Protective device for electrical conduit systems

By designing a protective device that includes the main body, top component, and connector, the leakage problem of sealant-filled fittings is solved, providing a convenient way to inspect and easily replace the sealant, and achieving effective filling and leakage prevention of the sealant.

CN115667665BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24HUBBELL INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HUBBELL INC
Filing Date
2021-06-10
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sealing fittings for electrical piping systems are difficult to prevent leaks when filled with sealant, and are difficult to disassemble and replace, failing to provide a comprehensive inspection route.

Method used

A protective device is designed, comprising a main body, a top component, and a connector. The main body contains a barrier assembly, and the connector is slidable to facilitate sealant filling and inspection. The barrier assembly consists of a brush barrier and spacers, and the connector is secured in the closed position by a retaining ring.

Benefits of technology

It achieves effective sealing and leakage prevention, provides convenient inspection methods, and supports easy replacement and modification of protective devices.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A protection device for electrical conduits includes a main body having a lower opening for engagement with a first conduit and a central cavity for receiving a conductor extending from the first conduit to a second conduit, a top member having an upper opening for engagement with the second conduit, and a coupler slidably engaged about the main body, the coupler being slidable between an open position distal from the top member and a closed position attached to the top member.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to electrical conduit systems for protecting conductors, and more specifically, to protective devices having opening mechanisms for introducing sealant and facilitating inspection. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical conduit systems typically consist of conduits or other slender structures used to protect and route electrical wires within a building or structure. Protective devices such as sealant fittings are installed at various locations throughout the electrical conduit system to minimize the passage of gases and vapors and to prevent the spread of fire from one electrical installation to another. According to the National Electrical Code (“NEC”), sealant installation is generally required within 18 inches of any conduit section entering an enclosure that houses devices that may generate arcs, sparks, or high temperatures. In cases where two enclosures are connected by a conduit section no longer than three feet, a single sealant may be placed at the center of that section.

[0003] Sealed-out fittings contain a sealant, which is applied as a liquid or putty during assembly and requires time to cure and harden. During curing, measures must be taken to prevent the sealant from spreading within the fitting or leaking out. Typically, filler fibers and / or wool are used to retain the sealant. The sealant is applied after the sealed-out fitting is installed and the wiring has passed through the conduit and fitting. Therefore, sealed-out fittings usually require one or more small ports on the side to hold the filler fibers and sealant. Filling through such a small port in the fitting can be difficult and time-consuming.

[0004] Filler fibers do not always provide a sufficient barrier, leading to sealant leakage. Since such sealant fittings do not provide a means of comprehensive inspection, insufficient barrier coverage and / or leakage may go undetected.

[0005] Known sealing-off fittings are also difficult to disassemble and replace. Disassembly usually requires cutting the fitting or surrounding pipes. After disassembly, the same type of sealing-off fitting cannot usually be reinstalled in the same location. Therefore, different modified sealing-off fittings with a clamshell design must be used.

[0006] This invention solves these and other problems in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One objective of this invention is to provide a protective device whose internal cavity is easily accessible for filling with a sealant. Another objective is to provide a protective device that can be reopened for inspection and is easily replaceable and / or modified. Yet another objective is to provide a protective device that is pre-sealed, for example with one or more disc brush barriers, to avoid the need for filling with fibers.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a protective device is provided, comprising: a body having a lower opening for engaging with a first conduit and a central cavity for receiving a conductor extending from the first conduit to a second conduit; a top member having an upper opening for engaging with the second conduit; and a connector slidably engaged around the body, the connector being slidable between an open position distal to the top member and a closed position attached to the top member.

[0009] In some embodiments, the protective device includes a barrier assembly located within the cavity of the body, the barrier assembly being at least partially penetrated by the conductor extending from the first conduit to the second conduit. The barrier assembly may include at least one brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to and extending inwardly from the outer edge, through which the conductor passes. The barrier assembly may further include: two brush barriers, each having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles extending inwardly from the outer edge, through which the conductor passes; and a spacer located between the two brush barriers. In some embodiments, the spacer is a wave spring.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cavity of the body includes a support for receiving the barrier assembly. The barrier assembly may also include a stop element, wherein the body includes an internal recess for receiving the stop element and securing the barrier assembly between the support and the stop element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the body includes a first groove on an outer surface and a retaining ring located in the first groove between the body and the connector, wherein the connector includes an upper groove that engages with the retaining ring in the open position. The connector may also include a lower groove that engages with the retaining ring in the closed position. In some embodiments, the body includes a second groove on an outer surface and a positioning retaining ring, the second groove being located below a lower edge of the connector and the positioning retaining ring being detachably engaged in the second groove to hold the connector in the closed position.

