This invention relates to cabling and to the way in which cables are laid when they enter and exit cable troughs. For example, cable troughs often lie adjacent to railway tracks, and cables carried by those troughs may be connected to track-side distribution boxes or cable chambers. Another aspect of this invention relates to the protection and security of cables associated with cable troughs.

Cables laid in railway cable troughs typically convey electrical power and/or signals to serve the railway system but, increasingly, cables are also being laid beside railway tracks for more general power transmission or communication purposes. This better exploits the land owned by the railway.

Railway cable troughs protect cables from weather, wildlife and vandalism. The cable troughs are usually made from concrete and are comprised of a U-section element which will generally be laid in series with further U-section elements. The U-section elements cooperate to form a cable trough route in which the cables are laid. A lid lies on top of each U-section element to close the interior of the cable trough route and hence protect the cables within. Additionally, the Hd is maybe wide enough, level enough and flat enough to provide a stable track-side walkway, but more often such a walkway or 'cess safety path' is provided separately.

It is often necessary for a cable to exit the cable trough route at the location of a terminal such as a distribution box or, perhaps, at the destination of the communications data and/or power carried by that cable. Alternatively, the route that the cable is required to take may necessitate its exit from the cable trough route, for example from there underneath adjacent railway tracks.

To allow a cable to leave the cable trough route, a small piece of the U-section element at the top edge of one of the element's vertical walls is removed. The cable can then pass through the resulting hole. However, the hole created is usually larger than the cross-section of the cable. Thus cables inside the cable trough route are exposed to the elements and wildlife; for example, rats which may damage the cables

by chewing them. Additionally, the edges of the hole that the cable passes through are at best coarse and often jagged which results in chafing and damage to the cable. Moreover, if a bunch of cables pass through the hole so that the top of the bunch extends above the top edge of the wall, chafing may be exacerbated due to the extra pressure exerted by a lid laid on top of the U-section element. Of course, any lid laid on a U-section element in this situation will be dangerously unstable if used as a walkway.

Due to the crude manner of creation of the hole simply by hitting the wall of the U- section element with a hammer, cracks may form in the wall of the U-section element which are likely to be made worse by weathering. Not only will these cracks reduce the strength of the wall but, when used to support a Hd that is used as a walkway, may collapse resulting in injury if the walkway is in use.

Electrical distribution boxes, as mentioned above, are commonly positioned next to cable trough routes. To accommodate a distribution box in this position, a stake is driven into the ground next to the cable trough route and the distribution box is then attached to the stake. To ensure that the stake is secure it must be hammered to a considerable depth; for added stability concrete is often laid on top of the ground around where the stake enters the earth and/or around the base of the stake when it is positioned in the earth. Alternatively, the stake may be replaced by a post having a prefabricated concrete weight at one end, the post being installed by excavating a cavity to the required depth and placing the weighted end of the post in the cavity. The remainder of the cavity can then be filled with soil. Both of these methods take considerable time and are expensive. Moreover, these methods also expose workers installing the stakes or posts to the risk of a cable strike, i.e. inadvertently rupturing a buried cable, risking injury to the workers and interruption of power or communications carried by the cable.

Presently, if a cable passes under railway tracks, that cable is required to pass through a cable chamber. The cable chamber is a cylindrical chamber which often comprises several cable chamber elements staked on top of one another. The chamber extends vertically into the ground; in the UK, the edge of the chamber must be at least 1.6 metres from the edge of the track by regulation. Any cable laid underneath railway

tracks must pass under those tracks at a depth of at least one metre, again determined by UK railway regulations. Therefore, the chamber extends into the ground to a sufficient depth to achieve the necessary cable depth.

A top section of the cable chamber remains above ground to allow the cable to enter the cable chamber through an opening in the side of that section. The opening is usually crudely formed by manually sawing through the side of the chamber — this again exposes the cables to the risks of damage described above. The cable then passes from the cable chamber through a pipe underneath the track to a further cable chamber at the required position and depth on the opposite side of the railway track.

A cable exiting a cable trough route in order to pass under a railway track will usually be simply laid along the ground from the cable trough route to the cable chamber. Alternatively, if the cable trough route is close enough to the cable chamber, the cable trough route is simply pushed up against the chamber so that the hole in the wall of the U-section element is adjacent to the opening in the cable chamber. Either way, this is highly unsatisfactory as the cables within the cable chamber and passing under the tracks are again exposed to the above mentioned risks.

A further problem of cable trough routes is associated with the U-section elements at the start and finish of a route. Presently, the cross-section of the route is open at the beginning and end of the route; thus the interior of the route is further exposed to the problems described above.

The present invention seeks to minimise or mitigate the problems discussed above and to improve the safety and integrity of railway cable trough routes and the cables associated with them. It also aims to improve the method of installation of track-side distribution boxes and the like.

Against this background, the present invention resides in a cable guide for guiding cables across a boundary of a cable trough route, the guide comprising a cover for covering a hole in an upstanding wall of a U-section cable trough route element; an opening in the cover for enabling cables to extend across the boundary of the cable

trough route through the hole; and a support engageable with the wall of the element for supporting the cover with the opening in a position corresponding to the hole.

