ELASCO EX. 1001
`Elasco v. Checkers
`U.S. Patent No. 7,943,851
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`Page 1 of 16
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`US. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Us 7,943,851 B2
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`US. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`US. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 4 of 10
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 5 of 10
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`US. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 6 of 10
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`US 7,943,851 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 7 of 10
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`US. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 9 of 10
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 17, 2011
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`Sheet 10 M10
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`Us 7,943,851 B2
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`US 7,943,851 B2
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`1
`CABLE PROTECTION SYSTEM WITH
`PII()'l‘(JLUMINES(.‘EN'l' INDICIA AND
`RELATED METIIOIJS
`
`BAC KG ROUN 1)
`
`Over the years. various devices and apparatuses have been
`developed in an effort to protect hoses. cables. wiring, and the
`like lrom 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 traf-
`lic. and other such external elements. Cable protectors have
`also proven useful in helping to minimize the risk of pedes-
`trians tripping over such cabling.
`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 remov-
`ably attachable to. the
`of the cable protector to allow
`vehicles and the like to roll over the top ofthe cable protector.
`In some cases. these side ramps are configured to have a
`relatively gradual slope so that a wheelchair. walker. or the
`like may pass over the cable protector with minimal effort.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`As will be described in greater detail below, the present
`disclosure generally relates to cable protectors and cable pro-
`tection systems having indicia that have photoluminesccnt
`portions. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a
`cable protector that includes a base member. at
`least one
`channel extending between opposing ends ofthe base mem-
`ber and structured to house at least one cable. and an indicia
`member positioned 011 or within the base member. wherein
`the indicia member includes photoluminescent material. The
`indicia member may include safety related indicia such as text
`and symbols.
`The cable protector may also include a cover structure
`pivotally attached to the base member. and the indicia mem-
`ber is positioned on the cover structure. The indicia member
`may be included in a label and the label is secured to the base
`member. The indicia member may be embedded in the base
`member. The indicia member may be applied to the base
`member as a liquid and cured into a solid state while on the
`base member. The cable protector may include at least one
`side ramp. and the indicia member is positioned on the side
`ramp. The side ramp may be removably attached to the base
`member. The side ramp may be integrally formed with the
`base member. The cable protector may also include first and
`second side ramps. wherein a separate indicia member is
`positioned on each of the first and second side ramps. The
`base member may include a recess defined in a top surface of
`the base member. and the indicia member is positioned in the
`recess. The indicia member may include a symbol selected
`from a group consisting of a power symbol. a tripping hazard
`symbol, and a handicap symbol. The indicia member may
`also include at least one elongate strip ofphotoluminescent
`material.
`
`A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a side
`ramp structured to be removably attachable to. or integrally
`lhrmed with. a side ofa cable protector. In one embodiment.
`this side ramp may include a first side, a second side, a first
`end, a second end. and a indicia member positioned within or
`on the side member so as to be visible. The indicia member
`may include a photoluminescent portion. The side ramp may
`also comprise a slot or a recess for housing the indicia mem-
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`ber. The side ramp may also comprise an indicia—covering
`stmcture for retaining the indicia member within the recess of
`the side ramp.
`The indicia member ofthe side ramp may include a symbol
`or a strip of photolumineseenl material. The indicia member
`may be embedded in the side ramp. The indicia member may
`be applied to a surface of the side ramp in the form ofa label
`or in the form ofa liquid that cures into a solid on the surface.
`Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable
`protection system. In certain embodiments. this cable protec-
`tion system may include at least one cable protector, at least
`one channel extending between opposing ends of the cable
`protector and structured to receive at least one cable. at least
`one side ramp removably attached to the cable protector. and
`a indicia member positioned within or on at least one ofthe
`cable protector and the side ramp so as to be visible. The
`indicia member may include a photoluminescent portion.
`In one example. at least one photoluminescent
`indicia
`member ol‘ the cable protection system is positioned on each
`of the at least one cable protector and the at least one side
`ramp. The at least one photoluminescent indicia member may
`be embedded in the at least one ofthe cable protector and the
`side ramp. The cable protector may include a cover structure
`pivotally attached to the cable protector. wherein the photo-
`luminescent indicia member being positioned on the cover
`structure. The photoluminescent indicia member may include
`at least one ofa symbol comprising photoltuttinescent mate-
`rial and a strip comprising photolttminescent material.