[0012] Another protective device is provided, comprising: a body having a lower opening, an upper opening, and a cavity extending between the lower opening and the upper opening; a barrier assembly located within the cavity of the body; a top member having an upper opening; and a connector slidably engaged around the body, the connector being slidable between an open position distal to the top member and a closed position attached to the top member.

[0013] In some embodiments, the barrier assembly includes at least one brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to and extending inwardly from the outer edge. The barrier assembly may further include: two brush barriers, each having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles extending inwardly from the outer edge; and a spacer located between the two brush barriers. In some embodiments, the spacer is a wave spring.

[0014] In some embodiments, the body includes a first groove on an outer surface and a retaining ring located in the first groove between the body and the connector, wherein the connector includes an upper groove that engages with the retaining ring in the open position and a lower groove that engages with the retaining ring in the closed position. The body may also include a second groove on the outer surface and a positioning retaining ring, the second groove being located on the outer surface, and the positioning retaining ring being detachably positioned in the second groove below a lower edge of the connector when the connector is in the closed position.

[0015] Another method for installing a protective device is provided, comprising the step of providing the protective device, the protective device comprising: a body having a lower opening, an upper opening, and a cavity extending between the lower opening and the upper opening; a barrier assembly located within the cavity of the body; a top member having an upper opening; and a connector slidably engaged around the body, the connector being slidable between an open position distal to the top member and a closed position attached to the top member. The method further comprises the steps of: securing the body of the protective device to a first conduit via the lower opening of the body; securing the top member of the protective device to a second conduit via the upper opening of the top member; passing a plurality of conductors from the first conduit through the barrier assembly through the cavity of the body and into the second conduit; at least partially filling the body with a sealant, wherein the connector is in the open position; and closing the protective device by moving the connector to the closed position.

[0016] In some embodiments, during the steps of securing the body to the first pipe and securing the top component to the second pipe, the connector is held in the closed position via a positioning clasp engaged in a groove on the outer surface of the body below the lower edge of the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0017] A more complete understanding of this disclosure and its many accompanying advantages will be readily obtained, and it will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings by referring to the following detailed description, in which:

[0018] Figure 1A This is a side view of a protective device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The side cross-sectional view of the protective device shown in the figure;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the main body of the protective device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The side cross-sectional view of the main body is shown in the figure;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top perspective view of the top component of a protective device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The side cross-sectional view of the top component shown in the figure;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the connector of the protection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a barrier assembly for a protective device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 8A This is a side cross-sectional view of the protective device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in the open position;

[0027] Figure 8B It is in the open position and has been filled with sealant. Figure 8A The side cross-sectional view of the protective device shown in the figure;

[0028] Figure 8C It is in the closed position and has been filled with sealant. Figure 8B The side cross-sectional view of the protective device shown in the figure;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a bottom perspective view of a protective device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The side cross-sectional view of the protective device shown in the figure; and

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 An exploded view of the barrier assembly of the protective device is shown in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure will be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description, which is incorporated herein by reference and is part of the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus, methods, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terminology used herein is merely illustrative of particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, as used herein, and as included in the appended claims, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a / an” and “the” include the plural forms, and references to a particular numerical value at least include said particular value. A range herein may be expressed as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and / or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from said one particular value and / or to said other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation, the use of the antecedent “about” implies that the particular value forms another embodiment. It should also be understood that all spatial references, such as horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left, and right, are for illustrative purposes only and may vary within the scope of this disclosure.

[0034] This document discloses a protective device, such as, but not limited to, a sealing fitting, having an opening mechanism for introducing a sealant and facilitating inspection. Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figures 1A to 1B This illustration shows a protective device or accessory 100, particularly a sealant-type accessory, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The protective device 100 includes a body or filling chamber 110, a top component 130, and a connector 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective device 100 further includes a barrier assembly 200 for retaining the sealant located within the body 110. The protective device 100 may be constructed from various materials, such as metals and / or plastics. For example, in some embodiments, the protective device 100 is primarily constructed of aluminum, while in other embodiments, it is primarily constructed of cold-drawn steel with electroplated zinc.

