Cable tray isolation pad

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to multi-functional isolation pads that can be used in combination with both clamp-on cable trays and guide-on cable trays without any user manipulation (e.g., folding) of the isolation pad.

1 . An isolation pad for a cable tray comprising:
 a pad body which is substantially planar, the pad body having opposite first and second longitudinal body portions, wherein the first longitudinal portion is configured to be sandwiched between the cable tray and a mounting support, wherein the second longitudinal body portion defines a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener therethrough; and   an isolation lip extending generally upward from the pad body, the isolation lip includes an upper portion which generally opposes the first longitudinal body portion,   wherein the pad body and the isolation lip are preformed and injection-molded to form an integral, one-piece structure.   
     
     
         2 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the pad body and the isolation pad are formed from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         3 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the pad body and the isolation pad are formed from a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the pad body and the isolation pad are formed from high density polyethylene (HDPE). 
     
     
         5 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first longitudinal body portion defines a central opening, wherein the upper portion of the isolation lip generally opposes the central opening. 
     
     
         6 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 5 , further comprising an alignment projection extending generally downward from the pad body and sized and shaped to be received in an open slot of a strut to align the isolation pad on the strut. 
     
     
         7 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the alignment projection comprises a tab is pivotably coupled to pad body. 
     
     
         8 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the alignment projection is generally adjacent a first longitudinal end of the pad body. 
     
     
         9 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the alignment projection is preformed and injection-molded with the pad body and the isolation lip to form an integral, one-piece structure. 
     
     
         10 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a tab coupled to the first longitudinal body portion, wherein the tab extends generally downward from the first longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         11 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the tab is hingedly coupled to the first longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         12 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a flange extending upward from a free of the isolation lip. 
     
     
         13 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising ribs projecting upward from the second longitudinal body portion on either side of the fastener opening. 
     
     
         14 . The isolation pad set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the isolation pad has an upper face, a lower face, and an opening extending through the upper and lower faces, the isolation pad defining a recess on the lower face and in communication with the opening to allow liquid in the opening to egress through the recess. 
     
     
         15 . A method of making an isolation pad for a cable tray comprising:
 injection molding the isolation pad as a preformed and integrally formed, one-piece structure, wherein the injection-molded isolation pad includes
 a pad body which is substantially planar, the pad body having opposite first and second longitudinal body portions, wherein the first longitudinal portion is configured to be sandwiched between the cable tray and a mounting support, wherein the second longitudinal body portion defines a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener therethrough, and 
 an isolation lip extending generally upward from the pad body, the isolation lip includes an upper portion which generally opposes the first longitudinal body portion. 
   
     
     
         16 . The method of making an isolation pad for a cable tray set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said injection molding the isolation pad comprises injection molding the isolation pad from a polymeric material. 
     
     
         17 . The method of making an isolation pad for a cable tray set forth in  claim 16 , wherein said injection molding the isolation pad comprises injection molding the isolation pad from a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of making an isolation pad for a cable tray set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the injection-molded isolation pad includes a tab coupled to the first longitudinal body portion. 
     
     
         19 . The method of making an isolation pad for a cable tray set forth in  claim 15 , wherein the injection-molded isolation pad includes ribs projecting upward from the second longitudinal body portion on either side of the fastener opening. 
     
     
         20 . An isolation pad for a cable tray comprising:
 a pad body which is substantially planar, the pad body having opposite first and second longitudinal body portions, wherein the first longitudinal portion is configured to be sandwiched between the cable tray and a mounting support, wherein the second longitudinal body portion defines a fastener opening configured to receive a fastener therethrough; and   an isolation lip extending generally upward from the pad body, the isolation lip includes an upper portion which generally opposes the first longitudinal body portion,   an alignment projection extending generally downward from the pad body and configured to be received in an open slot of a strut to align the isolation pad on the strut.