Patent Publication Number: US-2005126094-A1

Title: Storage member for long material and method of manufacturing the storage member

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a housing member for housing an elongate material, such as a wire material, optical cable, electric wire, and pipe material, for example, and its manufacturing method.  
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART  
      Housing members are conventionally used to lay wire materials and pipe materials esthetically without impairing views or to protect such materials from wind and rain. However, in general, housing members are made of concrete or metal, and therefore are heavy in weight. Therefore, in order to reduce the weight, the housing members molded of a synthetic resin are sometimes used. Light housing members made of a resin have fewer burdens on transportation even when they are molded to be long, and there are a smaller number of connecting spots for the housing members at the time of a laying operation, thus enhancing the operation efficiency. As compared with housing members of concrete and metal, cutting work or the like is easily performed for the housing members made of resin at a construction site, which enhances the working efficiency, and it is possible to newly construct or renew the housing members in a short construction period. Moreover, there is no fear of corrosion in the housing members made of a resin as in metal housing members. Therefore, when it is desired to use housing members that will not rust, and when it is not desired to make noise during piping work, a housing member made of a resin is preferably used.  
      When a cable is protected by using a conventional housing member made of resin, the following methods are cited. The first method is a method for previously laying a pipe-shaped housing member with a lid put thereon in the construction site and pulling the cable into the hollow part of the housing member. The second method is a method for laying the cable on the base formed into a U-shape in section, opening upward, and constructing a part of the housing member, and thereafter, covering the base with a cover, for example, in a half-pipe shape opening downward, from above.  
      The above described housing member made of resin extends in a flat plate shape along its longitudinal direction. Therefore, the strength of the housing member made of resin is low as compared with the strength of housing members made of metal and concrete material. In order to maintain strength, it is necessary to increase the plate thickness for the housing member, and as a result, the housing member becomes heavy in weight. As a result, the advantage of being made of resin is lost, thus hampering transportation and operation. Further, in order to carry out wiring according to the aforementioned second method, the base and the cover have to be separately molded, and therefore the cost increases.  
      Connecting tools are used for connecting a plurality of the aforementioned housing members along the entire lay-out path. The connecting tool connects end portions of the adjacent two housing members. The connecting tool has a semi-cylindrical connecting base body and a similarly semi-cylindrical connecting cover body.  
      When the cable is laid by using the aforementioned housing member constituted by the base and the cover, adjacent end portions of the bases in the two housing members are disposed on the connecting base body of the connecting tool and connected. The required number of bases for the housing members in the state in which they are connected by the connecting base bodies are placed along the lay-out path. Thereafter, the cable is disposed into the bases from the upward openings of the bases. In the state in which the bases house the cable, the bases are covered with the covers of the aforesaid housing members, and the connecting base body is covered with the connecting cover body of the aforesaid connecting tool. In the state in which the aforesaid covers and connecting cover body cover the corresponding bases and the connecting base body, the strength of the connecting portion by the connecting tool is firm. However, in the state in which the aforesaid base is only connected to the connecting base body, the connection is imperfect.  
      When the above-described connecting tool is used, especially at the time of lay-out operations when the aforesaid housing members are exposed or buried outdoors, there exist the following problems. Specifically, the road surface and the ground outdoors (burial location) on which the housing member is laid are not usually flat. Therefore, if the cable is placed on a large number of the aforesaid bases which are incompletely connected by only the connecting base bodies along the lay-out path, the bases and the connecting base bodies are easily disconnected by the impact due to placement of the cable and the weight of the cable. Further, the connection state is not stabilized, and therefore there is the possibility that the connecting base bodies will be displaced with respect to the bases and disconnected. Therefore, the lay-out operation for the cable becomes troublesome and difficult.  
      When the housing members are laid on a place which is not flat, or on a place with many obstacles, a consideration is whether to install a plurality of racks along the lay-out path and place the housing members on the racks. In this case, the housing members are sometimes bent between two adjacent racks. Especially as the housing member including the base and the cover, becomes difficult to attach and detach the cover to and from the base and as a result that the housing member bends. In the case in which the housing member has flexibility, the bending further increases. In order to relieve or prevent bending of the housing member, it is suitable to increase the number of racks per unit length, but since a large number of racks are needed, the lay-out operation becomes cumbersome.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      An object of the present invention is to provide a housing member for an elongate material which is high in strength, light in weight and easy to handle, and is capable of being manufactured at low cost, and a manufacturing method therefor.  
      Another object of the present invention is to provide a connecting tool which easily and reliably connects the housing members, and enhances efficiency in a lay-out operation.  
      Still another object of the present invention is to prevent bending of the housing member and make it possible to place the housing members with a minimum number of racks.  
      In order to achieve the above-described objects, the present invention provides a housing member for housing an elongate material. The housing member comprises a base and a cover. The base has an opening extending along a longitudinal direction of the housing member, and a plurality of convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along the longitudinal direction. Each of the convex portions extends along a circumferential direction of the base. The cover covers the opening of the base. The cover comprises a plurality of convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along the longitudinal direction. Each of the convex portions of the cover extends along a circumferential direction of the cover. The arranged pitch of the convex portions of the base and the arranged pitch of the convex portions of the cover are the same or have a relationship of an integral multiple. The convex portions of the cover and the convex portions of the base are fitted to each other so as to be overlaid on each other when the cover is assembled to the base.  
      The present invention further provides another housing member for housing an elongate material. The housing member is formed by dividing a cylindrical molded product made of a resin, which has annular convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along a longitudinal direction of the housing member, into a base and a cover along the longitudinal direction. The base and the cover each have semi-annular convex portions arranged at the aforesaid pitches along the longitudinal direction of the housing member. The cover is assembled to the base to cover an opening of the base. When the cover is assembled to the base, the convex portions of the cover and the convex portions of the base are fitted to each other so as to be overlaid on each other.  
      The present invention further provides a manufacturing method for the housing member. The method includes the step of preparing a cylindrical intermediate molded product made of a resin which is formed by integrally molding the base and the cover with a portion to be cut off therebetween, and the step of dividing the intermediate molded product along its longitudinal direction by cutting off the portion to be cut off and obtaining the base and the cover which are separated from each other.  
      The present invention further provides a connecting device comprising housing members for housing an elongate material and a connecting tool for connecting the housing members. The housing member has a base and a cover which are assembled to each other. The base and the cover each have convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along a longitudinal direction of the housing member. The connecting tool forms an approximately cylindrical shape. Connecting ports are provided at both ends in an axial direction of the connecting tool. One end of the housing member is connected to each of the connecting ports. The connecting tool has a connecting base body and a connecting cover body which are separable to divide the connecting port into two and capable of being assembled to each other. Displacement preventing means, which connects both the base and the connecting base body by vertically overlaying the base and the connecting base body on each other, prevents the base and the connecting base body connected to each other from being displaced vertically, and is provided between the base and connecting base body.  
      The present invention further provides a connecting tool for connecting housing members for housing an elongate material. The housing member has a base and a cover which are assembled to each other. The base and the cover each have convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along a longitudinal direction of the housing member. The connecting tool forms an approximately cylindrical shape. Connecting ports are provided at both ends in an axial direction of the connecting tool. One end of the housing member is connected to each of the connecting ports. The connecting tool has a connecting base body and a connecting cover body which are separable to divide the connecting port into two and capable of being assembled to each other. The connecting base body includes displacement preventing means which connects both the base and the connecting base body by overlaying the base on the connecting base body, and prevents the base and the connecting base body as connected to each other from being displaced vertically.  
      The present invention further provides a placement structure for a cylindrical housing member having flexibility for housing an elongate material. The housing member has annular convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along a longitudinal direction of the housing member. The placement structure comprises racks and rail bodies laid on the racks. The housing member is fixed to the rail body to extend along the rail body.  
      The present invention further provides a fixing tool for fixing a housing member, which has flexibility and includes a space for housing an elongate material inside, on a rail body laid on a rack. The fixing tool comprises a held portion which is held at the rail body, and a fixing portion facing an upper surface of the rail body. The fixing portion fixes the housing member to the rail body in a state in which the held portion is held at the rail body.  
