U.S. patent application number 11/110321 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for angled patch panel assembly.
Invention is credited to Larsen, Lars R., Levesque, Stewart A..
Application Number | 20050185912 11/110321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34700926 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050185912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levesque, Stewart A. ; et
al. |
August 25, 2005 |
Angled patch panel assembly
Abstract
An angled patch panel is provided that is configured to be
mounted to a rack or console. The angled patch panel facilitates
cable management functions and enhances space utilization at and
around the rack/patch panel assembly. The angled patch panel
includes first and second patch panel elements that are angularly
oriented with respect to each other. The transition from the first
patch panel element to the second patch panel element is generally
achieved in an apex region. The angled patch panel also includes
flange members that extend from the first and second patch panel
elements. Each of the flange members define a mounting face and an
extension arm that is intermediate the mounting face and the patch
panel element. The extension arm is dimensioned to facilitate at
least partial recessing of the angled patch panel relative to the
rack/console when the angled patch panel is mounted thereto.
Inventors: |
Levesque, Stewart A.;
(Scotland, CT) ; Larsen, Lars R.; (Old Lyme,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Basam E. Nebulsi
McCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP
Four Stamford Plaza
107 Elm Street
Stamford
CT
06902
US
|
Family ID: |
34700926 |
Appl. No.: |
11/110321 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11110321 |
Apr 20, 2005 |
|
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|
10748604 |
Dec 30, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
385/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04Q 1/068 20130101;
H01R 2201/04 20130101; H01R 13/518 20130101; H04Q 1/066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
385/135 |
International
Class: |
G02B 006/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An angled patch panel comprising: first and second patch panel
elements that are joined in an apex region and are angularly
oriented relative to each other, the first and second patch panel
elements including a plurality of modules that are sized to support
a plurality of communication ports, and the apex region defining a
peak and providing for a continuous link between the first and
second patch panel elements.
22. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, wherein the apex
region is formed by joining the first and the second patch panel
elements.
23. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, wherein the first
and second patch panel elements are defined by distinct structural
members that are angularly joined in the apex region.
24. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, wherein the first
and second patch panel elements are formed from a single elongated
member and the apex region is defined by a bend that differentiates
the first patch panel element from the second patch panel
element.
25. An angled patch panel according to claim 24, wherein said
single elongated member is an elongated steel member.
26. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, further
comprising: first and second flange members extending from said
first and second patch panel elements, respectively; wherein each
of said flange members includes a mounting face and an extension
arm, and wherein said extension arm facilitates said first and
second patch panel elements to be substantially recessed relative
to a rack.
27. An angled patch panel according to claim 26, wherein said first
and second flange members are integrally formed with respect to
said first and second patch panel elements.
28. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, wherein each of
said first and second patch panel elements includes at least one
opening that is configured and dimensioned to receive a jack
module, and wherein said angled patch panel further comprises a
jack module positioned in each of said at least one opening.
29. An angled patch panel according to claim 27, wherein each of
said jack modules includes six linearly aligned ports.
30. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, further comprising
at least one wire management bracket mounted with respect to said
first and second patch panel elements.
31. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, wherein said first
and second patch panel elements are angularly oriented at an angle
of between about 10.degree. and 20.degree..
32. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, further comprising
an appliqu adhered to said first and second patch panels, said
appliqu including indicia printed thereon.
33. An angled patch panel according to claim 21, further comprising
at least one cable manager mounted with respect to a front face of
said first patch panel element.
34. An angled patch panel assembly, comprising: a rack that
includes first and second spaced rack support elements; an angled
patch panel mounted to said first and second spaced rack support
elements, said angled patch panel including: first and second patch
panel elements that are joined in an apex region and are angularly
oriented relative to each other, the first and second patch panel
elements including a plurality of modules that are sized to support
a plurality of communication ports, and the apex region defining a
peak and providing for a continuous link between the first and
second patch panel elements.
35. An angled patch panel assembly according to claim 34, wherein
the apex region is formed by joining the first and the second patch
panel elements.
36. An angled patch panel assembly according to claim 34, wherein
the first and second patch panel elements are defined by distinct
structural members that are angularly joined in the apex
region.
37. An angled patch panel assembly according to claim 34, wherein
the first and second patch panel elements are formed from a single
elongated member and the apex region is defined by a bend that
differentiates the first patch panel element from the second patch
panel element.
