U.S. patent application number 11/930376 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-08 for wire basket pathway system.
This patent application is currently assigned to PANDUIT CORP.. Invention is credited to Stanley A. Brzezniak, David R. Davis, Dennis J. Waszak.
Application Number | 20090008512 11/930376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40212769 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090008512 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; David R. ; et
al. |
January 8, 2009 |
WIRE BASKET PATHWAY SYSTEM
Abstract
A wire basket for supporting cables includes a plurality of wire
frames connected together in a side-by-side manner in forming a
generally flat bottom and first and second opposed upraised end
portions so as to form a generally U-shaped frame. Each wire frame
is formed of a single closed section of wire comprising at least
one radial bend positioned at opposite ends of the wire frame. The
wire frame may also include an extended mounting member attached to
the frame such that a distal end of the mounting member is
generally aligned with and extends beyond the bottom portion.
Inventors: |
Davis; David R.; (Richton
Park, IL) ; Waszak; Dennis J.; (Wheaton, IL) ;
Brzezniak; Stanley A.; (Lemont, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PANDUIT CORP.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT - TP12, 17301 SOUTH RIDGELAND AVENUE
TINLEY PARK
IL
60477
US
|
Assignee: |
PANDUIT CORP.
Tinley Park
IL
|
Family ID: |
40212769 |
Appl. No.: |
11/930376 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60948071 |
Jul 5, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/49 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G 3/0608 20130101;
Y10T 24/44026 20150115; H02G 3/385 20130101; H02G 3/0443 20130101;
Y10T 403/606 20150115; E04F 15/0247 20130101; Y10T 24/44
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/49 |
International
Class: |
H02G 3/04 20060101
H02G003/04 |
Claims
1. A wire basket for supporting cables, the wire basket comprising:
a plurality of wire frames connected together in a side-by-side
manner in forming a generally flat bottom and first and second
opposed upraised end portions so as to form a generally U-shaped
frame; wherein each wire frame is formed of a single closed section
of wire comprising at least one radial bend positioned at opposing
ends of the wire frame.
2. A wire basket for supporting cables, the wire basket comprising:
a generally flat bottom portion and first and second opposed
upraised end portions that form a generally U-shaped frame; and an
extended mounting member interconnected to the frame such that a
distal end of the mounting member is generally aligned with and
extends beyond the bottom portion.
3. The wire basket of claim 1, wherein adjacent wire frames are
connected to each other with at least one resistance weldment.
4. The wire basket of claim 1, further comprising first and second
closed wire frames wherein each wire frame is formed of a single
closed section of wire comprising at least one radial bend
positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame, the first closed
wire frame connected to the first upraised end portion with at
least one resistance weldment and the second closed wire frame is
connected to the second upraised end portion with at least one
resistance weldment.
5. The wire basket of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second
closed wire frames extend along a length of the respective frame,
which is generally transverse to a length of the plurality of wire
frames.
6. The wire basket of claim 1, further comprising a second
plurality of wire frames, wherein each wire frame is formed of a
single closed section of wire comprising at least one radial bend
positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame, wherein the second
plurality of wire frames are positioned in a side-by-side manner
and each of the wire frames extend along their respective length in
a direction generally transverse to a length of the plurality of
wire frames.
7. The wire basket of claim 6, wherein adjacent wire frames of the
second plurality of wire frames are connected to each other with at
least one resistance weldment.
8. The wire basket of claim 6, wherein at least one wire frame of
the plurality of wire frames is connected to at least one adjacent
wire frame of the second plurality of wire frames with a resistant
weldment.
9. The wire basket of claim 6, further comprising third and fourth
closed wire frames, wherein each wire frame is formed of a single
closed section of wire comprising at least one radial bend
positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame, wherein each wire
frame extends along its respective length and generally in a
direction transverse to a length of the second plurality of wire
frames, the third and fourth closed wire frames are connected to at
least one wire frame of the second plurality of the wire frames by
way of a resistance weldment, and the third and fourth closed wire
frames are positioned in generally the same plane as the flat
bottom.
10. The wire basket of claim 2, wherein the generally U-shaped
frame is constructed of a plurality of wire frames connected
together in a side-by-side manner wherein each wire frame is formed
of a single closed section of wire comprising at least one radial
bend positioned at opposing ends of the wire frame.
11. The wire basket of claim 2, wherein adjacent wire frames are
connected together with at least one resistance weldment.
12. The wire basket of claim 2, further including a second extended
mounting member comprising another distal end generally aligned
with and extending beyond the bottom portion, wherein the extended
mounting member is positioned at an end of the generally U-shaped
frame and the second extended mounting member is positioned on an
opposite end of the generally U-shaped frame.
13. The wire basket of claim 12, wherein the extended mounting
member and the second extended mounting member both extend in
generally the same direction away from the generally U-shaped frame
such that the distal end and the other distal end are both
positioned closer to one of the first and second upraised
portions.
14. The wire basket of claim 12, wherein each of the extended
mounting member and second extended mounting member extends in a
direction generally transverse to the first and second upraised end
portions.
15. The wire basket of claim 12, wherein each of the extended
mounting member and the second extended mounting member extends
away from both the first and second upraised portions on opposing
sides of the generally U-shaped frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/948,071, filed Jul. 5, 2007, the subject matter
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the positioning, support
and protection of cables, and is particularly directed to wire
basket arrangements for maintaining pathways of cables securely and
safely in position in a raised floor system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The widespread use of electronic systems in business and
industry has led to the requirement to route large numbers of
cables throughout the work environment. Various types of cable tray
assemblies are used as a support system for carrying these cables
throughout various locations in buildings and other commercial
structures.
