Patent Publication Number: US-2004055232-A1

Title: Raised floor system and support apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/818,318 filed Mar. 27, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/524,033 filed Mar. 13, 2000 which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending International Application Serial No. PCT/US98/1905 1, with international filing date of Sep. 11, 1998; which application designates the United States of America and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 08/927,506 filed Sep. 11, 1997 as a continuation-in-part application. The contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] 1. Technical Field  
       [0003] The present disclosure relates to raised floor systems and more particularly to a cable support assembly for use in connection with a raised floor system.  
       [0004] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0005] Raised floor systems have been developed to provide the additional utility space needed in various different conduit or cable intensive environments where the original construction did not provide adequate means of accommodating the vast amount of conduit or cable. For example, probably the most common environment requiring vast amounts of additional protected space is for large computing systems. Such installations were typically made in facilities which simply were not designed to accommodate the vast amount of cable runs required to operate the typical large computer system. Other applications where additional utility space is required include mechanical systems, e.g., heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.  
       [0006] A common problem experienced in utilizing raised floor systems is maintaining organization of the various cables, conduits, pipes, etc. which are routed beneath the floor system. One solution to this problem is to provide a cable tray system beneath the floor panels of the raised floor to contain and direct cables along their respective pathways. An example of such a cable tray system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,596,095 which issued on Jun. 24, 1986 to Chalfant (the “&#39;095 Chalfant Patent”). The &#39;095 Chalfant Patent features a modular cable tray assembly which is formed from modular sections which include a number of different components all of which must be separately assembled to form the cable tray. For example, the cable tray includes separate straight sections, horizontal bend sections, horizontal tee sections, horizontal cross-intersection sections, as well as splice plates to connect the various components to each other as well as supporting the assembled cable tray above the building floor. Such a cable tray assembly is, therefore, independent of the raised floor system.  
       [0007] One drawback of such a raised floor and cable support system is the additional labor required to assemble the various components of the separate raised floor and cable support systems. In geographic regions with particularly high labor rates, the cost of erecting such a labor intensive dual system could prove to be cost prohibitive.  
       [0008] Another drawback of such a system is that the amount of space required by the structural supporting components of the two separate systems leaves less space available for carrying and organizing larger numbers of cable runs.  
       [0009] Yet another drawback of installing independent raised floor and cable support systems is the cost of procuring the materials required for two separate support structures. These additional labor and material costs can significantly increase the overall cost of installing a complete system.  
       [0010] An alternative solution to supporting cable runs below a raised floor assembly is proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,932 which issued on Aug. 27, 1996 to Mead (the “&#39;932 Mead Patent”). The &#39;932 Mead Patent features a height adjustable cable tray support system which includes a number of separate components which must be assembled to form the cable support system. Plates which support the cable tray are secured by welding or other methods to the pedestals of the existing raised floor system featured in the &#39;932 Mead Patent. Additionally, support rods are required in the &#39;932 Mead Patent cable tray support system, which support the cable tray on the support plates.  
       [0011] One disadvantage of such a system is the labor intensive nature of the installation. In particular, each support plate must be separately secured to the floor system pedestals and the support rods and cable tray sections must be installed. This combined with the cost of the material components required for such a system can add significant cost to the installation of the complete system.  
       [0012] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for improved raised floor and cable management systems which require fewer number of components. A need also exists for raised floor and cable management systems which are easier to install than existing systems and which provide increased storage capacity and accessibility.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0013] The present disclosure provides a raised floor system which overcomes the above-noted and other disadvantages of existing raised floor and cable management systems. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a raised floor system which requires many fewer components to assemble thereby resulting in greatly reduced material and labor costs to install a complete raised floor and cable management system or to upgrade an existing raised floor system with the presently disclosed cable support assembly.  
