U.S. patent application number 10/668076 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-25 for raised floor system and support apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jette, Roger.
Application Number | 20040055232 10/668076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31999263 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040055232 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jette, Roger |
March 25, 2004 |
Raised floor system and support apparatus
Abstract
An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system
including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and
floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support
member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting
mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted
to mount the article support member to at least one stringer
element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further
includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.
Inventors: |
Jette, Roger; (West Islip,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond E. Farrell. Esq.
Carter, DeLuca, Farrell & Schmidt, LLP
Suite 225
445 Broad Hollow Road
Melville
NY
11747
US
|
Family ID: |
31999263 |
Appl. No.: |
10/668076 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10668076 |
Sep 22, 2003 |
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09818318 |
Mar 27, 2001 |
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6637165 |
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09818318 |
Mar 27, 2001 |
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09524033 |
Mar 13, 2000 |
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6347493 |
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09524033 |
Mar 13, 2000 |
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PCT/US98/19051 |
Sep 11, 1998 |
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PCT/US98/19051 |
Sep 11, 1998 |
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08927506 |
Sep 11, 1997 |
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5953870 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/220.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/285 20130101;
H02G 3/0443 20130101; H02G 3/283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/220.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 002/52 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system
including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and
floor panels, the support apparatus comprising: an article support
member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting
mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted
to mount the article support member to at least one stringer
element of a raised floor system.
2. The support apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the
mounting mechanism includes at least one connection member, the at
least one connection member being connectable with the article
support member and adapted to mount the article support member to
the stringer elements.
3. The support apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the
mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener adapted
to engage with the connection member.
4. The support apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the at
least one fastener includes a head portion, an elongated shank
portion extending from the head portion and a latch member attached
to the elongated shank portion.
5. The support apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the at
least one connection member includes a connection bar connected to
the article support member.
6. The support apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the at
least one connection member includes a bracket having at least one
hole to receive a portion of the article support member.
7. The support apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the at
least one connection member includes a clip having at least one
hole to receive a portion of the article support member.
8. An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system
including support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels,
the article support apparatus comprising: an article support member
configured and dimensioned to support articles thereon; a
suspension assembly adapted to connect the article support member
to a stringer element of the raised floor system such that the
article support member is suspended from the stringer element.
9. The article support apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the
suspension assembly comprises a clip which includes a leg portion
which is configured and dimensioned to facilitate attachment of the
clip to a portion of a stringer of the raised floor system.
10. The article support apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the
leg portion is configured and dimensioned to rest upon a flange
portion of the stringer.
11. The article support apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the
suspension assembly includes an adjustable fastener adjustable from
a first configuration to permit insertion of the adjustable
fastener into a channel portion defined in a stringer of a raised
floor system to a second configuration wherein at least a portion
of the adjustable fastener biases against the stringer element to
facilitate suspension of the article support member from the
stringer.
12. The article support apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the
suspension assembly further includes a bracket connected to the
article support member and the adjustable fastener includes a wedge
bolt adapted to connect the article support member to the
stringer.
13. The article support apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the
adjustable fastener includes a movable latch.
14. The article support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the
adjustable fastener includes a spring disposed between a bolt head
and the movable latch, which biases the latch away from the bolt
head.
15. A method of installing an article support apparatus in a raised
floor system which includes a plurality of support pedestals,
stinger elements and floor panels, the method comprising the steps
of: providing an article support apparatus configured and
dimensioned to support articles thereon, and a suspension assembly
connected to the article support member and including an adjustable
fastener; inserting the adjustable fastener of the suspension
assembly into a channel portion defined in a stringer of the raised
floor system; and adjusting the adjustable fastener and thereby
mounting the article support member to the stringer of the raised
floor system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/818,318 filed Mar. 27, 2001, which is a
continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.
09/524,033 filed Mar. 13, 2000 which is a continuation-in-part of
co-pending International Application Serial No. PCT/US98/1905 1,
with international filing date of Sep. 11, 1998; which application
designates the United States of America and claims priority to U.S.
application Ser. No. 08/927,506 filed Sep. 11, 1997 as a
continuation-in-part application. The contents of each of these
applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] 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.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved raised
floor and cable management systems which require 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
[0013] 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.
