U.S. patent number RE42,970 [Application Number 10/241,827] was granted by the patent office on 2011-11-29 for vertical cable management system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hubbell Incorporated. Invention is credited to Robert C. Baxter, Steven O. Fournier, William G. Sobieski.
United States Patent |
RE42,970 |
Fournier , et al. |
November 29, 2011 |
Vertical cable management system
Abstract
A cable management assembly for managing wires having a rack
with a plurality of mounted channel members. The channel members
each comprise a left, right, and middle member which form a
Z-shaped cross section and define first and second receiving areas
for holding a plurality of wires. The middle member further
includes apertures such that a wire can be received concurrently in
both receiving areas. The channel members are mounted on the rack
by integrals clips that extend from each channel member and engage
mating holes located on the rack. A second embodiment channel
member includes a first member and an opposing second member each
having integral clips extending therefrom for mounting the channel
members on the rack. The channel member further has a middle member
connecting the first and second members which form a C-shaped
cross-section and define a receiving area for holding a plurality
of wires.
Inventors: |
Fournier; Steven O.
(Southington, CT), Sobieski; William G. (Guilford, CT),
Baxter; Robert C. (Warwick, RI) |
Assignee: |
Hubbell Incorporated (Shelton,
CT)
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Family
ID: |
23849373 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/241,827 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09465839 |
Dec 17, 1999 |
6347714 |
Feb 19, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/4452 (20130101); H02G 3/0437 (20130101); H04Q
1/062 (20130101); H04Q 1/142 (20130101); H04Q
2201/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
7/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;211/26,189
;361/829,826,727 ;312/265.1,265.2,265.3,265.4,265.5,265.6 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Hubbell Premise Wiring Catalog, prior to Dec. 1999, pp. 1, 90,
92-94 and 106. cited by other.
|
Primary Examiner: Purol; Sarah
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Goodman; Alfred N. Bicks; Mark S.
Davis; Garrett V.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A channel member for managing wires, comprising: a first member
having a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of first
fastening elements; an opposing, second member having a third
surface, a fourth surface, and a plurality of second fastening
elements, said third surface of said second member being planar
with said first surface of said first member, and said fourth
surface of said second member being planar with said second surface
of said first member; and a middle member connecting said second
surface of said first member to said third surface of said second
member forming a Z-shaped section transverse to a longitudinal axis
of said first and second members, said middle member defining first
and second receiving areas between said first and second members
and having an aperture for providing access between said first and
second receiving areas, whereby a wire can be received concurrently
in both said first and second receiving areas.
2. A channel member according to claim 1, wherein said first member
a one-piece, unitary member and said first fastening elements
include an integral clip extending from said first member.
3. A channel member according to claim 1, wherein said second
member a one-piece, unitary member and said second fastening
elements include a mating hole on said second member.
4. A channel member according to claim 1, wherein said first
fastening elements include a plurality of first and second slots
located on said first and second surfaces and said second fastening
elements include a plurality of first and second slots located on
said third and fourth surfaces.
5. A channel member according to claim 1, wherein said second
surface of said first member includes a hanging element for storing
a bracket.
6. A channel member according to claim 5, wherein said third
surface include a hanging element.
7. A channel member according to claim 1, wherein said middle
member includes a plurality of apertures.
8. A channel member according to claim 1, wherein said middle
member includes a plurality of elongated slots for receiving
straps.
9. A rack assembly, comprising: a channel member for managing wires
having, a one-piece first member with a first surface, a second
surface, and an integral fastening element, an opposing, second
member with a third surface and a fourth surface, said third
surface of said second member being planar with said first surface
of said first member, and said fourth surface of said second member
being planar with said second surface of said first member, and a
middle member connecting said first member to said second member
forming first and second receiving areas between said first and
second members; and a frame for supporting said channel member,
said frame having a support element engaging said integral
fastening element of said first member to support said channel
member adjacent said frame.
10. A rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein said middle
member connects said second surface of said first member to said
third surface of said second member forming a Z-shaped section
transverse to a longitudinal axis of said first and second
members.
11. A rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein said middle
member includes an aperture providing access between said first and
second receiving areas, whereby a wire can be received concurrently
in both said first and second receiving areas.
12. A rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein said integral
fastening member of said first member is a clip extending from said
first member and said support element of said frame is a mating
hole receiving said clip.
13. A rack assembly according to claim 12, wherein said first
member includes a plurality of clips and said frame includes a
plurality of mating holes.
14. A rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein said second
member is a one-piece, unitary member and includes an integral
fastening element.
15. A rack assembly according to claim 14, wherein said integral
fastening element of said second member is a mating hole.
16. A rack assembly according to claim 9, wherein each of said
first surface of said first member and said third surface of said
second member include a slot for receiving a bracket.
17. A rack assembly according to claim 16, further comprising: a
bracket with opposing ends, said ends engaging said slots of said
first and third surfaces.
