Coupler for cable trough

IS 2 340 922 T3

DESCRIPTION

Coupler for cable duct.

Technique field

The present invention relates to a system for the management and routing of telecommunications cables and, more particularly, to a coupler for joining two or more conduit members.

Background

In the telecommunications industry, the use of optical fibers for signal transmission is increasing. With the increased use of fiber optic systems, managing fiber optic cables demands the attention of the industry.

One area that is necessary in the management of optical fibers is the routing of optical fibers from one piece of equipment to another. For example, in a telecommunications installation, fiber optic cables can be routed between fiber distribution equipment and optical line termination equipment. In buildings and other structures incorporating such equipment, cable routing can be done through hidden areas of the ceiling or in any other way to carry cables from one location to another.

When routing optical fibers and other cables such as copper cables, it is desirable that the routing system can be easily modified and can adapt to changing equipment needs. Accordingly, such routing systems include a plurality of components, such as raceway members and couplers, to define cable routing paths. The gutter members are joined together by couplings. US Patent Nos. 5,067,678; 5,316,243 and 5,752,781 teach cable routing systems that include a plurality of raceway members and couplers.

Several issues arise when using couplers to couple gutter members. One of them is that a plurality of pieces are used to join the gutter members. These pieces can be difficult to handle. In addition, it is sometimes necessary to rearrange or change gutter members and couplers. It is desirable to provide couplers that can be disconnected.

Additional information pertaining to the prior art can be found in GB 1 342 085, which describes a cable duct or trunk in which the ends of two cable tie pieces fit into a coupling member having elastic retention members, each of which can be of spring steel and can be mounted in an opening defined by an inward raised portion to which the members can be attached, by riveting or by stops. A few harpoons are applied to the trunk.

DE 296 15 854 describes a connection part for cable ducts, the connection part having latching shoulders which are retained in receiving bores of the cable duct by elastic action.

Document EP 1 061 623 describes a cable duct having a coupling element for the duct sections which is elastically loaded in the vertical direction and has a positioning cam at its lower edge which faces the base of the duct. A longitudinal strip of the cable duct has a locating indentation corresponding to the positioning cam. The indentation is positioned such that the coupling element positions itself within the bottom of the conduit. A notch is positioned so that the coupling element protrudes above the bottom of the conduit.

Summary

The present invention provides a locking element according to independent claim 1 as well as a method of using a coupler and a cable duct member according to independent claim 6. Preferred embodiments of the invention are reflected in the dependent claims.

The claimed invention can be better understood in light of the embodiments described below. In general, the disclosed embodiments describe preferred embodiments of the invention. The careful reader will note, however, that some aspects of the disclosed embodiments are beyond the scope of the claims. While the disclosed embodiments are, of course, beyond the scope of the claims, the disclosed embodiments are to be construed as supplemental background information and, by themselves, do not constitute definitions of the invention. This also applies to both the subsequent "Brief Description of the Drawings" and the "Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment".

A coupler for a cable trunking system in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure may include a body that includes a bottom wall and two side walls that define a conduit, the body having a body terminal end that defines a region of overlap, the overlap region being dimensioned to slidably receive a terminal end of a gutter member along the longitudinal direction

ES 2 340 922 T3 of the body, and a spring coupled to the body and positioned in the overlap region to secure the terminal end of the chute member to the coupler, the spring including a first and second spring arms that generally extend , in opposition to each other in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cable duct system that includes a body having walls defining a bottom wall and two side walls defining a duct, the body having a body terminal end defining a region. overlap, the overlap region being dimensioned to slidably receive a terminal end of a gutter member along the longitudinal direction of the body, and a spring coupled to the body and positioned in the overlap region to secure the terminal end of the chute member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms aligned in a plane extending in a non-transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal direction.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a coupler for a cable duct system that includes a body having walls defining a bottom wall and two side walls defining a duct, the body having a body terminal end which defines an overlap region, the overlap region being dimensioned to slidably receive a terminal end of a gutter member along the longitudinal direction of the body, and a spring coupled to one of the body walls to secure the terminal end of the chute member to the coupler, the spring including a first arm that is movable in a plane generally parallel to the first wall, between a locked position and an unlocked position. .