[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure a raised floor
system is provided which includes a raised floor system, which
includes a plurality of support pedestals; a plurality of floor
panels; and a cable support apparatus which includes: a first
elongated stringer element defining a horizontally disposed surface
which is configured and dimensioned to support a portion of at
least one of the plurality of floor panels, the first elongated
stringer element being supported a predetermined distance away from
a base by a first pair of the plurality of support pedestals; a
second elongated stringer element defining a horizontally disposed
surface which is configured and dimensioned to support a portion of
at least one of the plurality of floor panels, the second elongated
stringer element being supported a predetermined distance away from
a base by a second pair of the plurality of support pedestals and a
channel section suspended from the first and second stringer
elements, the channel section being configured and dimensioned to
support lengths of cable thereon.
[0015] The channel section may be formed of an open architecture
defining a plurality of openings therein. Additionally, the channel
section may be formed of wire stock. The channel section may
further include a plurality of support members extending from the
first elongated stringer element to the second elongated stringer
element. In such an arrangement, the plurality of support members
are preferably maintained at a predetermined distance from each
other.
[0016] The channel section may be suspended from the first and
second elongated stringers by permanently securing the channel
section to the first and second elongated stringers.
[0017] 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 cable
support apparatus includes first and second stringer elements, each
of the stringer elements being adapted for removable engagement
with respective support pedestals of a raised floor system such
that the first and second stringer elements interconnect the
respective support pedestals of the raised floor system, each of
the first and second stringer elements defining a horizontally
disposed upper surface which is configured and dimensioned to
support a portion of a floor panel of the raised floor system; and
a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer
elements, the channel section being configured and dimensioned to
support lengths of cable thereon.
[0018] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular
cable support assembly is provided which includes a plurality of
support pedestals; a plurality of cable support apparatus each of
which includes: a first elongated stringer element defining a
horizontally disposed upper surface thereof which is configured and
dimensioned to support at least a portion of a floor panel, the
first elongated stringer element being supported a predetermined
distance away from a base by a first pair of the plurality of
support pedestals; a second elongated stringer element defining a
horizontally disposed upper surface thereof which is configured and
dimensioned to support at least a portion of a floor panel, the
second elongated stringer element being supported a predetermined
distance away from a base by a second pair of the plurality of
support pedestals; and a channel section suspended from the first
and second stringer elements, the channel section being configured
and dimensioned to support lengths of cable thereon.
[0019] In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, a cable
support apparatus is provided for use with a raised floor system
including a plurality of support pedestals, stringers and floor
panels, the cable support apparatus including a channel section
configured and dimensioned to support lengths of cable thereon; and
means for suspending the channel section from the stringers of the
raised floor system. The channel section may be formed of an open
architecture.
[0020] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a
support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a
plurality of support pedestals and floor panels. The support
apparatus includes a support bracket having first and second end
portions being configured and dimensioned to rest upon at least a
portion of a support pedestal of a raised floor system and beneath
a floor panel of the raised floor system. The embodiment also
includes an intermediate portion extending between the first and
second end portions, and an article support member depending from
the intermediate portion to support articles thereon a distance
below the raised floor panels and a distance above a base.
[0021] A still further embodiment includes first and second support
brackets each having first and second end portions being configured
and dimensioned to rest upon at least a portion of a support
pedestal of a raised floor system and beneath a floor panel of the
raised floor system, and an intermediate portion extending between
the first and second end portions, an article support member
depending from the first and second support brackets to support
articles thereon a distance below the raised floor panels and a
distance above a base.
[0022] In a still further embodiment, an article support apparatus
is provided for use with a raised floor system. The support
apparatus includes an article support member configured to support
articles thereon and a mounting mechanism, such as a suspension
assembly, adapted to connect the article support member to a
stringer element of the raised floor system.
[0023] The present disclosure also provides a method of installing
a support apparatus in a raised floor system including a plurality
of support pedestals and floor panels. The method includes the
steps of inserting a first end portion of a support bracket
configured and dimensioned to fit in an opening defined at least
partially by a portion of a first support pedestal disposed beneath
a floor panel, moving the first end portion of the support bracket
laterally towards the first support pedestal such that a second end
portion of the support bracket moves away from a second support
pedestal spaced a predetermined distance away from the first
support pedestal, elevating the second end portion of the support
bracket into horizontal alignment with an opening defined at least
partially by a portion of the second support pedestal, and moving
the second end portion of the support apparatus toward the second
support pedestal such that the first and second end portions of the
support apparatus are positioned in the respective openings defined
at least partially by portions of the first and second support
pedestals.