18. A rack assembly according to claim 17, wherein said bracket
includes a cover receiving element for supporting a cover.
19. A rack assembly according to claim 18, further comprising: a
cover for covering wires within said channel member, said cover
having a mounting element, said mounting element engaging said
cover receiving element of said bracket to position said cover
adjacent said bracket.
20. A rack assembly, comprising: a first channel member for
managing wires having, a one-piece first member with a first
surface, a second surface, and an integral first fastening element
extending from said first member, an opposing, second member with a
third surface, a fourth surface, and a second fastening element for
engaging a cooperating first fastening element of a second channel
member, said third surface of said second member being planar with
said first surface of said first member, and said fourth surface of
said second member being planar with said second surface of said
first member, and a middle member connecting said first member to
said second member forming first and second receiving areas between
said first and second members, and having an aperture for providing
access between said first and second receiving areas; and a frame
for supporting said first channel member, said frame having a
support element engaging said first integral fastening element of
said first member to support said first channel member adjacent
said frame, whereby a wire can be received concurrently in both
said first and second receiving areas of said first channel
member.
21. A rack assembly according to claim 20, further comprising: a
second channel member having a first fastening element and said
second fastening element of said first channel member engages said
first fastening element of said second channel member whereby said
second channel member is positioned adjacent to and supported by
said first channel member.
22. A rack assembly according to claim 21, wherein said support
element of said frame is a first hole, said integral first
fastening element of said first channel member is a clip extending
into said first hole, said second fastening element of said first
channel member is a second hole, and said first fastening element
of said second channel member is a clip extending into said second
hole.
23. A rack assembly according to claim 21, wherein said first and
second channel members are substantially identical.
24. A method for managing wires, comprising the steps of: providing
a bracket having opposing ends and a hanging element, and a channel
member having an area for holding wires, fastening elements for
receiving the ends of the bracket, and an engaging element for
receiving the hanging element of the bracket; storing the bracket
on the channel member in a stored position such that the hanging
element of the bracket is coupled to the engaging element of the
channel member; accessing the area for holding wires in the channel
member; removing the bracket from the stored position; and placing
the bracket back on the channel member to hold the wires in the
channel member such that the ends of the bracket are engaged with
the fastening elements of the channel member.
25. A method for managing wires according to claim 24, further
comprising the steps of: removing the bracket from the channel
member by disengaging the ends of the bracket from the fasteners of
the channel member; storing the bracket on the channel member in
the stored position; accessing the area for holding wires in the
channel member; removing the bracket from the stored position; and
placing the bracket back on the channel member to hold the wires in
the channel member such that the ends of the bracket are engaged
with the fasteners of the channel member.
26. The method for managing wires according to claim 25, wherein
the step of accessing the area for holding the wires in the channel
member includes loading wires into to the area.
27. The method for managing wires according to claim 25, wherein
the step of accessing the area for holding the wires in the channel
member includes rearranging wires in the area.
.Iadd.28. A channel member for managing wires, comprising: a first
member having opposing inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of
first fastening elements extending from said outer surface of said
first member and connectable to a first frame, and a first wall
extending from said first member; a second member having opposing
inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of second fastening
elements located on said outer surface and connectable to a second
frame, said inner surface of said second member facing said inner
surface of said first member, and a second wall extending from said
second member; and a middle member connecting said first and second
members and forming a receiving area between said first and second
members for receiving the wires; said first wall extending from
said first member in a direction toward said second member and said
second wall extending from said second member toward said first
member, said first wall and second wall defining an opening
providing access to said receiving area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A channel member for managing wires according to claim
28, wherein each of said first and second members is a
substantially planar wall; and said middle member is a
substantially planar wall..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A channel member for managing wires according to claim
28, wherein said first fastening element is a clip..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. A channel member for managing wires according to claim
28, wherein each of said first and second walls includes third and
fourth fastening elements, respectively, that receive a
bracket..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A channel member for managing wires according to claim
31, wherein each of said third and fourth fastening elements is a
slot..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A rack assembly, comprising: a first channel member
including, a first member having opposing inner and outer surfaces
and a first fastening element extending from said outer surface of
said first member, a second member having opposing inner and outer
surfaces and a second fastening element located on said outer
surface, said inner surface of said second member facing said inner
surface of said first member, and a middle member connecting said
first and second members and forming a receiving area between said
first and second members for receiving wires; a second channel
member including a first member having opposing inner and outer
surfaces and at least one fastening element extending from said
outer surface of said first member, and said fastening element of
said second channel member being engagable with said second
fastening element of said first channel; and a frame supporting
said first channel member, said frame having a support element
engagable with said first fastening element of said first member to
support said first channel member adjacent said frame..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A rack assembly according to claim 33, wherein said
fastening element of said second channel member is substantially
the same as the first fastening element of said first fastening
element of said first channel member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A rack assembly according to claim 34, wherein each of
said first fastening element of said first channel member and said
fastening element of said second channel member, respectively, is a
clip..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A rack assembly according to claim 35, wherein said
second fastening element of said first channel member is a hole;
