ELASCO EX. 1006
`Elasco v. Checkers
`U.S. Patent No. 7,943,851
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`Page 1 of 10
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 7, 1993
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`Sheet 1 of 5
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`5,777,266
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`F|G.|
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`Page 2 of 10
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 7, 1993
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`Sheet 2 of 5
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`5,777,266
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`Page 3 of 10
`Page 3 of 10
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jul. 7, 1993
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`Sheet 3 of 5
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`5,777,266
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`Page 4 of 10
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 7, 1998
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`Sheet 4 of 5
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`5,777,266
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`FIGS
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`US. Patent
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`Jul. 7, 1993
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`5,777,266
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`1'
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`IJ._I'.I.—I'._I'L-
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`FlG.6
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`5.777.266
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`1
`MODULAR CABLE PROTECTION SYSTEM
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`BACKGROUND OF THE lNV'EiN'I'IDN
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`1. Field of the Invention
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`The present invention relates to a modular cable protec-
`tion system which is expandable in both crossover length
`and cable capacity and intended to protect electrical cables.
`fluid hoses and data cables from externally caused physical
`or mechanical damage.
`it becomes necessary to provide
`In many instances.
`expandable protective arrangements for electrical cables.
`fluid hoses and data cables. among other similar equipment.
`when such equipment is positioned on the ground so as to
`temporarily extend across walkways. site roads which are
`traversed by pedestrians and possible some vehicular tralfic.
`Thus. in order to not only protect such equipment from
`physical damage. consideration must be given to also shield-
`ing the public; in essence.
`the pedestrians or vehicular
`travelers. from any potential injuries caused: for example. by
`tripping over any exposed cables. hoses or similar equip-
`ment lying in or extending across the roadway or site read.
`2. Discussion of the Prior Art
`
`Although protective measures have been taken by
`industry. particularly the construction industry in protecting
`such equipment and shielding pedestrians or passersby from
`potential injury by covering the equipment. such as electri-
`cal cables. hoses and the like. which temporarily lies on the
`ground extending across walkways and site roads.
`Generally. such protective measures have been constituted
`of placing plywood or metal plates or gratings over me
`equipment. possibly raised up to some extent by being
`shimmed with blocks to form passageways therebeneath for
`the equipment which is to be protected.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`In order to improve upon the current state-of-the-art in
`protecting equipment of the above-described types.
`the
`invention contemplates the provision of expandable modular
`protective components which may be detachably interlocked
`with other structural components so as to form a suitably
`sized. both in crossover length and cable capacity. cable
`protection system. The components may be constituted of
`molded plastic material of high rigidity and strength. and are
`adapted to be selectively joined to other components as
`required to provide the necessary protective array in a
`simply assembled and provide a visual caution with color
`and ANSI safety symbols molded in.
`In particular. the modular cable protection system com-
`prises at least one cable protector component constituted of
`a flat base and a superimposed flat defining a space
`thereb-etween. whereby cover is fastened to the base so as to
`be openable and closable relative thereto tlnough the inter-
`mediary of ahinge connection. The base which is essentially
`of rectangular configlnation. and is adapted to be placed on
`the ground or a fiat surface such as a walkway or site road.
`along the perimeter thereof possesses male and female
`interlockable connector elements. and thereby enables the
`latched interconnection of a plurality of cable protectors at
`either the sides andlor end surfaces thereof so as to form a
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`modular cable protection arrangement. The interior of the
`base may be equipped with suitable upstanding ribs extend-
`ing in spaced relationship transversely of the base. which
`provide support for the cover in the closed condition of the
`latter. and which constitute barriers between cables laid in
`the passageways or spaces formed intermediate the ribs.
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`Further components. in the form of accessories. which are
`also constituted of rectangular configurations and include
`spaced male and female interlockable connectors and are
`adapted to be latchingly connected to respective comple-
`mentary female and male connectors as required. may be
`tapered or sloped to conform with "Standards for Accessible
`Design” (28 CFR. Part 36) so as to extend between a height
`coextensive with that of the cable protector at the juncture
`therewith. to a thinner edge at the opposite end so as to form
`a crossover ramp at least at one side and preferably both
`sides of the cable protector or protectors.