38. An angled patch panel assembly according to claim 37, wherein
said single elongated member is an elongated steel member.
39. An angled patch panel mountable to a rack, comprising: first
and second patch panel elements that are joined in an apex region
and are angularly oriented relative to each other, the first and
second patch panel elements including a plurality of modules that
are sized to support a plurality of communication ports, and first
and second flange members extending from said first and second
patch panel elements, respectively, the first and second flange
members including first and second mounting faces, respectively,
that are adapted to mount with respect to a face of the rack;
wherein the plurality of modules includes a first module adjacent
the apex region and a second module that is adjacent the first
mounting flange, and wherein the first module is closer than the
second module to a horizontal axis extending between the first and
second mounting faces.
40. A patch panel assembly according to claim 39, wherein the first
flange member further includes a first extension arm intermediate
the first patch panel element and the first mounting face, and
wherein the second flange member further includes a second
extension arm intermediate the second panel element and the second
mounting face.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an advantageous patch
panel assembly and, more particularly, to an angled patch panel
assembly that is configured to be mounted to a rack or console,
facilitates cable management functions, and enhances space
utilization.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Background Art
[0004] Patch panels are well known in the field of data
communication systems. A patch panel generally provides a plurality
of network ports incorporated into a single structural element that
connect incoming and outgoing lines of a local area network (LAN)
or other communication, electronic or electrical system. Patch
panels are usually housed within a telecommunications closet or in
an alternative location appropriate for patching cables. Typical
patch panels are mounted hardware units that include a plurality of
port locations (e.g., twenty four or forty eight) that function as
a sort of static switchboard, using cables to interconnect
computers associated with a LAN and/or to connect computers to an
outside network, e.g., for connection to the Internet or other wide
area network (WAN). A patch panel generally uses a sort of jumper
cable, called a patch cord, to create each interconnection.
[0005] In a typical installation, the patch panel connects a
network's computers to each other and to the outside lines that
enable the LAN to connect to the Internet or another WAN.
Connections are generally made with patch cords and the patch panel
allows circuits to be easily and efficiently arranged and
rearranged by plugging and unplugging the patch cords. Patch panel
systems are generally intended to facilitate organization and
management in implementing telecommunications wiring systems, e.g.,
for high speed data networks.
[0006] Patch panels are routinely mounted between rack elements so
as to permit wires or cables, e.g., unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
cables, to be wired to IDCs positioned at the rear face of the
patch panel, and to further permit patch plugs to be plugged into
jacks or ports positioned in the front face of the patch panel.
Typical patch panels are substantially planar, extending
horizontally from rack element to rack element. Wires/cables are
routed to the desired location at the rear of the patch panel,
i.e., in the bounded region defined by spaced rack elements. Patch
cords are routed to the desired jack/port on the front face of the
patch panel, e.g., from a raceway or the like. Thus, for cable
management purposes, the patch cords are generally drawn toward one
or the other side of the patch panel at the front of the rack
system and, from there, routed to the desired component and/or
network communication location.
[0007] More recently, manufacturers have introduced patch panels
that include a pair of planar front faces that are joined to each
other at an angle, e.g., at a center-point thereof. For example,
Panduit Corporation (Tinley Park, Ill.) offers a line of angled
patch panels under the tradename "DP6 Plus" that includes a pair of
angled panels that support a plurality of ports. With reference to
FIG. 1, a top view of a commercial angled patch panel product 10
(Panduit Corporation) is provided that depicts angled panels 20, 22
joined at apex 24. Of note, flanges 26, 28 are joined to angled
panels 20, 22, respectively. Flanges 26, 28 are substantially
aligned with the front faces of angled panels 20, 22 and are
angularly mounted with respect thereto. Flanges 26, 28 permit patch
panel product 10 to be mounted with respect to a universal rack
(not pictured), e.g., a conventional 19" rack.
