HK1084277B - Cable management assembly, system and method - Google Patents

Description

Cable management assembly, system and method

This application is a PCT international patent application filed on 12/11/2003 in the name of ADC telecommunications shares, a united states company, and specifies priority for us application 10/295,169 filed on 15/11/2002 in all countries except the united states.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for improving cable management for a telecommunications system. More particularly, the present invention relates to cable management panels for telecommunications systems.

Background

Telecommunication systems typically include cables (e.g., fiber optic cables or copper twisted pair cables) for interconnecting pieces of telecommunication equipment. Typically, a telecommunications rack holds various components of a variety of telecommunications equipment. Thousands of cables are typically used to interconnect the different pieces of telecommunications equipment mounted on the racks.

Because of the large number of cables associated with telecommunications equipment, cable management is critical. Cable management involves efficiently routing cables to minimize the space occupied by the cables. Cable management also includes routing cables in an orderly manner to reduce the likelihood of cable tangling. The ease with which cables can be organized is also a factor involved in effective cable management.

Cable management is also important to prevent cable damage. For example, unnecessary or excessive fiber optic cable displacement is undesirable. As the fiber optic cables are displaced, they are subjected to bending and other forces. The bending of the fiber results in attenuation and loss of signal strength. As the fiber bends, the fiber may also break, resulting in loss of information transmitted through the fiber.

In general, improvements in cable management have been developed, typically to effectively and practically manage cables by providing flexibility and easy cable organization of the system.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a cable management assembly that includes a panel having a plurality of shaped apertures and a plurality of cable management devices. The cable management devices include connectors corresponding to shaped apertures that secure the cable management devices to the panel at selected horizontal and vertical positions.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a telecommunications cable management system including a first telecommunications rack, a second telecommunications rack, a cable management assembly extendable between the first and second telecommunications racks and including an interface surface, and a plurality of cable management devices having integrated connectors, the cable management device configured to be secured to and removed from a panel of the cable management assembly at selected vertical and horizontal positions only by the integrated connectors without the use of tools.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a cable management assembly that includes a mounting plate with a plurality of discrete openings. The cable management device of the assembly has a projection connected to the panel by inserting the projection into the discrete opening from one side of the panel.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method of assembling a cable management device, comprising: selecting a cable management device from a plurality of devices; selecting position coordinates along the mounting plate; and securing the selected cable management device to the panel.

Aspects of the invention are set forth, in part, in the description which follows, and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the various aspects disclosed. Aspects of the disclosure relate to features, both individually and in combination. It can be understood that: both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cable management system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of one embodiment of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 2;

fig. 4 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 2;

fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the cable management assembly of fig. 2;

fig. 6 is an enlarged front perspective view of another embodiment of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 6;

fig. 8 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the cable management assembly of fig. 6;

fig. 9 is an enlarged front perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 1;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of FIG. 9;

fig. 11 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 9;

fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the cable management assembly of fig. 9;

fig. 13 is an enlarged rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 1;

fig. 14 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 13;

fig. 15 is an enlarged rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the cable management assembly shown in fig. 1;

fig. 16 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a cable management device that may be used with the cable management assembly shown in fig. 15;

fig. 17 is a front perspective view of the cable management assembly of fig. 1, illustrating various cable management assembly embodiments; and

fig. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cable management system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

One embodiment of a telecommunications system 100 for managing cables connected to telecommunications components is shown in fig. 1. The telecommunications system 100 includes a cable management assembly 10 in accordance with the principles disclosed. The cable management assembly 10 shown in fig. 1 is mounted between adjacent first and second telecommunication racks 12. In another embodiment, the cable management assembly 10 can be used with other telecommunications structures to manage cables. For example, the cable management assembly 10 may be mounted in a housing or in a terminal panel.

Each telecommunications rack 12 shown in fig. 1 generally includes a frame 102 having a first side column 104 and a second side column 108. The first side column 104 defines a first end 106 of the telecommunications rack 12 and the second side column 108 defines a second end 112 of the telecommunications rack 12.