and said clip of said second channel member is received in said
hole of said first channel member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. A rack assembly according to claim 36, wherein said frame
includes a hole; and said clip of said first channel member is
received in said hole of said frame..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. A rack assembly, comprising: a channel member for
managing wires having, a first member and an opposing second
member, each of said first and second members, respectively, having
a plurality of fastening elements extending therefrom, a first wall
extending from said first member toward said second member; a
second wall extending from said second member toward said first
member and forming a front surface, and a middle member connecting
said first member to said second member, and said middle, first,
and second members and said first and second walls defining a
receiving area for holding wires and an opening for accessing said
receiving area; and a frame for supporting said channel member,
said frame having a support element engaging said fastening element
of said first member to support said channel member adjacent said
frame..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. A rack assembly according to claim 38, wherein said
support element engages said fastening element of said first member
in a first position of said channel member and said support element
engages said fastening element of said second member in a second
position of said channel member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. A rack assembly according to claim 38, wherein said
fastening elements are clips integral with each of said first and
second members, respectively, and extending therefrom; and said
support element is a mating hole..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. A rack assembly according to claim 38, wherein each of
said front surfaces of said first and second members include a slot
for receiving a bracket as well as a hanging element for storing a
bracket..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A channel member according to claim 38, wherein said
middle member is substantially perpendicular to said first member
and said second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. A channel member according to claim 38, wherein said
first member has a first longitudinal side edge and a second
longitudinal side edge, and said second member has a first
longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side
edge..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. A channel member according to claim 43, wherein said
first longitudinal side edge of said first member and said second
member define a front edge of said first member and said second
member respectively..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. A channel member according to claim 43, wherein said
middle member extends between said first longitudinal side edge of
said first member and said second longitudinal side edge of said
second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. A channel member according to claim 43, wherein said
middle member extends between said first longitudinal side edge of
said first member and said first longitudinal side edge of said
second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. A channel member according to claim 43, wherein said
middle member extends between said first wall of said first member
and said first wall of said second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. A rack assembly according to claim 33, wherein said
middle member is substantially perpendicular to said first member
and said second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. A rack assembly according to claim 33, wherein said first
member has a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal
side edge, and said second member has a first longitudinal side
edge and a second longitudinal side edge..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. A rack assembly according to claim 49, wherein said
middle member extends between said first longitudinal side edge of
said first member and said second longitudinal side edge of said
second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. A rack assembly according to claim 49, wherein said
middle member extends between said first longitudinal side edge of
said first member and said first longitudinal side edge of said
second member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. A rack assembly according to claim 49, wherein said first
member includes a front wall forming said first longitudinal side
edge and a rear wall forming said second longitudinal side edge;
said second member includes a front wall forming said first
longitudinal side edge and a rear wall forming said second
longitudinal side edge, and said middle member extends between said
front wall of said first member and said rear wall of said second
member..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. A rack assembly according to claim 49, wherein said first
member includes a front wall at said first longitudinal side edge;
said second member includes a front wall at said first longitudinal
side edge; and said middle member extends between said second
longitudinal side edge of said first member and said second
longitudinal side edge of said second member..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cable management assembly
designed to manage and organize various wires. More specifically,
the cable management assembly includes a channel that is Z-shaped
in cross-section that mounts onto a relay rack through the use of
integral clips, and has openings to permit wires to pass through
the channel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Relay racks provide an efficient method of providing structure for
a variety of cross-connect applications. The racks are typically
used in a termination closet for the management of wiring systems
such as telecommunication wiring systems. Employing a channel in
conjunction with the relay rack facilitates the handling, routing,
and organizing of things such as cable wires and optical fiber.
Current cable management assemblies include channels that are
mounted on the sides of the relay rack. The channels hold bundles
of wires that are connected to various cross-connect products held
within the center of the relay rack. The channels are mounted by
using nut and bolt type fasteners to couple the relay rack to the
channels. In addition, nut and bolt type fasteners are commonly
used to make any attachments to the channels, such as for securing
covers over the front compartments of the channels. The requirement
of employing nut and bolt type fasteners to secure the channels and
the covers increases costs and creates inefficiency in securing and
using the channels.
The design of the current channels creates additional problems. For
example, more than one mold is required to form the channels thus
increasing costs in making the channels. Also, channels are often
broken in shipping and storage because they are not sufficiently
durable. In addition, the design of the channel hinders loading and
accessing wires in the front and rear compartments of the channel.
Specifically, to load the wires in the front compartment, the cover
and fasteners must be removed, and to load the wires in the rear
compartment, the wires must be weaved through gates. Moreover, the
covers and gates obstruct access to the wires in the front and rear
compartments.
An additional problem is that the current channels fail to provide
means for efficiently securing and organizing the numerous wires
making it difficult for an operator to access the wires and the
cross-connect products on the rack.
