Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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CABLE MANAGEMENT ACCESSORIES
[0001] The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,
and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to each of the following;
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/019,599 to Garza, filed January 7, 2008;
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/019,592 to Hathcock, filed January 7, 2008;
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/020,741 to Hathcock, January 13, 2008;
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/020,745 to Garza, filed January 14, 2008; and
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/095,308 to Donowho, filed September 8, 2008.
Each of the foregoing U.S. patent applications is incorporated by reference
herein.
[0002] The entirety of each of the following commonly-assigned patent
applications is incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/299,950 to Alaniz et al., filed January
7, 2008;
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/302,236 to Donowho et al., filed January
14,
2008;
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/302,304 to Donowho et al., filed January
14,
2008;
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/302,305 to Lawrence et al., filed
January 14,
2008;
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/302,309 to Lewis II et al., filed
January 14,
2008; and
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/019,596 to Donowho et al., filed January 7,
2008.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0003] All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright
protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other
countries. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent
document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
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BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Field of the Present Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to cable management systems for
telecommunications cables, and, in particular, to vertical cable managers
having adjustable
internal components for better cable management.
Background
[0005] Racks, frames, cabinets and the like for supporting computer and other
electronic equipment are very well known. Similarly, raceways for routing
cables and wires
to and from that equipment are likewise well known. In particular, a number of
raceways
have been proposed for routing cables, wires and the like (generally referred
to hereinafter as
"cables") vertically through or adjacent to equipment racks, frames, cabinets
and the like
(generally referred to hereinafter as "mounting fixtures"). Such raceways may
be used to
route cables vertically to equipment mounted or otherwise supported on a
mounting fixture
from other equipment on the mounting fixture, from an overhead or underfloor
raceway, or
the like. These cables are generally routed in the vertical direction to a
point adjacent to the
desired equipment and then routed in the horizontal direction to the desired
equipment.
[0006] An important characteristic of such raceways is the presence of a
plurality
of openings in the sides of the raceway through which cables may be routed,
thereby
facilitating more convenient access between the equipment and the interior of
the raceway.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,921,607 to Caveney, U.S. Patent No. 3,705,949
to Weiss,
commonly-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,119,282 to Krietzman et al., and U.S.
Patent No.
7,285,027 to McGrath et al. each disclose a covered wiring duct or wireway
which includes
side walls having a series of finger-like projections separated by openings.
The cables may
be routed through the openings by bending them around the projections, thus
allowing the
cables to be routed with relative precision, and preventing cables from
hanging loosely across
the face of the rack itself. A gap at the distal ends of each pair of adjacent
projections permits
cables to be inserted into each respective opening. The gap is narrower than
the opening,
thus aiding in the retention of the cables within the opening. The distal ends
of all the
projections may then be covered by a cover, thus providing further retention
capability.
[0007] It is often advantageous to provide a cable raceway having a front
portion
and a rear portion, wherein two separate channels are established. In such
raceways, the
separate channels are commonly established by a partition or "midsection,"
often with
passthrough openings therein. Known products utilize a fixed midsection that
is attached to
the vertical side rails in one position only. The fixed midsection provides
strength and
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rigidity to the total structure. One downside of a fixed midsection is that it
reduces cable
capacity. Furthermore, installers find it difficult to position cables front-
to-back, and lashing
bars and spools are not flexibly available. For example, U.S. Patent No.
7,220,150 to
Follingstad et al. discloses the use of spools, but the positions of the
spools are relatively
fixed.
[0008] Thus, a need exists for a rigid vertical cable manager that facilitates
a
moveable midsection. The structure must be designed in a way to be free
standing and/or
fixed to a rack with or without moveable midsections between the vertical side
rails. Thus,
the structure must be rigid and structurally sound to prevent any movement
(flexure of the
structure). A need further exists for the moveable midsections to be mounted
between the
vertical side rails in multiple vertical locations and a plurality of
positions front to back in
order to provide greater passthrough cable capacity and increased cable
management. Still
further, a need exists for additional options and flexibility in the use of
lashing bars and
spools with the partition or midsection(s).
[0009] Improvement is also needed in the area of cable management features
within the vertical cable manager. Conventional tie-down features included
such devices as
bridge lances or punched slots in the sheet metal comprising the rear "wall"
of the cable
management space. The use of such features required a more tedious "threading"
of Velcro
ties. Furthermore, previous methods almost uniformly required that Velcro tie
wraps be
threaded through bridge lances or through punched slots in sheet metal, often
requiring access
to both the front and the rear of the manager. Thus, a need exists for
improved cable
management features within the vertical cable manager.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0010] The present invention according to a first aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frame connecting a top end
of the first
column assembly to a top end of the second column assembly; and a base
connecting a
bottom end of the first column assembly to a bottom end of the second column
assembly;
wherein the top frame and the base are structurally sufficient to support the
second column
assembly, relative to the first column assembly, without further structural
support members.
[0011] In a feature of this aspect, a door, providing substantially no
additional
structural support to the second column assembly relative to the first column
assembly, is
hingedly coupled to, and supported by, the top frame and the base.
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[0012] In a further feature of this aspect, a removable midsection member,
providing substantially no additional structural support to the second column
assembly
relative to the first column assembly, is coupled to, and supported by, the
first and second
column assemblies. In still further features, the removable midsection member,
the column
assemblies, the top frame and the base define a wiring channel; and the
removable midsection
member, the column assemblies, the top frame and the base define at least two
wiring
channels, each having a top, a bottom, a front, a rear and two sides, the
column assemblies
being disposed on the respective sides of the wiring channels.
[0013] In a further feature of this aspect, the first and second column
assemblies
each include a respective side panel, wherein the side panel of the first
column assembly
includes a first set of mounting features each adapted to support a first end
of removable
midsection member, the second column assembly includes a second set of
mounting features
each adapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, and
the mounting
features of the first set are aligned with the mounting features of the second
set such that the
removable midsection member may be supported at any of various locations in
the vertical
cable manager.
[0014] In still further features of this aspect, the base is adapted to rest
on, and be
supported by, a floor in a room; and the base is adapted to support the column
assemblies and
top frame in a freestanding state.
[0015] The present invention according to a second aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frame connecting a top end
of the first
column assembly to a top end of the second column assembly; and a base,
adapted to rest on,
and be supported by, a floor in a room, connecting a bottom end of the first
column assembly
to a bottom end of the second column assembly; wherein the column assemblies,
the top
frame and the base define at least one wiring channel having a top, a bottom,
a front, a rear
and two sides, the column assemblies being disposed on the respective sides of
the wiring
channel; and wherein no solid transverse wall extends between the two sides of
the wiring
channel.
[0016] In a feature of this aspect a door, providing substantially no
additional
structural support to the second column assembly relative to the first column
assembly, is
hingedly coupled to, and supported by, the top frame and the base.
[0017] In further features of this aspect, a removable midsection member,
providing substantially no additional structural support to the second column
assembly
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relative to the first column assembly, is coupled to, and supported by, the
first and second
column assemblies; the removable midsection member further defines the wiring
channel;
and the removable midsection member, the column assemblies, the top frame and
the base
define at least two wiring channels, each having a top, a bottom, a front, a
rear and two sides,
the column assemblies being disposed on the respective sides of the wiring
channels.
[0018] In a further feature of this aspect, the first and second column
assemblies
each include a respective side panel, wherein the side panel of the first
column assembly
includes a first set of mounting features each adapted to support a first end
of removable
midsection member, the second column assembly includes a second set of
mounting features
each adapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, and
the mounting
features of the first set are aligned with the mounting features of the second
set such that the
removable midsection member may be supported at any of various locations in
the vertical
cable manager.
[0019] In a further feature of this aspect, the base is adapted to support the
column
assemblies and top frame in a freestanding state.
[0020] The present invention according to a third aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frame, having a first side
assembly having
an end projecting forwardly or rearwardly from a top of the first column
assembly, a second
side assembly having an end projecting forwardly or rearwardly, in similar
manner to the first
side assembly, from a top of the second column assembly, and a single cross
member
connecting the first side assembly to the second side assembly; and a base
connecting a
bottom end of the first column assembly to a bottom end of the second column
assembly;
wherein an open space is defined beneath the single cross member of the top
frame to the
bottoms of the first and second column assemblies.
[0021] In a feature of this aspect, a door, providing substantially no
additional
structural support to the second column assembly relative to the first column
assembly, is
hingedly coupled to, and supported by, the top frame and the base.