The telecommunications rack 12 may be configured to receive a variety of telecommunications components. For example, the shelf 12 may hold the fiber termination mounting plate 11 that secures the fiber optic adapters 13. Cables (not shown) with terminated connectors are connected together at the adapters 13.

The cable management assembly 10 includes a cable management structure 14. The cable management structure may be referred to as a back plate, riser (riser), or panel. The panel 14 includes an interface portion 16 and first and second mounting structures 18, 20, the first and second mounting structures 18, 20 being configured to mount or engage the cable management assembly 10 to an adjacent telecommunications rack 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first and second mounting structures 18, 20 include a flange 22 extending generally outwardly from the interface portion 16. The flange 22 may include mounting holes 23 (fig. 2), the mounting holes 23 corresponding to the mounting holes 15 formed along the side posts 104, 108 of the telecommunications rack 12. The mounting plate 14 may be mounted to the telecommunications rack 2 using fasteners such as rivets or screws.

The first interface portion 16 of the mounting plate has a front side 46 and a rear side 48. A plurality of discrete openings 30 extend through the interface portion from the front side 46 to the back side 48. The cable management devices 50 are secured to the panel 14 at the discrete openings 30. The discrete openings 30 and cable management devices 50 are configured and dimensioned so that a user can organize and arrange cables (not shown) at different locations along the panel 14. In a preferred embodiment, the discrete openings 30 include shaped apertures 30, the shaped apertures 30 being configured and dimensioned to receive the cable management devices 50.

One feature of the present disclosure relates to reducing costs associated with fixed or custom-made cable management systems. The cable management assembly of the present invention allows a user to configure the system according to particular needs. For example, a user may flexibly select from a set of different cable management devices 50 (each configured to be securable to a riser or panel 14) in accordance with the disclosed principles. The present system further provides flexibility in allowing a user to position any of the different cable management devices 50 at multiple locations on the panel 14 of the cable management assembly 10. In particular, the preferred panel 14 is configured to provide a plurality of position coordinates (i.e., vertical and horizontal positions) from which a user can select a position to position the cable management devices. Thus, with this design, the user is not limited to a pre-manufactured, fixed cable management system that may not be suitable for specific needs. Similarly, with this design, the user reduces or eliminates the modification and customization costs associated with reworking the system to meet a particular need.

Another feature of the present system relates to the adaptability and ease of use of the system. In one embodiment, the cable management devices 50 are removably secured to the riser or panel 14. This feature allows a user to change the cable management policy of the system to accommodate growth or changes in the rapidly changing industry.

Referring now to fig. 2-5, a first particular embodiment of the cable management assembly 10 is shown. In this first embodiment, the panel 14 includes a first embodiment of a specially shaped aperture 30 (the aperture 30 is configured to secure the cable management device 50 to the interface portion 16 of the panel).

As shown in fig. 3, the shaped aperture 30 has a keyhole-like configuration including a first receiving aperture portion 32, a second notch aperture portion 34, and a slide aperture portion 36. The slide aperture portion 36 extends diagonally between the receiving aperture portion 32 and the notch aperture portion 34. The receiving bore portion 32 has a first diameter d 1. The notch aperture portion 34 has a second diameter d 2. In this particular embodiment, the second diameter d2 of the notch aperture portion 34 is less than the first diameter d1 of the receiving aperture portion 32. The shaped apertures 30 are oriented and formed within the mounting plate 14: the receiving aperture portion 32 is vertically above the slot aperture portion 34 and laterally offset from the slot aperture portion 34.

Referring again to fig. 2, the shaped apertures 30 are arranged in an array of columns 40 and rows 42. In the embodiment illustrated here, the mounting plate 14 includes 5 columns 40 of shaped apertures 30. Other embodiments with columns or rows of more or less shaped apertures are envisaged. Preferably, the shaped apertures 30 are arranged in a manner that provides flexibility to a user in placing or positioning the cable management devices 50 along the panel 14. In another embodiment, the shaped apertures 30 may be more randomly formed in the mounting plate 14.

