Patent ID: 12222573

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

The present disclosure is directed to a cable management system to store excess length of cable routed to an enclosure or other equipment. The cable management system is configured to mount to a surface (e.g., a pole, a wall, etc.) using a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket also is configured to receive and retain the enclosure or other equipment at the surface.

Referring to the figures in general, a cable management system100,200includes cross-members102,202coupled to a mounting bracket106,206.FIGS.1-23illustrate a first example implementation of a cable management system100including cross-members102that mate together at a designated region of each cross-member.FIGS.24-36illustrate a second example implementation of a cable management system200including cross-members202that can be connected together in a selected one of multiple possible configurations.

In the depicted example ofFIG.1, the mounting bracket106,206holds the cross-members102,202to a pole108. In other examples, the mounting bracket106,206can attach the cross-members102,202to a vertical wall or other structure. The mounting bracket106,206has a first interface that attaches to the cross-members102,202. In certain implementations, the mounting bracket106,206has a second interface that attaches to an enclosure or other equipment. In the depicted example, the second interface is disposed at an opposite side of the mounting bracket from the first interface. Additional information about suitable mounting brackets is disclosed in U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/992,592, filed Mar. 20, 2020, and titled “Telecommunications Enclosure Mounting System,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Cable support members104,204are disposed at the cross-members102,202. The cable support members104,204cooperate to define a cable winding path WP long which excess length of a cable114,214can be routed. In the depicted example ofFIG.1, the cable support members104,204are disposed at axial ends of the cross-members102,202. In other examples, the cable support members104,204can be offset radially inwardly from the axial ends (e.g., seeFIGS.11,12, and33). Each cable support member104,204defines a radially-outwardly facing channel110,210that guide the cable along the cable winding path WP.

As shown inFIG.2, an enclosure112or other equipment can be installed at the mounting bracket106,206to deploy the enclosure112in the field (e.g., at the pole108). A cable114,214routed to the enclosure112or to the pole108is wrapped in coils116,216around the winding path WP. In some examples, the cable114,214is coupled to the enclosure112and routed along the winding path WP when the enclosure112is installed at the mounting bracket106,206. In other examples, the cable114,214can be routed to the cable management system100,200prior to installation of the enclosure112. In such examples, an end of the cable114,214can be stored at the cable management system100,200until the enclosure112is deployed and then plugged into or otherwise connected to the enclosure112.

In some implementations, the enclosure112is an optical enclosure for use with an optical cable114,214. In certain implementations, the optical enclosure112carries one or more de-mateable connection interfaces (e.g., optical adapter ports). In an example, the de-mateable connection interfaces are ruggedized (e.g., have an environmental seal and a robust construction). In certain implementations, the enclosure112is re-enterable and contains optical components (e.g., optical power splitters, wave division multiplexers, optical splice holders, etc.). In other implementations, the enclosure112is an electrical enclosure for use with an electrical cable114,214(e.g., a data cable, a power cable, etc.). In still other implementations, the enclosure112is a hybrid enclosure for use with a hybrid cable114,214(e.g., a cable including both an optical fiber and an electrical conductor). A hybrid enclosure112may hold an optical-to-electrical converter.

FIGS.3-9illustrate components of the cable management system100. The cable management system100includes at least one cross-members102configured to hold one or more cable support members104. In certain examples, the cable management system100includes two cross-members102that cross over each other in an X-shaped configuration as will be described in more detail herein. A bolt, pin, or other connecting structure may pass through both cross-members102at an intermediate location (e.g., center)125of both.

In certain examples, each cross-member102holds two oppositely-facing cable support members104. The cross-member102defines one or more fastener openings122at the intermediate location125between the cable support members104for attaching the cross-member102to a mounting bracket106. In certain examples, multiple sets124a,124bof fastener openings122are provided to fit multiple types of mounting brackets as will be described in more detail herein with reference toFIGS.18-21.

In certain implementations, the cross-member102also defines a recess120at the intermediate location125. The recess120enables two cross-members102to be mounted together along a common plane RP by mating the recesses120of the two cross-members102(e.g., seeFIG.9). For example, the recess120of each of two cross-members102a,102bdefines a respective mating surface120a,120bat which the cross-members engage each other.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, each cross-member102is profiled to define first engagement structures126extending along a length L of the cross-member102from opposite axial ends128. In the depicted example, the first engagement structures126include oppositely facing channels defined into the cross-member102. In other examples, the first engagement structures126include protrusions.