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a locking mechanism for engaging a coupler with a chute member that includes a main body having a first pathway extending in the longitudinal direction, a first spring that includes aligned first and second arms. in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction, the first spring being coupled to the main body, and a first spring release mechanism including first and second fingers, the first spring release mechanism sliding in the first path of the main body such that the first spring release mechanism slides in a longitudinal direction between a locked position. , in which the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the first spring, and an unlocked position, wherein the first and second fingers compress the first and second arms of the first spring toward each other to release the locking mechanism and coupler from the chute member.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a cable duct system comprising a duct member having a terminal end and including first and second side walls coupled to a bottom wall to generally form a duct, the gutter member defining a slot, a coupler including a body having a bottom wall and two side walls defining a gutter, the body having a body terminal end defining an overlap region, the overlap region being dimensioned to slidably receive the terminal end of the chute member along the longitudinal direction of the body, and a spring coupled to the coupler, which spring is received in the groove when the channel member is inserted into the coupler to couple the channel member to the coupler.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a coupler for a cable duct system that includes a duct member having a terminal end, the coupler including a body having an open end and including first and second surfaces. of guide that define a gap, this gap being dimensioned to receive the terminal end, the first guide surface can be applied, sliding, with an inner wall surface of the terminal end and the second guide surface being slidingly engaging with the outer wall surface of the terminal end, a spring coupled to the body and including first and second arms aligned in a generally parallel plane to the first and second guide surfaces, and a body-coupled spring release mechanism, including a spring release member, wherein, When the terminal end of the chute member is inserted into the coupling body, the first and second arms of the spring engage with opposing parts of the chute member defining a groove, and wherein the spring release mechanism releases the arms first and second of engagement with the opposing parts when the spring release mechanism is made to slide in a direction parallel to the first and second guide surfaces.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of using a coupler and a gutter member, which method includes the steps of: providing a terminal end of the gutter member coupled to the coupler, the terminal end of which was introduced in a longitudinal direction in a gap defined by the coupler; sliding a spring release mechanism in the longitudinal direction to disengage a spring from portions of the chute member defining a slot; and removing the terminal end of the first gutter member from separation.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of using a coupler and a chute member, including the steps of: providing a terminal end of the chute member, the chute member defining a slot; providing a coupler defining a gap and including a spring-loaded locking element; and inserting the terminal end of the channel member in the longitudinal direction into the gap defined by the coupler such that the locking element is at least partially received in the slot, thereby coupling the terminal end of the channel member to the coupler.

IS 2 340 922 T3

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a coupler for a cable trunking system that includes a body having a bottom wall and two side walls defining a conduit, the body having a body terminal end defining a region. overlap, the overlap region being dimensioned to slidably receive a terminal end of a gutter member along the longitudinal direction of the body, and a locking element including a spring and a spring release mechanism, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to each other in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction, and defining the element. lock a hole configured to receive a fastener.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a coupler for a cable duct system that includes a body having walls defining a bottom wall and two side walls defining a duct, the body having a terminal end of the body. which defines a region of overlap, the overlap region being dimensioned to slidably receive a terminal end of a gutter member along the longitudinal direction of the body, a spring including first and second spring arms extending at an angle to one another, and a locking element coupled to the body and including a main body with a path in which a spring release mechanism slides, the locking element including an unlocked position, in which the spring release mechanism is retained by the locking element in engagement with the spring, and a locked position, in which the spring release mechanism slides along the track in the longitudinal direction to free the resort.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a locking element for coupling a coupler with a chute member, the locking element including a main body defining a hole configured to receive a connecting element and a first pathway extending in a longitudinal direction from the main body, the first way defining first and second notches at one end thereof, the first and second notches being positioned to generally oppose each other. one to another. The locking element also includes a first spring having first and second arms aligned in a generally parallel plane with respect to the longitudinal direction, the first spring being coupled to the main body, and a first spring release mechanism configured to slide along the first track in a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the first spring release mechanism includes first and second ramps positioned such that, when the first spring release mechanism is slid from the locked position to the unlocked position, the first and second ramps push the first. via and then engage with the first and second notches to retain the first spring release mechanism in the unlocked position.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gutter system in accordance with the present disclosure, depicted in an exploded form.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a coupler in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is an end view of the coupler shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the coupler shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the coupler shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 2 with one of the locking elements represented in exploded view.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a locking element in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the locking element shown in FIG. 7, with a spring and a spring release mechanism shown in exploded view.