Examples of prior art cross-connect products are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Ser. No. 5,765,698 to Bullivant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a cable
management assembly with a channel that can be mounted to a relay
rack without the use of separate fasteners.
Another object of this invention is to provide a channel that can
receive a cover without the use of separate fasteners.
Another object of this invention is to provide a channel that is
efficient and inexpensive to make and use.
A further object of this invention is to provide a channel that is
durable, that can be formed using only one mold, and that
facilitates access to the wires held in the channel.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a channel
capable of efficiently securing and organizing the wires held in
the channel.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a cable
management channel that can be ganged without the use of separate
fasteners.
The foregoing objects are basically attained by a channel member
comprising a first member having a first surface, a second surface,
and a plurality of first fastening elements, and an opposing,
second member having a third surface, a fourth surface, and a
plurality of second fastening elements. The third surface of the
second member is planar with the first surface of the first member,
and the fourth surface of the second member is planar with the
second surface of the first member. A middle member connects the
second surface of the first member to the third surface of the
second member forming a Z-shaped section transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the first and second members. The middle
member defines first and second receiving areas between the first
and second members and has an aperture for providing access between
the first and second receiving areas, such that a wire can be
received concurrently in both the first and second receiving
areas.
The foregoing objects are also attained by a rack assembly
comprising a channel member for managing wires having, a one-piece
first member with a first surface, a second surface, and an
integral fastening element, and an opposing, second member with a
third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface of the second
member is planar with the first surface of the first member, and
the fourth surface of the second member is planar with the second
surface of the first member. A middle member connects the first
member to the second member forming first and second receiving
areas between the first and second members. A frame for supporting
the channel member having a support element engaging the integral
fastening element of the first member to support the channel member
adjacent the frame.
The foregoing objects are also attained by a rack assembly
comprising a first channel member for managing wires having, a
one-piece first member with a first surface, a second surface, and
an integral first fastening element extending from said first
member, and an opposing, second member with a third surface, a
fourth surface, and a second fastening element for engaging a
cooperating first fastening element of a second channel member. The
third surface of the second member is planar with the first surface
of the first member, and the fourth surface of the second member is
planar with the second surface of the first member, and a middle
member connecting the first member to the second member forming
first and second receiving areas between the first and second
members, and having an aperture for providing access between the
first and second receiving areas. A frame for supporting the first
channel member, the frame having a support element engaging the
first integral fastening element of the first member to support the
first channel member adjacent the frame, such that a wire can be
received concurrently in both the first and second receiving areas
of the first channel member.
The foregoing objects are also attained by a rack assembly
comprising a channel member for managing wires having a one-piece
first member and an opposing, one-piece second member. The first
and second members each having an integral fastening element
extending therefrom respectively and a front surface. The channel
member further having a middle member connecting the first member
to the second member at a location opposite the front surfaces,
forming a C-shaped section transverse to a longitudinal axis of the
first and second members, the middle, first, and second members
defining a receiving area for holding wires. A frame for supporting
the channel member, the frame having a support element engaging the
integral fastening element of the first member to support the
channel member adjacent the frame.
The foregoing objects are also attained by a method for managing
wires, comprising the steps of providing a bracket having opposing
ends and a hanging element, and a channel member having an area for
holding wires, fastening elements for receiving the ends of the
bracket, and an engaging element for receiving the hanging element
of the bracket. Storing the bracket on the channel member in a
stored position such that the hanging element of the bracket is
coupled to the engaging element of the channel member. Accessing
the area for holding wires in the channel member. Removing the
bracket from the stored position. Placing the bracket back on the
channel member to hold the wires in the channel member such that
the ends of the bracket are engaged with the fastening elements of
the channel member.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description, which
taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
FIG. 1 is a top, front, right perspective view of a cable
management assembly in accordance with the present invention
showing a plurality of channel members mounted on the sides of a
relay rack;
FIG. 2 is a top, front, right perspective view of the assembly
illustrated in FIG. 1 and additionally showing the channels with
covers;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial bottom view of the assembly
illustrated in FIG. 2 showing a cover and a gate coupled to the
left channel member, with the rack shown in dashed lines, and with
a second, ganged channel member shown in dashed lines;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial view of the assembly illustrated in
FIG. 2 showing the left channel member mounted on the rack by
integral clips, and a gate and a cover attached to the left channel
member;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial view of the gate being coupled to
the channel member, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, partial view of the channel member with the
gate mounted thereto and with the cover mounted to the gate, in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a bottom, front, side perspective view of the channel
member, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a front view of the channel member illustrated in FIG.
7;
FIG. 9 is a left side view of the channel member illustrated in
FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a right side view of the channel member illustrated in
FIG. 7;
FIG. 11 is a bottom, rear, left side perspective view of the gate
in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a top, front, left side perspective view of the channel
member illustrated in FIG. 7 having a gate attached thereto in the
stored position, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a partial, front view of the cover, in accordance with
the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a top, front, side perspective view of a second
embodiment of a channel member, in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 16 is a front view of the channel member illustrated in FIG.
