Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~036960 .
Background of the Invention
Various underfloor trench duct systems have heretofore ,
been provided; however, because of certain inherent.design
characteristics, they have been beset with one or more of the .
following shortcomings: a) the various components comprising the ~
duct sections of the system were required to be custom-made at a -
. predetermined manufacturing facility, thereby complicating the
shipment of the components to a job site and often times causing in-
ordinate delays in the installation of the system; b) because
- the duct section components wer.e custom-made, replacement thereof
oftenti~e~ was a serious and costly logistics problem; c) modify- -
ing at the job site the length of either, or both, the cover plate
and side r~ils of a duct section so as to compensate for unfore-
se~n or u~expectea structural situ~tions or changes occurring
; dur~ng ins$~112tion of the system was an extremely difficult,
cos$1y and la~orious operation; d) the coupler members or con-
- nectors u~ized in interconnecting adjoining duct sections were
frequently of costly construction, awkward to install and impaired
the stability and continuity of the system; e) the sub-assembly
of the cove~ plate and side rails was not capable of being used
in combinhtion with either a base pan or being mounted directly
onto a c~ellular sub-floor; and f) warehousing of the various
duc~ section components in numerous widespread geographical
locations was not a practical or convenient way of distributing
and merchandising the product.
q~
--1--
~036960
S~'iYMA~Y ()~ TliE II~IV~NTIO,J
~__________
Thus, it is an ob,3ect of the invention to provide an
underrloor trenc}l duct system ~,~hich avoi~s the a~orenoted
shortcomings.
It is a further ob~ect of the invention to provide
an underfloor trench duct system which is versatile and thus
facilitates the designing and installing of a variety Or lay-
outs without embodying numerous custom-made components.
It is a still further ob~ect of the invention to pro-
vide an underfloor trench duct system wherein transporting of
the various components to a Job site is greatly facilitated.
It is a still further obJect of the inventlon to pro-
vide an underfloor trench duct system which has markedly im-
proved structural stability and continuity and is capable of
handling a wide variety of cables and wires.
Further and additional ob~ects will appear from the
description, accompanying drawings and app~nded claims.
- In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a
connector for use as an inside connector in one position and as
an outside corner in an inverted position in a trench duct system
of a type including spaced apart elongated generally parallel
side rails and removable cover plates spanning the distance be-
tween the side rails to engage correlative surfaces of the side
rails, said connector comprising: two angularly disposed leg
segments forming a first generally planar surface and a second
generally planar surface on a side opposite the first surface
with both surfaces adapted to engage a cover plate, an acute
angle side surface and an obtuse angle side surface, and two
distal end surfaces; a first rib-like elongated portion located
on and protruding above the first surface, extending alongside
-2-
1036C~60
tne acute an~rle side, and having a top surface generally parallel
to the upper surrace and raised above the first surface a
height selecte(l to form a surface coplanar with the cover plates
when assembled; a second rib-like elongated portion located on
and protruding above the second surface, extending alongside the
obtuse angle side, and having a surface generally parallel to
the second surface and raised above the second surface a height
selected to form a surface coplanar with the cover plates when
assembled, and a means for fastening the connector to adJoining
side rails of the trench duct sections.
For a more complete understanding of the invention,
reference should be made to the drawings wherein
Fig, 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of one form
of layout of the improved underfloor trench duct system prior
to being embedded in concrete,
Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of
a pair of aligned duct sections forming area A of the system
of Fig. 1 and showing the cover plate of one duct section
removed.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational
view of the duct sections of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along
line 4-4 of Fig. 2.
Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view
taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2 and showing the side rail in a
non-elevated position.
Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectiona] view
taken along line 6~6 of Fig. 3.
Fig. 7 is similar to Fig. 5 but showing the side
rail in an elevated position relative to the base member.
!
~(~36960 . Il
~ ig. 8 is similar to Fig. 6 but showing the side rail
in the same elevated ~osition as shown in Fig. 7.
-Fig. 9 is an enlaryed fraymentary top plan view
of area ~ of the system of Fig. 1 wherein a plurality of duct
5 sections are arranged in intersecting relation, portions of ,
adjacent cover plates being removed so as to show a connector.
Fig. 10 is an enlarged top plan view of one form of
~` a connector utilized in the system of Fig. 1 and shown disposed `1 i
in an inside corner mode.
10Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the under-
side of the connector of Fig. 10 disposed in an inside corner
mode and with the components thereof in exploded relation.
Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line 12-12 f
Fig. 10 and showing the connector in a non-elevated position. I
15Fig. 13 is similar to Fig. 12 but showing the ¦
conne~tor in an elevated position.
Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along
line 14-14 of Fig. 9.
Fig. lS is a fragmentary sectional view taken along
line lS-lS of Fig. 14.
Fig. 16 is a fragmentary top plan view of area C of
the system of Fig. 1 wherein a plurality of duct sections
are arranged in a substantially T configuration.
Fig. 17 is a fragmen~ary top plan view of area D of -
the system of F;g. 1 wherein a plurality of duct sections
~are arranged so as to form a substantially L configuration.
jFig. 18 is similar to Fig. 10 but showing the con-
Inector thereof utilized in an outside corner mode.
Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view taXen along
line 19-19 of Fig. 18.
~ 10369160
Fig. 20 is a fragmentary elevational view taken
along line 20-20 of Fig. 18 and showing one leg segment of the
connector connected to a side rail.
Fig. 21 is similar to Fig. 11 but showing the connector
in an outside corner mode and with the components thereof in
exploded relation.
FigO 22 is a perspective view of one form of a
vertical elbow embodied in the system of FigO l; i
Fig. 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken along
line 23-23 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 24 is an enlarged sectional view taken along
line 24-24 of Fig. 23.
FigO 25 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of
a wire protecting element embodied in the elbow of Fig. 22.
Fig. 26 is a fragmentary perspective view of one form of
an en~ closure embodied in the system of Fig. 1.
Fig. 27 is an enlarged end elev~tional view of ~he
end closure of Fig. 26.
Fig. 28 is a sectional view taken along line 28-28 of
~ig. 27.
FigO 29 is an enlarged sectional view taken along
line 29-29 of Fig. 28.
FigO 30 is a perspective view of an auxiliary cor,part-
ment-forming member disposed within a duct section of the system
shown in Fig. 1.
. Fig. 31 is an enlarged sectional view taken along
line 31-31 of Fig. 30.
i Fiq. 32 is a fragmentary enlarged top plan view of
the auxiliary compartment-forming member of Fig. 30.
Fig. 33 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a
duct section showing the compartment-forming member of Fig. 30
in place.
1036960
Fig. 34 is a fraqmentary perspective view of a duct
section ha~ing an auxiliary compartment-forming member and
support post sub-ass~mbly disposed therein.
Fig. 35 is an enlarged top plan view of the duct
section of Fig. 34 with a portion of the cover plate removed.
Fig. 36 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical sectional
view of the support post sub-assembly embodied in the duct '~
section of Fig. 34.
Fig. 37 is a perspective top view of one form of a
cover plate embodied in the system of Fig. 1 and showing a
support strip and gasket carried on the cover plate.
Fig. 38 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view
taken along lines 38-38 of Fig. 37 and showing in phantom lines
an abutting cover plate.
Figs. 39, 40 and 41 are enlarged fragmentary vertical
sectional views of the same portion of a side rail and showing
~ tile trim piece mounted in three relative positions within a
groove formed in the side rail.
Description
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly
to Fig. 1, one form of the improved underfloor trench duct
system 100 is shown mounted on a cellular sub-floor member 101
and prior to concrete or the like being poured over the sub-
floor member and between the various runs comprising the system.
' For illustrative purposes only, the system shown in
Fig. 1 embodies a straight run area A formed of a plurality
of duct sections 102 arranged in aligned abutting, end-to-end
relation; a cross-over area B formed of a plurality of duct
sections arranged in an intersecting relation; a substantially
. , ,
~03696~
T-shaped area C wherein a first duct section extends in one direc-
tton at a right angle to a sec~ônd duct section; and area D
wherein a plurality,of duct sections are arrangea in an L con-
~iguration. The number of areas A, B, C and D embodied in a
system l00 will depend upon the ~esign layout for a given build-
ing. In addition to the aforesaid area, the system will embody
numerous other accessories common to such an installation such as,
for example, a vertical elbow 103 and an end closuze 104.
One form of the duct section 102 utilized in the
system is shown in Fig. 4 and includes a metallic base pan 105
having as one component thereof a bottom plate 106 resting upon
and being secured by welding or suitable fasteners tothecellular
subfloor member 101. Mounted in relatively spaced relation on
the upper surface of plate 106 are elongated side wall elements
lS - 107 and 108 which are preferably of L-shape in cross section. -
The side wall elements are arranged in spaced relation and corre-
sponding leg portions lQ7a ard 108a extend horizontally outward~y
. iQ opposite directions and are secured to the bottom plate 106.
The other corresponding leg portions 107_ and 108_ extend upward-
ly and are arranged in spaced substantially parallel relation.
Mounted on each leg portion 107b and 108b for selected vertical
adjustment with respect thereto is a side rail 110 or 111. Each
side rail to be hereinafter described is substantially of like
configùration and preferably formed of extruded metal. Overly-
ing the base pan 105 and supported by the side rails 110 and lli
is a planar covcr plate 112 formed of metal. The width dimen-
sion of the cover plate will depend upon the spacing between the
side rails. The side rails are vertically adjusted so that the
exposed surface of the cover plate can be made flush with a
predetermined horizontal plane which becomes the screed surface
of the poured concrete.