Preferably, the support is adapted to lie on a top edge of the wall and the cover may be planar. To help protect the area of the wall around the hole the cover may have a surface area substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the opening. The cable guide may further comprise a conduit associated with the opening. The conduit may be a channel or alternatively a tube. The conduit and the cover may be mutually orthogonal so that the conduit may project from the cover in a first direction and the conduit extends through the cover in a second direction opposed to the first direction.

The cable guide may further include a flange spaced from the cover to embrace the wall of the element, the cover and the flange preferably abutting first and second faces of the wall respectively. The flange may be supported by the conduit and the conduit may penetrate the flange. Preferably, the flange is planar and the cover and the flange may lie in parallel planes or, alternatively, lie in planes that converge to a substantially horizontal line of intersection. The cover and flange maybe substantially the same shape.

Preferably, the cover has a top edge and the flange has a top edge, whereby the top edge of the flange is positioned lower than the top edge of the cover when the guide is in use on the wall of the U-section element.

The support may be defined by a portion of the conduit between the cover and the flange adapted to lie within the hole and the said portion of the conduit may have a flat base.

Preferably, the support includes a first portion adapted to lie on top of the wall whereby to suspend the cover with the opening in a position corresponding to the hole. Additionally, the first portion and the cover may be planar and may lie in mutually orthogonal planes. The support may include a second portion adapted to embrace the top of the wall and may cooperate with the cover to embrace the wall. The cover and the second portion preferably abut first and second faces of the wall respectively. The second portion is preferably planar. The cover and the second

portion may lie in parallel planes or, alternatively, may lie in planes that converge to a substantially horizontal line of intersection. Also, the first and second portions are preferably planar and lie in mutually orthogonal planes. The first and second portions and the cover may therefore define an inverted U-section channel.

In a further embodiment, the conduit may penetrate the second portion and the opening may be situated centrally with respect to the cover and a conduit may be associated with the opening. The opening may also be situated adjacent to an edge of the cover. The first portion may extend from the cover in a first direction and the conduit may extend from the cover in a second direction opposed to the first direction. Preferably, the opening is within the conduit and the opening may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the conduit. The conduit may be cylindrical or, alternatively, may have a rectangular cross-section.

Preferably, the conduit extends orthogonally from the cover and a pipe may be attached to the conduit to communicate with the opening.

In a further embodiment, a first stanchion may extend from the cable guide. Preferably, a first end of a first support strut is attached to the first stanchion where the first stanchion meets the cable guide and a second end of the first support strut is attached to the first stanchion at a point spaced from the end of the first stanchion. Preferably, the first stanchion has a first edge supported by a first support plate and a second edge supported by a second support plate. The first stanchion may extend generally upwardly when the support is engaged with the wall of the element. The first stanchion may comprise at least one hole for attaching further equipment.

A second stanchion may extend from the cable guide. Preferably, a first end of a second support strut is attached to the second stanchion where the second stanchion meets the cable guide and a second end of the second support strut is attached to the second stanchion at a point spaced from the end of the second stanchion. The second stanchion may extend generally upwardly when the support is engaged with the wall of the element. The second stanchion may comprise at least one hole for attaching further equipment. The first and second stanchions may be connected by a crossbeam and the crossbeam may comprise at least one hole for attaching further equipment. A

third stanchion may extend from the crossbeam and the third stanchion may extend generally upwardly when the support is engaged with the wall of the element. The third stanchion may comprise at least one hole for attaching further equipment.

The invention further resides in a barrier for an end of a cable trough route, the barrier comprising a cover for covering the end of the cable trough route; and a fixing means for securing the cover to a cable trough route element defining the end of the cable trough route.

Preferably, the barrier embraces the end of the cable trough route element defining the end of the cable trough route and may comprise one or more walls that cooperate with the cover to define a cap for embracing the end of the cable trough route element.

The fixing means may comprise one or more clamps and may also comprise one or more fasteners. Preferably, the one or each fastener comprises a bolt bearing against one or more walls of the cable trough route element.

In a further embodiment, the barrier may have an opening through the cover enabling cables to extend through the barrier. Preferably, the opening is situated centrally with respect to the cover and the barrier may further comprise a conduit which may extend orthogonally from the cover. Preferably, the opening is within the conduit and may correspond to the cross-sectional area of the conduit. The conduit may also be cylindrical and a pipe may be attached to the conduit to communicate with . the opening.

The invention further resides in a cable guide for guiding cables through an opening in a cable chamber, the guide comprising a conduit for positioning within the opening to accommodate cables extending through the opening; a stop associated with the conduit; and a collar attachable to the conduit to prevent slippage of the conduit from the opening.

Preferably, the collar is compressible around the conduit. Suitably, a pipe around the conduit is secured between the collar and the conduit. The stop may be a curved plate with a radius of curvature corresponding to the internal radius of the cable chamber.

The invention further resides in a method of installing the cable guide, the method comprising engaging the support with the wall to position the opening over the hole in the wall; and threading one or more cables through the opening.

Preferably, the method further comprises attaching a pipe to the opening. Additionally, the method may further comprise attaching another end of the pipe to an opening in a cable chamber.

