Patent Publication Number: US-7592547-B2

Title: Cable protection system

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/263,099, filed on 31 Oct. 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,386, the disclosure of which is incorporated, in its entirety, by this reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to cable protectors and cable protection systems. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Over the years, various devices and apparatuses have been developed in an effort to protect hoses, cables, wiring and the like from physical damage. In particular, numerous cable protector designs have been developed to protect cabling extending across walkways, roadways, and construction sites from physical damage caused by pedestrians, vehicular traffic and other such external elements. Cable protectors have also proven useful in helping to minimize the risk of pedestrians tripping over such cabling. For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “cable” and “cabling” shall be broadly construed to include data cables, hoses, electrical wiring, telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers, pneumatic tubing, plumbing, and any other length of material. 
   Conventional cable protectors typically include one or more channels extending in parallel between opposing ends of the cable protector to receive one or more cables. Side ramps may extend laterally outward from, or may be removably attachable to, the sides of the cable protector to allow vehicles and the like to roll over the top of the cable protector. Interlockable T-shaped connector elements may be formed on the ends of the cable protector to enable a series of cable protectors to be attached together in an end-to-end fashion to accommodate cables of varying lengths. T-shaped connector elements may also be formed on the sides of the cable protector to enable a number of cable protectors to be attached in a parallel side-by-side fashion to accommodate large numbers of cables. Similarly, T-shaped side connectors may be formed on the sides of the side ramps to enable their removable attachment to the sides of the cable protector. 
   Traditionally, the side ramps extending from or attachable to conventional cable protectors are formed with a relatively short base and steep slope. Although this relatively steep slope is easily navigable by motorized vehicles and pedestrians of average strength, these slopes can be a significant hurdle or obstacle to the elderly or handicapped. Accordingly, the side ramps extending from or attachable to some conventional cable protectors have been formed with a more gradual slope so that a wheelchair, walker or the like can pass over the cable protector with minimal effort. These conventional ramps have also been equipped with side rails or curbs to restrain the wheelchair from falling off the edges of the ramp. Such a configuration has proven advantageous for baby strollers, walkers, bicycles, tricycles, scooters, wagons, roller blades, skateboards, and the like. 
   The connectors used to detachably interlock or connect the various modular elements in conventional modular cable protection systems, whether or not the ramps of the system have been adapted for use by the handicapped and elderly, suffer from a number of drawbacks and disadvantages. For example, the complimentary male and female T-shaped connectors formed along the sides of the main cable protector undesirably increase the overall width of the cable protector without increasing the cable-housing capacity of the cable protector itself. Specifically, because the T-shaped male and female connectors must be formed along the outer edges of the channels formed in the cable protector for housing the cabling, a substantial portion of the overall width of the cable protector is devoted to non-cable-housing uses. Thus, cable protectors employing T-shaped connector elements along its sides are typically much wider than non-modular cable protectors of the same cable-housing capacity. This configuration results in an inefficient waste in the amount of material required to produce the cable protector, which in turn results in an undesirable increase in overall production costs. 
   Similarly, the conventional strap-like ramp connectors used to detachably connect the wheelchair ramps to the cable protector suffer from a number of disadvantages. Specifically, because the protrusions formed on these strap-like ramp connectors must be engaged within recesses formed on the undersides of the wheelchair ramps and the cable protector, a user attempting to interconnect these elements may struggle to correctly align the protrusions within the appropriate recess when the undersides of the cable protector and the ramps are positioned so as to face the ground. In addition, because the detachable connection formed by engaging the strap-like connector&#39;s protrusions in the appropriate recesses is relatively weak, a strong torsional force applied to the wheelchair ramp (such as one transferred from the wheel of a heavy or powered vehicle) may be large enough to pull or break the protrusion from the recess it is engaged within. 
   Accordingly, a need exists for a cable protection system capable of quickly and easily expanding to a number of widths and lengths. A need also exists for a system that makes efficient use of the materials used to form the cable protector base and is capable of being adapted for use by the elderly and handicapped. Such a system may consist of various elements that are easy to align and interconnect and are capable of withstanding relatively large amounts of torsional force. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to at least one embodiment, a cable protection system comprises at least one cable protector having a base member, at least one channel extending between opposing ends of the base member for receiving at least one cable, and a first ramp removably attachable to a first side of the base member. The first ramp may comprise at least one connector configured to be insertable into a vertically oriented aperture defined in a first side of the base member to removably attach the first ramp to the first side of the base member. In addition, the cable protector may comprise a cover structure pivotally attached to the base member by a hinge rod inserted through hinge members formed in the cover structure and the base member. Alternatively, the base member of the cable protector may comprise a pair of substantially vertically extending opposing side walls and a cover structure positioned on the upper surfaces of, and unitarily formed with, the opposing side walls. 
   In certain embodiments, the aperture defined in the first side of the base member is generally slot shaped, while the connector of the first ramp is substantially vertically oriented and configured to removably snap fit into the aperture defined in the base member. To facilitate this snap fit connection, a coupling structure may be formed on the connector of the first ramp and a complimentary coupling recess may be defined within the aperture in the base member, with the coupling structure configured to removably snap fit into the complimentary coupling recess to retain the connector within the aperture. In at least one embodiment, the coupling structure is a protuberance formed on a surface of the connector. The complimentary coupling recess may be configured to match the dimensions of the protuberance. 
   A second ramp may also be removably attachable to a second side of the base member. To facilitate this removable attachment, a substantially vertically oriented aperture may be defined in this second ramp and at least one connector may be formed on the second side of the base member and configured to be insertable into the aperture in the second ramp. The cable protection system may also comprise a first edge rail removably attachable to a first end of the first ramp, a second edge rail removably attachable to a first end of the second ramp, and a center edge rail positioned between and removably attachable to the first and second edge rails. 
