Flexible conduit systems for routing cables

A conduit for routing connectivity cables. The conduit including a body extending a longitudinal length and having an opening extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length. The body may be flexible about a center axis of the body, the center axis extending the longitudinal length. A gate may be pivotably attached to a portion of the body. The gate pivotable about the portion of the body while the body is flexed about the point on the center axis.

BACKGROUND

Optical fibers can be used to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances, with little or no signal degradation. For this reason, optical fibers have become widely used in the telecommunication field. As the use of optical fibers has increased, new systems have been developed for managing and organizing larger numbers of optical fibers.

In a typical telecommunications facility, a trough system is used to route the fiber optic cables. Generally, the trough system is located overhead and over the location of the fiber optic racks, cabinets, and other equipment. The trough system in even a small telecommunications facility can be substantial, requiring significant time and expense to install.

Some trough systems use tubing (e.g., split tube, split wire loom tubing, split corrugated loom tubing, etc.), adding to the assembly time and expense. For example, some trough systems may use split tubing to manage and organize optical fibers exiting out of the trough system located overhead to another location, to another piece of equipment, to another trough system, etc. in the telecommunication facility. The split tubing is often extruded and relatively stiff. Users (e.g., technicians, installers, mechanics, etc.) may be required to run their hands along the inside of the split of the tube which can be difficult and unpleasant to manage and organize optical fibers in the split tube. For example, the inside of a split tube often has rough sharp edges, restricting the hands of the users as they manage and organize optical fibers in the split tube.

Thus, there remains a need to develop new conduit formed of materials which are much more easy and pleasant to use than existing tubes, and/or are more cost effective than existing tubing.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts relating to a conduit for routing cables which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

This disclosure relates to conduit for routing cables that are relatively more easy and pleasant to use than existing tubes (e.g., split tube, split wire loom tubing, split corrugated loom tubing, etc.). Generally, the conduit includes a bottom surface including consecutively connected bottom springs extending a longitudinal length, a first side surface including consecutively connected first side springs extending the longitudinal length, and a second side surface including consecutively connected second side springs extending the longitudinal length. The bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface may be flexible about a point along a center axis of the conduit. A gate may be pivotably attached to the first side surface and/or the second side surface and may pivot between an open position and a closed position while the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface are in a flexed position, as well as when the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface are in an unflexed state (i.e., relaxed, natural resting state). An advantage of such a conduit is that the conduit provides improved installation attributes, such as eliminating a split having rough sharp edges. For example, because the conduit is flexible about a point along the center axis of the conduit and includes a gate that can be pivoted between an open position and a closed position while the conduit is flexed, this allows a user (e.g., technicians, installers, mechanics, etc.) to manage and organize optical fibers in the conduit with greater ease and lower risk of harm to the user's hands. Accordingly, a user may flex the conduit along a path, pivot the gate between an open position and a closed position while the conduit is flexed along the path, and manage and organize optical fibers in the conduit, via the open gate, without causing harm to the user's hands while passing along the inside of the conduit.

In an embodiment, a conduit includes a first member and a second member. The first member may include a first bottom spring having a first end opposite a second end, a first side spring extending from the first end of the first bottom spring, and a second side spring extending from the second end of the first bottom spring. The second member may include a second bottom spring having a first end opposite a second end, a third side spring extending from the first end of the second bottom spring, and a fourth side spring extending from the second end of the second bottom spring. A bottom link may be attached between the first bottom spring and the second bottom spring. A first side link may be attached between the first side spring and the third side spring. A second side link may be attached between the second side spring and the fourth side spring. The springs of the first and second members allow the first and second members to be flexible with respect to each other about a center axis of the conduit, which axis extends through the longitudinal length of the conduit. At least one gate may have a first end pivotably attached to a top portion of the first side spring and pivotably attached to a top portion of the third side spring. A second end of the at least one gate may be pivotable about the top portions of the first side spring and the third side spring regardless of whether the first member and the second member are flexed or unflexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit.

