Abstract:
A hinge clip apparatus for selectively engaging and disengaging a cover includes a base, a hinge defining a hinge axis, and a spring member. The spring member is pivotally moveable relative to the base along the hinge which connects the base to the spring member. The spring includes a pair of spring arms generally opposing each other and capable of engaging the cover and disengaging from the cover when the spring member is compressed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/764,479, filed Jan. 17, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to cable management systems for telecommunications cables, and more particularly, to hinges and covers for telecommunications equipment useable in cable management systems.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Various devices such as telecommunications frames, racks, and cabinets are used to hold and manage telecommunications equipment and the related cables. In designing cable management systems or any other communications equipment, the ease of use of the systems has become a priority. In the past, the cables are mounted within or around the frames, racks, and cabinets. The cables within or around the frames, racks, and cabinets are often exposed to dust or other unfriendly environmental conditions. Improving the dust and damage protection aspects of the frames, racks, and cabinets is also desired.  
           [0004]    Traditionally, covers have been used to cover the frames, racks, and cabinets. However, a cover often makes cable management tasks difficult to perform due to access problems. A cover usually swings open on one side. Sometimes, an operator needs to access the system on the other side of the cover. In this case, the operator removes the cover, which is cumbersome and makes the operation very inefficient. Therefore, continued improvements are desired for the covers used in cable management systems while allowing convenient access to a system behind a cover.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    One aspect of the present invention relates to a hinge clip capable of connecting a cover to a structure, such as a frame, rack, cabinet, etc. The hinge clip includes a hinge portion and a clip portion, the hinge portion being pivotally moveable relative to the clip portion along a hinge which connects the hinge portion and the clip portion, the hinge portion having a first spring section removably retained in one of the holes of the cover, the clip portion having a second spring section snap mountable to a planar member of the structure, such as a frame, rack, cabinet, etc.  
           [0006]    Another aspect of the present invention relates to a telecommunication cable management device including a frame defining a vertical cable pathway; a cover having first and second pairs of holes, the first pair of holes being disposed on a first side of the cover, and the second pair of holes being disposed on a second side of the cover; and first and second pairs of hinge clips, the first pair of hinge clips selectively engaging the first side of the cover with a first side of the frame, the second pair of hinge clips selectively engaging the second side of the cover with a second side of the frame.  
           [0007]    A further aspect of the present invention relates to the hinge clip apparatus. The hinge clip includes a base; a hinge defining a hinge axis; a plate, the plate pivotally moveable relative to the base along the hinge which connects the base to the plate, the plate including a pair of holes disposed at opposite sides of an axis which is perpendicular to the hinge. The hinge clip also includes a spring member having a pair of spring arms. One end of the spring arms extend through the pair of holes, respectively, and the other end of the spring arms is connected to each other. Each of the spring arms has an extension tab capable of engaging the cover and disengaging from the cover when the spring arms are compressed.  
           [0008]    In one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of hinge clips allow a cover to cover a vertical open frame which is capable of managing patch cords and providing cable support therein. Each of the hinge clips has a symmetrical part which allows the hinge clips to be used on either side of the cover. Accordingly, one of the advantages of the present invention is that the hinge clips allow for cable management tasks to be done without removing covers or hinge clips.  
           [0009]    In another aspect of the present invention, a hinge clip apparatus includes a base and a hinge defining a hinge axis. A spring member is pivotally moveable relative to the base along the hinge which connects the base to the spring member, the spring member including a pair of spring arms, a first end of each spring arm including an extension tab capable of engaging the cover and disengaging from the cover when opposing surfaces of the spring member are compressed, causing the first end of each spring arm to move relatively towards each other.  
           [0010]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a telecommunication cable management device includes a frame defining a vertical cable pathway, a cover having first and second pairs of holes, the first pair of holes being disposed on a first side of the cover, and the second pair of holes being disposed on a second side of the cover, and first and second pairs of hinge clips, the first pair of hinge clips selectively engaging the first pair of holes on the first side of the cover with a first side of the frame, the second pair of hinge clips selectively engaging the second pair of holes on the second side of the cover with a second side of the frame. Each of the hinge clips includes a base mounted to the frame, a hinge defining a hinge axis, and a spring member pivotally moveable relative to the base along the hinge which connects the base to the spring member, the spring member including a pair of spring arms, a first end of each spring arm including an extension tab capable of engaging the cover and disengaging from the cover when opposing surfaces of the spring member are compressed, causing the first end of each spring arm to move relatively towards each other.  