   In certain embodiments, the first ramp and/or the second ramp may be configured to laterally overlap an additional ramp or an additional cable protector. The first ramp and/or the second ramp may also comprise a substantially planar top surface and an angled bottom surface. In addition, the cable protection system may further comprise an additional cable protector, at least one substantially vertically oriented aperture defined in a side of the additional cable protector, and at least one connector formed on the base member and configured to be insertable into the aperture in the additional cable protector to attach the two cable protectors together in a side-by-side fashion. In at least one embodiment, the cable protector and the first ramp comprise a substantially transparent material capable of being illuminated by a light source. 
   In certain embodiments, a cable protector comprises a base member having at least one channel extending between opposing ends of the base member. A substantially vertically oriented connector may be formed on the base member and configured to be removably insertable into an aperture defined in a ramp or in an additional cable structure. A cover may also be pivotally attached to the base member by a hinge rod inserted through hinge members formed in the cover and the base member. 
   In at least one embodiment, a method of assembling a cable protection system comprises providing at least one cable protector having at least a first side, providing a substantially vertically oriented aperture in the first side of the cable protector, providing a first ramp, providing a connector on the first ramp, and inserting the connector of the first ramp into the aperture in the base member to removably attach the first ramp to the first side of the cable protector. According to certain embodiments, the substantially vertically oriented aperture defined in the base member is slot shaped. The connector of the first ramp may also be substantially vertically oriented and configured to removably snap fit into the aperture defined in the base member. In addition, the first ramp and/or the second ramp may be configured to laterally overlap an additional ramp or an additional cable protector. The first ramp and/or the second ramp may also comprise a substantially planar top surface and an angled bottom surface. The method may also further comprise removably attaching a second ramp to a second side of the cable protector. 
   According to some embodiments, a cable protection system comprises at least one cable protector having a base member, at least one channel extending between opposing ends of the base member and structured to receive at least one cable, at least one vertically oriented slot defined in a first side of the base member, a coupling recess defined within the slot in the base member, a first ramp comprising at least one vertically oriented connector, and a coupling structure formed on the connector of the first ramp. The coupling structure formed on the connector of the first ramp may be configured to removably snap fit into the coupling recess defined within the slot in the base member to removably attach the first ramp to the first side of the base member. 
   Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the present invention. These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded top view of an exemplary cable protection system according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is an assembled top view of the exemplary cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a detailed view of an exemplary base member for a cable protector according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 4A  is an end view of the base member illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a cutaway side view of the base member illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of an exemplary arrangement of cable protectors and ramps. 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is an assembled top view of the alternative cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8A  is an end view of an alternative base member for a cable protector. 
       FIG. 8B  is a side view of a ramp removably attachable to the base member illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 8C  is a side view of an additional ramp removably attachable to the base member illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 10A  is a partially assembled top view of the alternative cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10B  is a partially assembled top view of an alternative embodiment of the cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 12A  is a partially assembled top view of the cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12B  is a partially assembled top view of an alternative embodiment of the cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 13  is an assembled top view of an alternative cable protection system according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 14A  is a top view of an alternative cable protector according to at least one embodiment. 
       FIG. 14B  is an end view of the cable protector illustrated in  FIG. 14A . 
       FIG. 15  is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system according to at least one embodiment. 
   

   Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is an exploded top view of an exemplary cable protection system according to at least one embodiment.  FIG. 2  is an assembled top view of the exemplary cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, the exemplary cable protection system illustrated in these figures comprises a pair of ramps  40 ,  50  that are removably and pivotally attachable to a cable protector  10 . 
   As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in certain embodiments cable protector  10  comprises a base member  12  having a pair of opposing side walls  13 . Base member  12  may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , or formed in any number of other shapes or sizes, such as a square or other multi-sided shape. As seen in the end view of  FIG. 4A , in one embodiment opposing side walls  13  are substantially vertically extending. 
   In certain embodiments, opposing side walls  13  form a single channel within base member  12  for housing one or more cables. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , one or more vertically extending rib members  14  may longitudinally divide the length of base member  12  into a plurality of longitudinal channels  16  for housing one or more cables. As seen in  FIG. 4A , rib member  14  may be formed so as to have a height that is generally coextensive with the height of the side walls  13  of base member  12 . 
   Advantageously, when a plurality of cables are housed within base member  12 , rib members  14  act as barriers between the longitudinally extending cables to minimize tangling, electrical interference, and the like. As detailed above, numerous forms of cables and wires may be housed within base member  12 ; including, for example, data cables, hoses, electrical wiring, telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers, pneumatic tubing, plumbing, and any other length of material. 
   In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , a cover  18  may be pivotally attached to base member  12  by a hinge structure  20 . In this exemplary embodiment, hinge structure  20  may comprise a plurality of alternately spaced hinge members  22  formed on an upper surface of one of the side walls  13  of base member  12 , and a plurality of alternately spaced hinge members  26  formed on one side of cover  18 . In certain embodiments, hinge members  22  and  26  are formed in a hollow, tubular shape so as to be capable of housing a cylindrical or rod-like member, such as a hinge rod or pin. Although illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  as a substantially continuous hinge structure, hinge structure  20  may also be formed of any number of hinge structures known to those of skill in the art; including, for example, a flush hinge, a barrel hinge, a butt hinge, or a concealed hinge. 
   As seen in  FIG. 3 , hinge members  22  may be spaced along side wall  13  of base member  12  so as to mate with an equal number of recesses  28  of similar dimension defined along the side of cover  18  (illustrated in  FIG. 1 ). Similarly, hinge members  26  may be spaced along the side of cover  18  so as to mate with an equal number of recesses  24  of similar dimension defined along the upper surface of side wall  13  of base member  12 . The lengths, widths and depths of recesses  24 ,  28  may be defined to be slightly larger than those of hinge members  22 ,  26 , respectively, in order to allow hinge members  22 ,  26  to be easily inserted into recesses  24 ,  28 . When properly mated and aligned, hinge members  22 ,  26  define a substantially continuous passageway  29  extending throughout the length of the aligned hinge members. In certain embodiments, passageway  29  is defined so as to be substantially cylindrical. 
