Cable support apparatus and method of installation

Abstract

A raised floor system which includes a plurality of cable support apparatus are disclosed which cable support apparatus include first and second stringer elements and channel sections suspended from the first and second stringer elements. Each of the stringer elements is preferably adapted for removable engagement with at least two of the support pedestals of the raised floor system. The channel sections preferably include a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element and at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom. The engagement members are configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to raised floor systems and, more particularly, to a cable support assembly for use in connection with a raised floor system.

[0003] 2. Background of Related Art

[0004] Raised floor systems have been developed to provide the additional utility space needed in various different conduit or cable intensive environments where the original construction did not provide adequate means of accommodating the vast amount of conduit or cable. For example, probably the most common environment requiring vast amounts of additional protected space is for large computing systems. Such installations were typically made in facilities which simply were not designed to accommodate the vast amount of cable runs required to operate the typical large computer system. Other applications where additional utility space is required include mechanical systems, e.g., heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

[0005] A common problem experienced in utilizing raised floor systems is maintaining organization of the various cables, conduits, pipes, etc. which are routed beneath the floor system. One solution to this problem is to provide a cable tray system beneath the floor panels of the raised floor to contain and direct cables along their respective pathways. An example of such a cable tray system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,095 which issued on Jun. 24, 1986 to Chalfant (the "'095 Chalfant Patent"). The '095 Chalfant Patent features a modular cable tray assembly which is formed from modular sections which include a number of different components all of which must be separately assembled to form the cable tray. For example, the cable tray includes separate straight sections, horizontal bend sections, horizontal tee sections, horizontal cross-intersection sections, as well as splice plates to connect the various components to each other as well as supporting the assembled cable tray above the building floor. Such a cable tray assembly is, therefore, independent of the raised floor system.

[0006] One drawback of such a raised floor and cable support system is the additional labor required to assemble the various components of the separate raised floor and cable support systems. In geographic regions with particularly high labor rates, the cost of erecting such a labor intensive dual system could prove to be cost prohibitive.

[0007] Another drawback of such a system is that the amount of space required by the structural supporting components of the two separate systems leaves less space available for carrying and organizing larger numbers of cable runs.

[0008] Yet another drawback of installing independent raised floor and cable support systems is the cost of procuring the materials required for two separate support structures. These additional labor and material costs can significantly increase the overall cost of installing a complete system.

[0009] An alternative solution to supporting cable runs below a raised floor assembly is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,932 which issued on Aug. 27, 1996 to Mead (the "'932 Mead Patent"). The '932 Mead Patent features a height adjustable cable tray support system which includes a number of separate components which must be assembled to form the cable support system. Plates which support the cable tray are secured by welding or other methods to the pedestals of the existing raised floor system featured in the '932 Mead Patent. Additionally, support rods are required in the '932 Mead Patent cable tray support system, which support the cable tray on the support plates.

[0010] One disadvantage of such a system is the labor intensive nature of the installation. In particular, each support plate must be separately secured to the floor system pedestals and the support rods and cable tray sections must be installed. This combined with the cost of the material components required for such a system can add significant cost to the installation of the complete system.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved raised floor and cable management systems which require a fewer number of components. A need also exists for raised floor and cable management systems which are easier to install than existing systems and which provide increased storage capacity and accessibility.

SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure provides a raised floor system which overcomes the above-noted and other disadvantages of existing raised floor and cable management systems. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a raised floor system which requires many fewer components to assemble thereby resulting in greatly reduced material and labor costs to install a complete raised floor and cable management system or to upgrade an existing raised floor system with the presently disclosed cable support assembly.

[0013] In one aspect of the present disclosure a raised floor system is provided which includes at least one cable support apparatus. The cable support apparatus including first and second stringer elements and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements. Each of the stringer elements is preferably adapted for removable engagement with at least one of the support pedestals of the raised floor system. The channel section preferably includes at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom. The engagement member is configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system. Preferably, the channel section includes a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element.

[0014] In one aspect of the disclosure, each engagement member is a down turned hook member. Preferably, each down turned hook member extends longitudinally from an end-most transverse support member.

[0015] Preferably, at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated to thereby define a notch therein. The notch is configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a respective support pedestal. Preferably, each support pedestal includes a support plate operatively coupled to a stanchion via a threaded stud. Each notch is configured and dimensioned to surround the threaded stud and to rest atop the stanchion.