[0022] In further features of this aspect, a removable midsection member,
providing substantially no additional structural support to the second column
assembly
relative to the first column assembly, is coupled to, and supported by, the
first and second
column assemblies; the removable midsection member, the column assemblies, the
top frame
and the base define a wiring channel; and the removable midsection member, the
column
assemblies, the top frame and the base define at least two wiring channels,
each having a top,
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a bottom, a front, a rear and two sides, the column assemblies being disposed
on the
respective sides of the wiring channels.
[0023] In a further feature of this aspect, the first and second column
assemblies
each include a respective side panel, wherein the side panel of the first
column assembly
includes a first set of mounting features each adapted to support a first end
of removable
midsection member, the second column assembly includes a second set of
mounting features
each adapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, and
the mounting
features of the first set are aligned with the mounting features of the second
set such that the
removable midsection member may be supported at any of various locations in
the vertical
cable manager.
[0024] In further features of this aspect, the base is adapted to rest on, and
be
supported by, a floor in a room; and the base is adapted to support the column
assemblies and
top frame in a freestanding state.
[0025] The present invention according to a fourth aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frame connecting a top end
of the first
column assembly to a top end of the second column assembly; and a base
connecting a
bottom end of the first column assembly to a bottom end of the second column
assembly;
wherein at least one of the top frame and the base includes a member utilizing
tubular
construction to provide structural rigidity between the first and second
column assemblies.
[0026] In a feature of this aspect, the top frame and the base each include a
member utilizing tubular construction to provide structural rigidity between
the first and
second column assemblies.
[0027] In a further feature of this aspect, the top frame includes a cross
member
utilizing tubular construction to provide structural rigidity between the
first and second
column assemblies.
[0028] In further features of this aspect, the top frame has a first side
assembly
coupled to the top end of the first column assembly; a second side assembly
coupled to the
top end of the second column assembly; and a cross member, interconnecting the
first and
second side assemblies; and the first side assembly, second side assembly and
cross member
each utilize tubular construction to provide structural rigidity between the
first and second
column assemblies.
[0029] In further features of this aspect, the base has a rectangular frame
that
includes two side members and two cross members; the rectangular frame
supports the
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vertical cable manager on a floor of a room; the two side members utilize
tubular
construction to provide structural rigidity between the first and second
column assemblies;
and the first and second side assemblies are each mounted on top of, and are
supported by, a
respective side member of the base.
[0030] In a further feature of this aspect, each of the first and second
column
assemblies has a first member, including a side panel, extending from a bottom
of the column
assembly to a top of the column assembly; and first and second brackets,
formed separately
from the first member but rigidly attached thereto, each including a portion,
orthogonally
disposed relative to the side panel, extending from the bottom of the column
assembly to the
top of the column assembly.
[0031] The present invention according to a fifth aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; a top frame connecting a top end
of the first
column assembly to a top end of the second column assembly; and a base
connecting a
bottom end of the first column assembly to a bottom end of the second column
assembly;
wherein each of the first and second column assemblies has a first member,
including a side
panel, extending from a bottom of the column assembly to a top of the column
assembly, and
first and second brackets, formed separately from the first member but rigidly
attached
thereto, each including a portion, orthogonally disposed relative to the side
panel, extending
from the bottom of the column assembly to the top of the column assembly.
[0032] In a feature of this aspect, the first and second brackets are welded
to the
first member.
[0033] In a further feature of this aspect, each bracket includes at least two
planar
members that are orthogonally disposed relative to one another such a first
planar member is
orthogonally disposed relative to the side panel and a second planar member is
parallel to, but
spaced apart from, the side panel.
[0034] In further features of this aspect, the first member of each column
assembly includes, first and second flanges, orthogonally disposed relative to
the side panel,
and wherein each of the first and second brackets is rigidly attached to a
respective one of the
first and second flanges; and a column of evenly-spaced mounting apertures are
disposed
along the first bracket and penetrate through both the bracket and the
respective one of the
first and second flanges.
[0035] In further features of this aspect, each column assembly includes a
plurality of finger projections extending forwardly or rearwardly from the
first brackets; and
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the finger projections are a part of a fingered cable guide mounted to a
respective one of the
first brackets.
[0036] In a further feature of this aspect, the side panel of the first column
assembly includes a first column of mounting features each adapted to support
a first end of
removable midsection member, the second column assembly includes a second
column of
mounting features each adapted to support a second end of the removable
midsection
member, and the mounting features of the first column are aligned with the
mounting features
of the second column such that the removable midsection member may be
supported at any
of various heights in the vertical cable manager.
[0037] In a further feature of this aspect, side panel of the first column
assembly
includes a first row of mounting features each adapted to support a first end
of removable
midsection member, the second column assembly includes a second row of
mounting features
each adapted to support a second end of the removable midsection member, and
the mounting
features of the first row are aligned with the mounting features of the second
row such that
the removable midsection member may be supported at any of various depths in
the vertical
cable manager.
[0038] The present invention according to a sixth aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a pair of column assemblies, each having a generally planar
portion with
a plurality of mounting locations arranged in a plurality of columns, the
mounting locations
of one column assembly being aligned with the mounting locations of the other
column
assembly; and a removable midsection member connected between the column
assemblies at
the mounting locations; wherein the midsection member is adapted to be
repositioned relative
to the column assemblies.
[0039] In features of this aspect, the midsection member is repositionable to
any
of various heights by mounting at different mounting locations within a
selected column; the
midsection member is repositionable to any of various depths by mounting at
mounting
locations within different columns; and the midsection member is generally C-
shaped in
cross-section.
[0040] In further features of this aspect, the mounting locations are
apertures; the
midsection member includes static tabs at ends thereof for extending through
the apertures of
the planar portions; and the vertical cable manager includes a locking key
attachable at an
end of the midsection member and extendable through an aperture of the planar
portion for
providing stability to the midsection member.
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[0041] In a further feature of this aspect, the midsection member includes two
telescoping sections, one section being nested within the other, for
permitting adjustment of
the length of the midsection member.
[0042] In further features of this aspect, the midsection member includes one
or
more apertures for mounting accessories thereto; a large cable spool is
mountable to the
midsection member; a lashing bar assembly is mountable to the midsection
member; and a
sub-channel unit is mountable to the midsection member.
[0043] The present invention according to a seventh aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a pair of column assemblies, each having a generally planar
portion with
a plurality of mounting locations arranged in a plurality of columns, the
mounting locations
of one column assembly being aligned with the mounting locations of the other
column
assembly; and a removable, C-shaped midsection member connected between the
column
assemblies at the mounting locations, the midsection members including two
telescoping
sections, one section being nested within the other, for permitting adjustment
of the length of
the midsection member; wherein the midsection member is adapted to be
repositioned
relative to the column assemblies.
[0044] In features of this aspect, the midsection member is repositionable to
any
of various heights by mounting at different mounting locations within a
selected column; or
the midsection member is repositionable to any of various depths by mounting
at mounting
locations within different columns.
[0045] In further features of this aspect, the mounting locations are
apertures; the
midsection member includes static tabs at ends thereof for extending through
the apertures of
the planar portions; and/or the vertical cable manager includes locking key
attachable at an
end of the midsection member and extendable through an aperture of the planar
portion for
providing stability to the midsection member.
[0046] In further features of this aspect, the midsection member includes one
or
more apertures for mounting accessories thereto; each telescoping section
includes one or
more apertures that are alignable when the telescoping sections are adjusted
relative to one
another; a large cable spool is mountable to the midsection member; a lashing
bar assembly is
mountable to the midsection member; and/or a sub-channel unit is mountable to
the
midsection member.
[0047] The present invention according to an eight aspect is a removable
midsection member for use in connection with a vertical cable manager,
including two
telescoping sections, one being nested within the other, for adjusting the
length of the
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midsection member between a pair of column assemblies of the vertical cable
manager; and
static tabs at each end thereof for extending through mounting apertures
arranged in general
alignment with one another at the respective column assemblies; wherein the
midsection
member is adapted to be repositioned relative to the column assemblies to any
of various
heights or depths.
[0048] In features of this aspect, the telescoping sections are each generally
C-
shaped in cross-section; or the vertical cable manager further includes a
locking key
attachable at outermost ends of the telescoping sections and extendable
through an aperture
of the respective column assemblies for providing stability to the midsection
member.
[0049] In further features of this aspect, each telescoping section includes
one or
more apertures that are alignable when the telescoping sections are adjusted
relative to one
another; a large cable spool is mountable to the telescoping sections; a
lashing bar assembly
is mountable to the telescoping sections; and/or a sub-channel unit is
mountable to the
telescoping sections.
[0050] The present invention according to a ninth aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; and a plurality of midsection
members,
independent and spaced apart from one another, each having a first end coupled
to the first
column assembly and a second end coupled to the second column assembly.