1036960
Th~ cover plate 112 `i^s removably secured to the side
rails by a plurality of screw fasteners 113 symmetrically
arranged along the side marginal portions of the cover plate,
see FigO lo The shank of each fastener extends through a suitable
opening formed in the cover plate and is threaded into an elon-
gated groove 114 formed in the upper supporting surface of the
corresponding side rails 110 or 111 disposed b~th the particulæ margina~
portion of the cover plate. Each groove 114 is coextensive with
the length of the side rail. The fastener opening in the cover
plate is pre-punched or drilled to accommodate a screw. The
fasteners 113 may remain in place after the concrete has been
poured or they may be discarded. In any case, however, it is
preferred that the cover plate be secured to the side rails at
the time the concrete is being poured. The ultimate disposition
lS of the fasteners 113 will depend upon the esthetic effect
desired, and whether the exposed surface of concrete and trench
~uct is to be covered over with ti~e, carpet or the like. The
fastener may be a flat head or filister head type.
As seen in Fig. 4, the opposite side edges of the
c~ver plate 112 engage elongated trim strips 115 formed of metal
or plastic which are disposed wi~hin second elongated grooves
116 formed in the upper surface of the respective side rails
110 and 111. Groove 116, the function of which will be described
I more fully hereinafter, is spaced from groove 114 and is sub-
! 25 stantially parallel thereto. A portion 117 of the side rail
i defines a wall of groove 116 and is elevated relative to theil cover plate supporting surface of the side rail. Projecting out-
I wardly from the upper edge of portion ll7 is a flange 118 which
.1 .
1036960
has an exposed upper surface su~stantially flush with the exposed
surface of the cover plate 112, see Figs. 4-6. ~he trim piece
115 may be of such c~oss-sectional configuration that it can be
accommodated in various relative positions within the side rail
groove 116, as seen more clearly in Figs. 39-41. The relative
. position of the trim strip within the groove will depend upon
¦ the type of floor covering, if any, to be ultimatelv used.
~ Vertical adjustment of the side rail 110 or 111 rela-
I tive to the upstanding leg portion 107b or 108b of the side wall
10 ;elements is effected by adjusting screws 120, only one being shown
in Figs. 6 and 8. The lower shank portion 120a of the screw is
threaded into a fixed nut-like member 121 carried on a bracket 122
mounted on the outer surface of the side wall leg portion 107_.
, In the illustrated embodiment the brackets 122, nut-like members
1 15 121, and the lower shank portions 120a of the adjusting screws
are exposed to the poured concrete and thus, proper leveling of
side rails must occur prior to hardening of the concrete.~
The upper portion 120_ of-the adjusting screw is dis-
posed within an opening 123 formed in the side rail 110. The
2~. upper end of the screw is recessed from the cover plate-supporting
surface of the side rail. A suitable cross slot 120c is formed
in the upper end of the screw to facilitate manual adjustment
thereof with a screw driver or the like when the cover plate
is removed. In some duct sections, however, it may be desirable
to provide holes in the cover plate which align with correspond-
ing openings 123, thereby permitting vertical adjustment of the
side rails while the cover plate is assembled on the side rails.
In still other duct sections, the adjusting screws may be dis-
posed beyond the periphery of the cover plate.
1036C~60
Spaced longitudinally do'wnwardly from the slotted upper
end of screw 120 is an annular~cbllar 120d which is disposed
within a suitable recess 124 formed in the underside of the side
rail 110 or 111, see Fig. 6. The recess 124, in the illustrated
embodiment, is of channel-like configuration and extends the full
length of the side rail. The size and configuration of the screw
collar 120d is such that it is impassable relative to the opening ,
123.
'The underside of the screw collar 120 is engaged by a
second bracket 125 which is affixed to the undersurface of the
si~e rail 110 or 111 by means of suitable fasteners 126, only one
being shown in Figs. 5 and 7. Thus, the screw collar 120d is
sandwiched between the bracket 125 and the undersurface of the
side rail. By reason of this arrangement,,the side rail
- 15 can be vertically adjusted without requiring the cover plate to
be in place, as is the case with various prior structures of
this t!~e. ~ I f
As seen in Figs. 6 and 8,~the cover plate-supporting
,~ - surface of the side rail is provided with a suitable sealing
gasket 129 which engases the underside of the cover plate 112
when the latter is in place.
The side rail is provided with a depending flange or
skirt 127 which is juxtaposed with respect to the interior surface of the
siae wall upst~ing leg portion 107b. The skirt cooperates with the
leg portion to form a concrete barrier regardless of whether the
side rail is in an elevated position, sec Fi~. 8, or a non-
elev'ated position, see Fig. 6.
As aforenoted, the outer portion 117 of the side rail
has the upper edge thereof terminating in a flange 118, see
Fig. 6, and spaced beneath the flange and projecting outwardly
from por~ion 117 is a tongue-like element 130 which extends the
full length of th~ side rail. Element 130 serves a dual function.'
.
. l t)-- ~
103~960 . I
a) it is an effective key for t~ concrete which is poured subse-
quent to the system being installed on the cellular subfloor
member; and b) it is a means for enabling aligned side rails to
be coupled together in abutting relation by an elongated splicer
S piece 131.