[0024] The present disclosure further provides alternative method
of installing an article support apparatus in a raised floor system
which includes a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements
and floor panels. The method includes the steps of providing an
article support apparatus configured and dimensioned to support
articles thereon and a suspension assembly connected to the article
support member, the suspension assembly including an adjustable
fastener; inserting the adjustable fastener of the suspension
assembly into a channel portion defined in a stringer of the raised
floor system; and adjusting the adjustable fastener and thereby
mounting the article support member to the stringer of the raised
floor system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed raised
floor system and cable support assembly are described herein with
reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a raised
floor system constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cable support assembly
embodiment constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a cable support assembly constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cable support assembly of FIG.
2 in place in a raised floor system;
[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a cable
support assembly in a raised floor system of the present
disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view showing the cable support assembly
partially cut away as installed in the raised floor system of the
present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
presently disclosed cable support assembly;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side partial view of an alternative embodiment
for mounting the cable support assembly to stringers of a raised
floor system;
[0034] FIG. 8 is a side partial view of a further alternative
embodiment for mounting the cable support assembly to stringers of
a raised floor system;
[0035] FIG. 9. is a perspective view with parts separated of one
embodiment of a secondary support apparatus and components of a
raised floor assembly, constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 10A is a top view of a bearing surface of a support
pedestal;
[0037] FIG. 10B is a top view of a bearing surface of a further
support pedestal;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a side view of an assembly sequence of a
secondary support apparatus;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a side view of a further assembly sequence of a
support apparatus;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a side view of a further assembly sequence of a
support apparatus;
[0041] FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing one
end of a secondary support apparatus assembled in a raised floor
support system;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a perspective view with parts separated of a
further embodiment of a secondary support apparatus and components
of a raised floor assembly, constructed in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a cable support assembly incorporated in a raised floor support
system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a perspective view with parts separated of one
section of a cable support assembly of the embodiment of FIG.
16;
[0045] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a cable support assembly section constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a further
alternative embodiment of a support bracket;
[0047] FIG. 20A is a side schematic view of an installation step
for the embodiment of FIG. 19;
[0048] FIG. 20B is a view similar to FIG. 20A of a further
installation step;
[0049] FIG. 20C is a further view similar to FIGS. 20A and 20B of a
further installation step;
[0050] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further alternative
embodiment of a support assembly in association with a raised floor
system;
[0051] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a portion of an
article support member of the embodiment of FIG. 21; and
[0052] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an article support
member as mounted to a stringer element, in accordance with the
embodiment of FIG. 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] 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
embodiment of a raised floor system constructed in accordance with
the present disclosure is shown generally as raised floor system
10.
[0054] 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
passageway for carrying cables or the like. thereon. Preferably
cable baskets 14 form an integral part of floor system 10.
Stanchions 12 are interconnected by stringer members 16 so as to
define a lattice work which receives individual floor panels 18
therein to form the completed raised floor system 10.
[0055] 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 the raised floor system 10.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 2, cable basket 14 includes first and
second elongated stringer elements 20 and 22, respectively. A
channel section is suspended from stringers 20 and 22 so as to form
a portion 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 attached to
transverse sections 24. Transverse sections 24 include riser
portions or legs 28 which are attached to the underside of
stringers 20 and 22. The various elements of cable support assembly
14 are preferably joined by suitable known techniques, such as by
welding.
[0057] 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 or any
other material suitable for supporting cable runs thereon. One
illustrative example of such an alternative channel section is
shown in FIG. 2A wherein channel section 114 includes vertical side
wall portions 114A and 114B which extend upwardly from a central
horizontal bottom panel 114C. Such a channel section 114 may be
particularly useful in supporting equipment or the like above the
base or building floor. Also illustrated in FIG. 2A is an
alternative mounting system which will be described in greater
detail in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 9-14.
[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, the integration of cable baskets
14 into raised floor system 10 will now be described in detail.
Preferably, a single section of 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.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, cable baskets 14 are supported by
stanchions 12 such that the longitudinal and transverse elements 26
and 24 respectively are spaced a predetermined distance from the
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. For such installations, cable
baskets 14 replace parallel end to end links of stringers 16 from
the existing raised floor system.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, cable support assembly sections 14
include stringer elements such as stringers 20 and 22 which have a
cross sectional "top hat" shape that includes an inverted U-shaped
cross section portion having flanges 32 and 34 formed on either
side. Horizontal surface 30 forms the uppermost surface of
stringers 20 and 22. It is on surface 30 which a peripheral flange
36 formed on floor panels 18 rests. As best illustrated in FIG. 5,
the peripheral flanges 36 of adjacent floor panels 18 are both
supported by a single stringer element 20 or 22 on surface 30. In
order to maintain the relative positioning of stringer elements 20
and 22 with respect to stanchion 12, stringer elements 20 and 22
are provided with notched portions 38 which are configured and
dimensioned to fit over bracket portions 40 of stanchion base plate
42.
