Abstract: A connecting strength at a bonding site between a wiring layer 1c and a conductor 1d is enhanced by comparing a bonding strength between a wiring layer 14 provided by covering the conductor 1d on an insulating base 1a and the conductor 1d with a bonding strength between the wiring layer 1c and the insulating base 1a in an adjacency of the conductor to set the latter relatively lower.

Abstract: A firewall damper fitting for data transmission lines having a damper body and a vertically sliding cover plate. The cover plate and the damper body having protruding lip portions which allow removable access to data lines while providing an effective damper which retards heat and fire through a sleeve without damaging the data transmission lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for covering a trough member. A system can include a hinge clip coupled to a sidewall of the trough member and creating a socket. The system can include a cover including a pivot member that is received in the socket to allow the cover to pivot from open to closed positions. A capture clip including a ramp portion and a seat can be coupled to the other sidewall, and a portion of the cover can ride along the ramp and drop into the seat as the cover is pivoted from open to closed positions. The hinge clip can include structures to limit rotation of the cover and to capture portions of the cover. The cover can include a capture member having an elbow to be received in the seat of the capture clip when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: An electric connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion that is provided with a frustro-conical snap fit retaining ring having a face portion about which laterally extending arms are bent to define a frustro-conical ring circumscribing the face portion. The retainer ring is integrally formed of a spring steel type material an equivalent thereof. Certain of the arms have locking tangs formed or blanked out of the surface thereof, that are cantileverly bent or offset relative to the surface of its corresponding arm. The free end of the arms are arranged to function as an electrical grounding tang in the operative position of the connector assembly.

Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly including a modular wall panel and a mounting bracket connected to the modular wall panel. The mounting bracket includes a base configured for connection to the modular wall panel and a pair of parallel side plates connected to and extending transverse from the base. An electrical distribution harness is included with at least one channel at least partially enclosed by the pair of parallel side plates.

Abstract: A system of architectural moldings that form a passage for electrical wiring (30), coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and associated devices used in transmitting low-voltage power, communication, and control signals. The architectural moldings may also be used to cover pre-existing wiring raceways and conduits. The system may be installed when constructing a building or when retrofitting an existing structure. The moldings can be removably mounted on the interior surfaces of residential and commercial structures in a manner that allows for easy removal and replacement of some or all of the moldings without disturbing the enclosed wiring and cables or harming finished surfaces. The moldings may be made of wood, polyurethane, fiberboard, or any material suitable for manufacturing pieces that resemble baseboards, cornice moldings, chair rails, casings, or other interior millwork.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cable used for electrically connecting an apparatus main body section to a section rotatably supported by a hinge member with respect to said apparatus main body section, wherein the cable is provided in parallel to a rotation axis of the hinge member so as to be held by the apparatus main body section and the section, respectively, and the cable has a half-loop shape. Because the cable is provided in parallel to a rotation axis of the hinge member so as to be held by the apparatus main body section and the section, respectively, the torsional stress is dispersed in the half-loop of the cable when the cable is twisted by a rotation of the section rotatably supported. On this account, the stress is not concentrated, thereby reducing the stress applied to the cable, and improving a durability of the cable.

Abstract: A cable organizer including a first member defining an elongate channel receivable of cables and including a plurality of apertures through which the cables can be passed into or out of the channel and a second member defining an elongate channel and slidably connected to the first member. The second member is alternatively alignable with each of the plurality of the apertures in the first member by sliding the second member along the first member, e.g., in a channel formed in connection therewith for this purpose, such that the cables can be guided from the channel in the first member to the channel in the second member.

Abstract: A hinged duct system having a base and a cover hingedly attached to the base. The base has a bottom wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall that define a channel therebetween. The cover has a top wall, a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover is attached to one of the sidewalls of the base by a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism has a hook member located at a distal end of one of the sidewalls of the base and a hook member located at one of the end portions of the cover. A flexible member is disposed along the hinge mechanism to preventing the cover from sliding with respect to the base when the cover rotates about the base.