FIGS.6-7illustrate an example cable support member104suitable for use with the cross-member102shown inFIGS.4and5. The cable support member104has a body130including first and second channel walls134,136extending outwardly from opposite ends of a cable support surface132to define the guide channel110. In certain examples, the cable support surface132defines a bend radius limiter to protect the cable routed through the channel110. In certain examples, the first and second channel walls134,136are spaced sufficiently far apart to accommodate multiple windings (e.g. coils) of a cable through the channel110.

In some implementations, the body130defines a mounting channel138through which the cross-member102extends when the cable support member104is installed at the cross-member102. The mounting channel138extends generally transverse to the cable guide channel110. The term “generally” is used to account for the curved surface of the cable support surface132. In certain examples, the mounting channel138is defined through the first channel wall134. The mounting channel138extends past the cable support surface132, along the first channel wall134, to a radially outer end of the first channel wall134. In other implementations, an exterior of the cable support member104can be mounted to the cross-member102(e.g., by inserting a fastener through both the cable support member104and the cross-member102).

Second engagement structures140are disposed within the mounting channel138. The second engagement structures140engage the first engagement structures126of the cross-member102when the cable support member104is mounted to the cross-member102. In certain examples, the first and second engagement structures126,140are configured to enable the cable support member104to slidingly mount to the cross-member102. In the depicted example, the second engagement structures140include protrusions that fit within the channels126of the cross-member102. In other examples, the second engagement members140may define channels to receive protruding first engagement members.

In some implementations, cable support members104are mounted at the axial ends128of the cross-member102. Such a configuration provides a maximum transverse cross-dimension D, D1 of the winding path WP. As shown inFIG.10, the transverse cross-dimension D, D1 and, hence, the length of the winding path WP is adjustable by moving the cable support members104to different positions along the cross-member102. For example, a cable support member104can be positioned at any of multiple positions along the length L of the cross-member102by sliding the cable support member104relative to the cross-member102along a slide path S. InFIG.10, a cable support member104is shown in solid lines at an outermost axial position and is shown in dashed lines moved radially inwardly to a different axial position.

In certain implementations, each cable support member104can be releasably secured in a particular position along the length L of the cross-member102. In some implementations, the cross-member102defines pre-determined axial positions along the length L at which the cable support member104can be secured. In other implementations, the cable support member104can be secured at any axial position along the length L of the cross-member102. In certain examples, each cable support member104is secured to the cross-member102using a set screw144. In certain examples, the set screw144is carried with the cable support member104. For example, the cable support body130may define a set screw cradle142(seeFIGS.6and8) that aligns the set screw144with the mounting channel138. The cable support member104is secured and released at a particular axial position along the cross-member102by tightening and loosening the set screw144, respectively.

FIGS.11and12illustrate the advantages of allowing the cable support members104to be mounted at various axial positions along the cross-members102. InFIG.11, the cable support members104are disposed at radially inwardly positions along the cross-members102compared to the configuration shown inFIG.1. Accordingly, the transverse cross-dimension D, D2 of the winding path WP is reduced compared to the transverse cross-dimension D, D1 of the winding path WP provided by cable support members104at the axial ends128of the cross-member102. The reduced transverse cross-dimension D, D2 shortens the winding path WP, thereby accommodating shorter excess cable lengths. Accordingly, the cable management system100can accommodate cables of a wide range of lengths at the pole108or other mounting location.

As shown inFIG.12, multiple cable support members104facing in a common direction can be mounted to the same cross-member102. Accordingly, the cable management system100can define multiple layers or coil paths of the winding path WP. In the depicted example, the winding path WP includes first, second, and third coil paths CP1, CP2, CP3each defined by a separate layer of cable support members104. The cable support members104of each layer are disposed at a common axial distance along the cross-member102from the intermediate location125of the cross-member102.

Referring now toFIGS.13-16, the relative position of the cross-members102relative to each other can be adjusted to further modify the size and/or shape of the winding path WP. For example, the cross-members102may be adapted to fit together in either of two or more configurations (compareFIGS.15and16). In certain implementations, the recess120defined in each cross-member102is shaped to facilitate stable engagement of the cross-members102in each configuration. In the example depicted inFIG.14, each recess includes a first pair of opposing surfaces146extending at a first angle θ1to a longitudinal axis A, which extends along the length L of the cross-member102, and a second pair of opposing surfaces148extending at a second angle θ2to the longitudinal axis X. When mated together in a first configuration, the surfaces146of a first cross-member102aengage the surfaces146of a second cross-member102b(seeFIG.15). When mated together in a second configuration, the surfaces148of the first cross-member102aengage the surfaces148of the second cross-member102b(seeFIG.16).