[0008] Despite efforts to date, a need remains for improved angular
patch panel designs that are configured to be mounted to a rack or
console, facilitate cable management functions, and enhance space
utilization at and around the rack/patch panel assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] The present disclosure is directed to an angled patch panel
that is configured to be mounted to a rack or console, facilitates
cable management functions, and enhances space utilization at and
around the rack/patch panel assembly. The angled patch panel of the
present disclosure is configured for mounting to a rack or console
and includes first and second patch panel elements that are
angularly oriented with respect to each other. The transition from
the first patch panel element to the second patch panel element is
generally achieved in an apex region. The first and second patch
panel elements generally include a front face that is integrally
formed, although it is contemplated that distinct patch panel
elements may be used in fabricating the front face of the angled
patch panel of the present disclosure, such distinct patch panel
elements being joined in the apex region through an appropriate
structural connection.
[0010] According to the present disclosure, flange members are
formed and/or positioned at each end thereof. Each of the flange
members define a mounting face that includes mounting features for
facilitating mounting of the angled patch panel relative to a rack
or console. Such mounting features typically take the form of slots
and/or apertures, although alternative mounting features may be
employed. Each flange element also advantageously includes or
defines an extension arm that is intermediate the mounting face and
the patch panel element to which the flange element is mounted or
from which the flange element extends. The extension arm is
dimensioned to facilitate at least partial recessing of the angled
patch panel relative to the rack/console when the angled patch
panel is mounted thereto.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the
flange elements are integrally formed with respect to the front
faces of the patch panel elements. Thus, the front face of the
first and second patch elements may be defined, at least in part,
by a single structural element, e.g., an elongated steel plate. The
apex region of the angled patch panel may be defined by forming an
appropriate bend (or combination of bends) so as to define the
desired angular relationship between the first and second patch
panel elements, e.g., 10.degree. to 20.degree.. Moreover, the
flange members may be defined by forming appropriate bends in the
elongated structural element. Thus, with respect to each flange
member, a first bend may be formed to define the extension arm, and
a second bend may be formed to define the mounting face. In
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the extension arm
is substantially perpendicular relative to the mounting face,
whereas the extension arm and the associated front face of the
patch panel element typically define an acute angle.
[0012] The disclosed angled patch panel typically includes a
plurality of modular jacks or ports in the front face that are
adapted to receive plugs, and associated punch down blocks at the
rear of the angled patch panel. The number of ports associated with
the disclosed angled patch panel may vary. Exemplary designs of the
disclosed patch panel include twenty four and forty eight ports,
respectively. In such embodiments, the ports are typically arranged
in groups of six, with two (or four) sets of six ports mounted with
respect to each angled patch panel element.
[0013] Accessory elements may be advantageously provided according
to exemplary implementations of the disclosed angled patch panel.
Thus, for example, a wire management bracket may be mounted with
respect to rearwardly directed threaded studs associated with the
respective patch panel elements. The wire management bracket may
facilitate cable routing at the rear of the angled patch panel,
i.e., within the rack or console. Cable ties may be employed to
enhance cable management performance. In addition, mounting screws
and lockwashers may be provided to facilitate mounting of the
angled patch panel with respect to a rack/console. In circumstances
where grounding is desired, an appropriate lockwasher may be
selected, e.g., a lockwasher fabricated from phosphorous bronze.
Distinct regions for labeling of the ports that are accessible at
the front face of the angled patch panel may also be provided, as
will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Cable manager(s)
may be mounted to the front face of one or both patch panel
elements to further facilitate cable management functions
associated with the disclosed angled patch panel assembly.
[0014] In use, the angled patch panel of the present disclosure
facilitates cable management functions, while enhancing space
utilization at and around the rack/patch panel assembly. Angling of
the patch panel elements facilitates cable routing to the sides of
the rack/console. The advantageous design of the disclosed flange
members and the enhanced functionalities that result from the
design of such flange members permit the patch panel elements to be
substantially recessed relative to a rack/console. By recessing the
patch panel elements relative to a rack/console, several advantages
are realized: (i) reduced likelihood that debris or other
undesirable elements will enter the region behind the patch, (ii)
enhanced cable management functionality within the rack/console by
positioning such activities more effectively within the interior of
the rack/console, (iii) reduced region in front of the rack that is
effected by cable management functionalities, and (iv) a cleaner,
more uniform appearance is provided for patch panel/rack
assemblies.