`Suitable curbs that conform with the guidelines of 28
`CPR. Part 36 which are essentially raised elements may be
`attached by means of spaced male and female connectors to
`the complementary female and male connectors at end edges
`of. respectively. the cable protector or protectors and to die
`components constituting the tapered or sloped crossover
`components so as to form guide edges or curbs when the
`entire arrangement is installed by laying the cable protector
`base on the ground. and connecting the respective further
`protectors and ramp crossover accessories through the inter-
`mediary of the interengaged male and female connectors.
`The cover being opened on the cable protector or protectors
`and with the cables having been positioned in the base or
`bases intermediate the ribs so as to extend out from the ends
`below the curbs. the cover or covers is or are closed and.
`preferably loclted in place with suitable fasteners.
`The foregoing arrangement. which may be constituted
`with ANSI safety symbols in highly visible conlrastiztg color
`of molded plastic components is intended to form a tempo-
`rary crossover ramp and cable protector system whereby the
`various cables andlor fluid lines or hoses are protected from
`contact by pedestrians andlor any other traflic crossing over.
`thereby avoiding any tripping hazards. and protecting cables
`which are intended temporarily to run across site roads or
`walkways.
`Accordingly. pursuant to the invention. there are provided
`one or more cable protectors. preferably constituted of a
`rigid molded plastic material. which protector is of essen-
`tially rectangular configuration. and has a hinged cover
`sn'ucture fastened to a base incorporating upstanding ribs
`which will form passageways therebetween for various
`electrical cables. fluid lines or data cables and the like. while
`the upstanding ribs. upon the cover being closed and fas-
`tened into the closed position. will form a support structure
`preventing the cover from being deflected downwardly
`responsive to the weight of anyone stepping thereon.
`Furthermore. in Crdcr to provide structllrc which enables
`the crossing over by pedestrians or other n'afl‘ic over site
`roads. walkways and the like. with the cables being pro-
`toctod while in the protector arrangement. suitable sloped.
`rectangular plate-like plastic elements. may also be attached
`to the respective sides of the cable protector in interlocking
`engagement therewith through the use of the male and
`female connectors. so as to form a complete crossover
`arrangement of any desired size as required by the particular
`intended applications. In order to ensure that the intercon-
`nected elements form the required temporary wallrway.
`suitable bar-shaped orrbs may be attached to remectively
`the cable protectors on opposite ends thereof. and similar but
`tapered curbs to the tapered or sloping crossover elements or
`ramps which are attached thereto. so as to form modular
`cable protection system compliant with 28 C.F.R. Part 36
`and inhibiting any tripping of pedestrians or the contacting
`of electrical equipment by tralfic or the like passing over the
`essentially temporarily installed modular cable pmtection
`arrangement.
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`5 377.266
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`Accordingly. it is an object of the present invention is to
`provide a modular cable protection system including a cable
`protector of essentially rectangular configuration having
`male and female connectors. and which is adapted to receive
`suitable electrical cables. fluid lines and the like which are
`to be protected. and wherein the cable protector is adapted
`to be attached in series and/or in parallel to further cable
`protectors as required to form a modular cable protection
`arrangement.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide at
`cable protection system as described herein.
`including
`tapered or sloping ramps which are attachable through the
`intermediary of male and female connectors to respectively
`further cable protectors so as to form complete and more
`extensive cable protection systems including crossover
`ramps and curbs.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`Reference may now be had to the following detailed
`description of preferred embodiments of the invention. taken
`in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: in which:
`FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a cable
`protector and a single crossover ramp which is adapted to be
`attached thereto. including the curb elements for forming a
`complete cable protection arrangement:
`FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the cable protector
`of FIG. 1 shown with the cover in the upwardly pivoted
`opened position:
`FIG. 3 illustrates a complete crossover cable protection
`system including a single cable protector having crossover
`ramps and curbs attached on opposite sides thereof; and
`FIGS. 4 through 6 illustrate. respectively. diiferent
`arrangements of cable protectors and ra.mps to form com-
`plete crossover cable protection systems of various sizes and
`dimensions.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`E.MIBODIMEN'I'
`
`Referring now in specific detail to the drawings. and
`particularly FIGS.