[0016] Preferably, the channel section includes a plurality of longitudinal members disposed across the plurality of transverse support members. It is contemplated that the engagement members are integrally formed with the longitudinal members and extend from an end thereof. Preferably, the channel section is formed from wire stock.

[0017] It is contemplated that at least one stringer element includes a locking mechanism adapted to secure the cable support apparatus to at least one of the plurality of support pedestals. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a cross-bar extending across the width of the notch. A first end of the cross-bar is pivotally coupled to one side of the bifurcated stringer and a second end of the cross-bar is configured and adapted to engage another side of the bifurcated stringer via a snap-fit type engagement.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the ends of each stringer include a leg extending longitudinally from a side thereof and an L-shaped locking bracket having a first leg pivotally coupled to another side of the end of each stringer and a second transverse leg configured and adapted to engage the leg extending from the stringer via a snap-fit type engagement.

[0019] It is further contemplated that each stringer is provided with a series of apertures formed along the length thereof. Each aperture is configured and dimensioned to engage a support pedestal. Preferably, each pedestal engages a selected aperture in a bayonet type coupling. It is contemplated that each aperture extends into a side portion of the stingers and terminate in a substantially circular opening. Accordingly, the cable support apparatus can depend from the plurality of support pedestals.

[0020] In another aspect of the disclosure, one end of the cable support apparatus is configured and dimensioned to be supported on at least one support pedestal and the other end of the cable support apparatus is supported, via the engagement member, by an adjacent cable support apparatus. Preferably, at least one end of each of the first and the second stringer elements is bifurcated defining a notch therein. Each notch is configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a respective support pedestal.

[0021] In another aspect of the present disclosure a cable support apparatus is provided for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels. The raised floor system includes a plurality of cable support apparatus each of which includes first and second stringer elements with each of the stringer elements being adapted for removable engagement with at least one of the support pedestals of the raised floor system. The cable support apparatus further includes a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements and at least one engagement member extending longitudinally from one end thereof. The engagement member is configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system. Preferably, the channel section includes a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element.

[0022] Preferably, at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated to define a notch configured and dimensioned to engage a respective support pedestal.

[0023] It is further contemplated that at least one end of the first and second stringer elements includes a locking mechanism configured and dimensioned to secure the respective stringer to the support pedestal. Preferably, the locking mechanism is a snap-fit type locking mechanism.

[0024] The present disclosure also provides for a method of installing a cable support assembly in an existing raised floor system which includes a plurality of pedestals. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of cable support apparatus. Each of the plurality of cable support apparatus includes first and second stringer elements, each stringer element being configured and adapted to be suspended on at least one pedestal of the plurality of pedestals, and a channel section depending from the first and second stringer elements. The channel section includes at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom. The at least one engagement member is configured and adapted to engage at least an end support member of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system.

[0025] The method further includes the steps of suspending a first cable support apparatus on a plurality of pedestals and suspending a second cable support apparatus on a plurality of pedestals, adjacent the first cable support apparatus, such that the first and second elements are each supported by at least one pedestal and the at least one engagement member of the second cable support apparatus engages at least an end support member of the first cable support apparatus. The method also includes the step of locking a locking mechanism provided on at least one of the first and second stringer elements to secure the cable support apparatus to the pedestal.

[0026] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed raised floor system and cable support assembly are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a raised floor system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a cable basket in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a raised floor system illustrating the mounting of the cable basket, as shown in FIG. 2, thereto;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partially cut away, illustrating the relationship of one cable basket to an adjacent cable basket in a raised floor system, as in FIG. 1;

[0032] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a distal end of a stringer element of the cable basket as indicated by area "A" of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 5A is a top plan view, partially broken away, illustrating the installation of an embodiment of the cable basket onto one of a pair of stanchions;

[0034] FIG. 5B is a side elevational view, partially broken away, illustrating a sequence of the installation of FIG. 5A;

[0035] FIG. 5C is a top plan view, partially broken away, illustrating the installation of the cable basket of FIG. 5A onto another of the pair of stanchions;

[0036] FIG. 5D is a side elevational view, partially broken away, illustrating the installation shown in FIG. 5C;

[0037] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a locking mechanism provided at an end of the stringer element of the cable basket, as shown in FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a locking mechanism provided at an end of the stringer element of the cable basket, as shown in FIG. 2, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 8 is a top plan view, partially cut away, of a stringer element in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a cable basket in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a raised floor system illustrating the installation of a series of cable baskets, as shown in FIG. 9, thereto; and

[0042] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the raised floor system illustrating the completed installation of the series of cable baskets of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1, one illustrative embodiment of a raised floor system, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, is shown generally as raised floor system 10.