[0061] Stringer elements 20 and 22 are further provided with
preformed holes 44 which when properly installed are vertically
aligned with preformed holes 46 formed in stanchion base plate 42.
In this manner, stringer elements 20 and 22 may be secured to
stanchion 12 to provide added structural integrity to the overall
system. As is common in conventional floor systems, floor system 10
is preferably provided with a height adjustment mechanism to adjust
the height of stanchion base plate 42 in order to accommodate
slight variances in the subfloor 13. This height adjustment
capability may be facilitated by, for example, threaded stud 48
being received in a threaded bore 50 formed in base plate 42 at one
end and in a threaded opening of stanchion 12. A nut 52 is provided
and is threaded around stud 48 positioned adjacent the top of
stanchion tube to facilitate adjustment and locking of the vertical
positioning of base plate 42.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative method of attaching the
cable basket to the stringers is shown wherein cable basket 14 has
portions 14a and 14b which are formed extending outwardly from the
upper portions of riser legs 28. Stringers 120 and 122, which are
otherwise the same as stringers 20 and 22, are provided with a
series of through-holes 120a and 120b, respectively, which may be
punched out during formation of the stringers. In this manner,
cable basket 14 may be suspended from stringers by inserting leg
portions 14a and 14b in through-holes 120a and 120b. It is
envisioned that all of the stringers of a raised floor system may
be provided with through-holes similar to 120a and 120b so that a
cable support system may be installed at any time and placed
between any parallel rows of stringers having such support
holes.
[0063] Alternatively, in existing raised floor systems which do not
already have stringers with pre-formed cable basket receiving
holes, such as holes 120a and 120b, the stringers positioned where
it is desired to support a series of cable baskets 14 could be
replaced with stringers having the pre-formed holes.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 7, in another alternative embodiment for
mounting or suspending cable baskets 14 from stringers 20, angled
brackets 21 are provided which have leg portions 21a and 21b. Leg
portion 21a includes a through hole (shown in phantom lines) which
receives leg portion 14a of cable basket 14. Leg portion 21b is
bolted into the channel formed in the underside of stringer 20 by
an adjustable fastener or expanding fastener such as wedge-bolt
25.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, in a still further alternative
embodiment for suspending cable baskets 14 from stringers 20, a
series of clips 23 are positioned on stringers 20 by having leg
portions 23a and 23b rest upon flanges 32 and 34, respectively. Leg
portions 14a of baskets 14 are inserted into receiving holes formed
in clips 23. Thus, baskets 14 are suspended from clips 23. In this
manner, existing floor system stringers could be utilized to
support the added cable baskets defining the cable support
assembly.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 9-14, a secondary support apparatus
for use in conjunction with a raised floor system will now be
described in detail. A support bracket 220 is provided which is
configured and dimensioned to support an article support member
such as basket 14. Basket 14 has been described with respect to
previously described embodiments of the present disclosure and will
not be addressed in further detail herein.
[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, only one frame 220,
one pair of pedestals 12, and one stringer element 16 are shown. A
second pair of pedestals 12, stringer element 16, floor panel 18
(FIG. 1), and frame 220 which are identical to the illustrated
structure form part of one section of a raised floor system but are
not shown for sake of clarity.
[0068] Support bracket 220 is preferably stamped out of a flat
metal stock and is configured and dimensioned to depend from an
adjacent pair of pedestals 12 of a raised floor assembly. However,
it is envisioned that for different applications, support bracket
may be formed of materials having other cross-sectional geometries,
such as for example, round stock.
[0069] Support bracket 220 is particularly adapted to be installed
in an existing raised floor assembly, such as the one illustrated
in FIG. 1. However, support bracket 220 advantageously does not
require the removal or substitution of the existing stringer
elements 16 of the raised floor assembly. Installation of frames
220 does not alter the configuration or compromise the existing
raised floor assembly.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 10A-13, support bracket 220 includes an
upper portion 220a and a lower portion 220b. Lower portion 220b
extends downwardly away from upper portion 220a. Support bracket
220 includes notches 220c formed in the lower edges of transversely
extending portions which extend out each end of support bracket
220.