       [0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure a raised floor system is provided which includes a raised floor system, which includes a plurality of support pedestals; a plurality of floor panels; and a cable support apparatus which includes: a first elongated stringer element defining a horizontally disposed surface which is configured and dimensioned to support a portion of at least one of the plurality of floor panels, the first elongated stringer element being supported a predetermined distance away from a base by a first pair of the plurality of support pedestals; a second elongated stringer element defining a horizontally disposed surface which is configured and dimensioned to support a portion of at least one of the plurality of floor panels, the second elongated stringer element being supported a predetermined distance away from a base by a second pair of the plurality of support pedestals and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements, the channel section being configured and dimensioned to support lengths of cable thereon.  
       [0015] The channel section may be formed of an open architecture defining a plurality of openings therein. Additionally, the channel section may be formed of wire stock. The channel section may further include a plurality of support members extending from the first elongated stringer element to the second elongated stringer element. In such an arrangement, the plurality of support members are preferably maintained at a predetermined distance from each other.  
       [0016] The channel section may be suspended from the first and second elongated stringers by permanently securing the channel section to the first and second elongated stringers.  
       [0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure a cable support apparatus is provided for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels. The cable support apparatus includes first and second stringer elements, each of the stringer elements being adapted for removable engagement with respective support pedestals of a raised floor system such that the first and second stringer elements interconnect the respective support pedestals of the raised floor system, each of the first and second stringer elements defining a horizontally disposed upper surface which is configured and dimensioned to support a portion of a floor panel of the raised floor system; and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements, the channel section being configured and dimensioned to support lengths of cable thereon.  
       [0018] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular cable support assembly is provided which includes a plurality of support pedestals; a plurality of cable support apparatus each of which includes: a first elongated stringer element defining a horizontally disposed upper surface thereof which is configured and dimensioned to support at least a portion of a floor panel, the first elongated stringer element being supported a predetermined distance away from a base by a first pair of the plurality of support pedestals; a second elongated stringer element defining a horizontally disposed upper surface thereof which is configured and dimensioned to support at least a portion of a floor panel, the second elongated stringer element being supported a predetermined distance away from a base by a second pair of the plurality of support pedestals; and a channel section suspended from the first and second stringer elements, the channel section being configured and dimensioned to support lengths of cable thereon.  
       [0019] In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, a cable support apparatus is provided for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringers and floor panels, the cable support apparatus including a channel section configured and dimensioned to support lengths of cable thereon; and means for suspending the channel section from the stringers of the raised floor system. The channel section may be formed of an open architecture.  
       [0020] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels. The support apparatus includes a support bracket having first and second end portions being configured and dimensioned to rest upon at least a portion of a support pedestal of a raised floor system and beneath a floor panel of the raised floor system. The embodiment also includes an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions, and an article support member depending from the intermediate portion to support articles thereon a distance below the raised floor panels and a distance above a base.  
       [0021] A still further embodiment includes first and second support brackets each having first and second end portions being configured and dimensioned to rest upon at least a portion of a support pedestal of a raised floor system and beneath a floor panel of the raised floor system, and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions, an article support member depending from the first and second support brackets to support articles thereon a distance below the raised floor panels and a distance above a base.  
       [0022] In a still further embodiment, an article support apparatus is provided for use with a raised floor system. The support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon and a mounting mechanism, such as a suspension assembly, adapted to connect the article support member to a stringer element of the raised floor system.  
       [0023] The present disclosure also provides a method of installing a support apparatus in a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals and floor panels. The method includes the steps of inserting a first end portion of a support bracket configured and dimensioned to fit in an opening defined at least partially by a portion of a first support pedestal disposed beneath a floor panel, moving the first end portion of the support bracket laterally towards the first support pedestal such that a second end portion of the support bracket moves away from a second support pedestal spaced a predetermined distance away from the first support pedestal, elevating the second end portion of the support bracket into horizontal alignment with an opening defined at least partially by a portion of the second support pedestal, and moving the second end portion of the support apparatus toward the second support pedestal such that the first and second end portions of the support apparatus are positioned in the respective openings defined at least partially by portions of the first and second support pedestals.  