`Features from any of tlie above—mentioned embodiments
`may be used in combination with one another in accordance
`with the general principles described herein. 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 a number of exem-
`plary embodiments and are a part of the specification.
`Together with the following dc sc ription, these drawings dent-
`onstrate and explain various principles ol‘ the instant disclo-
`sure.
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cable protec-
`tion system according to at least one embodiment.
`FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary cable protection
`system illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is an end view of an exemplary cable protection
`system illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 is a partial close up view of the cable protection
`system illustrated in FIG. 3.
`FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view ofthe exemplary
`cable protection system illustrated in FIG. 1.
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary cable
`protection system according to an additional embodiment.
`FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the cable protec-
`tion system illustrated in FIG. 6.
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary side ramp
`member for use with a cable protection system according to
`an additional embodiment.
`
`[-'IG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the side ramp
`member shown in FIG. 8.
`
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary cable
`protection system according to an additional embodiment.
`FIG. 11 is a close up view of the cable protection system
`shown in FIG. 10.
`'l'lu-ougliout the drawings. identical reference characters
`and descriptions indicate similar. bill not necessarily identi-
`
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`cal. elements. While the exemplary embodiments described
`herein are susceptible to various rnodifrcations and altemative
`forms. specific embodiments have been shown by way of
`example in tire drawings and will be described in detail
`herein. I Iowever. one ofskill in the art will ruiderstand that the
`exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to
`be litnited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather. the
`instant disclosure covers all modifications. equivalents. and
`alternatives falling within the scope defined by the appended
`claims.
`
`Ill
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`DlETAII..F.D l)l.iSC.‘RlPTI()N OI’ IiXliMPl.AR‘r'
`IEMBOIJIMI ENTS
`
`As will be described in greater detail below. the instant
`disclosure generally relates to cable protectors and cable pro-
`tection systerns having photoluminesccnt indicia members or
`photolnrninescent portions. FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example
`cable protection system 100 according to at least one embodi-
`ment. As illustrated in these figures. an exemplary cable pro-
`tection system 100 may include a cable protector 110. a first
`side ramp 112. and a second side ramp 114.
`In certain embodiments, cable protector 110 includes a
`base member 120. Base member 120 may be substantially
`rectangular. as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. or formed in any
`number of other shapes or sizes. such as a square or other
`multi-sided shape. In certain embodiments. base member 120
`may include one or tnore channels 122 for housing one or
`tnore cables. Numerous forms of cables and wires may be
`housed within base member 120. 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. 1-5. a cover structure 124 may be pivotally attached
`to base member 120. When in a closed position. cover struc-
`ture 124 may cover channels 122 to protect any cables housed
`therein.
`In certain emhodirncnts. base member 120 may be inte-
`grally fonned with first side ramp 112 and second side ramp
`H4. in additional embodiments. such as the embodiment
`shown with reference to FIGS. 1-5. base member 120 may be
`removably attached to first side ramp 112 and second side
`ramp 114.
`In at least one embodiment. rirstside ramp 112 may include
`one or more male end connectors 130 formed on one of its
`ends and one or more female end connectors 132 formed on
`
`its opposing end. Additionally or alternatively. one or more
`male end connectors I30 and one or more female end con-
`nectors I32 may be provided on the same end of first side
`ramp 112. Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 as being fortned
`in a general hourglass shape_. end connectors 130 and 132 may
`be formed in any shape. including. for example. complimen-
`tary block-shaped connectors, so-called tongue-and-groove
`connectors. so-called dogbonc-shaped connectors. T-shaped
`connectors. and the like.
`Similar to first side ramp 112. second side ramp 114 may
`include one or more male end connectors 140 and one ormore
`
`female end connectors 142 formed on its ends. Generally
`speaking. end connectors 140 and 142 may be formed of any
`shape or connecting structure. including. for example. hour-
`glass-shaped comtectors. complimentary block-shaped con-
`nectors. so-called dogbonc-shaped connectors. so-called
`tongue-and-groove connectors. T-shaped connectors. and the
`like.