[0044] Generally, raised floor system 10 includes a series of support pedestals, such as stanchions 12, which are disposed in a predetermined array on a base such as floor 13. A cable support assembly is provided in raised floor system 10 and includes a series of cable support apparatus, such as cable baskets 14, which are disposed relative one another to form a predetermined pathway for carrying cables or the like thereon. Preferably, cable baskets 14 form an integral part of floor system 10. Stanchions 12 are interconnected by a plurality of stringer members 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) so as to define a lattice work which receives individual floor panels 18 therein to form the completed raised floor system 10.

[0045] Although not illustrated herein, in certain installations it may be desirable or necessary to install the cable support assembly as a stand alone modular assembly. It is within the scope of the present disclosure, that in such an installation, cable baskets 14 will be supported a predetermined distance above the building floor 13 by independent stanchions 12 or other suitable supports which are not also used to support raised floor system 10.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 2, cable basket 14 includes first and second elongated stringer elements 20, 22, respectively, having a channel section suspended therebetween so as to form a portion or segment of a passageway for supporting cable runs thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel section is formed of an open ended wire stock basket having longitudinal sections 26 disposed across transverse sections 24. Preferably, longitudinal sections 26 are disposed atop transverse sections 24. Transverse sections 24 include up turned riser portions or legs 28 which are preferably attached to the underside of stringers 20, 22. Alternatively, legs 28 can be attached to an upper surface, a side surface or penetrate through stringers 20, 22. Stringers 20, 22 are preferably planar, however, it is envisioned that stingers 20, 22 can take on any number of configurations, including, for example, an inverted "U-shape" or an "L-shape" configuration in order to increase the rigidity of stringers 20, 22.

[0047] Each longitudinal section 26 includes an engaging element such as a down turned hook portion 30 extending longitudinally from an end of the channel section beyond the first or last transverse section 24. Preferably, all hook portions 30 extend from the same side of cable basket 14. As seen in FIG. 2, each hook portion 30 is preferably integral with a respective longitudinal section 26. If desired, less than all of longitudinal sections 26 may terminate in hook portions 26.

[0048] Alternatively, it is further envisioned that hook portions 30 can be separate discrete elements laterally offset from longitudinal sections 26 and fixedly mounted to cable baskets 14 or that hook portions 30 can extend at an angle from the end of the channel section. Preferably, when hook portions 30 of a first cable basket 14 engage transverse sections 24 of an adjacent cable basket 14, they are not interfered with by longitudinal sections 26 of adjacent cable baskets 14.

[0049] Preferably, as seen in FIG. 2, and in greater detail in FIG. 4, first and second stringers 20, 22 each include bifurcated proximal and distal ends defining a notch 32. In an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 5A-5D, proximal notch 32a has a length which is greater than a length of distal notch 32b. As such, when installing cable basket 14 onto stanchions 12, as seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, proximal notches 32a are slipped onto a corresponding proximal stanchion 12a and advanced in a proximal direction (as indicated by arrow "X") along the length of notch 32a until the distal most end of stringers 20, 22 clear a distal stanchion 12b. After the distal most end of stringers 20, 22 have cleared distal stanchion 12b, the distal end of cable basket 14 is lowered (as indicated by arrow "Y" in FIGS. 5A and 5B) until distal notch 32b is aligned with distal stanchion 12b. Cable basket 14 is then moved distally (in a direction opposite to arrow "X") until distal notch 32b is positioned about distal stanchion 12b, as seen in FIGS. 5C-5D. As will be described in greater detail below, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the proximal most end of stringers 20, 22 can be provided with a locking mechanism 60, 72 for securing cable basket 14 to stanchions 12a.

[0050] Although the illustrated channel sections are formed of wire stock material, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to use other materials as well. For example, the channel section may be formed of solid or woven fabrications of various metals, fabrics or any other material suitable for supporting cable runs thereon. Additionally, the channel section may be rigid or flexible depending upon the application needs.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the integration of cable baskets 14 into raised floor system 10 will now be described in detail. Preferably, each cable basket 14 is supported by four stanchions 12, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that cable baskets 14 may be modified so as to be supported by more or less than four stanchions 12.

