Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02938001 2016-08-04
INVERTED CABLE STORAGE DEVICE
RELAILD APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application
Serial
No. 62/203,706, filed August 11, 2015.
FIELD
[0002] Various exemplary embodiments relate to storing cable, for example
fiber
optic cable and fiber optic drop wire along an aerial transmission route or to
be left at
a fiber drop terminal.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Modern telecommunication systems utilize a number of materials and
mediums to transmit information. Recently, cables, such as fiber optic cables,
have
become more popular in the communication industry and have begun to replace
electrical wires. Fiber optic cables include transparent optical fibers made
of glass or
plastic and are capable of transmitting voice, video, and data. Compared to
electrical wires, fiber optic cables permit signals to travel longer distances
with less
loss and less electromagnetic interference.
[0004] Fiber optic cable is typically installed on aerial transmission routes
in long
lengths so as to minimize the number of splices, each of which degrades
optical
signals and is expensive. Because of certain problems related with splicing,
such as
expense, it is generally more desirable to overbuild for the amount of cable
and store
the cable for future builds or repairs. To allow for rerouting during movement
or
repairs, slack is provided in the form of surplus lengths of cable at
intervals along the
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route. With increased storage intervals, it is less probable that lengths of
cable must
be rehung if rerouting is necessary. Storing surplus cable can pose a problem
if not
done correctly, as optical cable has a minimum bend radius and is vulnerable
to
damage from bending and twisting that can result in fiber breakage or an
increase in
signal loss.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, a cable supporting device
includes a channel member having a top flange, a bottom flange, and an outer
wall
defining an inward facing channel. The channel extends around a curved back
section, a first side section, and a second side section. A cross brace
extends from the
first side section to the second side section.
[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a cable distribution system
includes a plurality of poles and a cable extending along the plurality of
poles. A
cable supporting device includes a channel member having a top flange, a
bottom
flange, and an outer wall defining a channel. The channel extends around a
curved
back section, a first side section, and a second side section defining an
interior and a
cross brace extends across the interior. The channel has an opening facing the
interior. A surplus portion of the cable is positioned in the channel of the
cable
supporting device.
[0007] Other exemplary embodiments are directed to a method of supporting
cable. A cable supporting device is attached to a distribution system. The
cable
supporting device includes a channel member having a top flange, a bottom
flange,
and an outer wall defining a channel extending around a curved back section, a
first
side section, and a second side section defining an interior of the cable
support. A
cross brace extends across the interior and the channel has an opening facing
the
interior. A loop of a cable is formed and at least a portion of the loop is
positioned in
the channel.
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[0007A] In a broad aspect, the present invention pertains to a cable
distribution system comprising a
plurality of poles, a cable extending along the plurality of poles, and a
cable supporting device being
connected to a pole of the plurality of poles and including a channel member
having a top flange, a
bottom flange, and an outer wall defining a channel extending around a curved
back section. There is a
first side section, and a second side section defining an interior, a cross
brace extending across the interior
and the channel having an opening facing the interior, and a surplus portion
of the cable being positioned
in the channel of the cable supporting device.
[0007B1 In a further aspect, the present invention embodies a method of
supporting cable comprising
attaching a cable supporting device to a distribution system, including
connecting the cable supporting
device to a pole with a band. The cable supporting device includes a channel
member having a top
flange, a bottom flange, and an outer wall defining a channel extending around
a curved back section. A
first side section, and a second side section define an interior of the cable
support, and a cross brace
extends across the interior, the channel having an opening facing the
interior. Further, the method
comprises forming a loop of a cable, and positioning at least a portion of the
loop in the channel.