   In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rod member  30  is inserted throughout the passageway  29  defined by the aligned hinge members  22 ,  26  to pivotally hinge cover  18  to base member  12 . Although rod member  30  may be formed to be substantially cylindrical, rod member  30  may also be formed of any structure or shape capable of hinging opposing structures. The various elements of hinge structure  20  thus enable cover  18  to freely pivot about rod member  30  as cable protector  10  is opened and closed. When in a closed position, cover  18  advantageously rests upon the upper surfaces of side walls  13  and/or rib members  14  to cover channels  16  and to protect any cables housed therein. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 3 , in certain exemplary embodiments one or more cutout recesses  32  are defined along the upper surface of side wall  13  in base member  12 . Although cutout recesses  32  may be spaced along side wall  13  in any number of ways and patterns, in at least one embodiment cutout recesses  32  are defined between adjacent hinge members  22  formed along the side wall  13  of base member  12 . Further, cutout recesses  32  may be spaced along the side wall  13  of base member  12  so as to directly oppose recesses  28  spaced along the side of cover  18 . Optionally, cutout recesses  32  serve to expose one or more portions  33  of rod member  30  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ), even when rod member  30  is housed in the passageway  29  defined by aligned hinge members  22 ,  26 . The depth and height of cutout recesses  32  may also be defined in side wall  13  so that the entire circumference of exposed rod portion  33  is exposed ( FIG. 2 ). 
   As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , a ramp  40  may be removably and pivotally attached to a side of cable protector  10 . In at least one embodiment, ramp  40  comprises a tapered structure having one or more male end connectors  42  formed on one of its ends, and one or more female end connectors  43  formed on its opposing end. Generally speaking, end connectors  42 ,  43  may be formed of any shape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for example, T-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like. 
   Ramp  40  may also comprise one or more pivot connectors  44  formed along a substantially vertical side wall  45  that opposes a tapered side  46  of the ramp. In certain embodiments, pivot connectors  44  horizontally extend from side wall  45  in a general hook-shaped manner so as to be removably and pivotably interlockable with an opposing structure, such as a similarly shaped hook member, or a rod or pin-like member. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , pivot connectors  44  are formed in a hook shape so as to pivotally interlock with the exposed portions  33  of rod member  30  housed within hinge structure  20  of cable protector  10 . 
   The number of pivot connectors  44  formed along the side of ramp  40  may be equal to the number of portions  33  of rod member  30  that are exposed by cutout recesses  32  in cable protector  10 . In addition, each pivot connector  44  may be spaced along side wall  45  so as to pivotally interlock with an opposing exposed portion  33  of rod member  30  housed within hinge structure  20  of cable protector  10 . 
   Although pivot connectors  44  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  as having a curvature that extends generally up and away from the ground, pivot connectors  44  may also be formed to have a curvature that extends generally downwards towards the ground. In addition, while pivot connectors  44  are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  as being formed in a hook-like shape so as to be pivotally interlockable with the exposed portions  33  of rod member  30 , pivot connectors  44  may also be formed of any number of other shapes or structures capable of pivotally interlocking with an opposing structure. For example, pivot connector  44  may be formed of a ball-shaped structure capable of pivotally interconnecting with a socket formed in the side wall  13  of base member  12 , thereby forming a so-called ball-and-socket pivot joint. 
   According to at least one embodiment, ramp  40  is removably and pivotally attached to cable protector  10  by: 1) rotating cable protector  10  approximately ninety degrees from normal in the clockwise direction, 2) lowering cable protector  10  near ramp  40  such that the exposed portions  33  of rod member  30  interlock with pivot connectors  44 , and then 3) rotating cable protector  10  approximately ninety degrees in the counter-clockwise direction. Persons of skill the art will recognize that any number of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removably and pivotally attach ramp  40  to cable protector  10 , particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures, and configurations of pivot connectors  44  and their opposing interlockable structures. 
   As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , cable protector  10  may also comprise one or more pivot connectors  34  formed along a side wall  13  opposing cutout recesses  32 . In certain embodiments, pivot connectors  34  horizontally extend from side wall  13  in a general hook-shaped manner so as to be removably and pivotably interlockable with an opposing structure, such as a similarly shaped hook member, or a rod or pin-like member. Similar to pivot connectors  44 , pivot connectors  34  may be formed to have a curvature that extends generally up and away from the ground (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), or downwards towards the ground. Pivot connectors  34  may also be formed of any number of other shapes or structures capable of pivotally interlocking with an opposing structure; including, for example, a ball-shaped structure capable of pivotally interconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socket joint. 
   In at least one embodiment, pivot connectors  34  are removably and pivotally attachable to one or more pivot structures (represented generally as element  51  in  FIG. 1 ) formed in a ramp  50 . Generally speaking, pivot structure  51  may be formed of any number of shapes or structures capable of pivotally interlocking with the various possible configurations of pivot connector  34  in cable protector  10 , described in greater detail above. Examples of suitable configurations of ramp pivot structure  51  include an integrally or discretely formed metal or plastic pin partially extending along the side of ramp  50  (capable of interlocking with the hook-shaped embodiment of pivot connector  34 ), an exposed portion of a rod member housed within the side wall of ramp  50  (also capable of interlocking with the hook-shaped embodiment of pivot connector  34 ), and a socket (capable of pivotally interlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment of pivot connector  34 ). 
   In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , ramp pivot structure  51  comprises a rod member  55  inserted through and/or housed within a side wall of ramp  50 . In this exemplary embodiment, one or more cutout recesses  56  are defined along the upper surface of the side wall of ramp  50  to expose portions  58  (best seen in  FIG. 2 ) of rod member  55  housed within ramp  50 . Although cutout recesses  56  may be spaced along the ramp&#39;s side wall in any number of ways and patterns, in certain embodiments cutout recesses  56  are spaced along the side wall of ramp  50  so as to directly oppose the pivot connectors  34  spaced along the side wall of cable protector  10 . The depth and height of cutout recesses  56  may also be defined so that the entire circumference of exposed rod portion  58  is exposed. 
   In at least one embodiment, ramp  50  further comprises a tapered structure having one or more male end connectors  52  formed on one of its ends, and one or more female end connectors  53  formed on its opposing end. Generally speaking, end connectors  52 ,  53  may be formed of any suitable shape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for example, T-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like. 