`As illustrated in FIG. 1-5. in certain embodiments one or
`more photoluminescent indicia members I16./\-B may be
`housed or disposed within or on at least a portion of cable
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`protector I10. Indicia members l16A—B generally represent
`any type or form or stmcture having indicia thereon. Any type
`or form of indicia may be provided on indicia ntembers 116A-
`B. lndicia member 116A generally represents indicia in the
`form ofa symbol. Indicia member 1 16B generally represents
`indicia in the form of text. In certain embodiments. indicia
`members 116A. B may represent an advertising sheet or plate
`having indicia thereon.
`Other examples of indicia that may be provided in place of
`or in conjunction with indicia rnernbers 116A-B include.
`without limitation. indicia that indicates at least a product
`name of the cable protection system 100. indicia that indi-
`cates a martufactnrer of cable protection system 100. safety
`related indicia such as warning text and symbols. and direc-
`tional indicia.
`Some example safety related indicia inclttde a symbol rep-
`resenting powerfelectricity. a symbol representing a step
`structure or tripping hazard. and a symbol representing handi-
`cap accessibility. Sotne example directional indicia include
`shapes such as arrows, strips arranged in a longitudinal. lat-
`eral or angled directions. and strips having variable sizes.
`widths. lengths and relative positioning. The safety indicia
`can include any shape, symbol or color set forth iii the Ameri-
`can National Standards Institute (ANSI). which ANSI shapes
`and criteria are incorporated in their entirety by reference.
`indicia members ll6A-B may be lhrmed in any shape or
`size and of any material or combination of materials. For
`example, indicia member 116 may be fonned of paper. wood.
`or metal, or molded of a rigid. high—strength plastic material
`capable of withstanding repeated loadings and stresses. In
`certain embodiments. indicia members 116A-B may include
`a photoluminescent material. Some example photoltrrnines-
`cent materials can be provided in the form of sheets. strips.
`pellets. powders. aerosol sprays. liquids and other states.
`Photolutninescence is initiated by directing light
`into a
`material where the light is absorbed and itnparts excess
`energy into the material in a process called photo-excitation.
`One way this excess energy can be dissipated by the sample is
`through the emission of light. or lttrninescence. In the case of
`photo-excitation. this luminescence is called photolumincs-
`cence. The intensity and spectral content ofthis photolurui-
`nescence can be influenced by certain properties of the mate-
`rial. Pl1oto—excitation causes electrons within the material to
`
`move into permissible excited states. When these electrons
`return to their equilibrium states. the excess energy is released
`and may include the emission of light (a radiative process) or
`may not (a nonradiative process}. The energy of the emitted
`light (photoluminescence) relates to the difference in energy
`levels between the two electron states involved in the transi-
`
`tion between the excited state and the equilibrium state. The
`quantity of the emitted light is related to the relative contri-
`btrtion of the radiative process. Materials having strong pho-
`toluminescent properties typically provide high intensity
`emission of light for an extended period of time.
`The photoluminescent material used with indicia members
`116A-B may be provided in various forms or states. For
`example, the photoluminescent material may be applied to
`one or more surfaces of the cable protector 110 in a liquid
`state using spraying techniques such as vapor deposition or
`silk screening. Alternatively. the photolttrninescent material
`may be fixed in a label structure that is temporarily or penna-
`nently mounted to a surface of the cable protector 118. In
`another example, photolutninescent material is co-molded
`with. incltrded as an additive. inserted into (e.g.. see FIGS.
`10-11). or in some form embedded in a portion of the cable
`protector I 10. In one example. the photoluntinescent material
`is included as an additive in a urethane material that is molded
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`to for111 components ofthe cable protector 110. In another
`example. photo] uminescent material may be co-molded with.
`inserted into. or in so me form embedded in the cover structure
`118. In another example. the cable protector is a dropover
`style cable protect that includes an integral top surface as
`opposed to a movable lid. and tl1e photolutninesecnt material
`is co —molded with. inserted into. or in some fomt embedded in
`the dropover style cable protector.
`[ndicia members 116A-13 may be disposed on or housed
`within at least a portion of cable protector 110 in a variety of
`ways. For example. as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. indicia mem-
`ber 1 16 may be positioned or housed within one of the recess
`or slot features l26A—l3 defined in cover structure 124. The
`recesses 126A—B may be fomied in any shape or size. In this
`example. indicia members 116.-\—B may be positioned within
`cover structure 124 by vertically dropping indicia members
`116A-B into recesses 126A-l3.
`In other examples.
`the
`recesses 126A-B may be accessible from an alternative loca-
`tion such as. for example. from a lateral opening or from an
`access point along a bottom side ofthe cover structure 124.