10007C] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a method
of supporting cable
comprising attaching a cable supporting device to a distribution system,
including connecting the cable
supporting device to a pole with a fastener. The cable supporting device
includes a channel member
having a top flange, a bottom flange, and an outer wall defining a channel
extending around a curved back
section. A first side section, and a second side section define an interior of
the cable support, and a cross
brace extends across the interior, the channel having an opening facing the
interior. The method further
provides forming a loop of a cable, and positioning at least a portion of the
loop in the channel.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2023-01-31
CA 02938001 2016-08-04
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] The aspects and features of various exemplary embodiments will be more
apparent from the description of those exemplary embodiments taken with
reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transmission line according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transmission line and cable loop
according
to an exemplary embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of transmission line and cable loop with a
cable
support according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cable support;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the cable support of FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is atop view of the cable support of FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along line A-A;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 7;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another exemplary cable support;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the cable support of FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another exemplary cable support;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the cable support of FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a top view of the cable support of FIG. 11;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the cable support of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a left perspective view of an exemplary mounting bracket;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a right perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 15;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a front view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 15
connected to the cable support of FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of two cable supports connected to a pole
with
a band; and
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[0028] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of two cable supports connected to a pole
with a mounting fastener.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of an overhead transmission
line
to including a series of poles 12 inserted into the ground supporting standard
power
transmission lines and an aerial transmission or support line 14. A
communication
line, for example a fiber optic cable, can be connected to the support line
14. The
poles 12 utilize different clamps and connectors for the power and fiber optic
cable
lines 14. One or more poles 12 include a surplus length or loop 16 of cable as
depicted in FIG. 2. A cable guide 18 having one or more slots is attached to
the pole
12 to assist in guiding and supporting the cable loop 16.
[0030] Storage of surplus cable should include measures to prevent the cable
from
exceeding the manufacture's minimum bending limits under variable conditions.
According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more cable supports 20 attach to
the
line 14 to support the ends of the loopt6 and prevent the ends from bending
beyond
the minimum limit. According to the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
two
portions of the loop 16 are inserted into the cable guide 18 to separate the
loop 16
into a first section and a second section. A first cable support 20 receives
the first
section of the loop 16 and is positioned on the line 14 so that the cable is
taut or
otherwise stretched to a required distance. A second cable support (not shown)
receives the second section of the loop 16 and is positioned on the line 14 on
the
opposite side of the pole 12 so that the cable is taut or otherwise stretched
to a
required distance. The cable supports 20 may be attached to the line 14 by
various
mounting hardware, such as sleeves, clamps, and fasteners. The portions of the
cable
between the cable support 20 and the cable guide 18 can be secured to the line
14
using bands or tie wraps as needed. In other exemplary embodiments, cable
supports 20 can be connected to the poles to store excess cable.
[0031] FIGS. 4-8 depict an exemplary embodiment of a cable support 20. The
cable support 20 includes channel member 22 having a curved portion that
retains a
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section of the cable approximately at or above a minimum bend radius
associated
with the cable. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable support 20 has a
substantially horseshoe-shaped channel member 22 extending from a first open
end
to a second open end having a first side section 24, a second side section 26,
and a
curved back section 28. The channel member 22 includes an outer wall 30, a top
flange 32, and a bottom flange 34. The top and bottom flanges 32,34 extend
from
the outer wall 30 towards the interior of the cable support 20 to create an
inward
facing channel.
[0032] The inward facing channel provides at least one advantage over a cable
support having an outward or upward facing channel. For example, cables stored
in
the cable support will have a tendency to bow outward or upward, potentially
displacing the cables from the channel and the support, and an inwardly facing
channel resists this movement and helps to retain the cables.
[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel member 22 has one
or more slots 36 positioned in the top and bottom flanges 32,34. The exemplary
embodiment includes three slots 36 with one positioned in the first side
section 24,
one positioned in the second side section 26, and one positioned on the back
section
28. The slots 36 can be used to retain bands or tie wraps wrapped around the
channel member 22 as needed.
[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a cross brace 40 extends
from the first side section 24 to the second side section 26 across an
interior region of
the cable support 20. The cross brace 40 includes a top surface 42, a
depression 44,
and an opening 46, although other shapes and configurations may be used. The
depression 44 is spaced below the top surface 42. The opening 46 and the
depression 44 are configured to receive mounting components, for example
mounting brackets and/or fasteners, to connect the cable support 20 to the
line 14.