[0036] Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the main body 110 (e.g., the filling chamber) is shown. Figure 3A side cross-sectional view of the body 110 is shown. The body 110 includes a bottom opening 112, a top opening 114, and a central opening 118 located between an upper portion 125 and a lower portion 126 of the body 110. A central cavity is defined through the body 110 between the bottom opening 112 and the top opening 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower portion 126 includes an internal thread 127 for receiving a conduit. The upper portion 125 includes a support or mating member 120 for the barrier assembly 200 and for receiving, for example, a retaining ring 216 (see...). Figure 7 The upper portion 125 may further include a plurality of notches or grooves 124a / 124b (e.g., or other features or textures) in its inner sidewalls for receiving sealant.

[0037] The body 110 can be manufactured in various sizes to suit different applications and piping. For example, the body 110 may have an outer diameter of approximately 1.2 inches and a 1 / 2-inch-14 NPT standard thread in the bottom opening 112. In another embodiment, the body 110 may have an outer diameter of approximately 1.2 inches and a 3 / 4-inch-14 NPT standard thread in the bottom opening 112. In yet another embodiment, the body 110 may have an outer diameter of approximately 1.6 inches and a 1-inch-11.5 NPT standard thread in the bottom opening 112. However, these are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting.

[0038] The exterior of the main body 110 includes a clasp 117 for storage (see also...) Figures 8A-8C The retaining ring 117 at least partially surrounds the body 110 and protrudes from the recess 116 to engage with a recess on the interior of the connector 140. Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the retaining ring 117 engages with the upper groove 148 and the lower groove 150 in the connector 140 to restrict the connector 140 in the open position. Figures 8A-8B ) and closing position ( Figure 8C Movement between the two. The retaining ring 117 is tensioned outward against the inner wall of the connector 140 to facilitate its engagement with the grooves 148 / 150. In some embodiments, the exterior of the body 110 includes two grooves 116 and two retaining rings 117.

[0039] Figure 4 A perspective view of the top component 130 is shown. Figure 5A side cross-sectional view of the top component 130 is shown. The top component 130 includes an external thread 133, a bottom opening 132, and a top opening 134. When the protective device 100 is closed, the external thread 133 (e.g., 13 / 8 inch-16UN-2A, 13 / 4 inch-16UN-2A, or any other suitable thread) engages with threads on the interior of the connector 140. In an exemplary embodiment, the top component 130 mates with the connector 140 via eight (8) straight threads to provide a suitable fire channel. The top opening 134 includes threads 135 for engagement with a conduit.

[0040] Like the body 110, the top component 130 can be manufactured in various sizes to suit different applications and piping. An external thread 133 is optional to accommodate connectors 140 of different sizes. The outer diameter of the top component 130 (from one end of the flat portion to the other) may be approximately 1.2 inches, and the top opening 134 may have a 1 / 2-inch - 14 NPT standard thread. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the top component 130 (from one end of the flat portion to the other) may be approximately 1.2 inches, and the top opening 134 may have a 3 / 4-inch - 14 NPT standard thread. In another embodiment, the outer diameter of the top component 130 (from one end of the flat portion to the other) may be approximately 1.6 inches, and the top opening 134 may have a 1-inch - 11.5 NPT standard thread. However, these are merely exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

[0041] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of a connector 140 slidably engaged around a body 110 is shown. The connector 140 includes a bottom opening 142 and a top opening 144. The top opening 144 includes threads 145 and a support or mating part 146 for engagement with a top part 130. The inner side of the connector 140 may include grooves 148 and 150 for engagement with a retaining ring 117 in a groove 116 of the body 110 to limit the travel of the connector 140 when sliding upwards to close the protective device 100 and downwards to open the protective device 100. As mentioned above, the retaining ring 117 is tensioned outwards against the inner wall of the connector 140. The beveled elements in the grooves 148 / 150 allow for release of engagement and unlocking of the connector 140 by sufficient axial force.

[0042] Figure 7An exemplary embodiment of the barrier assembly 200 is shown. The barrier assembly 200 is located within the body 110 (e.g., against the support 120). The barrier assembly 200 is preferably installed by the manufacturer within the body 110 to provide the installer with a pre-sealed protective device 100. This embodiment saves significant time and effort during installation. In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier assembly 200 includes two brush barriers 210 / 212. The brush barriers 210 / 212 may be of the type described in commonly owned U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 62 / 873,329 and 63 / 018,869, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, each brush barrier 210 / 212 may include an outer ring or outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to the outer edge. The bristles project inward and their ends define openings. The openings may be of different sizes (e.g., about 10-25% of the outer diameter, such as about 14-20%), or in some embodiments, the ends of the bristles may form almost no openings. In one embodiment, each bristle forms a loop with its distal end attached to the outer edge.