The method may further comprise attaching an electrical device or terminal to the a cable guide. Alternatively, the method may further comprise attaching a speed board or other sign to a cable guide.

The invention further resides in a cable guard system for protecting cables, the system comprising a cable guide in use on an upstanding wall of a U-section cable trough element; and a cable chamber connected to the cable guide by a pipe.

Preferably, the cover is positioned on the outside of the upstanding wall and a lid may be placed on top of the cable trough route element. Thus, at least part of the support may be sandwiched between the lid and the upstanding wall.

In a further embodiment, the cable guard system may further comprise an electrical device or terminal attached to a cable guide. Alternatively, the cable guard system may further comprise a speed board or other sign attached to the a cable guide. The electrical device or terminal may be a distribution box.

Preferably, one or more cables extend through the opening to connect to the device or terminal.

The invention further resides in a cable guard system for protecting cables, the system comprising a barrier for the end of a cable trough route; and a second barrier for the end of a second cable trough route.

Suitably, the barrier and second barrier may be cooperable, whereby one or more cables extend from the cable trough route to the second cable trough route.

The opening may be cooperable with a male member associated with the second barrier. Alternatively, the opening may be cooperable with a female socket associated with the second barrier.

The invention further resides in a cable guard system for protecting cables, the system comprising a barrier for use with an end of a cable trough route; and a cable chamber connected to the cable guide by a pipe.

Preferably, one or more cables may extend between the cable trough route element and the cable chamber through the pipe.

The invention further resides in a U-section cable trough route element having at least one hole in an upstanding wall of the element; and a cable guide, wherein the support and the hole have matching corresponding cross-sections.

In order that this invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure Ia is a top perspective view of a portion of a cable trough route with cables laid in the interior of the cable trough route;

Figure Ib is a side perspective view of the portion of the cable trough route as shown in Figure Ia;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a U-section element in which a hole has been made for cable egress;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the end of a cable trough route showing an example of how cables presently exit and enter the cable trough route;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a guard for preventing ingress of vermin etc. into a cable trough route and having a conduit for channelling cables according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4b is a perspective view of a guard for preventing ingress of vermin etc. into a cable trough route and showing cables channelled through a conduit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a side perspective view of a guard and distribution box mounted on a stanchion associated with the guard according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guard being shown in use on the wall of a U-section element;

Figure 6a is a side perspective view corresponding to Figure 5 but with the addition of a lid fitted on the top of the U-section element;

Figure 6b is a further view of the cable trough route of Figure 6a from above and looking along the route;

Figure 7a is a top view of the end of a cable trough route showing a further embodiment of the invention being a trough end plate suitable for use at an end of a cable trough route;

Figure 7b is a front perspective view of the end of a cable trough route showing the further embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7a;

Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention being a trough end plate similar to that of Figures 7a and 7b but comprising an opening;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cable trough end plate of Figure 8 shown attached to a pipe which is, in turn, connected to a cable chamber element;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cable chamber element of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the inside of a cable guide positioned in an opening in the cable chamber element of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a side perspective side view of a guard for preventing ingress of vermin etc. into a cable trough route and having a conduit for channelling cables according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a side-front perspective view of the guard of Figure 12;

Figure 14a is a further perspective view of the rear of the guard of Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 14b is a side perspective side view of a guard for preventing ingress of vermin etc. into a cable trough route and having a channel for channelling cables according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14c is a side perspective view from above of the guard shown in Figure 14b, the guard being shown in use on the wall of a U-section element;

Figure 15 is a side-front perspective view of a guard for preventing ingress of vermin etc. into a cable trough route and having a conduit for channelling cables according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 16 is a side perspective view of the guard of Figure 15;

Figure 17a is a further perspective view of the rear of the guard of Figures 15 and 16;

Figure 17b is a schematic diagram of the guard of Figures 15, 16 and 17a viewed from the front;

Figure 17c is a schematic diagram of the guard of Figures 15, 16, 17a and 17b viewed from the side;

Figure 18a is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a guard viewed from the front, where the guard comprises two stanchions arranged to accommodate track-side equipment;

Figure 18b is a rear perspective view of the guard of Figure 18a;

Figures 19a and 19b are schematic diagrams of further embodiments of the guard viewed from the front, where the guard comprises two extended stanchions arranged to accommodate larger track-side equipment;

Figure 20a is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the guard viewed from the front, where the guard includes an inverted T-section to accommodate further types of track-side equipment;

Figure 20b is a rear perspective view of the guard of Figure 20a;

Figures 21a and 21b are schematic diagrams showing further embodiments of the present invention from the side;

Figure 22a and 22b are schematic diagrams showing further embodiments of the present invention from the side;

Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of the present invention from the side;

Figure 24a is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of the guard viewed from the rear, where the stanchion is suitable for accommodating further types track-side equipment;

Figure 24b is a schematic diagram of the further embodiment of the guard of Figure 24a viewed from the side; and

Figure 24c rear perspective view of the guard of Figures 24a and 24b.

