Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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WATERFALL-TYPE CABLE ROUTER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.
15/457,714,
filed on March 13, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
Application No.
15/197,909, filed on June 30, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Patent
Application No. 15/067,889, filed on March 11, 2016, which is a continuation-
in-part of
U.S. Patent Application No. 14/753,977, filed on June 29, 2015, which claimed
priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/017,904, filed on June 27,2014,
and to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/031,473, filed July 31, 2014. The
contents of
each of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to accessories for cable tray
systems, and more particularly to waterfall- or spillover-type cable routers
for routing
cables in and out of cable trays.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cable trays or troughs are used to support cables which run through,
over,
and around buildings. Cable trays may have both straight and curved
(horizontal,
vertical, and/or other angled) sections to accommodate the installation
requirements of
particular settings.
[0004]Waterfall- or spillover-type cable router devices assist in routing
cables
in/out of and over the side walls of the cable tray. Prior art cable router
devices can be
easily moved out of place or may sag under the weight of cables carried by the
cable
routers. Therefore, waterfall- or spillover-type cable routers that do not
possess these
and other shortcomings are necessary.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005]Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of
a
water-fall type cable router as substantially shown and described.
[0006] Briefly, therefore, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
waterfall-
type cable router for use with a cable tray having a curved ramp with a front
portion and
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a rear portion, the ramp having a left side and a right side, a vertical left
curved wall
transition ing into the curved ramp and extending the length of the left side
of the curved
ramp, wherein the left curved wall has a first portion extending forward of
the front
portion of the curved ramp, and a vertical right curved wall transitioning
into the curved
ramp and extending the length of the right side of the curved ramp, wherein
the right
curved wall has a first portion extending forward of the front portion of the
curved ramp.
The first portion of the left and right curved walls each includes a slot
extending upward
from the lower edge of the respective first portion.
[0007] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed
out
.. hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the disclosure will
become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, appended
claims,
and accompanying drawings, wherein the drawings illustrate features in
accordance
with exemplary aspects of the disclosure, and wherein:
[0009] Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of a cable router according
to a
first aspect of the disclosure;
[0010] Figure 2 is a top view of a cable router according to a first aspect of
the
disclosure;
[0011] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a cable router according to a
first
aspect of the disclosure;
[0012] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a cable router according to a
first
aspect of the disclosure;
[0013] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a cable router according to a
first
aspect of the disclosure;
[0014] Figure 6 is a left perspective view of a cable router according to a
first
aspect of the disclosure;
[0015] Figure 7 is a left rear perspective view of a cable router according to
a first
aspect of the disclosure;
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[0016] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable tray
according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0017] Figure 9 is a left perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable tray
according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0018] Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of a affixed to a cable tray cable
router according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0019] Figure 11 is a top view of a cable router affixed to a cable tray
according
to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0020] Figure 12 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0021] Figure 13 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0022] Figure 14 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0023] Figure 15 is a left perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable tray
according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0024] Figure 16 is a bottom view of a cable router affixed to a cable tray
according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0025] Figure 17 is a right rear perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a
cable tray according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0026] Figure 18 is a rear perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable
tray according to a first aspect of the disclosure;
[0027] Figure 19 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray and including a vertical drop according to a first aspect of the
disclosure;
[0028] Figure 20 is a left front perspective view of a cable router according
to a
second aspect of the disclosure;
[0029] Figure 21 is a right rear perspective view of a cable router according
to a
second aspect of the disclosure;
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[0030] Figure 22 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to a second aspect of the disclosure;
[0031] Figure 23 is a front perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable
tray according to a second aspect of the disclosure;
[0032] Figure 24 is a left perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable tray
according to a second aspect of the disclosure;
[0033] Figure 25 is a rear perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable
tray according to a second aspect of the disclosure;
[0034] Figure 26 is a top view of a cable router affixed to a cable tray
according
to a second aspect of the disclosure;
[0035] Figure 27 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a second aspect of the disclosure;
[0036] Figure 28 is a left front perspective view of a cable router according
to a
third aspect of the disclosure;
[0037] Figure 29 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a fourth aspect of the disclosure;
[0038] Figure 30 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a fifth aspect of the disclosure;
[0039] Figure 31 is a right front perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a sixth aspect of the disclosure;
[0040] Figure 32 is a detail right front perspective view of a cable router
affixed to
a cable tray according to a sixth aspect of the disclosure;
[0041] Figure 33 is a right perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable
tray according to a sixth aspect of the disclosure;
[0042] Figure 34 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a sixth aspect of the disclosure;
[0043] Figure 35 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to a seventh aspect of the disclosure;
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[0044] Figure 36 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a seventh aspect of the disclosure;
[0045] Figure 37 is a left front perspective view of a cable router according
to an
eighth aspect of the disclosure;
[0046] Figure 38 is a front view of a cable router according to an eighth
aspect of
the disclosure;
[0047] Figure 39 is a left front perspective view of a cable router according
to a
ninth aspect of the disclosure;
[0048] Figure 40 is a top view of a cable router according to a ninth aspect
of the
disclosure;
[0049] Figure 41 is a front view of a cable router according to a ninth aspect
of
the disclosure;
[0050] Figure 42 is a rear view of a cable router according to a ninth aspect
of the
disclosure;
[0051] Figure 43 is a bottom perspective view of a cable router according to a
ninth aspect of the disclosure;
[0052] Figure 44 is a left view of a cable router according to a ninth aspect
of the
disclosure;
[0053] Figure 45 is a left bottom perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a ninth aspect of the disclosure;
[0054] Figure 46 is a left top perspective view of a cable router affixed to a
cable
tray according to a ninth aspect of the disclosure;
[0055] Figure 47 is a left front perspective view of a cable router according
to a
tenth aspect of the disclosure;
[0056] Figure 48 is a left rear perspective of a cable router according to a
tenth
aspect of the disclosure;
[0057] Figure 49 left view of a cable router according to a tenth aspect of
the
disclosure;
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[0058] Figure 50 is front view of a cable router affixed to a cable tray
according to
a tenth aspect of the disclosure;
[0059] Figure 51 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to an eleventh aspect of the disclosure;
[0060] Figure 52 is a left rear perspective view of a cable router according
to an
eleventh aspect of the disclosure;
[0061] Figure 53 is a detail left front perspective view of a cable router
according
to an eleventh aspect of the disclosure;
[0062] Figure 54 is a left view of a cable router according to an eleventh
aspect of
the disclosure;
[0063] Figure 55 is a front view of a cable router according to an eleventh
aspect
of the disclosure;
[0064] Figure 56 is a top view of a cable router according to an eleventh
aspect
of the disclosure;
[0065] Figure 57 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to a twelve aspect of the disclosure;
[0066] Figure 58 is a left rear perspective view of a cable router according
to a
twelve aspect of the disclosure;
[0067] Figure 59 is a right front perspective view of a cable router affixed
to a
cable tray according to a twelve aspect of the disclosure;
[0068] Figure 60 is a left view of a cable router according to a twelve aspect
of
the disclosure;
[0069] Figure 61 is a left front perspective view of an extender according to
the
twelve aspect of the disclosure;
[0070] Figure 62 is a left rear perspective view of an extender affixed to a
cable
router and cable tray according to a twelve aspect of the disclosure.
[0071] Figure 63 is a left front perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a cable
tray according to a thirteenth aspect of the disclosure;
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[0072] Figure 64 is a right rear perspective view of a cable router affixed to
a
cable tray according to a thirteenth aspect of the disclosure, with hidden
features
illustrated in broken lines;
[0073] Figure 65 is a front view of a cable router according to a thirteenth
aspect
of the disclosure;
[0074] Figure 66 is a rear view of a cable router according to a thirteenth
aspect
of the disclosure; and
[0075] Figure 67 is a right rear perspective of a cable router according to a
thirteenth aspect of the disclosure, with hidden features illustrated in
broken lines.
[0076] Like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0077] The accompanying Figures and this description depict and describe
aspects of a cable router in accordance with the present disclosure, and
features and
components thereof. It should also be noted that any references herein to
front and
back, right and left, top and bottom and upper and lower are intended for
convenience
of description, not to limit the present invention or its components to any
one positional
or spatial orientation.
[0078] Before any aspects of the disclosure are explained in detail, it will
be
understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the
details of
construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following
description or
illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other
aspects and of
being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it will be
understood that
the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description
and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or
"having" and
variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items. All numbers expressing
measurements
and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as
being modified
in all instances by the term "about."
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[0079] Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a waterfall-
or
spillover-type cable router. As noted above, waterfall- or spillover-type
cable routers
assist in routing cables in/out of and over the side walls of cable trays.
Accordingly,
aspects of the waterfall- or spillover-type cable routers described are
capable of routing
cables from a first direction to a second direction, wherein the second
direction is
substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
[0080] With reference to FIGS. 1 - 19, an aspect of a waterfall-type cable
router
is described in detail. Waterfall-type cable router 10, or simply cable router
10,
includes a floor 12 on which cables routed out from cable tray will rest. At
least a
10 portion of floor 12 is substantially horizontal. Extending downward from
the left side of
floor 12 is a left ramp 14. At least a portion of left ramp 14 is curved along
a first
horizontal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction
(see FIG. 2) and
substantially parallel to the second direction (see FIG. 2). Extending
downward from
the right side of floor 12 is a right ramp 16. At least a portion of right
ramp 16 is curved
along a second horizontal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the
first direction
and substantially parallel to the second direction and the first horizontal
axis.
