Curved Edge Protector

Abstract

An edge protector which can be applied to complex curved edges without on-site adaptation has interconnected elements 2 aligned in a longitudinal direction. Each of the elements has first and second opposing side walls 3 and 4 joined by an end wall 5 and an intermediate wall 6 to form a box section 7, and opposing faces of the side walls 3 and 4 which project beyond the box section are each provided with elastomeric gripping projections 8 and 9. Adjacent pairs of elements are spaced apart to form a gap 11 and interconnected by an integral hinge connection between one of said side and end walls 3, 4 or 5. A single edge protector may include adjacent pairs of elements interconnected by hinge connections between one of their side walls 3, 4 and adjacent pairs of elements interconnected by hinge connections between their end walls 5 allowing the edge protector to be manually manipulated in two mutually perpendicular planes.

1 . An edge protector having a longitudinal direction and comprising an element which, when viewed in said longitudinal direction, has first and second opposing side walls ( 3 ,  4 ) joined by an end wall ( 5 ) and an intermediate wall ( 6 ) to form a box section ( 7 ), and opposing faces of said side walls ( 3 ,  4 ) which project beyond said box section are each provided with elastomeric gripping projections ( 8 ,  9 ),
 characterised in that the edge protector comprises a plurality of such elements ( 2 ) which are aligned in said longitudinal direction, and each adjacent pair of elements ( 2 ) are mutually spaced apart to form a gap ( 11 ) with each pair of elements interconnected by a hinge connection (A, B) between one of said walls ( 3 - 6 ).   
     
     
         2 . An edge protector according to  claim 1  in which said hinge connection (A, B) is integrally formed with said elements ( 2 ). 
     
     
         3 . An edge protector according to  claim 2  in which said hinge connection (A, B) is formed by a continuation of said wall ( 3 - 6 ) which extends between said elements ( 2 ). 
     
     
         4 . An edge protector according to  claim 1  in which adjacent pairs of elements ( 2 ) are interconnected by hinge connections (A) between their side walls ( 3 ,  4 ). 
     
     
         5 . An edge protector according to  claim 1  in which adjacent pairs of elements ( 2 ) are interconnected by hinge connections (B) between their end walls ( 5 ). 
     
     
         6 . An edge protector according to  claim 1  which includes adjacent pairs of elements ( 2 ) interconnected by hinge connections (A) between one of their side walls ( 3 ,  4 ) and adjacent pairs of elements interconnected by hinge connections (B) between their end walls ( 5 ). 
     
     
         7 . An edge protector according to  claim 1  in which the length of the elements ( 2 ) in the longitudinal direction is less than the maximum width of the side walls ( 3 ,  4 ) transverse to said longitudinal direction.