Modular fiber optics raceway permitting flexible installation

A channel for holding fiber optic cables and the like, said channel including

• a plurality of channel members, each said channel member being formed of stiff sheet material and including a base, vertically-extending sides, and inwardly-extending lips along the upper edge of said sides, thereby having a generally U-shaped cross-section,
• telescope members having a cross-section like said channel members, but being of sufficiently greater overall dimension as to telescopically fit about a said channel member, said telescope members being formed of stiff sheet material and including a base, vertically-extending sides, and inwardly-extending lips along the upper edges of said sides of said telescope members, said telescope members telescopically joining said channel members, the extent of said telescopic joining being continuously variable, whereby said telescopically joined channel members and said telescope members can be made of continuously varying lengths, a locking clip to fit about the respective said lips of said channel members and said telescope members to hold them against relative longitudinal movement, and
• means for supporting said channel members and said telescope members at spaced intervals,
• whereby a channel can be made having telescopic length flexibility for easy installation.

A kit for forming a channel, said kit including

• a plurality of channel members, a plurality of telescope members, and support means,
• said channel members being formed of stiff material and having a generally U-shaped cross-section, said U-shaped cross-section including upwardly-extending sides, and lips at the upper edge of said sides,
• said telescope members being formed of stiff material and including sides and lips conforming to those of said channel members but sufficiently larger so that said telescope members can slidingly and telescopically engage said channel members to varying extents over a continuous range, and
• said lips of said telescope members being shaped to fit about said lips of said channel member and said telescope members to allow relative sliding movement, and locking clips to fit about said lips of said channel members and said telescope members to secure them against relative longitudinal movement and to provide an electrical connection between said channel members and said telescope members.