U.S. patent application number 11/940587 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for cable management bracket.
This patent application is currently assigned to C.E. Communication Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Theodore Datri, Mark Weinegger.
Application Number | 20080116152 11/940587 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39415870 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Datri; Theodore ; et
al. |
May 22, 2008 |
CABLE MANAGEMENT BRACKET
Abstract
A device, method and system for supporting and managing cables
are disclosed herein. The exemplary device may have two or more
vertical support posts. The two or more support posts may support
one or more equipment shelves. The two or more support posts may
support one or more cable supports for supporting cables. The two
or more support posts may be partially or completely enclosed. The
enclosures may be solid, slotted or perforated on one or more sides
including the top as in a cabinet enclosure.
Inventors: |
Datri; Theodore; (Millis,
MA) ; Weinegger; Mark; (Franklin, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOURQUE & ASSOCIATES;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ATTORNEYS, P.A.
835 HANOVER STREET, SUITE 301
MANCHESTER
NH
03104
US
|
Assignee: |
C.E. Communication Services,
Inc.
Franklin
MA
|
Family ID: |
39415870 |
Appl. No.: |
11/940587 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60866307 |
Nov 17, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/13.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/0456
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/13.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00; A47B 55/00 20060101 A47B055/00 |
Claims
1. A cable rack device comprising: two or more vertical support
posts; one or more equipment shelves supported by the two or more
support posts; and one or more cable supports supported by the two
or more support posts above the one or more equipment shelves.
2. A cable rack device of claim 1, further comprising a base
coupled to a bottom end of each support post.
3. A cable rack device of claim 1, wherein the one or more cable
supports comprise one or more cable support bases extending between
and coupling one of the two or more support posts to another of the
two or more support posts.
4. A cable rack device of claim 1, wherein the one or more cable
supports comprise a cable support base extending between two of the
two or more support posts and a horizontal sections extending by
telescoping means from both lateral sides of the cable support
base.
5. A cable rack device of claim 1, wherein the one or more cable
supports comprise a cable support base extending between two of the
two or more support posts, a horizontal sections extending by
telescoping means from both lateral sides of the cable support base
and a vertical section extending by telescoping means vertically
from a distal end of each horizontal section.
6. A cable rack device of claim 1, wherein the one or more cable
supports comprise a cable support base extending between two of the
two or more support posts, a horizontal sections extending from
both lateral sides of the cable support base and a vertical section
extending vertically from a distal end of each horizontal section
and wherein the cable support base, the horizontal sections, and
the vertical section are constructed from bending a single sheet of
material.
7. A cable rack device of claim 1, wherein the one or more cable
supports is located six feet or higher on the support posts
8. A cable rack device of claim 1, wherein the components of the
cable rack device are bolted together to allow for multiple
configurations.
9. A cable rack device of claim 1, further comprising an additional
cable support base coupling one of the support posts to a support
post of another cable rack device.
10. A cable rack stand comprising: a rack base providing lateral
stability two vertical support posts extending from opposite sides
of the base; one or more equipment shelves coupled and supported by
the two or more support posts; and one or more cable supports
supported by the two or more support posts above the one or more
equipment shelves wherein the cable supports comprises: a support
base extending between the two support posts, horizontal sections
extending by telescoping means generally horizontally from both
lateral sides of the support base, and a vertical section extending
by telescoping means generally vertically from a distal end of each
horizontal section.
11. A cable rack stand of claim 10, wherein the one or more cable
supports are located six feet or higher on the vertical support
posts from the rack base.
12. A cable rack stand of claim 10, wherein the components of the
cable rack device are bolted together to allow for assembly of
multiple configurations.
13. A cable rack stand of claim 10, further comprising an
additional cable supports coupling one of the support posts to a
support post of another cable rack stand.
14. A cable rack stand of claim 10, wherein the one or more cable
supports are sized to receive a hundred or more communication
cables.
15. A cable rack stand of claim 10, wherein the one or more
equipment shelves extend laterally from one side of the support
posts.
16. A cable rack stand of claim 10, wherein the horizontal sections
extend generally horizontal from each side of the cable support
base in an alternating pattern.