[0052] As is common in conventional raised floor systems 10, and as seen in FIG. 4, floor system 10 is preferably provided with a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of a support plate 42 of stanchion 12 in order to accommodate slight variances in floor 13. Support plate 42 is typically configured and adapted to support stringer members 16 thereon. The height adjustment capability may be facilitated by, for example, a threaded stud 48 being received in a threaded bore 50 formed in support plate 42 at one end and in a threaded opening of stanchion 12. A nut 52 is threaded onto stud 48 and positioned adjacent the top of stanchion 12 to facilitate vertical adjustment and positioning of support plate 42.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, cable baskets 14 are supported by stanchions 12 such that the longitudinal and transverse elements 26, 24, respectively, are spaced a predetermined distance from permanent floor 13. When installed, cable baskets 14 do not interfere with the placement or fit of floor panels 18. Rather, cable baskets 14 are designed to be incorporated into existing raised floor systems without departing from the factory design specifications of the floor system.

[0054] Preferably, cable baskets 14 are supported on stanchions 12 by positioning notch 32, of first and second stringers 20, 22, about studs 48 of respective stanchions 12 such that stringers 20, 22 rest atop nut 52. It is envisioned that a second nut (not shown) can be provided around stud 48 and above nut 52, on which stringers 20, 22 rest, in order to adjust the height of the proximal and distal ends of cable basket 14. Notches 32 are preferably dimensioned to be larger than studs 48, in order to be positioned around studs 48, and dimensioned smaller than nuts 52, in order to permit the ends of stringers 20, 22 to rest on nuts 52.

[0055] Alternatively, it is envisioned that if cable baskets 14 include inverted "U-shaped" stringers 20 and 22 (not shown), it is preferred that a top wall portion of stringers 20, 22 is dimensioned to be wider than the width of nuts 52 such that stringers 20, 22 will fit over nuts 52 and that a pair of side walls of stringers 20, 22 depend down the sides of stanchions 12.

[0056] As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, hook portions 30 of cable baskets 14 are preferably dimensioned to extend longitudinally a distance beyond stanchions 12. More preferably, as will be described in greater detail below, hook portions 30 are dimensioned to engage an end most transverse element 24 of an adjacent cable basket 14. It is contemplated that, hook portions 30 can extend sufficiently to engage a transverse element 24 more centrally located within cable basket 14. While down turned hook portions 14 are disclosed, it is envisioned that hook portions 30 can be replaced by other support elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including and not limited to, linear elements, laterally bent elements, a single "U-shaped" element extending across the entire width of the channel section or a plurality of "U-shaped" elements extending across the entire width of the channel section, an undulating down turned support element configured to engage each longitudinal element, at least one hook portion extending longitudinally from legs 28, or any combination thereof.

[0057] In use, as seen in FIG. 4, a first cable basket 14a is positioned on stanchion 12 such that stringers 20, 22 rest atop nuts 52. A second cable basket 14b, oriented such that hooks 30 are directed toward first cable basket 14a, is then positioned on stanchions 12 such that stringers 20, 22 of second cable basket 14b preferably rest atop stringers 20, 22 of first cable basket 14a and such that hooks 30 of second cable basket 14b rest on at least the end most transverse section 24 of first cable basket 14a. Additional cable baskets 14 can be installed in the same manner, in succession, as needed. Accordingly, hooks 30 provide additional support and stability between adjacent cable baskets 14 in raised floor system 10.

[0058] Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, cable basket locking mechanisms will be described in detail. While a single locking mechanism can be provided on an end of either first or second stringer elements 20, 22, it is envisioned that a locking mechanism may be provided on both ends of each stringer element 20, 22. In FIG. 6, the locking mechanism includes a cross-bar 60 extending across the width of each notch 32, which cross-bar 60 inhibits threaded stud 48 from coming out of notch 32 when cable basket 14 is mounted on stanchions 12. In particular, as seen in FIG. 6, notch 32 is defined by a pair of longitudinally extending legs 34a, 34b. Accordingly, cross-bar 60 includes a first end pivotally connected to leg 34a by a pin 62, or other coupling element, and a second end including a bump 64 formed thereon. Bump 64 is configured and adapted to engage a hole, recess or dimple 66 formed in leg 34b. Bump 64 and recess 66 define a snap-fit type coupling, however, other coupling arrangements are envisioned, including and not limited to, pins, screws, etc. In use, after notch 32 is positioned about stud 48, cross-bar 60 is pivoted about pin 62 until bump 64 engages recess 66 thus locking stringer 20 or 22 to stanchion 12. It is envisioned that notch 32 is dimensioned to have a depth sufficient to permit stud 48 to be received therewithin and to permit cross-bar 60 to engage leg 34b.