[0015] Additional advantageous features and functions associated
with the disclosed angled patch panel and patch panel assembly will
be readily apparent from the detailed description which follows,
particularly when reviewed together with the drawings appended
hereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] So that those having skill in the art to which the subject
matter of the present disclosure appertains will have a better
understanding of uses and implementations of the disclosed angled
patch panel and angled patch panel assemblies, reference is made to
the accompanying figures wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art angled patch panel;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away,
showing an exemplary patch panel assembly with accessory elements
according to the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top schematic view of the exemplary patch panel
assembly with wires/cables mounted to the rear thereof;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of a further exemplary patch
panel and wire management bracket according to the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away,
showing an exemplary patch panel being mounted with respect to a
rack assembly, according to the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a multi-wire cable being
mounted with respect to IDCs that extend from the rear of a patch
panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front view of a twenty four (24) port patch
panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a front view of a forty eight (48) port patch
panel according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
[0025] The present disclosure provides advantageous angled patch
panels that are configured to be mounted to a rack or console, to
facilitate cable management functions, and to enhance space
utilization at and around the rack/patch panel assembly. The angled
patch panels of the present disclosure may be dimensioned to
function in cooperation with conventional rack/console structures,
e.g., 19" and 23" racks. A plurality of the disclosed angled patch
panels may be mounted with respect to a single rack/console, as
will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an exemplary angled patch
panel 100 according to the present disclosure is schematically
depicted. Angled patch panel 100 is configured for mounting to a
rack supports 50a, 50b, such that angled patch panel 100 is
horizontally positioned between rack support 50a and rack support
50b. Angled patch panel 100 includes first patch panel element 102
and second patch panel element 104 that are angularly oriented with
respect to each other. The transition from the first patch panel
element 102 to the second patch panel element 104 occurs in apex
region 106. Apex region 106 is generally defined at or near the
midpoint of angled patch panel 100.
[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, first and second patch panel elements 102, 104 are
formed, at least in part, by a single structural element, e.g., an
elongated member that is fabricated from a sufficiently rigid
material, e.g., steel. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2-3,
patch panel elements 102, 104 are defined by an elongated steel
member that includes a plurality of cut-outs to facilitate
receipt/mounting of six port modules. Thus, with reference to FIG.
2, first patch panel element 102 includes four (4) modules 108a,
108b, 108c, 108d, each of which includes six (6) linearly aligned
ports accessible from the front of angled patch panel 100.
Similarly, second patch panel element 104 includes four (4)
modules, each of which includes six (6) linearly aligned ports. In
total, exemplary patch panel 100 includes forty eight (48)
ports/jacks. The jacks associated with the jack modules of the
present disclosure may be of conventional design with appropriate
levels of performance, e.g., CAT 5E and/or CAT 6 performance
levels.
[0028] Jack modules (e.g., jack modules 108a-108d) typically
include a substantially rectangular projection face that defines,
at least in part, the six linearly aligned jack openings associated
with the module. The elongated member typically includes a
plurality of substantially rectangular cut-outs that are
dimensioned and configured to receive the projection faces
associated with the jack modules. The jack modules also typically
include a housing portion that is of larger dimension than the
rectangular projection face, thereby allowing the module to be
securely positioned relative to first/second patch panel elements,
e.g., when introduced from the rear thereof. Mounting elements are
typically provided at the rear of angled patch panel 100 to secure
the jack modules relative to the elongated steel member.
[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
threaded studs are perpendicularly mounted with respect to patch
panel elements 102, 104, e.g., on either side of each rectangular
cut-out, and are adapted to cooperate with one or more apertures
formed at the edges of the jack modules. The threaded studs may be
advantageously secured to the rear of the elongated member, e.g.,
by counter-sinking the screw head into an appropriately sized
recess, welding, adhering or the like. Mounting brackets are
typically fabricated from an appropriate plastic material and may
be positioned in an interference position with respect to the jack
modules in the assembly process. The mounting brackets are
generally secured in place by threading nuts onto the upstanding
studs that project from the rear of the patch panel elements,
although alternative securement methods may be employed, as will be
apparent to persons skilled in the art. Exemplary mounting brackets
220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230 are depicted in the alternative twenty
four (24) port embodiment of FIG. 4. Of note, the centrally
positioned mounting brackets (e.g., brackets 222, 228 in FIG. 4)
may include downwardly extending walls and/or block structure(s)
(not pictured) that are configured and dimensioned to space and
align adjacent jack modules.
