Cable protection device and system

A cover is provided for protecting cables. The cover includes a first cover member and a second cover member. The second cover member is configured to mate with the first cover member to define conduits that enclose and permit passage therethrough of one or more cables. Plural covers are couplable to form an articulating cover system operable to enclose a selected length of cable(s). The covers may be employed to protect hoses, pipes, ducts and the like.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to protective devices and in particular, protective covers for power cables.

BACKGROUND

Power outages and shortages are commonplace. To deal with such outages, and to avoid and/or minimize shortages/blackouts, it is typical for electric power cables to be added to the power grid to bypass damaged electrical equipment and/or problem areas, such as areas where overload may occur, while the electrical equipment is being repaired. These power cables, which house live electric wires in various sizes, and typically are laid on the ground surface, sometimes in pedestrian areas, need to be covered in some way to protect pedestrians from accidental shock and the cables themselves from damage. Currently, such protection is provided by boxing the cables with wooden boards nailed together. The installation of such boxes is labor intensive and the use of nails and nail guns near the cables invites disaster.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is a need in the art for a protective device for exposed cables that are situated in pedestrian areas. It would be advantageous to provide a protective device that may be adapted to any length of cable and provide protection for the cable over varying terrain. It would be further advantageous to provide such a device that would permit movement of the protected cable without removing the protective device from the cable. It would be further advantageous to provide such a device that is easy to install and remove but include features that prevent inadvertent removal.

In accordance with one embodiment, a cable protection cover is provided which includes a first cover member and a second cover member configured to enclose a segment of power cable. The second cover member is configured to mate with the first cover member to define at least one conduit configured to receive a length of cable to be protected. In one embodiment plural conduits are defined. The first cover member and second cover member may be configured to be removably and securely connected to each other and to adjacent similar or same cable protection covers.

In one embodiment each of the first and second cover members includes at least one recess formed therein on a first side and a post extending substantially perpendicular from a surface of a second side opposite the first side, wherein the recess is dimensioned to receive a post of an adjacent same cover member. The posts and recesses of the first and second cover members are configured and operable to provide coupling and articulation between adjacent covers.

In one embodiment the covers disclosed herein are configured with two substantially parallel conduits to enclose two cables side by side, each of which may be any diameter, for example 1 to 4 inches in diameter. It will be apparent the cover may be any size required for a particular application, and the conduits may likewise be any size. In one embodiment the cables to be enclosed may be 3.25 inches in diameter. The diameter of the conduits of the cover may be any size required to enclose cables, for example, from about 1 to about 5 inches.

In accordance with a further embodiment, a protective cover as disclosed herein may includes a first cover member and a second cover member configured to mate with the first cover member to define at least one conduit operable to enclose a length of material to be protected, the first cover member including first surface having a recess formed therein proximate a first end of the first cover member, a second surface opposite the first surface having a post extending substantially perpendicular from the second surface, the post positioned proximate a second end of the first cover member opposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed along at least a portion of a periphery of the first cover member, the second cover member including a first surface having a post extending substantially perpendicular therefrom proximate a first end of the second cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface including a recess formed therein, the recess positioned proximate a second end of the second cover member opposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed along at least a portion of a periphery of the second cover member, wherein the at least one mating element of the first cover member is operable to releasably engage the at least one mating element of the second cover member, wherein the cover is configured to be articulatably coupled to an adjacent cover.

As used herein, the term “articulatably” means coupled elements form a joint which permits relative movement (e.g., including pivotable movement, etc.) between the coupled elements.

In one embodiment, the first cover member may include a wall disposed on and extending substantially perpendicular from the first cover member second surface, and the second cover member may include a wall disposed on and extending substantially perpendicular from the second cover member first surface, wherein at least a portion of the wall of the first cover member and at least a portion of the wall of the second surface are configured to abut when the first cover member is coupled to the second cover member.

In a further embodiment, the first cover member may include at least one hemispherical section formed in the second surface thereof, the at least one hemispherical section oriented along the axis of the first and second ends of the first cover member. The second cover member may also include at least one hemispherical section formed in the first surface thereof, the at least one hemispherical section oriented along the axis of the first and second ends of the second cover member. Each of the hemispherical sections may define substantially half, or more or less, of the conduit(s).

In still a further embodiment, the at least one mating element of the first cover member may include a flange extending from a side thereof and at least one lip depending from the flange, and the at least one mating element of the second cover member may include a flange extending from a side thereof and at least one lip receiving aperture configured to receive the at least one lip of the first cover member. The mating elements of the first cover member and second cover may in one embodiment be operable to be slidably engageable to each other.