In an embodiment, a conduit includes a bottom surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface extending a longitudinal length. The bottom surface may include a first bottom spring, a second bottom spring, and a bottom link attached between the first bottom spring and the second bottom spring. The first side surface may include a first side spring, a second side spring, and a side link attached between the first side spring and the second side spring. The second side surface may include a third side spring, a fourth side spring, and a side link attached between the third side spring and the fourth side spring. The springs of the bottom surface, first side surface, and the second side surface may provide for the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface to be flexible about a center axis of the conduit. At least one gate may pivotably attach to a top portion of the first side surface or pivotably attached to a top portion of the second side surface. The at least one gate may be pivotable between an open position and a closed position regardless of whether the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface are flexed or unflexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit.

In an embodiment, a conduit includes a body and a gate. The body extending a longitudinal length and having an opening extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length. The body may be flexible about a center axis of the body extending the longitudinal length. The gate may include a first end opposite a second end. The first end of the gate may be pivotably attached to a portion of the body, and the second end of the gate may be pivotable about the portion of the body regardless of whether the body is flexed or unflexed about a point along the center axis of the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

As noted above, split tubing may be used to manage and organize optical fibers, which tubing is often extruded and relatively stiff, and users (e.g., technicians, installers, mechanics, etc.) may be required to run their hands along the inside of the split of the tube making it difficult and unpleasant to manage and organize optical fibers in the split tube. This disclosure is directed to conduits for routing cables (e.g., optical fibers, cords, power cords, wires, wiring harnesses, etc.) that are relatively more easy and pleasant to use than existing split tubes, split wire loom tubing, split corrugated loom tubing, etc. The conduits may include consecutive bottom springs extending a longitudinal length, consecutive first side springs extending the longitudinal length, and consecutive second side springs extending the longitudinal length. The bottom springs, first side springs, and second side springs are flexible about a point along a center axis of the conduit. The conduits may also include a gate pivotably attached to a portion of the first side springs or to a portion of the second side springs. The gate is pivotable about the portion of the first side springs or pivotable about the portion of the second side springs while the bottom springs, first side springs, and second side springs are flexed or unflexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit. In an example situation of use, a user may open the gate while the bottom springs, first side springs, and second side springs are flexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit. The user may then manage and organize optical fibers in the conduit. Subsequent to managing and organizing the optical fibers in the conduit, the user may close the gate while the bottom springs, first side springs, and second side springs are flexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit to contain the optical fibers in the conduit.

While this application describes implementations that are described in the context of an overhead conduit for managing optical fibers in a telecommunications facility, the implementations described herein may be used in other environments and are applicable to other contexts. For example, the conduits may be located at any desired location, including overhead, below the floor, at a work station, at a desk, in a home, in an office, in a home theater, with a personal computer, with a personal work station, with an audio system, in a vehicle, in a boat, etc. In addition, the conduits may be used to manage fibers other than optical fibers, such as wires, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, power cords, wiring harnesses, etc.

The conduits may include a first member including a first bottom spring, a first side spring, and a second side spring. The first bottom spring may have a first end opposite a second end. The first side spring may extend from the first end of the first bottom spring, and the second side may extend from the second end of the first bottom spring. A second member may include a second bottom spring having a first end opposite a second end. A third side spring may extend from the first end of the second bottom spring, and a fourth side spring may extend from the second end of the second bottom spring. A bottom link may be attached between the first bottom spring and the second bottom spring. A first side link may be attached between the first side spring and the third side spring, and a second side link may be attached between the second side spring and the fourth side spring. The first member and the second member may be flexible with respect to each other about a point on a center axis of the conduit extending a longitudinal length. At least one gate may be pivotably attached to the first side spring, and the at least one gate may be pivotable while the first member and the second member are flexed about the point on the center axis of the conduit.