           [0011]    In another aspect of the present invention, a method for closing and opening a cover of a structure, the cover defining first and second holes located on opposite sides of the cover, includes: providing a hinge clip on first and second opposite sides of the cover; compressing a surface of two opposed spring arms toward one another to release the hinge clip from the first hole at the first side of the cover; and pivoting open the cover of the structure along the second side of the cover about a pivot axis defined by the hinge clip at the second side of the cover.  
           [0012]    These and various other advantages and features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described specific examples of an apparatus in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cable management frame including a plurality of hinge clips in accordance with the present invention, and covers being connected to the frame by the hinge clips and swung open from left and right sides;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the vertical cable management frame of FIG. 1 with one of the covers exploded from the frame and the other cover covering the frame;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a top view of the vertical cable management frame of FIG. 1 with the covers covering the frame;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a right side view of the vertical cable management frame of FIG. 1 with the covers covering the frame;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge clip mounted on a rib at the top right comer of the vertical cable management frame of FIG. 2;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge clip mounted on a rib at the top left comer of the vertical cable management frame of FIG. 2;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge clip mounted between a rib and a cover that covers the vertical cable management frame of FIG. 2;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the covers of FIG. 1;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 9 is a left side view of the cover of FIG. 8;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 10 is a front view of the cover of FIG. 8;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 11 is a right side view of the cover of FIG. 8;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 12 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 8;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the cover of FIG. 8;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the hinge clip of FIG. 1;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 15 is a front view of the hinge clip of FIG. 14;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 16 is a rear view of the hinge clip of FIG. 14;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 17 is a left side view of the hinge clip of FIG. 14;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 18 is a top view of the hinge clip of FIG. 14;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of a hinge clip;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 20 is a front view of the hinge clip of FIG. 19;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 21 is a rear view of the hinge clip of FIG. 19;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 22 is a left side view of the hinge clip of FIG. 19; and  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 23 is a top view of the hinge clip of FIG. 19. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0037]    The cable management systems of the present invention allow for management of cables in and around telecommunications equipment, frames, racks, and/or cabinets. The telecommunications cable may be fiber optic-based, copper-based, and combinations thereof. The cable management system maintains and directs cables connected to the telecommunications equipment. The hinge clips and covers of the present invention allow for protection of the telecommunications equipment, frames, racks, cabinets, and cables and access to the cable management system and components.  
         [0038]    Referring now to the figures, one preferred embodiment of a cable management frame  20  is shown in FIG. 1. The cable management frame  20  is a part of a cable management system which is further described in a co-pending patent application Ser. No. 09/228,343, filed Jan. 11, 1999, entitled “VERTICAL CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH RIBCAGE STRUCTURE,” which is incorporated herewith by reference.  
         [0039]    The cable management frame  20  includes a ribcage cable support member  22 . The cable management frame  20  generally defines an X-axis  24 , a Y-axis  26 , and a Z-axis  28 . The ribcage cable support member  22  includes a central U-channel  30  having two side sections  32 ,  34  and a middle section  36 . The side sections  32 ,  34  and the middle section  36  extend vertically in the direction of the Y-axis  26 . The front and rear of the cable management frame  20  face in the direction of the Z-axis  28 . The ribcage cable support member  20  cooperates with racks (not shown) to vertically manage cables running to and from the equipment held by each rack. Typically, each cable connects to the respective piece of equipment, and the cable length travels horizontally to the nearest ribcage cable support member  20  where the cable length is supported and/or held in the desired position and directed for the distal end to be connected at another connection site.  