[0081] A vertical rear wall 18 extends a width along the back of cable router
10
from the end of left ramp 14 to the end of right ramp 16. In certain aspects,
vertical rear
wall 18 may extend past the ends of left and/or right ramps 14, 16. In certain
aspects,
.. vertical rear wall 18 may stop short of the ends of left and/or right ramps
14, 16. A
population of apertures 19, such as holes or slots, extends through vertical
rear wall 18
and, as described more fully elsewhere herein, may be used to secure one or
more
brackets to cable router 10.
[0082] Furthermore, extending downward from the front side of floor 12 is a
front
ramp 20. At least a portion of front ramp 20 is curved along a third
horizontal axis that
is substantially parallel to the first direction and substantially
perpendicular to the
second direction and the first and second horizontal axes. Front ramp 20 has a
downward curving portion 20a that extends away from vertical rear wall 18 and
a brace
portion 20b that extends toward vertical rear wall 18. Accordingly, front ramp
20 curves
away from and then back toward rear wall 18. Front ramp 20 also includes a
substantially vertical ramp portion 20c extending between downward curving
portion
20a and brace portion 20b; however, it will be understood that, in certain
aspects,
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downward curving portion 20a and brace portion 20b may be formed of a
continuous
curve. Brace portion, or simply brace, 20b provides additional support for
cable router
when installed on a cable tray 40 (see FIGS. 8¨ 10, 12¨ 18). Furthermore, as
will
be described more fully elsewhere herein, brace 20b includes a population of
notches
5 21 along the length of the brace 20b. It will also be understood that, in
certain aspects,
front ramp 20 includes downward curving portion 20a but does not include brace
portion
20b or substantially vertical ramp portion 20c.
[0083] Left ramp 14, right ramp 16, and/or front ramp 20 can include a
population
of apertures 25, such as holes or slots, extending through left ramp 14, right
ramp 16,
10 and/or front ramp 20. The apertures 25 may be used to secure one or more
cables to
the ramp(s). For instance, zip ties, hose clamps, straps, etc. may be looped
through
one or more of the population of apertures 25 and around cables routed through
cable
router 10 to secure cables to cable router 10. Additionally, as illustrated in
FIG. 3, in
one embodiment, the bottoms of left and right ramps 14, 16 are hemmed. That
is, the
bottom edge of left ramp 14 is folded over back on itself and the bottom edge
of right
ramp 16 is folded over back on itself. Hemming left and right ramps 14, 16
creates a
smooth edge on the bottom of left and right ramps 14, 16 and reduces or
eliminates the
potential for cables to snag on the bottom of left and right ramps 14, 16.
[0084] Referring again to FIGS. 1 ¨ 7, cable router 10 further includes a
vertical
left curved wall 22 extending from left ramp 14 and front ramp 20. A first
portion 22a of
vertical left curved wall 22 extends forward along the second direction away
from rear
wall 18. Accordingly, first portion 22a of vertical left curved wall 22 is
substantially
perpendicular to rear wall 18. Furthermore, a second portion 22b of vertical
left curved
wall 22 extends leftward along the first direction. Accordingly, second
portion 22b of
vertical left curved wall 22 is substantially parallel to rear wall 18. A
third or curved
portion 22c of vertical left curved wall 22 is curved along a first vertical
axis that is
substantially perpendicular to the first direction and substantially
perpendicular to the
horizontal portion of floor 12. Thus, vertical left curved wall 22 includes
first portion 22a
substantially perpendicular to rear wall 18 and second portion 22b
substantially parallel
to rear wall 18 with third portion 22c transitioning between first and second
portions 22a,
22b.
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[0085] It will be understood that, in certain aspects of cable router 10,
vertical left
curved wall 22 may not include second portion 22b. In such aspects, the
vertical left
curved wall 22 terminates at the tangent closest to rear wall 18, such that
the tangent is
parallel to rear wall 18. It will be understood that, in certain aspects of
cable router 10,
vertical left curved wall 22 may not include first portion 22a. In such
aspects, the
vertical left curved wall 22 terminates at the tangent closest to ramp portion
20c, such
that the tangent is perpendicular to rear wall 18. It will be understood that,
in certain
aspects of cable router 10, vertical left curved wall 22 may not include first
portion 22a
and second portion 22b. In such aspects, the vertical left curved wall 22
terminates at
the tangent closest to rear wall 18, such that the tangent is parallel to rear
wall 18 and
terminates at the tangent closest to ramp portion 20c, such that the tangent
is
perpendicular to rear wall 18.
[0086] An aperture 26, such as a hole or slot, extends through first portion
22a of
vertical left curved wall 22 and, as described more fully elsewhere herein,
may be used
to secure a vertical support drop to cable router 10.
[0087] Similarly, cable router 10 further includes a vertical right curved
wall 24
extending from right ramp 16 and front ramp 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 ¨7, a
first portion
24a of vertical right curved wall 24 extends forward along the second
direction away
from rear wall 18. Accordingly, first portion 24a of vertical right curved
wall 24 is
substantially perpendicular to rear wall 18. Furthermore, a second portion 24b
of
vertical right curved wall 24 extends leftward along the first direction.
Accordingly,
second portion 24b of vertical right curved wall 24 is substantially parallel
to rear wall
18. A third or curved portion 24c of vertical right curved wall 24 is curved
along a first
vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction and
substantially
perpendicular to the horizontal portion of floor 12. Thus, vertical right
curved wall 24
includes first portion 24a substantially perpendicular to rear wall 18 and
second portion
24b substantially parallel to rear wall 18 with third portion 24c
transitioning between first
and second portions 24a, 24b.
[0088] It will be understood that, in certain aspects of cable router 10,
vertical
right curved wall 24 may not include second portion 24b. In such aspects, the
vertical
right curved wall 24 terminates at the tangent closest to rear wall 18, such
that the
tangent is parallel to rear wall 18. It will be understood that, in certain
aspects of cable
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router 10, vertical right curved wall 24 may not include first portion 24a. In
such
aspects, the vertical right curved wall 24 terminates at the tangent closest
to ramp
portion 20c, such that the tangent is perpendicular to rear wall 18. It will
be understood
that, in certain aspects of cable router 10, vertical right curved wall 24 may
not include
first portion 24a and second portion 24b. In such aspects, the vertical right
curved wall
24 terminates at the tangent closest to rear wall 18, such that the tangent is
parallel to
rear wall 18 and terminates at the tangent closest to ramp portion 20c, such
that the
tangent is perpendicular to rear wall 18.
[0089] An aperture 28, such as a hole or slot, extends through first portion
24a of
vertical right curved wall 24 and, as described more fully elsewhere herein,
may be
used to secure a vertical support drop to cable router 10.
[0090] Vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24 assist in routing the
cables (not
shown) from the first direction to the second direction. The radius of third
or curved
portions 22c, 24c provide a smooth transition from the first direction to the
second
direction. Accordingly, cables, for example fiber optic cables, routed through
cable
router 10 are not kinked or bent at a sharp angle (as the performance,
reliability and
integrity of fiber optic cables can be negatively impacted if the fiber optic
cables are
kinked or bent).
[0091] One or both of first portions 22a, 24a of vertical left and right
curved walls
22, 24 may extend a distance, y, from front ramp 20. In certain aspects, for
example,
the distance, y, from front ramp 20 may be from about 0 mm to about 100 mm
(e.g.,
about 0 mm, about 5 mm, about 10 mm, about 20 mm, about 30 mm, about 40 mm,
about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100
mm).
In certain aspects, the distance, y, from front ramp 20 may be about 70 mm. In
certain
aspects, the distance, y, from front ramp 20 may be greater than about 100 mm.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 2, left ramp 14 may have a width, WL, from about 40 mm
to about 200 mm (e.g., about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm,
about
80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm, about 130 mm,
about 140 mm, about 150 mm, about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm, about
190 mm, about 200 mm). In one embodiment, left ramp 14 has a width, WL, of
about
100 mm (about 4 inches). In other aspects, for example, left ramp 14 has a
width, WL, of
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about 150 mm (about 6 inches). Right ramp 16 may have a width, WR, from about
40
mm to about 200 mm (e.g., about 40 mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm,
about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100 mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm, about 130
mm, about 140 mm, about 150 mm, about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm,
about 190 mm, about 200 mm). In one embodiment, right ramp 16 has a width, WR,
of
about 100 mm (about 4 inches). In other aspects, for example, right ramp 16
has a
width, WR, of about 150 mm (about 6 inches). In certain aspects, the widths,
WI_ and
WR, of left and right ramps 14, 16 are substantially the same. However, in
other
aspects, the widths, WI_ and WR, of left and right ramps 14, 16 may be
different. Front
ramp 20 may have a width, WF, from about 40 mm to about 200 mm (e.g., about 40
mm, about 50 mm, about 60 mm, about 70 mm, about 80 mm, about 90 mm, about 100
mm, about 110 mm, about 120 mm, about 130 mm, about 140 mm, about 150 mm,
about 160 mm, about 170 mm, about 180 mm, about 190 mm, about 200 mm). In one
embodiment, front ramp 20 has a width, WF, of about 120 mm (about 4.75
inches). In
other aspects, for example, front ramp 20 has a width, WF, of about 150 mm
(about 6
inches). In yet other aspects, for example, front ramp 20 has a width, WF, of
about 200
mm (about 8 inches). In various aspects, width, WF, of front ramp 20 is
substantially the
same as widths, WI_ and WR, of left and right ramps 14, 16. In various
aspects, width,
WF, of front ramp 20 is greater than widths, WI_ and WR, of left and right
ramps 14, 16
because potentially all of the cables routed up left and right ramps 14, 16
exit front ramp
20. Therefore, the greater width of front ramp 20 allows it to accept the
cables routed
up left and right ramps 14, 16.