Abstract: A labor saving system, method, and apparatus for connecting or coupling lengths of electric metallic tubing (“EMT”). The invention uses couplings/connectors that have barbs that are designed to engage corresponding indentations on EMT to ensure proper installation. In one aspect, the invention is an EMT having: an EMT inner surface forming an EMT cavity; an EMT outer surface; an EMT first end; and at least one indentation in the EMT outer surface at or near the EMT first end, the indentation adapted to receive a corresponding barb from a sleeve device. In another aspect, the invention is a linking device for EMT includes a first section having a link inner surface forming a link cavity adapted to receive an end of an EMT, a link outer surface, and at least one barb access hole adapted to allow a corresponding barb of a sleeve device to extend therethrough when the sleeve device is fitted around the first section; a second section; and a separator between the first and second sections.

Abstract: A weatherproof cover plate that may be installed horizontally and vertically is disclosed. In a weatherproof flat cover plate, an apron is provided to offer a water shield along at least two sides of the cover plate base. Additionally, a continuous ridge on the base is disclosed in association with a gasket and a biased hinge to provide additional protection against the weather. A novel locking clip is also disclosed. In a weatherproof bubble cover plate, a biased hinge is provided to bias the lid closed upon the base. Additionally, one or more cord catches in the base and knock-outs in the lid are disclosed. Other embodiments include bubble cover plates having gaps between the lid and the base to allow a cord to pass therethrough when the lid is close.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition comprising an organopolysiloxane component composed of (A) an organopolysiloxane gum having an alkenyl content of 0.001-2 mol % and (B) an organopolysiloxane gum having an alkenyl content of more than 2 mol % to 20 mol %, (C) microparticulate silica, (D) platinum or a platinum compound, (E) an organosilicon compound containing a nitrogenous organic group and an unsaturated hydrocarbon group and/or a benzotriazole, and (F) a curing agent cures into electrically insulating silicone rubber having a minimized tensile permanent set, improved mechanical strength, and tracking resistance.

Abstract: A siding board and conduit holding system for forming the border of a dwelling wall while holding wiring and other like conduits comprises a plurality of elongated compartments each including a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall and a pair of end walls. The first and third walls are positioned opposite of each other. The second wall has a break therein to define a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is frictionally couplable to the second portion. The third wall is pivotally coupled to the fourth wall such that the third wall defines a door. At least one of the elongated compartments may be positioned along an edge of the dwelling wall such that the first wall is attached to the dwelling wall. Wiring is positionable within the compartments to be extended along the dwelling wall.

Abstract: A cable manager provides horizontal cable management of adjacent patch panels or network equipment on network distribution racks. The cable manager includes a central section and a front cable routing section and is mountable on a network rack, such as an EIA rack. The central section has a longitudinal width sized to fit within the network rack, a front side, a rear side, and rack mounting holes provided on opposite longitudinal ends of the central section. The front cable routing section extends from the front side of the central section and, includes a plurality of spaced fingers having an arcuate surface that provides bend radius control. A slit provides flexibility to the fingers. Ears extend laterally from the fingers. The cable manager can also include a rear cable routing section that includes a second plurality of spaced fingers. One or more passthrough openings can be provided in the central section to allow routing of cabling from the front section to the rear section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming an interconnect to a cobalt or nickel silicide having a TiN diffusion barrier. The inventive method comprises providing an initial structure having vias to exposed silicide regions positioned on a substrate; annealing the initial structure in a nitrogen-containing ambient, wherein a nitrogen passivation layer is formed atop the exposed silicide region; depositing Ti atop the nitrogen passivation layer; annealing the Ti in a nitrogen-containing ambient to form a TiN diffusion barrier and an amorphous Ti cobalt silicide between the TiN diffusion layer and the cobalt or nickel silicide and depositing an interconnect metal within the vias and atop the TiN diffusion barrier. The nitrogen passivation layer substantially restricts diffusion between the Ti and silicide layers minimizing the amorphous Ti cobalt silicide layer that forms. Therefore, the amorphous Ti cobalt or Ti nickel silicide is restricted to a thickness of less than about 3.0 nm.