       [0024] The present disclosure further provides alternative method of installing an article support apparatus in a raised floor system which includes a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels. The method includes the steps of providing an article support apparatus configured and dimensioned to support articles thereon and a suspension assembly connected to the article support member, the suspension assembly including an adjustable fastener; inserting the adjustable fastener of the suspension assembly into a channel portion defined in a stringer of the raised floor system; and adjusting the adjustable fastener and thereby mounting the article support member to the stringer of the raised floor system.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0025] Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed raised floor system and cable support assembly are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
     [0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a raised floor system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0027]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cable support assembly embodiment constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0028]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable support assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0029]FIG. 3 is a side view of the cable support assembly of FIG. 2 in place in a raised floor system;  
     [0030]FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a cable support assembly in a raised floor system of the present disclosure;  
     [0031]FIG. 5 is a side view showing the cable support assembly partially cut away as installed in the raised floor system of the present disclosure;  
     [0032]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the presently disclosed cable support assembly;  
     [0033]FIG. 7 is a side partial view of an alternative embodiment for mounting the cable support assembly to stringers of a raised floor system;  
     [0034]FIG. 8 is a side partial view of a further alternative embodiment for mounting the cable support assembly to stringers of a raised floor system;  
     [0035]FIG. 9. is a perspective view with parts separated of one embodiment of a secondary support apparatus and components of a raised floor assembly, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0036]FIG. 10A is a top view of a bearing surface of a support pedestal;  
     [0037]FIG. 10B is a top view of a bearing surface of a further support pedestal;  
     [0038]FIG. 11 is a side view of an assembly sequence of a secondary support apparatus;  
     [0039]FIG. 12 is a side view of a further assembly sequence of a support apparatus;  
     [0040]FIG. 13 is a side view of a further assembly sequence of a support apparatus;  
     [0041]FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing one end of a secondary support apparatus assembled in a raised floor support system;  
     [0042]FIG. 15 is a perspective view with parts separated of a further embodiment of a secondary support apparatus and components of a raised floor assembly, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0043]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable support assembly incorporated in a raised floor support system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0044]FIG. 17 is a perspective view with parts separated of one section of a cable support assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 16;  
     [0045]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cable support assembly section constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;  
     [0046]FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a support bracket;  
     [0047]FIG. 20A is a side schematic view of an installation step for the embodiment of FIG. 19;  
     [0048]FIG. 20B is a view similar to FIG. 20A of a further installation step;  
     [0049]FIG. 20C is a further view similar to FIGS. 20A and 20B of a further installation step;  
     [0050]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a support assembly in association with a raised floor system;  
     [0051]FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a portion of an article support member of the embodiment of FIG. 21; and  
     [0052]FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an article support member as mounted to a stringer element, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 21.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0053] Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements throughout the several views, and initially to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a raised floor system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally as raised floor system  10 .  
     [0054] Generally, raised floor system  10  includes a series of support pedestals such as stanchions  12  which are disposed in a predetermined array on a base such as floor  13 . A cable support assembly is provided in raised floor system  10  and includes a series of cable support apparatus such as cable baskets  14  which are disposed relative one another to form a predetermined passageway for carrying cables or the like. thereon. Preferably cable baskets  14  form an integral part of floor system  10 . Stanchions  12  are interconnected by stringer members  16  so as to define a lattice work which receives individual floor panels  18  therein to form the completed raised floor system  10 .  
     [0055] In certain installations it may be desirable or necessary to install the cable support assembly as a stand-alone modular assembly. It is within the scope of the present disclosure, that in such an installation, cable baskets  14  will be supported a predetermined distance above the building floor  13  by independent stanchions  12  or other suitable supports which are not also used to support the raised floor system  10 .  
     [0056] Referring now to FIG. 2, cable basket  14  includes first and second elongated stringer elements  20  and  22 , respectively. A channel section is suspended from stringers  20  and  22  so as to form a portion of a passageway for supporting cable runs thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel section is formed of an open ended wire stock basket having longitudinal sections  26  attached to transverse sections  24 . Transverse sections  24  include riser portions or legs  28  which are attached to the underside of stringers  20  and  22 . The various elements of cable support assembly  14  are preferably joined by suitable known techniques, such as by welding.  
     [0057] Although the illustrated channel sections are formed of wire stock material, it is within the scope of the present disclosure to use other materials as well. For example, the channel section may be formed of solid or woven fabrications of various metals or any other material suitable for supporting cable runs thereon. One illustrative example of such an alternative channel section is shown in FIG. 2A wherein channel section  114  includes vertical side wall portions  114 A and  114 B which extend upwardly from a central horizontal bottom panel  114 C. Such a channel section  114  may be particularly useful in supporting equipment or the like above the base or building floor. Also illustrated in FIG. 2A is an alternative mounting system which will be described in greater detail in connection with the embodiment of FIGS.  9 - 14 .  
     [0058] Referring now to FIGS.  3 - 5 , the integration of cable baskets  14  into raised floor system  10  will now be described in detail. Preferably, a single section of cable basket  14  is supported by four stanchions  12  (as shown in FIG. 1). However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that cable baskets  14  may be modified so as to be supported by more or less than four stanchions  12 .  
     [0059] As shown in FIG. 3, cable baskets  14  are supported by stanchions  12  such that the longitudinal and transverse elements  26  and  24  respectively are spaced a predetermined distance from the permanent floor  13 . When installed, cable baskets  14  do not interfere with the placement or fit of floor panels  18 . Rather, cable baskets  14  are designed to be incorporated into existing raised floor systems without departing from the factory design specifications of the floor system. For such installations, cable baskets  14  replace parallel end to end links of stringers  16  from the existing raised floor system.  
     [0060] As shown in FIG. 4, cable support assembly sections  14  include stringer elements such as stringers  20  and  22  which have a cross sectional “top hat” shape that includes an inverted U-shaped cross section portion having flanges  32  and  34  formed on either side. Horizontal surface  30  forms the uppermost surface of stringers  20  and  22 . It is on surface  30  which a peripheral flange  36  formed on floor panels  18  rests. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the peripheral flanges  36  of adjacent floor panels  18  are both supported by a single stringer element  20  or  22  on surface  30 . In order to maintain the relative positioning of stringer elements  20  and  22  with respect to stanchion  12 , stringer elements  20  and  22  are provided with notched portions  38  which are configured and dimensioned to fit over bracket portions  40  of stanchion base plate  42 .  
     [0061] Stringer elements  20  and  22  are further provided with preformed holes  44  which when properly installed are vertically aligned with preformed holes  46  formed in stanchion base plate  42 . In this manner, stringer elements  20  and  22  may be secured to stanchion  12  to provide added structural integrity to the overall system. As is common in conventional floor systems, floor system  10  is preferably provided with a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of stanchion base plate  42  in order to accommodate slight variances in the subfloor  13 . This height adjustment capability may be facilitated by, for example, threaded stud  48  being received in a threaded bore  50  formed in base plate  42  at one end and in a threaded opening of stanchion  12 . A nut  52  is provided and is threaded around stud  48  positioned adjacent the top of stanchion tube to facilitate adjustment and locking of the vertical positioning of base plate  42 .  
     [0062] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative method of attaching the cable basket to the stringers is shown wherein cable basket  14  has portions  14   a  and  14   b  which are formed extending outwardly from the upper portions of riser legs  28 . Stringers  120  and  122 , which are otherwise the same as stringers  20  and  22 , are provided with a series of through-holes  120   a  and  120   b , respectively, which may be punched out during formation of the stringers. In this manner, cable basket  14  may be suspended from stringers by inserting leg portions  14   a  and  14   b  in through-holes  120   a  and  120   b . It is envisioned that all of the stringers of a raised floor system may be provided with through-holes similar to  120   a  and  120   b  so that a cable support system may be installed at any time and placed between any parallel rows of stringers having such support holes.  
     [0063] Alternatively, in existing raised floor systems which do not already have stringers with pre-formed cable basket receiving holes, such as holes  120   a  and  120   b , the stringers positioned where it is desired to support a series of cable baskets  14  could be replaced with stringers having the pre-formed holes.  
     [0064] Referring to FIG. 7, in another alternative embodiment for mounting or suspending cable baskets  14  from stringers  20 , angled brackets  21  are provided which have leg portions  21   a  and  21   b . Leg portion  21   a  includes a through hole (shown in phantom lines) which receives leg portion  14   a  of cable basket  14 . Leg portion  21   b  is bolted into the channel formed in the underside of stringer  20  by an adjustable fastener or expanding fastener such as wedge-bolt  25 .  
     [0065] Referring to FIG. 8, in a still further alternative embodiment for suspending cable baskets  14  from stringers  20 , a series of clips  23  are positioned on stringers  20  by having leg portions  23   a  and  23   b  rest upon flanges  32  and  34 , respectively. Leg portions  14   a  of baskets  14  are inserted into receiving holes formed in clips  23 . Thus, baskets  14  are suspended from clips  23 . In this manner, existing floor system stringers could be utilized to support the added cable baskets defining the cable support assembly.  
     [0066] Referring now to FIGS.  9 - 14 , a secondary support apparatus for use in conjunction with a raised floor system will now be described in detail. A support bracket  220  is provided which is configured and dimensioned to support an article support member such as basket  14 . Basket  14  has been described with respect to previously described embodiments of the present disclosure and will not be addressed in further detail herein.  
     [0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, only one frame  220 , one pair of pedestals  12 , and one stringer element  16  are shown. A second pair of pedestals  12 , stringer element  16 , floor panel  18  (FIG. 1), and frame  220  which are identical to the illustrated structure form part of one section of a raised floor system but are not shown for sake of clarity.  
     [0068] Support bracket  220  is preferably stamped out of a flat metal stock and is configured and dimensioned to depend from an adjacent pair of pedestals  12  of a raised floor assembly. However, it is envisioned that for different applications, support bracket may be formed of materials having other cross-sectional geometries, such as for example, round stock.  
     [0069] Support bracket  220  is particularly adapted to be installed in an existing raised floor assembly, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1. However, support bracket  220  advantageously does not require the removal or substitution of the existing stringer elements  16  of the raised floor assembly. Installation of frames  220  does not alter the configuration or compromise the existing raised floor assembly.  
     [0070] Referring to FIGS.  10 A- 13 , support bracket  220  includes an upper portion  220   a  and a lower portion  220   b . Lower portion  220   b  extends downwardly away from upper portion  220   a . Support bracket  220  includes notches  220   c  formed in the lower edges of transversely extending portions which extend out each end of support bracket  220 .  
     [0071] To install support bracket  220 , as shown in FIG. I 1 , a first end is inserted in the U-shaped opening of stringer element  16  and passed over bracket portion  40  of stanchion base plate  42 . Support bracket  220  is slid over until the second end is clear of bracket portion  40  of stanchion base plate  42  of the adjacent pedestal  12 . As shown in FIG. 12, the second end of support bracket  220  is elevated until the transversely extended portion is clear of the top of bracket portion  40 . Finally, as shown in FIG. 13, support bracket  220  is moved so that notches  220   c  align with the respective bracket portions  40  of stanchion base plates  42  and support bracket is lowered so that notches  220   c  rest on the respective bracket portions  40 .  
     [0072] In this manner, mounting holes which are formed in the lower portion  220   b  are situated below the bottom of stringer elements  16 . Thus, as shown in FIG. 14, basket  14  may then be inserted in a similar fashion as shown and described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 6. Once installed, basket  14  is locked in place.  
     [0073] A further embodiment of a support apparatus for use in conjunction with a raised floor assembly is illustrated in FIG. 15 as support bracket  320 . Support bracket  320  includes similar mounting structure to support bracket  220 . Support bracket  320  includes lower portion  320  which extends downwardly a predetermined distance from upper portion  320   a . Lower portion  320   b  may be any desired length up to the limit imposed by whatever surface, be it planar or irregular, is between adjacent pedestals  12 . Thus, lower portion  320   b  provides a mounting surface which is suspended above the surface which the raised floor assembly is positioned over. In this manner, a variety of articles may be supported below the floor panels of the raised floor assembly but above the surface upon which the raised floor assembly rests. For example, a power strip  330  may be mounted to support bracket  320 .  
     [0074] Referring to FIG. 16, an alternative embodiment of a cable support assembly as incorporated in the structural support system of a raised floor system is shown disposed along a single linear array of stanchions  12  of a raised floor system. As shown in FIG. 17, a cable support assembly section  414  defines two separate cable support pathways which are defined by a series of spaced apart cable support bracket members each having a pair of partially enclosed areas  415  and  417  defined by segments  415   a ,  415   b ,  415   c  ; and  417   a ,  417   b ,  417   c , respectively. The cable support brackets are preferably formed of stock which is readily formed into the desired shape such as illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, wire stock. Each of the cable support brackets are provided with a loop section  419  at the outboard ends of the partially enclosed areas  415  and  417 . Loop sections  419  may be formed such that the loop is oriented outwardly from the partially enclosed areas  415  and  417 , as illustrated in FIG. 17, or loops  419  may be formed to be oriented facing inwardly in the partially enclosed areas.  
     [0075]FIG. 18 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a cable support assembly section  514  which is similar to cable support assembly section  414  of FIG. 17 except that a single cable pathway is defined by a series of cable bracket members secured to a stinger element  16 . Each of the cable support bracket members include a partially enclosed area  515  defined by segments  515   a ,  515   b , and  515   c . A loop portion  519  is also formed at the outboard end of the partially enclosed area  515  and may be formed as noted above with respect to FIG. 17.  
     [0076] Referring now to FIGS.  19 - 20 C, a further alternative support apparatus embodiment for use in conjunction with a raised floor system will now be described in detail. A support bracket  620  is provided which is configured and dimensioned to support an article support member such as those featured in the previously described embodiments.  
     [0077] In FIGS.  19 - 20 C, only one support bracket  620 , and the top plate portion of one pair of pedestals  112 , and a portion of a cable support basket  614  are shown. In one particularly useful application, a single support bracket  620  may be utilized to mount an article support member such as cable support assembly section  414  (FIGS. 16 and 17) or cable support section  514  (FIG. 18). The article support member may be either a single section like that shown in FIG. 15 or it may form a single section in a series of sections arranged to form one or more pathways for cables, as shown in FIG. 16.  
     [0078] Alternatively, a pair of support brackets may be utilized to support the two sides of broader article support member, such as cable support basket  614  (shown in partial view in FIG. 19). Cable support basket  614  is similar to basket  14  except that stringer element  16  is not utilized. Rather, support bracket  620  takes its place. In such an application, a second pair of pedestals  112 , and support bracket  620  which are identical to the illustrated structure form the other half of the presently disclosed embodiment, but are not shown for sake of clarity.  
     [0079] In applications such as those exemplary illustrations described above as well as others envisioned within the scope of the present disclosure, instead of being attached to stringers  16 , a series of article support members are attached to a series of support brackets  620 , respectively. Such a configuration is particularly useful in raised floor systems wherein it is either not desired or not necessary to replace the stringers of a raised floor system or no separate stringer elements are present.  
     [0080] In a raised floor system which does not have separate stringer elements, the floor tiles themselves are configured and dimensioned to provide the necessary support to meet the load requirements for the floor system.  