15;
FIG. 17 is a side view of the channel member illustrated in FIG.
15; and
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the channel member illustrated in FIG.
15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cable management assembly 10
according to the present invention is illustrated. The assembly 10
comprises a rack 20 having a plurality of Z-channel members 60
mounted thereon with gates 140 mounted on each Z-channel member 60
and covers 180 mounted on gates 140 covering Z-channel members
60.
As seen in FIGS. 1-4, Rack or frame 20 includes a left portion 22
with inner and outer surfaces 24 and 26 and a right portion 28 with
inner and outer surfaces 30 and 32. Mating first through holes or
support elements 44 for receiving integral clips 100 and 102 of
Z-channel member 60, as discussed below, are disposed along both
left and right portions 22 and 28. A plurality of mating holes 44
positioned along the length of portions 22 and 28 allow
accommodation of different sized channel members. Top bracing
portion 34 with outwardly extending support flanges 36 extends
between left and right portions 22 and 28. Base portion 38 with
outwardly extending support legs 40 extends between left and right
portions 22 and 28. Support legs 40 support rack 20 and include
holes 42 for receiving bolts for securing rack 20 to the floor. Top
bracing portion 34 and base portion 38 are substantially
perpendicular to left and right portions 22 and 28. Left and right
portions 22 and 28 are typically U-shaped in cross-section and
provide an attachment for a plurality of different cross-connect
products (not shown) therebetween in central area 46 defined by
inner surface 24 of left portion 22, top bracing portion 34, inner
surface 30 of right portion, and base portion 38. An example of
cross-connect product for attaching to rack 20 is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Ser. No. 5,765,698, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
Channel members 60 are mounted on outer surfaces 26 and 32 of left
and right portions 22 and 28, respectively. Wires 12 are held and
organized in channel members 60 and can be connected to the
cross-connect products held in central area 46. Although four
channel members 60 are shown, both rack 20 and channel member 60
can be sized such that more or less than four channel members 60
can be used. Rack 20 is preferably made of a metal material but can
be formed of any rigid material.
As seen in FIGS. 1-10, Z-channel or channel member 60 includes
three elongated planar members, left or first member 62, right or
second member 72, and middle member 82. The designations of "left"
and "right" are with respect to channel member 60 as shown in FIGS.
8-10 and are for reference purposes only. Left member 62 has inner
and outer surfaces 68 and 70, respectively, and a plurality of
elongated cutouts 63 that form a plurality of segments 65. A
plurality of rear walls or first surfaces 64 extend inwardly from
inner surface 68 such that each rear wall 64 extends from each
segment 65. Front wall or second surface 66 extends inwardly from
inner surface 68 opposite rear walls 64.
Each rear wall 64 and front wall 66 are substantially perpendicular
to left member 62. Right or second member 72 has inner and outer
surfaces 78 and 80, respectively, and a plurality of elongated
cutouts 73 that for a plurality of segments 75 similar to segments
65. A plurality of front walls or fourth surfaces 76 extend
inwardly from inner surface 78 such that each front wall 76 extends
from each segment 75. Rear wall or third surface 74 extends
inwardly from inner surface 78 opposite front walls 76. Rear wall
74 and each front wall 76 are substantially perpendicular to right
member 72. Rear walls 64 of left member 62 are substantially planar
with rear wall 74 of right member 72. Front wall 66 of left member
62 is substantially planar with front walls 76 of right member 72.
Preferably, front wall 66 and rear wall 74 are wider than front
walls 76 and rears walls 64, however, they can be of various widths
or the same width. Also, four rear walls 64 and four front walls 76
are shown where the two middle walls have a length approximately
half of the length of the outer walls, as shown in FIG. 7. However,
any number of rear and front walls 64 and 76 with varying lengths
depending on the length of Z-channel member 60.
Middle member 82 has left and right surfaces 84 and 86 and extends
from front wall 66 to rear wall 74. Middle member 82 connects left
member 62 to right member 72 such that the cross section, a section
transverse to the longitudinal axis of Z-channel member 60, is
Z-shaped, as seen in FIG. 3. First receiving area 90 is defined
between left surface 84 of middle member 82 and inner surface 68 of
left member 62 and second receiving area 92 is defined between
right surface 86 of middle member 82 and inner surface 78 of right
member 72. First receiving area 90 has opening 91 that provides
access therein for wires 12. Opening 91 is defined by the area
between rear walls 64 and rear wall 74. Similarly, second receiving
area 92 has opening 93 that provides access therein for wires 12.
Opening 93 is defined by the area between front wall 66 and front
walls 76.