   According to certain embodiments, ramp  50  is removably and pivotally attached to cable protector  10  by: 1) rotating ramp  50  approximately ninety degrees from normal in the clockwise direction, 2) lowering ramp  50  near cable protector  10  such that the exposed portions  58  of rod member  55  interlock with pivot connectors  34 , and then 3) rotating ramp  50  approximately ninety degrees in the counter-clockwise direction. Any number of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removably and pivotally attach ramp  50  to cable protector  10 , particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures and configurations of pivot connector  34  and its opposing interlockable structure. 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 A and  4 B, one or more exemplary connector recesses  35  may be defined along the underside of one or both ends of the base member  12  of cable protector  10 . In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4B , connector recesses  35  may be defined along the underside of the end of one or more of rib members  14  formed in base member  12 . In particular, connector recesses  35  may be formed such that a protrusion on the end of a removable clip connector  38  (seen in  FIG. 1 ) inserted into connector recess  35  extends up and through an opening  37  defined in rib member  14  to firmly, yet removably, connect clip connector  38  to cable protector  10 . Connector recess  35  is generally defined and structured so as to substantially mirror the size and shape of the end of clip connector  38  on which the protrusion is formed. 
   Additionally or alternatively, one or more connector recesses  36  are generally defined and structured along the underside of one or both ends of base member  12 , as seen in  FIG. 4B . Similar to connector recesses  35 , connector recesses  36  may be defined along the underside of the end of one or more of rib members  14  to substantially mirror the shape and size of the end of clip connector  38  that opposes the end on which the protrusion is formed. 
   Although removable clip connectors  38  are described as having opposing ends of differing shape, the ends of clip connectors  38  may also be formed to mirror one another. Similarly, although cable protector  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 4B  as having one pair of connector recess  35  defined on one end of cable protector  10  and one pair of connector recesses  36  defined on an opposing end, cable protector  10  may be formed to have connector recesses  35  defined in both of its ends, to have connector recesses  36  defined in both of its ends, or some alternative combination thereof. 
   The exemplary cable protection system illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may also comprise a pair of laterally opposing end pieces  60 ,  70  removably attachable to the opposing ends of cable protector  10 . In certain embodiments, male end piece  60  is removably attached to cable protector  10  by inserting the clip connectors  38  housed in the connector recesses  35  or  36  of cable protector  10  into one or more similarly formed connector recesses defined in end piece  60 . Similar to connector recesses  35  and  36 , these connector recesses may be defined along the underside of one end of end piece  60  to substantially mirror the shape and size of one of the ends of clip connector  38 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , male end piece  60  generally comprises a pair of substantially vertical opposing side walls  65 . One or more vertically extending rib members  63  may longitudinally divide the length of male end piece  60  into a plurality of longitudinal channels  64  for housing one or more cables. Rib members  63  may be formed so as to have a height that is generally coextensive with the height of side walls  65  and may be spaced similarly to rib members  14  in cable protector  10 . When male end piece  60  is removably attached to the end of cable protector  10 , side walls  65  and rib members  63  advantageously serve to extend the length of the cable channels  16  defined within cable protector  10 . 
   According to certain embodiments, male end piece  60  is formed to have a pair of laterally opposing side ramps  66 . Although side ramps  66  may be integrally formed with male end piece  60 , side ramps  66  may also be formed to be removably attachable to male end piece  60 . Male end piece  60  may also be formed to have one or more male end connectors  68  for removably attaching male end piece  60  to additional end pieces, cable protectors, and the like. Generally speaking, male end connectors  68  may be formed of any suitable shape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for example, T-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like. 
   Similar to male end piece  60 , female end piece  70  may be removably attached to cable protector  10  by inserting clip connectors  38  housed in one or more connector recesses defined in end piece  70  into connector recesses  35  or  36  defined in the end of cable protector  10 . As seen in  FIGS. 1-2 , female end piece  70  generally comprises a pair of substantially vertical opposing side walls  75 . One or more vertically extending rib members  73  may longitudinally divide the length of female end piece  70  into a plurality of longitudinal channels  74  for housing one or more cables. As with rib members  63 , rib members  73  may be formed so as to have a height that is generally coextensive with the height of side walls  75  and may be spaced similarly to rib members  14  in cable protector  10 . 
   Similar to male end piece  60 , female end piece  70  may be formed to have a pair of laterally opposing side ramps  76 . As with side ramps  66 , side ramps  76  may be integrally formed with or removably attachable to female end piece  70 . Female end piece  70  may also be formed to have one or more female end connectors  78  for removably attaching additional end pieces, cable protectors, and the like to female end piece  70 . Female end connectors  78  may further be formed of any suitable shape or connecting structure, as known to those skilled in the art; including, for example, T-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, hourglass-shaped connectors, and the like. 
   In certain embodiments, the exemplary cable protection system illustrated in  FIG. 1  may further comprise one or more edge rails  80 ,  90 , and  100  removably attachable to the ends of ramps  40 ,  50  and cable protector  10 . As seen in  FIGS. 1-2 , a tapered edge rail  80  having one or more male end connectors  82  may be removably attached to an end of ramps  40 ,  50  by inserting male end connectors  82  into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors  43 ,  53  respectively formed in ramps  40 ,  50 . Similarly, a tapered edge rail  90  having one or more female end connectors  92  may be removably attached to an opposing end of ramps  40 ,  50  by inserting the ramp&#39;s male end connectors  42 ,  52  into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors  93  defined in edge rail  90 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 , edge rails  80 ,  90  are respectively formed to have edge rail connectors opposing their curved ends  86 ,  96 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the side walls of the end of edge rail  80  may be cut away to form a ridge  84 , while a groove  94  may be defined at the end of edge rail  90 . In at least one embodiment, ridge  84  of edge rail  80  is removably connectable to a complementary groove  104  defined in one end of a center edge rail  100 . Similarly, groove  94  of edge rail  90  may be removably connectable to a complementary ridge-shaped connector  106  formed on the opposing end of center edge rail  100 . 