Figure Ia and Figure Ib show a cable trough route 1 comprising U-section elements 2 arranged in series. The cable trough route 1 usually runs next to a railway track; however, for clarity, the track is not shown. Each U-section element 2 comprises a base 10, first wall 12 and second wall 14, the first wall 12 and second wall 14 each extending from a respective one of the two longest sides of the base 10. The first wall 12 and second wall 14 are arranged parallel to each other and orthogonally with respect to the base 10, thereby forming a U-shaped cross-section. Laid within the interior of the cable trough route 1 are power or communications cables 5. The cable trough route 1 together with lids 8 arranged in series protect the cables 5 from the elements, wildlife and vandalism. Conveniently, when the lids 8 are in place, as shown in Figure 3, the cable trough route 1 can be used as a walkway; at least, it is advantageous that the lids can be walked on without creating a trip hazard due to wobbling or unevenness.

The second wall 14 contains a recessed portion 3 adjacent to its top edge 15. In order for a cable to exit or enter the cable trough route 1, the recessed portion is knocked out of the second wall 14. The cable is then laid through the resulting opening.

Figure 2 shows a portion of a U-section element 2 in which the recessed portion 3 has been removed, thereby forming a hole 4. Presently, if a cable is required to exit or enter the cable trough route 1, it is laid across the edges 6 defining the hole 4. As can be seen from Figure 2, due to the crude method of removal of the recessed portion 3, the hole 4 has rough edges 6. Furthermore, again due to the crude method of removal of the recessed portion 3, cracks 7 may form in the second wall 14, weakening the U- section element 2.

Any cables extending through the hole 4 will be in contact with the rough edges 6 of the hole 4. Movement of the cables, for example due to repositioning during maintenance, will result in the sheath of the cables rubbing on the rough edges 6, thereby damaging the cables and possibly exposing and damaging the conductors within.

Exposure of the cracks 7 to the elements will further damage the U-section element 2. The cracks 7 become larger when they are exposed to weathering and especially frost action, further weakening the U-section element 2. This can result in a dangerous situation if the U-section element 2 collapses when the cable trough route 1 is used as a walkway. Any worker that is unfortunate enough to fall off the cable trough route in this manner, or to trip, may fall on to the railway track and be hit by a train or electrocuted by a live rail.

Figure 3 shows the cable trough route 1 in use with lids 8 enclosing the cable trough route 1. Portions of cables known as "exiting cables" 5a can be seen extending through the hole 4, whereby they exit the cable trough route 1 and then enter a further cable trough route 100 through its open end. As can be appreciated, the exiting cables

5a are in contact with the rough edges 6 of the of the hole 4 of the second wall 14. It will also be appreciated that the lid 8 will put pressure on the exiting cables 5 a if the combined cross-section of the exiting cables 5a fills the hole 4. Conversely, if the exiting cables 5a do not fill the hole 4, the cables 5 inside the cable trough route 1 will be exposed to the elements as well as wildlife.

Referring to Figure 4a, a guard 20 for preventing ingress into the cable trough route 1 comprises a flat oblong plate 22 in the centre of which a tubular conduit 24 extends orthogonally from the plate 22. The conduit 24 aligns with a corresponding hole in the plate 22, thereby allowing cables to extend from one side of the plate 22 to the other. Attached to the plate 22 is an optional stanchion 30 for connecting track-side equipment such as distribution boxes or speed boards.

By modifying the stanchion 30 or providing other means for attaching further equipment it is possible to install track-side telephones. Such telephones could be secured to the guard of the present invention, or a corresponding integral mounting (not shown). This provides further security if those telephones have a fixed line as the line is afforded grater security.

As an example of further equipment that could be supported by the guard 20 or stanchion 30, in a further embodiment of the invention, a rod or pole is engageable with a holder which is integral with the guard (not shown). The rod or pole is arranged

to support track-side fencing to prevent debris falling onto, or unauthorised access to, the railway. The fencing can also be used to provide a safety zone, known as a 'green zone', for railway workers.

Extending from the top edge of the plate 22 is a seat 25 for seating the guard 20 on the top edge 15 of the second wall 14 of a U-section cable trough element 2. The seat 25 comprises a planar seating member 26 which extends orthogonally and integrally from the top edge 32 of the plate 22. The seating member 26 extends from the plate 22 in the opposite direction to the conduit 24. To prevent the guard 20 slipping off the top edge 15 of the second wall 14, a planar flange 28 extends orthogonally and integrally from the seating member 26 parallel to the plate 22. The plate 22, seating member 26 and flange 28 define a channel 34 which embraces the top edge 15 of the second wall 14 thereby securing the guard 20 over the hole 4 at the appropriate level with respect to the top edge 15.

Figure 4b shows the guard 20 (without an optional stanchion) in use seated on the wall 14 of a U-section element 2. The U-section element 2 forms part of a cable trough route which is enclosed by a lid 8. The figure shows cables exiting the cable trough route 1 through the conduit 24. The edges and surfaces of the conduit 24 are smooth to avoid damage by the guard 20 during installation and use, thus further protecting the cables from damage.