Apertures 88, each with outer lip 89, are preferably evenly
disposed along middle member 82 and provide access for wires 12
between first and second receiving areas 90 and 92. Although shown
as generally circular, apertures 88 can be of any shape, such as
square or oval. In addition, only one aperture 88 need be employed
as long as first receiving area 90 can be accessed by second
receiving area 92, and second receiving area 92 can be accessed by
first receiving area 90. Wires 12 can be vertically received in
both first and second receiving areas 90 and 92 such that one wire
12 can be concurrently received in both first and second receiving
areas 90 and 92 through apertures 88, as seen in FIG. 4.
Z-channel member 60 further has top edge 94, bottom edge 96 and
beveled side edges 98 connecting middle member 82 to front and rear
wall 66 and 74, connecting rear walls 64 and front wall 66 to left
member 62, and connecting rear wall 74 and front walls 76 to right
member 72. It is preferred that Z-channel member be formed of metal
material but it may be formed of a lighter weight material such as
plastic.
Top and bottom integral clips, or fastening elements, 100 and 102
are disposed on left member 62 proximate top and bottom edge 94 and
96, respectively. Clips 100 and 102 are formed by punching out a
small section of left member 62 and extend outwardly from outer
surface 70. Although pairs of clips 100 and 102 are shown, it will
be understood that any number of clips 100 and 102 can be used as
long as they correspond to mating holes 44 of rack 20. As seen in
FIG. 4, clips 100 and 102 are downwardly curved and tapered at the
end to create a hook for securely mounting Z-channel member 60 on
rack 20. To mount channel member 60 on rack 20, top and bottom
clips 100 and 102 are inserted into corresponding mating holes 44
of rack 20 that are sized to accommodate clips 100 and 102 such
that bottom surfaces 106 of clips 100 and 102 rest on bottom
portions of the mating holes 44 to fully support channel 60 on rack
20. Clips 100 and 102 are sufficiently strong to support any wire
attached to channel 60 as well.
Channel member 60 is designed such that the same channel member 60
can be mounted on either left portion 22 or right portion 28 of
rack 20. This design reduces costs by requiring only one mold to be
used to make channel members 60 eliminating the necessity of two
different molds, one to accommodate the left portion 22 and one to
accommodate the right portion 28. However, left, right, and middle
members 62, 72 and 82 can be formed separately and then connected
by any known attachment means.
To mount Z-channel member on right portion 28 of rack 20, top
integral clips 100 are inserted into mating holes 44 proximate top
bracing portion 34 of rack 20, and bottom integral clips 102 are
inserted into mating holes 44 located near a mid-section of rack
20, as seen in FIG. 1. When Z-channel member 60 is mounted on right
portion 28, outer surface 70 of left member 62 is adjacent to outer
surface 32 of right portion 28, front wall 66 faces frontwardly
providing access to second receiving area 92 from the front, and
rear wall 74 faces rearwardly providing access to first receiving
area 90 from the rear. To mount Z-channel member 60 on left potion
22 of rack 20, Z-channel member 60 must be rotated 180-degrees
around its longitudinal axis such that outer surface 70 of left
member 62 is adjacent outer surface 26 of left portion 22 of rack
20. Z-channel member 60 is mounted on left portion 22 in the same
fashion as described above with respect to right portion 28. When
S-channel member 60 is mounted on left portion 22, rear wall 74
faces frontwardly providing access to first receiving area 90 from
the front and front wall 66 faces rearwardly providing access to
second receiving area 92 from the rear. It will be understood that
Z-channel members 60 can be made of various lengths depending on
the number of channels desired and the size of rack 20.
As seen in FIG. 7, mating holes, or fastening elements, 108 are
located on the right member 72 in locations corresponding to the
location of top and bottom clips 100 and 102 on left member 62.
Mating or second holes 108 allow more than one channel member 60 to
be ganged together by inserting integral clips 100 and 102 of a
second channel member 60 (not shown) with the mating holes 108 of a
first channel member 60. FIG. 3 shows a second channel member 60
(partially) in dashed lines ganged to another channel 60 shown in
solid lines. Upon ganging the first and second channels 60
together, outer surface 80 of right member 72 of the first channel
member 60 is adjacent to outer surface 70 of left member 62 of the
second channel member. This provides the ability to accommodate
more wires using only one rack 20 and a plurality of successively
ganged channel members 60. The number of ganged channel members 60
can be determined by the user.
In addition, two or more channel members 60 can be ganged between
more than one rack 20 (not shown). Upon mounting a first channel
member 60 on right portion 28 of a first rack 20, a second channel
member 60 can then be coupled with the first channel member 60 by
fastening together corresponding mating holes 108 located on right
member 72 of each first and second channel members 60 such that
front wall 66 of the first channel member 60 faces forwardly and
front wall 66 of the second channel member 60 faces rearwardly.
Typically, nut and bolt type fasteners are employed to couple first
and second channel members 60 together. This allows second channel
member 60 to be coupled with a second rack 20 by inserting clips
100 and 102 of the second channel member 60 into corresponding
mating holes 44 of left portion 22 of second rack 20.