Fig. 9 is an internal view of the locking element shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the locking element shown in FIG. 7.

Fig. 11 is an end view of the locking element shown in FIG. 7.

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a gutter member in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is an end view of the chute member shown in FIG. 13.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the chute member shown in FIG. 13.

IS 2 340 922 T3

Fig. 16 is a side view of an embodiment of a gutter system including a coupler and two gutter members in exploded view, in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a bottom view of the gutter system shown in FIG. 16.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the gutter system shown in FIG. 16, in assembled form.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the gutter system shown in FIG. 18, from a different angle.

Fig. 20 is an end view of the gutter system shown in FIG. 18.

Fig. 21 is a side view of the gutter system shown in FIG. 18.

Fig. 22 is a bottom view of the gutter system shown in FIG. 18.

Fig. 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 21, showing part of the gutter system that includes a locking element.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a locking element in accordance with the present disclosure.

Fig. 25 is another perspective view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24.

Fig. 26 is an internal view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24.

Fig. 27 is a top view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24, in the locked position.

Fig. 28 is an end view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24.

Fig. 29 is a side view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24.

Fig. 30 is a side view, in cross section, taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 27.

Fig. 31 is a side view, in cross section, taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 27.

Fig. 32 is a top view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24 in the unlocked position.

Fig. 33 is a side view, in cross section, taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 32.

Fig. 34 is a side view, in cross section, taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 32.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the locking element shown in FIG. 24 with spring release mechanisms removed.

Fig. 36 is another perspective view of the locking element shown in FIG. 35.

Fig. 37 is an internal view of the locking element shown in FIG. 35.

Fig. 38 is a top view of the locking element shown in FIG. 35.

Fig. 39 is an end view of the locking element shown in FIG. 35.

Fig. 40 is a side view of the locking element shown in FIG. 35.

Fig. 41 is a side view, in partial cross section, of the locking element of FIG. 24 separated from a coupler.

Fig. 42 is a side view, in partial cross section, of the locking element of FIG. 41 partially inserted into the coupler.

Fig. 43 is a side view, in partial cross section, of the locking element of FIG. 41 fully inserted into the coupler.

Fig. 44 is a side view of the locking element of FIG. 24 with the spring release mechanisms removed and including a link element.

IS 2 340 922 T3

Fig. 45 is a side view of the locking element of FIG. 24 attached to a coupler and mounting bracket.

Fig. 46 is a front view of the locking element, coupler, and mounting bracket shown in FIG. Four. Five.

Fig. 47 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 47-47, showing part of the locking element, coupler, and mounting bracket shown in FIG. Four. Five.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

As used in this document, the terms "couple" and "coupled" mean to join or splice an element in relation to a second element, whether the connection is made directly with the second element or is done indirectly through components. intermediate. As used herein, the term "groove" means a space defined by one or more surfaces and may include, but is not limited to, T-grooves, closed grooves, tabs, and projections.

Figure 1 shows an example of a gutter system 10 that constitutes one embodiment of the present disclosure. System 10 includes a coupler 100 to interconnect chute members 300A and 300B. Coupler 100 includes a locking mechanism that has at least one locking element. In the illustrated embodiment, four locking elements 107A, 107B, 107C, and 107D provide a secure connection between coupler 100 and a chute member, such as chute member 300A. Coupler 100 can also provide secure connections to one or more additional gutter members, such as gutter member 300B. In addition, the coupler may be configured to release the connections between the coupler 100 and the chute members 300A and 300B. In an illustrative embodiment, the locking mechanism is toolless (that is, the locking mechanism does not need to use a separate tool). However, the locking mechanisms that need to be applied using an auxiliary tool are also within the scope of the present invention.