         [0040]    The ribcage cable support member  22  includes two opposed columns of ribs  38  extending forwardly and rearwardly, generally in the direction of the Z-axis  26 . The ribcage cable support member  22  further includes first and second sets of ribcage members  40 ,  42  positioned on opposite sides of the middle section  36 . Each ribcage member  40 ,  42  includes a central spine  44 , and first and second sets of ribs  46 ,  48  extending in opposite directions. The first set of ribs  46  extend outwardly from the spine  44  in the front. The second set of ribs  48  extend rearwardly from the spine  44  in the opposite direction. The spine  44  has a plurality of holes  45 . Screws  47  connect the spine  44  onto the side sections  32 ,  34 . Between each of the individual ribs are spaces  50  for receipt of one or more cables. Distal ends of each rib  46  include a tab  52  extending at an angle to both the rest of the rib  46 , and to the direction of extension of the columns of ribs  46 . A main portion  51  of each rib  46  extends in the direction of the Z-axis  28 , and the tab  52  extends at an angle towards the other set of ribs in a plane defined by the X-axis  24  and the Y-axis  26 . As shown in the example embodiment, the tab  52  can extend at an angle upwardly or downwardly. The rib  46  has a bent section  54  disposed between the main portion  51  of the rib  46  and the tab  52  of the rib  46 .  
         [0041]    The middle section  36  of the U-channel  30  further preferably includes a plurality of openings  56  to allow for cable to pass between a front to a rear of the ribcage cable support member  22 . It is to be appreciated that any number of openings  56  can be used as desired. In addition, the positioning of the openings  56  can be varied as desired for particular cable management situations.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIGS.  1 - 7 , a plurality of hinge clips  58  is disposed on the ribs  46  of the ribcage cable support member  22 . One end of each hinge clip  58  is clipped onto one of the ribs  46 , preferably onto the bent section  54  of the rib  46 , and the other end of the hinge clip  58  is engaged with a hole  62  of covers  60   a, b . As shown in FIG. 1, the top cover  60   a  is pivotally opened along its left side, and the bottom cover  60   b  is pivotally opened along its right side. The hinge clips  58  allow the covers  60   a, b  to open at least 180 degrees either side. The covers  60   a, b  are the same and will be described as the cover  60  hereafter.  
         [0043]    In FIGS.  8 - 13 , a preferred embodiment of the cover  60  includes a pair of the holes  62  disposed on a left side  64  which defines a left edge  66  and a pair of the holes  62  disposed on a right side  68  which defines a right edge  70 . The cover  60  includes a left section  72 , a middle section  74 , and a right section  76 . The left and right sections  72 ,  76  are bent inwardly from the middle section  74 , which provides clearance for the ribs  46  disposed behind the cover  60 .  
         [0044]    In FIGS.  14 - 18 , a preferred embodiment of the hinge clip  58  includes a hinge portion  78 , a hinge  80 , and a clip portion  82 . In FIGS.  14 - 18 , the hinge portion  78  is folded towards the clip portion  82  about a hinge axis  84  defined by the hinge  80 . In FIGS.  5 - 6 , the hinge portion  78  is unfolded from the clip portion  82  about the hinge axis  84 .  
         [0045]    The hinge portion  78  includes a plate  86  having two holes  88 ,  90  extending from a top side  92  of the plate  86  to a bottom side  94  of the plate  86 . The two holes  88 ,  90  are disposed at opposite sides of an axis  96 , the axis  96  being perpendicular to the hinge axis  84 .  
         [0046]    The hinge portion  78  also includes a spring member  98  having a pair of spring arms  100 ,  102 . One end of each of the spring arms  100 ,  102  extends through the pair of holes  88 ,  90 , respectively, from the bottom side  94  to the top side  92  of the plate  86 . The other ends of the spring arms  100 ,  102  are bent toward each other. The bent ends are connected to each other and extend together toward the plate  86  on the bottom side  94  as shown in FIG. 15. The extended ends are mounted to a middle section  104  of the plate  86 . The middle section  104  is preferably disposed on the axis  96  of the plate  86 . The spring arms  100 ,  102  each include a tab  106 ,  108 , respectively, projecting in opposite directions from an exterior surface of  110 ,  112  of the spring arms  100 ,  102 .  
         [0047]    In use, the tabs  106 ,  108  of the spring arms  100 ,  102  are inserted into the hole  62  of the cover  60  from an inner side  114  of the cover  60  to an outer side  116  of the cover  60 . To do so, the spring arms  100 ,  102  are pushed towards each other by the operator pressing on the extension surfaces  110 ,  112  proximate the first ends  118 ,  120  of the spring arms  100 ,  102 , as indicated by arrows A-A in FIG. 15. The tabs  106 ,  108  are displaced inwardly away from their normal positions, as indicated by arrows B-B in FIG. 15, to allow the spring member  98  to be inserted into the hole  62  of the cover  60 . Upon release of the spring arms  100 ,  102 , the tabs  106 ,  108  are spring biased back to their normal positions to allow the spring member  98  to engage with the hole  62  of the cover  60 . The cover  60  is then trapped between tabs  106 ,  108  and bottom side  94  of plate  86 .  