17. A component cable rack system comprising: two or more cable
racks each comprising a base providing lateral stability, two
support posts extending from opposite sides of the base, one or
more equipment shelves coupled and supported by the two support
posts, and a cable support supported by the two support posts above
the one or more equipment shelves wherein the cable support
comprises a support base extending between the two support posts,
horizontal sections extending by telescoping means from both
lateral sides of the support base, vertical section extending by
telescoping means from a distal end of each horizontal section and;
a cable support couple one of the two support posts of one of the
two or more cable rack with one of the two support posts of another
of the two or more cable racks.
18. A component cable rack system of claim 17, wherein the one or
more equipment shelves extend laterally from a front side of the
support posts.
19. A component cable rack system of claim 17, wherein the
components of the cable racks are bolted together to allow for
multiple configurations.
20. A component cable rack system of claim 17, wherein the cable
rack is partially enclosed on one or more sides by one of: a solid,
slotted, and perforated panels.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/866,307 filed on Nov. 17, 2006
entitled Cable Management Bracket, which is incorporated fully
herein by reference
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to cable management and more
particularly, relates to managing cables routed above a rack.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] In many industries such as banking, telecommunications, and
Internet-based business there exists a need for high-speed
communications services. It is now common for companies to have
multiple racks 1, FIG. 1, arranged in rows containing dozens of
servers, switches, and other communication and computer equipment
within a single room. The communication and computer systems
typically involve hundreds to thousands of cables/wires providing
input and output for the various resources.
[0004] Traditionally, these cables have been routed using cable
ladders 2, FIG. 2. These cable ladders are typically supported by
rods 3 hung from the ceiling or are secured to independent,
stand-alone floor supports. While generally effective, the known
designs suffer from several limitation or disadvantages.
[0005] One such disadvantage of the known designs is that they are
often difficult to install, particularly in a retrofit situations.
In many applications, a drop ceiling is used in the room. However,
most drop ceilings cannot support the weight of a loaded cable
ladder 2. As a result, the rods 3 of the cable ladder 2 must be
secured directly to the structural ceiling rather than the drop
ceiling and require the drop ceiling to be removed. Unfortunately,
removing a drop ceiling can introduce a significant amount of
dust/debris into the air which can damage the communication and
computer equipment in the room.
[0006] Yet another disadvantage of the known designs is that they
take up a lot of valuable space. Because of the difficulty in
installing ceiling-hung cable ladders 2, independent, standalone
floor supports are used. However, the floor supports take up space
that could otherwise be used more productively. Additionally, floor
support cable ladder systems are expensive due to the amount of
material needed.
[0007] Accordingly, what is need is an improved cable management
system. The improved cable management system should preferably be
easily retrofitted to an existing facility. The improved cable
management system should preferably not require removal of a drop
ceiling and should preferably utilize wasted space in the facility.
Moreover, the improved cable management system should be a cost
effective solution for cable routing that can be easily
installed.
[0008] It is important to note that the present invention is not
intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one
or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is
also important to note that the present invention is not limited to
the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described
herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in
the art are considered to be within the scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be better understood by reading the following
detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
prior art rack;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
prior art cable ladder system;
[0012] FIG. 3 is top perspective view of one embodiment of the
bracket according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the bracket according
to the present invention shown in FIG. 3 secured to a prior art
rack; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is top perspective view of another embodiment of the
bracket according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] According to one embodiment, the present invention features
a bracket 10, as shown in FIG. 3, that is secured to the top 7, as
shown in FIG. 4, of a rack 1 for managing and routing cables,
wires, or the like. A typical rack 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4,
includes a base 2, two vertical side posts 3, 4 a spaced distance W
apart from each other and extending generally upwards from the base
2 (typically 19 or 23 inches apart from each other and 7 feet tall)
to which communication and computer equipment 9 is secured and
supported, and a top angle bar 5 secured to the top 7 of the side
posts 3, 4 with one or more bolts 6. The side posts 3, 4 may be
panels or other components used to support computer equipment. The
computer equipment 9 may be secured to the vertical side posts 3, 4
or may be positioned on shelves extending from the side posts 3, 4.
The rack 1 may have one or more equipment components. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that various other embodiments and
designs of racks 1 exist and the present invention is not limited
to any specific rack design unless specifically claimed as such.
The side posts 3, 4 may include sides for partially enclosing one
or more sides by solid, slotted or perforated panels.