[0059] As seen in FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism is shown. In this embodiment, the proximal and distal ends of each stringer 20, 22 terminate in a single leg 70 extending longitudinally from a lateral side thereof. The locking mechanism includes an "L-shape" bracket 72 having a first leg portion 74 having a first end pivotally coupled to the end of a respective stringer 20, 22 by a pin 76 and a second leg portion 78 orthogonally extending from a second end of first leg portion 74. Preferably, first leg portion 74 is spaced a distance from single leg 70 when first leg portion 74 is parallel to single leg 70. Accordingly, when first leg portion 74 is oriented to be parallel with single leg 70, a distal end of second leg portion 78 engages the distal end of single leg 70. Preferably, the distal end of second leg portion 78 includes a bump 80 configured and adapted to engage a hole, recess or dimple 82 formed in the distal end of single leg 70. Bump 80 and recess 82 define a snap-fit type coupling. When "L-shape" bracket 72 is in a closed position, i.e., bump 80 of second leg portion 78 engaging recess 82 of single leg 70, an opening 84 is defined, which opening 84 is configured and dimensioned to receive stud 48 of stanchion 12 therein.

[0060] Turning now to FIG. 8, in an alternative embodiment, each stringer 20, 22 may be provided with a series of slotted apertures 90 formed along the length thereof. Apertures 90 permit stanchions 12 to be placed anywhere along the length of stringers 20, 22 in order to provide additional support. In the alternative, apertures 90 enable the construction of longer cable baskets 14, which cable baskets 14 can span longer distances and be supported not only at their proximal and distal ends, but along their entire length by the existing stanchions 12 making up raised floor system 10. In particular, the width of each stringer 20, 22 is such that stringer 20, 22 will span across and beyond stanchions 12. Each aperture 90 formed in stringers 20, 22 includes a generally rectangular slit 92 which angularly extends into a side portion of stringers 20, 22 and opens into a generally circular space 94. Rectangular slit 92 and circular space 94 are dimensioned to receive studs 48 of stanchions 12 in a bayonet type engagement therein, such that cable basket(s) 14 can be supported thereon.

[0061] It is contemplated that each aperture 90 can be provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) similar to the locking mechanisms described above in order to prevent or inhibit stringers 20, 22 from coming free of stanchions 12, or in the alternative, stanchions 20, 22 can be provided with a single cross-bar (not shown) which extends across all apertures 90 simultaneously. As such, cable baskets 14 are kept from inadvertently slipping off of or coming free of stanchions 12.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, an alternative embodiment of a cable basket, in accordance with the present disclosure, is shown generally as 114. As seen in FIG. 9, cable basket 114 is similar to cable basket 14 in every respect except that each stringer 20, 22 includes a bifurcated distal end defining a notch 132 and a squared off proximal end 133 which terminates substantially at a proximal most transverse section 124a. Similar to cable basket 14, cable basket 114 includes at least one engaging element such as down turned hook portion 130 extending longitudinally from an end of the channel section beyond proximal most transverse section 124a, on a side opposite notches 132.

[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 10 and 11, installation of a series of cable baskets 114 in an existing or a new raised floor system 10 is shown and described. As seen in FIG. 10, cable baskets 114 are installed into raised floor system 10 by first orienting cable basket 114 in such as way as to slide notches 132 of stringers 20, 22 around studs 48 of a distal pair of stanchions 12a (in the direction indicated by arrow "X"). Next, proximal end 133 of stringers 20, 22 is lowered or approximated (in the direction indicated by arrow "Y") toward a proximal most stanchion 12b until down turned hook portion 130 engages at least a distal end most transverse section 124 of an adjacent or a previously installed cable basket 114. In this manner, as seen in FIG. 11, the distal ends of cable baskets 114 are suspended on stanchions 12 while the proximal end of cable baskets 114 are supported, via hook portion 130, by the distal end most transverse section 124.