In an additional, and/or alternative description, the conduits may be described as including a bottom surface extending a longitudinal length. The bottom surface may include a first bottom spring, a second bottom spring, and a bottom link attached between the first bottom spring and the second bottom spring. A first side surface, extending the longitudinal length, may include a first side spring, a second side spring, and a side link attached between the first side spring and the second side spring. A second side surface, extending the longitudinal length opposite the first side surface, may include a third side spring, a fourth side spring, and a side link attached between the third side spring and the fourth side spring. The bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface may be flexible about a point along a center axis of the conduit extending the longitudinal length. At least one gate may pivotably attach to the first side surface or to the second side surface, and the at least one gate may be pivotable between an open position and a closed position while the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface are flexed about a point along the center axis of the conduit.

In yet another additional, and/or alternative description, the conduits may include a body extending a longitudinal length and having an opening extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length. The body may be flexible about a point along a center axis of the body extending the longitudinal length. The first and second attachment features of the first member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the first member. A gate may be pivotably attached to a portion of the body, and may be pivotable about the portion of the body while the body is flexed about a point along the center axis of the body.

Illustrative Conduits

FIG. 1illustrates an example conduit100for routing connectivity cables in a telecommunication facility102. A user (e.g., a technician) may install the conduit100in the telecommunication facility102for managing and organizing connectivity cables (e.g., optical fibers) in the telecommunication facility102. For example, a user may attach the conduit100to an overhead trough system104for managing and organizing at least a portion of connectivity cables exiting from the trough system104to another to a piece of equipment106, to another location, to another trough system, etc. in the telecommunication facility102. The conduit100may be flexible about a center axis of the conduit100to provide for routing the conduit100. For example, the conduit100may be flexible about a point along the center axis to provide for bending or deforming the conduit100from the trough system104and the other piece of equipment106.

The conduit100may have a maximum flexibility to provide for a minimum bend radius to protect the connectivity cables. For example, the conduit100may be flexible about a point along the center axis up to a minimum bend radius of about 1 inch suitable for protecting the fiber optic cables that may be placed and/or routed in the conduit100.

WhileFIG. 1illustrates the conduit100installed in the telecommunication facility102, the conduit100may be installed in a computing facility, a central office, a data center, a server room, a remote cell site, etc. Further, whileFIG. 1illustrates the conduit100being flexed from the trough system104to the piece of equipment106, the conduit100may be flexed between different pieces of equipment, instead of from a trough to equipment, such as a server. That is, the conduit100may be arranged between any piece of equipment, components, systems, etc. to provide a conduit that corresponds with the configuration in a telecommunication facility in which the conduit is to be installed.

FIG. 2illustrates the example conduit100may be used in an office200for managing and organizing wires, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, power cords, wiring harnesses, etc. in the office200. For example, a user may attach the conduit100to a portion of a desk202for managing and organizing at least a portion of the cables associated with equipment arranged with the desk202. The conduit100may be flexible about a point along the center axis of the conduit100to provide for bending or deforming the conduit100around portions of the desk202, and/or between the desk202and another location in the office200. The conduit100may be flexible about a point along the center axis of the conduit100to provide for bending or deforming the conduit100when the desk202is raised or lowered. For example, the desk202may be a height adjustable desk, and the conduit100may bend or deform about a point on the center axis when a user reduces or increases the height of the adjustable desk. WhileFIG. 1illustrates the conduit100installed in the office200, the conduit100may be installed in a home, a shop (e.g., a computer numerical control (CNC) machine shop), a vehicle, a toy, etc.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a perspective view300of the example conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 3A-7may be the same base conduit as inFIGS. 1 and 2, however, for clarity, the gates (to be discussed with respect toFIGS. 8A-11B) are not shown and are discussed in detail below. The conduit100may include a plurality of consecutively connected members302(1),302(2),302(3), and302(n) that extend successively along a longitudinal length304. A center axis306of the conduit100extends in the direction of the longitudinal length304. A bottom surface308, a first side surface310, and a second side surface312all extends in the direction of the longitudinal length304. The bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312may be flexible about a point P on the center axis306of the conduit100. For the purposes of this application, the point P is not considered to be at a fixed position on the center axis306, rather the point P is merely confined to being along the center axis306at any point about which the conduit100becomes flexed. Further, inasmuch as the conduit100is structured to be flexible in multiple locations along the length thereof, there may be multiple points “P” about which the conduit100may be flexed in the same or different directions, depending on the use and placement of the conduit100. Accordingly, the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312may be flexible about point P (or multiple points) on the center axis306of the conduit100to prevent bending of a fiber optic cable contained in the conduit100. Moreover, the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312may be flexible about a point along the center axis306of the conduit100up to a minimum bend radius to prevent bending of a fiber optic cable contained in the conduit100. In an embodiment, the minimum bend radius may be about 1 inch to prevent bending of a fiber optic cable contained in the conduit100.