      The present invention further provides a fixing tool for fixing a housing member for housing an elongate material to a placement section. The housing member has a base and a cover which are assembled to each other. The base and the cover respectively have convex portions arranged at predetermined pitches along a longitudinal direction of the housing member. The fixing tool comprises a body portion, a locking portion and a fixing portion fixed to the placement section. The body portion is fitted into a concave portion provided between both adjacent convex portions of the base. The locking portion is locked at a portion of the base, which does not interfere with mounting and dismounting of the cover to and from the base on an occasion of mounting and dismounting of the cover to and from the base to prevent the base from rising with respect to the placement section.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an intermediate molded product of a housing member in a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base and a cover which are formed by cutting off a portion to be cut off from the molded product in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3 ( a ) is a sectional view of each of convex portions of the cover and the base of the intermediate molded product;  
       FIG. 3 ( b ) is a sectional view of each of the convex portions of the cover and the base in a state in which a portion to be cut off is cut off from the molded product in  FIG. 3 ( a );  
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a housing member T in a usage state;  
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a housing member in a state in which the cover covers the base;  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of each of the convex portions taken along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 7  is a partially enlarged view of a fitting portion and a fitted portion in  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a partially enlarged sectional view of the fitting portion and the fitted portion of the housing member taken along the line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 5 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a plane view of a connected mold device for performing extrusion molding of the intermediate molded product;  
       FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken along the line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a housing member including first and second reinforcement tools in a second embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken along the line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 14  is a partially enlarged view of a locking portion in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 11 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a view showing a state in which a second reinforcement tool is provided at the cover of the housing member in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 17  is an exploded perspective view of a connecting tool for connecting the housing members and the housing members in a third embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing a state in which the bases of the housing members in  FIG. 4  are connected on a connecting base body of the connecting tool in  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a plane view showing a state in which the bases of the housing members in  FIG. 4  are connected on a connecting base body of the connecting tool in  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 20  is a sectional view taken along the line  20 - 20  in  FIG. 19 ;  
       FIG. 21  is a partially enlarged plane view of respective overlaid portions of the connecting base body of the connecting tool and the bases of the housing members in  FIG. 19 ;  
       FIG. 22  is a sectional view taken along the line  22 - 22  in  FIG. 21 ;  
       FIG. 23  is a sectional view taken along the line  23 - 23  in  FIG. 21 ;  
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a connecting cover body and a connecting base body in an exploded state;  
       FIG. 25  is a perspective partial view of the connecting tool in a state in which two housing members are connected;  
       FIG. 26  is a plane view of the connecting tool in a state in which two housing members are connected;  
       FIG. 27  is a sectional view taken along the line  27 - 27  in  FIG. 26 ;  
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a separated state of each kind of members necessary for placing the housing member, in a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 29  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion at which a rail body is fixed to a rack via a connecting member;  
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the connecting member;  
       FIG. 31 ( a ) is a view showing a state before the connecting member is fixed to the rack;  
       FIG. 31 ( b ) is a view showing a state in which the connecting member is fixed to the rack;  
       FIG. 32  is a sectional view taken along the line  32 - 32  in  FIG. 31 ( b );  
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view showing a disposition relationship of the rail body, a fixing member and the base of the housing member;  
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the fixing member in  FIG. 33 ;  
       FIG. 35  is a sectional view of a state in which the fixing member in  FIG. 33  is held at the rail body;  
       FIG. 36  is a sectional view of a state in which the cover of the housing member is fixed to the rail body via the fixing member;  
       FIG. 37  is a sectional view taken along the line  37 - 37  in  FIG. 36 ;  
       FIG. 38 ( a ) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a plurality of connected housing members are placed on the racks;  
       FIG. 38 ( b ) is a schematic view showing a state in which a plurality of connected intermediate molded products are placed on the racks;  
       FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a fixing tool for the housing member in a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
       FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a separated state for a cable, the base and the cover constructing the housing member, and a seat to which the housing member is fixed;  
       FIG. 41  is a perspective partial view of a state in which the base of the housing member is fixed to the placement section via the seat and the fixing tool;  
       FIG. 42  is a sectional view of a state in which the base of the housing member is fixed to the placement section via the seat and the fixing tool;  
       FIG. 43  is a partial side view of the state in which the base of the housing member is fixed to the placement section via the seat and the fixing tool;  
       FIG. 44  is a partially perspective view of the state in which the base of the housing member is fixed to the placement section by a fixing tool in an example modification;  
       FIG. 45  is an exploded perspective view showing the housing member in a seventh embodiment;  
       FIG. 46  is a side view showing the cover and the base of the housing member in  FIG. 45 ;  
       FIG. 47  is a sectional view showing an intermediate molded product of  FIG. 45 ;  
       FIG. 48  is a perspective view of the housing member in  FIG. 45 ;  
       FIG. 49  is a sectional view taken along the line  49 - 49  in  FIG. 48 ;  
       FIG. 50  is a sectional view taken along the line  50 - 50  in  FIG. 48 ;  
       FIG. 51  is a side view of the cover and the base in an eighth embodiment;  
       FIG. 52  is a partial sectional view showing the assembled state of the cover and the base in  FIG. 51 ;  
       FIG. 53  is a side view of the housing member in an example modification; and  
       FIG. 54  is a plane view of the housing member in an example modification.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 . In the following explanation, for each part of an intermediate molded product T′ of a housing member (trough) T, “dash” is given to the reference numeral and character of each part of the finished product, and thereby the housing member T and the intermediate molded product T′ are distinguished.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the intermediate molded product T′ forming a cylindrical shape made of a resin, the shape of a section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction forms an approximately square shape, and has approximately uniform wall thickness. The intermediate molded product T′ has a pair of left and right portions to be cut off  31 ′, which continue along a longitudinal direction S, a cover C′ located at an upper position from them, and a base B′ located at a lower position from the aforesaid pair of portions to be cut off  31 ′. The pair of portions to be cut off  31 ′, the cover C′ and the base B′ are integrally molded. As shown in  FIG. 3 ( a ), the portion to be cut off  31 ′ is located at an upper position from a center in a height direction of both side wall portions of the intermediate molded product T′, and has a predetermined width (cutoff width) R in the height direction. The portion to be cut off  31 ′ has a step in a width direction of the intermediate molded product T′.  
      As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 ( a ), the cover C′ is provided with a plurality of convex portions  1 ′ each having a predetermined width direction dimension QL. The base B′ is also provided with a plurality of convex portions  2 ′ each having the same width direction dimension QL as the cover C′. A pair of connecting portions  32 ′ are formed between each of the convex portions  1 ′ and the corresponding convex portion  2 ′ of the base B′. The convex portions  1 ′ are arranged at predetermined pitches P along the longitudinal direction S of the intermediate molded product T′, and the convex portions  2 ′ are also arranged at the same pitches P as the convex portions  1 ′ along the longitudinal direction S of the intermediate molded product T′ (see  FIG. 5 ). A pair of connecting portions  32 ′ continue to both ends of each of the convex portions  2 ′. Therefore, the intermediate molded product T′ forms a concavo-convex shape, that is, a wave shape in its longitudinal direction. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a width W 1  of each of the convex portions  1 ′ of the cover C′ is larger than a width W 2  of each of the convex portions  2 ′ of the base B′.  
      As shown in  FIG. 2 , as a result that the portions to be cut off  31 ′ are cut off, the intermediate molded product T′ is divided vertically into two, and a cover C and a base B of the housing member T are obtained. The intermediate molded product T′ is an intermediate product in the molding process of the housing member T, and is subjected to continuous blow extrusion molding according to a method that will be described later. In  FIG. 2 , a cutoff portion  31  represents a portion obtained by cutting off the portion to be cut off  31 ′ of the intermediate molded product T′.  
       FIG. 3 ( a ) is a sectional view in a region of the convex portions  1 ′ and  2 ′ of the intermediate molded product T′, and  FIG. 3 ( b ) is a sectional view in a region of the convex portions  1  and  2  of the housing member T in the state in which the portion to be cut off  31 ′ has been cut off. As shown in  FIG. 3 ( b ), the connecting portion  32  after the portion to be cut off  31 ′ has been cut off is the portion corresponding to a fitted portion  4 . Fitting portions  3  provided at both ends of each of the convex portions  1  of the cover C are fitted over the outsides of the fitted portions  4  provided at both ends of each of the convex portions  2  of the base B. A cross sectional shape (a sectional shape along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the paper surface of  FIG. 3 ( b )) of the fitted portion  4  is approximately similar to a cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion  3 , and is smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the fitting portion  3 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , in the base B′, a concave portion  12 ′ is formed between both the adjacent convex portions  2 ′. Similarly, in the cover C′, a concave portion  11 ′ is formed between both the adjacent convex portions  1 ′. As shown in  FIG. 3 ( a ), an inner width U 2  of each of the concave portions  12 ′ of the base B′ is smaller than an inner width U 1  of the concave portion  11 ′ of the cover C′. In a portion continuing from the convex portion  1 ′ of the cover C′ to the portion to be cut off  31 ′, a locking projection  9 ′ which projects to an inside of the convex portion  1 ′ is provided at each end portion of the convex portion  1 ′. The aforesaid connecting portions  32 ′ for the fitted portion is provided with a locked projection  10 ′ which has a plane forming a diagonal shape in a vertical direction and projects to an outside thereof. An abutting step portion  6 ′ is formed between the connecting portion  32 ′ and the convex portion  2 ′ of the base B′.  
      An upper end portion of the aforesaid portion to be cut off  31 ′ is located in the middle of the aforesaid locking projection  9 ′ in the vertical direction, and its lower end is located in the upper region of the connecting portion  32 ′ from the aforesaid locked projection  10 ′. When a pair of the portions to be cut off  31 ′ are cut off along the longitudinal direction S from the intermediate molded product T′, the portions to be cut off  31 ′ become an unneeded pair of cutoff portions  31 , and the intermediate molded product T′ is divided vertically into two, thus obtaining the cover C and the base B that construct the housing member T (see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 ( b )). As shown in  FIG. 3 ( b ), a dimension V 1  in the vertical direction of the locking projection  9  of the cover C is smaller than a dimension V 2  between the abutting step portion  6  and a lower end of the locked projection  10  in the base B. A distance in the vertical direction from an outer surface of a bottom wall of the convex portion  2  of the base B to the abutting step portion  6  corresponds to a height H 1  of the convex portion  2  of the cover C.  
      Next, a molding method for the above-described intermediate molded product T′ will be explained. The intermediate molded product T′ is molded by a continuous extrusion molding method by a connected mold  22  which is made by connecting single molds  21  in a caterpillar shape as shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 . On an inner surface of a cavity  21   a  formed by a pair of single molds  21  which are in close contact with each other, a concavo-convex strip  21   b  corresponding to an outer shape of the aforesaid intermediate molded product T′ is formed.  
      As shown in  FIG. 9 , a pair of connected molds  22  which are formed by connecting a number of single molds  21  are disposed to be opposed to each other so as to perform circulatory travel within the horizontal plane, and the left and right connected molds  22  which perform circulatory travel are in close contact with each other in the regions of a molding section N. After the connected molds  22  pass the regions of the molding section N, both the single molds  21  which are in close contact with each other are separated to the left and right, and thereby mold release is performed.  
      A molten resin  24  extruded from an extruder  23  is pressed by air pressure against an inner surface of the cavity  21   a  formed by the left and right single molds  21  in the regions of the molding section N. As a result, the intermediate molded products T′ each having uniform wall thickness, in which the base B′, the cover C′ and a pair of portions to be cut off  31 ′ are integrated, are continuously molded by extrusion. The intermediate molded product T′ is cut to length for use (4 to 5 m).  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , in the housing member T, the fitting portion  3  which is fitted on the outer side of the convex portion  2  of the base B is formed at an end portion of each of the convex portions  1  of the cover C. The fitting portion  3  has a locking projection  9 . A step portion  18  is formed between the fitting portion  3  and the locking projection  9 . The fitted portion  4  which continues to the convex portion  2  of the base B and has an approximately similar small section to the section thereof is formed at an end portion of the convex portion  2  of the base B. The fitted portion  4  has a locked projection  10 . The fitted portion  4  is fitted in an inner side of the fitting portion  3  in a width direction of the housing member T. The fitted portion  4  corresponds to a part of the connecting portion  32 ′ before the portion to be cut off  31 ′ is cut off. Specifically, by only molding the intermediate molded product T′ of the single structure, the separate cover C and the base B can be obtained, which construct the intended housing member T.  
      As shown in  FIG. 4 , the housing member T of long length is used for protecting a cable K by placing the cable K on the base B, and covering the base B with the cover C from above this, or by inserting the cable K into a space which is defined by the cover C and the base B after the base B is covered with the cover C. A method for covering the base B with the cover C will be explained hereinafter.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8 , the fitting portion  3  of the convex portion  1  of the cover C, and the fitted portion  4  which continues to the convex portion  2  of the base B are positioned along the longitudinal direction S to approximately correspond to each other, and the cover C is pressed to the base B from above the base B. In order that the fitted portion  4  is fitted into the inner side of the fitting portion  3  in the width direction of the housing member T, the sectional shapes of them are formed to be approximately similar to each other. A concave portion  12  of the base B is disposed inside from a concave portion  11  of the cover C in the width direction of the housing member T. Therefore, the cover C can cover the outer side of the base B over the entire length of the housing member T in the longitudinal direction S.  
      The width W 1  of the convex portion  1  of the cover C is larger than the width W 2  of the convex portion  2  of the base B. Therefore, in the state in which the cover C covers the base B, and the fitting portion  3  of the cover C is fitted on the outer side of the fitted portion  4  of the base B, the cover C is movable in the longitudinal direction of the housing member T with respect to the base B within a fixed range. Therefore, in the state in which the cover C covers the base B, the cover C can reliably cover the base B even if the fitting portion  3  of the cover C is displaced along the longitudinal direction S with respect to the fitted portion  4  of the base B.  