[0004] Attempts to provide additional space to accommodate greater
numbers of cables have led to the development of raised floor
systems. Raised floor systems make use of the space between the
structure's original floor and an upper floor disposed in a spaced
manner above the original floor.
[0005] Cable tray assemblies are particularly adapted for
positioning beneath the floor panels of the raised floor to contain
and direct cables along their respective pathways. Cable tray
assemblies are generally comprised of a large number of individual
cable trays which are typically made of wire lengths welded
together in a cage-like arrangement to provide a support surface
for the cables.
[0006] One problem encountered in these prior art cable support
systems is the presence of sharp edges in the cable tray assemblies
which are capable of cutting the cable's outer protective
sheathing. In addition, increasing the number of cables within the
confined space of the raised floor system restricts access to cable
pathways which is required for carrying out maintenance and repair
functions. The ability to vary the horizontal and vertical
positioning of cable pathways in a controlled manner for improving
cooling air circulation, optimizing cable pathway spacing and
providing additional cable pathways is also limited in existing
cable support systems.
[0007] The present invention addresses the aforementioned
limitations of the prior art by providing for the flexible vertical
and lateral positioning of cable pathways in a raised floor system,
as well as the elimination of sharp edges in, and an increase in
the strength of, individual cable trays for accommodating larger
numbers of cables.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to an improved arrangement for
supporting, grounding and connecting together plural wire frames in
a cable tray system.
[0009] The present invention also relates to the safe and secure
support of large numbers of cables in a raised floor system, while
providing cable access for inspection and maintenance.
[0010] The present invention further relates to an improved
arrangement for a cable pathway system which facilitates rerouting
of the cables and the incorporation of additional cables.
[0011] The present invention relates still further to improved
cable tray wire frames having substantially increased strength and
rigidity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated
by the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the
figures are not necessarily to scale and that details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render
other details difficult to perceive may be omitted. It should be
understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily
limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an improved wire basket
pathway system in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of an improved wire
basket for use in a cable pathway system in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of
a wire basket for use in a cable pathway system in accordance with
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wire basket intersection
for use in a cable pathway system in accordance with another aspect
of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of a
reinforced wire basket in accordance with another aspect of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the reinforced wire
basket of FIG. 5 shown assembled;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an end portion of a
reinforcing member incorporated in the wire basket shown in FIG.
6:
[0020] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of a pair of wire
baskets connected together in a telescoping manner in accordance
with another aspect of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the telescopically coupled
pair of wire baskets of FIG. 8 shown suspended from a support
structure;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the telescopically
coupled pair of wire baskets shown in FIG. 9 extending over a large
height change;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the telescopically
coupled pair of wire baskets shown in FIG. 9 extending over a small
height change;
[0024] FIGS. 12 and 13 are upper perspective views of a first of
the wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating a first telescoping
member respectively detached from and attached to the wire
basket;
[0025] FIGS. 14 and 15 are upper perspective views of a second of
the wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating a second telescoping
member respectively detached from and attached to the wire
basket;
[0026] FIG. 16 is a lower perspective view of the telescopically
coupled pair of wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating the
second telescoping member prior to attachment to the telescoping
arrangement;
[0027] FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the telescopically
coupled pair of wire baskets shown in FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 18 is an upper perspective view of the pair of
telescopically coupled wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating
the two baskets in the non-extended configuration;
[0029] FIG. 19 is an upper perspective view of the pair of
telescopically coupled wire baskets shown in FIG. 8 illustrating
the two baskets in the fully-extended configuration;
[0030] FIG. 20 is an upper perspective view of a centered wire
basket attached to four vertical pedestal members, or support
columns, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of a reinforced
centered wire basket in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 22 is an upper perspective view of an off-center wire
basket in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the off-center wire
basket of FIG. 22 shown attached to and supported by plural support
members;
[0034] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a pedestal bracket for
attaching a wire basket to a support structure in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the pedestal
bracket shown in FIG. 24;
[0036] FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a support clamp portion of the
inventive pedestal bracket illustrating its U-bolt clamp in the
open position;
[0037] FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the support clamp portion of
the inventive pedestal bracket illustrating the U-bolt clamp in the
closed position;
[0038] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the support clamp portion
of the inventive pedestal bracket attached to a vertical Support
member;
[0039] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the inventive pedestal
bracket attached to a vertical support member illustrating the
manner in which the pedestal bracket's U-bolt clamp is
tightened;
[0040] FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a pedestal bracket in
accordance with the present invention attached to and supporting a
pair of wire baskets;
[0041] FIGS. 31-33 are top plan views of the inventive pedestal
bracket illustrating the manner in which the angular orientation of
the pedestal bracket on a vertical support member to which it is
attached may be varied over a 360.degree. range;
[0042] FIGS. 34-35 are side elevation views of a wire basket
attached to a pair of vertical supports by means of a pair of
pedestal brackets in accordance with the present invention, wherein
the vertical position of the wire baskets may be varied in a
continuous manner over a vertical height range;
[0043] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a portion of a wire basket
pathway system incorporating plural cable bend guides in accordance
with another aspect of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 37 is an upper perspective view of a wire basket to
which are attached a pair of inventive cable bend guides;
[0045] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the inventive cable bend
guide;
[0046] FIGS. 39-41 are perspective views illustrating the sequence
of steps involved with attaching the inventive cable bend guide to
a wire basket; and
[0047] FIG. 42 is a sectional view of a portion of the inventive
cable bend guide attached to a wire basket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an
improved wire basket pathway system 10 in accordance with the
principles of the present invention. The wire basket pathway system
10 provides for plural cable runs 12a, 12b and 12c, which are shown
as an example, as the present invention is adapted for use with
virtually any number of cable runs. Each of these three cable runs
12a, 12b and 12c includes plural cables carrying electronic
signals. The wire basket pathway system 10 may also include one or
more optical cables 13, as well as, possibly power cables which are
not shown in the figure for simplicity.