[0043] Brush barriers 210 / 212 can be manufactured in a variety of different sizes and shapes to suit different applications. Furthermore, each of the two brush barriers 210 / 212 can have a different construction, for example, one with stiffer bristles or a smaller central opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the bristles are made of synthetic fibers, such as nylon, polyester, polypropylene, or other polymers. In other embodiments, the bristles may be made of natural fibers, such as animal hair (e.g., horsehair or other animal fibers) and plant fibers. The bristles may also be made of metal wire (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, or brass) and, in some embodiments, contact cables and / or portions thereof to provide a grounding path. The outer edge may be made of metal, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel, bronze, or brass. Alternatively, the outer edge may be made of a polymer such as plastic.

[0044] The spacer 214 between brush barriers 210 / 212 provides space for the bristles of brush barriers 210 / 212, allowing them to bend without substantially interfering with each other. This helps to ensure that only a small force is needed to push the electrical conductor through the barrier assembly 200 and the protective device 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the spacer 214 is at least equal to or preferably greater than the thickness of brush barriers 210 / 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the spacer is approximately twice the thickness of brush barriers 210 / 212. In some embodiments, a spring may be used as the spacer 214 or in place of the spacer 214 (e.g., see...). Figure 10-11 The retaining ring 216 engages in an internal groove 122 in the upper portion 125 of the body 110 to hold the barrier assembly 200 in place (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0045] In some embodiments, barrier assembly 200 includes only one brush barrier 210. In other embodiments, different types of barriers with or without bristles may be used. For example, the barrier may be a rubber membrane or felt fiber barrier, as disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 018,869. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiments include barrier assembly 200, some embodiments of protective device 100 may omit the barrier assembly. A non-pre-sealed version of protective device 100 may be provided for use with fiber filler inserted into body 110 via a large opening formed when the connector 140 is unscrewed from top member 130.

[0046] Figures 8A to 8C The protective device 100 is shown in a vertical position at various configurations and installation stages. Figure 8A A protective device 100 in an open configuration is shown, joined between a first conduit 302 and a second conduit 304. The body 110 and the top component 130 are sufficiently spaced apart by a gap. This allows 360-degree access to the interior of the protective device 100 in the open configuration, enabling easy application of sealant 320, inspection of the electrical conductor 310 and seals, and, if necessary, feeding of the electrical conductor 310 during installation. In some embodiments, the gap is at least one inch, such as 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, or greater. As those skilled in the art will understand, the protective device 100 can be placed in various locations along an electrical conduit system, such as between hazardous and non-hazardous locations, to prevent the propagation of steam, sparks, or fire.

[0047] During installation, the body 110 and its surrounding connector 140 are screwed into or otherwise attached to the first conduit 302. The top component 130 is screwed into or otherwise attached to the second conduit 304. Multiple conductors 310 pass through conduits 302 / 304 and through the protective device 100. The connector 140 can be fully closed when the conductors 310 are fed, or can be opened as needed to view and assist the feeding process. In some applications, it may be necessary to close the connector 140 with the retaining ring 117 positioned in the recess 150 to help ensure that the gap between the body 110 and the top component 130 remains constant and does not decrease during installation (i.e., to prevent the conductors from becoming taut or slack). In some embodiments, additional resistance or locking mechanisms may be provided to ensure that the connector 140 remains fully extended, such as a rubber element or retaining screw between the body 110 and the connector 140. The conductors 310 extend into and through the bristles of the brush barriers 210 / 212. The bristles of the brush barrier 210 / 212 are housed and at least partially surround the conductor 310, while maintaining a sufficient barrier to prevent sealant from leaking below the protective device 100.

[0048] Figure 8BA protective device 100 in an open configuration is shown, joined between a first conduit 302 and a second conduit 304. A sealant 320 (e.g., liquid epoxy resin) is poured into the protective device 100 when it is installed and in the open configuration. A barrier assembly 200 prevents the sealant 320 from crossing the barrier assembly 200 or leaking below it before it cures within the protective device 100. The seal can be easily inspected before closing the protective device 100 to ensure a sufficient seal has been formed.