Abstract: A process for designing a cable wiring path, or producing a cable interconnection layout in the form of one or more cable bundles is proposed, wherein electrical, electromagnetic and mechanical incompatibles of proposed changes can be detected early and overcome as necessary, in certain cases by multiple iterative checking and changing of transmission line paths within a mechanical structure. By data exchange between specialized programs for mechanical characteristics on the one hand and electrical characteristics on the other hand and, in certain cases, multiple data dialogs, a cable harness in the form of one or more cable bundles can be designed in short time taking into consideration the two very different types of requirements.

Abstract: A portable utility power line pole and associated methods of assembly and use are provided. The portable utility power line pole includes a pole body adapted to be held in the hand of a user. The portable utility power line pole also can include a tool connector adapted to mount a utility power line tool for use in association with electrical power distribution lines. An alignment indicator in the form of a visible line is positioned on an outer surface of the pole body in alignment with the tool connector to provide the user visualization of a user selected orientation of the utility power line tool when mounted on the tool connector and when the user manipulates the portable utility power line pole at a proximal end of the pole body to select the orientation of the utility power line tool.

Abstract: A connector for connecting elongated enclosures of a wire and cable enclosure system, includes: a manually bendable pleated body having first and second ends; a first coupling member extending from the first end of the body, for attaching one of the elongated enclosures to the connector, and a second coupling member extending from the second end of the body, for attaching another one of the elongated enclosures to the connector. The pleated body allows the connector to be manually bent from side-to-side, manually bent from front-to-back, manually lengthened, or manually shortened to provide a desired configuration.

Abstract: A cable fixer for holding at least two cables, includes opposite top and bottom ends, an outer side wall that interconnects the top and bottom ends, an inner cable tunnel that passes through the top and bottom ends inwardly of the outer side wall and is capable of holding one of the cables, and an outer cable tunnel which is formed in the outer side wall from the top end to the bottom ends for holding the other one of the cables.

Abstract: A duct for electrical cables comprises a plurality of filiform elements arranged substantially parallel to one another according to the longitudinal development of the duct. The duct of the invention includes, for at least a portion of its length, a plurality of structural modules, which are arranged in a transverse direction with respect to said filiform elements and are set at a distance from one another in succession according to the longitudinal development of the duct. The supporting modules have a basically U-shaped body that includes a central wall from which there project, on opposites sides with respect to one another, two side walls that are set substantially parallel to one another. On said shaped body coupling means, designed to enable connection with said filiform elements, are arranged.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a harness protector used in supplying electricity is described in which a harness protector is attached to a vehicle body or a door inner panel of a sliding door for absorbing slack of a wire harness in the harness protector. A reinforcing member is provided on the harness protector for preventing deformation, such as warpage in a thickness direction, of the harness protector. The reinforcing member includes a protector fixing member, a door panel fixing member and a door-trim fixing member. The reinforcing member attaches to the harness protector without any rattle in the thickness direction and is movable along a surface of the harness protector. The reinforcing member incorporates an oblong opening of the harness protector for pulling out the wire harness.

Abstract: A wire protector for protecting a wire during mounting of the wire on a mounting surface includes a retaining member configured to engage the wire. The retaining member includes a top portion and first and second arms extending generally perpendicularly from the top portion. Junctures between the top portion and the first and second arms are arcuate to engage the wire therein. At least one securing member is connected with the retaining member and adapted to position the retaining member on the surface.

Abstract: An elongated member is formed with a groove extending in a longitudinal direction thereof. A protector body has a harness chamber which accommodates a wire harness therein, and is integrally formed with a retainer which holds a wire-like member. The protector body is detachably attached to the elongated member such that the retainer is accommodated in the groove.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to support members for assemblies of conductors, conduits, or other means of conveying energy, gases, or liquids. The invention has a series of non-interlocking solids disposed along the length of a flexible base material. The non-interlocking solids have motion-limiting portions that contact similar portions on adjacent solids to restrict the movement of the support member in one direction, while permitting the support member to curve or bend in an opposite direction. The invention is also directed to assemblies incorporating the support members.