[0051] In features of this aspect, the plurality of midsection members include
at
least three midsection members; or the midsection members of the plurality of
midsection
members are distributed along the height of the first and second column
assemblies.
[0052] In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager
includes least
one cable management accessory that is coupled at one end to a first of the
plurality of
midsection members and at an opposing end to a second of the plurality of
midsection
members, the second midsection member being disposed beneath the first
midsection
member. In still further features a third midsection member is disposed
between the first and
second midsection members; no midsection member is disposed between the first
and second
midsection members; at least one cable management accessory includes a lashing
bar; at least
one cable management accessory includes a sub-channel unit having a cable
spool coupled
thereto; the cable spool includes a gate arm extending orthogonally from a
shaft that couples
to the sub-channel unit, at least the gate arm being rotationally
repositionable relative to the
sub-channel unit; and/or at least one cable management accessory is a first
cable management
accessory of a first type, the vertical cable manager further comprising a
second cable
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management accessory, of a second type, that is coupled to the first of the
plurality of
midsection members.
[0053] In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager
includes a
first cable management accessory of a first type and a second cable management
accessory of
a second type. In still further features, the first cable management accessory
is a cable spool
and the second cable management accessory is a lashing bar; the first cable
management
accessory is a cable spool and the second cable management accessory is a sub-
channel unit
having a cable spool mounted thereon; the first cable management accessory is
a cable spool
of a first type and the second cable management accessory is a cable spool of
a second type;
and/or the first cable spool has a cylindrical shaft of a first diameter and
the second cable
spool has a cylindrical shaft of a second diameter.
[0054] In a further feature of this aspect, each midsection member is spaced
apart
from the next adjacent midsection member by a distance that is at least as
great as the height
of the midsection member.
[0055] In still further features of this aspect, the vertical cable manager
includes a
base connecting a bottom end of the first column assembly to a bottom end of
the second
column assembly; a top frame connecting a top end of the first column assembly
to a top end
of the second column assembly; and/or a door that is hingedly coupled to, and
supported by,
the top frame and the base.
[0056] In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical cable manager
includes a top
frame connecting a top end of the first column assembly to a top end of the
second column
assembly.
[0057] The present invention according to a tenth aspect is a vertical cable
manager, including a first column assembly; a second column assembly, parallel
to but
spaced apart from the first column assembly; a midsection member having a
first end coupled
to the first column assembly and a second end coupled to the second column
assembly; and a
cable spool, having a gate arm extending orthogonally from a shaft that is
coupled to the
midsection member, wherein a portion of the cable spool, including at least
the gate arm, is
rotationally repositionable relative to the midsection member.
[0058] In features of this aspect, the gate arm and shaft are fixed relative
to each
other; the rotationally repositionable portion of the cable spool includes the
gate arm and the
shaft; and/or a longitudinal axis of the gate arm is orthogonal to a
longitudinal axis of the
shaft.
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[0059] In further features of this aspect, the shaft is cylindrical; or the
cable spool
is a first cable spool, the vertical cable manager further including a second
cable spool having
a cylindrical shaft, a diameter of the first cable spool being substantially
greater or less than a
diameter of the second cable spool.
[0060] In still further features of this aspect, the gate arm extends in one
direction,
away from the shaft, for a distance that is substantially greater than the
extension of the gate
arm in any other direction away from the shaft; the rotationally
repositionable portion of the
cable spool is adapted to be removed from the midsection member and recoupled
to the
midsection member in an orientation that is rotated 90 degrees about a
longitudinal axis of
the shaft; the rotationally repositionable portion of the cable spool is
adapted to be removed
from the midsection member and recoupled to the midsection member in any of at
least two
other orientations that are rotated about a longitudinal axis of the shaft;
and/or the rotationally
repositionable portion of the cable spool is adapted to be removed from the
midsection
member and recoupled to the midsection member in any of three other
orientations that are
rotated about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
[0061] The present invention according to an eleventh aspect is a lashing bar
assembly for a vertical cable manager, including a base attachable to at least
a pair of
mounting members interconnected between side members, the base including a
plurality of
apertures; and a lashing bar, each end of which being mountable relative to
one of the
plurality apertures, thereby forming at least one loop for cable management.
[0062] In features of this aspect, the plurality of apertures are slotted
openings;
the base includes a mounting tab at each end thereof for attachment relative
to the mounting
members; the base extends across other mounting members without connecting
thereto; the
lashing bar creates a plurality of loops for cable management; the plurality
of loops
subdivides a vertical cable management space between the side members into two
vertical
channels; the lashing bar is installable relative to the base by squeezing the
ends of the bar
toward one another such that the ends of the bar may be fit into corresponding
apertures; the
base and the lashing bar are made of a metal material; and the lashing bar
assembly includes
plurality of lashing bars.
[0063] The present invention according to a twelfth aspect is a lashing bar
assembly for a vertical cable manager, including a base attachable to at least
a pair of
mounting members interconnected between side members, the base including an
edge portion
having a plurality of recesses; and a lashing bar, each end of which being
mountable relative
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to one of the plurality of recesses, the lashing bar thereby forming a loop
for cable
management.
[0064] In features of this aspect, the plurality of recesses are slotted
recesses; the
base includes a mounting tab at each end thereof for attachment relative to
the mounting
members; the base extends across other mounting members without connecting
thereto; the
lashing bar is installable relative to the base by squeezing the ends of the
bar toward one
another such that the ends of the bar may be fit into corresponding recesses;
the base and the
lashing bar are made of a metal material; the lashing bar assembly includes a
plurality of
lashing bars, each lashing bar forming a loop for cable management; and the
plurality of
lashing bars subdivides a vertical cable management space between the side
members into
two vertical channels.
[0065] The present invention according to a thirteenth aspect is a vertical
cable
manager, including a pair of side members; two or more midsection members
connected
between the pair of side members; and a lashing bar assembly connected between
at least two
midsection members, the lashing bar assembly including a base and a lashing
bar mountable
relative to the base, thereby forming at least one loop for cable management.
[0066] In features of this aspect, the lashing bar creates a plurality of
loops for
cable management; and the plurality of loops subdivides a vertical cable
management space
between the side members into two vertical channels.
[0067] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be
understood that the
detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred
embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended
to limit the
scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to
the drawings,
which are not necessarily to scale, wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mounting fixture system utilizing a vertical
cable manager in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 1, shown in
isolation;
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FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 2, shown
with the doors removed;
FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a front view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3;
FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one of the cable guides of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7B is a rear plan view of one of the doors of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7C is a fragmentary rear orthogonal view of a portion of one of the doors
of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7D is a fragmentary rear orthogonal view of another portion of one of the
doors of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8 is a front view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 3, shown with a
plurality of midsection members installed therein;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a midsection member of the vertical cable
manager of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view of the midsection member of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a vertical cable manager in accordance with a
second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an alternative midsection member for use in
the vertical cable manager of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 8, shown
with a plurality of accessories installed on the midsection members thereof;
FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the vertical cable manager of FIG.
13;
FIG. 15 is a front view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 is a side view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is a top view of the vertical cable manager of FIG. 13;
FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical cable manager of FIG.
13;
FIG. 19 is an isometric view of one of the large cable spools of FIG. 13 shown
in relation to the midsection member of FIG. 9;
FIG. 20 is a left side view of the large cable spool and midsection member of
FIG. 19;
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FIG. 21 is a rear view of the large cable spool and midsection member of FIG.
19;
FIG. 22 is a front view of the large cable spool and midsection member of
FIG. 19;
FIG. 23 is a front view of one of the sub-channel units and two of the
midsection members of FIG. 13;
FIG. 24 is a partially exploded isometric view of the sub-channel unit of FIG.
23;
FIG. 25 is a left side view of the sub-channel unit of FIG. 23;
FIG. 26 is a right side view of the sub-channel unit of FIG. 23;
FIG. 27 is a top view of the sub-channel unit of FIG. 23;
FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical cable manager of FIG.
13,
shown with the accessories disposed in a first alternative arrangement;
FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of the vertical cable manager of FIG.
13,
shown with the accessories disposed in a second alternative arrangement;
FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a vertical cable manager in accordance with a
third preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a front view of a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG.
13,
shown with a first alternative lashing bar assembly ;
FIG. 32 is a front view of the lashing bar assembly of FIG. 31;
FIG. 33 is an isometric view of the lashing bar assembly of FIG. 31;
FIG. 34 is an isometric view of the base of a second alternative lashing bar
assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG. 13;
FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the base of a third alternative lashing bar
assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG. 13; and
FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the base of a fourth alternative lashing bar
assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0069] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having
ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan") that the present
invention has broad
utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified
as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying
out the present
invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative
purposes in
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providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many
embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent
arrangements,
will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall
within the scope of
the present invention.