As best shown in FIG. 8, a counter-sink can be formed around the opening to
receive
a portion of a fastener, for example a nut or bolt head.
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[0035] In various alternative embodiments, the size, shape, and configuration
of
the cable support 20 varies. For example, the cable support 20 may have a
closed
configuration with a curved front and back. Other alternative embodiments can
omit
the cross brace 40 or utilize additional cross braces. The position of the
cross brace
40 may also be varied from what is shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.
4-
8.
[0036] The cable support 20 can be made from a plastic, metal, ceramic, or
composite material, or any combination thereof. In various exemplary
embodiments, the cable support 20 is made from aluminum, an injection molded
plastic, or any other stiff, lightweight material. The cable support 20 can be
a
unitary structure or it can be formed from separate connected pieces. For
example,
the cross brace 40 may be formed separately and welded to the channel member
22.
[0037] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict an exemplary embodiment of a cable support 120.
The cable support 120 includes channel member 122 having a curved portion that
retains a section of the cable approximately at or above a minimum bend radius
associated with the cable. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable support 120
has a
substantially horseshoe-shaped channel member 122 extending from a first open
end
to a second open end having a first side section 124, a second side section
126, and a
curved back section 128. The channel member 122 includes an outer wall 130, a
top
flange 132, and a bottom flange 134. The top and bottom flanges 132, 134
extend
from the outer wall 130 towards the interior of the cable support 120 to
create an
inward facing channel. The top and bottom flanges 132, 134 can have a curved
transition from the front end and the edges of the outer wall 130, top flange
132, and
bottom flange 134 can be squared, rounded, or beveled.
[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel member 122 has one
or more slots 136 positioned in the top and bottom flanges 132, 134. The
exemplary
embodiment includes three slots 136 with one positioned in the first side
section 124/
one positioned in the second side section 126, and one positioned on the back
section
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128. The slots 136 can be used to retain bands or tie wraps wrapped around the
channel member 122 as needed.
[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a cross brace 140 extends
from the first side section 124 to the second side section 126 across an
interior region
of the cable support 120. The cross brace 140 includes a top surface 142, a
depression 144, and an opening 146, although other shapes and configurations
may
be used. The depression 144 is spaced below the top surface 142. The opening
146
and the depression 144 are configured to receive mounting components, for
example
mounting brackets and/or fasteners, to connect the cable support 120 to the
cable
line 14. In an exemplary embodiment, a counter-sink can be formed around the
opening to receive a portion of a fastener, for example a nut or bolt head.
[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the cross brace 140 extends about
the first and second side sections 124,126. A front shoulder 148 and a back
shoulder
150 transition from the first and second side sections 124, 126. The front and
back
shoulders 148, 150 can be curved, angled, squared, or have other
configurations or a
combination of configurations.
[0041] In various alternative embodiments, the size, shape, and configuration
of
the cable support 120 varies. For example, the cable support 120 may have a
closed
configuration with a curved front and back. Other alternative embodiments can
omit
the cross brace 140 or utilize additional cross braces. The position of the
cross brace
140 may also be varied from what is shown.
[0042] FIGS. 11-14 depict another exemplary embodiment of a cable support 220.
The cable support 220 includes channel member 222 having a curved portion that
retains a section of the cable approximately at or above a minimum bend radius
associated with the cable. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable support 220
has
a substantially horseshoe-shaped channel member 222 extending from a first
open
end to a second open end having a first side section 224, a second side
section 226,
and a curved back section 228. The channel member 222 includes an outer wall
230,
a top flange 232, and a bottom flange 234. The top and bottom flanges 232,234
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extend from the outer wall 230 towards the interior of the cable support 220
to
create an inward facing channel. The top and bottom flanges 232, 234 can have
a
curved transition from the front end and the edges of the outer wall 230, top
flange
232, and bottom flange 234 can be squared, rounded, or beveled.