Figure 5 shows the guard 20 in use on the second wall 14 of the U-section element 2. As can be seen, the plate 22 and seat 25 embrace the top edge 15 of the second wall 14. The guard 20 is positioned over the hole 4 such that the hole 4 is covered by the plate 22 and protects the second wall 14 from damage, for example, due to weathering. One end of the seating member 26 rests on a first shoulder 15a to one side of the hole 4 and the other end rests on a second shoulder 15b to the other side of the hole 4, thereby bridging the hole 4. The conduit 24 is positioned directly over the hole 4 so that cables can pass through the hole 4 and then through the conduit 24. The conduit 24 is slightly smaller than the hole 4 and positioned at the centre of the hole 4 so that any cables passing through the conduit 24 are carried clear of the rough edges 6 of the hole 4. This prevents chafing of the cables exiting or entering the cable trough route 1. If desired, it is also possible to attach a pipe (not shown), or other appropriate

duct, to the conduit 24 so that the end of the pipe embraces the conduit 24. Any cables exiting or entering the cable trough route 1 via the conduit 24 can then be further protected by the pipe.

As can be seen in Figure 5, the guard 20 also comprises an optional stanchion 30 welded to the exposed face of the plate 22 beside the conduit 24. The stanchion 30 supports an item exemplified in Figure 5 by an electrical distribution box 31. The distribution box 31 is conveniently placed so that any cables contained within the cable trough route 1 requiring connection with the distribution box 31 can be connected with short cable runs and with the minimum of effort. Supporting the distribution box 31 in this way advantageously removes the need for stakes to be driven into the ground or for post foundations to be dug next to the cable trough route 1.

Figure 6a and Figure 6b show the guard 20 in use with the cable trough route 1 totally enclosed by lids 8. It will be apparent that the seating member 26 is held firmly in place by the weight of the lid 8. This further secures the guard 20 in position.

Figure 7a shows a further embodiment of the invention for use at an end of the cable trough route 1. A trough end cover 32 comprises an oblong planar end plate 32a. A planar oblong base plate 32d extends orthogonally from the end plate 32a along one of its long edges. First and second planar side plates 32b and 32c extend orthogonally from the two short edges of the end plate 32a. The first and second side plates 32b and

32c meet the end plate 32a at edges 35b and 35a respectively. The first and second side plates 32b and 32c also meet the base plate 32d at edges 33b and 33a respectively. The end plate 32a, base plate 32d and side plates 32b and 32c cooperate to define a pocket.

In use, the trough end cover 32 can be positioned so that the base plate 32d is under the base 10 of the U-section element 2. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7b, the base plate 32d can be positioned on top of the lid 8 of the cable trough route. The first and second side plates 32b and 32c are against the outside of first wall 12 and second wall 14 respectively in Figure 7a. However, in Figure 7b the first and second side plates 32b and 32c are against the outside of second wall 14 and first wall 12 respectively.

The trough end cover 32 thus embraces the end of the cable trough route 1, enclosing the interior of the cable trough route 1 thereby providing a cap which prevents ingress into the route 1 when a lid 8 is in place. The trough end cover 32 is secured in place by first and second bolts 36a and 36b respectively which are in threaded holes in the side plates 32b and 32c to be tightened against the first and second walls 12 and 14.

A trough end cover 38 may be provided with an opening 40 to allow cables to exit and enter the cable trough route 1 at its beginning or end. Figure 8 shows an example of this further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment of the invention also provides a conduit 42 for guiding and protecting cables entering or exiting the cable trough route 1 through its end. A pipe 44, as shown in Figure 9, may be attached to the conduit 42, as will be explained in more detail below. Alternatively, a further trough end cover (not shown) with a further opening may act as a female socket into which the conduit 42 extends as a corresponding male member. This provides a secure means for connecting two cable trough routes in series and enabling cables to pass securely between them.

Figure 9 shows the further embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 8, wherein the trough end cover 38 is connected to a pipe 44 which, in turn, is connected to a cable chamber element 46, shown in more detail in Figure 10. Those skilled in the art will appreciate how cable chamber elements 46 can be stacked with like elements 46 to form a cable chamber of the required depth, each element 46 having cooperating rim formations for that purpose.

Figure 9 illustrates how the present invention can be used with a cable chamber whereby cables can pass under railway tracks. In use, the trough end cover 38 embraces the end of the cable trough route 1 as described above. Cables may pass through the opening 40, through the pipe 44 and into the cable chamber via an opening 48 in the cable chamber element 46, as shown in Figure 10.

As can be seen from Figure 10, the cable chamber element 46 comprises a cable chamber conduit 50 which is of appropriate size to be embraced snugly by the cross section of the pipe 44. A compressible collar 52 is provided to secure the pipe 44 to the conduit 50. The opening 48 is simply made by sawing through the skin of the

cable chamber element 46. The opening 48 is of appropriate size to accommodate the conduit 50. The conduit 50 is then placed inside the opening 48, thereby providing a guide for cables extending through the opening 48.

As can be seen from Figure 11, associated with the conduit 50 is a stop 54. In conjunction with the compressible collar 52, the stop 54 secures the conduit in the opening 48, thereby preventing the conduit 50 from slipping out of the opening 48.