Referring toFIGS.1and17-21, the cross-members102can be held in either configuration using any of a variety of mounting brackets106. In some implementations, the mounting bracket106is configured to hold the cross-members102in a particular configuration. For example,FIG.1shows a first example type106aof mounting bracket106that holds the cross-members102in the first configuration;FIG.17shows a second example type106bof mounting bracket106that holds the cross-members102in the second configuration. In some examples, different types106a,106bof mounting bracket106are configured to hold different types, sizes, or shapes of enclosures112. In other implementations, different types106a,106bof mounting brackets106are configured to form winding paths of different shapes and/or lengths. For example, the winding path WP ofFIG.17is shaped to have a longer cross-dimension in a vertical direction and a smaller cross-dimension in a horizontal direction compared to the winding path WP ofFIG.1. Accordingly, the configuration of the cable management system100shown inFIG.17could fit better in a narrow space than the configured shown inFIG.1while the configuration shown inFIG.1could fit better is a shorter space than the configuration shown inFIG.17.

FIGS.18-21illustrate a third type106cof mounting bracket106that can accommodate both configurations of the cross-members102. The mounting bracket106cincludes first and second bracket members150that cooperate to hold the cross-members102in the desired configuration. For example, a first bracket member150can be attached to first and second cross-members102at one side of the intermediate location125and a second bracket member150can be attached to the first and second cross-members102at an opposite side of the intermediate location125. The bracket members150may cooperate to define a mounting surface at which the enclosure112can mount.

Each bracket member150includes a main body152having first and second cross-member attachment regions154. In certain examples, the first and second cross-member attachment regions154are disposed at opposite sides of the main body152. In the depicted example, the cross-member attachment regions154are disposed at wings extending laterally outwardly from the main body152. Each cross-member attachment region154defines one or more fastener openings160for aligning with the fastener openings122of the cross-members102.

In certain implementations, the cross-member attachment regions154defines multiple sets of fastener openings160with each set corresponding to one of the configurations for the cross-members102. For example, a first set162aof fastener openings160of the bracket member150may align with the first set124aof fastener openings122of the cross-members102(e.g., seeFIG.20). A second set162bof fastener openings160of the bracket member150align with the second set124bof fastener openings122of the cross-members102(e.g., seeFIG.21). Fasteners F may extend through the aligned openings160,122to hold the cross-members102to the bracket member150, thereby maintaining the relative positions of the cross-members102.

The bracket member150also is configured to mount the cross-members102to a pole108or other surface. For example, the main body152of each bracket member150may define an aperture164through which one or more fasteners B (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) extend to secure the bracket member150to the pole108or other surface. In the depicted example, the aperture is elongate to provide flexibility for positioning the fastener at the pole108.

In certain examples, the bracket member150includes strap mounting members156that enable the bracket member156to be attached to a pole108using a strap W (seeFIG.20). Each strap mounting member156defines an elongate slot158through which the strap W extends. In the depicted example, the strap mounting members156include flanges cantilevered (e.g., bent back) from the main body152of the bracket member150.

Referring toFIGS.22and23, the cable coils routed along the winding path WP can be held together using one or more cable ties C. In certain implementations, each cable support member104defines a through-passage160through which a cable tie C can extend when the cable tie C is wrapped around the coils of cable114retained at the channel110of the cable support member104. In some examples, cable ties C are provided at each cable support member104. In other examples, one or more cable ties C are provided at a subset of the cable support members104. In certain implementations, the through-passage160is oriented to extend circumferentially through the cable support member104generally parallel with the guide channel110. The term “generally” is used to account for the curve of the guide channel110to provide bend radius protection for the cables114. In an example, the through-passage160extends between the fastener cradle142and the cable support surface132.

A cable tie C can be wrapped diagonally around the cable coils and through the through-passage160(e.g., seeFIG.22). For example, the cable tie C may be inserted along the through-passage160so that opposite ends of the cable tie C are disposed at opposite sides of the cable support member104. One end of the cable tie C is wrapped beneath the cable coils at one side of the cable support member104and the opposite end of the cable tie C is wrapped over the cable coils at the other side of the cable support member (seeFIG.22). The ends of the cable tie C are coupled together (e.g., latched, tied, etc.) at an outer side of the cable coils. Alternatively, the cable tie C can be positioned so that the ends are coupled together at any point around the coils. In certain examples, a second cable tie C can be wrapped diagonally around the cable coils in the opposite direction (e.g., wrapped over the cable114where the first cable tie C is wrapped beneath and vice versa).