[0064] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A cable support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels, the cable support apparatus comprising: first and second stringer elements, each of the stringer elements being adapted for removable engagement with at least one of the support pedestals of the raised floor system; and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements, the channel section including at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom, the engagement member being configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system.

2. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated, defining a notch therein.

3. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the notch is configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a respective support pedestal.

4. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein each engagement member is a down turned hook member.

5. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein each hook member extends from and end-most transverse support member.

6. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein each support pedestal includes a support plate operatively coupled to a stanchion via a threaded stud and wherein each notch is configured and dimensioned to surround the threaded stud and to rest atop the stanchion.

7. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the channel sections includes a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element and wherein the hook member is configured and dimensioned to engage at least an end most transverse support member.

8. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the channel section includes a plurality of longitudinal members disposed across the plurality of transverse support members.

9. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein the engagement members are integrally formed with the longitudinal members and extend from an end thereof.

10. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the channel section is formed from wire stock.

11. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one stringer element includes a locking mechanism adapted to secure the cable support apparatus to at least one of the plurality of support pedestals.

12. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the locking mechanism includes a cross-bar extending across the width of the notch, wherein a first end of the cross-bar is pivotally coupled to one side of the bifurcated stringer and wherein a second end of the cross-bar is configured and adapted to engage another side of the bifurcated stringer via a snap-fit type engagement.

13. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the ends of each stringer include a leg extending longitudinally from a side thereof and an L-shaped locking bracket having a first leg pivotally coupled to another side of the end of each stringer and a second transverse leg configured and adapted to engage the leg extending from the stringer via a snap-fit type engagement.

14. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each stringer is provided with a series of apertures formed along the length thereof, wherein each aperture is configured and dimensioned to engage a support pedestal.

15. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein each pedestal engages a selected aperture in a bayonet type coupling.

16. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein each aperture extends into a side portion of the stingers and terminate in a substantially circular opening, wherein the cable support apparatus depends from the plurality of support pedestals.

17. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein one end of the cable support apparatus is configured and dimensioned to be supported on at least one support pedestal and wherein the other end the cable support apparatus is supported, via the engagement member by an adjacent cable support apparatus.

18. The cable support apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated defining a notch therein, each notch being configured and dimensioned to surround a portion of a respective support pedestal.

19. A raised floor system, comprising: a plurality of support pedestals; a plurality of cable support apparatus each of which includes: first and second stringer elements, each of the stringer elements being adapted for removable engagement with at least one of the support pedestals of the raised floor system; and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements, the channel section including at least one engagement member extending longitudinally from one end thereof, the engagement member being configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system.

20. The raised floor system as recited in claim 19, wherein each engagement member is a down turned hook member.

21. The raised floor system as recited in claim 19, wherein the channel section includes a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element.

22. The raised floor system as recited in claim 21, wherein the channel section includes a plurality of longitudinal members disposed across the plurality of transverse support members.

23. The raised floor system as recited in claim 22, wherein the hook members are integrally formed with the longitudinal members and extend from an end thereof.

24. The raised floor system as recited in claim 22, wherein at least one end of each of the first and second stringer elements is bifurcated to define a notch configured and dimensioned to engage a respective support pedestal.

25. The raised floor system as recited in claim 19, wherein at least one end of the first and second stringer elements includes a locking mechanism configured and dimensioned to secure the respective stringer element to the support pedestal.

26. The raised floor system as recited in claim 25, wherein the locking mechanism is a snap-fit type locking mechanism.

27. A method of installing a cable support assembly in an existing raised floor system which includes a plurality of pedestals, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of cable support apparatus each including first and second stringer elements, each stringer element being configured and adapted to be suspended on at least one pedestal of the plurality of pedestals, and a channel section depending from the first and second stringer elements, wherein the channel section includes at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom, wherein the at least one engagement member is configured and adapted to engage at least an end support member of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system; suspending a first cable support apparatus on a plurality of pedestals; and suspending a second cable support apparatus on a plurality of pedestals, adjacent the first cable support apparatus, such that the first and second stringer elements are each supported by at least one pedestal and the at least one engagement member of the second cable support apparatus engages at least an end support member of the first cable support apparatus.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of: locking a locking mechanism provided on at least one of the first and second stringer elements to secure the cable support apparatus to the pedestal.