[0049] The first, second and third cable runs 12a, 12b and 12c are
disposed between a first lower floor 26 and a second raised floor
28. Electronic instrumentation is disposed on the second raised
floor 28 and is typically enclosed in one or more cabinets 40.
[0050] The cable runs 12a, 12b and 12c are positioned on and
supported by the inventive wire basket pathway system 10. The wire
basket pathway system 10 includes plural wire baskets connected
together and maintained in position by means of a support structure
30. Support structure 30 includes plural spaced vertical members 32
disposed on the first lower floor 26 and interconnected by means of
plural upper horizontal members 38. Each of the vertical members 32
includes a respective lower plate 34 disposed on the first lower
floor 26 and an upper plate 36 engaging and supporting plural upper
horizontal members 38. This type of wire basket support structure
30 is conventional in structure and function. Typically, upper
horizontal members 38 are also utilized to support floor panels of
upper floor 28. As will be mentioned later below, the floor panels
are currently at a United States standard of 24 inches by 24 inches
and at a European standard of 600 mm by 600 mm.
[0051] The wire basket pathway system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a
large number of wire baskets, but only three wire baskets 14, 16
and 18 will be discussed herein for simplicity. Each of the first,
second and third wire baskets 14, 16 and 18 support the second
cable run 12b, as well as, a portion of the optical cable run 13.
Each of the first, second and third wire baskets 14, 16 and 18 is
connected to and supported by two or more vertical members 32.
Thus, the first wire basket 14 is connected to and supported by
four vertical members 32 by means of four pedestal brackets 20a,
20b, 22a and 22b. Similarly, the second wire basket 16 is coupled
to and supported by a pair of vertical members 32 by means of
pedestal brackets 22a and 22b. Finally, the third wire basket 18 is
coupled to and supported by a pair of vertical members 32 by means
of pedestal brackets 24a and 24b. In accordance with one aspect of
the present invention, each of these pedestal brackets couple the
wire basket or baskets to which it is connected to the building
ground system via the vertical member on which the pedestal bracket
is positioned (assuming the vertical member is otherwise grounded
to the building ground). The second and third wire baskets 16, 18
are connected together in a telescoping manner to allow for a
change in vertical height of the second cable run 12b in a manner
which is described in detail below.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an upper perspective of
a reinforced wire basket 50 in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. Reinforced wire basket 50 is comprised of
plural connected wires and is designed to provide additional
rigidity and strength for supporting and maintaining, in fixed
position, large numbers of cables. The wires are preferably
comprised of high pre-galvenized steel wire. However, the wires can
be constructed of other metals such as stainless steel, cold-rolled
steel, and the like. All 90.degree. angles, as shown in this
embodiment, in reinforced wire basket 50, as well as, in all other
wire basket structures in accordance with the present invention
disclosed herein, are formed by bending wires in a smooth curve and
do not include any sharp edges which could damage a cable supported
by the basket. The avoidance of sharp edges also prevents injuries
to installers and technicians working with and around the system.
Reinforced wire basket 50 is comprised of plural aligned U-shaped
closed wire frames 52a-52e which are connected together in a
side-by-side relationship forming a generally flat bottom 53 and
opposed upraised end portions 55. This construction provides wire
basket 50 with a generally overall U-shaped frame. As can be seen
in FIG. 2, upraised end portion 55 comprises a closed section 57
without an end and in this example, two bend radii 59 are
positioned one at each end of closed section 57. Reinforced wire
basket 50 further includes plural aligned flat closed wire frames
54a-54e similarly, constructed in side-by-side relationship forming
a generally flat structure. The lower portion of each of the
U-shaped closed wire frames 52a-52e are placed in contact with and
securely connected to each of the flat closed wire frames 54a-54e
by means of resistance weldments at each wire intersection.
Disposed on and securely attached to opposed vertical or upraised
end portions 55 of the U-shaped closed wire frames 52a-52e by means
of resistance weldments are first and second closed parallel wire
frames 56 and 58. Opposed end portions of each of the flat closed
wire frames 54a-54e extend beyond the respective end U-shaped
closed wire frames 52a and 52e. Disposed on and securely attached
by means of resistance weldments to each of the end extensions of
the flat closed wire frames 54a-54e are third and fourth closed
parallel wire frames 60 and 62. The double wire configuration of
the connected U-shaped and flat closed wire frames as well as on
its two opposed side and end portions substantially increases the
strength and rigidity of the wire basket for supporting the weight
of additional cables. The reinforced wire basket 50 is 21'' wide by
6'' high by 24'' long.
[0053] Shown in FIG. 3 is a larger reinforced wire basket 68 which
is 21'' wide by 6'' high by 48'' long. Reinforced wire basket 68 in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention has a
larger number of U-shaped closed wire frames 70a-70k than that of
reinforced wire basket 50 shown in FIG. 2. As in the previously
described embodiment, reinforced wire basket 68 includes plural
flat closed wire frames 72a-72e, first and second closed parallel
wire frames 74 and 76 disposed on lateral portions of the U-shaped
closed wire frames, and third and fourth closed parallel wire
frames 78 and 80 disposed on opposed ends of the reinforced wire
basket. The larger reinforced wire basket 68 shown in FIG. 3 would
permit the use of fewer pedestal brackets in a wire basket pathway
system in which it is incorporated. The inventive reinforced wire
baskets disclosed herein are not limited to the specific dimensions
discussed herein, but may have a wide range of dimensions depending
upon the dimensions of the cable pathways being supported.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a reinforced wire basket
intersection 84 also in accordance with the present invention.