[0049] Figure 8C A protective device 100 in a closed configuration is shown engaged between the first conduit 302 and the second conduit 304. After the protective device 100 is filled with sealant 320 and cured, the connector 140 slides upward along the body 110 and rotates to screw onto the top component 130, thereby closing the protective device 100 and completing the installation. The connector 140 can be unscrewed and lowered at any time to inspect the protective device 100. The protective device can also be easily replaced by lowering the connector 140, unscrewing the body 110 and the top component 130 from the respective conduits 304 / 305, and repeating the installation process with a new protective device 100. Although the attachment between the connector 140 and the top component 130, and between the protective device 100 and the conduits 302 / 304, is described as a threaded engagement, alternative methods known to those skilled in the art can be used. For example, the connector 140 can be attached to the top component 130 with a retaining screw. The connector 140 may alternatively use a quick-release mechanism, such as a spring-loaded or retaining pin, attached to one of the connector 140 or the top part 130, which respectively engages in a hole or slot on the other of the connector 140 or the top part 130.

[0050] Figure 9-10 Another protective device or accessory 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The protective device 400 includes a potting chamber or body 410, a top component 430, and a connector 440, as in the examples discussed above.

[0051] The protective device 400 includes a locating retainer 460 that can be detachably secured at least partially around the exterior of the body 410. Specifically, the body 410 includes a recess located below the connector 440 for receiving the locating retainer 460 when the connector 440 is in the closed position. During installation of the protective device 400, the locating retainer 460 further ensures that an appropriate gap (e.g., one inch or more) is maintained between the body 410 and the top component 430. The locating retainer 460 also secures the connector 440 in the closed position and / or provides a visual indication that the connector 440 is fully closed after installation.

[0052] The positioning ring 460 includes a gripping portion extending radially outward from the body 410 to facilitate installation and removal of the positioning ring 460. In some embodiments, the gripping portion includes text or another visual indication on each of its top and bottom surfaces. For example, one surface may indicate that the protective device 400 is “unfilled” with sealant, while another surface may indicate that the protective device 400 is “filled” with sealant. During and after installation, for verification and inspection purposes, the installer may selectively install the positioning ring 460 with the appropriate visual indication facing upward.

[0053] The protective device 400 includes a barrier assembly 500 located within the body 410 to retain the sealant. Figure 11 A barrier assembly 500 is further illustrated. The barrier assembly 500 is located within the body 410 (e.g., against a support). In an exemplary embodiment, the barrier assembly 500 includes two brush barriers 510 / 512, such as those already described above. For example, each brush barrier 510 / 512 may include an outer ring or outer edge and a plurality of bristles fixed to the outer edge. The bristles project inward and their ends define openings.

[0054] A wave spring 514 is positioned between brush barriers 510 / 512 to space them apart and provide space for the bristles of the brush barriers 510 / 512, allowing the bristles to bend without substantially interfering with each other. The wave spring 514 further provides pressure between the brush barriers 510 / 512 to ensure they are properly held in their respective positions. This is particularly useful when the protective device 400 is being filled with sealant, ensuring no sealant leakage around the outer edges of the brush barriers 510 / 512. In an exemplary embodiment, the wave spring 514 spaces the brush barriers 510 / 512 by a distance at least equal to or preferably greater than the thickness of the brush barriers 510 / 512. In some applications, other springs, such as coil springs, may be used instead of the wave spring 514.

[0055] The retaining ring 516 engages in an internal groove in the upper portion of the body 410 to hold the barrier assembly 500 in place (see, for example, see...). Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment, the retaining ring 516 is a retaining ring with a perforated tab so as to install and remove the retaining ring 516 using retaining ring pliers.

[0056] As shown in all the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts. While illustrative embodiments of this disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and should not be considered limiting embodiments. Additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be considered as limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A protective device for an electrical piping system, comprising: The body has a lower opening for engaging with a first pipe and a central cavity for receiving a conductor extending from the first pipe to a second pipe; A top component having an upper opening for engaging with the second pipe; as well as A connector that slidably engages around the outer surface of the body and has a top opening and a bottom opening, the connector being slidable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the top opening of the connector is adjacent to the body and spaced apart from the top component, and in the closed position the top opening of the connector is attached to the top component.