I. Coupler

As shown in figs. 2-6, coupler 100 includes a first guide surface 101 and a second guide surface 102 that at least partially surrounds the first guide surface 101, as well as a first coupler end 110 and a second end 111 of coupler. A gap 103 is defined between the first guide surface 101 and the second guide surface 102. Gap 103 is dimensioned to receive a gutter member (see, for example, gutter member 300 of FIGS. 12-14) or another component of the gutter system inserted into gap 103 in the longitudinal direction 190.

As shown in fig. 3, the first guide surface 101 of the coupler 100 is generally gutter-shaped, including a first side wall portion 104 and a second side wall portion 105, as well as a bottom wall portion 106 joining the first and the rear. second side wall parts 104 and 105. As used herein, the term "gutter" encompasses any structure that defines an interior in which an item such as an optical cable can be held. The second guide surface 102 is also gutter-shaped. A midpoint or midsection 175 divides the coupler 100 into first and second halves, 176 and 177, and generally surrounds at least part of the first guide surface 101.

As noted above, the coupler locking mechanism is used to secure the chute members to ends 110 and 111 of coupler 100. Locking elements 107A, 107B, 107C, and 107D of the locking mechanism engage. to the outside of the coupler 100 using, for example, a clip 208 as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and described below.

While the first locking element 107A is described in detail below, the second, third, and fourth locking elements 107B, 107C, and 107D are identical in structure and function similarly in the illustrated embodiment.

The locking element 107A is shown in isolation in FIGS. 7-12. The locking element 107A includes a main body 200, springs 210A and 210B, and spring release mechanisms 220A and 220B. The main body 200 includes a first part 202 and a second part 204 coupled by a bridge 203. The main body further includes tracks 205A and 205B, T-shaped stoppers 207A and 207B, and clip 208.

Spring 210A, shown in an exploded fashion in FIG. 8, includes first and second arms, 211 and 212, coupled by bridge 213. First and second arms 211 and 212 are positioned to extend, generally, at an angle, in opposition to each other. As used herein, the term "generally in opposition" means that they extend at divergent angles with respect to each other. Furthermore, the first and second arms are generally aligned in one plane. Spring 210A can be coupled to coupler 100 by snapping spring 210A into a slot 251 defined in main body 200. Spring 210B is similarly configured. Preferably, springs 210A and 210B are one-piece V-shaped leaf springs made of metal.

IS 2 340 922 T3

Although springs 210A and 210B are shown by way of example, other spring configurations can also be used. For example, a spring may also be used that includes a single arm or arms that extend at different angles than those shown.

The spring release mechanism 220A includes a slide portion 222A and a finger portion 223A, with fingers 224 and 226. The slide portion 222A defines an aperture 260 that is configured to slide engage with track 205A and run along her between a locked position and an unlocked position. Spring release mechanism 220A is held on track 205A by stopper 207A, which engages with an edge 227 of finger portion 223A when spring release mechanism 220A is slid longitudinally away from bridge 203 (that is, the locked position).

Fingers 224 and 226 of finger portion 223A are positioned to engage with spring arms 211 and 212 when spring release mechanism 220A is longitudinally slid toward bridge 203 from the locked position to the unlocked position. In the locked position, as shown for example in figs. 7 and 9, fingers 224 and 226 of spring release mechanism 220A release spring arms 211 and 212 of spring 210A. As spring release mechanism 220A is slid toward bridge 203 and the unlocked position, fingers 224 and 226 push spring arms 211 and 212 toward each other.

In a fully applied or unlocked position, as shown by spring release mechanism 220B, fingers 224 and 226 of spring release mechanism 220B fully engage arms 211 and 212 of spring 210B. Thus, it is possible that one spring release mechanism of lock member 107A is in the locked position while the other spring release mechanism is in the unlocked position. For example, in fig. 7 the spring release mechanism 220A is in the unlocked position, while the spring release mechanism 220B is in the locked position.