`The surface to which the photohtminescent material is
`applied may be recessed relative to adjacent suriaces of the
`cable protector 110. Further. the surface to which the photo-
`luminescent material is applied may be relatively smooth or
`planar as compared to other surfaces of the cable protector
`110 that may be. for example. textured lhr purposes of pro-
`viding additional traction.
`As with cable protector 110. in certain embodiments first
`side ramp 112 and second side ramp 114 may include indicia
`members 118A-(7 having photoluminescent material or pho-
`tolttminescent properties. For example. at least one indicia
`member 118A-C may be positioned on or housed within first
`side ramp 112. as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. Similarly. at least
`one indicia member 118./\-C may be positioned on or housed
`within at least a portion ofsecond side ramp 114. as illustrated
`in FIG S. 1-5. indicia member 118A generally represents indi-
`cia in the form ofa symbol. indicia member 118B generally
`represents indicia in the form of a shape such as an elongated
`strip. lndicia member 118C generally represents indicia in the
`fortn of text.
`
`The indicia members 118./\-C can be positioned or housed
`within one of the recess or slot features 137A—C defined in the
`
`side ramps I12. 114. The recesses 13'r'A—C may be formed in
`any shape or size. In this example. indicia members 118A and
`118C may be positioned within side ramps 112, 114 by ver-
`tically dropping indicia members 118A and 118C into
`recesses 137A and 137C. The indicia member 118B may be
`positioned within the recess .1378 by inserting the indicia
`member 118B through an open end of the recess 1373. The
`shape. size, material composition, mounting variations, and
`other aspects of the indicia members 118A—C and recesses
`137A-C can be similar to t11ose aspects of indicia members
`116A-B and recesses 126A-B discussed above.
`
`In certain embodiments. all or at least a portion of cable
`protector 110. lirst side ramp 112. andfor second side ramp
`114 may be formed of a substantially or at least partially
`transparent material. A cable protector having a transparent or
`translucent portion is described in U.S. application Ser. No.
`12f] 77,’? 1 4, titled “Substantially Transparent (Table Protector
`and Cable Protection System.“ and filed on 22 Jul. 2008.
`which application is incorporated herein by reference in its
`entirety. Any of the photoluminescent aspects of an indicia
`member disclosed herein may be implemented into the indi-
`cia members disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. l2!l77".
`714.
`[11 embodiments including a transparent or translucent por-
`tion of the cable protection system 100. the indicia on indicia
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`members 116A-B. 118A—C‘ positioned on or housed within
`cable protector l1t|.Iirst side ramp 11 2, and second side ramp
`114 may be seen through the substantially transparent or
`translucent portion ofcable protector 110. first side ramp 112.
`and second side ramp 1.14.
`The exemplary cable protection system 100 illustrated in
`FIGS. 1-5 may providea number ofadvantages. For example.
`the pltotoluminescent properties of cable protection system
`100 are operational without the need for an alternative power
`source that requires cables. wires. or batteries that must be
`maintained. tttmed on or off. or disposed of [in the case of
`batteries). The photoluminescent properties of cable protec-
`tion systcm 100 are generated by absorbing naturai or artifi-
`cial light. sometimes within a relative short time period ofless
`than an hour. and then can operate for many hours. The
`photolurninescent propenies ofcable protection system 100
`may be essentially maintenance free. have an extended useful
`life, and can operate with little hazard to users because no
`electricity is required for operation. Further. the photolumi-
`nesoenl properties of cable protection system 100 may be
`tailored for a given size. shape and use of the cable protection
`system without limitation to the size and shape of the indicia
`members that include the photoluminescent materials.
`FIGS. 6-’? are perspective views of another exemplary
`cable protection system 200 comprising a cable protector
`210. a first side ramp 212. and a second side ramp 2.14. The
`cable protector 110 with indicia members 216A-I3 may be
`substantially the same as described above related to FIGS.
`1-5. The first and second side ramps 212. 214 may be sub-
`stantially similar to the side ramps 112, 1 14 described above.
`The side ramps 212. 214 include indicia members 118C-I).
`The indicia members 118C-D may include photoluminescent
`material.
`The indicia member 1 18./\ from FIGS. 1-5 is removed from
`recess 137A in FIGS. 6-7, but could be included in other
`embodiments. The indicia members 118D extend in a gener-
`ally transverse direction relative to a length dimension (i .e..
