Patent ID: 8826613
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: E04B,H02G

Abstract:
1. An elongate utility trench section having opposite end regions configured to be connected to end regions of other adjacently positioned utility trench sections to form a below-floor-level utility trench in which elongate tubular members such as pipes, tubes and conduits can extend from place to place along the utility trench, comprising: a) a pair of sheet metal side panels configured to extend along the length of the elongate utility trench section to define opposed, substantially parallel-extending, upstanding sidewalls of the utility trench section; b) a set of components interposed between the pair of sheet metal side panels at a selected location along the length of the elongate section, including a pair of substantially identical, elongate, metal uprights that are of substantially uniform channel-shaped cross-section along substantially the full lengths of the uprights, with each of the uprights having a back wall that extends between an upper end region and a lower end region of the upright, and with each of the uprights being connected to a different one of the sheet metal side panels; c) with the set of components also including an elongate, one-piece, upper connecting member that extends transversely between and connects the upper end regions of the two metal uprights, with the upper connecting member having opposite end regions that extend snugly into interiors of the upper end regions of the metal uprights; and, d) with the set of components also including an elongate, one-piece, second connecting member that extends transversely between and connects with the two metal uprights at a height along the uprights beneath the location of the upper connecting member, with the second connecting member having opposite end regions each coupled by a separate connector to a different one of the two metal uprights, and in which the separate connectors have tooth formations that engage and bite into the metal of the uprights to form slip-resistant connections between the second connecting member and the two uprights.