As long as no external force is applied, the spring release mechanism 220A is forced by the spring 210A to the locked position. However, the spring release mechanism, as shown by the spring release mechanism 220B in FIGS. 7 and 12, it can be held in the unlocked position by the stopper 207B engaging with an edge 228 of the sliding portion 222B of the spring release mechanism 220B when the spring is placed in the fully unlocked position. The spring release mechanism 220A is similarly configured.

Other configurations are also possible for the spring release mechanism and specifically for the fingers. For example, the fingers may be positioned to engage part of the spring arms closer to the spring bridge, thus allowing greater movement of the spring arms due to the fingers. In addition, the spring release mechanism can be removed, optionally from the locking element.

As noted above, locking element 107A is coupled to coupler 100 using clip 208 that extends from bridge 203 of locking element 107A, as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and 12. As shown in Figs. 2 and 6, clip 208 is dimensioned to extend through an internal portion defined by walls 108 in coupler 100 and retainers 109 at the end of clip 208 engage with one edge of walls 108 facing toward the coupler, engaging thus the locking element 107A with the coupler 100. This configuration for attaching the locking element to the coupler can be advantageous, for example because the locking element can snap onto the coupler at the desired time. Also, if necessary, it is possible to replace a locking element.

II. Gutter

Referring now to Figs. 13-15, there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a gutter member 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "gutter member" is used to refer to any gutter, coupling, track, track, or component of like configuration that includes any number of ends. Although shown, and described with respect to Figs. 13-15, a specific embodiment of a gutter member, any other gutter member can also be used.

The gutter member 300 includes a first terminal end 302 and a second terminal end 303. The gutter member 300 is generally channel-shaped, including first and second side walls 305 and 306 coupled by a bottom wall 307 to thus define an inner surface 308 and an outer surface 309. All walls 305, 306, and 307 are generally flat. The outer surface 309 defines one or more grooves 310 in the side walls 305 and 306 and in the bottom wall 307. The grooves 310 extend in the longitudinal direction 301 of the chute member 300, from the first terminal end 302 to the second. terminal end 303. Typically, as described in detail below, grooves will be provided for at least one locking member and preferably for each locking member.

Alternative configurations and situations are also possible for the grooves 310. For example, the grooves 310 may be T-grooves, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of the gutter 300. As used herein, the term "T-groove" "Means a slot that has a narrow access opening and a wider internal region. In addition, the grooves 310 can also be opposing flanges or projections. By

For example, gutter member 300B, known to those skilled in the art as an accessory and depicted in FIGS. 16-23, includes grooves defined by flanges 370 on the side walls (see FIG. 19) and grooves defined by opposing projections 371 and 372 on the bottom wall (see FIG. 22), rather than T-grooves. Other configurations are possible. Preferred configurations of the grooves include at least two opposing surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction 301, although a single surface can also be used. The grooves 310 may not fully extend between the terminal ends of the gutter member. The location of the grooves on the outer surface of the gutter members can be altered. Also, more or less grooves can be provided.

III. System

Referring now to Figs. 16-23, there is shown an embodiment of a gutter system 600 that includes the coupler 100 as well as first and second gutter members 300A and 300B. As illustrated, the terminal ends of the gutter members 300A and 300B can be slidably engaged in the gap 103 between the first and second guide surfaces 101 and 102 of the coupler 100. In other words, the thickness of the walls of each of the gutter members 300A and 300B, or the distance between the inner and outer surfaces, is dimensioned to fit within the gap 103 of the coupler 100. The coupler 100 overlaps the terminal ends of each of the gutter members 300A and 300B to form the coupling, the overlap defining a region of overlap.