It will be noted in Figs. 6 and 40 that the distal
portion 130a of element 130 extends downwardly and inwardly ?7
forming an elongated cavity 132 of unique cross-sectional con-
figuration which is adapted to snugly accommodate a similarly
shaped projection 131a formed on the splicer piece 131, see
Figs. 6 and 80 As seen in Fig. 3, the splicer piece 131, which
is preferably an extrusion, extends a substantial distance in
opposite directions from the joint J formed between the abutting
duct sections 102. The splicer piece 131 has an outwardly -
lS disposed portion 131b which is adapted to cooperate with projec-
tion 131a so as to substantially encompass the distal portion
130a of the element 130. Because of the configuration of the
distal portion 130a and the projection 131a, the splicer piece
131 can only move longitudinally of the side rail. Once the
20 abu~ting ends of the adjacent duct sections are in properly
aligned relation and the splicer piece is positioned so that the
joint J is disposed substantially midlength of the piece 131,
the latter is locked in place by a pair of locking screws 133
threaded into corresponding holes 131c formed in portion 131b.
25 The holes 131c are longitudinally spaced a substantial distance
apar~ so that one screw tightly engages one side rail and the
other screw tightly engages the other side rail on duct section~
forming the ~oint J, see Fig. 3.
The surface of the side rail facing the compartment
30 128, in which the cablcs and/or wiring are housed, is providcd
with a nose-like projection 134 disposed ad~acent the upper
~036960
portion thereof. The shape of the proj~ction 134 is such that
it may b~ interlockingly engaged by a resilient clip, not shown, -
carried on the underside of the cover plate 112 when the latter
is assembled on the side rails.
As aforementioned, the trim strips 115 are of such
configuration that each strip may be disposed within the groove
116 in any one of three positions, see Figs. 39, 40 and 41. ,
Strip 115 is a thin, elongated member of metzl or plastic mate-
rial and having one flat narrow surface 115a. When the strip
is in the position shown in Fig. 39, surface 115a is flush with
the' exposed surface of the cover plate 112 and the floor surface
may be readily covered ovèr with carpetlng.
The opposite narrow surface 115b o~ the strip has a
step-like configuration. In Fig'. 39, the stepped surface 115b
is concealed within groove 116 and snugly fits into a comple-
mentary stepped pocket 116a formed in the bottom of the yroove.
~en, however, plastic floor tile or the like is to be applied t~
the exposed surface of the floor, the strip 115 is pos'itioned in
-the groove 116 as shown in either Fig. 40 or Fig. 41. In both
instances the strip protrudes upwardly from the groove an amount
e~uivalent to the combined thicknesses of the cover plate and the
tile to be applied over the cover plate. More of the trim strip
will be exposed to view when it is positioned as in Fig. 40 than
'when positioned as in Fig. 41.
-- 25 As shown in ~lq. 4, cam~tnænt 12~, which is formd kv the base Pan
and side rails 107 and 108 enables len~ths of cable, wirinq or the like to be
laid therein or rem~ therefrom when the cover plate is removed.For conven-
ience and/or in compliance with electrical safety codes, the com-
' partment 128 may be formed into a plurality of auxiliary compart-
ments 128a, 128_ and 128c, thereby enabling the cables and/or
-12-
` 1036~60 '
wiring to be segregated within a duct section. The number and
size of the auxiliary compartments formed in a duct section will-
depend upon the type of partitioning utilized. In Fi~s.4,23, and 31,
form of partitioning is shown which includes a channel-shaped
member 135 disposed beneath the cover plate. Member 135 has the
sides 136 thereof formed in two sections 136a and 13fib which are
adjustably connected to one another by a bolt and nut asse~bly
137. The shank of the bolt extends through an opening
formed in one of the sections and an elongated vertically
disposed slot formed in the other section. A web portion 138
i~terconnects the sections 136b of member 135 and rests upon
i the bottom plate 106 of the duct section. Thus, by having the
. sides 136 of the channel-shaped member 135 verticaily adjustable,
the web portion 138 will rest at aIl times on the bottom plate
106 and the upper edges of sections 136a will engage the underside
of the cover plate regardless of whether the side rails are in
elevated or non-elévated positions. I
The upper edges of the side sections 136a are offset in
opposite directions so as to form flanges 136c which are engaged
by suitable vibration da~per pads 140 arranged in spaced relation
along each flange. The pads engage the underside of cover plate
112 when the latter is in place. Once cables or wiring are laid
in member 135, it will remain in the desired location within ~he
compartment.
As noted in Fig: 1, the duct sections comprising the
underfloar trench duct system are arranged in various angular
relations, thereby forming areas B, C and D. Each area embodies
a plurality of connectors 141 which are adapted to interconnect
the ends of adjoining duct sections. As seen in Fig. 9, area B
is formed by utilizing four connectors 141, each-of which is dis-
posed in an inside corner mode "IC". Fig. 16 shows area C wherein
two connectors are utilized, and each is disposed in an inside
-13-
1036~960
corner mode. In area D, Fig. 17,-two connectors are utilized,
one of ~hicll is disposed in an outside corner mode !'OC" and the
other is disposed il~ an inside corner mode. As will be hereinafter
descriked, the same connector is utili~ed in both modes; in one
S mode the connector assumes one position and in th~ other mode
it assumes an inverted position. In Figs. 10 and 11 the con-
nector 141 is shown disposed in an inside corner mo~e and in
Figs. 18 and 21 it is shown disposed in an outside corner mode.