Referring now to Figure 12, a guard 60 comprises an oblong flat first plate 62 and an oblong flat second plate 64, which plates 62, 64 are parallel, spaced from and opposed to each other. A straight rectangular-section conduit 66 extends orthogonally from the second plate 64 towards the first plate 62 and aligns with a corresponding hole in the second plate 64 and a corresponding hole in the first plate 62, thereby allowing cables to extend from one side of the guard 60 to the other. The conduit 66 extends beyond the first plate 62 a distance approximately equal to the distance between the first plate

62 and the second plate 64.

When in use with the portion of a U-section element 2 shown in Figure 2 for example, the guard 60 is positioned on the wall 14 of the U-section element 2 such that the conduit section 66a situated between the first plate 62 and the second plate 64 is positioned in the hole 4 of the wall 14. In this position, the first plate 62 covers the exterior face of the wall 14 adjacent to the hole 4 while the second plate 64 covers the interior face of the wall 14 adjacent to the hole 4. Thus, the first 62 and second 64 plates prevent ingress into the cable trough route 1 through the hole 4. The conduit 66 enables cables to extend from one side of the wall 14 to the other. Since the conduit 66 extends across and through the hole 4, cables passing through the conduit 66 do not come into contact with the rough edges 6 of the hole 4, thus preventing damage to the cables.

In order to ensure stability and security, the cross-section of the conduit 66 is a similar size and shape to the recessed portion 3 such that when the recessed portion 3 is removed, the conduit section 66a situated between the first plate 62 and second plate 64 snugly occupies the resulting hole 4. Thus the conduit section 66a provides a seat

for seating the guard 60 in the correct place in the wall 14 and the guard 60 is prevented from sliding laterally along the wall 14.

Pivoting of the guard 60 about the longitudinal axis of the conduit 66 is further prevented by placing a lid 8 on the U-section element 2 once the guard 60 is positioned on the wall 14 of the U-section element 2, similar to the arrangement shown in Figures 6a and 6b. In this embodiment of the present invention, when the guard 60 is in use, the top edge 62a of the first plate 62 and the top edge 64a of the second plate 64 are flush with respect to the top edge 15 of the second wall 14 of the U-section element 2. Thus, when the lid 8 is placed on top of the U-section element 2, the lid 8 resists pivoting of the guard 60 about the conduit 66 by opposing any associated movement of the first 62 and second 64 plates.

When the present embodiment of the invention is in use with a lid 8 positioned on top of the U-section element 2, the lid 8 comes directly into contact with the entire top edge 15 of the second wall 14 of the U-section element 2. This is in contrast to the previously described guard 20 as shown in Figure 4 in which a seat 25 is sandwiched between the lid 8 and the top edge 15 of the second wall 14. The sandwiched seat 25 will tend to cause gaps between the lid 8 and the top edge 15 on either side of the guard 20. Thus, the present embodiment provides enhanced stability of the lid 8; because the gaps between the lid 8 and the top edge 15 are eliminated. This is important where the lid is used as a walkway, for example.

Figure 13 shows a further view of the guard 60 of Figure 12. An optional stanchion 68 is shown extending upwards from the top of the conduit 66. The position of the stanchion 68 on top of the conduit 66, which is positioned centrally with respect to the top edges 62a, 64a of the first and second plates 62, 64, prevents the weight of the stanchion 68, and therefore any equipment attached to it, from producing a pivoting moment about the longitudinal axis of the conduit 66 which could destabilise the guard 60.

Figure 14a shows the guard 60 with the second plate 64 in the foreground, i.e. as would be seen from the inside of the U-shaped element 2 when the guard 60 is in use. As can be appreciated, in use, the conduit 66 allows cables to extend across the

boundary of the cable trough route 1 without coming into contact with the rough edges 6 of the second wall 14 (not shown).

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 14b. A guard 61 includes a channel 67 which has a U-shaped cross-section, rather than the conduit 66 shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14a. The channel 67 extends orthogonally from a planar oblong second plate 65 towards a planar oblong first plate 63. An area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the channel 67 has been removed from a region of the first plate 63 adjacent to its top edge, with which the channel 67 aligns such that the top edge of a first wall 67a and the top edge of a second wall 67b of the channel 67 align with the top edge of the first plate 63. The channel 67 also aligns with a corresponding similar region in the second plate 65. The channel 67 extends beyond the first plate 63 a distance approximately equal to the distance between the first plate 63 and the second plate 65. As can be seen, the top edge of the second plate 65 is positioned a distance from the top edge of a first wall 67a and the top edge of a second wall 67b.

An optional stanchion 69 is shown, comprising a foot 69a, an upright member 69b and a brace flange 69c. The foot 69a extends from the base of the channel 67 and orthogonally to the plane of the first plate 63. The upright member 69b is welded to the foot 69a and the brace flange 69c and extends upwards when the guard 61 is in use. The brace flange 69c extends under the foot 69a from the first plate 63, around the end of the foot 69a and then joins the upright member 69b extending a short distance up the upright member 69b.