As each channel member is inserted into a respective end of coupler 100, part of each locking element is slidably received within each corresponding slot. For example, as shown in fig. 19, at least a portion of the first part 202 of the locking element 107A is partially received within the slot 310 of the chute member 300A. Similarly, at least a portion of the second part 204 of the locking element 107A is received in a corresponding slot 310 of the chute member 300B.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 23, taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 21, the springs 210A and 210B and the finger portions 223A and 223B of the locking element 107B are positioned within the slot 310 of the chute members 300A and 300B. With a finger portion, such as finger portion 223B, in the locked position, the spring arms 211 and 212 of spring 210B elastically engage with opposing portions 315 and 316 of slot 310, thereby holding locking member 107B within slot 310 and coupling coupler 100 to chute member 300B.

Each of the opposing parts 315 and 316 extends, generally, parallel to the longitudinal direction 190 of the coupler 100. Likewise, the forces applied by the spring arms 211 and 212 are exerted, generally, in opposite directions, aligned in a plane that it extends generally parallel to the longitudinal direction 190 of coupler 100 along one of the walls of the gutter.

In contrast, with a finger portion such as finger portion 223A, in the unlocked position, fingers 224 and 226 engage fully with spring arms 211 and 212 of spring 210A, pushing the arms toward each other. and in the direction of separating from portions 315 and 316 so that the chute member 300a can be slid in the longitudinal direction 190, out of the coupler 100, thereby disengaging the gutter member 300A from the coupler 100.

The other locking elements 107A, 107C, and 107D function in a similar manner to the illustrated locking element 107B.

IV. Method of use

An illustrative method for coupling one or more channel members to coupler 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is as follows. The locking elements 107A, 107B, 107C and 107D can be in the unlocked or locked position. The terminal end 302 of the chute member 300A can be inserted into the coupler 100, thus causing the spring parts 210A and spring release mechanism 220A of each locking element 107A, 107B, 107C and 107D to be received in the slots 310 of the chute member 300A. The angled shape of the spring arms 211 and 212 of each of the springs is directed at an angle in the direction of introduction of the terminal end 302 of the chute member 300A, so as to allow the chute member 300A to be inserted with little resistance due to spring.

With the chute member 300A fully inserted into the coupler 100 and the locking elements in the locked position, the spring arms 211 and 212 of each spring push against the opposing portions 315 and 316 of each slot 310. Upon removal of the member Chute 300A opposing the angled shape of arms 211 and 212 and the ends of the arms, gripping or embedding opposing portions 315 and 316 of chute member 300A. The second chute member 300B can be coupled similarly to the second coupler end 111 of the coupler 100.

An illustrative method of removing the chute member 300A in accordance with the present invention includes sliding the spring release mechanism 220A of each locking element into the unlocked position, eliminating

Thus, the biasing force of the spring arms 211 and 212 of the opposing portions 315 and 316 of the grooves 310 can then be removed. The chute member 300A can then be removed. The second chute member 300B can be similarly removed.

Alternative embodiments to those proposed in this document are also possible. For example, it is possible to alter the application configuration between the locking elements and the grooves in the gutter members. For example, it may suffice only to provide a spring with a single spring arm engaging an opposing part (eg, a flange) of the gutter. Furthermore, a separate fastener, such as a screw, could also be used in combination with the locking elements.

Coupler 100 and chute members 300, 300A and 300B are presented herein by way of example only, other configurations being possible. For example, a coupler may be configured to be coupled to more than two chute members, thus including more than a first and a second coupler ends. Furthermore, a greater number of locking elements and / or springs may be present for each coupler end or, alternatively, fewer locking elements and / or springs may be used, for example one.

IV. Alternative locking element

Referring now to Figs. 24-40, another illustrative embodiment of a locking element 400 is shown. The locking element 400 is similar to the locking elements 107A-107D described above, with the differences noted.

Locking member 400 generally includes main body 401, springs 410A and 410B, spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B, and clip 408. Springs 410A and 410B are configured and function similar to springs 210A and 210B .

Spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B include first ramps 505A and 505B (see Figures 30, 31, 33, and 34). Spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B also include second ramps (not shown) positioned generally opposite to first ramps 505A and 505B and similarly configured. Main body 401 includes vias 405A and 405B defining notches 510A, 512A and 510B, 512B (see FIGS. 35-40). In the locked position (as shown in Figures 27, 30, and 31), the first ramps 505A and 505B (as well as the second ramps) of the spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B are positioned beyond the 509A and 509B ends of tracks 405A and 405B.