[0070] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail
in
relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this
disclosure is illustrative
and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure
herein of one or
more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope
of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the
claims and the
equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection
afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that
does not
explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0071] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of
various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and
not restrictive.
Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes
or methods
may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps
of any such
processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular
sequence or order,
absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods
generally may
be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling
within the scope of
the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded
the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the
description set
forth herein.
[0072] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers
to
that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on
the contextual
use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-
as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in
any way from
any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the
meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0073] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an"
each
generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the
contextual use
dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple"
describes "a picnic
basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic basket having apples."
In contrast,
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reference to "a picnic basket having a single apple" describes "a picnic
basket having only
one apple."
[0074] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least one of
the
items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference
to "a picnic
basket having cheese or crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese
without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a picnic
basket having both
cheese and crackers." Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and"
denotes "all of
the items of the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers"
describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further
has crackers," as
well as describes "a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket
further has
cheese."
[0075] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like
components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the
present invention
are next described. The following description of the preferred embodiment(s)
is merely
exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its
application, or uses.
[0076] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mounting fixture system 10 utilizing a
vertical cable manager 30 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of
the present
invention. As shown, the system 10 includes two conventional two-post mounting
racks 20,
between which is disposed the vertical cable manager 30. Each two-post
mounting rack 20
includes a pair of vertical support members 12,14, connected at their upper
ends by a pair of
upper cross-members 16 and at their lower ends by a pair of lower cross-
members 18. The
posts 12,14 are arranged to support a variety of electronic equipment,
accessories and the
like, all as is well known.
[0077] It will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that the arrangement
illustrated
in FIG. 1 may be a preferred implementation of one or more of the vertical
cable managers
described and illustrated herein. However, it will be appreciated that the
vertical cable
manager of the present invention may be utilized with a variety of mounting
fixtures, for
example including mounting fixtures formed from four support posts that may or
may not be
covered by panels to form an enclosure; and that mounting fixtures may be
alternatively
located on one or both sides of the cable manager 30, or alternatively may be
used in
isolation, as described below.
[0078] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 1,
shown in isolation. As shown therein, the vertical cable manager 30 includes a
base 32, an
interconnected double-spine assembly 40 topped by a top frame 50, and a pair
of doors 38.
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The double-spine assembly 40 is supported by the base 32, thus avoiding the
necessity of
supporting the apparatus 30 on an adjoining mounting fixture. Each door 38 is
removably
coupled at each lower corner to the base 32 and at each upper corner to the
top frame 50, thus
permitting each door 38 to be opened or hinged along either of its lateral
sides or removed
entirely. Each of these components will be described in greater detail herein.
[0079] FIGS. 3 and 4 are an isometric view and an exploded isometric view,
respectively, of the vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 2, shown with the doors
36 removed,
and FIGS. 5-7 are a front, side and top view of the vertical cable manager 30
of FIG. 3. As
perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 4, the base 32 comprises a frame that
includes two side
members 34 and two cross members 36, with the length of the side members 34
and the
length of the cross members 36 defining the depth and width, respectively, of
the vertical
cable manager 30. In at least one embodiment, the side members 34 are
rectangular tubes. In
at least one embodiment, the side members 34 are formed from flat sheet metal.
The base 32
serves both to support the interconnected double-spine assembly 40 and to
support the doors
38, but these functions may be separated, for example through the use of
separate
components for each function. The base frame members 34,36 are interconnected
using any
appropriate connection means, including fasteners as shown in FIG. 4. In at
least one
embodiment, the cross members 36 are riveted to the side members 34.
[0080] The interconnected double-spine assembly 40 includes two spine
assemblies 42, each having a plurality of ribbed or fingered cable guides
44,45 extending
forwardly and a plurality of ribbed or fingered cable guides 44,45 extending
rearwardly from
a vertical support column 46. The spine assemblies 42 are interconnected at
their lower ends
by the base 32 and at their upper ends by the top frame 50. In at least one
embodiment, the
spine assemblies 42 are welded to the side members 34 of the base 32. In at
least one
embodiment, each support column 46 is comprised of two brackets 60,61 that are
resistance
welded to a flat panel 59 to form a unit having a C-shaped cross-section
perhaps best seen in
FIG. 4. The combination of the brackets 60,61, lateral portion 59 and the
tubes of the base
side members 34 provides tensional resistance when the manager is under load.
In at least
one other embodiment, each support column 46 may be formed from a C-shaped
section of
metal, producing a lateral portion 59, a front bracket 60 and a rear bracket
61. Penetrating
each of the front and rear brackets 60,61 are a series of preferably evenly-
spaced square
apertures 48 and a number of small round apertures 49 interspersed
therebetween. The front
and rear brackets 60,61 and the apertures 48,49 penetrating therethrough are
arranged for
specific purposes, at least some of which will be described below, but it will
be appreciated
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that these same purposes may be accomplished using spine assemblies whose
design and
construction differs from that described herein, all without departing from
the scope of the
present invention.
[0081] The top frame 50 includes two side assemblies 52 and a cross member 54.
As perhaps best seen in FIG. 18, the cross member 54 is a rectangular tube
that is welded to
the side assemblies 52. The tube provides tensional resistance when the cable
manager 30 is
under load. Although in at least one embodiment the side assemblies 52 and
cross member
54 are three separate components, it will be appreciated that the side
assemblies 52 and cross
member 54 could instead be reduced to a single component with the same results
obtained
thereby.
[0082] Each side assembly 52 includes a portion for mounting to the top of a
respective support column 46 and a horizontal rail. A hinge/latch interface
56, including a
hinge pin socket 57, is disposed at each of the distal ends of the horizontal
rails, thereby
providing hinge and latch functions for each lateral side of each door 38 as
further described
hereinbelow. The cross member 54 stabilizes the upper ends of the spine
assemblies 42,
fixing the distance therebetween. Optionally, additional interconnection
between the spine
assemblies 42 may be provided by midsection members 80, described hereinbelow.
[0083] FIG. 7A is an isometric view of one of the cable guides 44 of FIG. 4.
The
fingered cable guides 44,45, which may be of different lengths, each include a
linear
projection support bracket 62 and a plurality of T-shaped projections 63
extending therefrom.
Evenly-spaced snap fasteners 64 extend from the projection support brackets 62
in the
opposite direction from the T-shaped projections 63 for mating with the
rectangular apertures
48 in the front and rear brackets 60,61 of the support column 46.
[0084] The cable guide 44,45 may be mounted on a front or rear bracket 60,61
of
the support column 46 by aligning the snap fasteners 64 with the rectangular
apertures 48 in
the support column 46 and then pressing the fasteners 64 through the apertures
48. As the
fasteners 64 are inserted, one or more preferably-beveled portion of each
fastener 64 may
make contact with the support column 46, thus urging the deflection thereof,
until the
fasteners 64 are inserted a sufficient distance and "snap" into place, thereby
retaining the
guide 44,45 and preventing its removal. Each cable guide 44,45 may be further
secured to
the respective support column 46 by inserting fasteners (not shown) through
the small round
apertures 49 in the support column 46.
[0085] Each T-shaped projection 63 includes a reinforced base 65, a shaft 66
and
a crosspiece 67. Each pair of adjacent T-shaped projections 63 defines a cable
ring 68
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formed by the respective bases 65, shafts 66 and crosspieces 67 of the
projections 63 and the
body of the projection support bracket 62. An opening into each cable ring 68
is provided by
a gap 69 between the ends of the crosspieces 67 of each pair of adjacent
projections 63. This
gap 69 permits cables to be inserted into the ring 68 by passing them sideways
through the
gap 69, as described further in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 7,119,282,
the entirety of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0086] The respective projections 63 are evenly spaced along the length of the
cable guide 44,45 at a standardized spacing. In the embodiment shown and
described, the
spacing between the respective projections 63 is equal to a single standard
rack mounting unit
("RMU" ), but it should be obvious that other standard spacings could be used
such as
spacings measured in alternative units or spacings which are multiples of the
RMU. By using
such a standard spacing, it is ensured that a cable ring 68 is disposed at,
and dedicated to,
each RMU along the height of a rack 20. The benefit of this is further
described in the
aforementioned U. S. Patent No. 7,119,282.
[0087] Because each cable guide 44,45 is formed separately from the support
column 46 and subsequently attached thereto, rather than being formed
integrally therewith,
each cable guide 44,45 may be formed from a different material than the
support column 46.