Connector 141 in the illustrated embodiment includes
a support portion, preferably a metallic casting, having
a pair of leg segments 142 and 143 arranged at right angles to
one another. The distal end of each leg segment is provided
with a plurality of inflexible, longitudinal]y e~tending narrow
fingers 144, 145, 146 and 147 which are adapted to interfit
wit~in suitable grooves or spaces forrned in the abutting duct
section. Fingers 144 and 147 are each provided with a trans-
versel~ extending openirg 144a or 147_ wh;ch is a~an~ed to
accommodate a locking screw 143, see Figs. 11 and 21. Each
screw is manually adjusted to snugly engage an adjoining duct
2~, section, thereb~ retaining the connector and duct section in
a~utting relation, see Figs. 14 and 20. As seen in Fig. 11,
t~e fingers 144-147 are arran~ed in diagonally spaced relation
on each end face.
Connector 141, as seen in Fig. 10, is disposed in an
inside corner mocle ancl thè upper, or exposed, surface Sl of each
leg segment is provided with a plurality of grooves lS0, 151
and 152. Groove 150 has one end l50a thereof terminating at the
endface of the leg segment and the opposite end 150b terminating
within the supporting portion and adjacent the juncture 153 of
the leg sesments. When the conrector 141 and duct sections are
assembled so as to form an inside corner, the groove 150 in
-14-
, . 1036960
each leg secJment ~^~ill be in longitudinal alignment with the
groove 114 for~ed in the corresponding side rail 110 or 111
of the adjacent duct section. The groove 150 is sized so as to
accomrnodate the threaded shank of a cover plate hold-down
screw 113.
Groove 151 in each leg segment 142 and 143 of thc
connector 141 has one end 151a thereof terminatlng at the end
face of the leg segn~ent. The opposite or inner ends 151_ of the
grooves 151 interconnect, thereby forming a continuous groove
from one end face to the other. Grooves 151 are aligned with
the grooves 154 formed in the cover plate-supporting surfaces
of the respective side rails 110 and 111 and are adapted to
accommodate the sealing gasket 129, see Figs. 6 and 8.
Grooves 152 are interconnected, as in the case of
grooves 151, and are aligned with the grooves 116 formed in
the respective side rails 110 and 111. The cross-sectional
configurations o~ grooves 11~ and 152 are t~le same ana tnus,
grooves 152 are adapted to accommodate portions of trim pieces
115.
Disposed within the area of surface Sl, and delimited
on opposite sides by grooves 151 and 152 are holes 155, 156 and
157 which are foxmed in the support portion of the connector.
Hole 155 is located in leg segment 142 and is adapted to receive
the slotted upper end 158b of an adjusting screw 158. As in
the case of the side rail adjusting screw 120, the slotted
upper end 158b is recessed frorn the surface Sl of the connector
1~1. Adjusting screws 120 and 158 are of like configuration and
function in a similar manner; IIole 155 is countersunk from the
opposite surface S2 of leg se~ment 1~2 so as to accomrnodate the
annular coll~r 158d fomled on screw 158. The lower end portion
~03696~
! 158a of screw 158 is threaded intb a stationary, internally
threaded, upright cylindrical sleeve 160 which will be described
more fully hereinaf~er.
Hole 156 is similar to hole 155 except that it is
located in leg segment 143 and is in an inverted position, that
is to say, the countersun~ portions of holes 155 and 156 face
in opposite directions. When the connector 141 is disposed
in an outside corner mode, Figs. 18 and 21, the countersunk ~7
portion of hole 156 w~ll face downwardly and accommodate the -'
collar 158d of the adjusting screw 158.
~ole 157 is located at the juncture of leg sesments
142 and 143 and is adapted to receive the threaded shank of
attaching screw 161 when the connector is in its outside corner
mode, see Fig. 21.
Surface Sl, of the connector 141, as seen in Fig. 10,
is partially delimited by an upwardly protruding L-shaped rib-like
portion 152 ~hich extends into and forms a part of both leg
segments 142 and 143. The end faces 162a of portion 162, when
abutting corresponding end faces of adjacent side rails, cause
the portion 162 to be aligned with the portions 117 of the
adjacent side rails. The top surface of portion 162 is in
coplanar relation with the exposed surface of the side rail
flanges 118.
Fingers 147, which project longitudinally from end faces
162a, are each recessed from the exposed surface of portion 162
. an amoun~t equal to the thickness of flange 118 of the side rail
110 or 111 so that when the connector and side rails are
assembled, the finger 147 will slide beneath the flange 118 as
seen in Fig. 14. Once the connector and side rails are in proper
abutting relation, the screws 148 are manually threaded into
. ''
. . .. _ . ............... _ .