   According to certain embodiments, center edge rail  100  comprises a planar end piece cover  102  positioned between edge rail connectors  104 ,  106 . Planar end piece cover  102  may be formed so as to rest upon the upper surfaces of side walls  65 ,  75  and rib members  63 ,  73  of end pieces  60 ,  70  when center edge rail  100  is removably connected to edge rails  80 ,  90 . In addition, the size and shape of planar end piece cover  102  may be chosen so as to completely cover the channels  64 ,  74  formed in end pieces  60 ,  70  to protect any cables housed therein. 
     FIG. 5  is a top view of an exemplary arrangement of cable protectors and ramps. As illustrated in this figure, an exemplary cable protection system may be adapted to house any number of cables and/or to extend over roadways and walkways of varying widths and lengths. For example, any number of cable protectors  10  may be removably and pivotally attached together in a side-by-side fashion so as to house greater or lesser numbers of cables. Specifically, as with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the pivot connectors of a first cable protector  10  may be removably and pivotally interlocked with the exposed portions of a rod member housed in a second cable protector  10  to removably and pivotally attach the two cable protectors together. 
   Similarly, any number of cable protectors  10  may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion so as to extend exemplary cable protection system across roadways or walkways of varying widths. Specifically, clip connectors housed in recesses of a first cable protector  10  may be inserted into recesses defined in a third cable protector  10  to removably attach the two cable protectors together, as seen in  FIG. 5 . If desired, further cable protectors  10  and/or ramps  40 ,  50  may be attached in various arrays to provide any suitable configuration in a simple and rapid manner. 
     FIG. 6  is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system  200  according to at least one embodiment.  FIG. 7  is an assembled top view of the alternative cable protection system  200  illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In certain embodiments, exemplary cable protection system  200  comprises a pair of ramps  240 ,  250  that are removably attachable to a cable protector  210 . 
   As seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , in some embodiments cable protector  210  comprises a base member  212  having a pair of opposing side walls  213 . Base member  212  may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , or formed in any number of other shapes or sizes, such as a square or other multi-sided shape. Opposing side walls  213  may form a single channel within base member  212  for housing one or more cables. Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , one or more vertically extending rib members  214  may longitudinally divide the length of base member  212  into a plurality of longitudinal channels  216  for housing one or more cables. 
   In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 A, a cover  218  may be pivotally attached to base member  212  by a hinge structure  220 . In this exemplary embodiment, hinge structure  220  may comprise a plurality of alternately spaced hinge members  222  formed on an upper surface of one of the side walls  213  of base member  212 , and a plurality of alternately spaced hinge members  226  formed on one side of cover  218 . In certain embodiments, hinge members  222  and  226  are formed in a hollow, tubular shape so as to be capable of housing a cylindrical or rod-like member, such as a hinge rod or pin. Similar to hinge structure  20 , hinge structure  220  may be formed of any number of hinge structures known to those of skill in the art; including, for example, a flush hinge, a barrel hinge, a butt hinge, or a concealed hinge. 
   Hinge members  222  may be spaced along side wall  213  of base member  212  so as to mate with an equal number of recesses  228  of similar dimension defined along the side of cover  218  (illustrated in  FIG. 6 ). Similarly, hinge members  226  may be spaced along the side of cover  218  so as to mate with an equal number of recesses  224  of similar dimension defined along the upper surface of side wall  213  of base member  212 . The lengths, widths and depths of recesses  224 ,  228  may be defined to be slightly larger than those of hinge members  222 ,  226 , respectively, in order to allow hinge members  222 ,  226  to be easily inserted into recesses  224 ,  228 . When properly mated and aligned, hinge members  222 ,  226  define a substantially continuous passageway  229  extending throughout the length of the aligned hinge members. In certain embodiments, passageway  229  is defined so as to be substantially cylindrical. 
   In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rod member  230  is inserted throughout the passageway  229  defined by the aligned hinge members  222 ,  226  to pivotally hinge cover  218  to base member  212 . Although rod member  230  may be formed to be substantially cylindrical, rod member  230  may also be formed of any structure or shape capable of hinging opposing structures. The various elements of hinge structure  220  thus enable cover  218  to freely pivot about rod member  230  as cable protector  210  is opened and closed. When in a closed position, cover  218  advantageously rests upon the upper surfaces of side walls  213  and/or rib members  214  to cover channels  216  and to protect any cables housed therein. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 8A , base member  212  may also comprise one or more connectors  232  to removably attach cable protector  210  to a side of ramp  240 . In many embodiments, connectors  232  are substantially vertically oriented; that is, they extend generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by cover  218 . Although connectors  232  are illustrated in  FIG. 8A  as extending generally downwards towards the ground, connectors  232  may also be configured to extend generally up and away from the ground. Generally speaking, connectors  232  may be formed of any number of shapes or structures capable of interlocking with, or being inserted into, an opposing structure; including, for example, a substantially vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structure capable of interconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socket joint, a cantilever configured to “snap fit” into a complimentary recess, or the like. 
   In at least one embodiment, connectors  232  are configured to be insertable into one or more apertures  246  formed in ramp  240 . As seen in  FIG. 8B , in many embodiments apertures  246  are defined within ramp  240  so as to be substantially vertically oriented. According to this exemplary embodiment, apertures  246  are defined in a general slot shape that embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors  232 . Alternatively, apertures  246  may be formed of any number of other shapes capable of receiving the various possible configurations of connectors  232  (described in greater detail above); including, for example, a circular socket (capable of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment of connector  232 ), a cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable of receiving the substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector  232 ), or the like. 
   In certain embodiments, connectors  232  may be configured to snap fit into apertures  246  defined in ramp  240  to removably attach cable protector to a side of ramp  240 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 5A , a coupling structure  233  may be formed on an inner surface of connector  232  and configured to snap fit into a complimentary-shaped coupling recess  248  ( FIG. 5B ) defined along the inner surface of aperture  246 . According to many embodiments, coupling recess  248  is defined to have a shape that generally embodies the inverse of the shape of coupling structure  233 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A-8B , coupling structure  233  may be configured as a substantially semi-circular protuberance, while coupling recess  248  may be defined as a substantially semi-circular recess. Accordingly, when connector  232  is inserted into aperture  246 , coupling structure  233  may slidably engage (or snap fit into) coupling recess  248  to facilitate retention of connector  232  in aperture  246 . 