Paths 405A and 405B also include protrusions 520A and 520B positioned to extend through openings 590A and 590B defined in spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B. Openings 590A and 590B are sized to allow spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B to slide along pathways 405A and 405B. Spring release mechanisms 420A and 420 also include recesses 591 positioned adjacent a portion of openings 590A and 590B to allow better access to protrusions 520A and 520B, as described in greater detail below. Rail pairs 420A and 420B also include indicators 592 and 593 to indicate whether each spring release mechanism 420A and 420B of lock member 400 is in the locked or unlocked position. In the illustrative embodiment shown, indicators 592 and 593 are figurative (a padlock being shown in the locked and unlocked positions). However, other visual indicators, such as alphanumeric words or colors, could also be used.

When the spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B are slid into the unlocked position, the first ramps 505A and 505B (as well as the second ramps) engage with the ends 509A and 509B of the tracks 405A and 405B, pushing the tracks 405A and 405B generally in the Y direction (see Figs. 31 and 40) and generally travel along tracks 405A and 405B.

Once the first ramps 505A and 505B (as well as the second ramps) have traveled over ends 509A and 509B of tracks 405A and 405B, the ramps are received at notches 510A, 512A, and 510B, 512B, respectively, and tracks 405A and 405B are allowed to recede in the opposite direction to the Y direction. In this position (as shown in FIGS. 32-34), the ramps are retained within the notches and the spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B are retained in the unlocked position.

When the spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B are to be moved back to the locked position, one or both of the protrusions 520A and 520B disposed on the tracks 405A and 405B can be pushed, thereby causing the rail pairs 405A and / or 405B to snap into position. generally move in the Y direction and that the first ramps 505A and 505B (as well as the second ramps) disengage from the notches 510A, 512A and 510B, 512B. In this configuration, the spring release mechanisms 420A and 420B are free to retract to the locked position (as shown in Figures 27, 30 and 31).

Referring now to FIG. 41, the locking member 400 and a coupler 550 are shown positioned side by side to illustrate how the locking member 400 may be coupled to the coupler 550. Referring now to FIG. 42, the clip 408 of the locking element 400 can be inserted into an opening 580 defined by shoulders 551 of the coupler 550. When the clip 408 is pushed through the opening 580, the clip 408 is compressed so that the arms 571 of the clip 408 move towards each other. Referring now to FIG. 43, it is

ES 2 340 922 T3 shows the clip 408 of the locking element 400 fully inserted and engaged with the coupler 550. Stoppers 409 at the ends of the arms 571 engage with the shoulders 551 of the coupler 550 to retain the locking element 400 in the coupler 550.

Locking member 400 includes a hole 530 defined in main body 401. As shown in FIG. 44, the hole 530 is configured to receive a joint element 540. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the joint element 540 is a screw without a nut, although other joint elements such as bolts, rivets or other fasteners may be used. One end 545 of link member 540 extends through hole 530.

Referring now to Figs. 45-47, locking member 400 is shown coupled to coupler 550 via clip 408. In addition, mounting bracket 560 is coupled to coupler 550 via junction member 540. Mounting bracket 560 may generally be, any structure used to hold a gutter system in place. For example, as shown in fig. 46, the mounting bracket 560 can be shaped in various ways to position the coupler 550 as desired. Mounting bracket 560 may, in turn, be coupled to a support structure located above, below, or adjacent to coupler 550. In the illustrative embodiment shown, mounting bracket 560 is part of a threaded rod bracket kit that includes threaded rod 562 and nuts 564. Other configurations are possible.

As illustrated, link 540 can be used to couple mounting bracket 560 to coupler 550. In addition, end 545 of link 540 can engage shoulders 570 that extend from arms 571 in a counter-directional direction. retainers 409 on clip 408. End 545 of link 540 is positioned so that arms 571 of clip 408 cannot move toward each other (as shown in FIG. 42). Thus, the locking element 400 can be further retained in the coupler 550.