[0093] In one embodiment, cable router 10 is constructed of steel or an alloy
thereof; however, it will be understood that any type of suitable metal, or
plastic, may be
used, including, but not limited to, steel, stainless steel, aluminum or
alloys thereof.
Left, right and front ramps 14, 16, 20 and substantially horizontal portion of
floor 12 and
may be formed of a single sheet of metal. Vertical rear wall 18 and vertical
left and right
curved walls 22, 24 may be welded to floor 12. In other aspects, cable router
10 may
be constructed in a single or multiple pieces of suitable plastics.
[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 8 ¨ 19, cable router 10 is shown installed on or
affixed to cable tray 40. In various embodiments, cable tray 40 is a basket-
type cable
tray comprising a lattice of longitudinal wires 42 and transverse wires 44
secured to one
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another. Although cable tray 40 is shown as a basket-style cable tray, it will
be
understood that cable router 10 may be installed on other types and/or
constructions of
cable tray. Cable tray 40 is substantially a U-shaped trough having a bottom
portion 46
and two sidewalls 48 extending upward substantially perpendicular to bottom
portion 46.
.. When cable router 10 is installed on cable tray 40, the first direction is
parallel to
longitudinal wires 42 and the second direction is parallel to transverse wires
44. That is,
the first direction is substantially parallel to cable tray 40 and the second
direction is
substantially perpendicular to cable tray 40. Furthermore, when cable router
10 is
installed on cable tray 40, floor 12 is at a height above the top of sidewall
48 and left
.. and right ramps 14, 16 extend downward from above the top of sidewall 48 to
below the
top of sidewall 48. Left and right ramps 14, 16 reside between side walls 48,
48 above
bottom portion 46. Additionally, front ramp 20 extends downward from above the
top of
sidewall 48 to below the top of sidewall 48. At least a portion of front ramp
20 resides
outside of sidewalls 48, 48. Thus, cable router 10 can be said to straddle
sidewall 48
wherein portions of cable router 10 are above the top of sidewall 48 and
portions of
cable router 10 are below the top of sidewall 48 and wherein portions of cable
router 10
are between sidewalls 48, 48 and portions of cable router 10 are outside of
sidewalls
48, 48. Certain prior art cable routers that require cutting or modification
of the cable
tray for the cable router to be installed. However, because cable router 10
straddles
.. cable tray 40, cable tray 40 does not need to be cut or modified for cable
router 10 to be
installed. By not requiring any cuts or modifications to the cable tray, the
structural
integrity of cable tray 40 is maintained with the use of cable router 10.
[0095] In certain aspects, cable router 10 is substantially T-shaped (see FIG.
2).
Cables typically run along a first direction in cable tray 40, wherein the
first direction is
parallel to longitudinal wires 42. If certain cables are desired to drop out
of cable tray
40, those cables can be run up left and/or right ramps 14, 16 and will rest on
floor 12
including substantially horizontal portion. Those cables will then make a
substantially
90 degree turn and will exit cable router 10 out and down front ramp 20 along
a second
direction. Accordingly, cables routed through cable router 10 will be directed
from a first
direction to a second direction, wherein the second direction is substantially
perpendicular to the first direction. Cable router 10 also permits cables to
run under
floor 12 of cable router 10 and not be diverted out cable router 10. Cable
router 10
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does not take up significant space in cable tray 40 and therefore does not
impact the
routing of cables along cable tray 40.
[0096] When installed on cable tray 40, brace 20b of cable router 10 rests on
a
longitudinal wire 42 of sidewall 48 thereby reducing or preventing cable
router 10 from
.. sagging under the weight of cables carried therein. That is, the weight of
the cables in
cable router 10 is transferred by brace 20b into sidewall 48 preventing front
ramp 20
from moving downward or rotating rearward. Furthermore, one or more of the
population of notches 21 can rest on a transverse wire 44 of sidewall 48
thereby
reducing or preventing cable router 10 from moving longitudinally along cable
tray 40. If
present, notches 21 may be semicircular in shape; however, it will be
understood that
notches may also be a variety of shapes including, but not limited to,
triangular, square,
hexagonal, octagonal, etc. The combination of brace 20b and the population of
notches
21 therein serve to lock cable router 10 in place on cable tray 40. Further
holding cable
router 10 in place are two brackets 50, wherein a first end of each is bolted
or otherwise
secured to the bottom portion 46 of cable tray 40 and a second end of each is
bolted or
otherwise secured to rear wall 18 of cable router 10. In one embodiment, bolts
will
extend through bracket(s) and holes 19 in vertical rear wall 18 of cable
router 10.
Additionally, bolts may extend through clips 70 (see FIG. 12) wherein clips 70
may be
used to secure or lock brackets 50 to longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42,
44 of
.. cable tray 40. It will be understood that in other aspects, fewer than two
brackets 50
may be used to affix cable router 10 to cable tray 40. It will also be
understood that in
yet other aspects, greater than two brackets 50 may be used to affix cable
router 10 to
cable tray 40, and fastened by various methods.
[0097] With reference to FIG. 19, a vertical support drop 60 may be bolted or
.. otherwise secured to cable router 10. Vertical support drop 60 is shown
between first
portions 22a, 24a of vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24. As
illustrated, in certain
aspects, bolts may extend through apertures 26, 28 of vertical left and right
curved walls
22, 24 to secure vertical support drop 60 to cable router 10. In other
aspects, cable
router 10 may include or be adapted to accept clips (not shown) on first
portions 22a,
24a of vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24. Vertical support drop 60
may be
secured to cable router 10 using the clips in addition to or instead of bolts
through
apertures 26, 28. Cables routed through cable router 10 may be further routed
down
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vertical support drop 60. Vertical support drop 60 is shown as a basket-style
vertical
support drop having construction similar to that of cable tray 40. However, it
will be
understood that other types and/or construction of vertical support drop may
be used.
[0098] Alternative aspects of cable trays according to the disclosure are
illustrated in FIGS. 20 ¨ 56 and are described in detail below. Some features
of one or
more of cable trays 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910, and 1010
are
common to one another and, accordingly, descriptions of such features in one
aspect
should be understood to apply to other aspects. Furthermore, particular
characteristics
of one aspect may be used in combination with, or instead of, particular
characteristics
of another aspect.
[0099] FIGS. 20 ¨27 illustrate another aspect of cable router 110 wherein a
flange 117 extends substantially horizontally from the bottom edge of vertical
rear wall
118. Cable router 110 also includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right ramp 16,
front ramp 20
(including brace portion 20b), vertical left curved wall 22, and vertical
right curved wall
24. Vertical rear wall 118 may extend a distance below the ends of left and
right ramps
14, 16 such that the bottom edge of vertical rear wall 118 may be located
proximate
and/or contact bottom portion 46 of cable tray 40 to provide support for cable
router
110. A population of apertures 119, such as slots or holes, extends along the
length of
flange 117. Unlike cable router 10, flange 117 and the population of apertures
119
permit cable router 110 to be installed or affixed to cable tray 40 without
the need for
brackets 50. Bolts may extend through one or more of the population of
apertures 119
to secure cable router 110 to cable tray 40. Additionally, bolts may extend
through clips
170 (see FIG. 27) wherein clips 170 may be used to secure or lock vertical
rear wall 118
to longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42, 44 of cable tray 40. Prior to
tightening of
bolts and/or when the bolts are loosened, the population of apertures 119
(e.g., slots or
holes) permit easy adjustment and/or alignment of cable router 110 along the
first
direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of cable tray 40). When cable
router 110 is
located in the desired location on cable tray 40, the bolts are tightened to
secure cable
router 110 in place.
[00100] Referring now to FIG. 28 another aspect of cable router 210 is
described in detail. Cable router 210 includes floor 12, left ramp 14,
vertical rear wall
18, front ramp 20 (including brace portion 20b), and vertical left curved wall
22.
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However, cable router 210 does not include a right ramp. As shown, cable
router 210
includes a right wall 230 extending substantially perpendicular from vertical
rear wall
218 along the second direction. A portion of right wall 230 may extend the
same
distance, y, as first portion 22a of vertical left curved wall 22 as described
in conjunction
with vertical left curved wall 22 of cable router 10. Additionally, an
aperture 28, such as
a hole or slot, extends through a portion of right wall 230 and, as described
more fully
elsewhere herein, may be used to secure a vertical support drop to cable
router 210.
Accordingly, cable router 210 only allows cables to be routed up and/or down
left ramp
14 and front ramp 20 of cable router 210. Thus, unlike cable router 10, there
is only one
cable input and only one cable output. It will be understood in this regard,
that the cable
routers described herein can direct cables in a number of directions. That is,
while
shown as having a right vertical wall and a left ramp, it will be understood
that other
aspects of cable router may include a left vertical wall and a right ramp.