      As shown in  FIG. 7 , when the base B is covered with the cover C, the locking projection  9  and the locked projection  10  interfere with each other. When the fitting portion  3  of the cover C is fitted onto the fitted portion  4  of the base B, an inclined plane portion  10   a  of the locked projection  10  guides the locking projection  9 , and thereby the interference of the locking projection  9  and the locked projection  10  can be relieved. Further, the fitting portion  3  is elastically deformed slightly outward, and thereby the cover C can be smoothly fitted onto the base B. After the locking projection  9  and the locked projection  10  are once locked, a horizontal plane portion  10   b  of the locked projection  10  and a step portion  18  of the locking projection  9  interfere with each other. Therefore, the cover C is locked at the base B, and the cover C is difficult to detach from the base B. The fitted portion  4  of the base B is connected to an abutting step portion  6  which continues to the convex portion  2  of the base B. An end surface  7  of the fitting portion  3  abuts the abutting step portion  6 , and thereby the state in which the cover C covers the base B becomes stable. In addition, the convex portion  2  of the base B and the convex portion  1  of the cover C have approximately the same width dimension QL (see  FIG. 6 ), and therefore the entire width of the housing member T is approximately the same. A projected portion does not exist in the part where the convex portion  1  of the cover C and the convex portion  2  of the base B engage with each other, and therefore the housing member T can be easily handled.  
      As described above, the housing member T constituted of the cover C and the base B are formed in a corrugated plate shape having projections and depressions along its longitudinal direction S. As a result, strength against bending force in the width direction and twisting force becomes larger than the case in which the housing member is molded into a flat plate shape, and therefore the housing member T can be prevented from curving. Accordingly, when the housing member T housing the cable K is used outdoors, the housing member T has high strength against heat deformation from solar heat even without increasing the wall thickness, and is light in weight. Therefore, when the housing member T is used in the state of long length, handling of it is easy.  
      In the conventional housing member made of concrete or metal, the cover is heavy, and even if the outer force is applied to the cover, the cover is not easily displaced with respect to the base. However, when a man rides on or steps on the housing member or the housing member is buried in the earth, and an outer force is applied to the housing member, in the light housing member made of a resin, there is the possibility that the cover will be displaced in the longitudinal direction with respect to the base and the cable which is housed will be exposed. Further, in the case of the housing member molded into a flat plate shape by extrusion molding, a displacement of the cover and the base in the longitudinal direction can be prevented by only the frictional force thereof. Therefore, when the housing member is placed along the vertical direction, or when the housing member is placed to be inclined relative to the vertical direction, the cover is displaced with respect to the base by the tare weight of the cover. Further, when the extrusion-molded housing member made of a resin is disposed outdoors, the cover of the housing member is deformed by solar heat, and the cover expands outward. Therefore, in the case of the housing member in the flat plate shape, the fitting of the cover to the base is released.  
      In contrast to the above, in the housing member T of this embodiment, the convex portion  1  of the cover C is fitted on the convex portion  2  of the base B so as to be overlaid on the convex portion  2  of the base B, and therefore a displacement of the cover C with respect to the base B along the aforesaid longitudinal direction S can be restrained. Even if the cover C is expanded more or less due to thermal deformation, the fitted state of the convex portion  1  of the cover C and the convex portion  2  of the base B is kept, and a displacement between the base B and the cover C does not occur. Therefore, the cable K can be reliably protected.  
      The fitting portion  3  of the convex portion  1  of the cover C is fitted onto the outer side of the fitted portion  4  of the convex portion  2  of the base B. Therefore, the fitting portion  3  functions as “an umbrella” for the housing member T, and can prevent rainwater and dust from entering from above into the housing member T. Further, the width W 1  of the convex portion  1  of the cover C is larger than the width W 2  of the convex portion  2  of the base B (see  FIG. 5 ). Therefore, even if the cover C slightly displaces along the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T with respect to the base B, rainwater and dust can be prevented from entering from above into the housing member T.  
      As the elongate material which is housed in the housing member T, it is not limited to a wire material such as optical cable and electric wire, and various kinds of pipes may be housed therein.  
      In the above-described embodiment, the pitches P of the convex portions  2  of the base B and the convex portions  1  of the cover C are the same, but the pitch of the convex portions  2  of the base B may be twice as long as the pitch of the convex portions  1  of the cover C, for example, and a difference may exist between the number of convex portions  2  of the base B and the number of convex portions  1  of the cover C in a fixed length. Specifically, it is suitable if only there is the relationship of an integral multiple between the pitch of the convex portions  1  of the cover C and the pitch of the convex portion  2  of the base B. In this case, the fitting portion  3  of the cover C can also be fitted onto the outer side of the fitted portion  4  of the base B.  
      Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, first and second reinforcement tools R 1  and R 2  are included in the housing member T in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 . The same reference numerals and characters are given to the same components as those in the embodiment in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 , and the explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the first reinforcement tools R 1  are inserted in concave portions  33 , which are each formed in an inner side of the convex portion  2  of the base B, at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction S of the base B. Each of the reinforcement tools R 1  forms an approximately U-shape corresponding to the sectional shape of the base B. As shown in  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14 , the first reinforcement tool R 1  is inserted into the concave portion  33  so that predetermined spaces are formed between both end portions (upper end portions of upright portions in the usage state) of the first reinforcement tool R 1  and surfaces of plate portions constructing the abutting step portions  6  corresponding to both the end portions. Meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the second reinforcement tools R 2  are inserted in concave portions  11  of the cover C at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction S of the cover C. Each of the second reinforcement tools R 2  forms an approximately U-shape corresponding to the sectional shape of the cover C. Both ends (lower ends of the upright portions in the usage state) of each of the second reinforcement tools R 2  do not project from the lower end surface of the aforesaid cover C in the state in which the second reinforcement tool R 2  is inserted in the concave portion  11  of the cover C (see  FIG. 5 ).  
      In the state in which the cover C covers the base B, the width by height of the housing member T is about 200×150 mm. The housing member T is used in lengths of 4 to 5 m. Each of the reinforcement tools R 1  and R 2  is inserted into the corresponding spot at a pitch of 0.5 to 1 m. It is preferable that both the reinforcement tools R 1  and R 2  be made of stainless steel or the like having corrosion resistance in consideration that the housing member T is laid outdoors and both of them are inserted into the corresponding spots by slightly elastically deformed. Specifically, the first reinforcement tool R 1  is held in a state in which it is slightly opened in the unused state. The second reinforcement tool R 2  is held in the state in which it is slightly contracted in the unused state. In the state in which the first reinforcement tool R 1  is inserted in the concave portion  33  of the base B, the first reinforcement tool R 1  is in close contact with the inner surface of the base B as a result that the upright portions of the first reinforcement tool R 1  are elastically deformed. Meanwhile, in the state in which the second reinforcement tool R 2  is inserted in the concave portion  11  of the cover C, the second reinforcement tool R 2  is in close contact with the outer surface of the cover C as a result that the upright portions of the second reinforcement tool R 2  is elastically deformed. As a result, the reinforcement tools R 1  and R 2  are difficult to detach from the corresponding base B and cover C.  
      The base B is laid out in the state in which the first reinforcement tools R 1  are inserted in the concave portions  33  of the base B, and the cable K is housed inside the base B. Thereafter, when the cover C covers the base B in which the cable K is housed, the fitting portions  3  of the cover C or the fitted portions  4  of the base B are slightly elastically deformed, and the fitting portions  3  of the cover C are fitted onto the outer sides of the fitted portions  4 . Further, the locking projections  9  of the cover C are locked at the locked projections  10  of the base B, and thus the cover C is difficult to detach from the base B. As shown in  FIG. 14 , in the state in which the cover C covers the base B, the lower end surface of the cover C abuts the abutting step portions  6  of the base B.  
      When the housing member T is laid out outdoors and used, expansion of the cover C due to solar heat or the like is prevented by the second reinforcement tools R 2  which are inserted in the concave portions  11  of the cover C. Since the cover C is fitted onto the outer side of the base B, the expansion of the base B is also prevented at the same time. When the housing member T is buried in the ground, in the case in which the pressing force from the earth acts on both side portions of the base B, the first reinforcement tools R 1  inserted in the concave portions  33  inside the base B prevents the inward deformation of the base B. As a result, the strength of the base B is enhanced. In this manner, the strength of the base B and the cover C is enhanced by the reinforcement tools R 1  and R 2  respectively inserted and held in the concave portions  33  and  11  of the base B and the cover C, and in combination with the concavo-convex structure along the longitudinal direction S of the base B and the cover C, the strength of the housing member T is further enhanced.  
      In this embodiment, the second reinforcement tools R 2  are inserted into the concave portions  11  at the outer side of the cover C, and the first reinforcement tools R 1  are inserted into the concave portions  33  inside the base B, but the corresponding reinforcement tools R 1  or R 2  may be inserted into either one of the base B or the cover C, corresponding to the installation state of the housing member T.  
      Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 17  to  FIG. 27 . The housing member T of this embodiment is the same as the housing member T explained in the embodiment explained in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 , and the explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      As shown in  FIG. 17  and  FIG. 25 , a connecting tool J made of a resin and connects two of the housing members T in a connecting direction (lay-out path) S. The connecting tool J has an approximately similar shape to the sectional shape of the housing member T when the opening of the housing member T is seen from the front, and includes a connecting cover body Jc and a connecting base body Jb each forming a semi-cylindrical shape. The connecting cover body Jc and the connecting base body Jb are assembled along a vertical direction Q. As shown in  FIG. 25 , the end portions of the corresponding housing members T are overlaid and held in each of the connecting ports  31  of the connecting tool J, whereby the two housing members T are connected. In this embodiment, concerning the illustration of the housing members T, only connected portions at both the ends of the housing members T are shown instead of the entire bodies of long lengths.  
      As shown in  FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18  and  FIG. 24 , on the outer side of an upper end portion of a first wall portion  62  which continues to a body portion  61  of the connecting cover body Jc forming an approximately U-shape in section, two first connecting portions  63  are integrally provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. On the other hand, on outer side of an upper end portion of a second wall portion  64  which continues to the body portion  61  of the connecting cover body Jc, an engaging portion  65  is formed integrally with the connecting cover body Jc.  
      On an outer side of an upper end portion of a first wall portion  42  which continues to a body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb forming an approximate U-shape in section, a second connecting portion  43  for connecting to the first connecting portion  63  of the connecting cover body Jc is integrally provided at a central portion in the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. On the other hand, on an outer side of an upper end portion of a second wall portion  44  which continues to the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb, an engaged portion  45  for engaging with the engaging portion  65  of the aforesaid connecting cover body Jc is formed integrally with the connecting base body Jb.  
      A first through-hole  63   a  for allowing insertion of a hinge pin  81  is formed in each of the first connecting portions  63  of the connecting cover body Jc. Meanwhile, a second through-hole  43   a  that allows the insertion of the hinge pin  81  which penetrates through the aforesaid first through-hole  63   a  is formed in the second connecting portion  43  of the connecting base body Jb.  