Thus, although the support column 46 may preferably be formed from metal, each
cable
guide 44,45 may be injection-molded from plastic in order to create rounded or
beveled edges
along the edges of the T-shaped projections 63. Various advantages of such an
arrangement
are described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 7,119,282.
[0088] FIGS. 7B-7D are a rear plan view and two fragmentary rear orthogonal
views, respectively, of one of the doors of FIG. 2. Each door 38 includes a
panel 70, two
knobs 71 (perhaps best seen in FIG. 2), two rod interfaces 72, two upper rods
73 and two
lower rods 74, and upper and lower reinforcement structures 75. Each rod 73,74
has a rod tip
76, functioning as a hinge pin, that is biased in an extended position
(perhaps best shown in
FIG. 7C) by a coil spring 77 attached at one end to the rod tip 76 and is held
in place at its
end by a surface on one of the reinforcement structures 75. Each knob 71 is
coupled through
the panel 70 to a respective rod interface 72. Referring to FIG. 7C, each rod
interface 72 is
rotatably coupled to proximal ends of an upper rod 73 and a lower rod 74 such
that when the
knob 71, and thus the rod interface 72, is rotated by a user, the rods 73,74
coupled to that rod
interface 72 are pulled inward, thereby retracting the rod tips 76 into a
respective end of the
door 38. On the other hand, when the knob 71 is released, the springs 77 force
the rod tips 76
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from their retracted position back their extended position, pulling the rods
73,74 outward and
rotating the rod interface 72, and thus the knob 71, back to its original
state.
[0089] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 7B, each rod tip 76 is disposed close to a
corner of the door panel 70, directly above or below, as appropriate, a knob
71 and rod
interface 72. As seen in FIG. 7C, each upper rod 73 includes an offset portion
79 to align the
upper rod tip 76 with the lower rod tip 76, thereby defining a hinge axis
along each lateral
side of the door 38. In this location, each rod tip 76 is arranged to extend
into the hinge pin
socket 57 (shown in FIG. 7) of a corresponding hinge/latch interface 56 in the
top frame 50.
Each hinge/latch interface 56, in turn, nestles within a partial shroud 78
(seen in FIG. 7D).
[0090] In use, each rod tip 76 is biased in its extended position into a
corresponding hinge pin socket 57 in the top frame 50, thereby closing the
door 38 along
each side, as shown in FIG. 2. To open the door 38 along either side, the knob
71 on that side
may be turned, thereby rotating the rod interface and retracting the rod tips
76 on the rods
73,74 coupled thereto. The door 38 may then be swung open on the rod tips 76,
functioning
as hinge pins, along the opposite side thereof. Once released, the knob 71 may
return to its
original position by the biasing action of the springs on the rod tips 76 and
thus through the
rods 73,74 to the rod interface 72. The door 38 may be closed and latched shut
again by
turning the knobs 71 to retract the hinge pins 76, swinging the door 38 back
to the position
shown in FIG. 2 wherein each hinge/latch interface 56 is nestled within its
corresponding
shroud 78. In this disposition, the hinge pins 76 are thereby aligned with the
hinge pin
sockets 57, and so releasing the knob 71 allows it to rotate to its original
position as the hinge
pins 76 are extended once more into their sockets 57. If the door 38 is to be
removed
entirely, as shown in FIG. 3, then the knobs 71 on both sides are turned,
retracting all four rod
tips 76, and the door 38 may be lifted from the hinge/latch interfaces and
removed entirely.
[0091] As described previously, midsection members 80 may optionally provide
additional interconnection between the spine assemblies 42. FIG. 8 is a front
view of the
vertical cable manager 30 of FIG. 3, shown with a plurality of midsection
members 80
installed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, five midsection members 80
are utilized and
they are spaced evenly along approximately the entire height of the cable
manager 30.
However, it will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan that, in at least some
embodiments,
different numbers of midsection members 80 may be used, that their spacing may
be greater
or lesser than that shown, and that they may alternatively be arranged at
irregular intervals,
provided, of course, that appropriate mounting means and locations are
provided on the
columns 46.
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[0092] FIGS. 9 and 10 are an isometric view and an exploded isometric view,
respectively, of a midsection member 80 of the vertical cable manager 30 of
FIG. 8. Each
midsection member 80 includes two telescoping sections 82,83, one nested
inside the other,
and a pair of locking keys 84. Each section 82,83 is generally C-shaped in
cross-section with
a static tab 86 extending downward from each of the upper and lower distal
ends. The main
portion of each section 82,83 is preferably penetrated by a plurality of
mounting openings
that may include pairs of slots 87, groupings of apertures 88,89, individual
apertures 101, or
the like. In the illustrated embodiment, two pairs of slots 87 are included
near the distal end
of each telescoping section 82,83, and a grouping of round apertures 88 is
included near the
proximal end of first section while a corresponding grouping of slotted
apertures 89 is
included near the proximal end of the second section such that when installed
normally, the
two groupings of apertures 88,89 are aligned with each other for one or more
purposes
described hereinbelow.
[0093] In at least some embodiments, including those illustrated, a relatively
simple mounting mechanism is preferred in order to simplify installation and
adjustment.
More particularly, the tabs 86 are arranged to interface with the square
apertures 58 in the
lateral portions 59 of the support columns 46 of the spine assemblies 42. Such
apertures 58
are preferably arranged at regular intervals along the height of the support
columns 46 with
the interval chosen to match the vertical distance between the static tabs 86
at the upper and
lower ends of each section 82,83. To install one of the midsection members 80,
the two
sections 82,83 are fit together and telescoped to approximately the proper
distance between
the two support columns 46. The midsection member 80 is then positioned so
that the static
tabs 86 are disposed adjacent a desired set of square apertures 58 in the
support columns 46
and manipulated in such a way as to maneuver the static tabs 86 through the
selected
apertures 58. Once through, the member 80 is lowered until each static tab 86
hangs over the
bottom edge of its respective aperture, as is visible in FIGS. 15 and 16. In
this disposition,
the midsection member 80 provides some lateral stability between the two
support columns
46.
[0094] Stability may be further enhanced through use of the locking keys 84.
Each locking key 84 is connected to the end of one of the midsection sections
80 via a
fastener 85 passing through a slotted aperture 81 (perhaps best seen in FIG.
10). The locking
key 84 may thus be disposed in an extended state (visible at the right end of
the midsection
member 80 of FIG. 9) or a retracted state (visible at the left end of the
midsection member 80
of FIG. 9). In the extended state, the locking key 84 provides additional
stability for an
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installed midsection member 80 via contact with the front or rear edge of the
square aperture
58 through which it extends. In the retracted state, the locking key 84 is
withdrawn from the
aperture 58, thus making it easier to install or remove the midsection member
80, and more
particularly the respective static tab 86, from the support column 46. Each
locking key 84
may be fixed in place via the fastener 85.
[0095] In an alternative not illustrated herein, midsection members of a fixed
length may be substituted for the two-section midsection members 80
illustrated herein.
Furthermore, the midsection members 80 may be screwed or welded to the support
columns
46.
[0096] As will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan, a vertical cable manager
as
described and illustrated herein may be provided in various dimensions and
proportions
without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, FIG.
11 is an
isometric view of a vertical cable manager 130 in accordance with a second
preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The vertical cable manager 130 in FIG. 11
is taller
than that of FIGS. 1-8 (and has correspondingly more T-shaped projections 63
and square
apertures 58) and is narrower than that of FIGS. 1-8. Of course, other
vertical cable
managers may be taller, shorter, wider, narrower, or permutations thereof.
[0097] As shown therein, the vertical cable manager 130 of FIG. 11 includes a
base 132, an interconnected double-spine assembly 140, and a pair of doors
(not shown). The
base 132 comprises a frame that includes two side members 34 and two cross
members 136,
with the length of the side members 34 and the length of the cross members 136
once again
defining the depth and width, respectively, of the vertical cable manager 130.
The
interconnected double-spine assembly 140 includes two spine assemblies 142,
each having a
plurality of fingered cable guides 44,45 extending from a vertical support
column 146. The
spine assemblies 142 are interconnected at their lower ends by the base 132
and at their upper
ends by a top frame 150, which includes two side assemblies 52 and a cross
member 154.
[0098] Other than dimensions and proportions, the design of the vertical cable
manager 130 of FIG. 11 is generally similar to that of FIGS. 1-8 except for
use of an
alternative midsection member 90, an isometric view of which is shown in FIG.