Figure 14c shows a guard 61a similar to that of Figure 14b in use seated on the wall 14 of a U-section element 2. The size of the hole 4 corresponds to the cross-section of the channel 67 such that the channel 67 sits neatly in the hole 4, preventing the guard 61a from pivoting about the channel 67. For security and stability the first plate 63 abuts the outside surface of the wall 14 and the second plate 65 abuts the inside surface of the wall 14. The wall 14 is thereby sandwiched between the first and second plates 63, 65 which helps prevent ingress into the cable trough route 1 through the hole 4. As can more clearly be seen in Figure 2, where the top edge 15 of the wall 14 meets the inner face of the wall 14 the corner 14a is rounded. The position of the

top edge 65a of the second plate 65, slightly below the top edge 63a of the first plate 63 as described above, advantageously produces a complementary fit with the wall 14 of the U-section element 2. Specifically, in use, the top edge 65a of the second plate 65 is positioned adjacent to where the rounded corner 14a meets the inner face of the wall 14.

The channel 67 prevents cables from coming into contact with the rough edges 6 of the hole 4. As can be seen, the channel 67 of the guard 61a extends from the second plate 65 to the first plate 63, but not beyond the first plate 63. The extension of the channel 67 beyond the first plate 63 is merely a matter of preference. However, the stanchion 69 is connected to the base of the channel 67 as described above.

Holes 71 can be seen towards the uppermost end of the upward member 69b for securing track-side equipment, such as a disconnection box. Suitably, a cable can exit the cable trough route 1 safely via the channel 67 and conveniently connect to a disconnection box attached to the stanchion 69, for example.

Referring now to Figures 15, 16 and 17a, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. A guard 80 for preventing ingress into a cable trough route comprises a flat oblong plate 84 and a rectangular conduit 82 which extends orthogonally in a first direction from the plate 84. The conduit 82 aligns with a corresponding hole in the plate 84.

Extending from the top edge 83 of the plate 84 is a seat 85 for seating the guard 80 on the top edge 15 of the second wall 14 of a U-section cable trough element 2, for example. The seat 85 comprises a planar seating member 89 which extends orthogonally and integrally in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the top edge 83 of the plate 84. To prevent the guard 80 slipping off the top edge 15 of the second wall 14 (not shown) in use, a planar flange 86 extends orthogonally and integrally from the seating member 89 parallel to the plate 84. The conduit 82 also extends through the plate 84 in the second direction so that it is aligned with and extends to meet the periphery of a corresponding hole in the flange 86.

When the present embodiment of the invention is in use with the U-section element 2 shown in Figure 2, the guard 80 is positioned so that a conduit section 82a is placed in, and embraced by, the hole 4. A first end 85a of the seating member 85 rests on the first shoulder 15a to one side of the hole 4 and a second end 85b of the seating member 85 rests on the second shoulder 15b to the other side of the hole 4. The conduit section 82a is placed in the hole 4 of the U-section element and thus the guard 80 is prevented from sliding laterally along the top edge of the wall. Cables can then extend from one side of the guard 80 to the other through the conduit 82 avoiding the risks of chafing on the rough edges 6 of the hole 4.

In comparison with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, the length of the flange 86 is deeper than the flange 28 shown on guard 20. The deeper flange 86 increases the stability of the guard 80 as it prevents excessive movement of the plate 84 away from the outer face of the wall 14 of a U-section element 2. Any movement of the plate 84 away from the outer face of the wall 14 could result in a gap forming between the wall 14 and plate 84 through which ingress into the cable trough route 1 could occur. The larger flange 86 also reduces the risk of the guard 80 accidentally disengaging from the wall due to the guard 80 being inadvertently lifted from the top edge of the wall 14.

Similarly to previous embodiments of the invention, an optional stanchion 88 can be secured to the guard and is shown extending upwards from the top of the conduit 82.

Rather than being parallel to each other, in a further embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the plate 84 and the flange 86 can lie in mutually converging planes, which planes intersect underneath the guard 80. This results in an inverted U- shaped channel defined by the plate 84, the flange 86 and the seating member 89 which is bisected by the conduit section 82a, where the gap between the flange 86 and the plate 84 tapers moving away from the seating member 89. This enables the plate 84 and the flange 86 resiliently to grip the wall 14, further securing the guard 80 in place.

Conversely, since the thickness of the wall 14 of a trough element 2 may increase appreciably moving away from its top edge 15, a further embodiment of the present

invention may provide that the gap between the flange 86 and the plate 84 increases moving away from the seating member 89. This embodiment tailors the angle between the plate 84 and the flange 86 to co-operate with such a wall; thereby enabling the guard 80 to sit neatly and securely on the wall 14.

For clarity, Figures 17b and 17c respectively show a schematic diagram of the front and side of the guard 80 shown in Figures 15, 16 and 17a.