Reinforced wire basket intersection 84 is also shown in the wire
basket pathway system 10 of FIG. 1. Reinforced wire basket
intersection 84 is installed and attached in the wire basket
pathway system 10 in the same manner as the aforementioned wire
baskets and allows for horizontal directional changes of the cables
with a single component. Reinforced wire basket intersection 84
includes first plural closed parallel wire frames 86a-86e and
second plural closed parallel wire frames 88a-88e which are aligned
generally transverse to and are disposed in contact with one
another. The ends of the first plural closed parallel wire frames
86a-86e extend beyond the width of the second plural closed
parallel wire frames 88a-88e. Similarly, the ends of the second
plural closed parallel wire frames 88a-88e extend beyond the width
of the first plural closed parallel wire frames 86a-86e. First and
second closed parallel wire frames 90 and 92 are disposed on and
attached to opposed ends of the second plural closed parallel wire
frames 88a-88e. Similarly, third and fourth closed parallel wire
frames 94 and 96 are disposed upon and attached to opposed ends of
the first plural closed parallel wire frames 86a-86e. Each wire
frame is securely attached to all other wire frames with which it
is in contact by means of resistance weldments. Providing a
resistance weldment at each intersection of the various wire frames
substantially increases the strength and rigidity of the reinforced
wire basket intersection 84.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an upper perspective
view of another embodiment of a reinforced wire basket 102 in
accordance with the present invention. Reinforced wire basket 102
includes an upper U-shaped frame assembly 104 and a lower planar
frame assembly 106. The upper and lower frame assemblies 104, 106
are secured together by means of plural resistance weldments at
their intersections. Disposed at opposed ends of the lower planar
frame assembly 106 are first and second end reinforcing members 108
and 110, which are shown removed from the reinforced wire basket
102 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows the first and second end reinforcing
members 108, 110 attached to opposed ends of the reinforced wire
basket's lower planar frame assembly 106a, b, as discussed in more
detail below. First and second closed parallel wire frames 98a and
98b are attached to respective opposed ends of the upper U-shaped
frame assembly 104 by means of weldments. Similarly, plural T-welds
such as at locations 100a and 100b securely connect inner wires to
the outer peripheral wires of upper and lower frame assemblies 104
and 106. The first and second end reinforcing members 108, 110 are
preferably comprised of pre-galvanized steel: however, other metals
such as stainless steel, cold-rolled steel, and the like can be
employed.
[0056] Referring also to FIG. 7, there is shown a sectional view of
an end portion of the second end reinforcing member 110. The second
end reinforcing member 110 includes opposed lateral curvilinear end
portions 110a and an aft end curvilinear portion 110b extending
substantially the entire length of the reinforcing member as shown
in FIG. 6. The first curvilinear end portion 110a forms a first
inner recessed portion 110c in the end of the second end
reinforcing member 110. The second curvilinear aft portion 110b
forms a second inner recessed portion 110d extending substantially
the length of the second end reinforcing member 110. The first and
second inner recessed portions 110c and 110d are adapted for
receiving end portions of the lower planar frame assembly 106 in a
tight fitting manner so that the first and second end reinforcing
members 108 and 110 are securely maintained in position on
reinforced wire basket 102.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown first and second wire
basket sections 120 and 122 coupled together by adjustable coupling
assembly 124 in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. The telescoping wire basket arrangement shown in FIG. 8
is also illustrated in FIG. 9, where the first and second wire
basket sections 120, 122 are shown connected to and maintained in
position by utilization of a support structure 126. Support
structure 126 includes first through fourth vertical support
members 128a-128d and first through fourth horizontal support
members 130a-130d. One end portion of the first wire basket 120 is
coupled to the first and second vertical support members 128a and
128b by use of pedestal brackets 132a and 132b, respectively.
Similarly, one end of the second wire basket 122 is connected to
the third and fourth vertical support members 128c and 128d by use
of pedestal brackets 132c and 132d, respectively. The adjustable
coupling assembly 124 allows the first and second wire basket
sections 120, 122 to be either moved together in closely spaced
relation or to be moved apart in all extended configuration. The
extended configuration is shown in the side elevation view of FIG.
10, while the retracted configuration is shown in the side
elevation view of FIG. 11. By adjusting the spacing between the
first and second wire basket sections 120, 122, the vertical height
change between the two wire baskets, and plural cables disposed
thereon, may be adjusted in a continuous manner over a wide range
of height differences, as desired. For example, for a minimal
height change such as 1'', the first and second wire basket
sections 120, 122 are arranged in closely spaced relation as shown
in FIG. 11. To accommodate a height change of 12'', the first and
second wire basket sections 120, 122 are arranged in the fully
extended configuration as shown in FIG. 10. A maximum height
differential of 12'' is possible with a horizontal spacing of 24''
between adjacent vertical support members 128a and 128d. Each floor
tile is typically a 24''.times.24'' square.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a perspective view of
the first wire basket 120 which includes an extended portion 120a
extending substantially across its width. The first and second wire
basket sections 120, 122 are identical in size and configuration.