Z-channel member includes pairs of first and second slots, or
fastening elements, 110 and 112 that are evenly disposed on front
wall 66 and rear wall 74. Pairs of slots 110 and 112 are also
disposed on each front and rear walls 64 and 76. The location of
slots 110 and 112 on front wall 66 correspond to the location of
slots 110 and 112 on front walls 76. Similarly, the location of
slots 110 and 112 on rear wall 74 correspond to the location of
slots 110 and 112 on rear walls 64. Gates, or brackets, 140 can
then be received in each corresponding pairs of slots, as seen in
FIGS. 5-8. The number of pairs of slots 110 and 112 to be utilized
can vary depending on the number of front walls 76 and rear walls
64 employed, however, it will be understood that only two pairs of
corresponding slots are necessary. Tongue or engaging elements 114
are also disposed on front wall 66 and rear wall 74 for storing
gates 140 and are formed by U-shaped cutouts 115. Although four
tongue elements 114 are shown, any number of tongues elements 114
can be used. Elongated slots 116 are vertically disposed on middle
member 82 as seen FIGS. 7 and 8. Slots 116 allow straps, typically
VELCRO, to be inserted through the slots 116 and wrapped around
wires 12, facilitating the bundling and organization of wires
12.
As seen in FIGS. 1-12, cable management assembly 10 includes gates
140 that are mounted on Z-channel member 60 for enclosing wires 12.
Gates 140 can be mounted on both the front and the rear of
Z-channel member 60. Gate 140 includes left and right end walls 142
and 146 connected to middle wall 154 with an inner and outer
perimeter 162 and 164. Each end wall 142 and 146 includes two
outwardly extending curved side flanges 148 and first and second
foot members 150 and 152 for engaging first and second slots 110
and 112 of Z-channel member 60. Foot members 150 and 152 extend
from distal ends 149 of each end wall 142 and 146 by extensions 153
where foot member 150 is adapted to fit first slot 110 and second
foot member 152 is adapted to fit second slot 112. Middle wall 154
extends between left and right end walls 142 and 146 connected by
curved edges 160 and includes support ribs 158 which are disposed
on the inner surface of middle wall 154 and extend the entire
length of middle wall 154. Tongue or cover receiving element 156 is
centrally located on middle wall 154 and is formed by a U-shaped
cutout 157.
As seen in FIG. 5, gate 140 is mounted on Z-channel member 60 by
first inserting first foot member 150 into first slot 110 at an
angle and subsequently rotating gate 140 downwardly such that
second foot member 152 is inserted into second slot 112. Upon being
inserted, extensions 153 of each foot member 150 and 152 rest on
bottom portions of slots 110 and 112, respectively. Once mounted,
gates 140 act to enclose wires 12 in first and second receiving
areas 90 and 92 by providing a bracket across openings 91 and 93 of
first and second receiving areas 90 and 92, respectively, such that
wires 12 are disposed in and between receiving areas 90 and 92 and
inner perimeter 162 of gates 140. To remove gate 140 from Z-channel
member 60, gate 140 is lifted slightly and rotated upwardly such
that second foot member 152 is disengaged from second slot 112,
allowing first foot member 150 to be pulled out of engagement with
first slot 110.
A lance or hanging element 144 for storing gates 140 onto Z-channel
member 60 extends outwardly from left end wall 142. Specifically,
lance element 144 engages tongue elements 114 of Z-channel member
60. Lance element 144 is preferably formed by punching out a
section from left end member 144, as seen in FIG. 11. Tongue
elements 114 allow a plurality of gates 140 to be stored on
Z-channel member 60 by hanging each lance element 144 on a
corresponding tongue element 114, as seen in FIG. 12. Storage of
the gates 140 facilitates the loading, managing, and rearranging of
wires 12. Specifically, gates 140 obstruct access to openings 91
and 93 of first and second receiving areas 90 and 92 of Z-channel
member 60, thus by removing gates 140 the operator gains easy
access to receiving areas 90 and 92 through openings 91 and 93
allowing the operator to load and organize wires 12. In addition,
tongue elements 114 provide a convenient place for the operator to
store gates 140 while loading and organizing wires 12. Upon
completion of loading and organizing wires 12 within first and
second areas 90 and 92, the operator needs only to retrieve gates
140 from their storage positions and mount them back onto Z-channel
member 60 to hold in wires 12. It will be understood that only one
tongue element 114 is necessary and that the entire design of gates
140 eliminates the need for any additional fasteners in either
mounting or storing gates 140 on Z-channel member 60 or in
receiving cover 180, as discussed below.
Cable management assembly 10 also includes covers 180 for providing
enhanced aesthetics mounted to gates 140, as seen in FIGS. 1-14.