[0030] Thus, exemplary jack modules according to the present
disclosure include projection faces that extend through
substantially rectangular openings formed in first and second patch
panel elements, and such jack modules are secured in place by
mounting brackets positioned at the rear of the angled patch panel.
Of note, the rectangular opening(s) closest to apex region 106 are
advantageously spaced away from the center point of the disclosed
angled patch panel by a sufficient distance to ensure that
inner-most wires secured to the rearwardly directed IDCs have an
appropriate/acceptable bend radius.
[0031] The elongated member that defines (at least in part) first
and second patch panel elements 102, 104 generally forms a bend in
the apex region 106 that differentiates the first patch panel
element 102 from the second patch panel element 104. The bend angle
is selected based on the desired geometry of the angled patch
panel, but typically ranges between about 10.degree. and
20.degree.. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, the elongated member includes a further "rearward" bend
at the base thereof, such rearward bend defining an elongated shelf
that extends substantially from side-to-side relative to first and
second patch panel elements 102, 104. To accommodate the bend(s) of
the apex region, a cut is generally made in the shelf at or near
the center-point thereof and an appropriate amount of material
removed from the elongated element. Thereafter, a weld may be made
to connect the shelf in the apex region. In those embodiments of
the disclosed angled patch panel that include a shelf, the shelf
generally enhances the stability/structural integrity of the
disclosed angled patch panels and supplies a base to the angled
patch panel, e.g., prior to mounting angled the patch panel
relative to a rack/console.
[0032] As noted above, the apex region 106 of angled patch panel
100 may be defined by forming one or more bends in the elongated
members, e.g., an elongated steel member, so as to define the
desired angular relationship between the first and second patch
panel elements, e.g., 10.degree. to 20.degree.. Of note, the angle
and overall structural relationship of the first and second patch
panel elements is generally selected so as to facilitate access to
the center-most connector locations at the rear of the angled patch
panel, e.g., using a conventional punch-down tool. The bend(s) are
generally radiused to facilitate manufacture and to provide a
smooth transition to angled patch panel 100. Rather than bend(s),
however, the apex region may be established through a joining of
first and second patch panel elements in an angled manner, e.g., by
incorporating an appropriate joining structure. Thus, the present
disclosure is not limited to implementations wherein the first and
second patch panel elements are formed from a single elongated
member, but also extends to implementations wherein the first and
second patch panel elements are defined by distinct structural
members that are angularly joined in the apex region.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include an
appliqu that is adhered to the front face of first and second patch
panel elements. The appliqu generally includes pre-printed indicia,
e.g., port designations (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). The use of
appliqu(s) on the front face of first and second patch panel
elements facilitates manufacture and use of the disclosed angled
patch panels. Inclusion of appropriate indicia on such appliqu(s)
facilitates the interconnections that users desire to effect, while
avoiding the potentially expensive and difficult process of
printing or otherwise defining appropriate indicia directly on the
patch panel elements. The appliqu(s) are typically fabricated with
appropriate rectangular openings (to match up with the openings
formed in the patch panel elements) and advantageously extend
substantially from side-to-side. Regions for mounting/adhering
additional label-like information may also be provided according to
the present disclosure, e.g., below the linearly aligned ports
(see, e.g., label blocks 420 in FIGS. 7 and 8).
[0034] With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, angled patch panel
100 includes flange members 110, 112 that extend from first patch
panel element 102 and second patch panel element 104, respectively.
According to the present disclosure, flange members 110, 112 are
formed and/or positioned at each end of angled patch panel 100.
Each of the flange members 110, 112 define a mounting face that
includes mounting features for facilitating mounting of the angled
patch panel relative to a rack or console. Such mounting features
typically take the form of slots and/or apertures, although
alternative mounting features may be employed. Each flange element
also advantageously includes or defines an extension arm that is
intermediate the mounting face and the patch panel element to which
the flange element is mounted or from which the flange element
extends. The extension arm is dimensioned to facilitate at least
partial recessing of the angled patch panel relative to the
rack/console when the angled patch panel is mounted thereto.