Still referring to fig. 2, the notch aperture portion 34 of the shaped aperture 30 is oriented to extend downwardly from the receiving aperture portion 32. The shaped apertures 30 of the rightmost vertical column 40 slope downwardly toward the right side from the receiving aperture portion 32 to the slot aperture portion 34 as viewed in the embodiment of fig. 2. The shaped apertures 30 of the remaining four vertical columns 40 are inclined downwardly towards the left. This configuration allows a user to use the entire width of the panel 14 when placing and positioning the cable management devices 50. As will be described in detail below, this configuration allows the cable management devices 50 to be installed in either the right hand side of the panel or the left hand side of the panel without interfering with the side posts 104, 108 (fig. 1) of the telecommunications rack 12.

In general, the disclosed cable management device 50 is configured to be insertable into any one of the specifically shaped apertures to provide a variety of cable management arrangements or configurations for different applications. Exemplary cable management devices 50a-50h are shown in fig. 17 and 18 and will be described in greater detail below. An exemplary cable management device 50, as shown in FIG. 2, is a spool 50 a. It is to be understood that the spool 50a and other exemplary devices 50a-50h are merely examples of the various cable management devices that can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed.

Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary spool 50 a. The spool 50a includes a spool body 64 extending between first and second ends 66, 68. A cable locator 70 is located at the second end 68 of the spool body 64.

Each of the disclosed cable management devices 50 includes a connection structure 80 configured to secure the device 50 to the panel 14. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the connection structure 80 includes first and second connectors 72, 74 corresponding to the shaped apertures 30 shown in fig. 2 and 3. As shown, the first and second connectors 72, 74 are protrusions or pin connections 82, 84. The first and second pin connections 82, 84 each have a major diameter D1. The noted major diameter D1 of the first and second pin connections 82, 84 corresponds to the diameter D1 of the receiving hole portion 32 of each shaped hole 30.

The first pin connection 82 is positioned in vertical alignment (axis a-a) with the second pin connection 84. This positioning is advantageous for use of the cable management devices 50, which cable management devices 50 can be used in both an upward orientation and a downward orientation. That is, the arrangement of the first and second pin connections 82, 84 allows a user to secure the device 50 in such a manner that the first pin connection 82 is positioned toward the top end of the mounting plate 14; or the device is turned 180 deg. to secure the device 50 with the first pin connection 82 positioned towards the bottom end of the mounting plate. It is contemplated that the device 50 may alternatively be configured to be flipped 90 and secured to the shaped apertures 30 in a single row with the first pin connection 82 positioned toward either side of the mounting plate.

The first and second pin connections 82, 84 each include a neck or annular groove 86, 88. The slots 86, 88 are located between the major diameter D1 of the pin connections 82, 84 and the first end 66 of the spool body 64. The grooves 86, 88 have an outer diameter D2. The outer diameter D2 of each slot is less than the major diameter D1 and corresponds to the diameter D2 of the slot segments 34 of the shaped apertures 30.

Fig. 4 shows the installation of this first cable management device embodiment 50 a. An upper assembly 50 a' is partially mounted to the mounting plate 14; the lower device 50a "is secured to the mounting plate 14. In use, the cable management device 50 is secured to the panel 14 by pushing or inserting the first and second pin connections 82, 84 of the device 50 a' into the receiving aperture portions 32 of a selected first and second shaped aperture 30. The cable management devices are inserted into the shaped apertures 30 from the front side 46 of the panel 14 toward the rear side 48 of the panel. The device 50a is then moved along the slide aperture portion 36 toward the notch aperture portion 34 (represented by the arrow) to a secured position, as shown by the device 50 b. Typically, the cable management device 50 is designed to be secured to the panel 14 by insertion into the panel 14 from one side without the use of tools or additional fastening members.

As the device 50 translates down the slide aperture portion 36 toward the slot aperture portion 34, the mounting plate 14 begins to engage the slots 86, 88 of the first and second pin connections 82, 84. In other words, the cable management device 50 is received within the slot aperture portion 34 and the thickness of the panel 14 is designed to fit between the first end 66 of the device 50 and the major diameter D1 of the pin connections 82, 84. When secured in this manner, the cable management device 50 cannot be pulled or pushed out of position. Preferably the device 50 is removably fixed, i.e. can be slid or translated obliquely upwards for removal.