Cover 180 has a main body portion 182 that is substantially the
same length as channel member 60. Main body portion 182 includes
left and right sidewalls 186 and 188 connected to main body portion
182 by beveled edge walls 190, and front and back surfaces 192 and
194. Top and bottom lance or mounting elements 196 and 198 are
disposed on main body portion 182 and allow easy mounting and
removal of cover 180 from gates 140. Lance element 196 is located
proximate top end 200 of cover 180 and bottom lance element 198 is
located proximate bottom end 202 of cover 180. As seen in FIG. 6,
lance elements 196 and 198 engage corresponding tongue elements 156
of gates 140 to mount cover 180 onto gates 140. Specifically, top
lance element 196 is hung on tongue element 156 of a first gate 140
and bottom lance element 198 is hung on tongue element 156 of a
second gate 140. Lance elements 196 and 198 are preferably formed
by punching out a small section of main body portion 182. By
forming lance elements integrally with main body portion 182, the
need for additional fasteners to mount cover 180 is eliminated thus
reducing costs in making and using covers 180.
FIGS. 15-18 show a second embodiment of a channel member to be
employed with rack 20, C-channel member 210. C-channel member 210
includes left member 212, right member 222, and middle member 232.
Left or first member 212 has front end 214, rear end 216, and inner
and outer surfaces 218, 220. Right or second member 222 has front
end 224, rear end 226, and inner and outer surfaces 228 and 230.
Middle member 232 connects back end 216 of left member 212 and back
end 226 of right member 222 such that the cross section, a section
transverse to the longitudinal axis of C-channel member 210, is
C-shaped. Front wall or surface 234 extends from front end 214 of
left member 212 and front end 224 of right member 220 opposite
middle member 232. Front walls 234 extend the length of C-channel
member 210 and are substantially perpendicular to left and right
portions 212 and 222, respectively. Left, right, and middle member
212, 222, and 232 and front walls 234 form an inner receiving area
236 for holding wires 12. Front walls 234 define front opening 238
therebetween where front opening 238 provides access to inner
receiving area 228 to load or organize wires 12 therein.
Top and bottom integral clips 240 and 242 are formed in C-channel
member in substantially the same fashion as integral clips 100 and
102 as discussed above with respect to Z-channel member 60. In
addition, the C-shaped design of C-channel member 210 allows clips
240 and 242 to be disposed on both left and right member 212 and
222 and requires only one mold to form C-channel member 210. Pairs
of top clips 240 are disposed on each left and right member 212 and
222 proximate the top of C-channel member 210. Pairs of bottom
clips 242 are disposed on each left and right member 212 and 222
proximate the bottom of C-channel member. It will be understood
that any number of clips 240 and 242 can be used as long as they
correspond to mating holes 44 on rack 20.
C-channel member and clips 240 and 242 engage rack 20 in the same
manner as Z-channel member and clips 100 and 102 such that one
C-channel member can be mounted on either left or right portion 22
and 28 of rack 20. When mounted in a first position on right
portion 28, outer surface 230 of left member 212 is adjacent outer
surface 32 of right portion 28 and front opening 238 faces
forwardly. When mounted in a second position on left portion 22,
outer surface 230 of right member 222 is adjacent outer surface 26
of left member 22 and front opening 238 faces forwardly. Mating
holes or fastening elements 244 for providing additional means for
securing C-channel member 210 on rack 20, are disposed on left and
right members 212 and 222 and correspond to mating holes 44 on rack
20 such that mating holes 44 and mating holes 244 can be coupled
using a typical fastener such as a nut and bolt.
Front walls 234 include corresponding pairs of first and second
slots 246 and 248 for receiving first and second foot members 150
and 152 of gates 140 in a fashion substantially similar to first
and second receiving slots 110 and 112 of S-channel member 60.
Gates 140 serve to enclose wires 12 in inner receiving area 236 in
the same manner as discussed above with respect to first and second
receiving areas 90 and 92 of Z-channel member 60. Slots 246 and 248
are generally evenly dispersed along front walls 234 but can be
located anywhere along front walls 234 as long as corresponding
pairs of slots are disposed on each front wall 234, respectively.
Front walls 234 further include tongue or engaging elements 250 for
storing gates 140, in the same fashion as discussed above with
respect to tongue elements 114. Tongue elements 250 are also evenly
dispersed along front wall 234, however, they can be located
anywhere along front walls 234. It will be understood that only one
pair of slots 246 and 248 and only one tongue element 250 is
necessary for mounting and storing gates 140. Covers 180 can be
used with C-channel member 210 in the same manner as discussed
above with respect to S-channel member 60.
Middle member 232 includes elongated slots 252 for receiving straps
for bundling and managing wires 12 in inner receiving area 236.
C-channel is preferable formed of metal material but can be formed
of a lighter weight material such as plastic. Also, C-channel 210
and Z-channel 60 can be used together on the same rack 22 or ganged
together or used separately.
While a particular embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the
invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications can be made therein without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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