[0035] Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, flange members 110, 112 are
advantageously defined by forming appropriate bends in the
elongated member that defines (at least in part) first and second
patch panel elements 102, 104). With particular reference to flange
member 110, a first bend 114 may be formed to define the extension
arm 115, and a second bend 116 may be formed to define the mounting
face 118. As shown in FIG. 3, the extension arm 115 is
substantially perpendicular to the mounting face 118, whereas the
extension arm 115 and the associated front face of the first patch
panel 102 typically define an acute angle, e.g., about 70.degree.
to 80.degree..
[0036] The extension arms defined as part of flange members 110,
112 (e.g., extension arm 115) is particularly significant for
purposes of the present disclosure. The presence of extension arms
as part of flange members 110, 112 permits the first and second
patch panels 102, 104 to be substantially recessed relative to rack
elements 50a, 50b. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, the first and second patch panels 102, 104 are about
nine inches (9") in length, while the extension arms are
approximately one inch (1") in length. In such embodiment, the apex
region 106 of the angled patch panel 100 extends approximately
{fraction (5/8)} inches beyond the plane defined by mounting faces
118 of flange members 110, 112. Thus, the first and second patch
panels 102, 104 are substantially recessed within the rack/console
to which they are mounted. Refinements and/or adjustments in the
degree to which the patch panels are recessed relative to the
rack/console may be effected by adjusting the angular relationship
of the first and second patch panels in the apex region and/or by
adjusting the lengths of the extension arms of flange members 110,
112. For example, the extension arms associated with flange members
may advantageously range in dimension from about 0.5 to about 1.5
inches, and more advantageously from about 0.75 inches to about
1.25 inches. Regardless of the precise geometric arrangement,
however, the extension arms that are formed in the disclosed flange
members advantageously facilitate recessing of the patch panel
members to a desired degree relative to a rack/console.
[0037] Accessory elements may be advantageously mounted with
respect to angled patch panel 100, e.g., to facilitate cable
management functions associated therewith. Thus, for example, one
or more wire management brackets 130 may be mounted to the rear of
first and second patch panels 102, 104. Two wire management
brackets are depicted in the forty eight (48) port angled patch
panel embodiment of FIG. 2. An exemplary wire management bracket
130 includes a pair of L-shaped arms 132 and an elongated bar 134.
The L-shaped arms 132 include a slot (see FIG. 4) to facilitate
mounting of wire management bracket 130 relative to angled patch
panel 100. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, the centrally positioned studs that are used, at least
in part, to position mounting brackets (e.g., brackets 222, 228 in
FIG. 4) relative to jack modules, may also be employed to secure
cable management bracket 130 relative to angled patch panel 100. In
such embodiment, wing nuts may be provided to secure the cable
management bracket relative to the threaded studs, although
alternative mounting mechanisms may be employed without departing
from the present disclosure.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, wires/cables 138 are mounted to the rear
of jack modules associated with the patch panel elements 102, 104
and are routed rearwardly toward elongated bar 134 of wire
management bracket 130. The wires/cables 138 are bent outwardly
along elongated bar 134 and are secured relative to elongated bar
134 by wire ties 140. Once routed to the side (left or right), the
wires/cables may be advantageously routed to a desired location, as
is well known in the art. Generally, it is desired to maintain the
minimum cable bend radius to four times the outside cable
diameter.
[0039] With further reference to FIG. 2, one or more cable
manager(s) 150 may be advantageously mounted to the front face of
patch panel elements 102, 104, e.g., between aligned jack modules.
Cable manager(s) 150 are substantially rectangular in configuration
and include a mounting feature, e.g., an aperture, slot or threaded
screw, that facilitates mounting relative to the front face of
patch panel elements 102, 104. A gap 152 is defined in the region
opposite the mounting feature to facilitate introduction/withdrawal
of wires/cables therefrom.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 4, an alternative angled patch panel 200
according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. The
structure of angled patch panel 200 is substantially identical to
the structure of angled patch panel 100, except that patch panel
200 includes twenty four (24) ports rather than forty eight (48)
ports. Thus, the overall height of angled patch panel 200 is less
than that of patch panel 100. In exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure, patch panel 100 (which includes 48 ports) is
typically about 3.5 inches in height, i.e., about two rack mounting
units (RMUs), whereas patch panel 200 (which includes 24 ports) is
typically about 1.75 inches in height, i.e., about one RMU.