   Although coupling structure  233  and coupling recess  248  have been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, any number of complimentary shapes and sizes may be utilized to facilitate the snap fit connection described herein. For example, instead of being semi-circular in shape, coupling structure  233  and recess  248  may be triangular, rectangular, circular, square-shaped, or the like. In addition, recess  248  may extend deeper within the inner surface of aperture  246 , while structure  233  may extend further outward from connector  232 . As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, modifying structure  233  and recess  248  in this manner correspondingly varies the amount of force required to break the snap fit connection established between these elements and withdraw connector  232  from aperture  246 . 
   In at least one embodiment, ramp  240  comprises a tapered structure having one or more male end connectors  242  formed on one of its ends, and one or more female end connectors  244  formed on its opposing end. Although illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 B as being formed in a general hourglass shape, end connectors  242 ,  244  may be formed of any shape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for example, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, T-shaped connectors, and the like. 
   According to at least one embodiment, cable protector  210  is removably attached to ramp  240  by: 1) elevating cable protector  210 , 2) positioning connectors  232  of cable protector  210  directly over apertures  246  defined in ramp  240 , 3) inserting connectors  232  into apertures  246  and lowering cable protector  210 . Persons of skill the art will recognize that any number of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removably attach cable protector  210  to ramp  240 , particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures, and configurations of connectors  232  and apertures  246 . 
   As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 C, a ramp  250  may be removably attached to a side of cable protector  210  that opposes the side attached to ramp  240 . Similar to ramp  240 , ramp  250  may comprise a tapered structure having one or more male end connectors  252  and one or more female end connectors  254  formed on its ends. Generally speaking, end connectors  252 ,  254  may be formed of any shape or connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for example, hourglass-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove connectors, T-shaped connectors, and the like. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  7 , and  8 C, ramp  250  may also comprise one or more connectors  256  formed along a substantially vertical side wall that opposes its tapered side. In many embodiments, connectors  256  are substantially vertically oriented. Although connectors  256  are illustrated in  FIG. 5C  as extending generally downwards towards the ground, connectors  256  may also be configured to extend generally up and away from the ground. As with connectors  232 , connectors  256  may be formed of any number of shapes or structures capable of interlocking with, or being inserted into, an opposing structure; including, for example, a substantially vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structure capable of interconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socket joint, a cantilever configured to snap fit into a complimentary recess, or the like. 
   In at least one embodiment, connectors  256  are configured to be insertable into one or more apertures  234  formed in base member  212  of cable protector  210 . In many embodiments apertures  234  are defined within base member  212  so as to be substantially vertically oriented; that is, apertures  234  may be defined within base member  212  so as to extend generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by cover  218 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8A , apertures  234  are defined in a general slot shape that embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors  256 . Alternatively, as with apertures  246 , apertures  234  may be formed of any number of other shapes capable of receiving the various possible configurations of connectors  256  (described in greater detail above); including, for example, a circular socket (capable of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment of connector  256 ), a cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable of receiving the substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector  256 ), or the like. 
   In certain embodiments, connectors  256  may be configured to snap fit into apertures  234  defined in base member  212  to removably attach ramp  250  to cable protector  210 . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8C , a coupling structure  258  may be formed on an inner surface of connector  256  and configured to snap fit into a complimentary-shaped coupling recess  235  defined along the inner surface of aperture  234 . According to many embodiments, coupling recess  235  is defined to have a shape that generally embodies the inverse of the shape of coupling structure  258 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8C , coupling-recess  235  may be defined as a substantially semi-circular recess, while coupling structure  258  may be configured as a substantially semi-circular protuberance. Accordingly, when connector  256  is inserted into aperture  234 , coupling structure  258  may slidably engage (or snap fit into) coupling recess  235  to facilitate retention of connector  256  in aperture  234 . 
   Although coupling structure  258  and coupling recess  235  have been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, any number of complimentary shapes and sizes may be utilized to facilitate the snap fit connection described herein. For example, instead of being semi-circular in shape, coupling structure  258  and recess  235  may be triangular, rectangular, circular, or squared in shape. In addition, recess  235  may extend deeper within the inner surface of aperture  234 , while structure  258  may extend further outward from connector  256 . As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, modifying structure  258  and recess  235  in this manner correspondingly varies the amount of force required to break the snap fit connection established between these elements and withdraw connector  232  from aperture  234 . 
   According to at least one embodiment, ramp  250  is removably attached to cable protector  210  by: 1) elevating ramp  250 , 2) positioning connectors  256  of ramp  250  directly over apertures  234  defined in base member  212  of cable protector  210 , 3) inserting connectors  256  into apertures  234  and lowering ramp  250 . Persons of skill the art will recognize that any number of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to removably attach ramp  250  to cable protector  210 , particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures, and configurations of connectors  256  and apertures  234 . 
   Since, in at least one embodiment, connectors  232 ,  256  and apertures  234 ,  246  are substantially vertically oriented, assembled cable protection system  200  is capable of withstanding larger torsional forces than conventional cable protection systems. Specifically, due to their substantially vertically oriented configuration, connectors  232 ,  256  are much more likely to be retained within apertures  234 ,  246  when a torsional force (such as one transferred from the wheel of a heavy or powered vehicle) is applied to ramps  240 ,  250  than if these connectors and apertures were horizontally oriented in a conventional configuration. In addition, the substantially vertical orientation of exemplary connectors  232 ,  256  and apertures  234 ,  246  results in a more efficient use of the materials used to form base member  212  of cable protector  210  since a substantial portion of the overall width of the cable protector is not devoted to non-cable-housing uses, as is the case with conventional horizontally oriented connectors. Thus, exemplary cable protection system  200  is typically much more narrow than conventional cable protectors of similar cable-housing capacity, resulting in decreased production costs and increased cable-housing capabilities. 