`1 and 2.
`there is illustrated a cable
`protector 10 which. essentially. comprises a rectangular
`box-like element having a flat base 12. side walls 14 and the
`channels 16 which extend the length of the protector.
`Formed about the walls of the base are. respectively female
`and male connector elements 18. 20. in the shape of pref-
`erably so-called “tongue—and—groove" fasteners which are
`adapted to interengage in order to form a suitable latching
`arrangement.
`l-lingedly connected to an upper-edge area 22 of the
`rectangular base 12 is a plate-like cover element 24. so as to
`be pivotable about a hinge structure 26 extending between
`the respective ends of the base. as shown in FIG. 2. The base
`12 which is essentially upwardly open may be equipped with
`a series of longitudinally extending spaced upstanding rib
`members 28 of a height coextensive with the height of the
`cable irotector structure so that. upon the cover being
`closed. the bottom surface 30 thereof rests on the upper
`edges 32 of the rib members 28. the latter of which provide
`a supporting stmcntre for the cover.
`The end channels 16 of the cable protector base 12 include
`openings 34 to enable electrical cables or hoses to extend
`longinidinally within spaces present between the rib mem-
`bers 28. the latter of which form barriers between adjacent
`cables. and to extend outwardly of the end channels 16. as
`required.
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`4
`Adjacent each of the end channels 16 of the cable pro-
`tector 10. the latter of which are equipped with male and
`female connector elements 18. 20. is a bar-shaped rectan-
`gular member 40 which is higher in its construction than
`protector 10 and also includes complementary spaced male
`and female connector elements 42. 44 of the “tongue-and-
`groove” fastener type adapted to respectively engage with
`end connector elements 18. 20 of the cable protector. and
`which resultingly forms a raised curb. The lower surface of
`the curb may have a cutout portion 46 forming channels 43
`to enable the passage therebeneath of the cables or hoses
`which extend through the cable protector to within the
`spaces intumediate the longitudinal rib members 28 fonned
`therein.
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`10
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`The cable protector 10. which has the male and female
`connector elements 18. 20 formed in the side walls thereof.
`in addition to those at the ends for mounting the curbs 40.
`is adapted to be connected to a ramp element 50 which. in
`essence is a rectangular plate-like member of tapered or
`sloping cross—section. whereby the higher end edge 52
`which is coextensive in height with that of the cable pro-
`tector lfl. and is adapted to be fastened thereto by means of
`suitable complementary spaced male and female connector
`elements 54. 56. and whereby the thinner distant edge 58
`thereof is spaced in parallel with the sidewall of the cable
`protector so as to fonn essentially a stepless ramp structure
`when attached thereto.
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`Ctu'bs 60 and 61. which are mirror—i.mages. and which are
`similar to those curbs 40 utilized for the cable protector 10.
`but which are tapered to some extent so as to be lower
`towards the thinner end 58 of the ramp So. are also equipped
`with male and female connector elements 62. 64 so as to
`latch to connectors 66.68at the opposite ends ‘.70 of the ramp
`member 50 when the latter is latched to the cable protector
`10. and thereby forms at each end a continuous curb
`structure in conjunction with the curb 40 of the cable
`protector 10.
`As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. the cable protector
`10 has the cover 24 pivoted upwardly about hinge structure
`26 to enable positioning therein between the rib members 28
`of electriml cables. fluid conduits andfor data cables. as
`required. so as to extend outwardly from the open end
`channels 16 of the base 12. as described hereinbefore with
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`regard to FIG. 1 of the drawings. Thereafter. as illustrated.