The cable management device 50 shown in fig. 5 can include a tensioning member, such as a spring washer 43. In an alternative embodiment, the tensioning member can comprise a flexible tensioning blade or tab (tab)344, as shown in fig. 12. The spring washer 43 and flexible tensioning tab 344 tension the pin connections 82, 84 to assist in maintaining a secure engagement between the device 50 and the mounting plate 14.

Still referring to fig. 4, a recess 38 may be formed in the rear side of the mounting plate 14 that at least partially surrounds the notch aperture portion 34 of the shaped aperture 30. Preferably, the recess 38 is sized and configured to: the major diameter D1 of the pin connections 82, 84 is accommodated when the cable management device 50 is secured to the panel 14. The recesses 38 help structurally support the pin connections 82, 84 of the cable management device 50.

When the cable management device is secured to the panel 14, the slot 86 of the first pin connection 82 engages the slot segment 34 of the first shaped aperture 30a and the slot 88 of the second pin connection 84 couples with the slot segment 34 of the second shaped aperture 30 b. In this arrangement, two shaped holes 30 are used to secure the device 50 to the mounting plate 14. The first shaped aperture 30a is positioned above the second shaped aperture 30b in one of the columns 40 of shaped apertures.

It is contemplated that other arrangements of shaped apertures in which the apertures are not above/below each other in a spatial configuration can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed. For example, the pin connections 82, 84 may be horizontally rather than vertically aligned on the first end 66 of the spool body 64 such that the connections 82, 84 are secured to two shaped holes 30 located in the same horizontal row; or the pinned connections 82, 84 can be laterally vertically offset to engage shaped apertures 30 located in different columns 40 and different rows 42.

Referring now to fig. 6-8, a second embodiment of the cable management device 210 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the panel 214 includes a second embodiment of shaped apertures 230 configured to secure the cable management devices 250.

As shown in fig. 7, the shaped aperture 230 has a keyhole-like configuration including a first receiving aperture portion 232, a second notch aperture portion 234, and a slide aperture portion 236. The slide aperture portion 236 extends between the receiving aperture portion 232 and the notch aperture portion 234. The receiving aperture portion 232 has a first diameter d 3. The notch aperture portion 234 has a second diameter d 4. In this embodiment, the second diameter d4 of the notch aperture portion 234 is less than the first diameter d3 of the receiving aperture portion 232. The shaped aperture 230 is oriented and formed in the mounting plate 14 such that the receiving aperture portion 232 is vertically aligned with the slot aperture portion 234.

Referring again to fig. 7, the shaped apertures 230 are arranged in vertical columns 240 and horizontal rows 242. In this illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 214 includes 9 vertical columns 240 of shaped holes.

The example cable management device 250 of this embodiment is similar to the previous spool embodiment and includes a spool body 264 extending between first and second ends 266, 268, and a cable locator 270. As shown in fig. 8, the attachment structure 280 of this embodiment is configured to secure the device 250 to the mounting plate 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection structure 280 includes first and second connection members 272, 274 that correspond to the shaped aperture 230. As shown, the first and second connectors 272, 274 are protrusions or pin connections 282, 284. The first and second pin connections 282, 284 each have a major diameter D3. The major diameter D3 of the first and second pin connections 282, 284 corresponds to the diameter D3 of the receiving hole portion of each shaped hole 230.

Each of the first and second pin connections 282, 284 also includes a neck or annular groove (e.g., 286). The slot is located between the major diameter (e.g., D3) of the pin connection 282, 284 and the first end 266 of the spool body 264. The groove has an outer diameter (e.g., D4). The outer diameter D4 of each slot 286 is less than the major diameter D3 of the pin connection and corresponds to the diameter D4 of the slot segment 234 of the shaped aperture 230 (FIG. 7).