     [0081] Installation of an assembled support structure which includes support bracket  620  is shown schematically in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and  20 C. Such installation is similar to that of bracket  220  as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 11, 12, and  13 . The principal difference being that bracket  620  includes neck portions  620   a  and  620   b  formed at either end. In this manner, bracket  620  facilitates the positioning of an attached article support member at a vertical level spaced a predetermined distance below the plane of the pedestal top portions  612 . Brackets  620  thus provide greater versatility in that article support members attached thereto may be installed in raised floor systems which have stringers, as shown in FIGS.  9 - 13 , or in raised floor systems which do not include stringers, as shown in FIGS.  19 - 20 C.  
     [0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and  20 C support bracket  620  is configured and dimensioned to fit in an opening  612   a  formed in the pedestal top portion  612 , such that upper horizontal extensions  620   c  and  620   d  are alternately inserted into openings  612   a  of adjacent pedestals as illustrated by arrows “A”, “B”, and “C” in FIGS. 20A, 20B, and  20 C.  
     [0083] Support brackets  620  are shown formed of rectangular cross-section bar stock. However, it is envisioned that for different applications, support brackets  620  may be formed of materials having other cross-sectional geometries.  
     [0084] Support brackets  620  are particularly adapted to be installed in an existing raised floor assembly which may or may not include separate stringer elements. This versatile feature is possible because, support brackets  620  advantageously do not require the removal or substitution of existing stringer elements  16  of raised floor assembly. Installation of support brackets  620  does not alter the configuration or compromise the existing raised floor assembly. Upon installation, support brackets  620  may be secured in place by suitable fasteners, such as, for example, set screw  613  shown in FIG. 19.  
     [0085] Referring now to FIGS.  21 - 23 , a further alternative support apparatus for use in association with a raised floor system is described in detail hereinafter. An article support apparatus  720  is provided which is configured and dimensioned to mount to a stringer element  710  which is in turn configured to mount on the support pedestals  12  of raised floor system  10 .  
     [0086] As in FIG. 22 where only a portion of article support apparatus  720  is shown, article support apparatus  720  includes article support member  722  and mounting mechanism such as suspension assembly  730 . Article support member  722  is configured to support articles, such as cables, thereon. Suspension assembly  730  includes a connection bar member such as bracket  732  connected to the support member  722 , and an adjustable fastener  734 . Adjustable fastener  734  and bracket  732  may be in various configurations to provide adequate mounting of the support member  722  to the stringer element of the raised floor system. For example, see the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 as described hereinabove. In the present embodiment of FIGS.  21 - 23 , adjustable fastener  734  includes a base or head portion  736  (shown in phantom lines under bracket  732 ) an elongated shank portion  738  extending from head portion  736  and a latch member  740 . The fastener  734  may further include a spring  742  disposed between the latch member  740  and the head portion  736  or the bar  732 .  
     [0087] As shown in FIG. 21, for the mounting of the support apparatus  720  to the stringer  710 , latch members  740  of the adjustable fasteners  734  are initially aligned with the lateral opening of channel portions  712  (best shown at the left side of article support member  722  in FIG. 21) defined along the bottom of stringer element  710 .  
     [0088] The mounting operation of article support apparatus  720  is best shown in FIG. 23. Article support member is urged upwardly such that latch members  740  enter into channel  712  and are clear of end surfaces  714  as shown in FIG. 23. The disposition of spring  742  between bracket  732  and latch member  740  coaxially about elongated shank portion  738  facilitates latch member  740  remaining vertically clear above end surfaces  714 . After inserting the latch members  740  to the channels  712 , each head portion  736  of the adjustable fasteners  734  is rotated causing the respective latch member  740  to rotate out of alignment with channel  712  and be drawn tightly against end surfaces  714  of the stringer  710 . Latch member  740  may be elongated sufficiently such that upon rotation, the ends thereof abut the inner wall of channel  712  to prevent further rotation of the latch member  740  as head portion  736  is further rotated.  
     [0089] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.