[00101] Referring now to FIG. 29 another aspect of cable router 310 is
described in detail. Cable router 310 includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right
ramp 16, front
ramp 20 (including brace portion 20b), vertical left curved wall 22, and
vertical right
curved wall 24. Vertical rear wall 318 may extend a distance below the ends of
left and
right ramps 14, 16 such that the bottom edge of vertical rear wall 318 may be
located
proximate and/or contact bottom portion 46 of cable tray 40 to provide support
for cable
router 310. This aspect of cable router 310 may also include a flange 317
extending
substantially horizontally from the bottom edge of vertical rear wall 318. In
addition to or
instead of the population of notches 21 along the length of the brace 20b
shown in cable
router 10 (see FIGS. 13 ¨ 18), cable router 310 may include one or more clips
370
which may be bolted onto brace 20b. Clips 370 may be used to secure or lock
brace
20b onto one or more of the population of longitudinal wires 42. Thus, in
certain
aspects, the cable router may include both a population of notches and one or
more
clips for securing the cable router to the cable tray. In other aspects, for
example, the
cable router may include only one or more clips for securing the cable router
to the
cable tray (i.e., without a population of notches).
[00102] FIG. 30 illustrates another aspect of cable router 410 wherein a
flange
417 extends substantially horizontally from the bottom edge of vertical rear
wall 418.
Cable router 410 also includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right ramp 16, front
ramp 20
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(including brace portion 20b), vertical left curved wall 22, and vertical
right curved wall
24. Vertical rear wall 418 may extend a distance below the ends of left and
right ramps
14, 16 such that the bottom edge of vertical rear wall 418 may be located
proximate
and/or contact bottom portion 46 of cable tray 40 to provide support for cable
router
410. A population of apertures 419, such as slots or holes, extend along the
length of
flange 417. Cable tray 419 is shown as having a single aperture 419 located
substantially in the middle of flange 417 between left and right ramps 14, 16.
It will be
understood however, that aspects of cable tray 419 may include any number
and/or
location of apertures 419 without departing from the disclosure.
[00103] Unlike cable router 10, flange 417 and the population of apertures 419
permit cable router 410 to be installed or affixed to cable tray 40 without
the need for
brackets 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Bolts may extend through one or more of the
population
of apertures 419 to secure cable router 410 to cable tray 40. Additionally,
bolts may
extend through clips 70 wherein clips 70 may be used to secure or lock
vertical rear wall
418 to longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42, 44 of cable tray 40.
[00104] Additionally, in some aspects, a population of tabs 472 may extend
below flange 417 and may be used to secure cable router 410 to cable tray 40.
Tabs
472 may be substantially parallel to flange 417 and may extend a sufficient
distance
below flange 417 so that flange 417 can rest on top of longitudinal and/or
transverse
wires 42, 44 of cable tray 40 and so that tabs 472 may be below and/or contact
bottom
of longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42, 44 of cable tray 40. That is, when
cable
router 410 is installed, longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42, 44 of cable
tray 40 are
sandwiched between flange 417 and tabs 472. Tabs 472 accordingly may assist in
maintaining the position of cable router 410 and/or may assist in reducing or
preventing
cable router 410 from sagging under the weight of cables carried therein.
Cable tray
419 is shown as having two tabs 472 located proximate the left and right edges
of
flange 417. It will be understood however, that aspects of cable tray 419 may
include
any number and/or location of tabs 472 without departing from the scope of the
disclosure.
[00105] With continued reference to FIG. 30, in addition to or instead of the
population of notches 21 along the length of the brace 20b shown in cable
router 10,
cable router 410 may include one or more clips 470 which may be bolted onto
brace
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20b. Clips 470 may lock brace 20b onto one or more of the population of
longitudinal
wires 42. Furthermore, in this aspect, for example, the second portions of
vertical left
and right curved walls 22b, 24b of cable router 410 may be extended as
compared to
the second portions of left and right curved walls 22b, 24b of cable router 10
and may
further include apertures 474, such as holes or slots, extending through the
second
portions of left and right curved walls 22b, 24b. Bolts may extend through one
or more
of the population of apertures 474 to secure cable router 410 to cable tray
40.
Additionally, bolts may extend through clips 470 wherein clips 470 may be used
to
secure or lock vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24 to longitudinal
and/or transverse
wires 42, 44 of cable tray 40.
[00106] FIGS. 31 ¨34 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 510 wherein
cable router 510 is secured to cable tray 40 using two substantially L-shaped
brackets
550. Cable router 510 includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right ramp 16, rear
wall 18, front
ramp 520, vertical left curved wall 22, and vertical right curved wall 24.
Unlike cable
router 10, front ramp 520 of cable router 510 does not include brace 20b.
However, the
front portion of front ramp 520 may curve rearward to reduce or eliminate any
sharp
edges that could catch or snag cables routed up or down front ramp 520. Cable
router
510 further includes two substantially L-shaped brackets 550, one of which is
bolted or
otherwise secured to vertical left curved wall 22 and one of which is bolted
or otherwise
secured to vertical right curved wall 24. Substantially L-shaped bracket 550
includes
first bracket portion 551 and second bracket portion 552, wherein second
bracket
portion 552 is substantially perpendicular to first bracket portion 551.
Second bracket
portion 552 extends outward parallel to rear wall 18. In one embodiment, two
bolts will
extend through apertures (not shown) in first bracket portion 551 and
apertures (e.g.,
apertures 26, 28 (see FIG. 1)) in vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24.
Additionally,
two bolts may extend through apertures (not shown) in second bracket portion
552 and
through two clips 70 (see FIG. 34) wherein two clips 70 may be used to secure
or lock
substantially L-shaped brackets 550 to longitudinal and/or transverse wires
42, 44 of
cable tray 40. While cable router 510 is shown with two bolts extending
through each of
first and second bracket portions 551, 552, it will be understood that, in
certain aspects
fewer than two bolts may be used and in certain aspects more than two bolts
may be
used.
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[00107] Substantially L-shaped brackets 550 provide a sufficiently rigid
connection of cable router 510 to cable tray 40 such that cable router 510
need not be
secured to cable tray 40 using additional brackets or tabs (such as those
described in
connection with cable routers 10, 110, 310, and/or 410). Accordingly, vertical
rear wall
18 need not extend a distance below the ends of left and right ramps 14, 16 as
in cable
routers 110, 310, and 410. Cable router 510 thus floats above and cantilevers
over
cable tray 40 and permits cables to be run under cable router 510 without
having to feed
the cable between the side wall 48 of cable tray 40 and bracket(s) 50 of cable
router 10
or vertical rear walls 118, 318, and 418 of cable routers 110, 310, and 410,
respectively.
[00108] FIGS. 35 ¨ 36 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 610. Cable
router 610 includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right ramp 16, rear wall 618,
front ramp 620,
vertical left curved wall 622, and vertical right curved wall 624. Unlike
cable router 10,
front ramp 620 of cable router 610 does not include brace 20b. However, the
front
portion of front ramp 620 may curve rearward to reduce or eliminate any sharp
edges
that could catch or snag cables routed up or down front ramp 620. Vertical
rear wall 618
may extend a distance below the ends of left and right ramps 14, 16 such that
the
bottom edge of vertical rear wall 618 may be located proximate and/or contact
bottom
portion 46 of cable tray 40 to provide support for cable router 610. Cable
router 610
further includes two integrally formed substantially L-shaped brackets 650
(e.g.,
brackets 650), one each extending from vertical left curved wall 622 and
vertical right
curved wall 624. Cable router 610 is secured to cable tray 40 using brackets
650.
[00109] Each bracket 650, includes first bracket portion 651 and second
bracket portion 652, wherein second bracket portion 652 is substantially
perpendicular
to first bracket portion 651. First portions 622a, 624a of vertical left and
right curved
walls 622, 624 extend forward along the second direction away from rear wall
18. First
bracket portion 651 of each bracket 650 is located proximate the bottom end of
each of
first portions 622a, 624a of vertical left and right curved walls 622, 624 and
extends
rearward along the second direction toward rear wall 18. First bracket portion
651 of
each bracket 650 is substantially co-planar with each of first portions 622a,
624a of
vertical left and right curved walls 622, 624. However, in other aspects it
will be
understood that first bracket portion 651 may be bent at an angle with respect
to first
portions 622a, 624a of vertical left and right curved walls 622, 624. The
second bracket
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portion 652 of each bracket 650 extends substantially perpendicular from first
bracket
portion 651 and outward away from first portions 622a, 624a of vertical left
and right
curved walls 622, 624. Second bracket portion 652a extends outward parallel to
rear
wall 18.
[00110] In one embodiment, second bracket portions 652 of brackets 650
include elongate substantially horizontal slots 619 through which bolts or
other fasteners
may extend to secure cable router 610 to cable tray 40. In one embodiment,
bolts will
extend through slots 619 of second bracket portions 652 and through clips to
secure or
lock cable router 610 to longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42, 44 of cable
tray 40.
While cable router 610 is shown with one bolt extending through each second
bracket
portion 652, it will be understood that, in certain aspects more than one bolt
may be
used. Prior to tightening of bolts and/or when the bolts are loosened,
elongate
substantially horizontal slots 619 permit easy adjustment and/or alignment of
cable
router 610 along the first direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of
cable tray 40).