Each basket section 120, 122 is similarly constructed to wire
basket 50, described above. Each section 120, 122 comprises a flat
bottom portion 121 and 123 respectively, and opposing upraised end
portions 125, wherein each section 120, 122 takes on a generally
U-shaped overall frame configuration. Also shown in FIG. 12 is a
first telescoping member 134 which is adapted for secure attachment
to the first wire basket 120 as shown in FIG. 13. First telescoping
member 134 is in the form of a single piece of high-strength metal
and includes a body portion 138 and four elongated linear portions
136a-136d extending laterally from the body portion 138. The four
elongated linear portions 136a-136d are arranged in a spaced manner
along the length of the body portion 138. The two outer elongated
linear portions 136a and 136d are each provided with a respective
reinforcing rib 142a and 142b. The third elongated linear portion
136c is provided with an elongated, linear clearance slot 144.
While not shown, a linear clearance slot could also be formed on
elongated linear portion 136b. Disposed on the end of each of the
four elongated, linear portions 136a-136d is a respective stop tab
158a-158d. Similarly, disposed on the outer edge of body portion
138 is an angled edge 140 having plural, spaced recesses 140a-140e
disposed along its length. With the first telescoping member 134
positioned in contact with the first wire basket section 120 as
shown in FIG. 13, the first telescoping member is securely
connected to the first wire basket by means of plural resistance
weldments 160a, 160b and 160c. With the first telescoping member
134 thus attached to the first wire basket section 120, the angled
edge 140 of the first telescoping member engages wire 120b of the
first wire basket. In addition, each of the spaced recesses
140a-140e in the angled edge 140 is adapted to receive a respective
wire in a lower portion of the first wire basket 120. For example,
wire 120c of the first wire basket section 120 is disposed within
recess 140e in the first telescoping member's angled edge 140.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown an upper perspective
view of the second wire basket section 122 including extension
portion 122a and a second telescoping member 146. Second
telescoping member 146 is shown positioned on second wire basket
section 122 in FIG. 15. Second telescoping member 146 includes
plural spaced upraised portions 148a-148e along its length.
Disposed on the first upraised portion 148a are a pair of spaced
tabs 152. Similarly, disposed on the fifth upraised portion 148e of
the second telescoping member 146 are a second pair of spaced tabs
154. With the second telescoping member 146 disposed on the second
wire basket section 122, a lower surface of each of the upraised
portions 148a-184e is adapted to receive a respective wire of the
second wire basket. For example, the lower surface of the third
upraised portion 148c is adapted to receive wire 122b of the second
wire basket section 122. Second telescoping member 146 further
includes an aperture 150. Second telescoping member 146 is securely
attached to the second wire basket by means of plural resistance
weldments disposed between respective wires of the second wire
basket and spaced recesses on the lower surface of the second
telescoping member.
[0060] With reference to FIG. 16, which is a lower perspective view
of the first and second wire basket sections 120, 122, the
combination is assembled by positioning the first telescoping
member 134 which is attached to the first wire basket section 120
in an overlapping manner with respect to the second wire basket.
The four elongated linear portions 136a-136d of the first
telescoping member 134 are each positioned in contact with the
second telescoping member 146 between adjacent upraised portions of
the second telescoping member. A third telescoping member 147
having an aperture 149 is then positioned over the elongated linear
portions 136a-136d of the first telescoping member 134 as shown in
FIG. 17. A threaded fastener is inserted through apertures 150 and
149 in the second and third telescoping members 146 and 147,
respectively, as well as through the elongated, linear clearance
slot 144 in the first telescoping member 134, which are in mutual
alignment. It is in this manner that the first and second wire
basket sections 120, 122 are securely maintained in sliding
engagement with each other to provide a telescoping feature for the
two wire baskets and provide an electrical bond between wire basket
sections 120, 122.
[0061] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the first and second
wire basket sections 120, 122 in the retracted, closely spaced
position, while FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the two wire
baskets in the fully extended position. The threaded fastener 156
disposed within the aligned apertures 150, 149 of the second and
third telescoping members 146, 147 and within the elongated, linear
clearance slot 144 of the first telescoping member 134, in
combination with the plural stop tabs 158a-159d also disposed on
the first telescoping member, prevent separation of the first and
second wire basket sections 120, 122. Once the proper spacing
between the first and second wire basket sections 120, 122 is
achieved, depending upon the required change in height between the
two wire baskets, the threaded fastener 156 is tightened to
maintain the required wire basket spacing.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown all upper perspective
view of a centered wire basket 166 without sharp edges and in
accordance with another aspect of the present invention. Centered
wire basket 166 is without sharp edges and is coupled to plural
vertical pedestal members 168a-168d by means of plural pedestal
brackets 170a-170d. Centered wire basket 166 includes a generally
U-shaped upper frame member 172 connected to a lower frame member
174 by means of plural resistance weldments as previously
described. Lower frame member 174 includes first and second
extended end members 174a and 174b. The width of the wire basket's
upper frame member 172 is less than the length of the extended end
members 174a, 174b of the wire basket's lower frame member 174. The
wire basket's upper frame member 172 is centered between the ends
of its extended end members 174a, 174b and between the first and
fourth pedestal members 168a, 168d and the second and third
pedestal members 168b, 168c. The spaces between the sides of the
wire basket's upper frame member 172 and the ends of the lower
frame member's extended end members 174a and 174b provide access to
the space below the centered wire basket 166 for maintenance or
repair of system components located beneath the centered wire
basket.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown another embodiment of a
centered wire basket 180 in accordance with this aspect of the
present invention. Centered wire basket 180 is also without any
sharp edges and is similarly constructed as described above for
wire basket 50 wherein plural U-shaped closed wire frames 182 with
opposing upraised sections 183 are positioned in side-by-side
relationship in mutual alignment and connected to a pair of inner
flat closed wire frames 184 and a pair of outer flat closed wire
frames 186. Plural wire frames 182 when connected form an overall
U-shaped frame for wire basket 180. First and second end
reinforcing members 188 and 190 are securely attached by use of
resistance weldments (not shown for simplicity) to the end portions
of the inner and outer flat closed wire frames 184 and 186.