Abstract: Electrical conduits and conductors are sealed using a chamber that is configured for attachment to a conduit through which at least one conductor runs, such that the at least one conductor also runs through the chamber. A port permits access to the chamber to inject a sealing compound into the chamber, and a vent permits access to a portion of the conductor that is located between portions of the conductor that are surrounded by the sealing compound after the sealing compound is injected into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a process for forming the embedded wires having the higher density and the finer pitch without using catalyzing agent in an economical manner. The electroless plating process of copper according to the present invention includes steps of preparing a substrate, and forming a metal nitride layer containing high melting-point metal on the substrate. The metal nitride layer has a stabilized nitride layer in the vicinity of a top surface thereof. The stabilized nitride layer has a composition ratio of nitrogen atoms over oxygen atoms, which is about 0.4 or more. The process also includes a step of immersing the substrate into a plating solution containing copper so as to displace high melting-point metal contained in the metal nitride layer by copper, thereby forming an electroless copper plating layer on the metal nitride layer.

Abstract: An installation vertical groove (13) is formed in a circuit member-installing surface (12) of a resin-molded panel (11). Then, a flat circuit member (14) is inserted into the installation vertical groove, so that the flat circuit member is installed in such a manner that this flat circuit member stands in a direction perpendicular to the circuit member-installing surface. The installation vertical groove has opposed surfaces which are spaced from each other by a distance, corresponding to a thickness of the flat circuit member and are disposed perpendicularly to the circuit member-installing surface, and this installation vertical groove is formed to be disposed below the circuit member-installing surface.

Abstract: Ducting associated with rail track comprising a bed (13) located along at least a portion of the length of the rail track, the bed lying proximate the rails (11), a resiliently deformable cover (27) receivable over the bed and comprising a plurality of elongated channel members located in an end to end relationship having their flanges (29) extending downwardly and outwardly, the cover being intended to cooperate with the bed to define a duct able to accommodate conductors, optical fibres, cable and services. The bed has retention means (21) in the form a groove to receive and retain the lips (31) of the channel members. An apparatus having a carriage (73) is movable along the rail track to cause inward resilient deformation of the cover by pairs of rollers (71) to enable installation and withdrawal of the lips (31) from the grooves (21).

Abstract: A substantially flexible post having a hollow tubular inner sheath protruding upwardly from the earth and having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the fixture post is connected to an electrical junction box disposed in a subterranean location, the second end portion connected to an electrical fixture attached thereto, such that the electrical conductors pass from the electrical junction box, through the inner sheath portion thus safely communicating electrical energy from the junction box to the fixture. Additionally, a spring comprising a coil of wire, wherein the spring surrounds the outer diameter of the sheath portion. The length dimension of the flexible inner sheath portion is longer than the length dimension of the spring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for covering a trough member. A system can include a hinge clip coupled to a sidewall of the trough member and having arms creating a socket. The system can include a cover including a pivot member and a groove at one end. The pivot member can be received in the socket to allow the cover to pivot about the pivot member from open to closed positions, and one arm of the socket can be received in the groove in the open position. A capture clip including a ramp portion and a seat can be coupled to the other sidewall, and another pivot member at the other end of the cover can ride along the ramp and drop into the seat as the cover is pivoted from open to closed positions. The cover can also be two cover portions, each extending partially over the trough member and creating a slot therebetween.

Abstract: A button fastening device for attachment within an opening in a duct base for securing elongate cables and the like as well as structural duct dividers thereto. The device includes a cup-shaped upper portion, a shaft and a locking wing. The cup-shaped upper portion has a rim for snap-on attachment of a duct divider and strap passages for attachment of a bundle strap for securing cables to the duct base. The shaft extends from the cup-shaped upper portion to the locking wing. The locking wing secures the device to the duct base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lead wire holding member. In the disclosed invention, the holding member for holding a plurality of lead wires together includes one or more holding plate, each plate having a hole for receiving the plurality of lead wires all together and a slit formed from the hole to the outer edge of the holding plate. Accordingly, lead wires can be easily held together and a holding member that is less costly and easy to work with can be provided.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cable used for electrically connecting an apparatus main body section to a section rotatably supported by a hinge member with respect to said apparatus main body section, wherein the cable is provided in parallel to a rotation axis of the hinge member so as to be held by the apparatus main body section and the section, respectively, and the cable has a half-loop shape. Because the cable is provided in parallel to a rotation axis of the hinge member so as to be held by the apparatus main body section and the section, respectively, the torsional stress is dispersed in the half-loop of the cable when the cable is twisted by a rotation of the section rotatably supported. On this account, the stress is not concentrated, thereby reducing the stress applied to the cable, and improving a durability of the cable.