The bottom surface308may be formed of a plurality of springs linked together, the first side surface310may be formed of a plurality of springs linked together, and the second side surface312may be formed of a plurality of springs linked together (discussed in more detail below). The bottom surface springs, the first side surface springs, and the second side surface springs may stretch and/or compress and provide for the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312to flex about a point along the center axis306of the conduit100.

FIG. 3Billustrates an end view314of the conduit100. The end view314illustrates that, together, the first side surface310and the second side surface312attached to the bottom surface308have a substantially U-shaped cross-section extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length304.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view400of the first member302(1) of the plurality of members302(1)-302(n) illustrated inFIG. 3. Perspective view400illustrates the first member302(1) may include a bottom spring402having a first end404(1) opposite a second end404(2), a first side spring406(1) extending from the first end404(1), and a second side spring406(2) extending from the second end404(2). Each member of the plurality of members302(1)-302(n) may be the same as the first member302(1). For example, each member of the plurality of members302(1)-302(n) may include a bottom spring having a first end opposite a second end, a first side spring extending from the first end, and a second side spring extending from the second end.

FIG. 4illustrates the bottom spring402, the first side spring406(1), and the second side spring406(2) may each have a polygonal cross-sectional profile. For example,FIG. 4illustrates the bottom spring402, the first side spring406(1), and the second side spring406(2) may each have a hexagonal cross-sectional profile. WhileFIG. 4illustrates the bottom spring402, the first side spring406(1), and the second side spring406(2) may each have a polygonal cross-sectional profile, one or more of the bottom spring402, the first side spring406(1), and the second side spring406(2) may not have a polygonal cross-sectional profile. For example, any one of the bottom spring402, the first side spring406(1), and/or the second side spring406(2) may have a curvilinear cross-section profile. Any one of the bottom spring402, the first side spring406(1), or the second side spring406(2) may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon), polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 5illustrates a top view500of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit100may include a plurality of bottom links502(1),502(2), and502(n). In an embodiment, the bottom link502(1) may attach between the bottom spring402of the first member302(1) and the bottom spring402of the second member302(2). Likewise, as depicted, the bottom link502(2) is attached between the bottom spring402of the second member302(2) and the bottom spring402of the third member302(3), and the bottom link502(n) is attached between the bottom spring402of the third member302(3) and the bottom spring402of the nthmember302(n). For the purposes of this description, despite the gaping holes through the polygonal structural shape of the “springs” (e.g., bottom spring402, etc.) that connect to make up a linked framework, the plane of extension along the aligned edges of consecutively linked bottom springs402may be referred to herein as defining the bottom surface308. As with the springs above, the bottom links502(1)-501(n) may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon), polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 6illustrates a right side view600of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit100may include a plurality of side links602(1),602(2), and602(n). In an embodiment, the side link602(1) may attach between the first side spring406(1) of the first member302(1) and the first side spring406(1) of the second member302(2). Likewise, as depicted the side link602(2) is attached between the first side spring406(1) of the second member302(2) and the first side spring406(1) of the third member302(3), and the side link602(n) is attached between the first side spring406(1) of the third member302(3) and the first side spring406(1) of the nthmember302(n). For the purposes of this description, despite the gaping holes through the polygonal structural shape of the “springs” (e.g., first side spring406(1), etc.) that connect to make up a linked framework, the plane of extension along the aligned edges of consecutively linked first side springs406(1) may be referred to herein as defining the first side surface310. As with the springs above, the side links602(1)-602(n) may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon) polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 7illustrates a left side view700of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The conduit100may include a plurality of side links702(1),702(2), and702(n). In an embodiment, the side link702(1) may attach between the second side spring406(2) of the first member302(1) and the second side spring406(2) of the second member302(2). Likewise, as depicted the side link702(2) is attached between the second side spring406(2) of the second member302(2) and the second side spring406(2) of the third member302(3), and the side link702(n) is attached between the second side spring406(2) of the third member302(3) and the second side spring406(2) of the nthmember302(n). For the purposes of this description, despite the gaping holes through the polygonal structural shape of the “springs” (e.g., second side spring406(2), etc.) that connect to make up a linked framework, the plane of extension along the aligned edges of consecutively linked second side springs406(2) may be referred to herein as defining the second side surface312. As with the springs above, the side links702(1)-702(n) may be formed of a flexible plastic such as a polymer (e.g., nylon) polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 8Aillustrates a perspective view800of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2having gates804in an open position andFIG. 8Billustrates an end view802of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2having gates804in an open position. The gates804may be pivotable between the open position and a closed position while the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312are flexed about a point along the center axis306of the conduit100(described in more detail below).