      The second connecting portion  43  is sandwiched by a pair of first connecting portions  63  from both sides, and the corresponding hinge pin  81  is inserted from the outside of each of the first connecting portions  63  to the inside, whereby the connecting base body Jb and the connecting cover body Jc are connected. A restraining piece  63   b  of the first connecting portion  63  restrains the rotation of the connecting cover body Jc with respect to the connecting base body Jb.  
      The connecting cover body Jc rotates around the hinge pins  81 . The connecting tool J, which is formed by closing an open portion of the connecting base body Jb by the connecting cover body Jc, forms a cylindrical shape. The entire length of the connecting cover body Jc (or the connecting base body Jb) along the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T is about four times as long as the pitch P of the convex portion  1  of the cover C (or the convex portion  2  of the base B) of the housing member T.  
      An engaged groove  46  extending along the longitudinal direction S and the vertical direction Q of the housing member T is formed in a central portion of the engaged portion  45  of the connecting base body Jb. A pair of fitting claw pieces  48  is provided at both end portions of the engaged portion  45 . A lower hole  47  for screwing a self-tapping screw not shown therein is formed between each of the end portions of the engaged groove  46  and the corresponding fitting claw piece  48 . Each of the lower holes  47  extends along the vertical direction Q.  
      In a central portion of the engaging portion  65  of the connecting cover body Jc, a tongue-shaped locking piece  66  is provided at a position corresponding to the engaged groove  46  of the engaged portion  45 . A tap screw hole  67  corresponding to the lower hole  47  of the engaged portion  45  is formed in each end portion  90  of the engaging portion  65 . The tap screws, not shown, are inserted into the tap screw holes  67 . A fitting groove  68  extending along the vertical direction Q is formed in each of the end portions  90  of the engaging portion  65 , as shown in  FIG. 18 . Each of the fitting claw pieces  48  of the engaged portion  45  is fitted into the corresponding fitting groove  68  of the engaging portion  65 . The tongue-shaped locking piece  66  engages in the engaged groove  46 , and the fitting claw pieces  48  engage in the corresponding fitting grooves  68 , whereby the assembled state of the connecting base body Jb and the connecting cover body Jc is kept. As necessary, the aforesaid tap screws are inserted into the tap screw holes  67 , and the tap screws are screwed into the lower holes  47 . This strengthens the above-described assembly state. The fitting claw pieces  48  are fitted into the fitting grooves  68 , and thereby the aforesaid assembled state is made stable.  
      As shown in  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 24 , in an inner peripheral surface near both end portions of the main body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb in the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T, two pairs of first locking convex lines  49  are provided, two of which make one pair, and which extend along the inner peripheral surface. Similarly, two pairs of second locking convex lines  69  which extend along an inner peripheral surface are provided near both end portions of the main body portion  61  of the connecting cover body Jc in the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. As shown in  FIG. 24 , each of the locking convex lines  49  and  69  forms an approximately triangular shape in section and has a notched portion at a central portion along its own longitudinal direction. The adjacent first locking convex lines  49  in the nearest position are provided on the body portion  41  of the base Jc with a space corresponding to the width W 2  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the convex portion  2  of the base B therebetween. Similarly, the adjacent second locking convex lines  69  at the nearest position are provided on the body portion  61  of the connecting cover body Jc with a space corresponding to the width W 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the convex portion  1  of the cover C therebetween.  
      When the base B and the cover C are assembled, annular convex lines  121  are formed by the convex portions  1  of the cover C and the corresponding convex portions  2  of the cover B.  
      In the state in which the connecting cover body Jc is assembled to the connecting base body Jb, the respective locking convex lines  49  and  69  hold both side surfaces of the convex lines  121  at the end portions of the housing member T. (See  FIG. 26 ). Accordingly, both the side surfaces of the convex line  121  of the housing member T is locked by the respective locking convex lines  49  and  69 , and the housing member T is prevented from slipping outside from the connecting tool J.  
      As shown in  FIG. 21 , two pairs of displacement preventing convex lines  51  project toward the wall portions  44  and  42  to which they are each respectively opposed, are provided at the upper end portions of both the wall portions  42  and  44  of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb. Each of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  extend along the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. Two of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  are disposed so that the distance between the adjacent displacement preventing convex lines  51  provided at the upper end portion of the first wall portion  42  has a predetermined space. Similarly, two of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  are disposed so that the distance between the adjacent displacement preventing convex lines  51  provided at the upper end portion of the second wall portion  44  has a predetermined space. In the direction along the aforesaid longitudinal direction S, the entire length of a pair of displacement preventing convex lines  51  opposed to each other corresponds to about the width dimension of the two continuing convex portions  2  of the base B of the housing member T. The displacement preventing convex line  51  engages with the abutting step portion  6  of the convex portion  2  of the corresponding base B, and prevents the base B of the housing member T from rising from the connecting base body Jb.  
      The base B is cut at the position of the concave portion  12  of the base B. The end surface of each of the cut bases B is disposed at the approximately central portion of the connecting base body Jb in the aforesaid longitudinal direction S. As described above, each of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  engages with the corresponding abutting step portion  6  provided at the convex portion  2  of the aforesaid base B (See  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 20 ). Accordingly, the displacement preventing convex line  51  does not have to be formed between the adjacent displacement preventing convex lines  51  in the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. Therefore, the resin material at the time of injection molding of the connecting base body Jb can be saved. For example, even if the displacement preventing convex lines  51  are formed continuously along the longitudinal direction S, the aforesaid rise is prevented.  
      As shown in  FIG. 22 , the sectional shape of the displacement preventing convex line  51  forms an approximately trapezoidal shape. Each of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  has an inclined plane  51   a . In the width direction of the connecting base body Jb, the inclined plane  51   a  inclines so that the space between both the opposing inclined planes  51   a  becomes narrower toward the lower portion of the connecting base body Jb. Each of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  has an abutting surface  51   b  which forms an approximate right angle with the inner surface of each of the aforesaid wall portions  42  and  44 . Each of the abutting surfaces  51   b  is formed to project by a dimension M to the inside from the inner surface of each of the corresponding wall portions  42  and  44 . The narrowest inner width W 4  (see  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 22 ) between a pair of displacement preventing convex lines  51 , which are opposed to each other, (between a pair of abutting surfaces  51   b  corresponding to the lower end surfaces of the trapezoids), is slightly smaller than the outer width W 3  of the convex portion  2  of the base B. A height H 2  from the inner surface of the bottom wall of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb up to the abutting surface  51   b  of the displacement preventing convex line  51  is slightly larger than a height H 1  from the inner surface of the bottom wall of the main body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb up to the abutting step portion  6  of the base B.  
      As shown in  FIG. 19  and  FIG. 24 , a pair of screw insertion holes  55  are formed at an approximately central portion of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb. The connecting tool J is not limited to the case in which it is used by being directly placed on the ground with earth and sand or the like, but it is sometimes placed on a mounting table made of a resin or wood. In the latter case, the connecting base body Jb is fixed to the aforesaid mounting table via a screw  82  inserted through the screw insertion hole  55 . An approximately square seating portion  56  which slightly projects to the outside (towards the ground mounted side or the like) is formed at a bottom portion of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb (see  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 24 ). The seating portion  56  is formed to make seating favorable when the connecting base body Jb is placed on the ground or the like. The seating portion  56  facilitates the lay-out operation of the connecting tool J.  
      In order to lay a plurality of housing members T along a predetermined path on the ground having bumps and dips, the end portions of the bases B of two of the housing members T are connected with the connecting tool J. The connecting base body Jb and the connecting cover body Jc are connected via the hinge pin  81  in advance, and are opened at approximately 180° (see  FIG. 20 ). The open state of the connecting cover body Jc is maintained by the restraining pieces  63   b  provided at both the end portions of the first connecting portion  63  of the cover C.  
      Next, the connecting tool J in the opened state is placed on the ground or the like, and subsequently, the base B is pressed above the connecting base body Jb to overlay one end portion of the base B on the one end portion of the connecting base body Jb. This operation is desirably performed while positioning the end portion of the base B to be connected with respect to the connecting base body Jb along the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. The dimension of the outer width W 2  of the convex portion  2  of the base B is larger than the inner width W 3  of a pair of displacement preventing convex lines  51  opposed to each other, and therefore the convex portion  2  of the base B interferes with the corresponding displacement preventing convex line  51  in the middle of the pressing of the base B. At this time, interference of the convex portion  2  of the base B and the displacement preventing convex line  51  is relieved by the inclined plane  51   a  of the displacement preventing convex line  51 . Further, when the base B is pressed against the connecting base body Jb, both the wall portions  42  and  44  of the connecting base body Jb are elastically deformed slightly outward. Accordingly, there is no hindrance in the operation of pressing the base B against the connecting base body Jb and overlaying both of them on each other.  
      As shown in  FIG. 18  to  FIG. 20 , the sectional shape of the convex portion  2  is approximately similar to the sectional shape of the body portion  41 , and is formed to be a little compact so that the convex portion  2  of the base B is disposed on the inner surface of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb. In the state in which the base B is mounted on the connecting base body Jb, the abutting step portion  6  of the convex portion  2  is disposed at a lower position in the vertical direction Q than the displacement preventing convex line  51  of the connecting base body Jb (H 1 &lt;H 2 ). Therefore, the base B is overlaid on the connecting base body Jb in the state in which the aforesaid abutting step portion  6  is disposed along the longitudinal direction S, at the lower side of the abutting surface  51   b  of the displacement preventing convex line  51 . Further, the base B can be overlaid on the connecting base body Jb in the state in which the outer surface of the convex portion  2  of the base B is held between the aforesaid pair of the first locking convex lines  49  which are formed on the inner surface of the end portion of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb.  
      When two of the bases B are mounted on the connecting tool J, each of the pairs of locking convex lines  49  hold the second convex portion  2  from the end surface of the corresponding base B (see  FIG. 23 ). Accordingly, at the connecting section where two of the bases B are connected to the connecting base body Jb, a portion from the end surface thereof up to the second concave portion  12  of each of the bases B, that is, the end portion of the base B corresponding to the dimension U is overlaid on the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb (see  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 23 ). The displacement preventing convex lines  51  are formed on approximately all the parts of both upper end portions of the connecting base body Jb, in other words, at least the portions of the connecting base body Jb, which correspond to the abutting step portions  6  of the convex portions  2  of the bases B.  
      When the two bases B are mounted on the connecting base body Jb, each of the bases B is pressed against the connecting base body Jb from above the connecting base body Jb by estimating that the end surface of each of the bases B is positioned at the portion which is a little shorter than the length from the end surface of the connecting base body Jb to the middle position of the body portion  41  in the longitudinal direction S. Then, in the state in which two of the convex portions  2  of the bases B from the end surfaces of the bases B are held in the pairs of the first locking convex lines  49 , the abutting step portions  6  of the bases B are disposed at the lower sides of the abutting surfaces  51   b  of the displacement preventing convex lines  51 . As a result, the two bases B are connected in the states in which the connecting base body Jb and the two bases B are overlaid. At the above-described time of operation, the displacement preventing convex lines  51  are provided at the upper end portions of both the wall portions  42  and  44  of the connecting base body Jb, and therefore the operator can reliably visually recognize the suitability of the placement state of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  and the abutting step portions  6  from above. The operation of overlaying the connecting base body Jb and the bases B on each other and connecting them by engaging the displacement preventing convex lines  51  and the abutting step portions  6  and engaging the convex portions  2  of the bases B and the first locking convex lines  49  in this manner is easy, and the bases B can be reliably connected to the connecting base body Jb.  