In certain implementations, each of the cable support members104is configured to receive indicia (e.g., a label). The indicia may provide information about the cable114(e.g., network provider, cable type, fiber count, etc.), the enclosure112(e.g., enclosure identification number, network identification number, network provider, type of enclosure, port count, etc.), and/or the installation location108(e.g., a network identification, a network node identification, an associated network provider, etc.). In certain examples, the indicia is provided at only a selected one of the cable support members104at each installation location108.

Referring back toFIG.3, in certain implementations, each cable support member104includes a label cradle162recessed into a front of the cable support member104. A label (e.g., a surface bearing indicia such as text, barcode, QR code, etc.; an RFID tag; a color-coded tag; etc.) can be disposed within the cradle162. In some implementations, a cap166is mounted to the cable support member104to enclose and hold the label within the cradle162. In other implementations, the label itself secures to the cradle162without a cap. In certain examples, the label cradle162includes attachment structure164(FIG.7) to which the label and/or cap166couple. For example, the attachment structure164may include catch surfaces to which tabs of the label or cap may snap-fit or otherwise engage.

Referring now toFIGS.24-36, the second cable management system200includes cross-members202each defining a row of apertures222along a length thereof. In some implementations, the cross-members202are connected together by aligning one of the fasteners222of a first of the cross-members202with one of the apertures222of a second of the cross-members202and inserting a fastener225therethrough. The fastener225also extends through an aperture235defined in a mounting surface230of the mounting bracket206. Any of the apertures222of the first cross-member202can be aligned with any of the apertures222of the second cross-member202. Accordingly, the cross-members202can be connected together in any of a variety of configurations (e.g., compareFIGS.24,27, and28).

In some examples, the first and second cross-members202are mounted to extend symmetrically along a major axis M (FIG.30) and/or along a minor axis I (FIG.30) of the mounting bracket206. For example, inFIG.25, the middle apertures222of the cross-members202are aligned and connected with a fastener225. In other examples, the first and second cross-members202can be mounted asymmetrically along the major axis M and/or along the minor axis I. For example, inFIG.29, the cross-members202are positioned so that a larger length of each cross-member202extends from the crossing in a first direction from the minor axis I than in an opposite second direction from the minor axis I. Accordingly, depending on the orientation of the cable mounting system200, the mounting bracket206can be disposed closer to a floor, ceiling, wall, or other structure that would otherwise have interfered with cable storage if the cross-member axial ends had been mounted equidistant from the crossing.

FIG.26shows the mounting bracket206exploded away from the first and second cross-members202. Cable support members204are shown mounted to the cross-members202. In some implementations, the mounting bracket206is configured to directly receive the terminal (e.g., terminal112). For example, the mounting bracket206includes a surface230that extends along the major and minor axes M, I of the mounting bracket206(e.g., seeFIG.30). The surface230defines one or more apertures232at which fasteners can extend to mount the terminal to the surface230. In other implementations, a bracket adapter240is configured to attach the terminal to the mounting bracket206(e.g., seeFIG.24). The bracket adapter240has a first interface configured to secure to the mounting bracket206and a second interface configured to secure to the terminal. In certain examples, the bracket adapter240is disposed at the mounting surface230and fasteners245(FIG.32) pass through respective apertures in the bracket adapter240and one or more of the apertures232of the mounting surface230to secure the bracket adapter240to the mounting bracket206.

In certain examples, each cross-member202passes through a respective pair of apertures defined in the mounting bracket206to help support the cross-members202. The mounting bracket206defines a first pair of apertures234offset from each other along the major axis M and offset from each other along the minor axis I. Accordingly, a first cross-member202aextends through the apertures234at an angle relative to the major and minor axes M, I. The mounting bracket206also defines a second pair of apertures236offset from each other along the major axis M and offset from each other along the minor axis I. A second cross-member202bextends through the apertures236at an angle relative to the major and minor axes M, I.

In certain implementations, sidewalls238extend rearwardly from the mounting surface230to define the pairs of apertures234,236. In certain examples, each sidewall238defines one aperture of each pair234,236. In certain examples, the first pair of apertures234are located closer to the mounting surface230of the mounting bracket206than the second pair of apertures236. Accordingly, the first cross-members202ais located closer to the mounting surface230than the second cross-member202b. In certain examples, the apertures234,236of each sidewall238do not overlap along the major axis M. In certain examples, one of the pairs of apertures234,236is large than the other pair of apertures236,234.

