Electricity: conductors and insulators – Conduits – cables or conductors – Single duct conduits
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-04-10
Kincaid, Kristine (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
Conduits, cables or conductors
Single duct conduits
C174S0720TR, C174S095000, C211S026000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215069
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular cable management panel assembly for supporting and guiding cables or wires coupled to cross connectors and other apparatus mounted in cabinets and racks of network systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular cable management panel assembly having rings with openings for receiving the cables, with a movable cover coupled to the rings for opening and closing the openings in the rings and with a reduced number of fasteners.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cable management accessories are key components of cross connect systems for networks. Although good cable management may not positively enhance network performance, poor cable management will detract from the network performance. Additionally, cable management accessories are not only necessary, but can improve the visual image of the overall network installation.
Cable management accessories perform the pragmatic function of organizing the structure for facilitating installation, moving, adding and changing the system. Additionally, an aesthetic cable management conveys the impression of attention to detail and of the craftsmanship of the installer.
Cable management panel assemblies must be adaptable and compliment existing rack structures. A modular panel assembly can be adapted to a wide variety of environments. As used herein, cable management refers to the routing of cables terminated in a rack mounting environment. Specifically, cables will need to be organized and structured in extending from the cross connect horizontally, vertically and between fronts and backs.
A conventional cable management panel comprises plastic or metal cable guides that are mounted in a row across the panel. Cable guides can be split D-rings or laterally open rings which are bolted to one of the panel surfaces. Although the rings have openings to receive the cables, they do not have effective mechanisms for closing those openings. Additionally, they include a significant number of fasteners for attaching accessories to the panels.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a cable management panel assembly which can be made in modular form and has an effective mechanism for providing a cover for selectively closing the openings in the rings of the assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a cable management panel assembly which is highly adaptable to different environments, can be used with or without a door for closing the ring openings and has mountings for additional accessories employing a minimum number of fasteners.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a cable management panel assembly which is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and use, has an aesthetic appearance, and is of rugged construction.
The foregoing objects are basically obtained by a cable management panel assembly comprising a panel, a set of rings and a cover. The panel has oppositely directed first and second surfaces and extends along a longitudinal axis. The rings are mounted and extend outwardly from the first surface and are spaced along the longitudinal axis. Each ring has an opening extending laterally through it. A cover is coupled to the rings and is moveable between its closed position extending over and closing the openings and its open position spaced from the openings to allow cables to pass laterally into and out of the rings.
By forming the cable management panel in this manner, the panel can be modular and can be adapted to a wide variety of environments by changing the size, arrangement and number of rings provided on the panel. The cover can be moved between its open and close positions to allow access to the interior of the rings for placing cables therein and removing cables therefrom, or for securing the cables within the rings and providing a neat and aesthetic overall appearance. Increased reliability in service is provided by using a minimum number of fasteners and by the basic rugged design of the rings.
Such terms as front, back, top, bottom, side, upper, lower, inner and outward are only intended to refer to relative positions or locations. Those terms do not limit the cable management panel assembly to any specific orientation.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention.
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Hubbell Premise Wiring Full Line Catalog #1100R No date.
Baxter Robert C.
Martin Dale D.
Udelson Tracy H.
'Hubbell Incorporated
Bicks Mark S.
Kincaid Kristine
Nino Adolfo
Presson Jerry M.
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