[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel member 222 has one
or more slots 236 positioned in the top and bottom flanges 232, 234. The
exemplary
embodiment includes three slots 236 with one positioned in the first side
section
224, one positioned in the second side section 226, and one positioned on the
back
section 228. The slots 236 can be used to retain bands or tie wraps wrapped
around
the channel member 222 as needed. An opening 237 is also formed in the back
section 228 of the outer wall 230. The opening 237 can receive a mounting
fastener
or can be used for drainage.
[0044] According to a further exemplary embodiment, a cross brace 240 extends
from the first side section 224 to the second side section 226 across an
interior region
of the cable support 220. The cross brace 240 includes a top surface 242, and
a
depression 244 having an opening 246, although other shapes and configurations
may be used. The depression 244 is spaced below the top surface 242. The
opening
246 and the depression 244 are configured to receive mounting components, for
example mounting brackets and/or fasteners, to connect the cable support 220
to the
cable line 14. In an exemplary embodiment, a counter-sink can be formed around
the opening to receive a portion of a fastener, for example a nut or bolt
head.
[0045] The cross brace 240 extends about the first and second side sections
224,
226. A front shoulder 248 and a back shoulder 250 transition from the first
and
second side sections 224, 226. The front and back shoulders 248, 250 can be
curved,
angled, squared, or have other configurations or a combination of
configurations.
[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment the cross brace 240 includes a
first and second slot 252 extending through the cross brace. The slots 252
receive a
mounting component or fastener, for example a strap or band, to mount the
cable
guide 220 to a support.
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[0047] In various alternative embodiments, the size, shape, and configuration
of
the cable support 220 varies. For example, the cable support 220 may have a
closed
configuration with a curved front and back. Other alternative embodiments can
omit
the cross brace 24o or utilize additional cross braces. The position of the
cross brace
240 may also be varied from what is shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.
11-14.
[0048] FIGS. 15-17 show an exemplary embodiment of a mounting bracket 260
used to connect a cable guide to an aerial transmission line 14 and FIG. 18
shows the
bracket 260 connected to one of the exemplary cable supports 220. The mounting
bracket 260 includes a bottom portion 262 having an opening to receive a
fastener.
The bottom portion 262 sits in the depression 244 of the cross brace 24o. The
depression 244 can prevent the bracket from rotating about the fastener. A top
portion 264 of the mounting bracket 260 receives a fastener that connects to a
clip
266. The clip 266 connects to an aerial line 14, to which a fiber optic cable
is lashed
or tied.
[0049] FIGS. 19 and 20 show a pair of cable supports 220 connected to a
support,
for example a pole 12, guiding and supporting a cable loop 16, for example at
a
termination location which includes a splice enclosure mount to the pole 12.
FIG. 19
shows the cable supports 220 connected to the pole 12 using a band 270 that is
inserted through the slots 252 in the cross brace 240. FIG. 20 shows the cable
supports 220 connected to the pole using fasteners 272 inserted through the
opening
246 in the cross brace 240. Although these embodiments show the use of two
cable
supports 220, other exemplary embodiments can include using only a single
cable
support 220.
[0050] The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodiments
has been provided for the purpose of explaining the principles of the
invention and
its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to
understand the
invention for various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited
to
the particular use contemplated. This description is not necessarily intended
to be
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exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exemplary embodiments disclosed.
Any of
the embodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with one
another to form various additional embodiments not specifically disclosed.
Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be
encompassed within this specification and the scope of the appended claims.
The
specification describes specific examples to accomplish a more general goal
that may
be accomplished in another way.
[0051] As used in this application, the terms "front," "rear," "upper,"
"lower,"
"upward," "downward," "outward," and other orientational descriptors are
intended
to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention,
and are not intended to limit the structure of the exemplary embodiments of
the
present invention to any particular position or orientation. Terms of degree,
such as
"substantially" or "approximately" are understood by those of ordinary skill
to refer
to reasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, general
tolerances
associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.
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