[0071] To install support bracket 220, as shown in FIG. I1, a first
end is inserted in the U-shaped opening of stringer element 16 and
passed over bracket portion 40 of stanchion base plate 42. Support
bracket 220 is slid over until the second end is clear of bracket
portion 40 of stanchion base plate 42 of the adjacent pedestal 12.
As shown in FIG. 12, the second end of support bracket 220 is
elevated until the transversely extended portion is clear of the
top of bracket portion 40. Finally, as shown in FIG. 13, support
bracket 220 is moved so that notches 220c align with the respective
bracket portions 40 of stanchion base plates 42 and support bracket
is lowered so that notches 220c rest on the respective bracket
portions 40.
[0072] In this manner, mounting holes which are formed in the lower
portion 220b are situated below the bottom of stringer elements 16.
Thus, as shown in FIG. 14, basket 14 may then be inserted in a
similar fashion as shown and described with respect to the
embodiment of FIG. 6. Once installed, basket 14 is locked in
place.
[0073] A further embodiment of a support apparatus for use in
conjunction with a raised floor assembly is illustrated in FIG. 15
as support bracket 320. Support bracket 320 includes similar
mounting structure to support bracket 220. Support bracket 320
includes lower portion 320 which extends downwardly a predetermined
distance from upper portion 320a. Lower portion 320b may be any
desired length up to the limit imposed by whatever surface, be it
planar or irregular, is between adjacent pedestals 12. Thus, lower
portion 320b provides a mounting surface which is suspended above
the surface which the raised floor assembly is positioned over. In
this manner, a variety of articles may be supported below the floor
panels of the raised floor assembly but above the surface upon
which the raised floor assembly rests. For example, a power strip
330 may be mounted to support bracket 320.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 16, an alternative embodiment of a cable
support assembly as incorporated in the structural support system
of a raised floor system is shown disposed along a single linear
array of stanchions 12 of a raised floor system. As shown in FIG.
17, a cable support assembly section 414 defines two separate cable
support pathways which are defined by a series of spaced apart
cable support bracket members each having a pair of partially
enclosed areas 415 and 417 defined by segments 415a, 415b, 415c ;
and 417a, 417b, 417c, respectively. The cable support brackets are
preferably formed of stock which is readily formed into the desired
shape such as illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, wire stock. Each
of the cable support brackets are provided with a loop section 419
at the outboard ends of the partially enclosed areas 415 and 417.
Loop sections 419 may be formed such that the loop is oriented
outwardly from the partially enclosed areas 415 and 417, as
illustrated in FIG. 17, or loops 419 may be formed to be oriented
facing inwardly in the partially enclosed areas.
[0075] FIG. 18 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a
cable support assembly section 514 which is similar to cable
support assembly section 414 of FIG. 17 except that a single cable
pathway is defined by a series of cable bracket members secured to
a stinger element 16. Each of the cable support bracket members
include a partially enclosed area 515 defined by segments 515a,
515b, and 515c. A loop portion 519 is also formed at the outboard
end of the partially enclosed area 515 and may be formed as noted
above with respect to FIG. 17.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 19-20C, a further alternative support
apparatus embodiment for use in conjunction with a raised floor
system will now be described in detail. A support bracket 620 is
provided which is configured and dimensioned to support an article
support member such as those featured in the previously described
embodiments.
[0077] In FIGS. 19-20C, only one support bracket 620, and the top
plate portion of one pair of pedestals 112, and a portion of a
cable support basket 614 are shown. In one particularly useful
application, a single support bracket 620 may be utilized to mount
an article support member such as cable support assembly section
414 (FIGS. 16 and 17) or cable support section 514 (FIG. 18). The
article support member may be either a single section like that
shown in FIG. 15 or it may form a single section in a series of
sections arranged to form one or more pathways for cables, as shown
in FIG. 16.
[0078] Alternatively, a pair of support brackets may be utilized to
support the two sides of broader article support member, such as
cable support basket 614 (shown in partial view in FIG. 19). Cable
support basket 614 is similar to basket 14 except that stringer
element 16 is not utilized. Rather, support bracket 620 takes its
place. In such an application, a second pair of pedestals 112, and
support bracket 620 which are identical to the illustrated
structure form the other half of the presently disclosed
embodiment, but are not shown for sake of clarity.