Extended end portions 188, 190 have distal ends that generally
align with bottom 191 and extend away therefrom. A smaller flat
closed wire frame 192 is disposed on opposed ends of each of the
first and second end reinforcing members 188, 190 and is resistance
welded to adjacent structural elements.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown an upper perspective
view of an offset wire basket 196 in accordance with another
embodiment of this aspect of the present invention. Offset wire
basket 196 is shown in the front elevation view of FIG. 23 attached
to first and second vertical supports 204a and 204b by means of
first and second pedestal brackets 206a and 206b, respectively.
Offset wire basket 196 includes a generally U-shaped upper frame
198 attached to a generally planar lower frame 200 by means of
plural resistance weldments as previously described. Offset wire
basket 196 also includes first and second extended end portions
202a and 202b. The offset wire basket's upper frame 198 is disposed
on one end of each of the first and second extended end portions
202a, 202b to provide a space, or gap, between a lateral edge of
the upper frame and the distal ends of the first and second
extended end portions 202a, 202b. It is this space between a
lateral portion of the offset wire basket's upper frame 198 and the
distal ends of the lower frame's extended end portions, as shown
for the case of extended end portion 202b in FIG. 23, which
provides access for maintenance or repair of system components
located below the offset wire basket 196.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a perspective view of a
pedestal bracket 210 in accordance with another aspect of the
present invention. An exploded perspective view of the inventive
pedestal bracket 210 is shown in FIG. 5, while FIGS. 26-29
illustrate additional details of the inventive pedestal
bracket.
[0066] Pedestal bracket 210 includes an upper support plate 212 and
a lower support clamp assembly 214. Support plate 212 is securely
attached to support clamp assembly 214 by use of a support plate
locking screw 216 inserted through a first curvilinear elongated
slot 222 in the support plate and into a threaded aperture 214a in
an upper portion of the support clamp assembly 214. Support plate
212 and support clamp assembly 214 are further coupled together by
means of first and second shoulder locking tabs 218 and 220. First
shoulder locking tab 218 is inserted through a second curvilinear
slot 224 through insert slot 224a in support plate 212, while
second shoulder locking tab 220 is similarly inserted through a
third curvilinear slot 226 within the support plate through insert
slot 226a. An opening 212a is formed in support plate 212 for
receiving a vertical support member. Attached to the upper surface
of support plate 212 are three retainer clips 238, 240 and 242.
Each retainer clip includes a respective inwardly directed angled
tab, as shown for the case of the third retainer clip 242 having
angled tab 242a. Angled tab 242a is adapted for insertion in slot
212c in support plate 212. Each retainer clip further includes an
outwardly extending apertured tab, as shown for the first retainer
clip 238 having apertured tab 238a. Each pair of angled and
apertured tabs are disposed on opposed portions of a retainer clip
and extended downwardly from the retainer clip. Each apertured tab
238a of a retainer clip is disposed in contact with an apertured
mounting tab 212b attached to and extending from the support plate
212. A retainer clip screw 244 is inserted through the aligned
apertures of the retainer clip's apertured tab 238a and an
apertured mounting tab 212b attached to and extending from support
plate 212. A connector 246 engages screw 244 for maintaining each
retainer clip securely in position on the upper surface of the
support plate 212. A screw retainer 245 is used to secure the screw
244 to the retainer clip 238 in an assembly. Each of the first,
second and third retainer clips 238, 240 and 242 is adapted to
engage and support at least one wire basket as described in detail
below. In order to more securely maintain a wire basket on the
pedestal clamp's support plate 212, each retainer clip is provided
with first and second edge tabs 238b and 238c as shown for the
first retainer clip 238 in FIG. 25. Disposed adjacent each retainer
clip are upward extending tabs 241a and 241b on the pedestal
clamp's support plate 212 as also shown in FIG. 25 for maintaining
a wire basket in engagement with the pedestal bracket 210.
[0067] Attached to support clamp assembly 214 is a U-bolt clamp 228
in the form of a metal rod. U-bolt clamp 228 is adapted for
securely connecting pedestal bracket 210 to a support member 248.
U-bolt clamp 228 includes a first curvilinear end 228a and a second
threaded end 228b. The first curvilinear end 228a of U-bolt clamp
228 is adapted for insertion through an aperture 232a as well as
through a slot 232b within the support clamp assembly 214. The
first curvilinear end 228a of U-bolt clamp 228 is capable of
undergoing pivoting displacement about the portion of the support
clamp 214 between its aperture 232a and slot 232b in the direction
of arrow 252 in FIG. 26.
[0068] The U-bolt clamp 228 may, thus, be moved to a position in
contact with vertical support member 248 (also referred to as 32 in
earlier figures), as shown in FIG. 27. In this position, the
threaded end 228b of U-bolt clamp 228 is disposed within a notched
portion 233 in an outer edge of the support clamp 214. Tightening
of a nut 230 disposed on the threaded end 228b of the U-bolt clamp
228 secures pedestal bracket 210 in fixed position on vertical
support member 248.