Referring also to fig. 8, the cable management device 250 is secured to the panel 214 by pushing or inserting the first and second pin connections 282, 284 of the device 250 a' into the receiving aperture portions 32 of selected first and second shaped apertures 30. The cable management devices are inserted into the shaped apertures 230 from the front side 246 of the panel 214 toward the back side 248 of the panel. The device 250 is then moved (represented by the arrow) toward the notch aperture portion 234 along the slide aperture portion 236 to the installed position, as shown in device 250a ".

As the device 250 translates downwardly toward the slot aperture portion 234, the mounting plate 214 gradually engages the slots of the first and second pin connections 282, 284. In other words, the cable management device 250 fits within the notch aperture portion 234, and the thickness of the panel 214 is configured to fit between the first end 266 of the device 250 and the major diameter D3 of the pin connection 282, 284. When secured in this manner, the cable management device 250 cannot be pulled or pushed out of position. Preferably the device 250 is removably secured, i.e., capable of being slid vertically upward for removal.

A recess 238 (fig. 7) may be formed in the rear side of the mounting plate 214 at least partially around the notch aperture portion 234 of the shaped aperture 230. The recess 238 is preferably sized and configured to: when secured to the panel 214, the cable management device 250 accommodates the major diameter D3 of the pin connections 282, 284.

When the cable management device is secured to the mounting plate 214, the slot of the first pin connection 282 engages the slot aperture portion 234 of the first shaped aperture 230a and the slot of the second pin connection 284 engages the slot aperture portion 234 of the second shaped aperture 230 b. In this configuration, two shaped apertures 230 are used to secure the device 250 to the mounting plate 214. The first shaped apertures 230a are located above the second shaped apertures 230b belonging to the same vertical column 240 of shaped apertures.

It is contemplated that other arrangements of shaped apertures having a spatial configuration in which the apertures are not above/below each other can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed. For example, the pinned connections 282, 284 may be oriented horizontally rather than vertically aligned on the first end 266 of the spool body 264 such that the connections 282, 284 are secured in a single horizontal row into two shaped apertures 230 located within the same horizontal row; or the pin connections 282, 284 can be laterally vertically offset to engage shaped apertures 230 located in different columns 240 and different rows 242.

Referring now to fig. 9-12, a third embodiment of a cable management device 310 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the panel 314 includes a third embodiment of shaped apertures 330 configured to secure cable management devices 350.

Similar to the first embodiment, the shaped aperture 330 of fig. 10 includes a first receiving aperture portion 332, a second notch aperture portion 334, and a slide aperture portion 336. The slide aperture portion 336 extends between the receiving aperture portion 332 and the notch aperture portion 334. The receiving aperture portion 332 has a first diameter d 5. The notch aperture portion 334 has a second diameter d 6. In this embodiment, the second diameter d6 of the notch aperture portion 334 is less than the first diameter d5 of the receiving aperture portion 332. The shaped apertures 330 are oriented and formed within the mounting plate 314 such that the receiving aperture portion 332 is laterally offset above the notch aperture portion 334.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the shaped apertures 330 are arranged in an array of vertical columns 340 and horizontal rows 342. In the embodiment of fig. 9, the shaped apertures 330 in the rightmost vertical column 340 are angled downwardly and to the right from the receiving aperture portion 332 to the notch aperture portion 334. The shaped apertures 330 of the remaining four vertical columns 340 are inclined downwardly and to the left.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the connection structure 380 of the illustrated cable management device 350 is also configured to secure the device 350 to the panel 314. The connection structure 380 includes first and second connectors 372, 374 corresponding to the shaped apertures 330 of fig. 9 and 10. As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second connectors 372, 374 are protrusions or pin connections 382, 384 oriented laterally offset from one another (as shown by axis B-B). The first and second pin connections 382, 384 each have a major diameter D5. The major diameter D5 of the first and second pin connections 382, 384 corresponds to the diameter D5 of the receiving bore portion 332 of each shaped bore 330.

The first pin connection 382 in the illustrated embodiment includes a neck or annular groove 386. The slot 386 is located between the major diameter D5 of the pin connection 382 and the first end 366 of the spool body 364. The groove 386 has an outer diameter D6. The outer diameter D6 of the groove 386 is less than the major diameter D5 and corresponds to the diameter D6 of the notch aperture portion 334 of the shaped aperture 330.

