Slide arrangement for cable drawer

• US 7,171,099 B2
• Filed: 07/31/2003
• Issued: 01/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ADC Telecommunications Incorporated (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Barnes, Thomas L., Horton, Justin R., Tinucci, Thomas C., Barnes, Kathleen M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Font; Frank G.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lepisto; Ryan
• Application Number:
  US10/631,675
• Publication Number:
  US 20050025444A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,279 Days
• Field of Search: 385134-137, 312/330.1, 312331-332, 3123347-3349, 312/334.11, 312/334.12, 312/334.13, 312/334.32, 312/334.33, 312/334.34, 312/334.44, 384/19
• US Class Current: 385/135
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2210/001 having a roller on the intermediate drawer rail, between the upper and lower rail
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2210/0059 Guide located at the side of the drawer
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2210/007 Three slide synchronisation
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/40 Sliding drawers; Slides or guides therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/44 Sequencing or synchronisation of drawer slides or functional units
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/443 Successive movement of rails within drawer slides, i.e. at least one rail element is not moving during the movement of other elements
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/49 with double extensible guides or parts
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/50 Safety devices or the like for drawers locks specially adapted for a plurality of drawers E05B65/46
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/906 Drawers being made of one piece of material, e.g. formed from folded sheet material or moulded
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 88/969 Drawers having means for organising or sorting the content
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4439 Auxiliary devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4452 Distribution frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44526 Panels or rackmounts covering a whole width of the frame or rack
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44528 Patch-cords; Connector arrangements in the system or in the box routing arrangements H04Q1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4453 Cassettes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4455 characterised by the way of extraction or insertion of the cassette in the distribution frame, e.g. pivoting, sliding, rotating or gliding
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4457 Bobbins; Reels
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4478 Bending relief means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49641 Linear bearing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49895 Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"]

Abstract

A drawer slide having first and second rails interconnected by a center rail. The center rail includes a spool configured to provide half-speed travel of the center rail relative to the travel of the first rail. The drawer slide is configured for use with a drawer assembly having a drawer and a chassis. The drawer assembly further includes a radius limiter secured to the center rail. The radius limiter travels at half-speed relative to the drawer. The radius limiter also automatically rotates relative to the travel of the drawer. The chassis includes sides including threaded backing plates, and mounting brackets. The mounting brackets include tri-lobed holes for receipt of a reciprocally shaped washer and a fastener for mounting the brackets to the chassis sides.

Claims

1. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) first and second rails including first and second structures, respectively;

b) an I-shaped center rail including;

i) a center portion having a longitudinal dimension that extends between opposite ends of the center portion;

ii) transverse portions located at the ends of the center portion, the transverse portions being oriented transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion to define the I-shape of the center rail;

iii) the I-shape of the center rail defining first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions being sized to receive one of the first and second structures of the first and second rails, each of the first and second structures of the first and second rails being configured to slidably engage the first and second constructions of the center rail;

iv) the first longitudinal construction of the center rail including a first longitudinal groove extending from the first end of the center rail to the second end, and the second longitudinal construction including a second longitudinal groove extending from the first end of the center rail to the second end; and

c) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, the spool having an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion of the I-shaped center rail.

2. The slide arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first structure of the first rail includes a first interlocking structure, and the second structure of the second rail includes a second interlocking structure, each of the first and second interlocking structures being configured to slidably engage the respective first and second grooves of the center rail.

3. The slide arrangement of claim 1, wherein the spool is positioned at the center rail.

4. The slide arrangement of claim 3, wherein the spool is positioned within a receiving structure formed in the center rail.

5. The slide arrangement of claim 4, wherein the spool has a snap-fit construction configured for receipt within the receiving structure of the center rail.

6. The slide arrangement of claim 5, wherein the spool includes a flexible outer ring configured to snap-fit within the receiving structure of the center rail.

7. The slide arrangement of claim 6, wherein the flexible outer ring includes a plurality of ring sections circumferentially spaced apart from one another, the ring sections being configured to flex when the spool is snap fit into the receiving structure.

8. The slide arrangement of claim 4, wherein the receiving structure includes apertures formed in the center rail.

9. The slide arrangement of claim 8, wherein the apertures are formed within the first and second longitudinal constructions of the center rail.

10. The slide arrangement of claim 9, wherein the spool includes an o-ring circumferentially positioned about a spool axle.

11. The slide arrangement of claim 9, wherein the o-ring extends through the first and second apertures of the receiving structure to contact the first and second rails.

12. The slide arrangement of claim 11, wherein the o-ring extends through the apertures to contact the first and second structures of the first and second rails.

13. The slide arrangement of claim 1, wherein the spool is configured to permit the center rail to travel at half-speed relative to the travel speed of the first rail when the second rail is held stationary.

14. The slide arrangement of claim 1, further including a catch arrangement configured to pause sliding movement of the first rail when the first and center rails have reached a first extended position.

15. The slide arrangement of claim 14, wherein the catch arrangement includes a projection located at an end of each of the first and second rails, the projection being sized to cause an interference with the spool when the first and center rails reach the first extended position.

16. The slide arrangement of claim 1, further including a positive stop arrangement configured to prevent linear separation of the first and second rails from the center rail.

17. The slide arrangement of claim 16, wherein the positive stop arrangement includes a shoulder formed on each of the first and second rails, and stop ledges formed on the center rail, the shoulders being configured to contact the stop ledges of the center rail to prevent further longitudinal travel beyond a second extended position.

18. The slide arrangement of claim 17, wherein the shoulders are formed on first and second interlocking structures defined by the respective first and second structures of the first and second rails, and the stop ledges are formed within the first and second longitudinal grooves of the center rail.

19. The slide arrangement of claim 16, further including catch arrangement configured to indicate when the rails have slid to an extended position relative to one another, wherein engagement of the catch arrangement occurs prior to engagement of the positive stop arrangement.

20. A drawer arrangement, comprising:

a) a drawer and a chassis, the drawer having an interior configured for receipt of cables, the drawer being selectively positionable in an open position and a closed position; and

b) a slide assembly interconnected to the drawer and the chassis, the slide assembly being configured to provide sliding movement of the drawer relative to the chassis, the slide assembly including;

i) a first rail secured to the drawer;

ii) a second rail secured to the chassis;

iii) a center rail interconnected to each of the first and second rails; and

iv) a spool positioned at the center rail and configured to contact each of the first and second rails to permit full-speed travel of the first rail relative to the second rail, and half-speed travel of the center rail relative to the first rail;

c) a cable management device secured to the center rail for movement with the center rail, the cable management device being configured to retain cables.

21. The drawer arrangement of claim 20, wherein the cable management device includes a curved radius limiter.

22. The drawer arrangement of claim 21, further comprising a mounting bracket mounted to each side of the chassis.

23. The drawer arrangement of claim 22, wherein the chassis includes a housing construction having a main portion and two opposite sides, each opposite side including first and second plate portions mounted to one another in a face to face arrangement, wherein the first plate portion of each side is interconnected to each other through the main portion.

24. The drawer arrangement of claim 23, wherein each opposite side of the chassis is provided with a plurality of threaded holes.

25. The drawer arrangement of claim 24, wherein each of the mounting brackets includes first and second plate members disposed at 90°

relative to one another, wherein each of the first and second plate members includes at least two tri-lobed holes therethrough.

26. The drawer arrangement of claim 25, further comprising a plurality of washers, each washer having a reciprocally shaped bottom surface for mating with one of the tri-lobed holes through one of the mounting brackets, and further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners, each threaded fastener passing through one of the washers and one of the tri-lobed holes and into one of the opposite sides of the chassis.

27. The drawer arrangement of claim 20, further comprising a mounting bracket mounted to each side of the chassis.

28. The drawer arrangement of claim 27, wherein the chassis includes a housing construction having a main portion and two opposite sides, each opposite side including first and second plate portions mounted to one another in a face to face arrangement, wherein the first plate portion of each side is interconnected to each other through the main portion.

29. The drawer arrangement of claim 28, wherein each opposite side of the chassis is provided with a plurality of threaded holes.

30. The drawer arrangement of claim 29, wherein each of the mounting brackets includes first and second plate members disposed at 90°

relative to one another, wherein each of the first and second plate members includes at least two tri-lobed holes therethrough.

31. The drawer arrangement of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of washers, each washer having a reciprocally shaped bottom surface for mating with one of the tri-lobed holes through one of the mounting brackets, and further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners, each threaded fastener passing through one of the washers and one of the tri-lobed holes and into one of the opposite sides of the chassis.