In a further embodiment, the first member may be nestable and/or stackable on like first members for compact storage. The second member may likewise be nestable and/or stackable. In another embodiment, the cover members may include one or more ribs to stiffen the first and/or second member to distribute any loads on the first and second members.

In another embodiment, the cover includes alternate or additional means to secure the first and second members to each other. For example, an aperture may be formed between mating surfaces for receiving a screw or the like to secure the first and second members.

In one embodiment the first cover member and the second cover member may include releasable mating means operable to lock the respective members. The cable protection cover may also include a quick-release mechanism which may be positioned for easy access by a user. In one embodiment the quick-release device is positioned under an outer edge of the cable protection device so that it is not readily apparent to pedestrians. In one embodiment the cover includes a quick-release device operable to securably engage the first and second cover members and further operable to release secure engagement of the first and second cover members upon application of manual pressure to the quick-release device.

In one embodiment the cable protection cover includes a means to secure the cover to a surface such as a roadway. For example, a recess or aperture may be formed in a first member, and a corresponding recess or aperture formed in the second member in register with the first member recess or aperture, for receiving a stake which may be driven through the assembled cable protection device and through the ground. The cover may include surfaces operable to receive reflective sheeting such as pressure sensitive reflective sheeting.

The first surface of the second cover member may include a region contoured to receive a portion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a second surface of an adjacent second cover member. The region may include the post of the second cover member. The first surface of the first cover member may include a region contoured to receive a portion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a second surface of an adjacent first cover member. The region may include the recess of the first cover member.

The covers disclosed herein may be constructed of any suitable material. The covers are preferably formed of resilient, durable material so as to be reusable after each use. In one embodiment the first and second cover members are constructed of HDPE, polymers with similar characteristics, fiberglass, metal, ceramic or other materials. The first and second cover may be unitarily molded covers.

The covers disclosed herein may be sized and dimensioned to accommodate any cable or plural cables. In one embodiment, covers may have dimensions of about 12 to about 48 inches in length and about 8 to about 16 inches in width. The height of each cable protection device may be from about 4 to about 8 inches. In one embodiment the device is 12.26 inches in width, 14.21 inches in length and 6.11 inches in height. In another embodiment the device is 12.26 inches in width, about 48 inches in length and 6.11 inches in height. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the covers may be modified without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a segmented articulating cable protection system is provided in which adjacent cable protection covers are couplable to each other such that the adjacent covers are moveable in relation to each other. The system is configured to completely contain one or more cables such that it protects the cables from outside elements and pedestrians from shock or other injury. The system is operable to flex in multiple directions including left, right, up and down and various degrees in between without any other parts or attachments. For example, the system is operable to articulate and thereby bend around corners and over curbs, speed bumps or any other uneven surface.

In one embodiment, a protective cover system includes a plurality of protective covers, each of the protective covers including a first cover member and a second cover member configured to mate with the first cover member to define at least one conduit operable to enclose a length of material to be protected, the first cover member having a first surface including a recess formed therein proximate a first end of the first cover member, a second surface opposite the first surface including a post extending substantially perpendicular from the second surface, the post positioned proximate a second end of the first cover member opposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed along at least a portion of a periphery of the first cover member, the second cover member including a first surface including a post extending substantially perpendicular therefrom proximate a first end of the second cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface including a recess formed therein, the recess positioned proximate a second end of the second cover member opposite the first end, and at least one mating element disposed along at least a portion of a periphery of the second cover member, wherein the at least one mating element of the first cover member is operable to releasably engage the at least one mating element of the second cover member, wherein the covers are configured to be articulatably coupled to adjacent covers.

The devices and systems disclosed herein enable power companies to quickly and efficiently house/protect power lines with a reusable product enhancing worker and pedestrian safety, and decrease the likelihood of damage to power lines. The first member is easily removable from the second member without the need to move the cable housed within the device. The first and second members of each cable protection device form a cover which is securely connectable to adjacent covers via a tool-free connection.

Cable cover systems in accordance with the disclosure are operable to prevent access and completely hide cables from view, even as the joints are articulated. The devices and systems disclosed do not trap water, and are preferably made of durable material with low percentage water absorption. The devices and systems provide a means for allowing the cable to be routed around corners. For example, in some embodiments, there is a minimum bend radius of 4 feet on center of cable cover when a 12 inch long device is employed. In a longer device, for example, a 48 inch long segment, the radius has a proportional bend radius. Devices in accordance with the present disclosure are configured and constructed to withstand heavy loads.