In addition to track-side equipment such as electrical distribution boxes and speed boards, other types of equipment can be attached to the present invention. In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 18a, the guard 100 comprises a first stanchion 104a and a second parallel stanchion 104b in mutually spaced relation both attached to a plate 102. Similarly to the embodiments of the invention previously described the guard 100 comprises a conduit 106. The guard 100 may also comprise means for seating on a wall 14 of a U-section element 2 as described previously. As an example, this embodiment is suitable for High Voltage Input (HVI) disconnection boxes which can be used as part of a system for detecting trains. However, the dimensions of the guard can of course be selected to complement the equipment which is attached to it. In general, the width W of the guard can be extended to provide further stability; alternately, the width may be reduced if required, for example where less space is available. Similarly, the width of the stanchion, or stanchions, could be selected as necessary for added strength and stability. Figure 18b shows the guard 100 from the rear, from which direction can be seen a first support strut 105a and a second support strut 105b which provide the first stanchion 104a and second stanchion 104b respectively with added strength and stability. Each strut 105 a, 105b is welded at one end to its respective stanchion 104a, 104b at a point approximately half way along each stanchion 104a, 104b. The other end of each strut 105a, 105b is welded to the point where each respective stanchion 104a, 104b meets the plate 102.

Figures 19a and 19b show further embodiments of the present invention similar to that shown in Figures 18a and 18b. A guard 110 again comprises a plate 112 to which a first stanchion 114a and a second stanchion 114b are attached. However, the stanchions are extended in length to allow for larger track-side equipment to be

attached to the guard 110. An example of such equipment is a points disconnection box for controlling railway track points.

Figure 20a shows a guard 120, according to a further embodiment of the present invention and similar in arrangement to those shown in Figures 18 and 19, comprising a plate 122, a first stanchion 124a, a second stanchion 124b and a conduit 126 and an inverted T-section 128. The guard further comprises a crowning member 130, a first end 130a of which is attached to the first stanchion 124a and a second end 130b of which is attached to the second stanchion 124b. Extending upwards from the centre of the crowning member 130 is a third stanchion 124c. The crowning member 130 and the third stanchion 124c thereby define the inverted T-section 128. The T-section 128 combines with the first stanchion 124a and second stanchion 124b to create a stanchion system that can be used to accommodate further bulky track-side equipment such as track circuit disconnection boxes. Figure 20b shows the guard 120 from the rear, from which direction can be seen a first support strut 125a and a second support strut 125b which provide the first stanchion 124a and the second stanchion 124b with added strength and stability. Each strut 125a, 125b is welded at one end to each stanchion 124a, 124b at a point approximately two thirds of the way along each stanchion 104a, 104b from the plate and at the other end to the point where each stanchion 124a, 124b meets the plate 122.

Figures 21a and 21b show further embodiments of the invention in schematic form from the side. The arrangements shown are suitable for track-side equipment such as HVI disconnection boxes or track circuit disconnection boxes, for example.

Figures 22a and 22b show further embodiments of the invention in schematic form from the side. The arrangements shown are suitable for track-side equipment such as HVI disconnection boxes or track circuit disconnection boxes, for example.

Figure 23 shows a further embodiment of the invention in schematic form from the side. The arrangement shown is suitable for track-side equipment such as points disconnection boxes, for example.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in Figures 24a, 24b and 24c. This embodiment of the present invention is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 14b and 14c. However, as can be seen, a stanchion 144 of a guard 104 is wider than the channel 146. A first web 148a and a second web 148b support and strengthen the stanchion 144 at the point where a foot 144a and upright member 144b of the stanchion 144 meet. The first and second webs 148a, 148b are right- angled triangular plates, where the edges of the two sides that meet at the right-angled corner of the plates are attached to each edge of the stanchion 144 along the foot 144a and upright member 144b respectively.

As can be seen more clearly in Figure 24c, the first and second webs 148a, 148b provide extra protection to cables exiting a cable trough route through the channel 146, especially if they lead to a terminal such as a points disconnection box, for example, which can be attached to the stanchion by means of holes 150.

It is advantageous to position track-side equipment on one or more stanchions of a guard, as described above, as this is often the most convenient position for the equipment. For example, HVI disconnection boxes are typically positioned on a pedestal which itself rests on the ground adjacent to railway tracks. Attaching such a box to a stanchion of a guard removes the risk of damage to the HVI disconnection box due to the pedestal falling over.

Furthermore, cables used in the railway industry are commonly prefabricated with moulded ends. Each type of cable has an individual moulding which is connectable to a corresponding socket to ensure that cables are correctly connected. Therefore, it is convenient to be able to lay a cable so that it leaves a cable trough route and plugs into its corresponding socket on a distribution box without having to be laid across the ground. The present invention provides a solution that allows cables to exit a cable trough route through a conduit of a guard, and then to be connected directly to the cable's associated distribution box which is mounted on one or more stanchions of the guard.

Further security can be afforded to a cable trough route by combining the use of the present invention with a cable trough route locking device, such as Lidloc produced by RMC Rail Products (UK) Ltd.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the use of the invention is not limited to the railway industry. For instance, cable trough routes are also installed adjacent to roads, in particular motorways. Cables situated in roadway cable trough routes carry power and communications to emergency telephones and electronic signs, for example. The present invention can be used to provide safety and security to cables exiting such a cable trough route, as well as providing means for supporting fencing, electronic equipment and signs (such as SOS markers which indicate the nearest emergency telephone) by the roadside in a manner similar to that described above for track-side applications.

Any measurements given in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the embodiments or the inventive concept to the dimensions shown.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential attributes. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims and other general statements herein rather than to the foregoing specific description as indicating the scope of the invention.