When cable router 610 is located in the desired location on cable tray 40, the
bolts are
tightened to secure cable router 610 in place. While slots 619 are shown, it
will be
understood that certain aspects may include other types of apertures, such as
holes,
without departing from the scope of the current disclosure. For example, in
various
aspects a population of holes (e.g., about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about
6, etc.)
may be provided in each second bracket portion 652, wherein the population of
holes
permit easy adjustment and/or alignment of cable router 610 along the first
direction
(e.g., the longitudinal direction of cable tray 40).
[00111] FIGS. 37 ¨ 38 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 710. Cable
router 710 includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right ramp 16, rear wall 18, front
ramp 720,
vertical left curved wall 722, and vertical right curved wall 724. Unlike
cable router 10,
front ramp 720 of cable router 710 does not include brace 20b. However, the
front
portion of front ramp 720 may curve rearward to reduce or eliminate any sharp
edges
that could catch or snag cables routed up or down front ramp 720. Cable router
710
further includes two integrally formed substantially L-shaped brackets 750
(e.g.,
brackets 750), one each extending from vertical left curved wall 722 and
vertical right
curved wall 724. Brackets 750 are a variation of brackets 650 of cable router
610. Cable
router 710 is secured to a cable tray 40 using brackets 750.
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[00112] Each bracket 750, includes first bracket portion 751 and second
bracket portion 752, wherein second bracket portion 752 is substantially
perpendicular
to first bracket portion 751. First portions 722a, 724a of vertical left and
right curved
walls 722, 724 extend forward along the second direction away from rear wall
18. First
bracket portion 751 of each bracket 750 is located proximate the bottom end of
each of
first portions 722a, 724a of vertical left and right curved walls 722, 724 and
extends
rearward along the second direction toward rear wall 18. First bracket portion
751 of
each bracket 750 is substantially co-planar with each of first portions 722a,
724a of
vertical left and right curved walls 722, 724. However, in other aspects it
will be
understood that first bracket portion 751 may be bent at an angle with respect
to first
portions 722a, 724a of vertical left and right curved walls 722, 724. The
second bracket
portion 752 of each bracket 750 extends substantially perpendicular from first
bracket
portion 751 and outward away from first portions 722a, 724a of vertical left
and right
curved walls 722, 724. Second bracket portion 752a extends outward parallel to
rear
wall 18.
[00113] In one embodiment, each second bracket portion 752 of brackets 750
includes two elongate substantially horizontal slots 719 through which bolts
or other
fasteners may extend to secure cable router 710 to cable tray 40. In one
embodiment,
bolts will extend through slots 719 of second bracket portions 752 and through
clips to
secure or lock cable router 710 to longitudinal and/or transverse wires 42, 44
of cable
tray 40. While cable router 710 is shown with two substantially horizontal
slots 719 in
each second bracket portion 752, it will be understood that, in certain
aspects more than
two slots 719 or fewer than two slots 719 may be included. Prior to tightening
of bolts
and/or when the bolts are loosened, elongate substantially horizontal slots
719 permit
easy adjustment and/or alignment of cable router 710 along the first direction
(e.g., the
longitudinal direction of cable tray 40). When cable router 710 is located in
the desired
location on cable tray 40, the bolts are tightened to secure cable router 710
in place.
While slots 719 are shown, it will be understood that certain aspects may
include other
types of apertures, such as holes, without departing from the scope of the
current
disclosure. For example, in various aspects a population of holes (e.g., about
2, about
3, about 4, about 5, about 6, etc.) may be provided in each second bracket
portion 752,
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wherein the population of holes permit easy adjustment and/or alignment of
cable router
710 along the first direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of cable tray
40).
[00114] Substantially L-shaped brackets 750 provide a sufficiently rigid
connection of cable router 710 to cable tray 40 such that cable router 710
need not be
secured to cable tray 40 using additional brackets or tabs (such as those
described in
connection with cable routers 10, 110, 310, and/or 410). Accordingly, vertical
rear wall
18 need not extend a distance below the ends of left and right ramps 14, 16 as
in cable
routers 110, 310, 410, and 610. Cable router 710 thus floats above and
cantilevers
over cable tray 40 and permits cables to be run under cable router 710 without
having to
feed the cable between the side wall 48 of cable tray 40 and bracket(s) 50 of
cable
router 10 or vertical rear walls 118, 318, 418, and 618 of cable routers 110,
310, 410,
and 610 respectively.
[00115] FIGS. 39 ¨46 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 810 wherein
cable router 810 snaps or slides on or into cable tray 40. Cable router 810
includes
slotted portions which are adapted to receive longitudinal wires 42 of cable
tray 40.
Cable router 810 is adapted to be used in smaller cable trays and with lighter
and/or
smaller number of cables, wherein the rigid attachment by brackets, bolts,
clips, etc. is
not required. For example, cable router 810 may be used to route various wires
or
cables to an office desk, such as, Ethernet cable(s), power cable(s),
audio/visual
cable(s), fiber optic cable(s), telephone cable(s).
[00116] Cable router 810 includes floor 12, left ramp 14, right ramp 16, front
ramp 820, vertical left curved wall 22, vertical right curved wall 24, tabs
880, and arms
890. Unlike cable router 10, front ramp 820 of cable router 810 does not
include brace
20b. Cable router 810 is shown with two tabs 880, each having a wire receiving
slot
884. Tabs 880 extend or project downward from below floor 12 and/or front ramp
820 in
a direction opposite the upward extension or projection of vertical left and
right curved
walls 22, 24. A wire receiving slot 884 extends substantially vertical upward
into each
tab 880 and terminates in a semi-circular portion proximate the bottom side of
floor 12
and/or front ramp 820. Wire receiving slots 884 are adapted to receive a
longitudinal
wire 42 of cable tray 40 when cable router 810 is placed on cable tray 40. Tab
880 may
further include a tooth (not shown) extending into wire receiving slot 884
which may
assist in retaining cable router 810 on cable tray 40. That is, a longitudinal
wire 42 of
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the side wall 48 of cable tray 40 may snap into wire receiving slot 884 where
it may be
held in place by a tooth.
[00117] Stated another way, tab 880 can be described as having a first tab
portion 881 and a second tab portion 882 separated a distance to create wire
receiving
slot 884. First tab portion 881 may be characterized as a right triangular
shaped portion
extending or projecting downward from below floor 12 and/or front ramp 820
wherein
first tab portion 881 tapers in width from the base proximate floor 12 and/or
front ramp
820 to a terminal point proximate the bottom of tab 880 and opening of wire
receiving
slot 884. The right triangular shape of first tab portion 881 assists in
providing structural
rigidity to tab 880. Second tab portion 882 may be characterized as a finger
extending
or projecting downward below floor 12 and/or front ramp 820. Second tab
portion 882
may additionally include a chamfered or tapered tip portion 882a which serves
to widen
the entry of wire receiving slot 884 and may permit an increase in the ease
with which
cable router 810 may be placed on cable tray 40. That is, the chamfered or
tapered tip
portion 882a of second tab portion 882 may assist in guiding longitudinal wire
42 of
cable tray 40 into wire receiving slot 884 of cable router 810.
[00118] As shown, cable router 810 includes two tabs 880, a first tab 880
proximate vertical left curved wall 22 and a second tab 880 proximate vertical
right
curved wall 24. In other aspects, cable router 810 may include less than two
tabs 880.
For example, a single tab 880 may extend or project downward from below floor
12
and/or front ramp 820 in a direction opposite the upward extension or
projection of
vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24. Such single tab 880 may be
proximate vertical
left curved wall 22, may be proximate vertical right curved wall 24, may be
located
substantially in the middle between vertical left curved wall 22 and vertical
right curved
wall 24, or at any location therebetween.
[00119] In yet other aspects, cable router 810 may include more than two tabs
880 (e.g., about 3 tabs, about 4 tabs, about 5 tabs, about 6 tabs, about 7
tabs, about 8
tabs, about 9 tabs, about 10 tabs, etc.). For example, a first tab 880 may be
proximate
vertical left curved wall 22, a second tab 880 may be proximate vertical right
curved wall
24, a third tab 880 may be located substantially in the middle between first
vertical left
curved wall 22 and vertical right curved wall 24, and/or additional tabs 880
may be
located at any location therebetween.
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[00120] While tabs 880 are illustrated as thin tabs, in various aspects, tabs
880
may be substantially thicker such that tab 880 may be said to be a solid
projection
extending downward from below floor 12 and/or front ramp 820 in a direction
opposite
the upward extension or projection of vertical left and right curved walls 22,
24.
Accordingly, the solid projection may extend a thickness in the first
direction having a
first end proximate vertical left curved wall 22 and a second end proximate
vertical right
curved wall 24. That is, the solid projection may have a thickness
substantially the same
as the width of first ramp (see, e.g., WF in FIG. 2). In such aspects, wire
receiving slot
884 may be said to be a wire receiving channel extending through the thickness
of the
.. solid projection in the first direction.