Moreover, the covers disclosed herein may be used to protect, hoses, ducts, pipes and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Embodiments of the present invention may be used to protect for exposed cables situated in pedestrian areas. For example, covers and systems disclosed herein provide a protective device that may be adapted to any length of cable and provide protection for the cable over varying terrain. The disclosed covers permit movement of the protected cable without removing the cover from the cable. The disclosed covers and systems are easy to install and remove but include features that prevent inadvertent removal.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the FIGs. With reference toFIGS. 1-7, a protective cover100according to embodiments of the invention is shown. The protective cover100includes a first cover member102and a second cover member152. In the closed position illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, the second cover member152mates with the first cover member102to define conduits202,204operable to enclose and permit passage therethrough of cable2to be protected. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-6, the first cover member102and the second cover member152may include hemispherical sections formed therein, each of which define substantially half of the conduits202,204. However, in other embodiments each of the cover members102,152may form less or more than half of the conduits202,204.

With further reference toFIGS. 4 and 5, first cover member102includes recess106in a top surface thereof positioned at a first end of the cover member102and a mating element operable to engage a complementary mating element of the second cover member152. In one embodiment, the mating element may include flanges122extending from sides of the first cover member102and lips123depending from the flanges122. First cover member102may further include wall108extending along a long axis of the bottom side of the first cover member102, ribs115supporting wall108for structural integrity, and post104positioned at a second end of the cover member102and extending upward from the bottom surface of the cover member102. Hemispherical sections202aand204a, which may each form approximately half of conduits202and204, respectively, may be formed between side wall132and wall108(forming202a) and side wall134and wall108(forming204a). First cover member102may further include apertures110and/or120, which may be in register with like apertures formed in the second cover member152, and tool brace114.

With further reference toFIG. 6, second cover member152includes post154positioned at a first end of the cover member152and extending upward from the top surface of the cover member102, a recess156(see alsoFIGS. 3 and 8A) positioned at a second end of the cover member152and a mating element operable to engage a complementary mating element of the first cover member102. In one embodiment the mating element may include flanges164and166extending from a side of the cover152and tabs166and apertures165positioned on the flanges164. The second cover member may further include a wall158extending along a long axis of the top side of the second cover member152. Hemispherical sections202band204b, which each form approximately half of conduits202and204, respectively, may be formed between side wall182and wall158(forming section202b) and side wall184and wall158(forming section204b). Second cover member152may further include apertures180and/or190, which may be in register with like apertures110and120, respectively, formed in the first cover member102and tool access opening198.

With further reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the first cover member102may be coupled to second cover member152by positioning the first cover member so that end109of wall seats in recess160formed in wall158of second cover member152and flanges122of the first cover member102are aligned and seated in channels167of flanges164of the second cover member152. Lips123seat in apertures165formed in the channels167. Advancing the first cover member152in the direction of arrow A ofFIG. 7Acauses the lips123of the first cover member to slidably engage flanges164via apertures165to form a releasable engagement between the first and second cover members102,152.

It will be apparent to the skilled artisan that the mating elements of the first and second cover members102and152may be juxtaposed. It will also be apparent that other mating means, such as clamps, adhesives, kook and loop fasteners or the like, may be used to form an enclosure from the covers102,152.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the respective covers102,152may be a unitary assembly hingedly connected at edges thereof, for example, by a living hinge or the like. However, the use of two covers as illustrated in the figures may facilitate installation of the protective cover100on one or more cables. It will be further understood that the respective covers102,152may be parts that may be interchangeably used as the first cover102or the second cover104based on the orientation of application of the respective cover.

With further reference toFIG. 8A, a bottom side of the second cover member152includes post156and optionally braces172to provide a level surface-contacting face for the second cover member. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cover member is typically employed as a base piece which contacts the ground. Braces172provide stabilizing structures for ground contact.

Cover member152may include a quick-release device50for decoupling the first and second cover members102,152. With further reference toFIG. 8B, quick-release device50may be a resilient strip such as metal, plastic or the like positioned in a flange164and retained by tabs173. Device50includes a detent51operable to engage a lip123of the first cover member102when the first and second cover members are slidably engaged, preventing the cover members102,152from becoming disengaged. The quick-release device50may be released by manual pressure to permit slidable disengagement of the respective first and second cover member102,152.

With further reference toFIG. 8C, in one embodiment, an access aperture198may be formed in flange164to permit insertion of a tool to depress the device50, disengaging the detent51of device50from lip123and permitting the first and second cover members to be disengaged by sliding the first cover member102in the opposite direction of arrow A shown inFIG. 7A. Any tool sized and dimensioned to access the device50through aperture198may be employed for this purpose. With reference toFIGS. 8D and 8E, in one embodiment a tool18is disclosed which is specifically designed for the purpose of accessing the quick-release device50through aperture198and depressing the device50to release the engagement between the cover members102,152. Tool18may be essentially a standard screwdriver modified to include a support24extending therefrom. As shown inFIG. 8E, tool18is positioned with the working end of the tool (i.e., the screwdriver end) in aperture198and support24is positioned adjacent brace114. Downward pressure of the tool18on quick-release device50effects release of the device50.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that any releasable engagement means may be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, screws, bolts and the like may be used to releasably engage the first and second cover members102,152.