2. The protective device according to claim 1, wherein the body and the top component are spaced apart by a gap, thereby allowing 360-degree access to the central cavity when the connector is in the open position.

3. The protective device of claim 1, further comprising a barrier assembly located within the cavity of the body, the barrier assembly being at least partially penetrated by the conductor extending from the first conduit to the second conduit.

4. The protective device of claim 3, wherein the barrier assembly comprises at least one brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to and extending inwardly from the outer edge, the conductor passing through the bristles.

5. The protective device according to claim 4, wherein the outer edge of the brush barrier is made of at least one of brass, galvanized steel, stainless steel or polymer.

6. The protective device according to claim 4, wherein the bristles of the brush barrier are made of synthetic or natural fibers.

7. The protective device according to claim 4, wherein the bristles of the brush barrier are made of metal.

8. The protective device of claim 3, wherein the barrier assembly comprises: two brush barriers, each brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles extending inwardly from the outer edge, the conductor passing through the bristles; and a spacer located between the two brush barriers.

9. The protective device according to claim 8, wherein the spacer is a wave spring.

10. The protective device of claim 3, wherein the cavity of the body includes a support for receiving the barrier assembly.

11. The protective device of claim 10, wherein the barrier assembly includes a stop element, wherein the body includes an internal groove for receiving the stop element and securing the barrier assembly between the support and the stop element.

12. The protective device of claim 3, further comprising a sealant adjacent to the barrier assembly within the body.

13. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the connector is attached to the top member via a threaded engagement in the closed position.

14. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a groove on the outer surface and a retaining ring located in the groove between the body and the connector, wherein the connector comprises an upper groove that engages with the retaining ring in the open position.

15. The protective device of claim 14, wherein the connector includes a lower groove that engages with the retaining ring in the closed position.

16. The protective device of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a groove and a positioning ring, the groove being located on the outer surface, and the positioning ring being detachably positioned in the groove below the lower edge of the connector when the connector is in the closed position.

17. A protective device comprising: The main body has a lower opening, an upper opening, and a cavity extending between the lower opening and the upper opening; A barrier assembly located within the cavity of the body; Top component, which has an upper opening; as well as A connector that slidably engages around the body, the connector being slidable between an open position distal to the top component and a closed position attached to the top component. The body includes a first groove on its outer surface and a retaining ring located in the first groove between the body and the connector, wherein the connector includes an upper groove that engages with the retaining ring in the open position and a lower groove that engages with the retaining ring in the closed position.

18. The protective device of claim 17, wherein the barrier assembly comprises at least one brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to and extending inward from the outer edge.

19. The protective device of claim 17, wherein the barrier assembly comprises: two brush barriers, each brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles extending inwardly from the outer edge; and a spacer located between the two brush barriers.

20. The protective device according to claim 19, wherein the spacer is a wave spring.

21. The protective device of claim 17, wherein the cavity of the body includes a support for receiving the barrier assembly.

22. The protective device of claim 17, wherein the body comprises a second groove and a positioning ring, the second groove being located on the outer surface, and the positioning ring being detachably positioned in the second groove below the lower edge of the connector when the connector is in the closed position.

23. A method for installing a protective device in an electrical conduit system, comprising the following steps: A protective device is provided, the protective device comprising: a body having a lower opening, an upper opening, and a cavity extending between the lower opening and the upper opening; A barrier assembly located within the cavity of the body; Top component, which has an upper opening; And a connector that slidably engages around the outer surface of the body, the connector being slidable between an open position on the distal side of the top component and a closed position attached to the top component; The body of the protective device is secured to the first pipe via the lower opening of the body; The top component of the protective device is secured to the second pipe via the upper opening of the top component; Multiple conductors are passed from the first conduit, through the cavity of the body via the barrier assembly, and into the second conduit; The body is at least partially filled with sealant, wherein the connector is in the open position; as well as The protection device is turned off by moving the connector to the closed position.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the barrier assembly comprises: two brush barriers, each brush barrier having an outer edge and a plurality of bristles attached to and extending inwardly from the outer edge, the conductor passing through the bristles to penetrate the barrier assembly; and a spacer located between the two brush barriers.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the spacer is a wave spring.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein, When the body is secured to the first pipe and the top component is secured to the second pipe, the connector remains in the closed position via a positioning clasp engaged in a groove on the outer surface of the body below the lower edge of the connector.

Citation Information

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