Fig. 11 shows the installation of this cable management device. The upper device 350 a' is shown partially mounted to the mounting plate 314; the lower device 350a "is shown secured to the mounting plate 314. In use, the cable management device 350 is secured to the panel 314 by pushing or inserting the first and second pin connections 382, 384 into the receiving aperture portions 332 of the selected first and second shaped apertures 330a, 330 b. The cable management devices are inserted into the shaped apertures 330 from the front side 346 of the panel 314 toward the rear side 348 of the panel. The device 350a is then twisted or rotated (as indicated by the arrow) to a fixed position, as shown by device 350 b.

As the device 350 is rotated, the groove 386 of the first pin connection 382 slides along the slide aperture portion 336 of the shaped aperture 330. Because the major diameter D5 of the second pin connection 384 is larger, the second pin connection 384 remains fixed (i.e., does not translate, but rotates) within the receiving bore portion 334. The device 350 continues to rotate until the groove 386 of the first pin connection 382 reaches the notch aperture portion 334 (see device 350 b). In this position, the mounting plate engages the groove 384 of the first pin connection 382, the groove 384 being between the major diameter D5 of the pin connection 382 and the first end 366 of the device 350. When secured in this manner, the cable management device 350 cannot be pulled or pushed out of position. Preferably the device 350 is removably secured, i.e. capable of being rotated in the opposite direction for removal.

The cable management device 350 shown in fig. 9-12 includes a flexible tensioning sheet 344 (fig. 12). The flexible tensioning tab 344 extends outwardly from the first end 366 of the device 350 and contacts the riser or mounting plate 314 when the cable management device 350 is secured to the mounting plate 314. The flexible tensioning tab 344 tensions the pin connections 382, 384 to assist in maintaining a secure engagement between the device and the mounting plate.

As shown in fig. 11, a recess 338 may be formed in the rear side of the mounting plate 314, the recess 338 at least partially surrounding the notch aperture portion 334 of the shaped aperture 330. Preferably, the recesses 338 are sized and configured to: the major diameter D5 of the pin connections 382, 384 is received when the cable management device 350 is secured to the panel 314.

When the cable management device is secured to the mounting plate 314, the slot 386 of the first pin connection 382 engages the slot aperture portion 334 of the first shaped aperture 330a and the second pin connection 384 engages the receiving aperture portion 332 of the second shaped aperture 330 b. In this arrangement, two shaped apertures 330 are used to secure the device 350 to the mounting plate 314. The first shaped aperture 330a is positioned above a second shaped aperture 330b in the same vertical column 340 of shaped apertures. It is contemplated that other arrangements of shaped apertures in a spatial configuration in which the apertures are not arranged above/below each other can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed.

It will be appreciated that for the first and third embodiments disclosed herein, the specially shaped apertures (e.g., 30, 330) in the outermost vertical columns (e.g., 40, 340) run oppositely. This allows, for example, a user to position the cable management devices (e.g., 50, 350) in the leftmost column or the rightmost column and slide or rotate the devices toward the center of the panel, thereby avoiding interference with the rack 12.

Referring now to fig. 13 and 14, yet another embodiment of a cable management assembly 410 is illustrated. In this fourth embodiment, the panel 414 includes a further embodiment of a shaped aperture 430 configured to secure the illustrated cable management device 450. In this embodiment, shaped aperture 430 includes first and second opposing edges 457, 459 and third and fourth opposing edges 461, 463. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge defines a square aperture 430. Other geometric shapes of the holes, such as rectangular shaped holes, are also possible. Similar to the previous embodiment, shaped apertures 430 are arranged in an array of vertical columns 440 and horizontal rows 442.

Referring to fig. 13, the connection 480 of the cable management device 450 is also configured to secure the device 450 to the panel 414. The cable management device 450 is a spool device 450a that includes a first end 466 and a second end 468. The spool body 464 extends between first and second ends 466, 468. The connection structure 480 includes first and second connectors 472, 474 corresponding to the shaped aperture 430. The first and second connectors 472, 474 include hook-shaped connectors 482, 484 (shown as axis C-C) that are aligned with one another.