12. The
alternative midsection member 90 includes two telescoping sections 92,93, one
nested inside
the other, and a pair of locking keys 84. Like those of FIGS. 9 and 10, each
section 92,93 is
generally C-shaped in cross-section with a static tab 86 extending downward
from each of the
upper and lower distal ends. The main portion of each section 92,93 is
preferably penetrated
by a plurality of mounting openings that may include pairs of slots 87, or the
like; however,
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there may not be sufficient room in the sections 92,93 for as many openings as
in the member
80 of FIGS. 9 and 10. In the illustrated embodiment, two pairs of slots 87 are
included near
the distal end of each telescoping section 92,93. The design, construction and
operation of
the locking keys 84 and static tabs 86 are the same as in FIGS. 9-10.
[0099] FIGS. 13-18 are an isometric view, an exploded isometric view, a front
view, a side view, a top view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively,
of the vertical
cable manager 30 of FIG. 8, shown with a plurality of accessories installed on
the midsection
members 80 thereof. In the illustrated implementation, the accessories include
two large
cable spools 94, three lashing bars 98, and two sub-channel units 100. Of
course, greater or
lesser numbers of accessories may alternatively be utilized, and there is no
need to use
accessories of all of the illustrated types. Each type of accessory will be
further described
hereinbelow.
[00100] FIGS. 19-22 are an isometric view, a left side view, a rear view and a
front
view, respectively, of one of the large cable spools 94 of FIG. 13 shown in
relation to the
midsection member 80 of FIG. 9. As shown therein, the cable spool 94 includes
an oval
spool head 95 mounted perpendicularly to a semi-conical shaft 96 that has a
slight inward
taper, perhaps best seen in FIG. 20, along its extent from the spool head 95.
The length of the
shaft 96 is preferably selected such that, when mounted on a midsection member
80 in a
forward-most position (more fully described hereinbelow), the spool 94 extends
most but not
all of the way to the distal ends of the T-shaped projections 63. In the
illustrated
implementation, this permits the spool 94 to be used for the majority of
cables (not shown)
routed through the front of the cable manager 30, but also permits a portion
of such cables to
be routed in front of the spool 94 if desired.
[00101] In the illustrated embodiment, the spool 94 is hollow, but
alternatively
may be semi-hollow or solid, if desired, without departing from the scope of
the present
invention. The distal end of the spool 94 is preferably solid but is
penetrated by one or more
(two in the illustrated embodiment) mounting apertures 97 that correspond in
arrangement to
apertures in the groups of apertures 88,89 in the midsection member 80, thus
permitting
attachment to the midsection member 80 using fasteners (not shown).
[00102] In use, the cross member 54 of the top frame 50 and the midsection
members 80 define front and rear wiring channels or paths 27,28, as shown in
FIG. 13.
Cables may be routed up or down through these channels 27,28 to a desired
elevation and
then routed In use, wires, optical fiber and other cables (not shown) are
routed up or down
through these channels 27,28 to a desired elevation and then routed through
the projections
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63 of the cable guides 44,45 to an adjacent mounting fixture 20 or the like.
Either or both of
these channels 27,28 may be effectively segregated further through the use of
one or more of
the spools 94. This is illustrated, by way of example, by the spools 94 in the
front channel 27
in the arrangement shown in FIG. 17. Each spool shaft 96 provides a radius of
curvature that
corresponds to one or more standards, such as for fiber cables. In addition,
each spool head
95 prevents cables that are installed between the spool head 95 and the
midsection member
80 from moving forward, away from the midsection member 80, a feature perhaps
best
understood with reference to FIG. 17. The large spool 94 may be installed in
either of two
orientations through selection of the appropriate mounting apertures in the
grouping of
apertures 88,89 on the midsection member 80. Alternatively, smaller groups of
apertures
88,89 may be provided on the midsection member 80 and additional mounting
apertures 97
may be provided on the spool 94, thereby accomplishing the same functionality.
When
installed in one orientation, using selected subsets of the groups of
apertures 88,89, the oval
spool head 95 is aligned vertically (as shown in the various illustrations),
while when
installed in another orientation (not shown), using different selected subsets
of the groups of
apertures 88,89, the oval spool head 95 is aligned horizontally.
[00103] The midsection members 80 utilized herein also make it easier to route
cables back and forth between the front and rear wiring channels 27,28. More
particularly,
wide vertical gaps 26 are established between the midsection members 80, each
considerably
taller and wider than prior art openings, which were self-contained within a
wall that
extended the entire vertical length of each prior art double-sided cable
manager. Still-larger
gaps 26 may be established by omitting intermediate midsection members 80
altogether.
This system provides considerable flexibility for front-to-back wiring while
still providing a
flexible system of cable management features and structures.
[00104] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 15, the lashing bars 98 are mounted so as
to
extend in parallel with the front wiring channel 27 generally. Each lashing
bar 98 may be
attached to a pair of midsection members 80 via fasteners, such as bolts,
extending through
apertures 101 in the midsection members 80. As shown in FIG. 15, they may
extend across
another midsection member 80 without connecting thereto. Although lashing bars
98 of only
one length are shown in FIG. 15, it will be apparent that other lengths may
likewise be used.
Each lashing bar provides a convenient structure for tying off bundles of
cables thereto,
thereby preventing the cables from shifting around within the wiring channel
27.
[00105] FIG. 31 is a front view of a vertical cable manager 330 similar to
that of
FIG. 13, shown with a first alternative lashing bar assembly 199, while FIGS.
32 and 33 are a
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front view and an isometric view, respectively, of the lashing bar assembly
199 of FIG. 31.
As shown therein, the first alternative lashing bar assembly 199 includes a
plurality of
individual lashing bars 198 mounted on a base 203 via openings 211 therein,
each bar
creating a separate loop or hump for cable management. The base 203 includes a
mounting
tab 213 at each end such that it may be attached to a pair of midsection
members 80 via
fasteners, such as bolts, extending through apertures 101 in the midsection
members 80. As
shown in FIG. 31, they may extend across another midsection member 80 without
connecting
thereto. Although a lashing bar 198 of only one length is shown in FIG. 31, it
will be
apparent that other lengths may likewise be used. Each lashing bar 198 in the
assembly 199
provides a convenient structure for tying off bundles of cables thereto,
thereby preventing the
cables from shifting around within a wiring channel defined by the vertical
cable manager
330.
[00106] FIG. 34 is an isometric view of the base 303 of a second alternative
lashing bar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of
FIG. 13. As shown
therein, the base 303 has a plurality of slotted openings 311 in which one or
more individual
lashing bars (not shown) may be mounted. Each bar may create a separate loop
or hump for
cable management, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 33. The base 303
includes a
mounting tab 313 at each end such that it may be attached to a pair of
midsection members 80
via fasteners, such as bolts, extending through apertures 101 in the
midsection members 80.
The base 303 may extend across another midsection member 80 without connecting
thereto.
Although a base 303 of only one length is shown in FIG. 34, it will be
apparent that other
lengths may likewise be used. Each lashing bar in the assembly provides a
convenient
structure for tying off bundles of cables thereto, thereby preventing the
cables from shifting
around within a wiring channel defined by a vertical cable manager.
[00107] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of the base 403 of a third alternative
lashing
bar assembly for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG. 13.
As shown therein,
the base 403 has a plurality of slotted recesses 411, along each edge thereof,
in which one or
more individual lashing bars (not shown) may be mounted. Each bar may create a
separate
loop or hump for cable management, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG.
33. It will be
appreciated that lashing bars may be installed on either or both edges of the
base 403. The
base 403 includes a mounting tab 413 at each end such that it may be attached
to a pair of
midsection members 80 via fasteners, such as bolts, extending through
apertures 101 in the
midsection members 80. The base 403 may extend across another midsection
member 80
without connecting thereto. Although a base 403 of only one length is shown in
FIG. 34, it
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will be apparent that other lengths may likewise be used. Each lashing bar in
the assembly
provides a convenient structure for tying off bundles of cables thereto,
thereby preventing the
cables from shifting around within a wiring channel defined by a vertical
cable manager.
[00108] FIG. 36 is an isometric view of the base of a fourth alternative
lashing bar
assembly 499 for use in a vertical cable manager similar to that of FIG. 13.
As shown
therein, the fourth alternative lashing bar assembly 499 includes a single
lashing bar 498,
with a plurality of loops or humps, mounted on a base 503 via openings 511,515
therein. The
base 503 includes a mounting tab 513 at each end such that it may be attached
to a pair of
midsection members 80 via fasteners, such as bolts, extending through
apertures 101 in the
midsection members 80. The assembly 499 may extend across another midsection
member
80 without connecting thereto. Although a lashing bar assembly 499 of only one
length is
shown in FIG. 36, it will be apparent that other lengths may likewise be used.
