Patent GB-448037-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to electric wiring systems
IPC: H01R25/16
Filed: 1934-11-28
Abstract: 448,037. Electric conduits and couplings. SHEPHERD, G. R., 2, Norfolk Street, London.-(Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. ; East Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) Nov. 28, 1934, No. 34202. [Classes 36 and 38 (i)] An electric conduit of flexible dielectric material comprises two longitudinal conductor - receiving channel separated by a central portion upstanding from the base and closure means for said channels comprising a flap portion or portions of said resilient material formed integrally with said base and sealed into position to provide for a complete closing of the channels, the seal being of such a nature that the flap portion or portions can be readily folded back to expose the conductors when and where required. A conduit, Fig. 2, of resilient material such as clay-filled rubber, comprises a base portion 20, an upstanding central ridge 23, which may be bifurcated, grooves 22 and vertical flaps 24 ; bare wires 25 are inserted in the grooves 22, the flaps 24 folded inwardly and secured in position by a rubber coated fabric tape and the conduit vulcanized. The edges of the flaps 24 are spaced apart and spaced from the ridge 23. In a modification, initially horizontal flap portions are folded over, after insertion of the conductors, and secured to the central ridge by vulcanizing or cementing : a fabric reinforcement is provided in the base portion. Alternatively, a single initially horizontal flap portion integral with one side of the base is folded over and secured to the other side. In a further modification, Fig. 5, the central ridge is bifurcated by a narrow V-shaped slot 125 in which an auxiliary conductor 160 may be accommodated. The channels 22 are closed by flaps 119, 120 provided with ridges 115a, 116a forming on the top surface of the conduit a shallow groove 123 to receive a fabric tape 26b. The under face of the base 20d is covered by a fabric tape 126 of coarse weave. The conduit, except the base tape, is coated with lacquer, enamel, paint or other flexible finish. The conduit is secured to a wall by adhesive, the tape 126, in the case of the modification of Fig. 5, having been previously removed. Alternatively, the conduit may be secured to a door frame, window frame or picture rail by metal straps 36, Fig. 7, having pointed ends and an ornamental button 40. Where tappings are required, the conduit is cut with a knife and a contact block, Figs. 13, 17, inserted. The block 41 may be of a phenolic composition and is provided with a groove 42 fitting over the central ridge of the conduit. Supported by screws embedded in countersunk recesses filled with sealing wax are staggered contact plates 47 provided with pairs of binding post screws 44, 45. To facilitate fixing to the binding posts, the wires are loose in the conduit grooves. Resilient rubber covers 50, having apertures for hanging leads, are secured over the contact blocks, such covers comprising flanges resiliently gripping the sides of the conduit. The flaps 24 or 119, 120 may be accommodated in the bulged sides of the covers or they may be removed, being replaced in position and secured in place by a strip of fabric when the tapping point is no longer required. The hanging conductor 53, which may comprise wires located between a facing of ornamental fabric and a backing of stronger fabric, is supported from a picture rail hy means of a hook-like member 60, Fig. 17, connected to a sheet metal shield 61 by screws which also serve to clamp the fabric insulation of the hanging lead in position between teeth on the hook 60 and shield 61 ; the latter is grooved to receive the conductors. The conduit of Fig. 5 may be centrally divided into sub-conduits when it is desired to connect the conductors therein to spaced binding posts.