1036960
finger holes 147a until the leading or concealed ends of the
.~ . .
screw fr~ctionally engaye the sîde rail portions 117 and hold
the connector and si~e rails in assembled relation. Simultaneously
with the engagement of finger 147 beneath flange 118 of the
S side rail, finger 146 will slidably engage a part of the under-
side of the supporting portion of the side rail, as seen more
clearly in Fig. 15. Finger 145 will also slide beneath the side
rail but will not be in contact therewith. Finger 144 also
- will slidably engage he surface of the side rail depending
skirt 127 which forms a wall of the compartment 128 within the
duct section, see Fig. 15O
As aforementioned, the adjusting screw 158 of the
connector 141 is threaded into the stationary upstanding sleeve
160, see Fig. 11. The lower end o~ the sleeve is attached
to a horizontally disposed base B of a mounting plate 163 which
in turn is fixedly secured to the bottom plate 106 of the duct
sec~ion hase p~n. The pl~te 163 is pro~ided with 2 pair of
upright angularly disposed flanges l64 and 165, the function of
which will be described more fully hereinafter~
A retaining member 166, as shown in Fig. 11, is provi-
ded, which is adapted to be secured by a screw fastener 167 to
the undersi~e (surface S2) of the connector 141. ~lember 166 includes
, a horizontally disposed first flange 166a which is provided with
i a cut-out 166b to permit the shank of the ad~usting screw 158
~ 25 and the upper portion of sleeve 160 to pass therethrough. Dis
I posed wi~thin the countersunk portion of the opening 155 and
j encompassing a portion of the screw shank is a spacer sleeve 168.
j The upper edge of the sleeve 168 engages the underside of the
screw collar 158d and the lower edge of the sleeve engages the
first flange 166a of the retaining member 166~ Sleeve 168 is
~ ,
-17-
103fi960
impassable relative to the cut-out 166b. The interior dimension
of sleeve 168 is such that the upper end portion of the upright
sleeve 160 will fit therein when the connector is disposed in a
non-elevated position as seen in Fig. 10.
Retaining member 166 includes second and third flanges
166c and 166d which are disposed at a right angle to one another ;
and conform to the angular disposition of the leg segments 142 ~
,.
and 143~ Flanges 166c and 166d are disposed iI: sliding side-by-
side relation with the upright flanges 164 and 165, respectively,
formed on mounting plate 163 when the components of the connector
I are in assembled relation as seen in Figs. 12 and 13. The
flanges cooperate with one--another to form a barrier preventing
the poured concrete from finding its way into the compartments
' 128 formed in the connected duct sections.
1~ As seen in Figs. 11-13, each leg segment 142 and 143
of ~he connector 141 has a pair of nose-like pr~Jections 170
and 171. When the connector is disposed in an inside corner
mode, as seen in Figs. 10-13, the projections 170 are elevated
relative to projections 171 and are aligned with the correspond-
ing side rail nose-li~e projections 134 of the connected duct
sections. Thus, with such an arrangement, the resilient hold-
down clips carried on the underside of the cover plate can
interlockingly engage either the nose-like projections 134 or
170, thereby permitting the length of the cover plate and the
. 25 lengths of the respective side rails supporting said cover plate
to be unequal without adversely effecting securement of the
-¦ cover plate to the side rails.
In the area C arrangement, for example, both the duct
sections, forming the top of the T shape, may have side rails of
unequal lengths. The corresponding longer side rails of such
-18-
. , .
1036,960
duct sections are aligned in end-to-end relation and are inter-
connected by the splicer piece 131. The other or shorter corre- -
sponding side rails of such duct sections are engaged by con-
nectors 141 disposed in inside corner modes, see Fig. 16.
S Area D of the system is formed by a pair of duct
sections in an L, or right angle, configuration, see Fig. 17.
With such an arrangement, two connectors 141 are utilized with t
one of said connectors being disposed in an outside corner
mode "OC" and the other connector being disposed in an inside
corner mode "IC"~ The duct sections forming area D, each has
one corresponding side rail of substantially greater length than
the other corresponding side rail~ The longer side rails may
extend a substantial distance beyond the edges of the cover plates
as shown in Fig. 17, with the result that a separate square-
shaped supplemental cover plate 112A is utilized. A similar
su~emental co~er plate ~.ay be utLlize~ in area C, s e ~ig. 16
and in area B, see Fig. 9. Where a supplemental cover plate 112
is used, hold-down screws 113 may be çmployed to retain the
plate 112A in place during pouring of the concrete.
The connector 141, when disposea in an outside corner
mode "OC", see Figs. 18-21, assumes an inverted position rela-
tive to the inside corner mode position "IC" as seen in Figs.
10-14, whereby surface S2 of the connector faces upwardly and
is engaged by the cover plate. At the same time, nose-like
` 25 proiections 171 are disposed in elevated positions relative to
projections 170, and the countersunk end of hole 155 faces
upwardly. Grooves 150', 151i and 152' are formed in surface S2
I and serve the same functions as the previously described corre-
sponding grooves 15C, 151 and 152 formed in surface 51 In
30 surface 52~ groove 150' is disposed closest to the side having
l .