[00121] In addition to tabs 880, cable router 810 further includes two arms
890,
each having a wire receiving slot 894. Arms 890 extend or project at an angle
downward and forward from vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24 in the
second
direction away from rear wall 18. A wire receiving slot 894 extends
substantially vertical
upward into each arm 890 and terminates in a semi-circular portion. Wire
receiving
slots 894 are adapted to receive a longitudinal wire 42 of the side wall 48 of
cable tray
40 when cable router 810 is placed on cable tray 40. Arm 890 may further
include a
tooth 896 extending into wire receiving slot 894 which may assist in retaining
cable
router 810 on cable tray 40. That is, a longitudinal wire 42 of the side wall
48 of cable
tray 40 may snap into wire receiving slot 894 where it may be held in place by
tooth
896.
[00122] Stated another way, arm 890 can be described as having a first arm
portion 891 and a second arm portion 892 separated a distance to create wire
receiving
slot 884. First arm portion 891 extends or projects at an angle downward and
forward
from vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24 in the second direction away
from rear
wall 18. Second arm portion 892 may be characterized as an inverted
substantially L-
shaped finger extending or projecting downward from first arm portion 891.
Second arm
portion 892 may additionally include a chamfered or tapered tip portion 892a
which
serves to widen the entry of wire receiving slot 894 and may permit an
increase in the
ease with which cable router 810 may be placed on cable tray 40. That is, the
chamfered or tapered tip portion 892a of second arm portion 892 may assist in
guiding
longitudinal wire 42 of cable tray 40 into wire receiving slot 894 of cable
router 810.
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[00123] As shown, cable router 810 includes two arms 890, a first arm 890
proximate the terminal end 22d of vertical left curved wall 22 and a second
arm 890
proximate the terminal end 24d of vertical right curved wall 24. Cable router
810 may
further include a brace portion 898 extending between each arm 890 and the
terminal
ends 22d, 24d of vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24. Brace portions
898 may
provide structural support for arms 890. As shown first and second arms 880
are shown
slightly inset from the terminal ends 22d, 24d of vertical left and right
curved walls 22,
24; however, it will be understood that in various aspects, first and second
arms 890
may be at the terminal ends 22d, 24d of vertical left and right curved walls
22, 24. In
one embodiment first and second arms 890 are set at a distance apart wider
than the
distance between first and second tabs 880. Placing first and second arms 890
wider
apart than first and second tabs 880, provides resistance to rotational or
rocking motion
of cable router 810 in a direction parallel to the transverse direction of
cable tray 40.
[00124] In other aspects, cable router 810 may include less than two arms 890.
For example, a single arm 890 may extend or project at an angle downward and
forward from vertical left and right curved walls 22, 24 in the second
direction away from
rear wall 18. Such single tab 880 may be proximate to or at terminal end 22d
of vertical
left curved wall 22, may be proximate to or at terminal end 24d of vertical
right curved
wall 24, may be located substantially in the middle between vertical left
curved wall 22
and vertical right curved wall 24, or at any location therebetween.
[00125] In yet other aspects, cable router 810 may include more than two arms
890 (e.g., about 3 arms, about 4 arms, about 5 arms, about 6 arms, about 7
arms, about
8 arms, about 9 arms, about 10 arms, etc.). For example, a first arm 890 may
be
proximate to or at terminal end 22d of vertical left curved wall 22, a second
arm 890
may be proximate to or at terminal end 24d of vertical right curved wall 24, a
third arm
890 may be located substantially in the middle between terminal end 22d of
vertical left
curved wall 22 and terminal end 24d of vertical right curved wall 24, and/or
additional
arms 890 may be located at any location therebetween.
[00126] While arms 890 are illustrated as thin arms, in various aspects, arms
890 may be substantially thicker such that arm 890 may be said to be a solid
projection
that extends or projects at an angle downward and forward from vertical left
and right
curved walls 22, 24 in the second direction away from rear wall 18.
Accordingly, the
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solid projection may extend a thickness in the first direction having a first
end proximate
to or at terminal end 22d of vertical left curved wall 22 and a second end
proximate to or
at terminal end 24d of vertical right curved wall 24. That is, the solid
projection may
have a thickness substantially the same as the width of cable router 810 in
the first
direction. In such aspects, wire receiving slot 894 may be said to be a wire
receiving
channel extending through the thickness of the solid projection in the first
direction.
[00127] Now with reference to FIGS. 44 ¨ 46, wire receiving slots 884, 894 of
tabs 880 and arms 890 are closely aligned in the second direction. Wire
receiving slots
884 of tabs 880 are positioned slightly further away from rear wall 18 than
wire receiving
slots 894 of arms 890. This slight offset in alignment of wire receiving slots
884, 894
accommodates cable trays wherein the top longitudinal wire 42 of a sidewall 48
of cable
tray 40 is slightly bowed outward as compared to an adjacent lower
longitudinal wire 42
of the sidewall 48. In various aspects, however, the centerlines of wire
receiving slots
884, 894 of tabs 880 and arms 890 may be coplanar such that there is no offset
in the
second direction between wire receiving slots 884 of tabs 880 and wire
receiving slots
894 of arms 890.
[00128] In one embodiment, cable router 810 is used in lighter duty
applications as compared to cable routers 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and
610. In
various aspects, cable router 810 may be smaller in size than cable routers
10, 110,
210, 310, 410, 510, and 610. Cable router 810 may be used to carry a small
number of
cables (e.g., about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5) and therefore does
not need to
be large in size and/or does not need to be mounted in cable tray 40 in the
manner
provided for cable routers 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, and 610. In one
embodiment,
cable router 810 is constructed of plastic; however, it will be understood
that any type of
suitable materials, may be used, including, but not limited to, composites
(e.g.,
fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), and metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel,
aluminum or alloys
thereof).
[00129] FIGS. 47 -50 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 910. Cable
router 910 includes curved ramp 920 having front curved ramp portion 920a,
rear
curved ramp portion 920b, vertical left curved wall 922 joined to the left
side (when
viewed from the front) of the curved ramp 920 along seam 926, and vertical
right curved
wall 924 joined to the right side (when viewed from the front) of the curved
ramp 920
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along seam 928. In certain embodiments, particular those embodiments in which
cable
router 910 may be molded, seams 926 and 928 may not be included as the right
and
left curved walls 922 and 924 may transition into the curved ramp 920. Unlike
other
cable routers described herein, cable router 910 lacks a floor and rear wall.
The curved
front ramp 920 may curve rearwardly over one of the sidewalls 48 of cable tray
40. The
front portion 932 of the curved ramp 920 may be substantially vertical.
However, it will
be understood that, in certain aspects, curved ramp 920, which includes front
portion
932, front curved ramp portion 920a, rear curved ramp portion 920b, and rear
portion
934 may be formed of a continuous curve. In this embodiment, the cable router
910 is
secured to the sidewall 48 of the cable tray 40 and the rear curved ramp
portion 920b
may float above and cantilevers over cable tray 40 and permits cables to be
run under
cable router 910.
[00130] The front portion 932 can include a population of apertures 25, such
as
holes or slots. The apertures 25 may be used to secure one or more cables to
the
curved ramp 920. For instance, zip ties, hose clamps, straps, etc. may be
looped
through one or more of the population of apertures 25 and around cables routed
through cable router 910 to secure cables to cable router 910.
[00131] Referring again to FIGS. 47-50, vertical left and right curved walls,
922
and 924 extend the entire length of the curved ramp 920 from the edge of the
front
portion 938 to the edge of the rear portion 936. A first portion 922a and 924a
of the
curved walls extend forward of the front portion 920a of the curved ramp 920.
Furthermore, a second portion 922b of left curved wall 922 extends leftward
(when
viewing cable router 910 from a front view as illustrated in FIG. 50) along a
direction
generally perpendicular to the first portion 922a. Similarly, a second portion
924b of
right curved wall 924 extends rightward along a direction generally
perpendicular to the
first portion 924a. Thus, the rear portion 920b of the curved ramp 920 flares
outwardly
in both directions such that the edge 936 of the rear portion 934 may be wider
than the
edge 938 of the front portion 932.
[00132] Cable router 910 further includes two integrally formed substantially
L-
shaped brackets 950, one each extending from vertical left curved wall 922 and
vertical
right curved wall 924. Cable router 910 may be secured to a cable tray 40
using
brackets 950.
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[00133] Each bracket 950 includes first bracket portion 951 and second bracket
portion 952, wherein second bracket portion 952 is substantially perpendicular
to first
bracket portion 951. First portions 922a, 924a of vertical left and right
curved walls 922,
924 extend forward along the second direction away from front curved ramp 920
and
perpendicular to the front portion 920a. First bracket portion 951 of each
bracket 950 is
located proximate the bottom end of each of first portions 922a, 924a of
vertical left and
right curved walls 922, 924 and extends rearward along the second direction
toward the
rear curved ramp portion 920b. First bracket portion 951 of each bracket 950
is
substantially co-planar with each of first portions 922a, 924a of vertical
left and right
curved walls 922, 924. However, in other aspects it will be understood that
first bracket
portion 951 may be bent at an angle with respect to first portions 922a, 924a
of vertical
left and right curved walls 922, 924. The second bracket portion 952 of each
bracket
950 extends substantially perpendicular from first bracket portion 951 and
outward away
from first portions 922a, 924a of vertical left and right curved walls 922,
924.