[0069] The support clamp assembly 214 of pedestal bracket 210
further includes a V-shaped recess 234 formed from wall 215 and
adapted to engage an outer corner of a generally square, or
rectangular, vertical support member 248 as shown in FIGS. 26 and
27, as well as a circular or round vertical support member, not
shown. The V-shaped recess 234 and U-bolt clamp 228 maintain the
support clamp 214 in secure position on vertical support 248.
Support clamp assembly 214 further includes a pair of spaced,
facing flat surfaces 236a and 236b for engaging opposed outer
surfaces of vertical support member 248 as also shown in FIGS. 26
and 27. First and second facing flat surfaces 236a, 236b of support
clamp assembly 214 in combination with U-bolt clamp 228 maintain
the pedestal bracket 210 securely in fixed position on vertical
support member 248. The lower end of the V-shaped recess 234 and
the spaced, facing flat surfaces 236a and 236b form a portion of an
aperture 236 in a lower portion of support clamp assembly 214. As
shown in the various figures, the portion of the support clamp
assembly 214 adjacent the lower aperture 236 therein is angled
inwardly to increase the strength of this portion of the support
clamp to provide increased resistance to rotation of the pedestal
bracket 210 on vertical support member 248. As shown in FIG. 29,
U-bolt clamp 228 of the support clamp assembly 214 is securely
attached to the vertical support member 248 by tightening nut 230
around the threaded end portion 228b of the U-bolt clamp by means
of a conventional tool such as a nut driver 250.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 30, there is shown the manner in which a
pedestal bracket 256 engages and provides support for a pair of
wire baskets 264 and 266. Adjacent corner portions of the wire
baskets 264 and 266 are positioned on the upper surface of the
pedestal bracket's support plate 268. Retainer clip 260 is
positioned over adjacent edges of the first and second wire baskets
264, 266 and a screw 262 is inserted through the aligned apertures
within retainer clip and the pedestal bracket's support plate 268
and is tightened. Adjacent wires 264a and 266a of the first and
second wire baskets 264, 266, respectively, are securely and
fixedly maintained in position between the pedestal bracket's
support plate 268 and retainer clip 260. Each retainer clip 260 is
adapted for securely attaching either a single wire basket or a
pair of wire baskets to pedestal bracket 256. Also shown in FIG. 30
is the lower plate 270 and an upper plate 272 of the vertical
support member (not shown for simplicity) to which pedestal bracket
256 is attached.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 30, the positions of wires 264a and 266a,
which are attached to pedestal bracket 256 by means of its retainer
clip 260, may be variably positioned between the pedestal bracket's
support plate 268 and its retainer clip in both the longitudinal
and lateral directions. For example, wire 264a is disposed closer
to the outer edge of retainer clip 260, while wire 266a is
positioned closer to the center of retainer clip 260, and is almost
in contact with the tab of the retainer clip through which the
retainer clip screw 262 is inserted. By adjusting the positioning
of wires 264a and 266a in the direction of arrow 274a or in the
direction of arrow 274b, the spacing between the first and second
wire baskets 264 and 266 may be adjusted longitudinally, as
desired. The capability to adjust the spacing between adjacent wire
baskets allows these pedestal brackets of the present invention to
be used with the United States standard grid system of a 24 inch by
24 inch for the spacings of vertical supports 248 as well as the
600 mm by 600 mm grid spacing of the vertical supports for the
Europe standard.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 31-33, the manner in which the inventive
pedestal bracket 210 may be positioned at any angular orientation
on a generally square vertical support member 248 will now be
described. As shown in FIG. 31, pedestal bracket 210 engages a pair
of opposed lateral sides of vertical support member 248 between its
opposed facing flat surfaces 236a and 236b. The orientation of
pedestal bracket 210 relative to vertical support member 248 may be
changed by rotating pedestal bracket 45.degree. and inserting an
outer corner of the vertical support member in the pedestal
bracket's V-shaped, recess 234 as previously described and as shown
in FIG. 32. Pedestal bracket 210 may be oriented at any angle
between 0.degree., as shown in FIG. 31, and 45.degree., as shown in
FIG. 32. In FIG. 33, the pedestal bracket 210 is also shown
engaging opposed outer walls of vertical support member 248 between
its first and second facing flat surfaces 236a and 236b. However,
in FIG. 33, support plate locking screw 216 has been loosened,
allowing support plate 212 to rotate relative to support clamp 214
in the direction of arrow 254. Changing the orientation of pedestal
bracket 210 relative to the vertical support member 248 causes the
support plate locking screw 216 to be positioned at the lower end
of first curvilinear slot 222 in support plate 212 as shown in FIG.
33. Similarly, the first and second shoulder locking tabs 218 and
220 have moved within the second and third curvilinear slots 224
and 226, respectively. Rotational displacement of the pedestal
bracket 210 relative to the vertical support member 248 in the
opposite direction would position the support plate locking screw
216 in an upper portion of the first curvilinear slot 222.
Similarly, the first and second shoulder locking tabs 218, 220
would be moved to respective opposed ends of the second and third
curvilinear slots 224 and 226 from that shown in FIG. 33. Once the
support plate 212 is in the desired orientation relative to the
vertical support member 248, the support plate locking screw 216 is
tightened for securely and fixedly connecting the support plate 212
to the support clamp 214, with the pedestal bracket 210 similarly
in fixed orientation relative to the vertical support member.