32. A drawer arrangement, comprising:

a) a drawer having an interior configured for receipt of cables;

b) a chassis sized to receive the drawer;

c) a slide assembly arranged to slide the drawer relative to the chassis;

d) a radius limiter secured to the slide assembly, the radius limiter being configured to;

i) linearly travel at half-speed relative to the drawer; and

ii) automatically rotate in relation to the linear travel of the drawer.

33. The drawer arrangement of claim 32, wherein the slide assembly includes:

a) a center rail having an I-shaped cross-section;

the I-shaped cross-section defining first and second longitudinal grooves extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail;

b) a first rail having an first interlocking structure configured for receipt within the first longitudinal groove of the center rail;

c) a second rail having a second interlocking structure configured for receipt within the second longitudinal groove of the center rail; and

d) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail.

34. The drawer arrangement of claim 33, wherein the drawer defines a slot configured to cause the cable management to automatically rotate in relation to the linear travel of the drawer.

35. The drawer arrangement of claim 34, wherein the slot includes a slot having a ramped region.

36. The drawer arrangement of claim 35, wherein the slot includes a first region having a first width, a second region having a second width different than the first width, the first and second widths being separated by the ramped region.

37. The drawer arrangement of claim 36, wherein the radius limiter moves along the first width of the slot in a first position and rotates upon contacting the ramped region of the slot.

38. The drawer arrangement of claim 37, wherein the radius limiter rotates from the first position to a second position when the radius limiter moves along the ramped region of the slot.

39. The drawer arrangement of claim 33, wherein the radius limiter automatically rotates 90 when the drawer slidably moves from a closed position to an open position.

40. The drawer arrangement of claim 33, further comprising a mounting bracket mounted to each side of the chassis.

41. The drawer arrangement of claim 40, wherein the chassis includes a housing construction having a main portion and two opposite sides, each opposite side including first and second plate portions mounted to one another in a face to face arrangement, wherein the first plate portion of each side is interconnected to each other through the main portion.

42. The drawer arrangement of claim 41, wherein each opposite side of the chassis is provided with a plurality of threaded holes.

43. The drawer arrangement of claim 42, wherein each of the mounting brackets includes first and second plate members disposed at 90°

relative to one another, wherein each of the first and second plate members includes at least two tri-lobed holes therethrough.

44. The drawer arrangement of claim 43, further comprising a plurality of washers, each washer having a reciprocally shaped bottom surface for mating with one of the tri-lobed holes through one of the mounting brackets, and further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners, each threaded fastener passing through one of the washers and one of the tri-lobed holes and into one of the opposite sides of the chassis.

45. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) a center member having an I-shaped cross-section defined by a central portion and transverse portions located at ends of the central portion, the I-shaped cross-section defining a first longitudinal groove located at one side of the central portion and a second longitudinal groove located at the other side of the central portion, the first and second longitudinal grooves extending from a first end to a second end of the center member, each of the first and second grooves defining a cross-sectional area extending between the transverse portions of the center member;

b) a first member having rail structure extending along the length of the first member;

c) a second member having rail structure extending along the length of the second member;

d) wherein the rail structures of each of the first and second members include an interlock portion corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the first and second grooves of the center member to prevent lateral movement of the first and second members relative to the center member, each of the center, first and second members being configured to slide relative to the other members in a longitudinal direction;

e) wherein the first longitudinal groove located at the one side of the central portion of the center member is sized to receive only the rail structure of the first member, and the second longitudinal groove located at the other side of the central portion is sized to receive only the rail structure of the second member.

46. The slide arrangement of claim 45, further comprising means for synchronizing movement between the center, first and second members.

47. The slide arrangement of claim 45, further comprising a spool configured to contact each of the first and second members when the first member slides relative to the second member.

48. The slide arrangement of claim 47, wherein the spool has an axis of rotation parallel to a longitudinal dimension of the central portion of the center member.

49. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) a center rail including first and second longitudinal constructions, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, the center rail including receiving structure;

b) a first rail having a first structure configured to slidably engage the first construction of the center rail;

c) a second rail having a second structure configured to slidably engage the second construction of the center rail; and

d) a spool including a flexible outer ring, the flexible outer ring being configured to snap-fit within the receiving structure of the center rail, the flexible outer ring including a plurality of ring sections circumferentially spaced apart from one another, the ring sections being configured to flex when the spool is snap fit into the receiving structure, the spool contacting each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail.

50. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) a center rail including first and second longitudinal constructions, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail;

b) a first rail having a first structure configured to slidably engage the first construction of the center rail;

c) a second rail having a second structure configured to slidably engage the second construction of the center rail; and

d) a spool that contacts each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, and permits the center rail to travel at half-speed relative to the travel speed of the first rail when the second rail is held stationary.

51. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) a center rail including first and second longitudinal constructions, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail;

b) a first rail having a first structure configured to slidably engage the first construction of the center rail;

c) a second rail having a second structure configured to slidably engage the second construction of the center rail;

d) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail; and

e) a catch arrangement configured to pause sliding movement of the first rail when the first and center rails have reached a first extended position, the catch arrangement including a projection located at an end of each of the first and second rails, the projection being sized to cause an interference with the spool when the first and center rails reach the first extended position.

52. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) a center rail including first and second longitudinal constructions, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail;

b) a first rail having a first structure configured to slidably engage the first construction of the center rail;

c) a second rail having a second structure configured to slidably engage the second construction of the center rail;

d) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail; and

e) a positive stop arrangement configured to prevent linear separation of the first and second rails from the center rail, the positive stop arrangement including a shoulder formed on each of the first and second rails, and stop ledges formed on the center rail, the shoulders being configured to contact the stop ledges of the center rail to prevent further longitudinal travel beyond a second extended position.

53. The slide arrangement of claim 52, wherein the shoulders are formed on first and second interlocking structures defined by the respective first and second structures of the first and second rails, and the stop ledges are formed within first and second longitudinal grooves defined by the respective first and second longitudinal constructions of the center rail.

54. A drawer arrangement, comprising:

a) a chassis having a main portion and opposite sides, each of the opposite sides including first and second plate portions mounted to one another in a face to face arrangement, wherein the first plate portion of each side is interconnected to each other through the main portion;

b) a drawer having an interior configured for receipt of cables, the drawer being selectively positionable in an open position and a closed position;

c) a slide assembly interconnected to the drawer and the chassis, the slide assembly being configured to provide sliding movement of the drawer relative to the chassis, the slide assembly including;

i) a first rail secured to the drawer;

ii) a second rail secured to the chassis;

iii) a center rail interconnected to each of the first and second rails; and

iv) a spool positioned at the center rail and configured to contact each of the first and second rails to permit full-speed travel of the first rail relative to the second rail, and half-speed travel of the center rail relative to the first rail; and

d) mounting brackets mounted to each of the opposite sides of the chassis, the opposite sides of the chassis being provided with a plurality of threaded holes.

55. The drawer arrangement of claim 54, wherein each of the mounting brackets includes first and second plate members disposed at 90°

relative to one another, wherein each of the first and second plate members includes at least two tri-lobed holes therethrough.

56. The drawer arrangement of claim 55, further comprising a plurality of washers, each washer having a reciprocally shaped bottom surface for mating with one of the tri-lobed holes through one of the mounting brackets, and further comprising a plurality of threaded fasteners, each threaded fastener passing through one of the washers and one of the tri-lobed holes and into one of the opposite sides of the chassis.

57. A drawer arrangement, comprising:

a) a drawer having an interior configured for receipt of cables;

b) a chassis sized to receive the drawer;

c) a slide assembly arranged to slide the drawer relative to the chassis, the slide assembly including;

i) a center rail having an I-shaped cross-section;

the I-shaped cross-section defining first and second longitudinal grooves extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail;

ii) a first rail having an first interlocking structure configured for receipt within the first longitudinal groove of the center rail;

iii) a second rail having a second interlocking structure configured for receipt within the second longitudinal groove of the center rail; and

iv) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail; and

d) a cable management device secured to the slide assembly, the cable management device being configured to;

i) linearly travel at half-speed relative to the drawer; and

ii) automatically rotate in relation to the linear travel of the drawer.

58. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) first and second rails including first and second structures, respectively;

b) an I-shaped center rail including;

i) a center portion having a longitudinal dimension that extends between opposite ends of the center portion;

ii) transverse portions located at the ends of the center portion, the transverse portions being oriented transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion to define the I-shape of the center rail;

iii) the I-shape of the center rail defining first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions being sized to receive one of the first and second structures of the first and second rails, each of the first and second structures of the first and second rails being configured to slidably engage the first and second constructions of the center rail; and

c) a spool including a flexible outer ring, the flexible outer ring being configured to snap-fit within receiving structure formed in the center rail, the flexible outer ring including a plurality of ring sections circumferentially spaced apart from one another, the ring sections being configured to flex when the spool is snap fit into the receiving structure, the spool contacting each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, the spool having an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion of the I-shaped center rail.

59. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) first and second rails including first and second structures, respectively;

b) an I-shaped center rail including;

i) a center portion having a longitudinal dimension that extends between opposite ends of the center portion;

ii) transverse portions located at the ends of the center portion, the transverse portions being oriented transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion to define the I-shape of the center rail;

iii) the I-shape of the center rail defining first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions being sized to receive one of the first and second structures of the first and second rails, each of the first and second structures of the first and second rails being configured to slidably engage the first and second constructions of the center rail; and

c) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, the spool having an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion of the I-shaped center rail;

d) wherein the spool is configured to permit the center rail to travel at half-speed relative to the travel speed of the first rail when the second rail is held stationary.

60. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) first and second rails including first and second structures, respectively;

b) an I-shaped center rail including;

i) a center portion having a longitudinal dimension that extends between opposite ends of the center portion; and

ii) transverse portions located at the ends of the center portion, the transverse portions being oriented transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion to define the I-shape of the center rail;

iii) the I-shape of the center rail defining first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions being sized to receive one of the first and second structures of the first and second rails, each of the first and second structures of the first and second rails being configured to slidably engage the first and second constructions of the center rail;

c) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, the spool having an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion of the I-shaped center rail; and

d) a catch arrangement configured to pause sliding movement of the first rail when the first and center rails have reached a first extended position, the catch arrangement including a projection located at an end of each of the first and second rails, the projection being sized to cause an interference with the spool when the first and center rails reach the first extended position.

61. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) first and second rails including first and second structures, respectively;

b) an I-shaped center rail including;

i) a center portion having a longitudinal dimension that extends between opposite ends of the center portion; and

ii) transverse portions located at the ends of the center portion, the transverse portions being oriented transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion to define the I-shape of the center rail;

iii) the I-shape of the center rail defining first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions being sized to receive one of the first and second structures of the first and second rails, each of the first and second structures of the first and second rails being configured to slidably engage the first and second constructions of the center rail;

c) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, the spool having an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion of the I-shaped center rail; and

d) a positive stop arrangement configured to prevent linear separation of the first and second rails from the center rail, the positive stop arrangement including a shoulder formed on each of the first and second rails, and stop ledges formed on the center rail, the shoulders being configured to contact the stop ledges of the center rail to prevent further longitudinal travel beyond a second extended position.

62. The slide arrangement of claim 61, wherein the shoulders are formed on first and second interlocking structures defined by the respective first and second structures of the first and second rails, and the stop ledges are formed within first and second longitudinal grooves defined by the respective first and second longitudinal constructions of the center rail.

63. A slide arrangement, comprising:

a) first and second rails including first and second structures, respectively;

b) an I-shaped center rail including;

i) a center portion having a longitudinal dimension that extends between opposite ends of the center portion;

ii) transverse portions located at the ends of the center portion, the transverse portions being oriented transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion to define the I-shape of the center rail;

iii) the I-shape of the center rail defining first and second longitudinal constructions extending from a first end to a second end of the center rail, each of the first and second longitudinal constructions being sized to receive one of the first and second structures of the first and second rails, each of the first and second structures of the first and second rails being configured to slidably engage the first and second constructions of the center rail;

c) a spool configured to contact each of the first and second rails when the first rail slides relative to the second rail, the spool having an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the center portion of the I-shaped center rail;

d) a positive stop arrangement configured to prevent linear separation of the first and second rails from the center rail; and

e) a catch arrangement configured to indicate when the rails have slid to an extended position relative to one another, wherein engagement of the catch arrangement occurs prior to engagement of the positive stop arrangement.