Each loop or
hump in the lashing bar 498 in the assembly 499 provides a convenient
structure for tying off
bundles of cables thereto, thereby preventing the cables from shifting around
within a wiring
channel defined by a vertical cable manager. The lashing bar 498 may be
installed on the
base 503 by squeezing the ends of the bar 498 inward, thereby permitting the
ends of the bar
498 to be inserted in keyhole slots 515 in the base. Portions of the bar 498
between the loops
or humps may be inserted to slot openings 511 correspondingly arranged in the
base 503.
[00109] Each type of lashing bar assembly provides loops or humps that in the
interior of a vertical cable manager, allowing cable bundles inside the
vertical cable manager
to be anchored near the rear of the cable management space thereby increasing
the utilization
of the vertical cable manager's capacity to house and route cables.
[00110] As described previously, conventional tie-down features included such
devices as bridge lances or punched slots in the sheet metal comprising the
rear "wall" of the
cable management space. The use of such features required a more tedious
"threading" of
Velcro ties. Furthermore, previous methods almost uniformly required that
Velcro tie wraps
be threaded through bridge lances or through punched slots in sheet metal,
often requiring
access to both the front and the rear of the manager.
[00111 ] The various lashing bars described or illustrated herein each allow
for a
single person remaining on one side of the vertical manager to easily wrap a
Velcro tie wrap
around the cable bundle and the lashing bar, securing the cable bundle and
drawing it back
into the rear of the cable management space. The "loops" or "humps" of the
various
alternative lashing bar assemblies provide additional security for insuring
anchored cable
bundles do not slip vertically from the point where they were anchored and
also provide a
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means for subdividing the cable management space vertically within the
vertical cable
manager.
[00112] Each bar assembly provides a rigid beam to which a flexible but
generally
stiff bundle of data/communications cables may be anchored. Each bar assembly
makes use
of Velcro or other tie wraps much easier than threading such ties through
small sheet metal
features. The greater ease of use as well as not being confined to a limited
number of tie-
down points creates a more flexible cable management space and allows for
greater
utilization of the potential capacity of the vertical cable manager. The
"loops" provide a
means to subdivide the vertical cable management space into two or more
vertical channels,
allowing for more specific routing spaces for cable within the manager.
[00113] Each lashing bar and/or bar assembly can be made from solid, round
metal
bar stock, formed sheet metal, extruded metal (such as aluminum) or composite,
or a variety
of other materials. As illustrated, the bar assembly can be provided in a
simple straight
section with or without perforations down its length, with or without
repeating strain relief
features down the length, or can include one or more "loop" features which are
affixed to the
bar.
[00114] It will be appreciated that in some contexts, the single lashing bar
98 of
FIG. 13 may be referred to as a lashing bar assembly.
[00115] FIG. 23 is a front view of one of the sub-channel units 100 and two of
the
midsection members 80 of FIG. 13. As shown therein, the sub-channel unit 100
may be
mounted to two appropriately-spaced midsection members 80 by inserting
fasteners (not
shown) through apertures 102 in the sub-channel unit 100 and corresponding
apertures 101
(perhaps best seen in FIG. 9) in the sections 82,83 of the midsection members
80. The
mounting apertures 102 in the sub-channel unit 100 may be slotted so as to
facilitate a small
amount of adjustment to accommodate slight variances in the distances between
midsection
members 80.
[00116] FIGS. 24-27 are a partially exploded isometric view, a left side view,
a
right side view and a top view, respectively, of the sub-channel unit 100 of
FIG. 23. Each
sub-channel unit 100 includes a back plate 104 and one or more repositionable
handle spools
110. In the embodiment shown, four repositionable handle spools 110 are
aligned along the
back plate 104, but it will be appreciated that greater or fewer numbers of
spools 110 may be
used. Further, in at least some embodiments, the handle spools 110 are not
rotatable; in at
least some embodiments, the handle spools 110 are mounted on separate back
plates (not
shown) that are aligned; in at least some embodiments, the illustrated handle
spools 110 are
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replaced by spools of at least one other shape; in at least some embodiments,
the handle
spools 110 are arranged horizontally instead of vertically; and in at least
some embodiments,
the handle spools 110 are arranged in more than one column or row.
[00117] Each handle spool 110 includes a gate arm 112 mounted perpendicularly
to a cylindrical shaft 114 that extends from a repositionable base 116. The
gate arm 112,
shaft 114 and base 116 may be integrally formed via injection molding or the
like. In the
illustrated embodiment, at least some portions of the spool 110 are hollow,
but alternatively
may be semi-hollow or solid, if desired, without departing from the scope of
the present
invention. A cap 117, which may also be injection molded, may be used to cover
the end of
the shaft 114.
[00118] The length of the shaft 114 is preferably selected such that, when the
unit
100 is mounted on a midsection member 80 in a forward-most position (more
fully described
hereinbelow), the spool 110 extends a significant portion (in at least one
embodiment,
approximately halfway) of the way to the distal ends of the T-shaped
projections 63. In the
illustrated implementation, this permits the spool 110 to be used for the a
significant subset of
any cables (not shown) routed through the front of the cable manager 30, but
also permits a
portion of such cables to be routed in front of the spool 110 if desired.
[00119] In the illustrated embodiment, the repositionable base 116 includes a
generally cylindrical stub 118, around which are disposed four resilient
bosses 120 that may
be depressed radially inwardly relative to the stub 118, and a coaxial seating
flange 122. In
the illustrated embodiment, the bosses 120 are arranged evenly around the
cylindrical stub
118 at 90 degree intervals, but it will be appreciated that such spacing need
not be even, and
that other numbers of bosses 120 may be utilized. As perhaps best seen in FIG.
27, each boss
120 is attached to the stub 118 near the end of the stub 118 and extends away
from the end of
the stub 118 in a hollow or opening defined by the side of the stub 118. Each
boss 118
includes a beveled deflection face 124 and a stepped retention face 126.
[00120] The back plate 104 of the sub-channel unit 100 includes a primary
mounting plate 105 and a handle spool shelf 106. The primary mounting plate
105 is
penetrated by a plurality of mounting apertures 107 arranged to align with
individual
apertures 101 on the midsection members 80, and may be attached to the
midsection
members 80 with fasteners (not shown) inserted therethrough. The primary
mounting plate
105 is further penetrated by a plurality of access openings and cutaways to
provide access to
other fasteners and mounting apertures on various midsection members 80
mounted
therebehind if necessary.
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[00121] The shelf 106 includes a plurality of spool openings 108 for receiving
the
mounting stubs 118 of the respective handle spools 110. In the illustrated
embodiment, there
are four spool openings 108 in each sub-channel unit 100, corresponding to the
four handle
spools 110 mounted thereon, but it will be appreciated that greater or fewer
numbers of
openings 108 may be provided, and that not all of the openings 108 necessarily
need to be
occupied. Each opening 108 is generally circular but with a plurality of small
recesses 109
arranged around the periphery thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the
recesses 109 are
arranged evenly around each opening 108 at 90 degree intervals, but it will be
appreciated
that such spacing need not be even, and that other numbers of recesses 109 may
be utilized,
so long as correspondence to the bosses 120 on the handle spool stubs 118 is
maintained. It
will be appreciated, however, that a greater number of recesses 109 than
bosses 120 may be
provided, so long as there is at least one and preferably a plurality of
different dispositions in
which the stubs 118 may be mounted in the openings 108.
[00122] To insert a stub 118 into an opening 108, the bosses 120 on the stub
118
must be aligned with the recesses 109 around the periphery of the opening 108.
Because the
bosses 120 and recesses 109 are each arranged at 90 degree intervals, this may
be
accomplished with the handle spool 110 in any of four rotational orientations.
More
particularly, the gate arm 112 may be rotated for disposition at any of four
different
orientations, with such orientations being at 90 degree intervals relative to
each other.
Preferably, the four orientations include the gate arm 112 being disposed
horizontally to the
right (when viewed from the front, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 23), vertically
upward,
horizontally to the left, and vertically downward.
[00123] The depth of each recess 109 relative to the edge of its respective
opening
108 corresponds to the extent of each boss 120 from the side of its respective
stub 118. More
particularly, the depth of the recess 109 is chosen such that as the stub 118
is pushed through
the opening 108, the rim of each recess 109 bears against the beveled
deflection face 124 on
one of the bosses 120, deflecting it radially inward, until the widest portion
is passed and the
stepped retention face 126 is reached. Because the stepped retention face 126
is narrower
than the widest portion of the bosses 120, each boss 120 then "snaps" into
place and is held in
place by an appropriate step or ledge (visible in FIG. 27) on the retention
face 126.