Abstract: A door wire routing system for efficiently routing wiring from a door jam to a swinging door in a concealed and protective manner. The door wire routing system includes a flexible tubular member that receives and protects a wire, and a pair of guide members that slidably receive the tubular member. One of the guide members is installed within an opening within a doorjamb and the other guide member is installed within an opening within an inner edge of a door member. The wire is extended through the tubular member for providing electrical power and data communications to the door member. When the door member is opened or closed, the tubular member slides within the guide members while protecting the wire from damage or sabotage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for securing wiring to a device housing. The device housing is provided with a base capable of securing different types of wiring. A reversible clamp strap is provided that may be used to further provide for the securing of different types of conductors into the device housing.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first interconnecting apparatus connected to an external network; a second interconnecting apparatus connected to the first interconnecting apparatus; and a first management apparatus, connected to the first interconnecting apparatus and the second interconnecting apparatus, for managing the second interconnecting apparatus. The first interconnecting apparatus includes a first interconnecting unit for receiving a management command, which is an instruction for management of the second interconnecting apparatus from the external network, and for transmitting the management command to the first management apparatus. The first management apparatus includes a first management command receive unit for receiving the management command from the first interconnecting apparatus.

Abstract: A cable protecting tube having high transparency and allowing the filling condition of mortar therein to be visually observed from the outside as well as exhibiting high pressure resistance is provided. A cable protecting tube for accommodating a cable and for filling with mortar includes a protecting tube (1) having smooth inner and outer surfaces formed from an ionomer resin excellent in transparency, and a spiral or mesh-shaped reinforcing member (2) for reinforcing the protecting tube. The reinforcing member (2) may be buried in the protecting tube (1). The protecting tube (1) is not limited to the smooth-walled tube but may be a spirally corrugated tube.

Abstract: A labor saving system, method, and apparatus for connecting or coupling lengths of electric metallic tubing (“EMT”). The invention uses couplings/connectors that have barbs that are designed to engage corresponding indentations on EMT to ensure proper installation. In one aspect, the invention is an EMT having: an EMT inner surface forming an EMT cavity; an EMT outer surface; an EMT first end; and at least one indentation in the EMT outer surface at or near the EMT first end, the indentation adapted to receive a corresponding barb from a sleeve device. In another aspect, the invention is a sleeve device comprising; a sleeve inner surface formning a sleeve cavity adapted to receive an end of an EMT; a sleeve outer surface; a first sleeve end; at least one barb on the sleeve inner surface at or near the first sleeve end, the barb adapted to engage a corresponding indentation on the EMT.

Abstract: An electrical carrier member has a dielectric shell, an electrical conductor, and at least one open channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The dielectric shell has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of enclosed channels extending longitudinally therethrough. The shell has a first end and a second end. The electrical conductor extends through each enclosed channel. Each electrical conductor terminates proximate to the first end and the second end. The at least one open channel has a longitudinally extending opening to receive at least one conductor cable insertable laterally into the at least one open channel.

Abstract: An electrical cable of the present invention comprises a plurality of spaced, parallel flat conductors. Each of the plurality of flat conductors was previously integral with each immediately adjacent flat conductor. A dielectric material is holds the conductors in the spaced, parallel relationship. The dielectric material can be a polymer film, a nonwoven, or other polymer materials such as PTFE, or expanded PTFE. The cable of the present invention is made by providing first and second webs of dielectric materials and a third sheet of conductive material. The first and second web materials are bonded to the third sheet of conductive material in a face-to-face layered relationship thereby forming a bonded laminate. The bonded laminate is then incrementally stretched to separate the sheet of conductive material in to spaced, parallel flat conductors.

Abstract: A fitting for an electrical conduit uses a cam lock arrangement. The fitting has an annular pocket for receiving the end of a conduit section. An opening through the wall of the fitting intersects the pocket. The cam lock is mounted so that a cam portion projects through the opening. A lever projecting above the body of the fitting rotates the cam lock to cause it to engage and indent an inserted conduit section to lock the conduit section in place. A method is provided by which conduit sections can be joined using only a single tool, such as a pair of slip joint channel pliers.