I -19-
r
~ ' 103~;9160
the nose-like projection 171 and groove 152' is disposed
closest to th~ side having the nose-like projection 170, see
Fig. 18O By way of contrast, however, when the connector is
in an inside corner mode, Fig. 10, and surface Sl faces unwardly,
groove 150 is disposed closest to the side having the nose-like
projection 170 and groove 152 is disposed closest to the side
`having the nose projection 171. In a similar fashlon the rib-like
protuberance 162' on surface S2 is disposed adjacent the side
having the nose-like projection 170, thereas in surface Sl the '.
protuberance 162 is disposed adjacent the side having the nose-
like projection 171.
¦ As seen in Fig. 21, the mounting plate 163' and retain-
i ing member 166' for the connector, when it is in an outside
corner mode "OC", have a different configuration from the corre-
spondin~ plate 163 and member 166 when the connector is disposed
in an inside corner mode "I~", see Fig. 11.
Ko~n~ing plate 1~3' is secured to ~he subflooring ~y
welding or suitable means. A pair of angularly disposed upright
flanges 164' and 165' are connected to the base B' of the plate
but are disposed substantilly outside the perimeter of the base.
The internally threaded sleeve 160' is fixedly secured to the
¦~ base B'.
Retaining member 166' includes a p~ir of depending
¦ angularly disposed flanges 166'c and 166'd which are adapted to
slidably cooperate with the respective flanges 164' and 165' of
the-mounting plate 163' in the same manner as in the case of
member 166 and plate 163 so as to form a concrete barrier. A
flange 166'a extends laterally from the upper edge of flanse
166'c and is adapted to be secured by screw 161 to surface Sl
and thereby retain the spacer sleeve 168 and ajusting screw 158
.
-20-
in prope~ assembled relatio? within hole 156. Flange 166'a
is provided with a cut-out 166'b through which the upper end of
sleeve 160' extends when the connector is in a non-elevated
position, see Fig. 19.
5 ~ Figs. 22-24 disclose one form of an elbow 103 which
/ is embodied in the system 100 of Fig. 1. The elbow functions
/ as a means of feeding cables and/or wiring in a vertical plane.
As seen in Fig.22, the elbow 103 includes a horizontally disposed i
mounting plate 172 ~Jhich is adapted to span the distance between
the side rails 110 and 111 of a duct section 102, see Fig. 1.
The opposite side marginal portions 172a are supported by the
side rails and the plate 172 is secured to the side rails by
suitable threaded fasteners 173; The leading ends of the fasteners
173 are adapted to threadably engage grooves 114 formed in the
si2e rails. Preformed holes 174 may be formed in the marginal
portions 172a of the plate to accommodate the fasteners 173.
The elbow 1~3 is normally positione-d at the end of a run and
is frequently connected to a cabinet, box or closet, none of
which is shown. In other instances, the elbow may be connected
to a vertical riser, not shown.
Secured to mounting plate 172 and extending upwardly
therefrom is a hollow rectangularly shaped member 175, which in
the illustrated embodiment is formed from a channel-shaped
piece 176 and a flat piece 177, the latter spanning the distance
between the sides 176a of~piece 176 and being fixedly secured
to the offset edges 176b of the sides.
The upper edge of the ~eb 176c of piece 176 which
interconnects the sides 176a thereof and the upper edge of piece
177 are provided with suitable slots 176d and 177a, respectively,
-~ 30 which are utilized when the elbow is to be connected to a cabinet,
.~. I
~'' ' ' ~0;~6i960 ',
bo~, closet or riser in a manner well known in the art.
In order ~o facilitate securement of member 175 to
the mounting plate 172, the latter is provided with a cut-out
172b shaped to closely conform to the exterior cross-sectior.al
5 . configuration of the channel-shaped piece 176. The lower end of
piece 176 is provided with an outwardly projecting flange 176_
which, in turn, is secured to the underside of mounting plate
172 by welding or the like.
The lower edge 177b of flat piece 177 is provided with
a protector element 178, see Fig. 25, which is fixedly secured to
the concealed surface of the piece. The lower portion of element
178 is chrled inwardly and upwardly so as to form a roll-shape
bumper 178a. Thus, the bumper 178a alleviates any abrasion of
the bent cable or wiring occurring when same is being fed to or
from the duct section through the elbow member 175. If desired,
a similar protector, not shown, may be secured to the lower
edge of web 176c of member 176.
One form of an end closure 104 is shown more clearly
., .
. in Figs. 26-28 and is adapted to be positioned at the end of a run
20 of duct sections, see Fig. 1. Closure 104 includes a pair of sub-
J stantially flat cover pieces 180 and 181 which are disposed trans-
versely of the cover plate 112 and cooperate with one another to
I close off the end of the compartment 128 formed within the duct sec-
, tion. Cover piece 180 is provided with a pair of laterally extendirg
¦ 25 protube~ances 180a and b formed on the opposite narrow sides of the
¦ plate. Projecting transversely in the same direction from the
¦ protuberances 180a and 180b are elongated fittings 182, see Fig.
~ 28. Each fitting 182 has a cross-sectional configuration (see
¦ Fig. 29) which is like that of splicer piece 131, and thus,
; 30 corresponding portions of the fitting and splicer piece are
-22-
1036960
identified by the same number. Fitting 182 is secured by threaded
fasteners 183 to a tab 180c formed on the protuberance 180a or
180b.