[00124] In use, wires, optical fiber and other cables (not shown) are routed
along or
around one or more of the spools 110. Each spool shaft 114 provides a radius
of curvature
that corresponds to one or more standards, such as for fiber cables. In
addition, each gate arm
112 prevents cables from moving forward, away from the midsection member 80, a
feature
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perhaps best understood with reference to FIG. 17. As noted previously, each
handle spool
110 may be installed in any one of four orientations through selection of
which bosses 120
are installed in which recesses 109. Conveniently, once a handle spool 110 is
installed, it
may be rotated by simply grasping the gate arm 112 and exerting a relatively
minimal
pressure in the direction in which it is desired to move the gate arm 112. The
recesses 109
gently depress the bosses 120 of the handle spool 110 into the openings
thereof, thereby
enabling the indexing feature of the handle spool 110. As the spool rotates,
the bosses 120
flex into and out of the recesses 109 to provide a rotational detent feel. The
handle spool 110
may be removed by reaching between the primary mounting plate 105 and the
handle spool
shelf 106 and squeezing the bosses 120 inward enough to permit removal of the
stub 118
entirely by reversing the insertion process described previously. The bosses
120 may be
squeezed by a user's fingers or via a tool.
[00125] Advantageously, the operation of the repositionable handle spools
permit
cables to be installed along the length of the sub-channel unit 100 and held
in place by the
gate arms 112 of the respective handle spools 110 mounted thereon. In
conjunction with the
cylindrical shafts 114 of the spools 110, this provides for retention of such
cables along at
least three boundaries, defined by the primary mounting plate 105, the
cylindrical shafts 114,
and the gate arms 112. Furthermore, if the unit 100 is mounted adjacent a wall
of cable
guides 44,45, as may be seen in FIG. 17, then a closed channel or wiring path
29 is defined
with boundaries on all four sides. Cables may be loaded into a three- or four-
sided channel
29 by removal or rotation of the handle spools 110 such that the gate arms 112
do not block
the front entrance to the channel 29 and then insertion or rotation of the
spools 110 to close
that entrance and retain the cables in the channel 29. Of course, cables may
be routed around
any of the cylindrical shafts 114 and out of the channel 29, if desired, with
the radius of
curvature of the shafts 114 ensuring that a minimum turn radius is maintained
with regard to
each such cable.
[00126] Notably, the length of each gate arm 112 may be chosen to assist in
retaining the cables as described. In at least one embodiment, the length of
the gate arms 112
is selected to match the width of the primary mounting plate 105 as
illustrated in FIG. 23,
thereby permitting the distal ends of the gate arms 112 to be disposed
immediately adjacent
the cable guides 44,45 or other structure disposed along the lateral edge of
the cable manager
30. In at least one other embodiment, the length of the gate arms 112 is
selected to be less
than the width of the primary mounting plate 105 so that a gap remains between
the distal
ends of the gate arms 112 and the adjacent cable guides 44,45 or other
structure. In at least
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some embodiments, the unit 100 is mounted as close to the adjacent cable
guides 44,45 or
other structure, while in other embodiments the unit 100 is spaced apart from
the adjacent
cable guides 44,45 or other structure.
[00127] In at least some embodiments, a sub-channel unit having a different
arrangement of repositionable handle spools or other spools is utilized, such
as one taught or
suggested by U.S. Patent No. 6,600,107, the entirety of which is incorporated
herein by
reference. More particularly, in at least one embodiment, each spool includes
a gate arm,
extending perpendicularly from a cylindrical shaft that is repositionable
relative to the shaft.
A sub-channel unit may be constructed from one or more of such spools mounted
on a back
plate, all without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of the
present
invention.
[00128] As referenced previously, the midsection members 80 may preferably be
mounted at more than one distance from the front of the cable manager 30. This
is facilitated
by the inclusion of a plurality of columns of square apertures 58 in the
lateral portions 59 of
the support columns 46. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three columns
of such
apertures 58, with one column located in the center of the support column and
the other two
columns located a uniform distance forward and rearward from the center
column. However,
it will be appreciated that a greater or lesser number of columns of such
apertures 58 may
alternatively be provided.
[00129] In FIGS. 13-18, the midsection members 80, and thus the accessories
supported thereby, are mounted in a forward-most position in the cable manager
30.
However, FIGS. 28 and 29 are side cross-sectional views of the vertical cable
manager 30 of
FIG. 13 with the accessories disposed in first and second alternative
arrangements,
respectively. More particularly, in FIG. 28, the midsection members 80, and
thus the
accessories supported thereby, are mounted in a center position in the cable
manager 30,
while in FIG. 29, the midsection members 80, and thus the accessories
supported thereby, are
mounted in a rearward-most position in the cable manager 30. Of course, as
used herein,
"forward" and "rearward" are relative terms, and it will be apparent to the
Ordinary Artisan
that any of these arrangements may be reversed such that the midsection
members 80, and
any accessories supported thereby, are oriented in the opposite direction, or
for some
midsection members 80 and accessories to face forward and for others to face
rearward.
Furthermore, although not illustrated, it will also be appreciated that
combinations of these
arrangements may likewise be accomplished. For example, one set of midsection
members
80, and accessories supported thereby, may be mounted in apertures 58 in one
of the
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columns, with the accessories on it extending in one direction, and another
set of midsection
members 80, and accessories supported thereby, may be mounted in apertures 58
in another
of the columns, with the accessories on it extending in the opposite
direction. Other
permutations will likewise be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan.
[00130] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a single-channel vertical cable
manager
230 in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
As shown
therein, this vertical cable manager 230 includes a single-channel base 232,
an interconnected
double half-spine assembly 240 topped by a single-channel top frame 250, and a
front door
(not shown). Means may or may not be provided for mounting a rear door on the
back of the
cable manager 230. The double half-spine assembly 240 is supported by the base
232. The
door is similar to the doors 38 of the cable manager 30 of FIG. 2, and in
particular is used like
the front door 38 of that cable manager 30. The base 232 comprises a frame
that includes
two shortened side members 234 and two cross members 36, with the length of
the shortened
side members 234 and the length of the cross members 36 defining the depth and
width,
respectively, of the vertical cable manager 230.
[00131] The interconnected double half-spine assembly 240 includes two half-
spine assemblies 242, each having a plurality of ribbed or fingered cable
guides 44,45
extending only forwardly from a single-channel vertical support column 246.
The half-spine
assemblies 242 are interconnected at their lower ends by the base 232 and at
their upper ends
by the top frame 250. Each support column 246 may be formed from a generally C-
shaped
section of metal, producing a lateral portion 59, a front bracket 60 and a
plain rear bracket
261. Penetrating the front bracket 60, but preferably not the rear bracket
261, are a series of
preferably evenly-spaced square apertures, similar to the square apertures 48
of FIG. 4, and a
number of small round apertures, similar to the round apertures 49 of FIG. 4,
interspersed
therebetween. The fingered cable guides 44,45 are attached to the front
brackets 60 of the
support columns 246 via the apertures therein.
[00132] The top frame 250 includes two shortened side assemblies 252 and a
cross
member 54. Each side assembly 252 includes a portion for mounting to the top
of a
respective support column 246 and a horizontal rail. A hinge/latch interface
56 is disposed at
each of the distal ends of the horizontal rails, thereby providing hinge and
latch functions for
each lateral side of each door 38. The cross member 54 stabilizes the upper
ends of the spine
assemblies 242, fixing the distance therebetween. Optionally, additional
interconnection
between the spine assemblies 242 may be provided by midsection members 80,
like those
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described previously, attached to the support columns 246 via square apertures
(not shown)
therein.
[00133] Other than the variations in the respective bases 32,232, top frames
50,250
and support columns 46,246, wherein the various elements define only a single
channel for
routing cables, the design, construction and operation of the single-channel
vertical cable
manager 230 is generally similar to that of the double-channel vertical cable
manager 30 of
FIG. 2. Other differences will be understood by the Ordinary Artisan.
[00134] An important function of the various aspects of the present invention
described and illustrated herein is to provide installers with a wide variety
of options for
cable management in a vertical cable manager. Thus, it will be appreciated
that various
combinations and permutations of the spools, members, lashing bars, and the
like are all
within the scope of the present invention, and indeed such flexibility is
considered to be an
inventive aspect in its own right.
[00135] Based on the foregoing information, it is readily understood by those
persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad
utility and
application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other
than those
specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and
equivalent
arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present
invention and the
foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present
invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein
in detail in
relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this
disclosure is only
illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the
purpose of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing
disclosure is not
intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude
any such other
embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent
arrangements; the present
invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents
thereof.
Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense
only and not for the purpose of limitation.
34