      The outer width W 3  of the convex portion  2  of the base B is smaller than the inner width (W 4 +2M) between both the wall portions  42  and  44  of the connecting base body Jb, and is larger than the total (M+W 4 ) of the inner width W 4  between the aforesaid pair of displacement preventing convex lines  51  and the projection length M of the displacement preventing convex line  51  (W 4 +2M&gt;W 3 &gt;W 4 +M). Accordingly, after the base B is connected to the connecting base body Jb, even if the convex portion  2  of the base B is slightly displaced from the reference position with respect to the body portion  41 , within the range of the clearance between the inner surface of the body portion  41  of the connecting base body Jb and the outer surface of the convex portion  2  of the base B, the abutting step portions  6  of the base B abut the abutting surfaces  51   b  of the displacement preventing convex lines  51  of the connecting base body Jb. Therefore, the base B does not displace upward from the connecting base body Jb to such an extent as to impair the connection state (see  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 22 ). Even if the outer force which causes the displacement along the vertical direction Q is applied to the connecting base body Jb, for example, the base B is prevented from rising with respect to the connecting base body Jb as described above, and therefore the connection state of both of them is stabilized.  
      Even when the outer force is applied to the connecting base body Jb and the base B to remove them from the connecting base body Jb along the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T, the convex portion  2  of the base B is held by the first locking convex lines  49  of the connecting base body Jb. Therefore, the base B does not slip off from the connecting base body Jb along the aforesaid longitudinal direction S (see  FIG. 21 ). In this way, slipping off of the base B along the longitudinal direction S is also prevented in addition to the rise of the base B with respect to the connecting base body Jb, and therefore the connection state of the base B and the connecting base body Jb is very stable, thus facilitating the next connecting operation.  
      Next, the connecting base bodies Jb of a plurality of connecting tools J are placed along the aforesaid longitudinal direction (lay-out path) S, and the operation of overlaying the bases B of a plurality of housing members T one after another is carried out. The number of the overlaid portions of the bases B and the connecting base bodies Jb increases as the number of connections of the bases B and the connecting base bodies Jb increases. After connecting the connecting base bodies Jb and the bases B is finished, the operation of housing the cable K is performed from the end portion of the row of the connected bases B in sequence. Since the surface on which the bases B and the connecting base bodies Jb are laid is the ground having bumps and dips, in each of the overlaid portions of the bases B and the connecting base bodies Jb, the impact at the time of housing the cable K and the weight of the cable K work significantly, and the force along the vertical direction Q sometimes works. The base B and the connecting base body Jb both correspond to approximately straight semi-cylindrical shapes, and have strength such that they are not deformed due to the weight of the cable K. Therefore, in each of the overlaid portions, the force of the base B to rise from the connecting base body Jb is sufficient, and the force is transmitted one after another to the other adjacent overlaid portions in which the cable K is not yet housed. In addition, the base B is a part of the thin, light and long housing member T made by blow molding, and therefore the force to rise becomes further larger.  
      However, the connecting base body Jb and the base B are respectively provided with the displacement preventing convex lines  51  and the abutting step portions  6  as the displacement preventing means, and therefore rise of the base B with respect to the connecting base body Jb is prevented. Further, since the convex portion  2  of the base B is locked at the first locking convex lines  49  of the connecting base body Jb, the base B is prevented from slipping off the aforementioned connecting base body Jb, and the connecting state of both of them is stable, thus making it possible to carry out the lay-out operation of the cable K quickly and efficiently.  
      Next, an operation for assembling the housing member T by covering the base B with the cover C is performed. In the state in which the fitting portions  3  of the cover C and the fitted portions  4  of the base B are positioned along the longitudinal direction S so as to approximately correspond to each other, the cover C is slightly pressed against the base B from above the base B. Then, the locking projections  9  of the cover C are locked at the locked projections  10 , and the housing member T in the long cylindrical shape is formed. The convex lines  121 , which project from all over the peripheral surface of the housing member T including the convex portions  1  of the cover C and the convex portions  2  of the base B, are formed along the longitudinal direction of the housing member T at approximately the same pitches. The portion of the housing member T of the aforesaid dimension U corresponds to a connected portion  123  connected to the connecting tool J (see  FIG. 21 ).  
      Next, an operation for assembling the connecting tool J by covering the connecting base body Jb with the connecting cover body Jc connected to the aforesaid connecting base body Jb is performed. The tongue-shaped locking piece  66  and the fitting grooves  68  of the aforesaid engaging portion  65  of the connecting cover body Jc, and the engaged groove  46  and the fitting claw pieces  48  of the engaged portion  45  of the corresponding connecting base body Jb are positioned along the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T. Thereafter, the connecting cover body Jc is turned, and the engaging portion  65  of the connecting cover body Jc is engaged with the engaged portion  45  of the connecting base body Jb from above the second wall portion  44  of the connecting base body Jb, whereby the short cylindrical connecting tool J is formed. As described above, the connecting cover body Jc covers the connecting base body Jb, and thereby the aforesaid connected portions  123  of the two housing members T housing the cable K are connected to the connecting tool J. In the connected portion  123 , the second convex portion  1  of the cover C from the end surface of the housing member T is locked at the pair of the second locking convex lines  69  of the body portion  61  of the connecting cover body Jc. In this manner, the convex portion  2  of the base B and the convex portion  1  of the cover C are locked by the respective corresponding locking convex lines  49  and  69  which are formed on the inner surfaces of the respective body portions  41  and  61 . Accordingly, in the connecting state in which two of the long cylindrical housing members T are connected by the short cylindrical connecting tool J, there is no fear that the base B and the cover C which construct the aforesaid housing member T are not detached from the aforesaid connecting tool J.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17  to  FIG. 27 , the case in which the housing member T is in the corrugated shape and the number of convex lines  121  at both end portions of the housing members T connected to the connecting tool J is shown, but it is suitable if at least one of the aforesaid convex line which is to be connected to the housing member is included. The connecting operation for both of them can be performed with the connecting state of the base B and the connecting base body Jb being stabilized without impairing the function of preventing the aforesaid rise at all. Further, the connecting base body and the connecting cover body, which construct the connecting tool, may not be connected, and may be of separate structures.  
      Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 28  to  FIG. 38 ( b ). This embodiment is a structure in which the housing member T is placed in a state in which it is laid on racks V adjacent to each other in a state in which the housing member T does not bend. The housing member T of this embodiment is the same as the housing member T of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 , and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      The rack V includes a horizontal member  110  and two vertical members  120  constructed by an angle bar which has an L-shape in section, as shown in  FIG. 28  and  FIG. 29 . The three members  110  and  120  are integrally assembled via a pair of connecting plates  130  and a plurality of fixing bolts  140  to be in a portal shape. A base plate  150  is mounted to a lower end of each of the vertical members  120 . A bolt insertion hole  150   a  which allows the insertion of a fixing bolt not shown is formed in each of the base plates  150 . The rack V is used when the housing member T is arranged in a place which is not flat, or the like. A plurality of racks V are fixed onto the ground at the spaces corresponding to the length of rail bodies L. More specifically, concrete of a predetermined thickness is provided at the installation position of the rack V, and a fixing bolt inserted through the bolt insertion hole  150   a  of each of the base plates  150  is screwed into an anchor nut (not shown) which is buried inside the concrete layer, whereby the rack V is fixed to the aforesaid concrete layer.  
      Each of the rail bodies L is formed by the angle bar that is L-shaped in section. The rail bodies L are connected to each other via a rail connecting tool  200 . The rail connecting tool  200  is fixed to the horizontal member  110  of the rack V. As shown in  FIG. 29  to  FIG. 31 ( b ), a body  210  of the rail connecting tool  200  which forms a U-shape in section includes a pair of side plate portions  220 . A fitting space  230  is formed by partially notching both the side plate portions  220 , in a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the body  210 . The horizontal member  110  of the rack V is fitted into the fitting space  230 . In order to define the space  230 , a folded plate portion  240 , which is folded in the perpendicular direction to the surface of the side plate portion  220  extending in the longitudinal direction, is formed at a part of each of the side plate portions  220 . A female screw  260  into which a bolt  250  having a pointed tip end portion is screwed, is formed in each of the folded plate portions  240 . An opening width W (see  FIG. 30 ) of the fitting space  230  is formed to be slightly larger than the width of the horizontal member  110  so that the horizontal member  110  of the rack V can be inserted. In a part of the side plate portion  220  opposed to the folded plate portion  240  at an upper end portion of the fitting space  230 , an insertion groove  270  for inserting an end portion in the width direction of the horizontal member  110  of the rack V therein is formed to continue to the aforesaid fitting space  230 . At both end portions of each of the side plate portions  220 , bolt insertion holes  290  for inserting connecting bolts  280  therethrough, which connect the rail body L to the body  210 , are formed respectively to extend along the longitudinal direction of the side plate portion  220  (See  FIG. 30  and  FIG. 32 ).  
      An operation for placing the rail body L between the racks V adjacent to each other and fixed to the ground at a space corresponding to the length of the rail body L, and fixing the rail connecting tool  200  for connecting the rail bodies L to the rack V is carried out as follows. First, when the rail connecting tool  200  is fixed to the rack V, the rail connecting tool  200  is placed above the horizontal member  110  of the rack V, and the horizontal member  110  is fitted into the fitting space  230 , as shown in  FIG. 31 ( a ). Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 31 ( b ), the rail connecting tool  200  is moved along the width direction of the horizontal plate  110   a  of the horizontal member  110 , and thereby an end portion in the width direction of the horizontal plate  110   a  is inserted into the insertion groove  270  which continues to the fitting space  230  of the rail connecting tool  200 . Thereafter, the bolt  250  is screwed into each of the female screws  260  provided at a pair of the folded plate portions  240  of the body  210 , and the pointed portion of its tip end is made to abut a vertical plate  110   b  of the horizontal member  110  of the rack V, which is to be propped up. Thereby, the end surface of the aforesaid horizontal plate  110   a  abuts the end surface of the aforesaid insertion groove  270 , and the rail connecting tool  200  is fixed in a state in which the rail connecting tool  200  is perpendicular to the horizontal member  110  of the rack V.  