In assembling the cover pieces 180 and 181 on the end
S of a duct section, the fittings 182 extending from protuber-
ances 180a and 180b are inserted endwise into the cavities 132 ;
formed in the tongue-like elements 130 of the side rails. Once ~i
the fittings have been fully inserted into the respective
cavities 132, the locking screw 184 carried by each fitting is
manually adjusted so as to tightly engage the accommodated
element 130 and thus retain the fittings and side rails in
assembled relatlon. - ~ ~
To compensate for any vertical adjustment of the side
rails to which the cover pieces 180 and 181 are connected, the
cover piece 181 can be slidably adjusted relative to piece 180
by loosening a pair of nut and bolt assemblies 185 which connec~
-the two cover pieces together. The shank 185a of each bolt of
the assembly 185 extends through an elongated vertically disposed
slot 181a formed in the upper portion of piece 181, see Figs.
26-28. The lower edge 181b of piece 181 will normally rest
upon the subflooring 101, see Fig. 26.
In Fig. 33, the compartment 128 within the duct section
102 has been formed into two auxiliary compartments 128d and 128e
instead of three as shown in Fig. 4 by member 135. The member
' 25 135 in Flg. 33 has been modified slightly by having one of the
l, upper sections 136a thereof removed so that the section 136b,
¦ from which section 136a was removed, can be positioned bencath
the nose-lik~ projection 134 and in face-to-face contact with
the depending s~irt 127 of the side rail 110. The remaining
-23-
1036960
upper section 136a is adjusted vertically so that the pad 140
will positively en~age the underside of the cover plate.
In certain instances the interior compartment 128 of
the duct section may be partitioned by one or more Z-shaped
5 members, not shown, which are substituted for the channel-
~shaped member 135. With a Z-shaped member, the vertical web
portion would be in sections similar to the sections 136a and
136b of member 13S. The lower section of the Z-shaped member, ~-
however, would be fixedly secured to the bottom plate 106 of the
base pan 105.
Where the span between the side rails of a duct section
is substantial and where the anticipated load traffic over the
cover plate might be heavy, it is oftentimes desirable to utilize
a support post-assembly 186, one form of which is shown more
lS clearly in Fig. 36. Assembly 186 includes a stationary, upright
tubular member 1~7 having tne lower end thereof affixed to a
mounting bracket 188. The bracket 188 is riveted or otherwise
secured to the bottom plate 106. Projecting upwardly from the
internally threaded upper end of member 187 is an adjusting screw
- 20 190. The screw 190 is adjusted relative to member 187 so that
the head 191 of the screw will engage the underside of the cover
plate ~hen the latter is assembled on the side rails of the duct
section. Preferably the support post-assembly 186 is positioned
substantially equidistant from the side railsO The number of
ass~blies utilized and their relative locations within the com-
partment may be varied as desired.
Figs. 37 and 38 disclose a support strip and gas~;et
assembly 192 which may be carried on the cover plate 112 and is
positioned along one edge 112b of the cover plate ~:hich will abut
an edge of an adjacent cover plate in a run, see Fig. 38. The
-24-
.. .. .. ... ., . _ _
~036960
assembly 192 includes an elongated bracket or strip 193 having
a first flange 193a which projects beyond the edge 112b of the
cover plate and is spaced downwardly from the plane defined by
the underside of the cover plate. Mounted on the upper surface
of bracket flange 193a is an elongated gasket 194 which will
positively engage the underside of an adjacent cover plate when
the plates are installed in abutting relation.
Bracket 193 includes a second flange 193b which is
welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the underside of the
cover plate adjacent the edge 112b thereof. The two flanges
193a and 193b are joined by an offsetting segment 193c. The
length of the brac~et 193 is substantially the same as the width
of the compartment 128 which is covere over by the cover plate.
As previously mentioned, the side rails 110 and 111
may be secured directly to the subfloor member 101 rather than to
the bottom plate 106. In such an install~ticn, however, it is
desirable that the side rails be disposed at a right angle to
the valleys lOla formed in the cellular subfloor member and
that suitable plate-like members, not shown, having peripheral
shapes corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the valley
extend down from the side rails and function as concrete
barriers.
It should be noted that because all of the side rails
utilized in the system have a uniform cross-sectional configura-
tion and that there is no problem of aligning the hold-down
screw holes in the cover plates with preformed holes in the side
rails, shipment to the job site of the duct sections in either
assembled or disassembled condition is optional and thus, mini-
mizes any problems associated with transporting products
of this type. Furthcrmore, because the cover plate sup?ortin~
~036'~60
portion of the conne~ctor can be used in either an inside corner
mode or outsi.de corner mode, inventory of the connectors ~y the
manufacturer is simplified and therefore the cost of manu ac-
turing the connector is subc;tantially recluced. Warehousing in
S various geographical locations of the cover plates, side rails,
connectors, and various accessories utilized in the improved
system is readily possible and economically feasible because
such components are of uniform configuration and can be utilized
i.n a wide variety of layout designs.
~e claim:
