Apparatus and method for organizing cables in a cabinet

An equipment cabinet (2) includes an equipment rack (3) for mounting equipment (20), and includes organizational elements for organizing cables within the cabinet. The cables may be organized to reduce impeding airflow to or from the equipment, and/or to reduce unwanted bending of the cables themselves. The organizational elements may include one or more of: a trunk cable (40) including a furcation plug (45) and universal clip (47); a furcation bracket—either vertical (60) or horizontal (80); a termination panel (100); a trunk cable manager (140, 200); and/or an accessory bracket (180). The organizational elements may be used in various combinations with one another, and may be provided in a kit.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to equipment cabinets that mount telecommunication equipment and, more particularly, to systems and organizational elements for supporting cables and similar structures in an electronic equipment cabinet.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Frames and cabinets for mounting and storing electronic components have been well known for many years. Frames are typically simple rectangular frameworks on which electronic components may be mounted, or on which other mounting members, such as shelves or brackets, may be mounted which in turn may support the electronic components. Cabinets are typically frames on which panels or doors, or both, are hung to provide aesthetic improvement, to protect the components from external influences, to provide security for the components stored inside, or for other reasons.

Frames and cabinets (sometimes collectively referred to hereinafter as “enclosures”) have been built in many different sizes and with many different proportions in order to best accommodate the components which they are designed to store. Components stored in these enclosures may include audio and video equipment and the like, but quite frequently include computer equipment and related peripheral devices. Regardless of the component type, each component typically requires an external power supply and a plurality of input and output cables, wires and the like (generally referred to hereinafter as “cables”). Some of these wires and cables are connected to other components in the same enclosure, and some of which extend out of the enclosure to either an adjacent enclosure or to a remote location, typically using either an overhead cabling system or an under-floor cabling system.

Apparatuses for routing cables and wires to and from the equipment are also well known. These cables are generally routed in the vertical direction to a point adjacent to the desired equipment and then routed in the horizontal direction to the desired equipment. A particular problem inherent in the use of enclosures of all kinds is the issue of how to route and otherwise manage the large quantities of cables that are often necessary for a particular enclosure.

A type of cable often used in computer network settings is optical fiber. Optical fibers sometimes have unique problems associated with routing and managing the large quantity thereof in enclosures.

A brief general summary of optical fibers may be helpful in understanding the disclosure contained herein. Regarding optical fibers, a single cable may house a single optical fiber or a single cable may house multiple optical fibers. A cable housing many optical fibers may be referred to as a trunk cable. A trunk cable may be used to interconnect different system equipment. A furcation plug is often used to furcate or spread apart the individual optical fibers in a cable housing multiple optical fibers. The individual optical fibers may then be terminated with a connector to allow for connection to equipment and/or other optical fibers.

Optical fibers are often used in computer network settings because of their ability to quickly transmit data. An optical fiber is a glass or plastic fiber designed to guide light along its length. Because of the way in which optical fiber transmits data, joining lengths of optical fiber is more complex than joining electrical wire or cable. More particularly, the ends of the fibers need to be carefully cleaved, and then spliced together either mechanically or by fusing them together with an electric arc in order for light to continue to travel along the length of the optical fiber Special optical fiber connectors are used to enable removable connections between multiple optical fibers.

An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber and enables quick connection and disconnection of the optical fiber. The connector mechanically couples and aligns the core of the fiber so that light can pass therethrough. Many types of optical fiber connectors are available. Connectors may be single fiber connectors or multiple fiber connectors.

By using multiple fiber connectors, the number of fibers carried by each cable may be increased thereby reducing the total number of cables being routed through a cabinet. For example, by using a 12-fiber MTP connector, the number of fiber cables may be reduced from six LC duplex fiber cables to one 12-fiber MTP cable assembly, i.e., 6 cables carrying two fibers each may be reduced to 1 cable carrying 12 fibers by using an MTP connector.

Unfortunately, one of the fundamental challenges for high density storage area networks is the large volume of optical fiber cable and patch cords that must be managed in cabinets which house large, modular (core) switches, or other equipment. Typically, an enclosure will house two core switches. If each of the switches is fully populated with optical fibers, there may be hundreds or thousands of optical fibers attached to the two switches. It is readily apparent that such fiber  volume concentrated along the sides of the cabinets can quickly become congested and disorganized causing problems with enclosure thermal management, blocking airflow, increasing risk of unwanted bending of the cables, and making it difficult to administer networking moves, adds and changes. Further, this congestion reduces accessibility to the equipment, creates a mass of cable that is difficult to work with, and increases the cost of implementing routine changes to the network.

Current solutions to the fiber congestion problem involve fiber connectors, such as the MTP connector mentioned above, that reduce the number of fiber cables present in the enclosure. However, fiber connectors are typically housed in the rack-mount space of the enclosure and utilize either fiber housings or fiber panels to accommodate the fiber connectors. This solution consumes valuable rack-mount space within the enclosure that could be used to house electronic equipment. Further, housing fiber connectors in the rack-mount space increases optical fiber congestion by requiring the optical fibers to enter back into the rack-mount space after the have exited such space when leaving the core switches, i.e., typically optical fiber is routed away from a core switch in the rack-mount space into side panel space of an enclosure and then routed back to a fiber connector in the rack-mount space. For a fully populated core switch, this is approximately 1000 optical fibers being routed away from the core switch in the rack-mount space into the side panel space of an enclosure and then routed back into the rack-mount space to join with a fiber connector.

In other instances, fiber connectors have been placed in the enclosure side panel space. However, currently available connectors that may be mounted in the side space are restricted to fixed locations and low capacities by the limitations of the fixed brackets that are currently available. Available fiber connectors that are mounted in cabinet side space rely on purpose-built brackets with little or no flexibility in location, capacity, or functionality. These brackets typically allow for mounting existing fiber connectors in fixed locations with little or no support for fiber trunk cabling.

A solution is needed that improves optical fiber organization and reduces fiber congestion. Ideally, such solution will be simple, yet versatile, so that it may be used in a variety of enclosures and in multiple network or server settings. It would also be beneficial for such solution to provide improved fiber trunk cable routing.

SUMMARY

An equipment cabinet includes a rack having a central rack space for mounting equipment, for example telecommunications equipment, wherein the equipment is connected to a network by cables. The equipment cabinet further includes organizational elements for mounting the cables so as to organize the cables within the cabinet, outside the central rack space. The cables may be organized to reduce impeding airflow to or from the equipment in the cabinet, and/or to reduce unwanted bending of the cables themselves, as the unwanted bending of the cables may cause network degradation or even failure. Further, the organization of the cables facilitates installation, moves, adds, and changes, of the cables and equipment within the cabinet. The organizational elements for mounting the cables may include one or more of: a trunk cable including a furcation plug and universal clip; a furcation bracket (either vertical or horizontal); a termination panel; a trunk cable manager; and/or an accessory bracket. The organizational elements may be used in various combinations with one another, depending upon the needs within the equipment cabinet, and may be provided in a kit. By providing the organizational elements in a kit, the user is guaranteed that the organizational elements will assemble and work together without attempting to cross-reference component specification sheets or have to field trial compatibility, which takes considerable time and money.

According to one aspect, there is provided a method of routing a cable in an equipment cabinet to reduce impeding airflow to or from equipment mounted in a central rack space of an equipment rack in the equipment cabinet. The equipment includes a wall with an airflow opening therein, and the method includes supporting the cable at a first point adjacent to the wall and on a first side of the airflow opening, supporting the cable at a second point adjacent to the wall and on a second side of the airflow opening, wherein the first and second points are disposed outside of the central rack space. And routing the cable from the first point to the second point so as not to cross the airflow opening.

The cable may include a furcation plug and a furcation leg extending from the furcation plug. The furcation plug is coupled to a furcation bracket at the first point and the furcation bracket is coupled to the equipment rack, and further wherein the furcation leg is coupled to a termination panel at the second point and the termination panel is coupled to the equipment rack. As an alternative to the termination panel, or in addition thereto, an accessory bracket coupled to the rack may be used to provide the second point of support for the furcation cable.

The termination panel may further include an attachment portion disposed in a first plane and coupled to the equipment rack, a socket mounting portion having a socket, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion couples the socket mounting portion to the attachment portion so that the socket mounting portion is offset from the first plane. The furcation leg is then coupled to the socket.

According another aspect, there is provided an equipment cabinet having its cables organized to facilitate moves, adds, or changes, as well as to avoid unwanted bending of the cables.

The equipment cabinet includes an equipment rack having a central rack space. A furcation bracket is coupled to the equipment rack. A trunk cable having a furcation plug is coupled to the furcation bracket so that the furcation plug is outside the central rack space. A trunk cable manager is coupled to the equipment rack outside the central rack space and includes a first planar portion. The first planar portion supports the trunk cable at a point adjacent to the furcation plug.

The trunk cable manager may further include a second planar portion coupled to the first planar portion by an angled portion, wherein the first planar portion supports the trunk cable at a first distance from the furcation bracket, the second planar portion supports the trunk cable at a second distance from the furcation bracket, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

The second planar portion of the trunk cable manager may further include either a trough portion, or slots for supporting the trunk cable at an additional point.

The furcation plug may be coupled to the furcation bracket by a universal clip. The universal clip includes a first locking member, and a second locking member. The spacing between the locking member is matched to that between pairs of slots in the furcation bracket so as to provide flexibility in mounting the furcation plug in the cabinet.

The termination panel may include an attachment portion, a socket mounting portion, and a coupling portion. The attachment portion is disposed in a first plane and is coupled to the equipment rack so that the termination panel is disposed outside the central rack space. The socket mounting portion includes a socket, and the coupling portion couples the socket mounting portion to the attachment portion so that the socket mounting portion is offset from the first plane. Further, the furcation leg is coupled to the socket.

The termination panel may have only a specified number of sockets, wherein the specified number corresponds to a specified number of connectors in one piece of equipment.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided a kit of components, for organizing cables in an equipment cabinet including an equipment rack having a central rack space. The kit includes a trunk cable, a furcation bracket, a termination panel, and a trunk cable manager. The trunk cable includes a furcation plug having locking members spaced from one another by a first length, furcation legs extending from the furcation plug, and connectors coupled to the furcation legs. The furcation bracket includes either a row or a column of pairs of slots, wherein the slots in each of the pairs of slots are spaced from one another by a second length, and the second length is substantially equal to the first length for receiving the locking members of the furcation plug. The termination panel includes an opening for receiving sockets sized to receive the connectors on the furcation legs. The termination panel is sized to be disposed in the equipment cabinet outside the central rack space. The trunk cable manager includes a first planar portion for supporting the trunk cable at a first point, and a second planar portion for supporting the trunk cable at a second point, wherein the first and second planar portions are connected by an angled portion whereby the first and second planar portions are not coplanar.

The trunk cable manager may include a plurality of slots disposed in the first planar portion and sized to receive fastening members for holding the trunk cable.

The trunk cable manager further may include a plurality of slots disposed in the second planar portion and sized to receive fastening members for holding the trunk cable. Alternatively, the second planar portion may further include a trough for supporting the trunk cable.

The kit of components may further include an accessory bracket having pairs of mounting holes therein. The mounting holes in each pair are spaced from one another by a first distance. The termination panel may then also include mounting holes, wherein the mounting holes in the termination panel are spaced from one another by a second distance, which is substantially equal to the first distance.

The accessory bracket may further include a plurality of slots sized to receive fastening members for holding the trunk cable.

The present invention according to another aspect is an equipment cabinet including an equipment rack including a central rack space; a cable manager, having a first planar portion, coupled to the equipment rack outside the central rack space; a furcation bracket, having a second planar portion, coupled to the equipment rack such that the second planar portion is parallel with the first planar portion; and a cable having a first segment, a second segment and a third segment, the first segment of the cable being routed vertically along the cable manager, the second segment of the cable being supported by the first planar portion of the cable manager, and the third segment of the cable being routed horizontally and supported by the second planar portion of the furcation bracket.

In a feature of this aspect, the cable manager extends substantially the height of the equipment rack.

In a further feature of this aspect, the furcation bracket is a vertical furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical furcation bracket extends substantially the height of the equipment rack.

In a further feature of this aspect, the vertical furcation bracket extends substantially the height of the cable manager.

In a further feature of this aspect, the cable manager defines a trough for retaining the first segment of the cable therein.

In a further feature of this aspect, the trunk has a J-shaped cross-section.

The present invention according to another aspect is an equipment cabinet including an equipment rack having a central rack space; a cable manager, having a first planar portion, coupled to the equipment rack outside the central rack space; a vertical furcation bracket, having a second planar portion, coupled to the equipment rack such that the second planar portion is parallel with the first planar portion; a horizontal furcation bracket, having a third planar portion, coupled to the equipment rack such that the third planar portion is parallel with the first and second planar portions; and a cable having a first segment and a second segment, the first segment of the cable being routed vertically along the cable manager, and the second segment of the cable being supported by at least one of the second and third planar portions.

In features of this aspect, the cable is supported by both the second and third planar portions.

In a further feature of this aspect, the equipment cabinet further includes a cable clip, supporting the cable, adapted to mount to a user-selected one of the vertical furcation bracket and the horizontal furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the cable includes a furcation plug, and the clip is mounted to the furcation plug.

In a further feature of this aspect, the clip includes locking members adapted to be clipped into a user-selected one of the vertical furcation bracket and the horizontal furcation bracket.

The present invention according to another aspect is an equipment cabinet including an equipment cabinet, having a rack including a plurality of vertical frame members, a side panel, a central rack space within the vertical frame members, and a side panel space defined between one or more vertical frame members and the side panel; a vertical cable manager, disposed in the side panel space, having a vertically-oriented first planar portion mounted against one of the vertical frame members, an angled portion that angles away from the first planar portion, a vertically-oriented second planar portion having first and second opposed sides, the first side being connected to the angled portion such that the first and second planar portions are not coplanar, and a vertically-oriented trough connected to the second side of the second planar portion; and a cable having a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being routed vertically within the trough, the cable being supported by the first planar portion at a portion intermediate the first segment and the second segment, and the second segment of the cable being routed horizontally through the side panel space.

In features of this aspect, the vertical cable manager is disposed adjacent a rear of the equipment cabinet.

In a further feature of this aspect, the cable is routed horizontally from the vertical cable manager toward the front of the cabinet In a further feature of this aspect, the cabinet further includes a furcation bracket disposed in the side panel space.

In a further feature of this aspect, the cable is routed horizontally from the vertical cable manager toward the furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the furcation bracket is a vertical furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the furcation bracket is a horizontal furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the furcation bracket comprises either a row or a column of pairs of slots.

In a further feature of this aspect, the cable includes a furcation plug adapted to attach to the furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the furcation plug has locking members spaced from one another by a first length, furcation legs extending from the furcation plug, and connectors coupled to the furcation legs; and the slots in each of the pairs of slots in the furcation bracket are spaced from one another by a second length, wherein the second length is substantially equal to the first length for receiving the locking members of the furcation plug.

The present invention according to another aspect is an equipment cabinet having a fiber management system, including an equipment cabinet, having a rack including a plurality of vertical frame members, a side panel, a central rack space within the vertical frame members, and a side panel space defined between one or more vertical frame members and the side panel, the side panel space having opposing ends adjacent the front and rear of the equipment cabinet, respectively; a fiber management system, disposed in the side panel space, having a vertical cable manager disposed in a first of the opposing ends of the side panel space, a furcation bracket, and an elongate accessory bracket, mounted to the equipment rack in a second of the opposing ends of the side panel space and extending substantially the height of the equipment rack, having a plurality of fiber management accessories mounted thereon; and a cable having a first segment routed vertically in the vertical cable manager, a second segment supported by the furcation bracket, and a third segment supported by at least one of the fiber management accessories.

In a feature of this aspect, the plurality of fiber management accessories include a termination panel comprising an opening for receiving sockets sized to receive connectors on furcation legs of a trunk cable, wherein the termination panel is sized to be disposed in the equipment cabinet outside the central rack space. In a further feature of this aspect, the plurality of fiber management accessories include a fiber module bracket adapted to support a termination panel comprising an opening for receiving sockets.

In a further feature of this aspect, the plurality of fiber management accessories include a fiber retaining spool.

In a further feature of this aspect, the fiber retaining spool is a rotating spool.

In a further feature of this aspect, the fiber retaining spool includes a shaft and an arm extending from a distal end thereof.

In a further feature of this aspect, the elongate accessory bracket is a rail having a. C-shaped cross-section and includes first and second parallel legs extending from a back plate.

In a further feature of this aspect, the first leg of the rail includes a column of evenly-spaced openings for mounting the fiber management accessories to the accessory bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the furcation bracket is a vertical furcation bracket, and wherein the fiber management system further includes a horizontal furcation bracket.

In a further feature of this aspect, the rack includes a front-side vertical member and a rear-side vertical member, wherein the elongate accessory bracket is coupled to the front-side vertical member, wherein the vertical cable manager is coupled to the rear-side vertical member, and wherein the furcation bracket is disposed between the vertical cable manager and the elongate accessory bracket.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of principles of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. It is to be understood that the various features of the invention disclosed in this specification and in the drawings can be used in any and all combinations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

References to “top”, “bottom”, “front” and “back” are made with reference to the figures and are for convenience only; they do not mandate any absolute position or orientation. Finally, wherever applicable, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

An equipment cabinet includes a rack having a central rack space for mounting equipment, for example telecommunications equipment, wherein the equipment is connected to a network by cables. The equipment cabinet further includes organizational elements for mounting the cables so as to organize the cables within the cabinet, outside the central rack space. The cables may be organized to reduce impeding airflow to or from the equipment in the cabinet, and/or to reduce unwanted bending of the cables themselves, as the unwanted bending of the cables may cause network degradation or even failure. Further, the organization of the cables facilitates installation, moves, adds, and changes, of the cables and equipment within the cabinet. The organizational elements for mounting the cables may include one or more of: a trunk cable including a furcation plug and universal clip; a furcation bracket (either vertical or horizontal); a termination panel; a trunk cable manager; and/or an accessory bracket. The organizational elements may be used in various combinations with one another, depending upon the needs within the equipment cabinet, and may be provided in a kit. By providing the organizational elements in a kit, the user is guaranteed that the organizational elements will assemble and work together without attempting to cross-reference component specification sheets or have to field trial compatibility, which takes considerable time and money.

FIG. 1is a right side view of a fiber management system, in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, installed in an electronic equipment cabinet, whileFIGS. 1A and 1Bare an isometric view and a right side view, respectively, of a generally similar fiber management system30, also in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, installed in a similar electronic equipment cabinet. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 1A, an equipment cabinet2is generally oriented so as to have a top9, a bottom10, a front11, and a rear12. Again, reference to direction is made for convenience only. The equipment cabinets2ofFIGS. 1,1A and1B may be of the type sometimes referred to as “expanded” equipment cabinets. Such cabinets are more fully disclosed and described in patent application Ser. No. 11/837,538, which published as US Publication No. US 2008 0037228 A1 and which is, together with the publication thereof, incorporated herein by reference, but a short description is presented here for clarity. The equipment cabinet2includes an interior four-post frame structure3, generally referred to herein as an equipment rack, and may include panels8surrounding the equipment rack3, thereby taking the form of an enclosure, but may also be used without such panels8thereby having an open configuration. When the equipment cabinet2includes panels8, the panels may be coupled to the equipment rack3by brackets7.FIG. 1shows a panel8mounted to the rear12of the equipment cabinet2, whileFIGS. 1A and 1Bshow a two-door panel8mounted to the rear12of the equipment cabinet2, a single-door panel mounted to the front11of the equipment cabinet2, a side panel8mounted to the left side of the equipment cabinet2, and a top panel, plus top panel expansion elements, mounted to the top9of the equipment cabinet2. Further, the brackets7may include hinges for mounting selected panels8or door portions thereof, for example those at the front11and/or rear12of the equipment cabinet2, so that the interior of the equipment cabinet2may be accessed by swinging the door panels8about the hinges.

As shown and described, the equipment rack3is formed from a plurality of frame members including four vertical members4and upper and lower front, rear, and side horizontal members6. Each vertical member4includes a plurality of cross member attachment apertures at each end. Two of the vertical members4are coupled together at their upper and lower ends by the upper and lower front horizontal members5, respectively, and the other two vertical members4are coupled together at their upper and lower ends by the upper and lower rear horizontal members5, respectively. The front cross horizontal members5and their respective vertical members4thus define a front frame, and the rear horizontal members5and their respective vertical members4define a rear frame. The front and rear frames may then be coupled together at their respective corners by the upper and lower side (depth) horizontal members5.

In the illustrated embodiment, each side horizontal member5includes an integrated horizontal mounting rail16(identified inFIG. 1A) that includes two rows of mounting apertures extending along its entire length. However, in other embodiments, the integrated horizontal mounting rails may be replaced by, or supplemented with, separate horizontal mounting rails that may be disposed at the top or bottom of the vertical members4or at any location therebetween. Furthermore, the mounting apertures in either the integrated or separate horizontal mounting rails may be replaced by longitudinal mounting slots running substantially the length of horizontal mounting rail, Typically, vertical mounting rails15may be mounted to the horizontal mounting rails16. Each vertical mounting rail15preferably includes a series of evenly-spaced, threaded mounting apertures, extending along substantially its entire length, for use in mounting electronic components20, peripheral devices, cable brackets, additional mounting members, or the like thereto.

Any known connection means may be used to join the various members together. Although not illustrated herein, at least one example of conventional connection means is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,098, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Although likewise not illustrated herein, the precision and the stability of each of the corners of at least some types of four post frame structures may be enhanced by utilizing a self-squaring corner attachment bracket such as that disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,117 entitled “RACK FRAME CABINET,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Other connection means will likewise be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan.

FIG. 1Cis an enlarged top plan view of the fiber management system30and electronic equipment cabinet2ofFIG. 1B, shown with the top panel removed and the location of the right side panel8shown in broken lines. As shown therein, a central rack space6is defined, within the equipment cabinet2, between the four vertical mounting rails15as shown inFIG. 1C. The central rack space6, which is where electronic equipment20(shown inFIG. 1), accessories and the like are generally mounted, is in the form of a rectangular column of space generally bounded by the vertical mounting rails15and the top and bottom ends thereof.FIG. 1Calso illustrates the substantial amount of available space121, sometimes referred to herein as side panel space, outside the equipment rack3but within the front, rear and side panels8, in which at least some portions of the fiber management system30may be located. In the expanded equipment cabinet used as an example herein, such space is created using an expansion kit that includes the brackets7, oversized panels8, and top panel extension elements and is more fully described in the aforementioned '538 application. However, although not illustrated herein, some equipment cabinets may utilize panels that are mounted directly to the vertical and horizontal members4,5, or are at least mounted in very close disposition to the vertical and horizontal members4,5, and thus have no space between the rack and the panels, but utilize vertical mounting rails that are displaced inwardly from the vertical members and may have space between those vertical mounting rails and vertical members. In at least one embodiment, one or more elements of the fiber management system30of the present invention are adapted for installation in such an arrangement.

The equipment20conventionally includes at least one wall22having airflow openings24therein. For many types of equipment, side openings24, like those illustrated, are used to allow the equipment20to receive cooling air and exhaust heated air. Each airflow opening24defines a first side, established by one end26of the opening, and a second side, established by an opposite end28of the opening. Examples of the equipment20to be housed within the equipment rack3include switch equipment available from Cisco®, including the Cisco 9513 switch and the Cisco 6509 switch, as well as other types of equipment, for example, Storage Area Network (SAN) switches, servers, or Network Core Routers.

As depicted in the drawings, the equipment cabinet2also includes a plurality of conventional vertical cable management fingers13. The fingers13are coupled to the front right vertical member4of the equipment rack3and extend outwardly away from the equipment rack3. Cables being routed to and from equipment20mounted in the central rack mount space6of the cabinet2may be threaded through the vertical fingers to improve organization and reduce congestion within the cabinet2.

Though the present invention is applicable to a variety of cables, it may be particularly useful for managing trunk cables40. Trunk cables40connect the equipment20to a network, for example a telecommunications network. A trunk cable40is shown in more detail inFIG. 2. Each trunk cable40includes a trunk portion41having an outer circumference42. The trunk portion41may include multiple optical fibers, 12 to 864 fibers for example, or may include multiple copper wire pairs. For sake of simplicity in description, the trunk cable40will be described hereafter as including optical fibers. A furcation plug45, also shown inFIG. 3, then splits off subsets of the optical fibers in the trunk portion41into smaller furcation legs43, wherein each of the furcation legs43may include one or more optical fibers. Each of the furcation legs43terminates in a fiber connector44that is then coupled to a drop cable120, shown inFIG. 1, wherein the drop cable120is ultimately coupled to the piece of equipment20. The fiber connector44may be of any suitable type, for example, MT, LC, or SC. One or more vertical cable management fingers13, coupled to the equipment rack3, may guide the drop cables120from the side of the cabinet2to the front11where the drop cables120are plugged into the equipment20.

The trunk cables40are organized within the cabinet2so as to avoid impeding airflow to and/or from the equipment20, and so as to avoid unwanted bending in the trunk cables40themselves as such unwanted bending may cause network degradation or even failure. Further, the organization of the trunk cables40facilitates installation, moves, adds, and changes, of the trunk cables40and equipment20within the cabinet2. In order to organize the trunk cables40in the equipment cabinet2, there may be used one or more of each of the following organizational elements in any suitable combination: a furcation plug45including a universal clip47; a furcation bracket (either vertical60or horizontal80); a termination panel100; a trunk cable manager140,200; an accessory bracket180; a fiber module bracket222; and a rotating fiber retaining spool224. The aforementioned organizational elements may be used in various combinations with one another, depending upon the needs within the equipment cabinet2, may be provided in a kit, and are described in more detail below.

FIG. 3Ais an isometric view of some of the elements of the fiber management system30ofFIG. 1A, shown in isolation from the equipment cabinet2. As shown therein, the elements include a universal accessory bracket180, a vertical furcation bracket60, a horizontal furcation bracket80, and a trunk cable manager140. Fiber module brackets222and rotating fiber retaining spools224are shown attached to the accessory bracket180.

The universal accessory bracket180(sometimes also referred to as the vertical accessory rail) may be connected to, and preferably aligned with, any of the vertical members4of the equipment rack3(or, in a conventional non-expanded frame architecture, the accessory bracket180may be connected to a conventional vertical member). Similarly, the vertical trunk cable manager140may be connected to, and preferably aligned with, any of the vertical members4of the equipment rack3. However, it will be appreciated that the universal accessory rail180and vertical trunk cable manager140are generally used in tandem, and when so used, will preferably not be connected to the same vertical member4of the equipment rack3. It is contemplated that the universal accessory bracket180and vertical trunk cable manager140, when used in tandem, will be disposed on adjacent vertical members4, for example they may be disposed on the same side of the equipment cabinet2as one another and will be arranged such that one is disposed on the front vertical member4of the particular side and one on the rear vertical member4of the same side. Alternatively, in at least some embodiments, the universal accessory bracket180may be used without the vertical trunk cable manager140, and similarly, the vertical trunk cable manager140may be used without the universal accessory bracket180. As suggested previously, a particular implementation of a fiber management system may incorporate all of the elements shown inFIG. 3A(that is, the universal accessory bracket180, the vertical trunk cable manager140, the vertical furcation bracket60, and the horizontal furcation bracket80) or may include only a subset of these elements. The service for which the equipment cabinet2is being used will generally determine which components of the fiber management system30are used.

Further, it will be appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan that the location of the vertical furcation bracket60is not limited to that shown herein; rather, the vertical furcation bracket60may be located anywhere along the horizontal expanse of the side of the equipment rack3on which the vertical furcation bracket60is mounted. Similarly, the horizontal furcation bracket80may be located anywhere along the vertical expanse of the side of the equipment rack3on which the horizontal furcation bracket80is mounted.

Still further, in at least some embodiments, more than one vertical furcation bracket60may be utilized on the same side of the equipment rack3, and in at least some embodiments, more than one horizontal furcation bracket80may be utilized on the same side of the equipment rack3.

The fiber management system30enables variable and flexible deployments of fiber connectors44and fiber cable management in the limited space121found in the sides of an equipment cabinet2, thus allowing for incremental deployments and flexible arrangements accommodating an as-you-go approach. It will be understood that the flexible system of brackets and accessories is not limited to fiber cabling applications, but could also be utilized for metallic (e.g. copper) cabling or flexible plumbing (e.g. polyethylene tubing).

The fiber management system30enables scaled deployment of fiber harnesses in storage area network (SAN) applications thereby dramatically reducing the cable congestion and simplifying the cable routing. The scalability of the system30further enables incremental deployment as the network expands by adding connectors and/or spool assemblies to the universal accessory bracket180as needed and where needed.

As indicated previously, management of the cable mass is important not just for ease-of-use, but also to promote proper airflow around the equipment. The fiber management system30accomplishes this additional task by containing the fiber bulk in the front of the cabinet2as well as the fiber trunk cables40in the rear of the cabinet2such that an air gap remains between the cables40and the side panel8. This is significant for side-to-side breathing network equipment20, such as switch equipment available from Cisco, as this space allows intake airflow to easily pass around the cables40and enter the air intake of the right side of the equipment.

The fiber management system30enables flexibility in allowing fiber connectors and cable management accessories to be installed at increments of one unit length (typically designated “U” or “RMU” in the art and generally being about 1.75 inches) vertically along the accessory bracket180. Additionally, the system30enables scalability in allowing only the capacity of fiber connections required to be installed initially, and then upgraded as the network grows. Further, the system enables maintaining alignment with network equipment to facilitate logical network connections. Further, the system30provides containment such that air flow around the cables (between cables and side panel) is not sacrificed.

Additional details of the various elements of the fiber management system30of the present invention are described below.

Furcation Plug and Universal Clip

As shown inFIG. 3, the furcation plug45has a longitudinal axis46and a universal clip47in order to mount the furcation plug45at a desired position within the equipment cabinet2. The universal clip47includes a first end48and a second end49. At the first end48there is disposed a first locking member50having a length51. At the second end49, there is disposed a second locking member52, having an arcuate portion53from which there extend two prongs54. In a first, unbiased, state as shown in solid lines inFIG. 3, the second locking member52has a first length56. The arcuate portion53is made of a resilient material so that the second locking member52may be bent to a second state, wherein the two prongs54touch each other as shown in dashed lines inFIG. 3, having a second length55. Although only one of the prongs54is shown as deflecting from the first state to the second state, in an alternative embodiment, both prongs53may deflect to put the second locking member52in its second state, i.e., wherein the two prongs54touch each other and the second locking member52has second length55. In either case, the second length55is shorter than the first length56. Further, the first50and second52locking members are spaced from one another by a length57. Over the length57, there are disposed support members58. As described below, the lengths,51,55,56, and57, are chosen relative to the lengths of, and spacings between, the slots in the furcation brackets60,80(described more fully hereinbelow) so that the furcation plug45easily may be mounted to and removed from various locations on the furcation brackets60,80. The ability to mount the furcation plug45in different locations facilitates cabinet design, installation, moves, drops, and changes. Typically, the universal clip47would be molded from plastic so as to be relatively lightweight and relatively inexpensive. However, the universal clip47may be constructed from material other than plastic. As will be apparent, a plurality of furcation plugs45may be utilized with either or both of the horizontal or vertical furcation brackets60,80.

As shown inFIG. 1, the vertical furcation bracket60may be coupled to the horizontal members5of the equipment rack3by fasteners14, and is shown in more detail inFIGS. 3A and 4. The fasteners14may for example include screws, bolts, pins, rivets, clips, or the like. The vertical furcation bracket60includes horizontal slots61and vertical slots65that are engaged by the universal clip47to mount a furcation plug45.

With particular reference toFIG. 4, the horizontal slots61each have a length62, and are disbursed over the area of the vertical furcation bracket60in rows63. The length62is chosen to be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, each of the length51of the first locking member50and the length55of the second locking member52in its second state. InFIG. 4, there are shown five horizontal slots61in each row63, and twenty seven rows63of slots. However, any suitable number of horizontal slots61may be used in a row63, and any suitable number of rows63may be used on the vertical furcation bracket60. Further, although the same number of horizontal slots61are shown in each row63, that need not be the case. In each row63, pairs of the horizontal slots61, which may be non-adjacent, are separated by a length64. For example, as shown, a pair of the horizontal slots61may include two horizontal slots61that are separated by one other horizontal slot61. Alternatively, a pair of horizontal slots61may include two adjacent slots61in a row63. Still further, alternatively, a pair of horizontal slots61may include a pair of slots61separated by two, or three, or more, other horizontal slots61in a row63. The length64is chosen to be substantially the same as the length57between the first50and second52locking members on the universal clip47. Accordingly, the rows63of horizontal slots61provide flexibility in mounting the universal clip47at various locations, wherein the desired location may be chosen by a user when coupling the furcation plug45to the vertical furcation bracket60. When coupling the furcation plug45to the horizontal slots61, the longitudinal axis46will be in a generally horizontal orientation.

In at least one embodiment, the vertical slots65each have a length66, and are disbursed over the area of the vertical furcation bracket60in columns67. The length66is chosen to be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, each of the length51of the first locking member50and the length55of the second locking member52in its second state. InFIG. 4, there are shown twenty six vertical slots65in each column67, and five columns67of vertical slots65. However, any suitable number of vertical slots65may be used in a column67, and any suitable number of columns67may be used on the vertical furcation bracket60. Further, although the same number of vertical slots65are shown in each column67, that need not be the case. In each column67, pairs of the vertical slots65, which may be non-adjacent, are separated by a length68. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, a pair of the vertical slots65may comprise two vertical slots65that are separated by one other vertical slot65. Alternatively, a pair of vertical slots65may include two adjacent slots65in a column67. Still further, alternatively, a pair of vertical slots65may include a pair of vertical slots65separated by two, or three, or more, other vertical slots65in a column67. The length68is chosen to be the same as the length57between the first50and second52locking members on the universal clip47. Accordingly, the columns67of vertical slots65provide flexibility in mounting the universal clip47at various locations, wherein the desired location may be chosen by a user when coupling the furcation plug45to the vertical furcation bracket60. When coupling the furcation plug45to the vertical slots65, the longitudinal axis46will be in a generally vertical orientation.

The vertical furcation bracket60may also include other mounting structures, for example, columns70of horizontal slots, mounting holes72, and mounting slots74. The columns70of horizontal slots may be used to mount elements to the vertical furcation bracket60by, for example, hook-and-loop strip fasteners or plastic ties. Mounting holes72may be used to mount elements to the vertical furcation bracket60by, for example, screws, bolts, pins, rivets, or clips. Although shown as being generally in two columns between the columns70of horizontal slots, the mounting holes72may be disbursed over the area of the vertical furcation bracket60. The mounting slots74may be used to attach, as by fasteners14, the vertical furcation bracket60to a horizontal member5of the equipment rack3. See, for example,FIG. 1. Alternatively, the mounting holes72may be used to mount the vertical furcation bracket60to either a horizontal member5or a vertical member4. In either case, the vertical furcation bracket60is mounted in a generally vertical manner in the equipment cabinet2.

The horizontal furcation bracket80, which is shown in more detail inFIG. 5, may be coupled to vertical mounting rails15and/or an accessory bracket180of the equipment rack3by fasteners, with their relative dispositions perhaps best depicted inFIG. 1B. The horizontal furcation bracket80includes horizontal slots82that are engaged by the universal clip47to mount a furcation plug45.

The horizontal slots82each have a length84, and are disbursed over the area of the horizontal furcation bracket80in rows86. The length84is chosen to be substantially the same as, or slightly larger than, each of the length51of the first locking member50and the length55of the second locking member52in its second state. InFIG. 5, there are shown twenty eight horizontal slots82in each row86, and two rows86of horizontal slots82. However, any suitable number of horizontal slots82may be used in a row86, and any suitable number of rows86may be used on the horizontal furcation bracket80. Further, although the same number of horizontal slots82are shown in each row86, that need not be the case. In each row86, pairs of the horizontal slots82, which may be non-adjacent, are separated by a length88. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, a pair of the horizontal slots82may include two horizontal slots82that are separated by one other horizontal slot82. Alternatively, a pair of horizontal slots82may include two adjacent slots82in a row86. Still further, alternatively, a pair of horizontal slots82may include a pair of slots82separated by two, three, or more, other horizontal slots82in a row86. The length88is chosen to be substantially the same as the length57between the first50and second52locking members on the universal clip47. Accordingly, the rows86of horizontal slots82provide flexibility in mounting the universal clip47at various locations, wherein the desired location may be chosen by a user when coupling the furcation plug45to the horizontal furcation bracket80. When coupling the furcation plug45to the horizontal slots83, the longitudinal axis46will be in a generally horizontal orientation.

The horizontal furcation bracket80may also include other mounting structures, for example, vertical slots90disposed in a row92, a mounting bracket94, and/or mounting holes96. The vertical slots90in such row92may be used to mount elements to the horizontal furcation bracket80by, for example, hook-and-loop strip fasteners or plastic ties. Any suitable number of slots90may be disposed in any suitable number of rows92. Mounting holes96may be used to mount elements to the horizontal furcation bracket80by fasteners, for example, screws, bolts, pins, rivets, or clips. As shown, the mounting holes96may be disbursed over the area of the horizontal furcation bracket80and/or on the mounting bracket94. Additionally, the mounting holes96may be used to mount the horizontal furcation bracket80to the vertical4or horizontal5rails of the equipment cabinet. In either case, the horizontal furcation bracket80is mounted in a generally horizontal manner in the equipment cabinet2.

Alternative variations of the vertical and horizontal furcation brackets60,80are shown inFIG. 3A. Either furcation bracket60,80may be, as shown for example in the horizontal furcation bracket80ofFIG. 5, of a planar material of sufficient thickness to provide a desired rigidity, or may be, as shown for example in the vertical furcation bracket80ofFIG. 3A, of a sheet material having two flanges, running the length thereof, to provide such rigidity.

Furcation brackets60,80provide attachment points for the trunk cable40furcation plugs45, and tie-points for securing the trunk cables40. Thus, the furcation brackets60,80allow trunk cables40to be positioned anywhere in the cabinet2for easy alignment with connecting points, so as to avoid airflow openings24in the equipment20, and so as to organize the trunk cables40generally in one plane for easier moves, adds, or changes. The design of the brackets60,80is integrated with that of the furcation plugs45so the furcation plugs45snap in for easy installation and/or removal.

Termination Panel

The termination panel100typically will be coupled directly to a vertical member4near the front11of the equipment cabinet2as shown inFIG. 1, or to an accessory bracket180, for example directly or via a fiber module bracket222, that is mounted on a vertical member4near the front11of the equipment cabinet2as shown inFIGS. 1A-1C; however, other mounting locations are possible. The termination panel100is used to mount sockets110into which are plugged the connectors44on the ends of the furcation legs43of the trunk cable40, and the connectors on the ends of the drop cables120.

One or more embodiments of a termination panel100are shown in more detail inFIGS. 6-8. Each termination panel100includes holes102through which fasteners104are inserted to couple the termination panel100to the equipment rack3or mounting portion thereof. The centers of the holes102are spaced from one another by a distance105. Fasteners104may be screws, bolts, pins, rivets, clips, or the like. Alternatively, other manners of coupling the termination panel100to the equipment rack3may be used, for example, a snap-together fitting.

To mount the sockets110, the termination panel100includes rectangular openings108. The termination panel shown inFIG. 6includes four rectangular openings108disposed in one column, wherein the top three rectangular openings108are each shown holding four sockets110, while the bottom rectangular opening108is shown without sockets110. The sockets110may be sized and configured to snap-fit into the rectangular openings108or may be attached to the termination panel100by any other suitable method, for example, by adhesive, fasteners, screws, bolts, pins, rivets, or the like. Alternatively, the rectangular openings108may be arranged differently on the termination panel100. For example, instead of being aligned in one column, the rectangular openings108may be aligned in two columns that are disposed side-by-side. Further, for example, any suitable number of rectangular openings108may be used on any one termination panel100. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, there are four termination panels100, wherein the top panel100includes four rectangular openings108in a column, the next termination panel100down includes two rectangular openings108in a column, the next termination panel100down after that includes one rectangular opening108in a column, and the bottom termination panel100includes four rectangular openings108in a column. Although only one column can be seen inFIG. 1, there may be any suitable number of columns of rectangular openings108. Still further, the rectangular openings108may be sized to fit any suitable number of sockets110.

Each termination panel preferably has a height corresponding to a whole number of RMUs. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the termination panel may occupy two RMUs. In another embodiment, one termination panel100includes two rectangular openings108that are arranged side-by-side so that the termination panel100only occupies a height of one RMU. In this case, the termination panel100would hold eight sockets110, which corresponds to the number of connectors on a typical blade of a server. Accordingly, the one termination panel100would include all of the connections for one blade of the server, thereby facilitating moves, adds, or changes. That is, for example, when it is desired to disconnect one or more furcation legs43from a particular blade, the termination panel100corresponding to that blade may be uncoupled from the equipment rack3from the front11of the equipment cabinet2to access the side of the termination panel100on which the furcation legs43are plugged. Further, because one termination panel100includes all the connections for one blade, the change may be done without disturbing the other connections to other blades within the equipment cabinet2. Similarly, if it is desired to remove one blade entirely, again, because all of the connections are made with one termination panel100, the connections for that blade may be removed all together without disturbing the connections for other blades.

As shown inFIG. 7, the termination panel100may include a cross-section that is generally planar. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 8, the termination panel100may include an attachment portion112and a socket mounting portion114that are offset relative to one another, i.e., they are not in the same plane. The offset is provided by a coupling portion116disposed between the attachment portion112and socket mounting portion114. This latter configuration assists in providing an advantageous airflow in the equipment cabinet2. That is, as shown inFIG. 1, a termination panel100having a planar cross-section may cause the furcation legs43to bunch together in front of the airflow openings24located near the front11of the equipment cabinet. However, a termination panel100having an offset would move the furcation legs43farther forward thereby leaving unimpeded the airflow openings24near the front11of the equipment cabinet2.

Additionally, the configuration ofFIG. 8facilitates access to the furcation legs43for easier adds, changes, or drops. That is, by offsetting the sockets110forward from the attachment portion112(and the connection point to the rack or accessory bracket), there is provided additional room for a user to reach behind the termination panel100, especially when the termination panels100are spaced along the height of the cabinet.

The termination panel100may be coupled to the equipment rack3so that the termination panel100is outside of the central rack space6. As further described below, the termination panel100may be coupled to the equipment rack3by a universal accessory bracket180, particularly through the use of a fiber module bracket222.

Trunk Cable Manager

FIGS. 9 and 10Aare a right side view and an isometric view, respectively, of the vertical trunk cable manager140ofFIG. 3A, andFIG. 10is a top cross-sectional view of the trunk cable manager140ofFIG. 9, taken along line10-10. The trunk cable manager140is generally J-shaped with a longer side thereof being coupled to a vertical member4of the equipment rack3such that the rest of the cable manager140is directed into the side space or airflow region121of the cabinet2. In at least some embodiments, the trunk cable manager140is installed alongside one vertical member4such that the closed end of the J-shape faces the nearer of either the front or rear of the equipment cabinet2and the open end of the J-shape faces toward the more distant of the front or rear of the equipment cabinet2. For example, in the implementation illustrated inFIGS. 1A-1C, the trunk cable manager140is installed alongside the right-rear vertical member4such that the closed end of the J-shape faces the rear of the equipment cabinet2, and the open end of the J-shape faces toward the front the equipment cabinet2, which is more distant than the rear. This arrangement allows cables40to be routed through the open side of the J-shape toward other elements of the fiber management system30and/or equipment20mounted in the equipment rack3. The long side of the cable manager140includes a series of horizontal slot-type openings143aligned vertically near the edge thereof.

The fiber trunk cable manager140supports and protects fiber trunk cables40as they transition from a generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation to make connections inside the cabinet2. The cable manager140is often used in combination with the vertical furcation bracket60and provides strain relief so that the furcation plug45on the trunk cable40can mount properly to the vertical furcation bracket60. In particular, the horizontal slot openings143of the cable manager140are used as tie points to support trunk cables40as they transition from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation before extending adjacent to the vertical furcation bracket60. In at least one embodiment, the cable manager140is sized to support connections for two fully populated network switches20.

Trunk cable manager140is coupled to the equipment rack3by fasteners14and provides support for the trunk cables40as they extend into the equipment cabinet2and toward the equipment20. The trunk cable manager140supports the trunk cables40so as to reduce unwanted micro and/or macro bending, as well as to provide strain relief, protection, and vertical support. Further, the trunk cable manager140supports trunk cables40so as to reduce torsion on the universal clip147of the furcation plug145.

The longer side of the trunk cable manager140includes a first planar portion142and a second planar portion144connected to one another by an angled portion146. The angled portion146transitions the first planar portion142and second planar portion144so that they are not coplanar. As described in further detail below, this arrangement assists in reducing unwanted micro- and macro-bending in the trunk cables40.

The first planar portion142includes horizontal slots143generally disposed in a column. The slots143may receive fastening members160, shown inFIGS. 1 and 14, to hold the trunk cables40. The fastening members160may include hook-and-loop strip fasteners or plastic ties, for example. The number and arrangement of slots143allows a user to fasten a trunk cable40at any of many various locations within the equipment cabinet2, thereby providing flexibility in designing the cabinet2.

The second planar portion144includes access openings150and mounting holes152. The mounting holes152may receive the fasteners14therethrough to mount the trunk cable manager140to the equipment rack3, Further, to one end of the second planar portion144, there is coupled a trough148, forming the bottom of the J-shape described previously, to support the trunk cables40. The trough148may also include access openings150to permit, for example, manipulation of cables40running along the cable manager140.

FIGS. 9,10and10A illustrate a first embodiment of a vertical trunk cable manager140, whileFIG. 11is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a trunk cable manager200, andFIG. 12is a top cross-sectional view of the trunk cable manager200ofFIG. 11, taken along line12-12. When viewed in cross-section, the trunk cable manager200ofFIGS. 11 and 12includes a leg generally similar to the longer side of the cable manager140ofFIGS. 9,10and10A but does not include a shorter leg, does not have a trough, and thus does not have a J-shaped cross-section. The trunk cable manager200includes a first planar portion202and a second planar portion204connected to one another by an angled portion206. The angled portion206couples the first planar portion202and second planar portion204so that they are not coplanar. As described in further detail below, this arrangement assists in reducing unwanted micro- and macro-bending in the trunk cables40.

The first planar portion202includes slots208generally disposed in a column. The slots208may receive fastening members160to hold and support the trunk cables40. The number and arrangement of slots208allows a user to fasten a trunk cable40at any of many various locations within the equipment cabinet2, thereby providing flexibility in design.

The second planar portion204includes mounting holes210, vertical slots212, and access openings214. The mounting holes210may receive fasteners14therethrough to mount the trunk cable manager200to the equipment rack3. The vertical slots212may receive fastening members160to hold and support the trunk cables40. The number and arrangement of slots212allows a user to fasten a trunk cable40at many various locations within the equipment cabinet2, thereby providing flexibility in design. As shown inFIG. 11, the slots212are provided in eight groups of three at various vertical positions along the trunk cable manager200. Of course, more or less slots212may be disposed in any one group, and any number of groups of slots212may be provided along the length of the trunk cable manager200. The access openings214permit, for example, manipulation of cables40running along the cable manager200.

Accessory Bracket

FIG. 13is an isometric view of the accessory bracket ofFIG. 3A. As shown therein, the universal accessory bracket180is generally a C-shaped rail with a length that, in at least one embodiment, is generally equivalent to the height of the vertical member4to which it is mounted. The accessory bracket180includes a back plate or spine181, a first leg183, and a second leg184. The back plate181includes holes182to receive fasteners14to mount the accessory bracket180to a vertical member4of the equipment rack3. The first183and second184legs extend from the back plate181, away from the vertical member4of the rack3. Advantageously, the universal accessory bracket180may be mounted anywhere along the height of a vertical member4of the frame of the equipment rack3, and in some embodiments, is shorter than the length of the vertical member4so as to facilitate selective use along the member4. The universal accessory bracket180, which may be constructed out of any rigid material, accepts a variety of brackets and accessories in a plurality of locations evenly distributed vertically along the length of the universal accessory bracket180.

The first leg183includes mounting holes185for mounting equipment, for example a termination panel100, a series of fiber module brackets222(each with or without a termination panel100mounted thereon), or the end of a horizontal furcation bracket80, to the accessory bracket180and, thus, to the equipment rack3. Pairs of holes185, which may be non-adjacent, are spaced from one another by a distance187, wherein distance187is the same as the distance105between holes102in the termination panel100ofFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 13, two holes185in a pair are separated by another hole185; however, other configurations are possible. For example, the two holes185in a pair may be adjacent to one another, or spaced by two, three, or more, other holes185.

The second leg184includes holes186and slots188. The holes186may be used to mount equipment, for example a termination panel100, a series of fiber module brackets222(each with or without a termination panel100mounted thereon), or the end of a horizontal furcation bracket80, to the accessory bracket180and, thus, to the equipment rack3. Pairs of holes186, which may be non-adjacent, are preferably spaced from one another by a distance190, wherein distance190is the same as the distance105between holes102in the termination panel100. As shown inFIG. 13, two holes186in a pair are adjacent to one another, however, other configurations are possible. For example, the two holes186in a pair may be separated from one another by one, two, three, or more, other holes186. Slots188may be used to receive a fastening member160for holding furcation legs43or other cables. As shown inFIG. 13, the slots188are arranged in fourteen groups of two along the length of the accessory bracket180. Of course, any number of groups of slots188may be used along the length of the accessory bracket1807and any number of slots188may be used in any one group. Although the numbers of slots188in each group are shown as being the same, this need not be the case. Additionally, although the groups of slots188are shown as alternating with the holes186along the length of the accessory bracket180, this also need not be the case. However, a uniform arrangement of termination panel mounting holes185, equipment mounting holes186, slots188, provides for flexibility in mounting equipment to the accessory bracket180.

FIGS. 15-18are detailed isometric views of the accessory bracket180and fiber management accessories ofFIG. 3A. As shown therein, various fiber management accessories may be attached to the rectangular shaped openings185of the exterior side arm183of the accessory bracket180. It is preferred that the spacing of the rectangular shaped openings185be 0.5 RMU (0.875 inches) so as to coordinate with any of a variety of accessories making use of standardized RMU spacings. The spacing of the rectangular shaped openings185enables fiber management accessories to be aligned with electronic equipment contained in the rack mount space6of the equipment cabinet2. Because the column of rectangular openings185extends the length of the exterior side arm183, accessories may be attached anywhere along the length of the exterior side arm183. Brackets and accessories that may be attached to the accessory bracket180include, but are not limited to, a high-density fiber MTP connector panel, a bracket222that accepts standard termination panels100and the like (such as standard closet connector housing (“CCH”) fiber modules), termination panels100without a bracket222, and a rotating fiber retaining spool224. As discussed previously, the brackets and accessories can be installed on the accessory bracket180such that fiber connections are aligned with the equipment20or other apparatus to which the cables40are connected. This alignment makes the cabling easier to manage. In this regard, it will again be appreciated that brackets and accessories that attach to the accessory bracket180can support either copper or fiber connectors as well as cable management functions.

As previously mentioned, the interior side arm184includes a series of round openings186alternating with a series of vertical slot-type openings188. It is contemplated that the slot-type openings188may be threaded with tie-down devices, e.g., Velcro® ties, for use in managing and organizing optical fibers in the side panel space121. It is contemplated that the round openings186may be used to attach horizontal or vertical furcation brackets80,60, respectively, to the accessory bracket180. It will be understood that the round openings186and vertical slot openings188may be used as connection or attachment points for various components and/or accessories that are not specifically discussed herein, i.e., the functionality of the openings186,188should not be limited in any way by the description provided herein.

FIG. 15shows a plurality of rotating fiber retaining spool assemblies224and a plurality of fiber module brackets222attached to the accessory bracket180.

FIG. 16shows a single fiber module bracket222attached to the accessory bracket180. As shown inFIG. 15the accessory bracket180may be heavily populated with fiber management accessories, which may be attached at various locations along the height of the accessory bracket180. The fiber module bracket222accepts standard termination panels100and the like (such as CCH fiber modules). These modules are fiber connectors that enable quick connection of optical fibers. In addition, and as discussed previously, fiber connectors may enable fewer cables40to exit the connector than enter the connector because the connector may route more than one fiber through a single cable. For example an MTP connector can reduce the number of fiber cables from six duplex fiber cables to one 12-fiber cable. As also mentioned previously, the spacing and location of the rectangular openings185of the exterior side arm183enables the accessories, in this example, the fiber module brackets222to be aligned with the electronic equipment20and other apparatus contained in the rack mount space6of the cabinet2.

In an exemplary scenario, a network core switch20utilizing side-to-side cooling airflow is housed in the rack mount space6of a cabinet2. It is particularly beneficial for a fiber module bracket222containing a fiber connector to be vertically aligned with the network switch20in the rack mount space. This alignment enables optical fibers leaving the network switch20to patch into a fiber connector in the side panel space121immediately adjacent the network switch rather than having to travel into the side panel space121and be routed upward or downward, depending on where the fiber connector is housed in the rack mount space, through the side panel space121and back into a fiber connector housed in the rack mount space either above or below the network switch. Reducing the distance that optical fiber has to travel before patching into a fiber connector reduces optical fiber congestion.

Even in the situation wherein the number of fiber cables is not reduced by a fiber connector, congestion is reduced by locating the fiber connector nearer the network switch20because fiber cables are not traveling through the cabinet side space121to patch into a fiber connector. Fiber cables are routed directly to a fiber connector and then out of the cabinet2rather than taking a circuitous route through the cabinet2to patch into a fiber connector and then be routed out of the cabinet. Reducing fiber congestion increases organization within the cabinet2and improves thermal management within the cabinet2, i.e., the less fibers there are congesting the side panel space121, the more air is allowed to flow through the side panel space121thereby cooling the equipment housed in the cabinet2.

FIG. 17is an enlarged isometric view of the fiber module bracket222ofFIG. 16. The bracket222is generally L-shaped, having two rectangular-shaped plates226,227that are in orthogonal relation to one another, thereby creating the L-shape of the bracket. A first plate226includes mounting holes for attaching the bracket to the accessory bracket180. A second plate227has a pair of mounting tabs232projecting orthogonally from the side228of the plate227opposite the side228to which the first plate226is connected. The mounting tabs232are disposed adjacent the ends230of the second plate227and are for mounting of a termination panel100or other fiber module connector thereto. Each mounting tab232includes an aperture, with the placement of the apertures arranged to create a spacing similar to that of the distance105between holes102of the termination panel100.

FIG. 18is an enlarged fragmentary isometric view of the vertical accessory rail ofFIG. 15with a single rotating fiber retaining spool assembly224attached thereto. The spool assembly224includes a connection bracket234and a fiber spool236. The spool236includes an arm238and a shaft240oriented orthogonally in relation to one another. The entire spool236rotates in relation to the connection bracket234to enable the arm238to be placed in various orientations. More specifically, the arm238may be placed at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° all relative to vertical. The spool236assembly may be placed anywhere along the height of the accessory bracket180. A function of the spool assembly224is to guide and contain fiber cables present in a cabinet2. The arm238of the spool236may be rotated to better enable the spool236to perform its function. For instance, the spool236may inhibit fiber cables from entering the door area or fiber connection areas in the cabinet2. As such, the spool assembly224further aids in reducing congestion and improving organization within the cabinet2. The fiber retaining spool236may also be rotated vertically to allow unimpeded access to the cable bundle during installation and maintenance. A suitable spool assembly224is more fully described in U.S. provisional patent application 61/020,741 and in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/349,619, filed Jan. 7, 2009 and entitled “REPOSITIONABLE SHELF-MOUNTED HANDLE SPOOL ASSEMBLY FOR CABLE ROUTING,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Use of the Organizational Elements

There will now be described the use of the organizational elements in an equipment cabinet2so as to reduce impeding airflow to and/or from the equipment20in the cabinet2, and so as to reduce unwanted bending of the cables40themselves. In order to reduce impeding airflow to and/or from the equipment20in the cabinet2, the trunk cable40is preferably supported at two points adjacent to the equipment wall22in which the airflow openings24are located. Support at two points allows the trunk cable40, particularly the furcation legs43, to be routed in such a manner as to avoid or minimize covering the airflow openings24.

In general, as shown inFIG. 1, the organizational elements are used to route the trunk cables40through the cabinet. The trunk cables40enter the bottom-rear of the cabinet2through the trunk cable manager140. Alternatively, the trunk cables40may enter the top-rear of the cabinet, again through the trunk cable manager140. In either case, the trunk cables40initially extend in a substantially vertical manner as they enter the equipment cabinet2. As the trunk cables40transition to a horizontal orientation through the front of the trunk cable manager140, the trunk cables40are secured to the trunk cable manager140by fastening members160coupled to a pair of slots143in the trunk cable manager140. Instead of the trunk cable manager140, the trunk cable manager200may be used in a manner similar to that described above.

The trunk cables40are then secured at a first point adjacent to the wall22by a vertical furcation bracket60by snapping the furcation plug45with universal clip47into a pair of slots. Although not shown inFIG. 1, a horizontal furcation bracket80may also be used for this purpose either instead of, or in addition to, the vertical furcation bracket60. The furcation plug45with universal clip47may be coupled to the vertical furcation bracket60so that the longitudinal axis46is either in a horizontal or a vertical orientation. In either orientation, the furcation plug45may be coupled to the vertical furcation bracket60in many different locations due to the above-described arrangement of horizontal61and vertical65slots, and because the vertical furcation bracket60extends over a substantial portion of the height of the equipment cabinet2.

In order to couple the furcation plug45to the vertical furcation bracket60, for example, the first locking member51is inserted into a first one of the horizontal slots61in a row63. Additionally, the second locking member52is moved from its first state to its second state wherein the second locking member52has second length55. The second locking member52is then inserted into another horizontal slot61that is in the same row63and that is spaced from the first one of the horizontal slots61by a length64. The second locking member52is then allowed to resume its first state having a length56, thereby coupling the universal clip47and furcation plug45to the vertical furcation bracket60. That is, the lengths51and55are chosen so as to be substantially the same as or slightly shorter than the length62so the first50and second52locking members can be inserted through the slots61, whereas the lengths57and56together are greater than the lengths62and64so that the universal clip47securely may be coupled to the vertical furcation bracket60. When the furcation plug45is coupled to the furcation bracket60in this manner, the support members58rest on the vertical furcation bracket60to assist in holding the furcation plug45and thus the trunk cable40in place. Again, in a similar manner a furcation plug45may be coupled in a vertical orientation to the slots65of the vertical furcation bracket60, or may be coupled in a horizontal orientation to the horizontal slots82in the horizontal furcation bracket80. In any event, the trunk cable40is then securely coupled at one point adjacent to the equipment wall22that includes the airflow openings24.

The furcation legs43of the trunk cable40are then routed outside of the central rack space6, and more particularly in the side space121, and around the airflow openings24, so as to avoid blocking the airflow openings24in the wall22of the equipment20that is mounted in the central rack space6. The furcation plug45may be located at a height that is either above or below the height of the airflow openings24, and have the axis46oriented in a generally horizontal manner. Alternatively, the furcation plug45may be mounted at a height that is the same as that at which the airflow openings24are located, but have its axis46oriented vertically so that the furcation legs43may still be routed around the airflow openings24without unwanted bending in the furcation legs.

After being routed around the airflow openings24, the furcation legs43are coupled at a second point adjacent to the wall22. By coupling the trunk cable40at two points adjacent to the wall22, the trunk cable40can securely be held away from the airflow openings24to avoid impeding airflow to or from the equipment20.

To secure the trunk cable40at a second point, connectors44on the ends of furcation legs43are coupled to sockets110in a termination panel100, and the termination panel100is coupled to the rack3by the accessory bracket180, with or without the use of a fiber module bracket222. The accessory bracket180is coupled to the equipment rack by fasteners14inserted through holes182. The accessory bracket180is shown inFIG. 1as being mounted to a vertical member41and is mounted so as to be outside of the central rack space6. In an alternative embodiment, the accessory bracket180may be mounted between two horizontal members5. The termination panel100may then be coupled by fasteners104to either a pair of holes185in the first leg183of the accessory bracket180, a pair of holes186in the second leg184of the accessory bracket180, or a pair of holes in the mounting tabs232of the fiber module brackets222. Fasteners104may be screws, bolts, pins, rivets, clips, or the like. As noted above, the distance105between holes102of the termination panel100is chosen so as to be the same as distance187and the same as distance190. Additionally, because the holes185and holes186are located along the length of the accessory bracket180, and because the accessory bracket extends over a substantial portion of the height of the cabinet2, the termination panel100may be located at many various points along the height of the equipment cabinet2, with or without the use of fiber module brackets222, thereby facilitating organization of the trunk cables40.

As an alternative, or additional, second point for securing the trunk cable40, the furcation legs43may be coupled directly to the accessory bracket180. More specifically, a fastening member160may be looped around the furcation legs43, and looped through slots188to secure the furcation legs43directly to the accessory bracket180. Because the columns of slots188are arranged along a substantial portion of the length of the accessory bracket180, and because the accessory bracket180may extend over a substantial portion of the height of the equipment cabinet2, the furcation legs43may advantageously be secured at many various points along the height of the equipment cabinet2, thereby facilitating organization of the trunk cables40.

As set forth above, the trunk cables40are supported to avoid the airflow openings24by two points of connection, i.e., connection of the furcation plug45to the vertical furcation bracket60and by the connection of furcation legs43to either the termination panel100or to the accessory bracket180, or to both the termination panel100and the accessory bracket180.

Next, there will be described the use of the organizational elements in an equipment cabinet2so as to reduce unwanted bending of the trunk cables40, and so as to facilitate installation, moves, or adds.

As noted above, the trunk cables40enter the bottom-rear of the cabinet2through the trunk cable manager140. Alternatively, the trunk cables40may enter the top-rear of the cabinet, again through the trunk cable manager140. Because the trunk cable manager140is mounted outside of the central rack space6and is vertically oriented, the trunk cable manager140allows the cables40to transition vertically-to-horizontally, or vice versa, along the side of the cabinet2without interfering with the functionality of the cabinet doors8, hinges on brackets7or equipment20, which interference may otherwise lead to unwanted bending of the trunk cables40. Further, the trunk cables40are disposed within the trough148, or against the body of the alternative trunk cable manager200, which provides support and strain relief to the cables40. The support by the trough148also reduces unwanted bending in the trunk cables40. As the trunk cables40transition to a horizontal orientation, the trunk cables are secured to the trunk cable manager140by fastening members160coupled to a pair of slots143in the trunk cable manager140. Because of the numerous slots143disposed along the length of the trunk cable manager140, the trunk cables40may be coupled to the trunk cable manager140adjacent to one another and substantially in the same plane, as opposed to on top of one another in a jumble. Accordingly, the trunk cable manager140also keeps the trunk cables40organized for future moves, adds or changes. That is, as shown inFIG. 1, the trunk cables40are organized one above another, and substantially in one plane so that any one may easily be accessed for installation, moves adds, or changes. Additionally, the vertical furcation bracket60(and/or horizontal furcation bracket80) keep the furcation plugs45in substantially the same plane, to maintain the organization of the trunk cables40for easy installation, moves, adds, or changes.

Further, the trunk cable manager140may be used to support the trunk cables40so as to further preventing unwanted bending of the trunk cable40, and so as to reduce the torsion on the universal clip147, thereby increasing the useful life of the universal clip147.

FIG. 14is a top view of a portion of the equipment cabinet2ofFIG. 1, taken along line14-14. InFIG. 14, it is seen that the trunk cable manager140supports the trunk cable40so as to bend gently toward the central rack space6as the trunk cable40extends substantially horizontally from the rear12of the cabinet2toward the front11. More particularly, the second planar portion144is coupled to the vertical member4, and supports the trunk cable40at a first distance154from the vertical furcation bracket60. The angled portion146of the trunk cable manager140then places the first planar portion142—to which the trunk cable40is coupled by fastening member160—at a second distance156from the vertical furcation bracket60, wherein the second distance156is less than the first distance154, to gradually move the trunk cable40toward its connection point with the vertical furcation bracket60. By gradually moving the trunk cable40toward vertical furcation bracket60, unwanted bending of the trunk cable is reduced. Also, the angled portion146acts as a back stop to further prevent unwanted bending of the trunk cable40in the event of accidental impact by a user or other object.

Further, the trunk cable40is secured to the first planar portion142adjacent to the point where the furcation plug45is coupled to the vertical furcation bracket60by universal clip47. Thus, there are reduced torsion or twisting moments produced by the trunk cable40on the universal clip47. Stated another way, if the trunk cable40was not supported by trunk cable manager140, the weight of the trunk cable40would tend to pull it in a generally downward direction, causing the furcation plug45to rotate about axis162and/or axis46. Rotation of the furcation plug45about axis162and/or axis46, i.e., torsion on the furcation plug, would lead to stress on the universal clip and risk of breakage or reduced life span. Accordingly, supporting the trunk cable40at a point adjacent to that at which the universal clip47couples the furcation plug45to the vertical furcation bracket60reduces torsion on the universal clip47and thus reduces the risk of breakage.

Instead of the trunk cable manager140, the trunk cable manager200may be used in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the trunk cable manager140. In the case of the trunk cable manager200, however, additional fastening members160may be used in connection with vertical slots212to support the trunk cables40as they extend substantially vertically along the side of the equipment cabinet2.