[00134] In one embodiment, each second bracket portion 952 of brackets 950
includes one or more elongate substantially horizontal slots 919 through which
bolts or
other fasteners may extend to secure cable router 910 to cable tray 40. In one
embodiment, bolts will extend through slots 919 of second bracket portions 952
and
through clips to secure or lock cable router 910 to the cable tray 40. While
cable router
910 is shown with two substantially horizontal slots 919 in each second
bracket portion
952, it will be understood that, in certain aspects more than two slots 919 or
fewer than
two slots 919 may be included. Prior to tightening of bolts and/or when the
bolts are
loosened, elongate substantially horizontal slots 919 permit easy adjustment
and/or
alignment of cable router 910 along the first direction (e.g., the
longitudinal direction of
cable tray 40). When cable router 910 is located in the desired location on
cable tray
40, the bolts are tightened to secure cable router 910 in place. While slots
919 are
shown, it will be understood that certain aspects may include other types of
apertures,
such as holes, without departing from the scope of the current disclosure. For
example,
in various aspects a population of holes (e.g., about 2, about 3, about 4,
about 5, about
6, etc.) may be provided in each second bracket portion 952, wherein the
population of
holes permit easy adjustment and/or alignment of cable router 910 along the
first
direction (e.g., the longitudinal direction of cable tray 40). Cable router
910 may be
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constructed of plastic; however, it will be understood that any type of
suitable materials,
may be used, including, but not limited to, composites (e.g., fiberglass,
carbon fiber,
etc.), and metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum or alloys thereof).
[00135] Substantially L-shaped brackets 950 provide a sufficiently rigid
connection of cable router 910 to cable tray 40. Alternatively, cable router
910 may be
secured to cable tray 40 by using bolts passing through horizontal slots 919
and
securing the cable router 910 to additional brackets 930 adhered to transverse
wire 44.
[00136] FIGS. 51-56 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 1010. Cable
router 1010 includes curved ramp 1020 having front curved ramp portion 1020a
and
rear curved ramp portion 1020b, vertical left curved wall 1022, and vertical
right curved
wall 1024. Unlike other cable routers described herein, cable router 1010
lacks a floor
and rear wall. The curved ramp 1020 may curve rearwardly over one of the
sidewalls
48 of cable tray 40, permitting the rear curved ramp portion 1020b to be
attached to the
cable tray 40 as described below. The terminal ends of front curved ramp
portion
1020a and the rear curved ramp portion 1020b may substantially vertical.
However, it
will be understood that, in certain aspects, curved ramp 1020, which includes
front
portion 1032, front curved ramp portion 1020a, rear curved ramp portion 1020b,
and
rear portion 1034 may be formed of a continuous curve.
[00137] The front curved ramp portion 1020a may include a population of
apertures 25, such as holes or slots. The apertures 25 may be used to secure
one or
more cables to the curved ramp 1020. For instance, zip ties, hose clamps,
straps, etc.
may be looped through one or more of the population of apertures 25 and around
cables routed through cable router 1010 to secure cables to cable router 910.
[00138] Referring again to FIGS. 51-56, vertical left and right curved walls,
1022 and 1024, extend the entire length of the curved ramp 1020 and are joined
to the
curved ramp 1020 along seams 1030 and 1032. In certain embodiments, particular
those embodiments in which cable router 1010 may be molded, seams 1030 and
1032
may not be included as the right and left curved walls 1022 and 1024 may
transition
into the curved ramp 1020. A first portion 1022a and 1024a of each wall
extends
forward of the front portion 1032 of the curved ramp 1020. Furthermore, a
second
portion 1022b of left curved wall 1022 extends leftward (when viewing cable
router 1010
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from a front view as illustrated in FIG. 55) along a direction generally
perpendicular to
the first portion 1022a. Similarly, a second portion 1024b of right curved
wall 1024
extends rightward along a direction generally perpendicular to the first
portion 1024a.
Thus, the rear curved ramp portion 1020b of the curved ramp 1020 flares
outwardly in
.. both lateral directions such that the edge 1036 of the rear curved ramp
portion 1020b
may be wider than the front curved ramp portion 1020a.
[00139] As illustrated in FIGS. 52-53, the rear curved ramp portion 1020b of
the curved ramp 1020 provides a means for attaching the cable router 1010 to
one of
the longitudinal wires 42 of the cable tray 40. Thus, in one embodiment, the
rear curved
ramp portion 1020b includes a series of tabs 1040 separated by a series of
notches
1042. The ends of the tabs 1040 are bent back over the tab such that the bent
portion
1044 of each tab 1040 forms a channel for retaining at least a portion of the
longitudinal
wires 42 as a portion of the transverse wires 44 are seated into the notches
1042. The
weight of the cable router 1010 ensures that the longitudinal wires 42 are
firmly seated
into the channel formed by the bent portions 1044, thus securing the cable
router 1010
to the cable tray 40. With this aspect of the cable router 1010, the cable
router 1010
takes up very little real estate of the floor of the cable tray 40. Cable
router 1010 may be
constructed of plastic; however, it will be understood that any type of
suitable materials,
may be used, including, but not limited to, composites (e.g., fiberglass,
carbon fiber,
.. etc.), and metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum or alloys
thereof).
[00140] FIGS. 57-62 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 1110. Cable
router 1110 includes curved ramp 1120 having front curved ramp portion 1120a,
rear
curved ramp portion 1120b, vertical left curved wall 1122, and vertical right
curved wall
1124. Unlike other cable routers described herein, cable router 1110 lacks a
floor and
rear wall. The curved ramp 1120 may curve rearwardly over one of the sidewalls
48 of
cable tray 40, permitting the rear curved ramp portion 1120b to be attached to
the cable
tray 40 as described below. The terminal ends of front curved ramp portion
1120a and
the rear curved ramp portion 1120b may substantially vertical. However, it
will be
understood that, in certain aspects, curved ramp 1120, which includes front
curved
.. ramp portion 1120a and rear curved ramp portion 1120b, may be formed of a
continuous curve. Alternatively, only the rear curved ramp portion 1120b may
include a
substantially planar vertical rear portion 1134.
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[00141] The front curved ramp portion 1120a may include a population of
apertures 1125, such as holes or slots. The apertures 1125 may be used to
secure one
or more cables to the curved ramp 1120. For instance, zip ties, hose clamps,
straps,
etc. may be looped through one or more of the population of apertures 1125 and
around
cables routed through or over cable router 1110 to secure cables to cable
router 1110.
[00142] Referring again to FIGS. 57-62, vertical left and right curved walls,
1122 and 1124, preferably extend the entire length of the curved ramp 1120 and
are
joined to the curved ramp 1120 along seams 1130 and 1132. In certain
embodiments,
in particular those embodiments in which cable router 1110 may be molded,
seams
1130 and 1132 may not be included as the right and left curved walls 1122 and
1124
may transition into the curved ramp 1120. A first portion 1122a and 1124a of
each wall
extends forward of the front curved ramp portion 1120a of the curved ramp
1120.
Furthermore, a second portion 1122b of left curved wall 1122 extends leftward
along a
direction generally perpendicular to the first portion 1122a. Similarly, a
second portion
1124b of right curved wall 1124 extends rightward along a direction generally
perpendicular to the first portion 1124a. Thus, the rear curved ramp portion
1120b of
the curved ramp 1120 flares outwardly in both lateral directions such that the
rear edge
of the rear curved ramp portion 1120b may be wider than the front curved ramp
portion
1120a.
[00143] As illustrated in FIGS. 58-59, the rear curved ramp portion 1120b of
the curved ramp 1120 provides a means for attaching the cable router 1110 to
one of
the longitudinal wires 42 of the cable tray 40. Thus, in one embodiment, the
rear curved
ramp portion 1120b includes a population of tabs 1140 separated by a series of
notches
1142 such that a portion of the wires 44 are seated into the notches 1142.
[00144] A number of the tabs 1140 may be in the form of bendable secure tabs
1160 having slots 1162. The secure tabs 1140 may be bent about a longitudinal
wire
42 to secure the cable router 1110 to the cable tray 40. The slots 1162 may
aid in the
bending process by allowing the installer to use a screwdriver or other flat
tool to bend
the secure tabs 1140.
[00145] The rear curved ramp portion 1120b may also include a population of
hardware secure tabs 1150 having holes 1152. The holes 1152 in the hardware
secure
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tabs 1150 may be used to secure the cable router 1110 to an extender 1170 as
described below.
[00146] As illustrated in FIGS 61-62, extender 1170 provides a means for
attaching the cable router 1110 to one of the longitudinal wires 42 of the
cable tray 40
when the cable tray 40 has a sidewall 48 of a greater height than the height
of the cable
router 1110. Thus, in one embodiment, the extender 1170 has a front side 1174,
a
curved end 1172 on the left side and a curved end 1172 on the right side so
that the
edge of the curved ends are substantially perpendicular to the front end side.
The
bottom portion of the extender 1170 may have similar features to the rear
curved ramp
portion 1120b of the cable router 1110. For example, the extender 1170 may
include a
population of tabs 1140 separated by a series of notches 1142 such that a
portion of the
wires 44 are seated into the notches 1142.
[00147] The extender 1170 may include bendable secure tabs 1160 having
slots 1162. The secure tabs 1140 may be bent about a longitudinal wire 42 to
secure
the extender 1170 to the cable tray 40. The slots 1162 may aid in the bending
process
by allowing the installer to use a screwdriver or other flat tool to bend the
secure tabs
1140.