`parallel with the cable channels 122 of the cable protection
`system 200. The indicia members 1181) can be included in
`place of or in addition to the indicia members 1188. The
`indicia members 1181) may be mounted to the side ramps
`212. 214 in a similar way to mounting ofthe indicia members
`118B described above. Other arrangements for the indicia
`members 118C—D are possible.
`FIGS. 8-9 are perspective views ofanother exemplary side
`ramp 312 for use in a cable protection system. In at least one
`embodiment, the side ramp 312 is configured to removably
`attach to a base member of a cable protector. The side ramp
`312 has a width W (see FIG. 8) that is greater than the width
`of some other side ramp embodiments. such as the first and
`second side ramps 112. 114 shown in FIGS. 1-5. 111 at least
`one embodiment. side ramp 312 may include one or more
`male end cormectors 330 formed on one of its ends and one or
`
`more female end connectors 332 fonned on its opposing end.
`Side ramp 312 may also include a plurality ofindicia 318A.
`The indicia 318A and other portions ofthe side ramp 312 may
`include photo-luminescent material. The indicia 318A may be
`positioned at locations 337A on the side ramp 312. The loca-
`tions 337A may represent. for example. recesses or enclo-
`sures defined in the side ramp 312.
`FIGS. 10-11 are perspective views ofanother exemplary
`cable protector 400 for use in a cable protection system. In at
`least one embodiment. the cable protector 410 is configured
`for assembly with first and second side ramps 412. 414. The
`cable protector 410 includes a cover structure 424. The cover
`structure 424 delines a pairofrccess or slot features 426A that
`are sized to receive a pair of indicia members 416A. The
`
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`US 7,943,851 B2
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`indicia members 416A can be inserted i11to the recesses 424A
`
`through an opening 42'? defined along a side surface of the
`cover structure 424. The recess 426A. opening 427. or indicia
`members 416A may include features that help retain the
`indicia members 416A within the recesses 426A.
`[11 other embodiments, the cover structttre 424 may include
`a substantial or at least partially transparent material so that
`the indicia members 416A. when positioned in the recesses
`426A are visible while being enclosed within the cover strt1c-
`ture 424. As with the various indicia members 116. 216. 316
`described above, the indicia members 416A may include a
`photoluminescent material having photoluminescent proper-
`ties.
`
`The recesses 426./-\ and openings 42?. or similar structures.
`may be included in the first and second side ramps 41 2, 414 or
`at other locations on the cable protector 410 for insertion ofan
`indicia member. Any portion of the cable protector and side
`ramps may include a substantial or at least partially transpar-
`ent material. whether or not that transparent material is used
`in conjunction with an indicia member having photol1unines—
`cent properties. The opening into any given recess that
`receives an indicia member with photolttminescent properties
`may be positioned along side surfaces, along a top or bottom
`surface. or along an end surface of the cable protector and side
`ramps.
`Although the various elements of the exemplary cable pro-
`tection systems illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 have been described
`and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity. each
`element in these exemplary systems may be formed in any
`number of suitable shapes and sizes. For example, one or
`more of the elements described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-11
`
`may be integrally fonued with. as opposed to being remov-
`ably attached to. one another. For example. one or more ofthe
`indicia described andfor illustrated herein may be integrally
`formed with. as opposed to being removably attachable to,
`one or more of the exemplary cable protectors or side ramps
`described andfor illustrated herein.
`
`The exemplary cable protection systems and ramp struc-
`tures illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 may also be adapted to house
`any number of cables andfor to extend over roadways and
`walkways of varying lengths. For example. any number of
`cable protectors in these exemplary systems may be remov-
`ably attached together in a side-by-side fashion so as to house
`greater or lesser numbers of cables. Specifically, connectors
`formed on the side ofa 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 may be remov-
`ably attached together in an end-to-end fashion to extend the
`cable protection system across roadways or walkways of
`varying widths. For example, one or more cable protectors
`may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion
`by one or more ramps. Additionally or alternatively. cable
`protectors may be removably attached together in an end-to-
`end fashion nsing one or more end comicctors provided on
`opposing ends o f the cable protectors. As will be appreciated
`by those of skill in the art. mixing and matching the various
`“building blocks" of these exemplary cable protection sys-
`tems in this manner enables a user to form a system capable of
`housing any number of cables andfor extending over road-
`ways and walkways ofvarying lengths. The flexibility of the
`system as a whole is lhtts increased. resulting in greater ease
`of use and interchangeability of parts.