   In certain embodiments, exemplary cable protection system  200  further comprises one or more edge rails  260 ,  265 ,  270 ,  275 , and  280  removably attachable to the ends of ramps  240 ,  250  and cable protector  210 . As seen in  FIGS. 6-7 , tapered edge rail  260  may be removably attached to a first end of ramp  240  by inserting its male end connectors  262  into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors  244  formed in ramp  240 , while tapered edge rail  265  may be removably attached to an opposing end of ramp  240  by inserting the male end connectors  242  formed on ramp  240  into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors  267  formed in rail  265 . Similarly, tapered edge rail  270  may be removably attached to a first end of ramp  250  by its inserting male end connectors  272  into the female end connectors  254  of ramp  250  and by inserting the male end connector  252  of ramp  250  into female end connector  273  of rail  270 . Tapered edge rail  275  may also be removably attached to an opposing end of ramp  250  by inserting its male end connector  278  into the female end connector  254  of ramp  250  and by inserting the male end connectors  252  of ramp  250  into the female end connectors  277  of rail  275 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 6-7 , edge rails  260 ,  265 ,  270 , and  275  are respectively formed to have edge rail connectors opposing their curved and tapered ends. According to this exemplary embodiment, the side walls of the connectors on edge rails  260  and  270  may be cut away to respectively form a ridge  264 ,  274 , while a groove  269 ,  279  may be defined in the connector end of rails  265  and  275 . In at least one embodiment, ridges  264 ,  274  are removably connectable to a complementary groove  282  defined in one end of a center edge rail  280 . Similarly, grooves  269 ,  279  may be removably connectable to a complementary ridge-shaped connector  284  formed on the opposing end of center edge rail  280 . As detailed above, attaching edge rails  260 - 280  to cable protector  210  and ramps  240 ,  250  in this manner helps restrain wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and the like from falling off the edges of the cable protection system. 
   Although the ramps illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  5 ,  6 - 7 , and  8 B- 8 C have been described and illustrated as being formed to have a relatively gradual slope so that a wheelchair, walker or the like can pass over the cable protector with minimal effort, these ramps may also be formed of any number of suitable shapes, sizes, and slopes. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 A, and  10 B, ramps  340 ,  350  may be configured to have a slope that is significantly steeper than the slope of ramps  40 ,  50 ,  240 , and  250 . As with ramps  40 ,  50 ,  240 , and  250 , ramps  340  and  350  may be removably attachable to a cable protector  310 . In addition, as with ramps  40 ,  50 ,  240 , and  250 , in at least one embodiment ramps  340  and  350  comprise one or more male end connectors  342 ,  352  and one or more female end connectors  344 ,  354  for facilitating the end-to-end connection of one or more ramps and/or one or more cable protectors. As with the end connectors described in connection with previous embodiments, male end connectors  342 ,  352  (and/or female end connectors  344 ,  354 ) may either be positioned on adjacent ends of ramps  340 ,  350  (as illustrated in  FIG. 10B ) or on opposing ends of ramps  340 ,  350  (as illustrated in  FIG. 10A ). 
     FIG. 11  is an exploded top view of an alternative cable protection system  400  according to at least one embodiment.  FIG. 12A  is a partially assembled top view of alternative cable protection system  400 .  FIG. 12B  is a partially assembled top view of an alternative embodiment of cable protection system  400 . As seen in these figures, in certain embodiments exemplary cable protection system  400  comprises a pair of ramps  440 ,  450  configured to be removably attachable to a cable protector  410 . According to some embodiments, ramps  440 ,  450  generally comprise tapered structures having one or more male end connectors  442 ,  452  and one or more female end connectors  444 ,  454  respectively formed on their ends. As with the end connectors described in previous embodiments, male end connectors  442 ,  452  (and/or female end connectors  444 ,  454 ) may either be positioned on adjacent ends of ramps  440 ,  450  (as illustrated in  FIG. 12B ) or on opposing ends of ramps  440 ,  450  (as illustrated in  FIG. 12A ). In contrast to the ramps illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  5 ,  6 - 7 ,  8 B- 8 C,  9 , and  10 A- 10 B, which generally taper down and away from the cable protector to which they are attached, ramps  440 ,  450  may be configured to taper generally up and away from cable protector  410 . In other words, as seen in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in certain embodiments ramps  440 ,  450  may be configured to have a generally planar (i.e., flat or level) top surface  445 ,  455  and an angled (i.e., angled with respect to the horizontal plane defined by top surface  445 ,  455 ) bottom surface  447 ,  457 , as opposed to having a generally planar bottom surface and angled top surface. When assembled, cable protector  410  and ramps  440 ,  450  collectively represent an “upside down” cable protector assembly. 
   In at least one embodiment, ramps  440 ,  450  are configured in this manner so as to laterally overlap the conventionally tapered sides of an additional ramp or an additional cable protector. For example, upwardly tapered ramps  440 ,  450  may be positioned to laterally overlap downwardly tapered ramps (such as ramps  340 ,  350 ). Generally speaking, configuring exemplary ramps  440 ,  450  in this manner enables a user to quickly and easily expand the lateral size of a cable protection system. Specifically, instead of having to insert, interconnect, or interlock various connectors or assembly structures to laterally attach a cable protector to an existing cable protection assembly in a side-by-side fashion, exemplary cable protection system  400  is configured such that a user need only slide cable protection system  400  towards a cable protection system or ramp having conventionally tapered sides until the angled bottom surfaces  447 ,  457  of upwardly tapered ramps  440  or  450  laterally overlap the top surfaces of the downwardly tapered existing cable protector or ramp. 