In certain implementations, the mounting bracket206is configured to mount to a pole. For example, flanges242extend from the sidewalls238to define slots244through which straps may be routed to hold the mounting bracket206to the pole. In certain examples, the slots244of each flange242are aligned along the major axis M. In certain examples, the flanges242are angled relative to the sidewalls238. In certain implementations, the mounting bracket206is configured to mount to a wall. For example, additional fasteners can be extended through unused apertures232defined in the mounting surface230. In other example, the bracket adapter240defines slots246(FIG.29) through which fasteners may extend to mount the bracket adapter240and the mounting bracket206to the wall.

In certain implementations, each cable support204can be mounted at any of a plurality of positions along a respective cross-member202. For example, each cable support204can be mounted at positions defined by the apertures222. In certain examples, the cable support body250is configured to slide along the cross-member202. In certain implementations, each cable support204includes a body250defining a mounting passage252sized to receive a respective one of the cross-members202therethrough. In certain examples, a portion of the cable support member204surrounds the respective cross-member202.

The cable support body250defines a fastener aperture254oriented to guide a fastener256towards the mounting passage252from a first side of the body250. The fastener256extends through the fastener aperture254, through one of the cross-member apertures222aligned with the fastener aperture254within the mounting passage252. In certain implementations, the cable support body250is configured to hold a nut258in alignment with the fastener aperture254at an opposite side of the mounting passage252from the fastener aperture254.

In certain implementations, the cable support body250defines a retention location260at which the nut258may be held in alignment with another aperture262leading to the mounting passage252. In certain examples, the cable support body250defines a guide264that leads to the retention location260. Abutment surfaces266are disposed at the retention location260to hold the nut258. In certain examples, a latch finger268also is disposed at the retention location260to retain the nut258. In the example shown, the latch finger268is configured to be depressed by the nut258as the nut258as being slid along the guide264to the retention location260and to snap-back when the nut258reaches the retention location260. The latch finger268inhibits movement of the nut258back along the guide264.

The cable support body250defines the radially-outwardly facing channel210extending outwardly from the portion defining the mounting passage252. In certain examples, the cable support body250has a cable support surface270that extends away from the mounting portion to define the radially-outwardly facing channel210. In certain examples, the cable support surface270is elongate in the radially outwardly facing direction. In certain examples, the cable support surface270has a curvature272at an opposite end from the mounting portion to aid in retaining the cable214in the channel210.

In certain implementations, the cable support body250includes flanges274defining slots276through which one or more cable ties can be secured when wrapped around the cable coils214at the cable support204(e.g., seeFIGS.22and23). In certain examples, the flanges274extend away from the cable support surface270. In certain examples, the flanges274aid in defining a pocket278defined on an opposite side of the cable support body250from the cable support surface270.

In certain implementations, the cable support body250is configured to receive a label290(e.g., a surface bearing indicia such as text, barcode, QR code, etc.; an RFID tag; a color-coded tag; etc.). In certain implementations, the pocket278of the cable support body250is configured to receive the label290. In the example shown, the cable support body250includes latch fingers292disposed within the pocket278to receive catch surfaces on the label290. In other examples, the label290may include latch fingers and the catch surfaces may be disposed within the pocket278. In still other examples, the label290may be otherwise attached to the cable support body250.

In certain implementations, the cable support body250is configured to receive a stiffening member280to reinforce the cable support surface270. The stiffening member280is formed of a material that is stronger than the cable support body250at least in a load direction D of the cable214(seeFIG.36). For example, the stiffening member280may be formed of metal while the cable support body250is formed of plastic. In certain examples, the stiffening member280is configured to mount within the pocket278. In certain examples, the stiffening member280is configured to snap-fit to the cable support body250.

An example stiffening member280is shown inFIG.34. The stiffening member280includes a stiffening surface281that extends along the cable support body250opposite the cable support surface270. Side flanges282extend away from the stiffening surface281to define apertures283. In certain examples, latch fingers284are disposed in the pocket278to snap-fit or otherwise engage the stiffening member280at the apertures283. The stiffening surface281defines apertures285,288to accommodate various structures of the cable support body250. For example, the apertures285accommodate the latch fingers292configured to hold the label290. The aperture288accommodates the entrance to the fastener aperture254.

In certain implementations, the stiffening member280is configured to be mounted in either of two orientations. In certain examples, the stiffening member280can be mounted in a first orientation or a second orientation that is flipped 180 degrees from the first orientation. For example, the stiffening surface281may define two apertures288to accommodate the entrance to the fastener aperture254—a first that aligns with the fastener aperture254when the stiffening member280is disposed in the first orientation and a second that aligns with the fastener aperture254when the stiffening member280is disposed in the second orientation.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.