined by a resilient arm, said maximum transverse thickness of said rib being greater than the height of said elongated opening for providing a snap fit between said rib and said groove,
said means for pivotally coupling further comprising
said elongated rib having at least two curvilinear surfaces with a radially extending planar surface therebetween,
said elongated groove having a pair of complementary curvilinear surfaces with a complementary radially extending planar surface extending therebetween, and
said two curvilinear surfaces and said two complementary curvilinear surfaces coacting to allow pivotal movement between said base and said cover, and said planar surface being engageable with said complementary planar surface to limit the relative inward pivotal movement of said cover relative to said base.

7 more elements

A duct assembly for enclosing conduits therein, the combination comprising:

a base having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis, including a generally planar central portion having first and second legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto, said base being formed of a polymeric material;
a cover having a generally U-shaped cross section along its longitudinal axis, including an intermediate portion having third and fourth legs extending substantially perpendicular thereto, said cover being formed of a polymeric material;
means, coupled to said first and third legs, for releasably coupling said first and third legs together;
and
means, coupled to said second and fourth legs, for pivotally coupling said second and fourth legs together through a maximum angular movement of about 60.degree. ,
said means for pivotally coupling including means for releasably coupling said second and fourth legs including
an elongated rib,
an elongated groove having an elongated opening being defined at least partially by a resilient arm,
said rib having a maximum transverse thickness greater than the height of said opening,
wherein said rib and said groove are coupled and released via application of forces in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said base and said cover for providing a snap fit between said rib and said groove,
said rib including an outer surface having at least two curvilinear surfaces with a radially extending planar surface therebetween,
said groove having a pair of complementary curvilinear surfaces with a complementary radially extending planar surface extending therebetween, and
said curvilinear surfaces and said complementary curvilinear surfaces coacting to allow pivotal movement between said base and said cover, and said planar surface being engageable with said complementary planar surface to limit the relative inward pivotal movement of said cover relative to said base.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.