Covered energy transmission line carrier

Abstract

An energy transmission line carrier for supporting and enclosing flexible cable, hoses or other conduit is made of two parallel chains of side links that are pivotally joined end to end with snap-fit connections. One end of each side link has stop elements that limit the angular motion of the chain to only one direction from a generally straight position and to a certain radius when fully pivoted. The side links have two sets of opposing fingers and troughs for receiving the beaded edges of lateral covers, the troughs on one side of the chains having a lead-in to ease the insertion of the beaded cover. The fingers and troughs limit lateral movement and resist separation of the covers laterally and transversely, while permitting longitudinal sliding of the covers relative to the side chains. The covers flex longitudinally and slide between the troughs and fingers as the side links pivot, and for assembly and disassembly of the covers to the side chains.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.