   Although both ramps  440  and  450  are illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  as having substantially planar top surfaces  445 ,  455  and angled bottom surfaces  447 ,  457 , in some embodiments either ramp  440  or ramp  450  may be configured to have a conventionally angled top surface and a substantially planar bottom surface, similar to ramps  40 ,  50 ,  240 ,  250 ,  340 , and  350 . Specifically, ramp  440  may be configured to have a generally planar top surface  445  and an angled bottom surface  447 , while ramp  450  may be removed and replaced with a ramp configured to have a generally planar bottom surface and an angled top surface, or vice versa. In addition, ramps  440 ,  450  may be formed to have a relatively steep slope (as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 ,  12 A, and  12 B), or more of a gradual slope (as with ramps  40 ,  50  in  FIGS. 1-2 ). As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, mixing and matching ramps having differing shapes in this manner enables a user to modify exemplary cable protection system  400  so as be positionable between two conventionally tapered cable protection systems (such as systems  200  and  300 ), or between one “upside-down” cable protector and one conventionally tapered system (such as system  300  and another system  400 ). This exemplary “building block” configuration of system  400  thus increases the flexibility of the system as a whole, resulting in greater ease of use and interchangeability of parts. 
   As with ramps  40 ,  50  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the exemplary cable protection systems illustrated in  FIGS. 6-15  may be adapted to house any number of cables and/or to extend over roadways and walkways of varying lengths. For example, any number of cable protectors in these systems may be removably attached together in a side-by-side fashion so as to house greater or lesser numbers of cables. Specifically, connectors formed on the side of a first cable protector may be removably inserted into apertures defined in the side of a second cable protector to removably attach the two cable protectors together in a side-by-side fashion. Additional cable protectors may be attached to either side of this assembly to increase the cable-housing capacity of the system as needed. 
   Similarly, any number of cable protectors in systems  200 ,  300 , and  400  may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion so as to extend these exemplary cable protection systems across roadways or walkways of varying widths. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , one or more cable protectors  510 A-C may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion by staggering the manner in which ramps  540 ,  550  are connected. Specifically, after abutting the end of a first cable protector  510 A against the end of a second cable protector  510 B (as seen in  FIG. 13 ), a first pair of ramps  540 A,  550 A may be removably attached to either side of the cable protectors so positioned, with the abutting ends of cable protectors  510 A,  510 B positioned near the centers of ramps  540 A,  540 B. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , additional cable protectors (such as third cable protector  510 C) may also be connected to either end of this assembly using one more additional ramps (such as the second pair of ramps  540 B,  550 B) in a similar manner to increase the length of the system as needed. Additionally or alternatively, cable protectors  510 A-C may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion using one or more end connectors, such as clip connectors  38  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As will be appreciated, one or more gradually sloped ramps and/or one or more steeply sloped ramps may be connected to the sides of the cable protectors connected together in this end-to-end fashion. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , one or more gradually sloped ramps  740 ,  750  and/or one or more steeply sloped ramps  745 ,  755  may be connected to the sides of a plurality of cable protectors  710  connected together end-to-end. In addition, as with the exemplary cable protection systems illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 , and  7 , one or more edge rails  760 ,  765 ,  770 ,  775 , and  780  may be removably attached to the ends of ramps  740 ,  750 . 
   As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, mixing and matching the various “building blocks” of these exemplary cable protection systems in this manner enables a user to form a system capable of housing any number of cables and/or extending over roadways and walkways of varying lengths. The flexibility of the system as a whole is thus increased, resulting in greater ease of use and interchangeability of parts. 
   Although the various cable protectors embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13  and  15  show a cover structure pivotally attached to a base member, various alternative arrangements and configurations fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the cover structure may be snap fit or otherwise removably attached to the base member. Alternatively, the cable protector may comprise a unitary base member/cover structure having an open base for covering one or more cables. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a cable protector  610  may comprise a cover structure  618  unitarily formed on the upper surface of a pair of opposing side walls  613 . In certain embodiments, cover structure  618  and opposing side walls  613  define a single channel  616  for housing one or more cables. Additionally or alternatively, one or more vertically extending rib members (similar to rib members  14  in  FIG. 4 ) may longitudinally divide the length of cable protector  610  into a plurality of longitudinal channels for housing one or more cables. Similar to cable protectors  210 ,  310 ,  410 , and  510 , cable protector  610  may also comprise one or more connectors  632  and/or apertures  634  for facilitating the side-by-side or end-to-end connection of additional ramps or cable protectors. 
   In addition, although the various cable protector embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15  have been described as having one or more connectors formed on a first side of the base member and one or more apertures or exposed rod portions formed on an opposing side of the base member, various alternative arrangements and configurations fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, the base members may be formed with connectors on both sides, or it may have apertures or exposed rod portions defined in each of its sides. Similarly, the base members may be formed such that a connector is formed on the same side as an aperture or exposed pin or partial rod-member. 
   The elements of the exemplary cable protection systems illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15 , such as the cable protectors, ramps, end pieces, and edge rails illustrated in these figures, may be formed of any number or combination of suitable materials. For example, the elements of these exemplary cable protection systems may be molded of a rigid, high-strength plastic material capable of withstanding repeated loadings and stresses. Alternatively or additionally, these elements may be formed of various metallic elements, such as steel or iron. In addition, metal or plastic plating or gripping may be formed on the upper surfaces of one or more of these elements, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-15 , to improve the traction of pedestrians or vehicles traveling over the cable protection system. 
   In addition, the various elements of the exemplary cable protection systems illustrated in  FIGS. 1-15  may be of any color or opacity. For example, in at least one embodiment the various elements in these cable protection systems may be brightly or fluorescently colored to increase the conspicuousness of the system. Additionally or alternatively, the elements in these systems may be formed of a generally or substantially transparent material and illuminated by white or colored light sources to increase the visibility of the system. Generally speaking, coloring or illuminating the various elements of these cable protection system in this manner helps decrease the likelihood of injuries to pedestrians or other motorists due to their failure to notice the cable protection system extended over walkways or roadways. 
   Accordingly, the present invention discloses an exemplary cable protection system capable of being quickly and easily expanded to accommodate any required width or length. By using pivot and/or substantially vertically oriented connectors to removably attach ramps to a cable protector, the present invention avoids the need for conventional horizontally oriented connector elements, which results in a more efficient use of the materials used to form the base member of the cable protector, decreased cable protector production costs, and increased cable-housing capabilities. In addition, the disclosed connections are both easy to align and interconnect and are capable of withstanding relatively large amounts of torsional force. 
   The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.