Cable identification and cable management sliding device

• US 6,777,618 B2
• Filed: 07/17/2002
• Issued: 08/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/17/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: TARA Labs, Inc.
• Original Assignee: TARA Labs, Inc.
• Inventors: Bond, Matthew R., Lambert, Garry V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Chau N.
• Application Number:
  US10/198,648
• Publication Number:
  US 20030017742A1
• Time in Patent Office: 762 Days
• Field of Search: 174/112, 174/77.R, 174/92
• US Class Current: 174/112
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/205 specially adapted for electric cables, pipes or the like

Abstract

A sliding device to identify and trace interconnect cable includes a directional indicator to indicate a user-identified cable orientation, a predefined labeling area for receiving a user-applied identifier, and an interior passageway for receiving a cable. A cable is traced by sliding the device along the cable. The device may have an interlock mechanism, in which a clip portion on one device interlocks with a flange portion on an adjacent device, to attach sliding devices together in parallel to organize clearly and identify multiple cables. The device may be assembled from multiple component parts that fit and connect together around a cable.

Claims

1. A sliding device for use on a cable, the device comprising:

an exterior, including;

a directional indicator to indicate a user-defined cable orientation;

a predefined labeling area for receiving a user-applied identifier; and

an interior passageway for receiving a cable, such that the sliding device is selectively movable along the cable.

2. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the device is molded in one piece.

3. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the device is assembled from at least two user-separable pieces so that the device may be removably applied to a cable that is in use.

4. The sliding device of claim 3 further comprising at least one reinforcing piece that operably interconnects the user-separable pieces.

5. The sliding device of claim 3 wherein the at least two user-separable pieces are substantially semi-cylindrical.

6. The sliding device of claim 4 wherein the at least one reinforcing piece includes a portion of an interlock mechanism that may interlock with another portion of an interlock mechanism of another sliding device.

7. The sliding device of claim 6 further comprising an additional reinforcing piece.

8. The sliding device of claim 7, wherein the at least one reinforcing piece and the additional reinforcing piece are substantially semi-cylindrical.

9. The sliding device of claim 8, wherein the at least two user-separable pieces are substantially semi-cylindrical.

10. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the exterior further includes at least one indentation forming a gripping area.

11. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the directional indicator includes a tapered end.

12. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the directional indicator includes an embossed directional signal.

13. The sliding device of claim 12, wherein the embossed directional signal is an arrow.

14. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the interior passageway includes a restraint to increase a frictional grip of the sliding device on a cable.

15. The sliding device of claim 14, wherein the interior restraint includes on a selectively removable O-ring.

16. The sliding device of claim 1, wherein the exterior further includes a portion of an interlock mechanism that may interlock with another portion of an interlock mechanism of another sliding device.

17. A pair of sliding devices for use on a cable, each device comprising:

an interior passageway for receiving a cable; and

an exterior, including;

a directional indicator to indicate a user-defined cable orientation; and

a portion of an interlock mechanism;

wherein the portion of an interlock mechanism of one of the devices may interlock with the portion of an interlock mechanism of the other of the devices.

18. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein at least one of the devices, is molded in one piece.

19. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein at least one device is assembled from at least two user-separable pieces so that the at least one device may be removably applied to a cable that is in use.

20. The sliding devices of claim 19, wherein the at least one of device further comprises at least one reinforcing piece that operably interconnects the user-separable pieces.

21. The sliding devices of claim 20, wherein the at least one of device further comprises an additional reinforcing piece.

22. The sliding devices of claim 21, wherein the at least one reinforcing piece and the additional reinforcing piece are substantially semi-cylindrical.

23. The sliding devices of claim 22, wherein the at least two user-separable pieces are substantially semi-cylindrical.

24. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein the at least two user-separable pieces are substantially semi-cylindrical.

25. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein the exterior of at least one of the devices further includes at least one indentation forming a gripping area.

26. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein the directional indicator of at least one of the devices further comprises a tapered end.

27. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein the directional indicator of at least one of the devices further comprises an embossed direction signal.

28. The sliding devices of claim 27, wherein the embossed directional signal is an arrow.

29. The sliding devices of claim 17, wherein the interior passageway of at least one of the devices includes a restraint to increase a frictional grip of the sliding device on a cable.

30. The sliding devices of claim 29, wherein the interior restraint includes an O-ring.

31. A device for use on a cable, the device comprising:

a directional indicator to indicate a user-identified cable orientation;

a predefined labeling area for receiving a user-applied identifier; and

an interior passageway for receiving a cable;

wherein the device is assembled from at least two user-separable pieces and at least one reinforcing piece that operably interconnects the user-separable pieces, so that the device may be applied to a cable that is in use; and

wherein the at least one reinforcing piece includes a portion of an interlock mechanism that may interlock with another portion of an interlock mechanism of another sliding device.

32. The sliding device of claim 31, further comprising an additional reinforcing piece.

33. The sliding device of claim 32 wherein the at least one reinforcing piece and the additional reinforcing piece are substantially semi-cylindrical.

34. The sliding device of claim 33 wherein the at least two user-separable pieces are substantially semi-cylindrical.

35. A pair of devices for use on a cable, each device comprising:

an interior passageway for receiving a cable; and

a portion of an interlock mechanism;

wherein the portion of an interlock mechanism of one of the devices may interlock with the portion of an interlock mechanism of the other of the devices;

wherein at least one device is assembled from at least two user-separable pieces and at least one reinforcing piece that operably interconnects the user-separable pieces, so that the device may be applied to a cable that is in use.

36. The sliding devices of claim 35, wherein the at least one device assembled from at least two user-separable pieces and at least one reinforcing piece further comprises an additional reinforcing piece.

37. The sliding devices of claim 35, wherein the at least one reinforcing piece and the additional reinforcing piece are substantially semi-cylindrical.

38. The sliding devices of claim 37 wherein the at least two user-separable pieces are substantially semi-cylindrical.

39. A kit for labeling a cable, the kit comprising:

a label-receiving piece shaped to at least partially surround a cable; and

a matins piece shaped to at least partially surround a cable and to mate with the label-receiving piece;

a clip-side reinforcing piece that operably interconnects the label-receiving piece and the, mating piece and that includes a clip; and

a flange-side reinforcing piece that operably interconnects the label-receiving piece and the mating piece and that includes a flange that may interlock with the din of the clip-side reinforcing piece;

wherein at least one of the label-receiving piece and the mating piece includes a directional indicator to indicate a user-identified cable orientation.