In use, the cable management device 450 is secured to the panel 414 by inserting the first and second hook-shaped connectors 482, 484 of the device 450 a' into selected first and second shaped apertures 430a, 430 b. The cable management devices are inserted into the shaped apertures from the front side 446 of the panel 414 to the back side 448 of the panel. The device 450 is then hooked over a first edge 457, the edge 457 defining in part the shaped aperture 430 within the mounting plate 414. When secured in this manner, the device 450a "is not pulled or pushed out of position. Preferably, the device 550 is removably secured, i.e., capable of being lifted off the first edge 457 for removal.

In this configuration, two shaped apertures 430 are used to secure the device 450 to the mounting plate 414. The first shaped aperture 430a is positioned above the second shaped aperture 430b in a single vertical column 440 of shaped apertures. It is contemplated that other arrangements of shaped apertures in which the apertures are not directly above/below each other in a spatial configuration can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed.

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, a fifth embodiment of a cable management assembly 510 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the panel 514 includes a further embodiment of a shaped aperture 530 configured to secure the cable management device 550.

The shaped hole 530 includes: a main aperture portion 533, a pair of insertion slots 535, and a pair of release slots 537. A ramp 539 interconnects the insertion slot 535 and the release slot 537. The main aperture portion 533 has a first diameter d 7. The pair of insertion and release slots 535, 537 extend radially outward from the main bore portion 535 a distance r1, r 2. The release notch 537 extends a distance r2 from the main aperture portion 533 that is greater than the distance r1 that the insertion notch 537 extends from the main aperture portion 533. The shaped apertures are arranged in an array of vertical columns 540 and horizontal rows 542.

Referring now to fig. 16, the connection 580 of the cable management device 550 is also configured to secure the device 550 to the panel 514. The connection structure 580 of this spool arrangement 550a includes a first connection 573 that corresponds to the shaped aperture 533 shown in fig. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, the first link 573 is a snap-in projection or link 583 centered at the first end 566 of the spool body 564. The first snap-in connector 583 includes a pin body 577 with a flexible tab 579.

In use, the cable management device 550a "(fig. 15) is secured to the panel 514 by aligning the flexible tabs 579 of the device with the insertion slots 535 of the selected shaped aperture 530 and pushing or inserting the first snap-in connector 583 of the device 550 a" into the shaped aperture 530. The cable management devices are inserted into the shaped apertures 530 from the front side 546 of the panel 514 to the back side 548 of the panel. The flexible tabs 579 of the device 550 flex inwardly upon insertion and snap outwardly as the edges 581 pass through the insertion slots 535 of the shaped apertures 530. The mounting plate 514 is then secured between the first end 566 of the device 550 and the edge 581 of the attachment structure 580. When secured in this manner, the device 550 cannot be pulled or pushed out of position. In this configuration, only one shaped aperture 530 is used to secure the device 550 to the mounting plate 514.

Preferably, the device 550 is removably secured. In particular, the device 550 may be removed by rotating the device 550 a' "(as indicated by the arrow) within the shaped aperture 530. As the device rotates, the flexible tabs 579 contact the ramped surfaces 539 of the shaped aperture 530. As the device rotates, the ramps 539 push or flex the flexible tabs 579 inward. When the tab is aligned with the release notch 537, the tab is ejected outward. The relief notch is sized and configured to allow removal of the tabs 579 and thus the device 550 by pulling the device out through the relief notch 537.

It is understood that for all embodiments, the mounting plates (e.g., 14) of the presently disclosed embodiments may comprise a single mounting plate structure extending along the vertical length of the rack 12, as shown in FIG. 1. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the mounting plate can include one or more portions 28 forming the mounting plate. The mounting plate has a length L and a width W (fig. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, the length L of the mounting plate extends substantially from the top of the rack 12 to the bottom of the rack. In other embodiments, the mounting plate may extend only partially along the height of the frame 12.