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate the first gate804pivotably attached to a top portion806of the first side surface310, and the second gate804pivotably attached to a top portion808of the second side surface312. For example, the gates804may each have a first end810(1) opposite a second end810(2). The first ends810(1) of the gates804may be pivotably attached to either one of the top portions806or808of the conduit100, and the second ends810(2) of the gates804may pivot about the top portions806or808of the conduit100.

For example, the first end810(1) of the gate804may be pivotably attached to the top portions806of the first side springs406(1) and the first end810(1) of the other gate804may be pivotably attached to the top portions808of the second side springs406(2). The first end810(1) of the gate804may be pivotably attached to the top portion806of the first side spring406(1) of the first member302(1) and pivotably attached to a top portion806of the first side spring406(1) of the second member302(2). The second end810(2) of the gate804may pivot about the top portions806of the first side springs406(1) of the first and second members302(1) and302(2). In another example, the first end810(1) of the other gate804may be pivotably attached to the top portion808of the second side spring406(2) of the first member302(1) and pivotably attached to a top portion808of the second side spring406(2) of the second member302(2). The second end810(2) of the other gate804may pivot about the top portions808of the second side springs406(2) of the first and second members302(1) and302(2).

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate when the gates804are in the open position, the second ends810(2) of the gates804are located outside of the conduit100. For example, when the gates804are in the open position the second ends810(2) of the gates804are positioned a distance out away from the first and second side surfaces310and312. When the gates804are in the open position, a user may manage and organize optical fibers in the conduit100. For example, when the gates804are in the open position, a user may arrange optical fibers along the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and/or the second side surface312of the conduit100. Subsequent to managing and organizing optical fibers inside the conduit100, the gates804may be pivotably displaced to a closed position to contain the optical fibers inside the conduit100.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate illustrates two gates804pivotably attached to the conduit100, any number of gates may be pivotably attached to the conduit100. For example, one gate may be pivotably attached to the first side surface310, or one gate may be pivotably attached to the second side surface312. In another example, a plurality of gates may be pivotably attached to the first side surface310, or a plurality of gates may be pivotably attached to the second side surface312. In another example, a plurality of gates may be pivotably attached to the first side surface310, and a plurality of gates may be pivotably attached to the second side surface312. In another example, a plurality of gates may be pivotably attached to the first side surface310, and one gate may be pivotably attached to the second side surface, or vice versa. The gates804may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as a nylon (e.g., nylon) polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a perspective view900of the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306with the gates804in the open position andFIG. 9Billustrates a perspective view902of the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306with the gates804in the open position. Perspective view900illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306away from the gates804in the open position. Perspective view900illustrates the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the center axis306when the conduit100is flexed904away from the gates804in the open position. For example, because the bottom surface308is formed of bottom springs402, the first side surface310is formed of first side springs406(1), and the second side surface312is formed of second side springs406(2), the conduit100may be flexed904away from the gates804. For example, one or more of the bottom springs402may be compressed, while one or more of the first and second side springs406(1) and406(2) may be stretched when the conduit is flexed904away from the gates804.