Abstract: A cylindrical pre-molded rubber insulation tube made by a plurality of layers using a rubber material as a base material has in a central part and at both ends of an inner periphery thereof a sheet-shaped electrode layer formed at an insde thereof with a semi-conductive rubber layer and at an outside thereof with a high-permittivity rubber layer, as an inner electrode layer configured with the semi-condutctive rubber layer to be thin and sheet-shaped and the high-permittivity rubber layer covering a vicinity of a respective distal end of the semi-conductive rubber layer, and the distal end of the semi-conductive rubber layer is rounded by a radius of curvature substantially equal to half the thickness.

Abstract: A removable tube within each junction box interconnecting conduit pipes thereby providing a travel-smooth path for fish tapes through a junction box. Each guide tube has a ring near each end providing an insertion limit into a conduit. Each tube has a perforated score line along its length for easy removal after wire installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for the temporary wiring, especially emergency wiring, of communication net-works, comprising a base (4) that has a reel-up device (6) for a cable (10) for linking the device (2) with a central unit (12). Connecting means (8) for connecting a plurality of data processing devices (14) and distributing means linked with the connecting means (8) are provided on the base (4) for producing a communication link between the central unit (12) and the data processing devices (14). The inventive device (2) allows for the fast and simple initiation of a communication network.

Abstract: A clamp (40) for attaching a vibration damper to an energized suspended conductor (98) includes a base (42) having a first clamp member (46) with first and second extension sections (50, 52). The clamp (40) further includes a second clamp member (56) positioned between the extension sections (50, 52), and an eyebolt (58) for securing the second clamp member (56), to the first clamp member (46). The extension sections (50, 52) continuously abut the second clamp member (56) to prevent its rotation about the eyebolt (58). During installation, the eyebolt (58) is captured by a hook member (92) of shotgun stick (94) and a single lineman secures the vibration damper to the conductor (98).

Abstract: A bridge to enable intersection of a first cable raceway and a second cable raceway. The first raceway has a first raceway section and a second raceway section joined by the bridge. The bridge includes a body shaped to communicate with the first and second raceway sections of the first raceway to define a continuous cable pathway from the first raceway section to the second raceway section. The body has a tunnel in its bottom side shaped to permit the second raceway to intersect the first raceway, whereby cables situated in the respective raceways may be prevented from touching.

Abstract: An adjustable mid-panel spillover fitting is disclosed. The fitting includes a base, a cover securable to the base, and a cover cap securable to the base and the cover. The base has a spillover side, and the cover has an opening on a side wall thereof for receiving the spillover side. The cover has a shelf extending toward the side wall, and the cover cap has a groove for receiving the shelf therein. The cover cap includes at least one latch on an inside surface thereof for securing the cover cap to the base in a plurality of predetermined positions, and the cover cap is adjustable between the plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A fire resistant resin composition, a method of making the fire resistant resin composition and an electrical wire comprising the fire resistant resin composition are provided. The fire resistant composition includes a halogen-free propylene resin containing propylene as its main monomer component, a halogen-free styrene-based thermoplastic elastomeric resin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative of such an acid, and a fire resistant metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A hollow housing has a closed top, a closed back, a pair of side walls formed integrally with the closed top and the closed back, an open front and an open bottom. The open front is adapted to abuttingly engage a flat exterior surface of a wall of a building. The open bottom receives an uppermost end of a vertically oriented conduit. A throughbore is formed in the wall so that at least one cable enters the vertically oriented conduit from a lowermost end, extends through the lumen of the conduit, makes a gentle right angle bend in the hollow housing, and extends through the throughbore into the interior of the building. Sealant is then introduced into the hollow housing through a port formed in the closed top to seal the throughbore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to support members for assemblies of conductors, conduits, or other means of conveying energy, gases, or liquids. The invention has a series of non-interlocking solids disposed along the length of a flexible base material. The non-interlocking solids have motion-limiting portions that contact similar portions on adjacent solids to restrict the movement of the support member in one direction, while permitting the support member to curve or bend in an opposite direction. The invention is also directed to assemblies incorporating the support members.