         [0048]    The two spring arms  100 ,  102 , and the two holes  88 ,  90  are preferably symmetric about the axis  96  of the plate  86 , respectively. Accordingly, the spring member  98  can be used to engage with the hole  62  on either the left side  64  or the right side  68  of the cover  60 .  
         [0049]    The hinge portion  78  includes an extension member  122  extending from a side  124  of the plate  86 . The extension member  122  has a longitudinal bore to house a middle section of a hinge pin  81 . Two ends of the hinge pin  81  are housed within two longitudinal bores of two support members  126 ,  128  of the hinge  80 , respectively. The two support members  126 ,  128  are mounted on sides  130  of the clip portion  82  of the hinge clip  58 .  
         [0050]    As shown in FIG. 17, the member  126  includes an upper section  136 , a lower section  138 , and a middle section  139 . The upper section  136  is integral to a top surface  140  of the clip portion  82 . A shoulder  142  is formed between the upper section  136  and the middle section  139 . When the plate  86  of the hinge portion  78  folds toward the clip portion  82 , the plate  86  is positioned adjacent to the shoulder  142 . When the plate  86  of the hinge portion  78  unfolds from the clip portion  82 , the ends  118 ,  120  of the spring arms  100 ,  102  can be positioned adjacent to a back side  144  of the clip portion  82  if desired. Accordingly, the hinge portion  78  can pivot about the hinge  80  more than 180 degrees relative to the clip portion  82  in the illustrated embodiment.  
         [0051]    At the top surface  140  of the clip portion  82 , a recess  146  is formed to house the bent spring arms  100 ,  102  of the hinge portion  78  when the hinge portion  78  folds toward the clip portion  82 . In the recess  146 , two longitudinal members  148 ,  150  extend from a front side  152  of the clip portion  82  to the back side  144  of the clip portion  82 . The longitudinal members  148 ,  150  are generally parallel to the axis  96  of the hinge portion  78  and symmetrically disposed on each side of an axis  149  parallel to the axis  96 .  
         [0052]    On the other side of the recess  146 , a pair of legs  154 ,  156  is disposed underneath the recess  146 . The legs  154 ,  156  extend outwardly away from each other. A pair of spring members  158 , 160  is integral to the bottom ends of the legs  154 ,  156 , which forms two U-shaped legs. The two U-shaped legs provide clearance  162 ,  164  for the spring members  158 ,  160  to be spring-biased away from each other as shown in the arrows C-C in FIGS. 14 and 15. The spring members  158 ,  160  include ramp sections  166 ,  168  and latch sections  170 ,  172 . The two U-shaped legs extend from the front side  152  of the clip portion  82  to the back side  144  of the clip portion  82 . The U-shaped legs are symmetrically disposed on each side of the axis  149  parallel to the axis  96 .  
         [0053]    In use, as shown in FIGS.  5 - 6 , the clip portion  82  snaps onto a planar member, such as the bent section  54  of the rib  46 . The ribs  46 ,  48  of frame  20  are made from bent sheet metal. The bent section  54  of the rib  46  is pushed through the ramp sections  166 ,  168  of clip portion  82  which displace the spring members  158 ,  160  away from their normal positions. Once the bent section  54  reaches over the latch sections  170 , 172 , the bent section  54  falls into grooves  174 , 176  of the latches  170 , 172 . The biased spring members  158 , 160  trap the bent section  54  in the grooves  174 , 176 . Also, as shown, the clip portion  82  can be removed from the rib  46  by moving the clip portion  82  along the rib  46  towards the tab  52  at the distal end of the rib  46  and sliding off the clip portion  82  thereof.  
         [0054]    Now referring back to FIG. 1, a pair of the hinge clips  58  is snap mounted onto the respective ribs  46  of the frame  20  by the clip portion  82  of the hinge clips  58 . The hinge clips  58  are also inserted into the respective holes  62  of the covers  60 . The top cover  60   a  is shown as pivotally opening the frame  20  from its right side  68 , and the bottom cover  60   b  is shown as pivotally opening the frame  20  from its left side  64 . The same hinge clips  58  can be used in either side of the frame  20  as the parts configured on the hinge clip  58  are symmetrical as described above.  