`the cover 24 may be closed. and suitably fastened to the base
`12 by means of screw fasteners or the like (not shown}. for
`the purpose of which there may be suitable bosses with
`threaded aperttues molded into the base structure.
`The entire cable protective arrangement. and all of the
`elements. such as the cable protector 10. the ramp 50 and the
`curb elements 40. 60 may each be molded of a rigid.
`high-strength plastic material able to withstand repeated
`loadings and stresses. Moreover the plastic material lends
`itself to have ANSI safety symbols molded therein and to be
`of a highly visible contrasting color. so as to cause pedes-
`trians and others using the ramp to be aware of the presence
`of die structure. while also. although temporary in nature.
`imparting a decorative appearance to the various assembled
`components.
`Referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings. which is basically
`sim.i.iar to FIG. 1. in that instance. elements which are similar
`or identical to those described in connection with FIG. 1 of
`the drawings are identified by the same reference numerals.
`In this instance. a ramp member 50 and its respective curb
`portion 60. 61 are attached to the respective opposite sides
`of the cable protector component 10. so as to form a
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`5.777.266
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`complete crossover arrangement. in effect. a downward and
`upward sloping ramp on opposite sides of the cable protector
`extending over a walkway or the like.
`Pursuant to the present invention. it is possible to attach
`a plurality of cable protectors 10 in various arrays so as to
`be able to protect any number of cables. conduits or the like
`as desired. over difierent widths of roadways and walkways.
`Thus. for example. referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings.
`this is primarily a plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 3.
`shown in its assembled condition for installation over a
`walkway or the like. and in which a single cable protector 10
`is attached to an upward and downward sloping ramp 50 on
`respectively both sides thereof. with curbs 40. 60. 61 bor-
`dering the assembly.
`Furthermore- this assembly is compliant with 28C.FR_
`Part 36 . Appendix A——Standards for Accessible Design.
`As illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. when it is adapted
`to protect a wider walkway or site road or roadway. it is
`merely necessary to attach. for example. two modular cable
`protectors 10 end to end. and to enable the cables to extend
`continuously lherethrough intermediate the rib member 28.
`and attach an up ramp and a down ramp 50 to. respectively.
`opposite sides of each of the modular cable protectors and
`the side edges of the ramps to each other. with the curbs
`being attached as heretofore. In this instance. the arrange-
`ment
`is adapted to protect cables extending beneath a
`walkway or roadway which is twice the width of that shown
`in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings.
`As illustrated in FIG. ti of the drawings. in that case it may
`be desired to cover a much wider and deeper walkway or
`roadway. Consequently. six cable protectors 10 are shown
`interconnected with each other. whereby three protectors are
`each oonnectecl end to end. and in a width of two side—by—
`side protectors 10 for atotal of six cable protectors. although
`other numbers may be readily utilized as required.
`The outer sides of the respective interconnected cable
`protectors 10 may have the up and down ramps 50 attached
`thereto on opposite sides. with the ramps also being inter-
`connected with eaeh other through intermediary of the
`intercngaged complementary male and female connector
`elements or so called tongue-and-groove fasteners. and with
`suitable curbs 40 being fastened to the cable protectors 10
`and curbs 60. 61 to the ramps 50 so as to form an overall
`modular cable protection system of suitable larger width and
`length dimensions.
`If necessary. further cable protectors and/or ramps may be
`attached as desired in various arrays to provide any suitable
`configuration in a simple and rapid manner.
`The foregoing st1'uctu.res which are adapted to protec-
`tively house electrical cables. conduits and hoses running on
`the ground so as to be protected from the public and to
`eliminate tripping hazards. are adapted to provide decorative
`temporary installations which may be easily and inexpen-
`sively assembled and disassembled without the need for any
`special tools or skilled labor.
