Duct transition converter and flexible connectors including same

A flexible transition connector for connecting end portions of a pair of spaced apart wiring duct members, said connector comprising:

• a length of flexible tubing having a pair of opposed ends and having a longitudinally extending axial slit extending the length thereof defining an interior space accessible through said slit for receiving a plurality of wires or cables in loose or bundled form;
• a pair of transition converters, each transition converter including an elongate generally tubular converter body having a first end with a resilient cuff portion having a first cross-sectional configuration for clampingly engaging an end portion of one said wiring duct and having an opposed second end with an elongate sleeve portion having a second generally circular cross-sectional configuration, said converter body defining an internal passageway for receiving a plurality of wires or cables, the sleeve portion of each transition converter being telescopically received in and engaging an end of said flexible tubing, each said transition converter further including means for cooperatively engaging the respective end of said flexible tubing, each said transition converter body further including means for providing lateral access to said passageway to permit wires or cables to be added or removed from said passageway in use;
• and clamp means for releasably securing each tubing end to one said sleeve portion, whereby said connector may be installed by pushing the first end of each converter onto the end portions of said pair of wiring ducts so that each end portion is telescopically received in and clampingly engaged in a cuff portion.

A kit of parts for making a flexible transition connector for connecting end portions of a pair of spaced apart wiring ducts, said kit comprising:

• a length of flexible tubing having a pair of opposed ends and having a longitudinally extending axial slit extending the length thereof defining an interior space accessible through said slit for receiving a plurality of wires or cables in loose or bundled form;
• a pair of transition converters, each transition converter including an elongate generally tubular converter body having a first end with a resilient cuff portion having a first cross-sectional configuration for clampingly engaging an end portion of one said wiring duct and having an opposed second end with an elongate sleeve portion having a second generally circular cross-sectional configuration, said converter body defining an internal passageway for receiving a plurality of wires or cables, the sleeve portion of each transition converter being adapted to be closely telescopically received in and engaging an end of the flexible tubing, each said transition converter further including means for cooperatively engaging the respective end of said flexible tubing, each said transition converter body further including means for providing lateral access to said passageway to permit wires or cables to be added or removed from said passageway in use;
• and a pair of clamps receivable over the ends of said tubing for releasably securing each tubing end to one said sleeve portion.