         [0055]    To open a cover  60  of a structure from the left side of the frame  20  as shown, a user releases the hinge clips  58  at the first side  64  of the cover  60 , pivotally opens the cover  60  along the second side  68  of the cover  60  about a pivot axis  71  defined by the hinge clips  58  of the second side  68  of the cover  60 . If the user decides to open the cover  60  from the right side of the frame  20 , the user releases the hinge clips  58  at the second side  68  of the cover  60 . Then, the user pivotally opens the cover  60  along the first side  64  of the cover  60  about a pivot axis  67  defined by the hinge clips  58  at the first side  64  of the cover  60 . The cover  60  can be opened in a radius more than 180 degrees, thus allowing the user to easily access the equipment or cables behind the cover  60  without removing the cover  60 .  
         [0056]    It is appreciated that the cover  60  can be entirely removed if desired by releasing the hinge clips  58  from both sides of the cover  60 . It is also appreciated that the hinge clips  58  can be used in other sides of the frames or devices within the scope of the present invention. Other mounting structures for mounting the hinge clip  58  to the structure are possible including fasteners.  
         [0057]    In FIGS.  19 - 23 , a second preferred embodiment of a hinge clip  200  is shown including a similar clip portion  82  and a hinge  80 . The hinge clip  200  has a modified hinge portion  278  with a modified spring member  298  compared to the hinge clip  58 . The spring member  298  selectively engages the hole  62  in the cover  60 , similar to spring member  98  of hinge clip  58 .  
         [0058]    The hinge portion  278  includes the spring member  298  having spring arms  200  and  202 . A free end of each of the spring arms  200  and  202  extends parallel to one another. The other end of each of the spring arms  200  and  202  is bent toward each other and coupled to a midsection  220 . The spring arms  200  and  202  each include a tab  206  and  208 , respectively, projecting in opposite directions from the exterior surfaces  210  and  212  of the spring arms  200  and  202 .  
         [0059]    In use, the tabs  206  and  208  of the spring arms  200  and  202  are inserted into the hole  62  of the cover  60  from an inner side  114  of the cover  60  to an outer side  116  of the cover  60 . To do so, the spring arms  200  and  202  are pushed towards each other by the operator pressing on surfaces  250  and  252 , respectively, of the spring arms  200  and  202 , as indicated by arrows A-A in FIG. 20. The tabs  206  and  208  are displaced inwardly away from their normal positions, as indicated by arrows B-B in FIG. 20, to allow the tabs  206  and  208  of the spring member  298  to be inserted into the hole  62  of the cover  60 . Upon release of the spring arms  200  and  202 , the tabs  206  and  208  are spring biased back to their normal positions to allow the spring member  298  to engage with the hole  62  of the cover  60 . The cover  60  is then trapped between tabs  206  and  208  and shoulders  214  and  216  of the spring member  298 .  
         [0060]    The two spring arms  200  and  202  are preferably symmetric about the axis  296  of the spring member  298 . Accordingly, the spring member  298  can be used to engage with the hole  62  on either the left side  64  or the right side  68  of the cover  60 .  
         [0061]    In use, the clip portion  82  of the hinge clip  200  snaps onto a planar member, such as the bent section  54  of the rib  46 , in a manner similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment of the hinge clip  58 . To couple the hinge clip  200  to a cover, such as the cover  60 , surfaces  250  and  252  of the spring  298  are compressed towards each other to allow the tabs  206  and  208  of the spring member  298  to be placed through the hole  62  to engage the cover  60 . To open the cover  60 , a user releases the hinge clip  200  by pushing the spring arms  200  and  202  towards each other by pressing on surfaces  250  and  252 . This releases the tabs  206  and  208  from the cover  60 , and the hinge portion  278  is rotated away from the cover  60 . The cover  60  can then be pivoted with respect to one or more of the hinge clips  200  positioned on the opposite side of the cover  60 .  
         [0062]    Both of the clips  58  and  200  operate in a similar manner to allow the cover  60  to pivot open from both the right and left sides.  
         [0063]    Having described the present invention in terms of preferred embodiments, modifications and equivalents may occur to one skilled in the art. It is intended that such modifications and equivalents shall be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.