The gates804may be pivotably displaced from the open position to a closed position, or vice versa, when the conduit100is flexed904away from the gates804. For example, one or more of the first ends810(1) of the gates808may be stretched along with the stretching of the first and second side springs406(1) and406(2) to provide for the second ends810(2) of the gates804to pivot about the top portions806and808of the conduit100.

Perspective view902illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the first side surface310with the gates804in the open position. Perspective view902illustrates the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the center axis306when the conduit100is flexed904toward the first side surface310. For example, one or more of the first side springs406(1) may be compressed, while one or more of the bottom springs402and the second side springs406(2) may be stretched when the conduit is flexed904toward the first side surface310.

The gates804may be pivotably displaced from the open position to a closed position, or vice versa, when the conduit100is flexed904toward the first side surface310. For example, one or more of the first ends810(1) of the gate808pivotably attached to the top portion804of the first side surface310may be compressed along with the compression of the first side springs406(1), and one or more of the first ends810(1) of the other gate808pivotably attached to the top portion808of the second side surface312may be stretched along with the stretching of the second side springs406(2), to provide for the second ends810(2) of the gates804to pivot about the top portions806and808of the conduit100.

While perspective view900illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306away from the gates804in the open position, the conduit100may be flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the gates804in the open position. For example, one or more of the bottom springs402may be stretched, while one or more of the first and second side springs406(1) and406(2) may be compressed when the conduit is flexed904toward the gates804in the open position. Further, while perspective view902illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the first side surface310with the gates804in the open position, the conduit100may be flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the second side surface312with the gates804in the open position. For example, one or more of the second side springs406(2) may be compressed, while one or more of the bottom springs402and the first side springs406(1) may be stretched when the conduit100is flexed904toward the second side surface312when the gates804are in the open position. Further, the conduit100may be flexed about a point along the center axis306in other directions. For example, the conduit100may be flexed about a point along the center axis306toward a corner of the conduit100. The gates804may be pivotably displaced from the open position to the closed position, or vice versa, when the conduit100is flexed in the other directions.

FIGS. 9A and 9Billustrate the plurality of members302(1)-302(n) flexing with respect to each other about a point along the center axis306of the conduit100when the conduit is flexed904about a point along the center axis306. For example, the first member302(1) may be flexible with respect to the second member302(2), and the second member302(2) may be flexible with respect to the nthmember302(n) about a point along the center axis306. The plurality of members302(1)-302(n) may be flexible with respect to each other about a point along the center axis306of the conduit100to prevent bending of a fiber optic cable contained in the plurality of members302(1)-302(n). For example, the plurality of members302(1)-302(n) may be flexible with respect to each other about a point along the center axis306of the conduit100up to a minimum bend radius to prevent bending of a fiber optic cable contained in the plurality of members302(1)-302(n). The minimum bend radius may be about 1 inch to prevent bending of a fiber optic cable contained in the conduit100.

FIG. 10Aillustrates a perspective view1000of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2with the gates804in a closed position andFIG. 10Billustrates an end view1002of the conduit100illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2with the gates804in a closed position.FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate when the gates804are in the closed position, the second ends810(2) of the gates804are located inside of the conduit100. For example, when the gates804are in the closed position the second ends810(2) of the gates804are positioned a distance in toward the first and second side surfaces310and312. When the gates804are in the closed position, the gates804may contain optical fibers in the conduit100. For example, when the gates804are in the closed position, the optical fibers may be contained inside the conduit along the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and/or the second side surface312of the conduit100.

FIG. 11Aillustrates a perspective view1100of the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306with the gates804in the closed position andFIG. 11Billustrates a perspective view1102of the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306with the gates804in the closed position. Perspective view1100illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306away toward the gates804in the closed position. Similar to when the gates804are in the open position, perspective view1100illustrates the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the center axis306when the conduit100is flexed904away from the gates804in the closed position.

