Modular cable management trough section

Details Modular cable management trough section Modular cable management trough section

2000-10-10

2002-10-22

Nguyen, Khiem (Department: 2839)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Reexamination Certificate

active

06470129

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention pertains to a system for the management and routing of cables, such as telecommunications cables. More particularly, this invention pertains to a trough section.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the telecommunications industry, the use of optical fibers for signal transmission is accelerating. With the increased utilization of optical fiber systems, optical fiber cable management requires industry attention. Similar issues exist with other telecommunications cables such as copper-based cables.
One area of telecommunications cable management that is necessary is the routing of cables from one piece of equipment to another. For example, in a telecommunications facility, optical fiber cables may be routed between fiber distribution equipment and optical line terminating equipment. In buildings and other structures which carry such equipment, the cable routing can take place in concealed ceiling areas or in any other manner to route cables from one location to another. Accordingly, such routing systems often include a plurality of trough members, fittings and couplings for routing the cables. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,678; 5,316,243; and 5,752,781 show various cable routing systems.
When routing optical fibers, it is desirable that the routing system will be easy to install. For example, providing a continuous cable path throughout the system can be a challenge, such as when obstacles or misalignments arise during installation of the system. There is a need for devices which make system installation easier and less reliant on precisely aligned components.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,779 to Johnson discloses an apparatus for linking misaligned cable troughs. The Johnson device uses a number of different materials other than the preferred plastic. There is a need for an improved, cost effective system for making small adjustments in the alignment of a cable management trough.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns modular trough sections for use in a trough system. The modular trough sections may be quickly and easily snap-fitted together through the use of a channel and flange arrangement. An assembly of modular trough sections may include angled trough sections so that the trough assembly does not define a linear path.
A preferred embodiment of a modular trough section in accordance with the present invention includes a trough body having first and second terminal ends, first and second upright walls extending between the first and second terminal ends, and a base wall between the first and second upright walls, extending between the first and second terminal ends. The first and second upright walls and the base wall define a generally U-shaped trough having an open top and a trough interior for receiving at least one telecommunications cable. The trough body defines a receiving channel at the first end of the trough body. The channel has upright portions along the first and second upright walls and a base portion along the base wall. The channel may slidably receive a flanged end of an adjacent trough section in order to couple the adjacent trough section to the modular trough section.
The modular trough section may be adapted with a flange at its second end so that the modular trough section may be coupled to a second modular trough section also having a receiving channel.
The modular trough sections may then be shaped such that the receiving channel is angled relative to the second end of the trough body. By combining differently angled trough sections a cable management trough may be constructed which does not have a linear cable pathway. In this manner, obstacles and misaligned components may be circumnavigated or aligned with a cable trough.


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