[0016] The bracket 10, FIG. 3, according to the present invention
is secured to a rack 1 as shown in FIG. 4. The bracket 10 features
a base cable support 12 having a longitudinal length L that is
substantially the same as the width W (FIG. 1) of the rack 1 (for
example, preferably approximately 20 inches when used with a rack 1
having a width W of 23 inches) and a height H of approximately
1.5-2.0 inches. The base 12 features one or more apertures, slots,
or opening 18 (preferably two apertures 18 at opposite ends 15, 16
of the base 12), for securing the bracket 10 to the top 7 of the
rack 1. In practice, the user simply removes or loosens the bolts 6
that secure the top angle bar 5 to the side posts 3, 4 of the rack
1 (preferably just the top bolt 6'), places the bracket 10 between
the top angle bar 5 and the side posts 3, 4, and retightens the
bolts 6.
[0017] The bracket 10 also features a plurality of channel members
14, 16 disposed along the longitudinal length L of the base 12 a
spaced distance apart from each other. The channel members 14, 16
extend generally outwardly and upwardly from the base 12 to form a
channel or passageway for supporting the cables above the rack 1.
While the channel members 14, 16 may feature any shape that forms a
passageway for retaining the cables, the channel members 14, 16
preferably have a generally "L" shape and include substantially
horizontal sections 20, 21 and substantially vertical sections 22,
23.
[0018] The base cable support 12 and plurality of channel members
14, 16 may be constructed from a single sheet of material as shown
in FIG. 3, according to one exemplary embodiment. By staggering the
channel members 14, 16, the channel members 14, 16 may be
constructed by bending the channel members 14, 16 at angles from
the base cable support 12. The base cable support 12 and plurality
of channel members 14, 16 are not limited to the above described
method of construction and may use other methods for example molded
material or a combination of methods and parts.
[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, the channel members 14, 16
feature long and short horizontal sections 20, 21 that extend
generally perpendicularly horizontally from the base 12 on opposite
sides of the base 12 and vertical sections 22, 23 that preferably
extend generally perpendicularly upwardly from the long and short
horizontal sections 20, 21. For illustrative purposes only, the
long and short horizontal sections 20, 21 preferably have a length
of approximately 4.5 and approximately 1.5 inches, respectively,
and vertical sections 22, 23 preferably have a length of
approximately 2.5 inches.
[0020] Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the bracket 10 is
preferably secured to the rack 1 such that the long channel members
extend toward the back 11 of the rack 1 while the short channel
members 16 extend towards the front 13 of the rack 1. This
arrangement is desirable because the front of the equipment 9 is
generally secured to the rack 1 such that the equipment 9 extends
generally towards the rear 11 of the rack. As a result, the bracket
10 according to the present invention utilizes space above the rack
1 which is otherwise wasted. Additionally, the bracket 10 according
to the present invention can be easily secured to an existing rack
1 since installing the bracket 10 only requires loosening the bolt
6 of the rack, placing the bracket 10 in position, and retightening
the bolts 6.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the bracket 10, FIG. 5, may
feature channel members 14, 16 that are adjustable in length and
height. For example, the channel members 14, 16 may feature
horizontal 20, 21 and/or vertical sections 22, 23 that are
telescopic. According to this embodiment, the horizontal 20, 21 and
vertical sections 22, 23 feature a first and at least a second
sections that move relative to each such that the user can adjust
the lengths and height of the channel members 14, 16. A locking
device such as a setscrew or the like is preferably provided to
lock the channel members 14, 16 in the desired positions.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the bracket 10 may be used to
couple the rack 1 to other racks 1 to provide a cable runway
between racks 1. The brackets may be the same size or larger to
allow for passage of individuals between coupled racks 1. The
brackets may also be of different shapes, for example, the bracket
may be curved and connect racks at ninety degree angles from
another. In another example, the bracket may be "T" shaped and
provide a multiple path runway between separate rows of racks that
are perpendicular to each other.
[0023] While the channel members 14, 16 of the present invention
have been shown having a generally "L" shape, this is not a
limitation of the present invention. The channel members 14, 16 may
also have a curved or "V" shape. Additionally, the present
invention may also feature channel members 14, 16 that extend
outwardly from the base 12 substantially along the entire
longitudinal length L of the base 12.
[0024] As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to
be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of
any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should
not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary
embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a
preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for
purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the
above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide
the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its
practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as is suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention.
[0025] The invention claimed is:
* * * * *