Abstract: A chain link used in fabricating a flexible energy guide chain for supporting energy conduits from a fixed attachment point to a moveable consuming load. The chain link is composed of two parallel side plates and a base plate interconnecting the side plates so as to form a U-shaped passage for the conduits. A cover is pivotally mounted to one of the side plates by a hinge connection which permits pivotal movement between a first stable position wherein the passage is open and a second stable position wherein the passage is closed. The hinge exerts a spring force which resists movement of the cover from either of its stable positions toward the other stable position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a foldable protective element for, in particular movably laid, lines, which is cast or injection-moulded in one piece from plastic material substantially in an approximately level, flat configuration, and has segments (11, 12, 13, 14) which are connected together by bendable bridges (15), wherein the protective element has a bottom segment (11) with a top side (4) and an underside (5), and at least one wall segment (12), which can be shaped to form a closed passage portion (10) by bending and/or folding in the direction of the top side (4) of the bottom segment (11) and mechanical closure of a closing mechanism (16, 17), and wherein the protective element (1) is so connected or connectable to other similar protective elements (2) that the passage portions (10) form in a longitudinal direction (S) a passage for lines. A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which an entire series of protective elements is injection-moulded in one piece, with end portions (30).