The width W of the mounting plate 14 is configured to extend between the gaps of the shelves 12. The width W of the mounting plate 14 can be in the range of 2 inches to 18 inches. Preferably, the width W of the mounting plate 14 is between 5 inches and 12 inches.

Fig. 17 illustrates a plurality of different cable management devices 50 that can be used in accordance with the principles disclosed. The spool 50a is one of the cable management devices 50 and has been described in detail above. The spool 50a may be of different sizes and may be used to wind or hold excess cable. Other cable management devices 50 may include, for example, cable guides 50b that receive or guide cabling; a knot-tying stand 50c to which the cable can be fixed; finger means or edge protection means 50d for organizing and protecting cables running between the mounting plate 14 and components mounted on the telecommunications rack 12 (fig. 1); a channel 50e for accommodating cabling; and a radius limiter 50f configured to limit a bending radius of the stored cable. In addition, other types of cable management devices 50 may include cable termination devices (not shown) for terminating fiber or ribbon cables at the panel 14, or flip-out trays (not shown) for storing cable slack.

As shown in fig. 17, the cable management device 50 and the panel 14 are configured to: allowing a user to position any of the different cable management devices 50 at any location on the panel 14 of the cable management assembly 10. In this illustration, a second mounting plate embodiment 214 is shown, however, it is to be understood that this illustration encompasses the principles of the disclosed mounting plate embodiment and related apparatus.

The device 50 can be placed at the location coordinates of the mounting plate 14. In addition, the device can be positioned in different orientations, such as 180 ° with respect to each other for opposing radius limiters 50 f. In this way, a user can select one or more devices from a library of devices and position the devices as needed to construct a system that meets particular needs.

Referring now to fig. 18, another embodiment of a cable management system 100' is shown. In this embodiment, the cable management assembly 10 'includes a rack end panel 14' having first, second and third interface portions 16a, 16b, 16 c. In this embodiment, the rack end mounting plates 14' are mounted to the columns 104, 108 of the single column telecommunications rack 12, or to the end columns (104 or 108) of the telecommunications racks at the ends of a series of racks.

The end frame panel 14' provides the user with three interface portions 16a-c having a plurality of discrete openings (not shown for clarity) to which various cable management devices 50 can be removably secured. Preferably, the discrete openings comprise shaped apertures. The three interface portions 16a-c in the illustrated embodiment form a channel-like configuration. Large cables may be routed through this channel configuration through either the top or bottom openings 96, 98. Large passage holes (not shown) may be formed in the end frame mounting plate 14' through which cables may be routed.

The cable management system 100' of fig. 18 is shown with a variety of cable management devices, such as a spool 50a and a cable channel guide 50 e. Fig. 18 also illustrates certain additional cable management devices that can be used with the disclosed cable management assemblies 10, 10', including a cable retainer 50g and another embodiment of a radius limiter or edge protector 50 h.

The above specification provides a complete description of the cable management assembly, system, and method. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims (5)

1. A telecommunications cable management system comprising:

(a) a first telecommunications rack and a second telecommunications rack, each of said racks including a frame having side posts defining first and second opposite ends of said rack, adjacent ends of said first and second telecommunications racks defining a gap therebetween;

(b) a cable management assembly coupled to one of the first and second ends of each of the first and second telecommunication racks, the cable management system including an interface surface extending across the gap between the first and second telecommunication racks and having an arrangement pattern of square holes;

(c) a plurality of cable management devices having integrated connectors; the integrated connector includes a first hook and a second hook configured to engage two separate square holes of the pattern;

(d) wherein the cable management device is configured to be secured to and removed from the panel of the cable management assembly at selected vertical and horizontal positions only by the integral connectors without the use of tools.

2. The telecommunications cable management system of claim 1, wherein the pattern of square apertures is arranged in an array of columns and rows.

3. The telecommunications cable management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cable management devices includes a spool.

4. The telecommunications cable management system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cable management devices includes different types of cable management devices.

5. The telecommunications cable management system of claim 4, wherein one of the different types of cable management devices includes a spool.