[00148] The extender 1170 may also include a population of hardware secure
tabs 1150 having holes 1152. The holes 1152 in the hardware secure tabs 1150
may
be used to secure the extender 1170 to yet another extender 1170 to further
allow the
cable router 1110 to be secured to a cable tray.
[00149] The extender 1170 may also have a population of holes 1180. The
holes 1180 may be used to secure the 1170 extender to the 1110 cable router.
For
instance, a fastener may be placed through the hole 1180 in the extender 1170
and
through the hole 1152 of the cable router 1110 to secure the extender 1170 to
the cable
router 1110. Thus, the assembly of the cable router 1110 and the extender 1170
can
be secured onto the cable tray 40 when cable router 40 has a sidewall 48 of a
greater
height than the height of cable router 1110.
[00150] The weight of the cable router 1110 ensures that a portion of the
wires
44 are seated into the notches 1142. With this aspect of the cable router
1110, the
cable router 1110 takes up very little real estate of the floor of the cable
tray 40. Cable
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router 1110 may be constructed of plastic; however, it will be understood that
any type
of suitable materials, may be used, including, but not limited to, composites
(e.g.,
fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), and metals (e.g., steel, stainless steel,
aluminum or alloys
thereof).
[00151] FIGS. 63-67 illustrate yet another aspect of cable router 1210. Cable
router 1210 includes curved ramp 1220 having front curved ramp portion 1220a,
rear
curved ramp portion 1220b, vertical left curved wall 1222, and vertical right
curved wall
1224. Unlike other cable routers described herein, cable router 1210 lacks a
floor and
rear wall. The curved ramp 1220 may curve rearwardly over one of the sidewalls
48 of
cable tray 40, permitting the cable router 1210 to be attached to the cable
tray 40 as
described below. The terminal ends of front curved ramp portion 1220a and the
rear
curved ramp portion 1220b may be substantially vertical. The terminal ends of
the front
and rear curved ramp portions 1220a, 1220b may be substantially planar.
However, it
will be understood that, in certain aspects, curved ramp 1220, which includes
front
curved ramp portion 1220a and rear curved ramp portion 1220b, may be formed of
a
continuous curve. Alternatively, only one of the front curved ramp portion
1220a and
the rear curved ramp portion 1220b may include a terminal end that is at least
one of
substantially planar and substantially vertical.
[00152] The front curved ramp portion 1220a may include a population of
apertures 1225, such as holes or slots. The apertures 1225 may be used to
secure one
or more cables to the curved ramp 1220. For instance, zip ties, hose clamps,
straps,
etc. may be looped through one or more of the population of apertures 1225 and
around
cables routed through or over cable router 1210 to secure cables to cable
router 1210.
[00153] Referring still to FIGS. 63-67, vertical left and right curved walls,
1222
and 1224, preferably extend the entire length of the curved ramp 1220 and are
joined to
the curved ramp 1220 along seams 1230 and 1232. In certain embodiments,
particularly those embodiments in which cable router 1210 may be molded, seams
1230
and 1232 may not be included as the right and left curved walls 1222 and 1224
may
transition into the curved ramp 1220. A first portion 1222a and 1224a of each
wall
extends forward of the front curved ramp portion 1220a of the curved ramp
1220.
Furthermore, a second portion 1222b of left curved wall 1222 extends leftward
(when
viewing cable router 1210 from a front view as illustrated in FIG. 65) along a
direction
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generally perpendicular to the first portion 1222a. Similarly, a second
portion 1224b of
right curved wall 1224 extends rightward along a direction generally
perpendicular to the
first portion 1224a. Thus, the rear curved ramp portion 1220b of the curved
ramp 1220
flares outwardly in both lateral directions such that the rear edge of the
rear curved
ramp portion 1220b may be wider than the front curved ramp portion 1220a.
[00154] As illustrated in FIGS. 63-67, the first portions 1222a, 1224a of the
left
and right curved walls 1222, 1224 provide structure for attaching the cable
router 1210
to the cable tray 40. In one embodiment, the first wall portions 1222a, 1224a
each
include a slot 1240, 1242 extending substantially vertically upward into each
curved
wall. Slot 1240 extends upward from a free lower edge 1244 of the first
portion 1222a
of the left curved wall 1222. Slot 1240 extends upward to a position below the
seam
1230 between the left curved wall 1222 and the curved ramp 1220. In one
embodiment,
an upper limit of the slot 1240 is immediately adjacent the seam 1230.
Alternatively, an
upper limit of the slot 1240 can be spaced below the seam 1230. If the cable
router
1210 does not include seams, the slot 1240 can extend from the lower edge 1244
of the
first portion 1222a of the left curved wall 1222 to a position below the
curved ramp
1220. Similarly, slot 1242 extends upward from a free lower edge 1246 of the
first
portion 1224a of the right curved wall 1224. Slot 1242 extends upward to a
position
below the seam 1232 between the right curved wall 1224 and the curved ramp
1220. In
one embodiment, an upper limit of the slot 1242 is immediately adjacent the
seam 1232.
Alternatively, an upper limit of the slot 1242 can be spaced below the seam
1232. If the
cable router 1210 does not include seams, the slot 1242 can extend from the
lower
edge 1246 of the first portion 1224a of the right curved wall 1224 to a
position below the
curved ramp 1220. The curved ramp 1220 extends above the slots 1240, 1242 to
permit the ramp to extend over the side wall 48 of the cable tray 40. Slots
1240, 1242
are configured to receive a longitudinal wire 42 of the cable tray 40 when the
cable
router 1210 is placed on the cable tray. Slots 1240, 1242 retain the cable
router 1210 in
place on the cable tray 40, and prevent rotation or tilting of the cable
router relative to
the cable tray. Optionally, the slots 1240, 1242 may have a curved, snaked, or
S-shape
to permit attachment to different varieties of cable trays (e.g., a fiber
trough, trays not
including wire mesh, etc.). Optionally, a longitudinal wire 42 of the side
wall 48 of cable
tray 40 may snap into slots 1240, 1242.
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[00155] As illustrated in FIGS. 63-67, the second portions 1222b, 1224b of the
left and right curved walls 1222, 1224 may also provide structure for
attaching the cable
router 1210 to the cable tray 40. In one embodiment, the second wall portions
1222b,
1224b may include one or more apertures 1226. The apertures 1226 may be used
to
secure the cable router 1210 to one of the longitudinal wires 42 of the cable
tray 40.
For instance, zip ties, hose clamps, straps, etc. may be looped through one or
more of
the apertures 1226 and around a longitudinal wire 42 of the cable tray 40 to
secure the
cable router 1210 to the cable tray. In one embodiment, the second portions
1222b,
1224b of the left and right curved walls 1222, 1224 may include one or more
openings
1228. The openings 1228 may be used to secure the cable router 1210 to the
cable
tray 40. A bolt or other fastener may extend through each opening 1228 to
secure the
cable router 1210 to the cable tray 40 (e.g., to a longitudinal wire 42 and/or
transverse
wire 44 of the cable tray). Additionally, bolts may extend through clips to
secure the
cable router 1210 to the cable tray 40.
[00156] Any combination of slots 1240, 1242, aperture(s) 1226, and/or
opening(s) 1228 may be used to secure the cable router 1210 to the cable tray
40, or
the cable router 1210 may be secured to the cable tray using only one type of
attachment. In one embodiment, the cable router 1210 is placed on the cable
tray 40,
with a longitudinal wire 42 received in the slots 1240, 1242, and no
additional
.. attachment to the cable tray is required. Unlike other cable routers
described herein,
cable router 1210 is free from attachment features on the bottom edge of the
rear
curved ramp portion 1220b. No slots, hooks, or features on the rear curved
ramp
portion 1220b are required to attach the cable router 1210 to the cable tray
40.
Furthermore, no extension member or hardware is necessary to attach the cable
router
1210 to the cable tray 40. The cable router 1210 may simply be placed on the
cable
tray 40 such that a longitudinal wire of the cable tray is received in the
slots 1240, 1242
to secure the cable router to the cable tray. In this embodiment, the cable
router 1210
is secured to the sidewall 48 of the cable tray 40 and the rear curved ramp
portion
1220b may float above cable tray 40 and permit cables to be run under cable
router
1210. With this aspect of the cable router 1210, the cable router 1210 takes
up very
little real estate of the cable tray 40. Cable router 1010 may be constructed
of plastic;
however, it will be understood that any type of suitable materials, may be
used,
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including, but not limited to, composites (e.g., fiberglass, carbon fiber,
etc.), and metals
(e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum or alloys thereof).
[00157] It will be understood that various features of the aspects of cable
routers described herein may be used in combination with, or instead of,
particular
features of another aspect. For example, substantially L-shaped brackets 550,
650,
750, 950 affixed to or integrally formed with vertical left and right curved
walls 22, 24,
622, 624, 722, 724, 922, 924 may be used in any aspect of cable routers 10,
110, 210,
310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810 or 910 without departing from the scope of the
disclosure.
Additionally, for example, tabs 780 and arms 790 may be used in any aspect of
cable
routers 10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, or 810 without departing from
the scope
of the disclosure. Furthermore, extender 1170 may be used in any aspect of the
cable
routers described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[00158] Having provided the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that
modifications and variations are possible without departing the scope of the
disclosure
defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that all
examples in the present disclosure are provided as non-limiting examples.
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