Support plate 212 and support clamp 214 remain connected during
relative rotational displacement between these two components by
means of support plate locking screw 216 and shoulder locking tabs
218, 220. Support plate 212 is capable of undergoing up to 221/2''
rotational displacement relative to support clamp 214. Thus, any
angular orientation between pedestal bracket 210 and vertical
support member 248 may be achieved. For example, by attaching
pedestal clamp 210 to the vertical support member 248, as shown in
FIG. 31, with opposed sides of the vertical support member engaged
by the pedestal clamp, the angle between the pedestal clamp and
vertical support member may be changed by up to 221/2.degree. by
rotating the pedestal bracket's plate 212 relative to its support
clamp 214 in a first direction. Any angle between 221/2.degree. and
45.degree. between the pedestal clamp 210 and vertical support
member 248 may be achieved by positioning the pedestal bracket in
engagement with two adjacent surfaces, or with a corner, of the
vertical support member 248 and rotating the support clamp 212
relative to the vertical support member in a second, opposed
direction.
[0073] The inventive pedestal clamp 210 has a further benefit in
that it is capable of universal height adjustment of a wire basket
to which it is connected. U-bolt clamp 228 can be releasably
secured to vertical support member 248 at any desired position
along the length of vertical support member 248. For example, as
shown in FIG. 34, wire basket 280 is connected to lower end
portions of first and second vertical support members 284a and 284b
by first and second pedestal brackets 282a and 282b, respectively.
FIG. 35 shows the vertical wire basket 280 connected to upper
portions of the first and second vertical support members 284a and
284b by the first and second pedestal brackets 282a and 282b,
respectively. Thus, the pedestal brackets of the present invention
are capable of securely and fixedly positioning a wire basket at
any height along the length of the vertical support members of the
wire basket support system.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 36, there is shown an upper perspective
view of a wire basket pathway system 292 in accordance with the
present invention. Wire basket pathway system 292 includes plural
wire baskets 294a-294d connected together by use of a wire basket
intersection 296. Plural cable bend guides are attached to the ends
of the various wire baskets shown in FIG. 36 to accommodate a
90.degree. turn in the cable runs. Thus, the first wire basket 294a
has attached to its end adjacent to the wire basket intersection
296 first and second cable bend guides 298a and 298b. The second
wire basket 294b has third and fourth cable bend guides 300a and
300b attached to its end which is adjacent to the wire basket
intersection 296. The third wire basket 294c similarly has a pair
of cable bend guides 302a and 302b connected to its end adjacent to
the wire basket intersection 296. Finally, the fourth wire basket
294d has a cable bend guide 304 attached to its end adjacent to the
wire basket intersection 296. The cable bend guides provide a
smooth bend radius for the cables undergoing a 90.degree. turn in
passing from one wire basket to another adjacent wire basket.
[0075] FIG. 37 is an upper perspective view of wire basket 294c
illustrating additional details of cable bend guides 302a and 302b
which will now be described in terms of FIGS. 38-42 which show the
manner in which a cable bend guide is attached to a wire basket.
Referring to FIG. 38, there is shown a perspective view of cable
bend guide 302a. Cable bend guide 302a includes a first generally
planar wall section 306, a second curvilinear wall section 308 and
a third generally planar wall section 310. The three sections are
formed from a single piece of high strength metal such as
pre-galvanized sheetsteel. The curvilinear wall section 308 of the
cable bend guide 302a engages one or more cables undergoing a turn
in their routing for providing the cable, or cables, with a smooth
bend radius. The third planar wall section 310 serves to reinforce,
or strengthen, the cable bend guide 302a for use with large numbers
of cables and eliminates any sharp edges which could damage the
cables. Extending rearwardly from the first planar wall section 306
of the cable bend guide 302a is a tab 312 to which is attached a
mounting clip 314. Mounting clip 314 includes upper wire hooks 316a
and lower wire hooks 316b. Also extending from the aft edge of the
cable bend guide's first planar wall section 306 are upper and
lower retaining tabs 318a and 318b.
[0076] Cable bend guide 302a is attached to wire basket 294c in the
following manner. Cable bend guide 302a is positioned inside of a
first end wire 320a of the wire basket 294c, with its mounting clip
314 located between second and third wires 320b and 320c of the
wire basket as shown in FIG. 39. In this position, the first upper
wire hooks 316a are disposed on a first side of the second wire
320b, while the second lower wire hooks 316b are disposed on a
second, opposed side of the third wire 320c. Cable bend guide 302a
is then rotated in the direction of arrow 322 in a counter
clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 39. The first upper wire
hooks 316a then engage the second wire 320b in a snap-acting manner
while the second lower wire hooks 316b engage the third wire 320c
also in a snap-acting manner as shown in FIG. 40. The wire hooks
are sized so as to securely engage a wire of wire basket 294c when
pressure is applied by rotational displacement of the cable bend
guide 302a, as described. The cable bend guide 302a is then
linearly displaced in the direction of arrow 324 as shown in FIG.
40. This causes the first and second retaining tabs 318a and 318b
to engage the wire basket's first wire 320a, also in a snap-acting
manner, as shown in FIG. 41. Each of the retaining tabs includes an
angled portion 319 as shown with the first retaining tab 318a in
FIG. 42 which engages the first wire 320a and further attaches the
cable bend guide 302a to wire basket 294c. With the first and
second wire hooks 316a, 316b engaging opposed sides of the second
and third wires 320b and 320c, and with each of the retaining tabs
318a and 318b engaging the wire basket's first wire 320a, cable
bend guide 302a is securely attached in a fixed manner to wire
basket 294c.
[0077] Though particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the relevant arts that changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the invention in its broader aspects.
Therefore, the aim of the appended claims is to cover all such
changes and modifications as falls within the true spirit and scope
of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description
and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only
and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is
intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their
proper perspective based on the prior art.
* * * * *