      As shown in  FIG. 32 , the rail body L includes a horizontal plate portion  310  and a vertical plate portion  320  which are respectively horizontal and vertical in its placed state. Bolt insertion holes  330  for inserting the connecting bolts  280  therethrough are provided at both end portions of the vertical plate portion  320  (see  FIG. 31 ( a )). The horizontal plate portion  310  of the rail body L is disposed so that an outer surface of the horizontal plate portion  310  is an upper surface. The aforesaid body  210  and the rail body L are overlaid on each other in a state in which each end portion of the corresponding rail body L covers each end portion of the body  210  of the rail connecting tool  200  fixed perpendicularly to the horizontal member  110  of the rack V. In this state, the connecting bolt  280  is inserted through the bolt insertion hole  290  of the body  210  and the bolt insertion hole  330  of the vertical plate portion  320  of the rail body L, as shown in  FIG. 32 . The body  210  of the rail connecting tool  200  is connected to the rail body L via the connecting bolt  280  and a nut  340 . As a result, the rail bodies L are connected to each other via the rail connecting tool  200  which is fixed to the horizontal member  110  of the rack V. The width of the rail body L is smaller than the width of the housing member T which is fixed on its horizontal plate portion  310  as shown in  FIG. 36 .  
      The bolt insertion holes  290  provided at both the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the body  210  of the rail connecting tool  200  each form an elongate hole shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the body  210 . Therefore, even if there is a variation in length of the space of the rail body L and each of the adjacent racks V, the rail bodies L can be connected to each other, and extension and contraction of the rail body L due to temperature change can be absorbed. For example, when the rail body L is laid on the rack V which is fixed to a metal bridge member forming a bridge, and a wire material or a pipe material is fixed to and placed at the rail body L, the space between the racks V changes, corresponding to the extension and contraction of the aforesaid bridge member due to temperature change. However, the aforesaid bolt insertion hole  290  provided at the body  210  of the rail connecting tool  200  can also cope with the change in the space between the racks V.  
      The housing member T is placed between the respective racks V in the state in which it is supported on the rail body L which is laid between the respective racks V that are adjacent to each other as described above. The housing member T supported by the rail body L is fixed to the aforesaid rail body L via a fixing tool F.  
      As shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 35 , the resin fixing tool F is held by the rail body L which is L-shaped in section, and forms an L-shape corresponding to the sectional shape of the rail body L. A first held portion  430  forming a U-shape is integrally formed at one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the body portion  410  of the fixing tool F. An insertion groove  420  which allows insertion of the vertical plate portion  320  of the rail body L is formed inside the first held portion  430  to extend along the vertical direction. The first held portion  430  is elastically deformable so that the opening of the insertion groove  420  becomes wide.  
      Fixing portions  440  for fixing the base B of the housing member T are provided respectively at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the body portion  410  of the fixing tool F. Each of the fixing portions  440  is formed into a step shape so as to be higher than an upper surface of a second held portion  450  which is formed between the fixing portions  440 . Each of the fixing portions  440  is provided with a concave portion  460  which allows insertion of the convex portion  2  of the base B of the housing member T in a state in which the fixing tool F is held by the rail body L. In the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body portion  410  of the fixing tool F, a pair of convex portions  470  are formed at both end portions of each of the fixing portions  440 . An engaging claw portion  480  which slightly extends toward the aforesaid second held portion  450  is provided at an end portion of each of the convex portions  470 , which faces the second held portion  450 . A tap screw lower hole  490 , which forms an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape and is opened to the upper surface, is formed at the concave portion  460  of each of the fixing portions  440 . Each of the tap screw lower holes  490  extends along the longitudinal direction of the body portion  410 .  
      A plurality of fixing tools F are used for one rail body L. As shown in  FIG. 33 , when the fixing tool F is pressed against the rail body L in a state in which the fixing tool F is disposed under the rail body L, the vertical plate portion  320  of the rail body L is inserted into the insertion groove  420  of the first held portion  430 . Further, the portion of the first held portion  430  is elastically deformed so that the upper surface opening of the insertion groove  420  becomes slightly wider, and the horizontal plate portion  310  of the rail body L is inserted into the portion of the second held portion  450  in the fitted state. After the insertion, the first held portion  430  is restored to the original shape, whereby the horizontal plate portion  310  of the rail body L engages with the engaging claw portions  480  (see  FIG. 35 ).  
      As shown in  FIG. 36 , the fixing tool F is held with respect to the rail body L in a state in which each of the fixing portions  440  at both the end portions in the longitudinal direction project to both the sides in the width direction of the rail body L. In this held state, the fixing tool F is slidable along the longitudinal direction (placement direction Q of the housing member T) of the rail body L. Accordingly, after the base B of the housing member T is placed on the rail body L, the fixing tool F is pressed against the rail body L in its placement state, and thereby the fixing tool F is held by the rail body L. The fixing tool F held by the rail body L is slidable with respect to the aforesaid rail body L to correspond to the convex portion  2  of the base B of the housing member T. As shown in  FIG. 35 , each of the fixing portions  440  faces the upper surface of the horizontal plate portion  310  of the rail body L in the state in which the fixing tool F is held by the rail body L.  
      After the fixing tool F is first held at the rail body L and the base B of the housing member T is placed on the horizontal plate portion  310  of the aforesaid rail body L, if the positions of the convex portion  2  of the base B and the concave portion  460  of the fixing tool F are displaced with respect to the longitudinal direction S of the housing member T, the fixing tool F is slightly slid so that both of them correspond to each other (see  FIG. 36  and  FIG. 37 ). Next, the tap screw  510  is inserted into the concave portion  33  of the base B of the housing member T to penetrate through the base B, and the tap screw  510  which penetrates through the base B is screwed into the tap screw lower hole  490  of the fixing tool F. Thereby, the rail body L is sandwiched between the base B of the housing member T and the fixing tool F, and the base B of the housing member T is fixed to the rail body L via the fixing tool F.  
      In the aforesaid fixing tool F held at the rail body L, the respective fixing portions  440  at both its end portions project to both sides of the rail body L in the width direction. Accordingly, the fixing width of the housing member T, where the housing member T is fixed to the rail body L is wider than the width of the rail body L. Therefore, the housing member T can be stably supported on the rail body L, though the rail body L with a small width with respect to the housing member T is used. The tap screw lower hole  490  of the fixing tool F forms a long hole shape along the width direction of the rail body L or the base B of the housing member T, and therefore the screw position of the tap screw  510  along the aforesaid width direction has a predetermined allowable range. Therefore, it is easy to screw the tap screw  510 .  
      Further, the places where the housing members T are placed by using the racks V outdoors are places having a comparatively large temperature change, such as the area along a railroad track, in many cases. Therefore, expansion and contraction of the housing member T due to temperature change are inevitably large. However, as described above, the fixing tool F, which fixes the housing member T to the rail body L, is slidable with respect to the aforesaid rail body L, and therefore when the housing member T expands and contracts due to temperature change and generates internal stress from tension or compression inside the housing member T, and the internal stress becomes larger than a predetermined value or more, the housing member T makes very small movement integrally with the fixing tool F to release the aforesaid internal stress. Accordingly, the housing member T is not unreasonably deformed by heat.  
      The base B of the housing member T is first placed on the horizontal plate portion  310  of the rail body L, and thereafter, the fixing tool F is held onto the aforesaid rail body L from below the rail body L, whereby it is also possible to fix the base B of the housing member T to the rail body L.  
      After the base B of the hosing member T is fixed to the rail body L via a plurality of fixing tools F, the cable K is housed in the housing space  500  inside the base B. Finally, the cover C covers the base B, whereby the lay-out operation of the cable K is finished [see  FIG. 38 ( a )]. The housing members T adjacent along the longitudinal direction S are connected to each other via the connecting tools J shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 17  to  FIG. 27 .  
      The housing member T itself easily bends, but the entire housing member T is supported by the rail body L spanning between the racks V in this embodiment. Accordingly, the aforesaid bending can be prevented. The housing member T of this embodiment especially bends easily because it has the corrugated structure made of a resin, but this bending can be prevented in this embodiment. As a result, the operation of covering the base B with the cover C after laying the cable K is performed without hindrance.  
      The housing member T is fixed to the rail body L spanning between the racks V, and bending of the housing member T is prevented. Therefore, the space between the adjacent racks V can be made large, and the number of racks V per unit length is reduced, and the total number of the racks V is reduced.  
      As shown in  FIG. 38 ( b ), in the case of a housing member T 1  which is shorter than the length of the housing member T in  FIG. 38 ( a ), the space between he racks V can be made larger than the length of the housing member T 1 . In the case shown in the drawing, the space between the racks V, and the length of a rail body L′ spanning between the racks V are approximately twice as long as the length of the housing member T 1 . In the placement structure of the conventional housing member, the space between the racks is shorter than the length of the housing member, or approximately equal to the length of the housing member. When the housing member becomes short, the number of the racks V required increases correspondingly. However, in this embodiment, as compared with the conventional structure, the total number of the racks V can be reduced. In  FIG. 38 ( a ) and  FIG. 38 ( b ), reference character G denotes the ground.  
      The embodiment shown in  FIG. 28  to  FIG. 38 ( b ) may be applied to the placement of a housing member made of a metal plate in which the surface of the housing member does not have the concavo-convex structure.  
      For example, the rail bodies span between the brackets mounted on the wall surface, and the housing members are fixed to the rail bodies, whereby the housing members may be placed along the wall surface.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 28  to  FIG. 38 ( b ), when the housing member T is fixed to the rail body L, the housing members T are laid on multi-tiers, and all the housing members T may be fixed to the rail body L in a state in which they are tied in bundle.  
      Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 39  to  FIG. 43 . The housing member T in this embodiment is the same as the housing member T shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 , and therefore the explanation thereof will be omitted.  
      When the cable K is laid out according to the method of covering the base B with the cover C after placing the cable K inside the base B, the base B is fixed to a predetermined placement section X first (see  FIG. 40  and  FIG. 41 ). In this embodiment, a seat D forming a U-shape in section is fixed to the aforesaid placement section X, and the housing member T is fixed to the aforesaid seat D via a fixing tool G 1 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , the seat D has a bottom plate portion  721 , and a pair of side plate portions  722  integrally formed at the bottom plate portion  721 . A locking piece  723  which is folded inward at an angle exceeding 90° is formed at an end tip portion (portion which is an upper end in the usage state) of each of the side plate portions  722 . The bottom plate portion  721  of the seat D is directly fixed to the placement portion X.  
      Next, the fixing tool G 1  of this embodiment will be explained based on  FIG. 39  to  FIG. 43 . The fixing tool G 1  is formed by performing stamp forming by press and fold forming for a metal plate material. The fixing tool G 1  includes a plate-shaped body portion  701  having a length corresponding to the height of the base B of the housing member T, an approximately plate-shaped locking portion  702  which is formed by folding one end portion (portion which is an upper end in the usage state) in the longitudinal direction of the body portion  701  at approximately 180°, and a fixing portion  703  which is formed by folding the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the aforesaid body portion  701  to the opposite side from the aforesaid locking portion  702  at approximately 90°. An insertion hole  701   b  extending along the longitudinal direction is formed in the central portion in the body portion  701 .  