`While there has been shown and described what are
`considered to be preferred embodiments of the invention. it
`will. of course. be understood that various modifications and
`changes in form or detail could readily be made without
`departing from the spirit of the invention. It is. therefore.
`intended that the invention be not limited to the exact form
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`and detail herein shown and described. nor to anything less
`than the whole of the invention herein disclosed as herein-
`after claimed.
`What is claimed is:
`1. Amodular cable protection system which is expandable
`in both crossover length and cable capacity‘. comprising:
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`(a) at least one cable protector including a generally
`planar base member resting on the terrain: and a cover
`structure covering said base member so as to form an
`interspaoe therewith adapted to enable electrical cables.
`data cables and fluid hoses to extend through said
`interspace; and male and female connector means
`spaced about the periphery of said base rnember so as
`to enable both parallel or series assembling;
`(b) and ramp structure arranged at least at one side of said
`base member. said ramp structure including female and
`male connector means connectable to complementary
`said male and female connector means at said at least
`one side of said base member so as to form said
`modular cable protection system.
`2. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`1. wherein said base member has a generally rectangular
`configuration and includes upstanding walls extending about
`the perimeter of said base member. said cover structure
`being supported on said walls.
`3. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`2. wherein means hingedly connect said cover structure to
`said upstanding walls of said base member.
`4. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`2. wherein elongate bar-shaped members are connectable to
`opposite end sides of said base member and ramp structure
`so as to form a curb arrangement defining a width of said
`system.
`5. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`4. wherein each said bar—shaped member is rectangular in
`c1'oss~sect:ion and has a height greater than the height of said
`base member and said ramp structure.
`6. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`5. wherein each said bar-shaped member includes spaced
`male and female connector means which are interengageable
`with complementary said female and male connector means
`on said base member and said ramp structI.n‘e.
`7. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`4. wherein opposite sides of said base member have open-
`ings forrned in upstanding walls thereof. said bar-shaped
`members which are attached to sides of said base member
`have raised lower surfaces fonning recesses enabling pass-
`ing theredtrough of electrical cables. data cables and fluid
`hoses extending from said intcrspace between said base
`member and said cover stntcture.
`8. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`7. wherein a plurality of elongate spaced upstanding ribs are
`provided in said base member extending between end sides
`of said base member so as to form separate passageways for
`electrical cables. data cables and fluid hoses.
`9. A modular cable protectio system as claimed in claim
`8. wherein said elongate upstanding ribs are integrally
`formed with said base member.
`10. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`8. wherein said cover structure is supported on said ribs in
`a closed position of the cover stzrtlcture on said base member.
`11. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`4. wherein said ramp structure comprises a rectangular plate
`member. said plate member having one side which is con-
`nected to said base member being of a height substantially
`equal to a height of an upstanding wall thereof. and said
`plate member sloping downwardly to a lower height at an
`opposite side thereto.
`12. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`11. wherein said bar-shaped members which are connectable
`to said ramp structure are downwardly tapering toward said
`opposite side having the lower height.
`13. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`2. wherein ramp structures are connectable to opposite sides
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`of said base member so as to fonn an up-and-down cross-
`over arrangement for pedestrian and vehicular rraflic.
`14. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`2. wherein a plurality of said base members are intercon-
`nected in an end-to-end array.
`15. Amodular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`2. wherein a plurality of said base rnernbers are intercon-
`nected in a side-by-side array.
`16. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`2. wherein a plurality of said base members are intercon-
`nected in an end-to-end and side-by-side array.
`17. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`14 or 15 or 16. wherein ramp snuctures are connected to
`respectively opposite sides of said array.
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`18. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`1. wherein said base member. said cover structure and said
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`ramp strtlcmre are components which are color-coded rela-
`tive to each other.
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`19. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`18. wherein said components are constinited of a high»
`strength rigid molded plastic rnatuial.
`20. A modular cable protection system as claimed in claim
`1. wherein said male and female connector means an:
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`interloclrable tongue—and-groove type connectors.
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