[0041] As clearly shown in FIG. 4, L-shaped arms 132 include slots
135 that receive threaded studs 145. According to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure, slots 135 permit the wire
management to be undertaken with the stud positioned in the slot at
the furthest distance from the extended arm portion of the L-shaped
arm, and then slid to the opposite end of the slot once wire
management is complete. This repositioning permits efficient wire
management activities. Once the wire management bracket 130 is in
the desired location relative to angled patch panel 200, wing nuts
148 are tightened onto studs 145, thereby securing wire management
bracket 130 relative to angled patch panel 200. The L-shaped arms
132 are angularly oriented relative to elongated bar 134, thereby
accommodating the angular orientation of first patch panel element
202 relative to second patch panel element 204 and contributing
greater stability to wire management bracket 130. As noted, wing
nuts 148 may be used to secure the cable management bracket
relative to the threaded studs, although alternative mounting
mechanisms may be employed without departing from the present
disclosure.
[0042] As also shown in FIG. 4, the mounting face 218 of flange
member 210 includes three (3) apertures to facilitate mounting of
angled patch panel 200 (24 port) relative to a rack/console. As
shown in FIG. 2, however, angled patch panel 100 (48 port) includes
four (4) apertures to facilitate mounting relative to a
rack/console. The number of apertures and arrangement thereof of
the mounting face of the flange members is not critical to the
present disclosure, although it is generally desirable that the
mounting feature cooperate with the features generally found on
conventional racks, consoles and the like. Thus, the spacing of the
mounting features, e.g., apertures, is generally selected to
correspond to applicable industry standards, if any.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 5, a schematic view of the mounting of an
exemplary angled patch panel to a rack/console is provided. Angled
patch panel 300 includes a flange member that defines a mounting
face 318 having a plurality of apertures 350. As shown in FIG. 5,
the flange member is being mounted with respect to a rack 50 by
passing a screw 370 through aperture 350, lockwasher 360 and into
engagement with a mounting aperture 56 formed in rack 50. In
circumstances where grounding is desired, an appropriate lockwasher
360 may be selected, e.g., a lockwasher fabricated from phosphorous
bronze. Multiple screws 370 and lockwashers 360 may be employed, as
will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Once
mounted to a rack/console, the angled patch panel and the
rack/console together define an angled patch panel assembly.
[0044] With reference to FIG. 6, a schematic depiction of the
interaction between individual wires 138' from wire/cable 138 and
jack module 108a is provided. As is well known in the art, IDCs are
positioned within a housing associated with the jack module, and
separated wires 138' are inserted into an appropriate junction
according to applicable wiring standards. Pair twists are generally
maintained to within {fraction (1/2)} inch of the point of
termination for enhanced data performance. Typically, cables are
routed and terminated starting from the outside of the disclosed
angled patch panel and working toward the center. Cables are
typically routed from both sides of the rack, rather than from only
one, to achieve optimal cable management functionality.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, front views of angled patch
panels 200 and 100 are schematically depicted, respectively. In
both cases, the ports are advantageously numbered from 1-24 from
left-to-right. In the case of angled patch panel 100, the lower
ports are numbered from 25-48 from left-to-right. Such numbering is
typically accomplished with an appliqu, as described above. Label
blocks 420 are also provided for mounting/adhering additional
label-like information below the linearly aligned ports.
[0046] In use, the angled patch panels of the present disclosure
facilitate cable management functions, while enhancing space
utilization at and around the rack/patch panel assembly. Angling of
the patch panel elements facilitates cable routing to the sides of
the rack/console. The advantageous design of the disclosed flange
members and the enhanced functionalities that result from the
design of such flange members permit the patch panel elements to be
substantially recessed relative to a rack/console. By recessing the
patch panel elements relative to a rack/console, several advantages
are realized: (i) reduced likelihood that debris or other
undesirable elements will enter the region behind the patch, (ii)
enhanced cable management functionality within the rack/console by
positioning such activities more effectively within the interior of
the rack/console, (iii) reduced region in front of the rack that is
effected by cable management functionalities, and (iv) a cleaner,
more uniform appearance is provided for patch panel/rack
assemblies.
[0047] Although the angled patch panels and angled patch panel
assemblies of the present disclosure have been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure
is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. Rather, the present
disclosure extends to and encompasses such modifications and/or
enhancements that will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in
view of the detailed description provided herein.
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