Perspective view1102illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the first side surface310with the gates804in the closed position. Similar to when the gates804are in the open position, perspective view1102illustrates the bottom surface308, the first side surface310, and the second side surface312having curvilinear shapes that curve away from the center axis306when the conduit100is flexed904toward the first side surface310.

While perspective view1100illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306away from the gates804in the closed position, the conduit100may be flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the gates804in the closed position. For example, one or more of the bottom springs402may be stretched, while one or more of the first and second side springs406(1) and406(2) may be compressed when the conduit is flexed904toward the gates804in the closed position. Further, while perspective view1102illustrates the conduit100flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the first side surface310with the gates804in the closed position, the conduit100may be flexed904about a point along the center axis306toward the second side surface312with the gates804in the closed position. For example, one or more of the second side springs406(2) may be compressed, while one or more of the bottom springs402and the first side springs406(1) may be stretched when the conduit100is flexed904toward the second side surface312when the gates804are in the closed position.

FIG. 12illustrates a perspective view1200of an embodiment of a conduit1202. The conduit may include a plurality of bumpers1204(1),1204(2), and1204(n). A first end of each bumper of the plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may be attached to the first side surface310of the conduit100, and a second end of each bumper of the plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may be attached to the second side surface312of the conduit100.

For example, each bumper of the plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may be attached to the links of the conduit100. For example, bumper1204(1) may be attached to the bottom link502(1) and the side links602(1) and702(1), bumper1204(2) may be attached to the bottom link502(2) and side links602(2) and702(2), and bumper1202(n) may be attached to the bottom link502(n) and side links602(n) and702(n).

The plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may provide added protection for optical fibers contained in the conduit100. For example, the plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may be arranged to make contact with obstructions frames, chassis, trays, desks, etc. proximate to the conduit100. For example, the plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may be arranged to make contact with a corner (e.g., a corner of a frame, a corner of a chassis, a corner of a tray, a corner of a desk, etc.) to prevent the optical fibers contained in the conduit100form coming into contact with the corner. The plurality of bumpers1204(1)-1204(n) may be formed of a flexible plastic, such as a polymer (e.g., nylon), polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view1300of another example conduit1302for routing connectivity cables. The conduit1302may include a bottom surface1304that is completely enclosed, a first side surface1306that it is completely enclosed, and a second side surface1308that is completely enclosed.

Similar to the conduits100and1202, the bottom surface1304, the first side surface1306, and the second side surface1308may be flexible about a center axis1310of the conduit1300. The bottom surface1304, the first side surface1306, and the second side surface1308may extend along a longitudinal length1312. The bottom surface1304, the first side surface1306, and the second side surface1308may be a molded unit. Similar to the conduit100, the first side surface1306and the second side surface1308attached to the bottom surface1304may have a substantially U-shaped cross-section extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length1312.

FIG. 14illustrates a perspective view1400of the conduit1302illustrated inFIG. 13with gates804in a closed position. Gates804may be pivotably attached to top portions1402of the first side surface1306and top portions1402of the second side surface1308. For example, the first ends810(1) of the gates804may be pivotably attached to the top portions1402of the first and second side surfaces1306and1308.FIG. 14illustrates when the gates804are in the closed position, the second ends810(2) of the gates804are located inside of the conduit1302. For example, when the gates804are in the closed position the second ends810(2) of the gates804are positioned a distance in toward the first and second side surfaces1306and1308. When the gates804are in the open position, the second ends810(2) of the gates804may be located outside of the conduit1302. The gates804may be pivotable between the open position and a closed position while the bottom surface1304, the first side surface1306, and the second side surface1308are flexed about a point along the center axis1310of the conduit1302.

CONCLUSION

Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the invention. For example, while embodiments are described having certain shapes, sizes, and configurations, these shapes, sizes, and configurations are merely illustrative.