Adjustable channel connector for a cable raceway system

#The applicant's raceway system is a fully enclosed cable ducting system that segregates, routes and protects fiber optic cables and jumpers from their point of entry into a building to fiber termination and distribution equipment. In this system, fiber is easily traced and accessed using a convenient lay-in design, and by maintaining complete separation from twisted pair and coax cable. The raceway system is constructed of an assembly of straight channel segments, curved fittings, and channel connectors which are specifically designed to prevent fibers from exceeding the 2-inch minimum bend radius requirement, and to protect the fibers against snagging, crimping and stress.

#The channel connector of the present invention is particularly adapted for joining together two straight channel segments arranged end to end in the raceway system. While the channel segments are typically preformed in lengths of 1, 2, 4 and 6 feet, a certain amount of length adjustment is often necessary in order to properly negotiate the system within a given area. Prior to the invention, if a channel segment was too long it would be cut in the field to the desired exact dimension. This process was generally time consuming and required certain tools for cutting, drilling and measuring the segments. The present invention addresses this problem by providing a connector which facilitates installation of the raceway system by allowing linear adjustment of the space between the joined channel segments. The collective length of the joined channel segments can be readily extended or retracted to custom fit the raceway system to the given area.

#Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a channel connector for a cable raceway system which allows fast and convenient assembly of the raceway system with less required cutting, drilling, and measuring of parts in the field.

#Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a cable raceway system for routing cable from a location "A" to a distant location "B";

#FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of a portion of the cable raceway system;

#Referring now specifically to the drawings, a cable raceway system is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The raceway system 10 is applicable for protecting, supporting, routing, and segregating cable, such as a fiber optic cable, running from one location "A" to a distant location "B" within a building. The raceway system 10 includes a channel assembly 12 constructed of a number of straight channel segments 14 and 16, shown in FIG. 2, and a variety of fittings, such as tees and elbows (not shown). The channel segments 14 and 16 with the fittings control the bend radius of fiber optic cable "C" passing both vertically and horizontally throughout the building. The channel segments 14 and 16 are interconnected by channel connector 20.

#Referring to FIG. 3, the straight channel segments 14 and 16 shown are identical, and are typically formed in lengths of 1-6 feet. Each channel segment 14 and 16 includes a bottom wall 14A and 16A, opposing sides walls 14B, 14C and 16B, 16C, and outwardly-turned top side edges 14D, 14E and 16D, 16E. The top side edges 14D, 14E and 16D, 16E are integrally formed with respective side walls 14B, 14C and 16B, 16C, and are adapted for mating with complementary, inwardly-turned sides edges 18A, 18B and 19A, 19B of covers 18 and 19. The covers 18 and 19 are easily applied to the channel segments 14, 16, and are readily removed to allow convenient placement and inspection of cables "C" in the channel segments 14, 16.

#The channel connector 20 has a bottom wall 20A and opposing side walls 20B and 20C which collectively form an enlarged U-shaped opening adapted for receiving and joining together connecting ends of the channel segments 14 and 16. The channel connector 20 preferably overlaps the outside of the channel segments 14 and 16, and includes outward extending top flanges 20D and 20F integrally formed with the side walls 20B and 20C. In an alternative embodiment, the channel connector may have reduced dimensions for overlapping the inside of the channel segments.