[0079] In applications such as those exemplary illustrations
described above as well as others envisioned within the scope of
the present disclosure, instead of being attached to stringers 16,
a series of article support members are attached to a series of
support brackets 620, respectively. Such a configuration is
particularly useful in raised floor systems wherein it is either
not desired or not necessary to replace the stringers of a raised
floor system or no separate stringer elements are present.
[0080] In a raised floor system which does not have separate
stringer elements, the floor tiles themselves are configured and
dimensioned to provide the necessary support to meet the load
requirements for the floor system.
[0081] Installation of an assembled support structure which
includes support bracket 620 is shown schematically in FIGS. 20A,
20B, and 20C. Such installation is similar to that of bracket 220
as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 11, 12, and 13. The
principal difference being that bracket 620 includes neck portions
620a and 620b formed at either end. In this manner, bracket 620
facilitates the positioning of an attached article support member
at a vertical level spaced a predetermined distance below the plane
of the pedestal top portions 612. Brackets 620 thus provide greater
versatility in that article support members attached thereto may be
installed in raised floor systems which have stringers, as shown in
FIGS. 9-13, or in raised floor systems which do not include
stringers, as shown in FIGS. 19-20C.
[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C support bracket
620 is configured and dimensioned to fit in an opening 612a formed
in the pedestal top portion 612, such that upper horizontal
extensions 620c and 620d are alternately inserted into openings
612a of adjacent pedestals as illustrated by arrows "A", "B", and
"C" in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C.
[0083] Support brackets 620 are shown formed of rectangular
cross-section bar stock. However, it is envisioned that for
different applications, support brackets 620 may be formed of
materials having other cross-sectional geometries.
[0084] Support brackets 620 are particularly adapted to be
installed in an existing raised floor assembly which may or may not
include separate stringer elements. This versatile feature is
possible because, support brackets 620 advantageously do not
require the removal or substitution of existing stringer elements
16 of raised floor assembly. Installation of support brackets 620
does not alter the configuration or compromise the existing raised
floor assembly. Upon installation, support brackets 620 may be
secured in place by suitable fasteners, such as, for example, set
screw 613 shown in FIG. 19.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a further alternative support
apparatus for use in association with a raised floor system is
described in detail hereinafter. An article support apparatus 720
is provided which is configured and dimensioned to mount to a
stringer element 710 which is in turn configured to mount on the
support pedestals 12 of raised floor system 10.
[0086] As in FIG. 22 where only a portion of article support
apparatus 720 is shown, article support apparatus 720 includes
article support member 722 and mounting mechanism such as
suspension assembly 730. Article support member 722 is configured
to support articles, such as cables, thereon. Suspension assembly
730 includes a connection bar member such as bracket 732 connected
to the support member 722, and an adjustable fastener 734.
Adjustable fastener 734 and bracket 732 may be in various
configurations to provide adequate mounting of the support member
722 to the stringer element of the raised floor system. For
example, see the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 as described
hereinabove. In the present embodiment of FIGS. 21-23, adjustable
fastener 734 includes a base or head portion 736 (shown in phantom
lines under bracket 732) an elongated shank portion 738 extending
from head portion 736 and a latch member 740. The fastener 734 may
further include a spring 742 disposed between the latch member 740
and the head portion 736 or the bar 732.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 21, for the mounting of the support
apparatus 720 to the stringer 710, latch members 740 of the
adjustable fasteners 734 are initially aligned with the lateral
opening of channel portions 712 (best shown at the left side of
article support member 722 in FIG. 21) defined along the bottom of
stringer element 710.
[0088] The mounting operation of article support apparatus 720 is
best shown in FIG. 23. Article support member is urged upwardly
such that latch members 740 enter into channel 712 and are clear of
end surfaces 714 as shown in FIG. 23. The disposition of spring 742
between bracket 732 and latch member 740 coaxially about elongated
shank portion 738 facilitates latch member 740 remaining vertically
clear above end surfaces 714. After inserting the latch members 740
to the channels 712, each head portion 736 of the adjustable
fasteners 734 is rotated causing the respective latch member 740 to
rotate out of alignment with channel 712 and be drawn tightly
against end surfaces 714 of the stringer 710. Latch member 740 may
be elongated sufficiently such that upon rotation, the ends thereof
abut the inner wall of channel 712 to prevent further rotation of
the latch member 740 as head portion 736 is further rotated.
[0089] 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 precise embodiments, and that various other
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 appended claims.
* * * * *