The first and second cover members102,152may be further secured to each other by inserting a screw or the like through apertures120,190of the respective first and second cover members102,152to prevent vandalism, accidental displacement, etc.

The cover100may be secured to a surface such as a roadway by inserting a securing a stake, rebar spike or the like through apertures110,180of the cover100and through the ground.

The cover100may include surfaces operable to receive indicia and/or reflective material such as reflective paint, reflective sheeting such as pressure sensitive reflective sheeting etc.

Now referring toFIG. 9, an elongated embodiment of the device300is shown. It will be apparent that the cover may be any length and any width to accommodate various arrangements of cables to be covered and various conditions. For example, in one embodiment the cover may have dimensions of about 12 to about 48 inches in length and about 8 to about 16 inches in width. The height of each cover may be from about 4 to about 8 inches. In one embodiment the cover is 12.26 inches in width, 14.21 inches in length and 6.11 inches in height. In another embodiment the cover is 12.26 inches in width, about 48 inches in length and 6.11 inches in height. Similarly, the illustrated embodiments are configured with two substantially parallel conduits to enclose two cables side by side, each of which may be any diameter, for example 1 to 4 inches in diameter. It will be apparent the cover may be any size required for a particular application, and the conduits may likewise be any size. In one embodiment the cables to be enclosed may be 3.25 inches in diameter. The diameter of the conduits of the cover may be any size required to enclose cables, for example, from about 1 to about 5 inches. Moreover, more or fewer than two conduits may be provided in the cover. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the device may be modified without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the invention.

With further reference toFIGS. 10A-10C, a system including plural covers100is provided wherein the plural covers100are couplable to provide articulation between adjacent covers100. The top surface of the second cover member152may include a region contoured to receive a portion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a bottom surface of an adjacent second cover member152. The region may include the post154of the second cover member152. Recess156of second cover member152is configured to receive post154of a further second cover member152to be coupled thereto. With post154positioned in recess156, a pivotable connection is formed between the adjacent second cover members152. As shown inFIG. 10B, a first cover member102is positionable over a second cover member152. The top surface of the first cover member102may include a region contoured to receive a portion of, and provide pivotable engagement with, a bottom surface of an adjacent first cover member102. The region may include the recess of the first cover member102.

With further reference toFIG. 10C, a further first cover member102is positionable over a further second cover member152, wherein recess106of the first cover member already positioned is operable to receive post104of the further first cover member. With post104positioned in recess106, a pivotable connection is formed between the adjacent covers100. Further covers100may be added as needed. Adjacent cable protection covers coupled to each other as disclosed herein are moveable in relation to each other, forming an articulated cable protection system. The system is operable to flex in multiple directions including left, right, up and down and various degrees in between without any other parts or attachments. For example, with reference toFIGS. 11A and 11B, a cable protection system400is operable to articulate, permitting the plurality of covers housing the cable to bend around corners and over curbs, speed bumps or any other uneven surface. The system400may be configured to accommodate any number or size of cables to be protected. The system400is configured to completely contain the contained cable such that it protects the cable from outside elements.

The presently disclosed covers and systems may likewise be employed to protect hoses, pipes and the like.

The covers100may be constructed of any suitable material. The covers100are preferably formed of resilient, durable material so as to be reusable after each use. In one embodiment the first and second cover members102,152are constructed of HDPE, polymers with similar characteristics, fiberglass, metal, ceramic or other materials. The first and second cover members102,152may be unitarily molded covers.

Testing was performed on an embodiment shown in the FIGS. of the present disclosure made from HDPE. A loading force was placed vertically on the top side surface of the cover100in those areas most likely to be affected by the weight of a pneumatic tire. A testing assembly was rigidly fixed at the bottom surfaces of the base, where it would rest if placed on a level ground surface. The stress results from the study show that a maximum stress of 7,405 psi was obtained. The point where the material will start to bend is at 4,000 psi. In large part, stresses obtained from 2,500 lbf loading were relatively minor. Displacement results showed that a maximum displacement of 0.260″ was obtained at the edge of the larger, unsupported opening when a 2,500 lbf load was applied. Strain results showed that covers in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter experienced a relatively small amount of strain as a result of the applied load.

Although the devices and systems of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereby. Indeed, the exemplary embodiments are implementations of the disclosed systems and methods are provided for illustrative and non-limitative purposes. Changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements to the disclosed systems and methods may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, such changes, modifications, enhancements and/or refinements are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.