Computer cable management system

• US 5,286,919 A
• Filed: 06/28/1991
• Issued: 02/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Benson, John W., Staffiere, Donald T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Broome, Harold
• Application Number:
  US07/722,870
• Time in Patent Office: 963 Days
• Field of Search: 174/50, 174/48, 174/49, 174/101
• US Class Current: 174/50
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/285 in modular floors, e.g. access floors
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0247 Electrical details of casings, e.g. terminals, passages for cables or wiring

Abstract

A system for managing communication or power cables in proximity to a computer system. The system provides enclosures for routing or housing cables horizontally or vertically. Each enclosure is adapted for attachment to a computer cabinet, is easily installed and provides direct access for cable installation. The enclosures provide enhanced safety for personnel working in the area as well as presenting an outward appearance which is aesthetically pleasing and complementary with that of the computer system to which they are attached.

Claims

1. A cable management apparatus for housing and routing one or more communication or power cables, said apparatus comprising:

cable enclosure means attached to a surface, the cable enclosure means having a door for gaining access to the interior of the enclosure means and having at least one opening opposite said door through which cables may enter said interior, the cable enclosure means including means for attaching to an appliance cabinet, wherein the cables to and from said appliance enter said interior through said opening; and

cable support means, disposed within said enclosure means, for supporting one or more cables in a generally horizontal orientation, said cable support means including one or more apertures for allowing cables from other than said appliance to enter said interior in a generally vertical orientation, and allowing cables supported by said cable support means and not plugging into said appliance to exit said interior in a generally vertical orientation.

2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said cable support means comprises a generally horizontal cable raceway having a plurality of spaced apart apertures dimensioned to allow one or more cables to pass therethrough.

3. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said cable enclosure means includes at least one removable member which may be removed to allow one or more cables to enter into or exit from said interior in a generally horizontal orientation.

4. The apparatus as in claim 1 further including means for securing the door in a closed position.

5. The apparatus as in claim 4 wherein the securing means includes two latches.

6. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the interior side of said door provides an area for recording information.

7. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure means is adapted for mounting to a cabinet.

8. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said enclosure means includes two spaced apart notches, and one edge of said door includes two integral pivot members dimensioned to engage said notches, respectively, whereby said door may pivot about said members or said members may be disengaged from said notches.

9. An integrated cable management system for housing and routing communication or power cables in either horizontal or vertical orientations, said system comprising:

cable enclosure means, attached to a surface in a substantially horizontal orientation, having a door for gaining access to the interior of the enclosure means and having at least one opening opposite said door through which cables may enter said interior;

first cable support means, disposed within said cable enclosure means, for supporting one or more cables in a generally horizontal orientation and including means for allowing one or more cables to enter into or exit from said interior in a generally vertical orientation;

second cable support means adapted for attachment to a surface in a substantially vertical orientation and interfaced with said cable enclosure means such that one or more cables may pass therebetween, said second cable support means including cover engaging means; and

removable cover means adapted for engagement with said cover engaging means, said second cable support means and said removable cover means both being open at one end to allow said cables to exit outwardly therefrom.

10. The system as in claim 9 said first cable support means comprises a generally horizontal cable raceway having a plurality of spaced apart apertures dimensioned to allow one or more cables to pass therethrough.

11. The system as in claim 9 wherein said cable enclosure means includes at least one removable member which may be removed to allow one or more cables to enter into or exit from said interior in a generally horizontal orientation.

12. The system in claim 9 further including means for securing the door in a closed position.

13. The system as in claim 12 wherein the securing means includes two latches.

14. The system as in claim 9 wherein the interior side of said door provides an area for recording information.

15. The system claim 9 wherein said cable enclosure means is adapted for mounting to a cabinet.

16. The system as in claim 9 wherein said second cable support means includes at least one aperture for allowing one or more cables to pass therethrough.

17. The system as in claim 9 wherein said second cable support means includes a plurality of anchors for use in fastening one or more cables to said second cable support means.

18. The system as in claim 9 wherein said second cable support means includes an interior corner extending along its length, said corner being dimensioned to abut an edge of said surface and having an adhesive material disposed thereon, whereby said second cable support means may be adhesively secured to said surface.

19. The system as in claim 18 further including a compression member attached to said second cable support means by a plurality of fasteners and disposed opposite from said interior corner such that said edge is between the compression member and the interior corner, whereby when said fasteners are made fast said edge is compressed therebetween.

20. The system as in claim 9 further comprising support extension means adapted for engagement with said removable cover means, said support extension means being disposed in a substantially vertical orientation extending from one end of the second cable support means.

21. A cable management apparatus for housing and routing one or more communication or power cables, said apparatus comprising:

support means adapted for attachment to a surface in a substantially vertical orientation and providing a load-bearing raceway for one or more cables said support means including

i. cover engaging means, and

ii. an interior corner extending along the length of said support means, said corner being dimensioned to abut an edge of said surface and having adhesive material disposed thereon, whereby said support means may be adhesively secured to said surface;

removable cover means, adapted for engagement with said cover engaging means, for enclosing one or more cables and getting access to said raceway, said support means and said cover both being open at one end to allow said cables to extend outwardly therefrom; and

a compression member attached to said support means by a plurality of fasteners and disposed adjacent to said interior corner such that said edge is between said compression member and said interior corner, whereby when said fasteners are made fast said edge is compressed therebetween.