`
`8
`
`In addition, although the various cable protector embodi-
`ments illustrated herein have been described as having one or
`more connectors formed on a first side of the base member
`
`and one or more apertures formed on an opposing side ofthe
`base member. various altemative arrangements and configu-
`rations fall within the scope of the instant disclosure. For
`example, the base members may be formed with connectors
`on both sides, or may have apertures 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.
`The elements of the exemplary cable protection systems
`described artdfor il lustrated herein may also be formed ofany
`material or combination of materials. For example, the cable
`protectors and side ramps described and illustrated herein
`may be molded of a rigid. high-strength plastic material
`capable of withstanding repeated loadings and stresses. In
`addition. plastic plating or gripping may be formed on the
`upper surfaces of one or more ofthese elements, as illustrated
`in FIGS. 1-1 I. to improve traction for pedestrians or vehicles
`traveling over the cable protection system.
`The preceding description has been provided to enable
`others skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the
`exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary
`description is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to
`any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and varia-
`tions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope
`of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein
`should be considered in all respects illustrative and not
`restrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims
`and their equivalents in determining the scope of the instant
`disclosure.
`Unless otherwise noted. the temis “a" or “an." as used in
`the spwification and claims. are to be construed as meaning
`“at least one of." 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."
`What is claimed is:
`
`ll]
`
`3o
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`35
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`4t":
`
`1. A cable protector. comprising:
`a base member:
`
`at least one channel extending between opposing ends of
`the base member and configured to house at least one
`cable:
`at least one indicia member visible on the cable protector.
`the at least one indicia member including a photolumi-
`nescent portion.
`2. The cable protector of claim 1, further comprising a
`cover structure pivotally attached to the base member. the
`indicia member being positioned on the cover structure.
`3. The cable protector of claim 1, wherein the indicia
`member is included in a label and the label is secured to the
`base niember.
`
`4. The cable protector of claim 1. wherein the indicia
`member is embedded in the base member.
`
`5. The cable protector of claim 1. wherein the indicia
`member is applied to the base member as a liquid and cured
`into a solid state while on the base member.
`
`6. The cable protector of claim 1. further comprising at
`least one side ramp. wherein the indicia member is positioned
`on the side ramp.
`'7. The cable protector ofclaim 6. wherein the side ramp is
`removably attached to the base member.
`8. The cable protector ofclaim 6. wherein the side ramp is
`integrally formed with the base member.
`9. The cable protector of claim 1. further comprising first
`and second side ramps. wherein a separate indicia member is
`positioned on each of the first and second side ramps.
`
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`Page 15 of 16
`Page 15 of 16
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`9
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`10
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`US 7,943,851 B2
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`10. The cable protector ofclaim 1, wherein the base mem-
`ber comprises a recess defined in a top surface of the base
`member. wherein the indicia member is positioned in the
`recess.
`
`1.1. The cable protector of claim I, wherein the indicia
`nlernber comprises a symbol selected from a group consisting
`of a power symbol. a tripping ha‘/ard symbol. a handicap
`symbol. and American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
`symbols.
`12. The cable protector of claim 1. wherein the indicia
`member comprises at least one elongate strip of photolumi-
`nescent material, at least a portion ofa sheet ofphotol1uni~
`nescent material. a deposit ofphotoluminescent material. or a
`photoltunillescenl material additive.
`13. A side ramp structured to be rernovably attachable to a
`side ol'a cable protector, the cable protector liaving a base
`member defining at least one channel extending between
`opposing ends ofthe base member and configured to house at
`least one cable. the side ramp comprising:
`a first side, a second side, a first end. and a second end:
`an indicia metnber visible o11 the side ramp, the irtdicia
`member including a photoluminescem portion.
`14. The side ramp of claim 13, wherein the indicia member
`includes a symbol.
`15. The side ramp ofclaim 13, wherein the indicia Inember
`includes a strip of photoluminescent material.
`16. The side ramp of claim 13, wherein the indicia member
`is embedded in the side ramp.
`
`at
`
`17. The side ramp ofclaim 13. wherein the itidicia member
`is applied to a surface of the side ramp