      The body portion  701  of the fixing tool G 1  includes two fitting portions  701   a  which are fitted into the respective concave portions  12  adjacent to each other of the base B, and an insertion hole  701   b  which allows insertion of the convex portion  2  of the base B between the adjacent concave portions  12  and the fitting portion  4 . The insertion hole  701   b  is continuously formed from a slightly upper portion from a connecting portion of the body portion  701  and the fixing portion  703  to an upper end of the aforesaid body portion  701 . The width of only a lower end portion (portion near the fixing portion  703 ) of the insertion hole  701   b  gradually becomes narrower toward the lower position corresponding to the approximately trapezoidal shape of the sectional shape of the convex portion  2  of the base B. The width of the remaining portion of the insertion hole  701   b  is constant. When the convex portion  2  of the base B is inserted into the insertion hole  701   b  of the body portion  701 , and each of the fitting portions  701   a  of the body portion  701  is fitted into the concave portion  12  of the base B, the convex portion  2  of the base B is inserted into the insertion hole  701   b  of the fixing tool G 1  without a clearance as shown in  FIG. 41  and  FIG. 43 .  
      The locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  has a little elasticity (spring action) to return it in the closing direction. The locking portion  702  elastically contacts an inner side of the end edge portion  2   c  of the base B of the housing member T. As shown in  FIG. 39 , an end tip portion of the locking portion  702  (lower end portion in the usage state) is slightly folded outward. This folded portion facilitates locking of the base B to the above-described end edge portion  2   c  and the release thereof. The fixing portion  703  of the fixing tool G 1  is the flat-shaped portion directly in contact with a cover plate  731 , which covers an outer side of an opening of the aforesaid seat D. In the fixing portion  703 , a bolt insertion hole  703   a  in a long hole shape is formed along the width direction of the fixing tool G 1 . A reinforcement portion  704  which bulges inward at the time of press forming is provided at a border portion of the body portion  701  and the fixing portion  703 .  
      The aforesaid seats D are fixed to the placement section X, which is the lay-out section for the housing members T via fixing means, such as fixing bolts  732  (see  FIG. 42 ) at predetermined spaces therebetween along the lay-out direction S of the cable K. The process steps of dropping the cable K into the housing space  500  of the base B after fixing the base B of the housing member T to the aforesaid seat D by using the fixing tool G 1 , and thereafter covering the base B with the cover C are carried out as follows.  
      As shown in  FIG. 40  and  FIG. 41 , the upper opening of the seat D is first covered with the cover plate  731  including downward flange portions  731   a  at both ends in the width direction. The base B of the housing member T is placed on an upper surface of the cover plate  731 . Next, while the convex portion  2  of the base B placed on the cover plate  731  is inserted into the insertion hole  701   b  of the body portion  701 , the fixing tool G 1  is pressed against the base B from directly above each of the end edge portions  2   c  of the base B, and the locking portion  702  at the upper end portion of the fixing tool F 1  is locked at the aforesaid end edge portion  2   c . Thereby, the aforesaid end edge portion  2   c  of the base B is held between the locking portion  702  of the fixing tool F 1  and the upper end portion of the body portion  701  opposed to the locking portion  702 , and thus the fixing tool G 1  is mounted to the base B. Next, a fixing bolt  705  is inserted through the bolt insertion hole  703   a  of the fixing portion  703  of the fixing tool G 1  and each bolt insertion hole  731   b  formed at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the aforesaid cover plate  731 . The fixing bolt  705  and a plate nut  734 , which is inserted inside the seat D, are screwed to each other, and the portion of the specific convex portion  2  of the base B is fixed to the aforesaid seat D via a pair of fixing tools G 1 . Since the bolt insertion hole  703   a  which is formed in the fixing portion  703  has an elongate hole shape along the lay-out direction S of the cable K, it is possible to fix the base B to the seat D via the fixing tool G 1  even when the convex portion  2  of the base B is not located at the center of the width direction of the seat D.  
      Each bolt insertion hole  731   b  formed in both ends of the longitudinal direction of the cover plate  731  form elongate hole-shapes extending along the longitudinal direction. Each of the bolt insertion holes  731   b  opens at a side surface of the aforesaid cover plate  731 , and therefore it is possible to fix the base B to the seat D as follows. First, the upper opening of the seat D is covered with the cover plate  731 , and the base B is placed on the cover plate  731 . Next, the fixing bolt  705  which is inserted through the bolt insertion hole  703   a  of the fixing portion  703  of the fixing tool G 1  and the aforesaid plate nut  734  are slightly screwed to each other, and thereby the fixing tool G 1  and the plate nut  734  are temporarily assembled. In this temporarily assembled state, the fixing portion  703  of the fixing tool G 1  is positioned close to a head portion of the fixing bolt  705 , with the fixing portion  703  and the plate nut  734  are spaced from each other as much as possible, and then while the fixing tool G 1  is moved to the base B from both end sides of the seat D, the aforesaid fixing bolt  705  is inserted into the bolt insertion hole  731   b  of the cover plate  731 , and further, the plate nut  734  is further inserted into the inside of the seat D. In this state, a part of the convex portion  2  of the base B is inserted into the insertion hole  701   b  of the fixing tool G 1 , and the lower end of the locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  is located at an upper position from the end edge portion  2   c  of the base B. Next, when the fixing tool G 1  is pressed down with respect to the base B, the locking portion  702  is fitted into the end edge portion  2   c  of the base B and locked. Finally, the plate nut  734  and the fixing bolt  705  are completely screwed to each other by rotating the fixing bolt  705 . As a result, the base B is fixed to the seat D via the fixing tool G 1 , and since the plate nut  734  is in a square shape, it does not rotate with the fixing bolt  705  when the fixing bolt  705  rotates.  
      In this state, the base B of the housing member T is fixed to the seat D via a pair of the fixing tools G 1  which are placed to oppose to each other along the width direction of the base B in each of a plurality of spots at predetermined intervals along its longitudinal direction. A pair of the fitting portions  701   a , which form the body portion  701  of the fixing tool G 1 , are fitted into the concave portions  12  of the base B. Therefore, the base B, which is fixed to the seat D via the fixing tool G 1 , does not move along its longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  is locked in a state in which the locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  covers the aforesaid end edge portion  2   c  of the aforesaid base B, and therefore fixing of the base B to the seat D is ensured.  
      As described above, the base B of the housing member T is brought into the state in which it is firmly fixed to the seat D by a pair of the fixing tools G 1  at each of a plurality of spots along the longitudinal direction, and the cable K is sequentially dropped into the housing space  500  from above the housing space  500  of the aforesaid base B and placed. Since the base B is firmly fixed to the each of the seats D, the light base B does not spring up or does not move in the longitudinal direction due to the impact at the time of dropping the cable K, even at the time of dropping the cable K. Accordingly, the housing operation (lay-out operation) of the cable K into the housing space  500  of the base B is smoothly carried out.  
      After the cable K is housed in the housing space  500  of the base B, the base B fixed to the seat D is covered with the cover C. At the outer side of the convex portion  2  and the concave portion  12  of the base B, the convex portion  1  and the concave portion  11  of the cover C are respectively disposed, and the fitted portion  4  (locked projection  10 ) of the base B and the fitting portion  3  (locking projection  9 ) of the cover C are fitted to each other. The lower end surface of the cover C abuts the abutting step portion  6  which is formed at the portion near the upper end of the convex portion  2  of the base B. Thereby, the cover C is not easily detached from the base B.  
      In a state in which the cover C covers the base B, a larger clearance e (see  FIG. 16 ) than the plate thickness of the metal plate material, which forms the fixing tool G 1 , is formed between each of the convex portions  1  and  2  and each of the concave portions  11  and  12 . Accordingly, even in the state in which the fixing tool G 1  is mounted to the base B as described above, the cover C can cover the base B without hindrance. The locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  is completely covered with the cover C and protected. Therefore, the external force does not directly act on the aforesaid locking portion  702 . Accordingly, after the cover C covers the base B, the locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  is more difficult to detach from the base B.  
      Not only the base B is fixed to the seat D via the fixing tools G 1 , but also the body portions  701  are fitted into the concave portions  12  at both sides of the base B. Therefore, deformation (especially, thermal deformation) of both side portions of the base B is prevented. Thereby, when the cover C covers the base B, the aforesaid fitting can be prevented from being released for a long period of time, after the locking projection  9  and the locked projection  10  are engaged with each other.  
      The above-described lay-out example of the cable K is an example in which the base B of the housing member T is fixed to the seat D fixed to the placement section X via the fixing tools G 1 . For example, when the placement section forms a plane shape, and when the base B of the housing member T is directly fixed to the placement section, there are no or few limitations in the fixing position of the housing member T to the placement section. Therefore, it is possible to previously mount the fixing tools G 1  to a plurality of spots at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the base B and place the bases B in the aforesaid placement section X in this state. This enhances the efficiency of the fixing operation of the base B to the placement section X. Further, the housing member T is not limited to the case in which it is placed at the horizontal part, but it may be placed along the vertical direction of a vertical wall of a building or the like, and in this case of vertical placement, the base B of the housing member T can be fixed to the vertical wall by the fixing tool G 1  according to this embodiment.  
      Next, a fixing tool G 2  in a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 44 . The fixing tool G 2  of this embodiment differs in the construction of the body portion  701  and the locking portion  702  of the fixing tool G 1  shown in  FIG. 39  to  FIG. 43 . The fixing tool G 2  includes a body portion  707 , a locking portion  708  and the fixing portion  703 . The locking portion  708  is formed by folding an upper end portion of the body portion  707  in the same direction as the fixing portion  703  at an approximate right angle, and partially abuts the abutting step portion  6  of the base B. The outer side surfaces of both the end edge portions (lower end portions in the usage state) of the convex portion  2  of the cover C are recessed inward from the other portions because the locking projections  9  are formed at their inner sides.  
      When the cover C covers the base B, the end surface of the convex portion  2  of the cover C abuts the aforesaid abutting step portion  6  of the base B. In this state, the aforesaid end surface of the cover C does not abut the outer side portion of the aforesaid abutting step portion  6 , but the outer side portion of the aforesaid abutting step portion  6  remains as it is in the exposed state. The locking portion  708  of the aforesaid fixing tool G 2  abuts the aforesaid exposed portion of the abutting step portion  6  of the base B. As a result, the base B can be fixed to the placement section X by using the fixing tool G 2  in state in which the cover C covers the base B. The placement section X′ shown in  FIG. 44  is in a planar shape, and the base B of the housing member T is directly fixed to this planar placement section X′.  
      In each of the embodiments shown in  FIG. 39  to  FIG. 44 , the body portions  701  and  707  of each of the fixing tools G 1  and G 2  are each provided with a pair of fitting portions  701   a , which are fitted into the concave portions  12  at both sides of the convex portion  2  of the base B, at both sides of the insertion holes  701   b . However, the fixing tool is not limited to this construction, but it is possible to adopt the construction in which the fixing tool is fitted into three or more of the continuous concave portions  12  of the base B, that is, the construction having three or more of the fitting portions  701   a  and having a plurality of insertion holes  701   b . The present invention includes a fixing tool with the construction having, between two fitting portions  701   a  that are fitted into the two concave portions  12  of the base B, which are not continuous, for example, the insertion hole  701   b , into which a plurality of continuous convex portions  2  provided between the aforesaid two concave portions  12  that are not continuous can be inserted. Here, the width of the insertion hole into which a plurality of continuous convex portions  2  can be inserted is equal to the length between both outer side edges of the group of the aforesaid plurality of continuous convex portions  2 . This makes it possible to fix the base B to the placement section more firmly. On the other hand, it is possible to fix the base B even with a fixing tool with the construction having only one fitting portion  701   a  that is inserted into one concave portion  12  of the base B.  
      Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be explained based on  FIG. 45  to  FIG. 50 . A housing member T 2  in this embodiment has a construction in which the cover C and the base B of the housing member T of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10  are modified.  
      As shown in  FIG. 45 , the housing member T 2  which is in an elongate shape and made of a synthetic resin is used for housing within the inside thereof the cable K laid along a wall surface as a structure inside a building and for protecting the cable K. The housing member T 2  includes a base B 2  housing the cable K and a cover C 2 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 45  and  FIG. 46 , the cover C 2  forming an approximately inverted U-shape in section includes an upper wall  843  and a pair of side walls  844  which are opposed to each other. Each of the side walls  844  is formed to be bent to bulge outward, and a bulged cover portion  845  is formed at the bulged region. The bulged cover portion  845  functions as detachment restraining means, which restrains the cover C 2  from being easily detached from the base B 2  in a state in which the cover C 2  is assembled to the base B 2 . A plurality of cover convex portions  846   a , which continuously extend along the circumferential direction of the cover C 2 , are formed on the cover C 2 . Cover concave portions  846   b  are formed between the adjacent cover convex portions  846   a.    
      The base B 2  which forms an approximate U-shape in section includes a bottom wall  847  and a pair of side walls  848  which are opposed to each other. Each of the side walls  848  is formed to be bent to bulge outward, and a bulged base portion  849  is formed at the bulged region. The bulged base portion  849  functions as the aforesaid detachment restraining means together with the bulged cover portion  845 . A plurality of base convex portions  850   a , which extend continuously along a peripheral direction of the base B 2 , are formed on the base B 2 . Base concave portions  850   b  are formed between the adjacent base convex portions  850   a.    
      Though not shown, the cover convex portion  846   a  and the base convex portion  850   a  each have approximately the same dimension Q 2  in the width direction. A pitch P 2  of the cover convex portion  846   a  and the pitch P 2  of the base convex portion  850   a  are equal to each other. A width W 5  of the cover convex portion  846   a  is larger than a width W 6  of the base convex portion  850   a.    
      The base convex portion  850   a  is fitted in the cover convex portion  846   a , and the bulged cover portion  845  and the bulged base portion  849  are locked to each other, whereby the base B 2  and the cover C 2  are assembled to form the housing member T 2 . In the assembled state of the base B 2  and the cover C 2 , the cover convex portion  846   a  and the base convex portion  850   a  are overlaid on each other to form an overlaid section Y, and both the convex portions  846   a  and  850   a  are fitted to each other at the overlaid section Y.  
      Next, a cylindrical intermediate molded product T 2 ′ made of the synthetic resin before the housing member T 2  is formed will be explained. As shown in  FIG. 47 , the intermediate molded product T 2 ′ is formed into an elongate shape having uniform wall thickness, which is in an approximate square-shape in front sectional view. The aforesaid cover C 2  and the base B 2  are integrally formed by being connected by a portion  854  to be cut off. Specifically, the intermediate molded product T 2 ′ is formed by connecting both side walls  848  of the base B 2  and both side walls  844  of the cover C 2  at their respective end edges along their longitudinal direction via the portion  854  to be cut off. The intermediate molded product T 2 ′ is divided into two, and thereby the aforesaid cover C 2  and the base B 2  are obtained.  
      Next, a method for forming the housing member T 2  by assembling the cover C 2  to the base B 2 , and an operation of the housing member T 2  will be explained.  
      First, the base B 2  is fixed to a wall surface as a constructed structure in a building so that an opening extending in its longitudinal direction extends vertically, and thereafter the cable K is housed inside from the opening of the base B 2 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 46 , the cover C 2  is positioned in the longitudinal direction with respect to the base B 2  so that the cover convex portion  846   a  and the base convex portion  850   a  approximately correspond to each other, and the cover C 2  is pressed from above the base B 2 .  
      End tips of the side walls  844  of the cover C 2  are pressed outward by the bulged base portion  849 , and the side walls  844  of the cover C 2  are elastically deformed outward. When the cover C 2  is further pressed and the end tips of the side walls  844  pass the bulged base portion  849 , and the bulged cover portion  845  corresponds to the bulged base portion  849 , the side walls  844  are each restored to the original shape, and are disposed so that an inner surface of the bulged cover portion  845  is along an outer surface of the bulged base portion  849 .  
      Namely, as shown in  FIG. 48 , the bulged cover portion  845  is locked at the outer surface of the bulged base portion  849 , and the end tip of the side wall  844  is located at an inner side of the base B 2  from the bulged base portion  849 . Accordingly, the bulged base portion  849  and the bulged cover portion  845  interfere with each other. Therefore, there is provided a structure in which the cover C 2  hardly slips off in the direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the base B 2 , that is, in the forward direction. In the aforesaid overlaid section Y, the base convex portion  850   a  is fitted in the cover convex portion  846   a  all over the height of the overlaid section Y.  
      In the housing member T 2  of this embodiment, the area in which the base convex portion  850   a  and the cover convex portion  846   a  are fitted to each other is viewed as large, and the area in which both the convex portions  850   a  and  846   a  interfere with each other can be viewed as large. As a result, the downward movement of the cover C 2  along the longitudinal direction of the base B 2  can be effectively restrained, and the cable K can be protected with the mounting state of the housing member T 2  being maintained without exposing the cover C 2  to the outside.  
      The cover C 2  is prevented from being detached from the base B 2  by locking the bulged cover portion  845  and the bulged base portion  849  by the recovery shape due to the elastic force of the side wall  848 . Accordingly, the construction of the mold for molding the intermediated molded product T 2 ′ can be simplified as compared with the case in which the locking projection  9  and the locked projection  10  are formed as in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10 .  
      As in a housing member T 3  of an eighth embodiment shown in  FIG. 51  and  FIG. 52 , a projection line  855  may be formed on the outer surface of the base convex portion  850   a  located at the side wall  844  of the housing member T 2  in  FIG. 45 , along the direction in which the convex portion  850   a  of the base B 2  extends. In the case of this construction, the cover convex portion  846   a  is fitted on the base convex portion  850   a , and the projection line  855  is housed in the cover convex portion  846   a  in a state in which the cover C 3  is assembled to the base B 3 , as shown in  FIG. 52 . As a result, since the base convex portion  850   a  and the projection line  855  abut the cover convex portion  846   a , they interfere with one another, and the positional displacement of the cover C 3  along the length direction of the base B 2  can be effectively restrained. The aforesaid projection line  855  may be formed over the entire perimeter of the base convex portion  850   a.    
      In the embodiment in  FIG. 45  to  FIG. 50 , the locked projection  10  shown in  FIG. 7  may be formed on the outer surface of the base convex portion  850   a  and in the vicinity of the end portion of the opening of the base B 2 . Further, in the inner surface of the cover C 2 , the locking projection  9  at which the aforesaid locked projection  10  can be locked in the assembled state of the base B 2  and the cover C 2  may be formed on the side wall  844  at the side of the upper wall  843 . In the assembled state of the base B 2  and the cover C 2 , the aforesaid locking projection  9  is locked at the locked projection  10 , and the cover bulged portion  845  is locked at the base bulged portion  849 , whereby the cover C 2  can be prevented from being detached from the base B 2  easily.  
      In the embodiment in  FIG. 45  to  FIG. 50 , the cover convex portion  846   a  may be formed to be fitted in the inside of the base convex portion  850   a.    
      In the embodiment in  FIG. 45  to  FIG. 50 , for example, the side of the cover convex portion  846   a , which is beside the bottom wall  847 , is fitted on the end tip portion of the base convex portion  850   a , and the fitting position may be formed at a part of the overlaid section Y.  
      In the embodiment in  FIG. 45  to  FIG. 50 , for example, a pipe material may be housed inside the housing member T 2 , other than the cable K. As the aforesaid pipe material, the pipe material in which a fluid (a gas or a liquid) passes through is cited, and a refrigerant pipe and an air-conditioning pipe of an air-conditioner, and the like are cited.  
      In a housing member T 4  of a modified example shown in  FIG. 53 , a pitch P 4  of convex portions  915   a  of a cover C 4  and convex portions  919   a  of a base B 4  is formed to be shorter than the pitch P of the housing member T in  FIG. 5 . A width W 5  of the convex portion  915   a  of the cover C 4  and a width W 6  of the convex portion  919   a  of the base B 4  are formed to be shorter than the corresponding width W 1  of the convex portion  1  of the cover C and the width W 2  of the convex portion  2  of the base B of the housing member T in  FIG. 5 .  
      In a housing member T 5  of a modified example shown in  FIG. 54 , the flexibility of the housing member T of the embodiment in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 10  is further enhanced. Therefore, the housing member T 5  can be easily bent.  
      Each width QL of the convex portion  1  of the cover C and the convex portion  2  of the base B, the cover convex portion  846   a  of the cover C 2  and the base convex portion  850   a  of the base B 2 , and the cover convex portion  915  of the cover C 4  and the base convex portion  919   a  of the base B 4  in each of the embodiments in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 54  may be changed as follows. Explaining the housing member of the modified example with use of  FIG. 6 , for example, the dimension QL of the convex portion  1  of the cover C is formed to be smaller than the dimension QL of the convex portion  2  of the base B, and the fitted portion  4  is formed in the inner side from the base B in  FIG. 6 . In the case of the construction of the housing member of the modified example, when the cover covers the base, the sectional shape of the housing member forms a convex shape when the housing member is seen from the direction shown in  FIG. 6 . In this construction, a space is formed between adjacent covers when a plurality of housing members are placed adjacently to each other along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the convex portion of the cover can be easily caught by one&#39;s fingers, and the cover can be easily removed from the base.  
      Each of the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 54  may be placed on a floor inside a building. Even if a person kicks the cover C of the housing member T shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, in its longitudinal direction with his or her foot, the movement of the cover C can be restrained by the fitting of the convex portion  2  of the base B and the convex portion  1  of the cover C. Accordingly, the problem with the cable K being exposed to the outside of the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  can be eliminated. Therefore, there is no fear of the cable K being directly stamped underfoot or a foot being caught by the cable K.  
      When a receptacle or the like is placed on the floor, each of the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 54  is bent, and thereby the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  can be placed on the floor by avoiding the receptacle and the like. For example, in the case of the housing member, which is formed into a planar shape along the longitudinal direction and is formed to be incapable of bending deformation, it is necessary to connect a plurality of housing members via separate connecting members formed by bending in order to avoid the receptacle. However, the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  can be bent, and therefore the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  can be placed on the floor without using the aforesaid connecting members. As a result, the placement operation for the housing members T, T 2 , T 3 , T 4  and T 5  can be performed easily and quickly.