AU2007254638B2

AU2007254638B2 - Cable Management Rack

Info

Publication number: AU2007254638B2
Application number: AU2007254638A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David John Sims
Original assignee: MODEMPAK Ltd
Current assignee: MODEMPAK Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-22
Filing date: 2007-12-24
Publication date: 2010-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2027-12-24
Also published as: AU2007254638A1; AU2010246577A1; NZ556111A

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: MODEMPAK LIMITED Actual Inventor: DAVID JOHN SIMS Address for service in A J PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clatke Street, Canberra ACT Australia: 2601, Australia Invention Title: Cable Management Rack The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us- Field of Invention This invention relates to a cable management system. This invention further relates to separate items which can be used as part of a cable management system, or which can be used to form a cable management system. Description of the Prior Art In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. Modern communications and IT systems generally require many interconnections to be made between physically separated devices. For example, in companies that rely heavily on IT for their business to function, a server computer (server) will be used as a hub for the IT network. Usually, servers are housed in a dedicated location such as a server room. Depending on the size and complexity of the overall network, it is common for the server system to be assembled from multiple interconnected components or modules, with additional parts being added or removed as required. The modules are usually interconnected by cabling, and depending on the server structure, room layout, etc, the modules are stacked on a server rack or racks. Interconnection cables usually come in standard lengths - e.g. 1 metre, 2 metres, 5 metres, etc. Because the cables come in standard lengths, there is usually some slack or spare length between the two ends of the cable, once the required connections have been made. Also, interconnections are generally made and un-made as required over extended time periods as the network requirements change - that is, with no detailed overall plan. It can therefore be difficult to keep server rooms or other similar areas tidy and organised, with the cable routing orderly, tidy and organised. This disorderly cable routing can make server maintenance difficult, and can add to the difficulty of tracing module interconnections. This is a known problem in the art, and there are several systems that are intended to go some way towards overcoming this problem. One example of a system that is intended to aid with this problem is ADC KRONE's Glide Cable Management System, examples of which are shown in Figures 2 and 3. This system works by managing excess lengths of cable through a series of vertical spools called 'slack managers'. Each vertical channel also has a 'rib cage', or set of horizontally aligned members, which act as cable managers. The 'rib cages' are designed to accommodate patch cords at the front of the rack and terminated solid cables at the rear of the rack. This provides greater access for technicians when maintenance is required, and helps to keep cables organised and out of the immediate working area. Other examples of cable management systems that are designed to address this problem are disclosed in US 6,614,978, where a number of horizontal ribs or spools are aligned in a vertical row along a frame to receive slack cable. A cable management ring for use as part of a cable management system is disclosed in US 6,427,952. This ring is formed from two arms intended to form a closed loop in use, with at least one of the arms designed to be rotatably flexed to open the loop so that a user can carry out cable re routing, or other maintenance work requiring the removal or addition of cable loops from the cable management ring. Other similar cable management systems are also known in the art, such as those produced by Panduit and also those produced by Chatsworth. Generally, server systems and similar systems are becoming more modular, with units added and removed as the system is upgraded, or as the focus of the company's IT or business shifts. There is therefore a need for a cable management and racking system that is modular, and which can be easily assembled or disassembled, and which can be configured as required by a user for different sizes of cables or cable bundles, and for different sizes and types of modular component. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable management system which goes some way towards overcoming the problems outlined above, or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice. Accordingly in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a modular cable management system comprising: at least one central frame, adapted to freestand, at least one cable trough that has a cable routing passage adapted for routing multiple patch type cables or similar, a plurality of cable finger assemblies, each of said cable finger assemblies comprising a cable finger and a separate cable flipper, said central frame and said cable channel mutually adapted so that said cable trough can be fastened to the side of said central frame in use, said cable routing passage substantially vertically aligned in use when said cable trough is fastened to said central frame, each of said cable fingers having a main body with an inner end and an outer end, said outer end having a cable flipper connector portion, each of said cable flippers having a first end adapted or connecting said flipper to said cable finger via said cable flipper connector portion, such that said cable flipper is aligned in a rest position with the body of said flipper aligned at an angle to said main body when said flipper is connected to said cable finger, said connector portion and said first end of said cable flipper mutually adapted so that said cable flipper can be rotated relative to said main body away from said rest position by the application of an external force to said flipper, and further mutually adapted to include a return mechanism which acts on said cable flipper when it is rotated away from said rest position to return said flipper to said rest position when said external force ceases to act on said flipper, at least one of said central frame or said cable trough including a plurality of attachment points, said inner ends of said cable fingers including an attachment mechanism adapted to allow said cable finger to be removably attached to one of said attachment points in use, said cable finger assemblies extending outwards generally horizontally when attached to said attachment points. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows a side front view of a prior art racking system produced by ADC Krone, showing detail of a pair of floorstanding frames, a ribbed central cable routing unit, and a pair of ribbed side cable routing units. Figure 2 shows a front view of the prior art racking system of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the components that make up the cable management system of the present invention, configured in this example with a central frame having a pair of cable troughs connected, one on each side, and a number of cable finger assemblies attached to the inner sides of the vertically aligned cable troughs to form a vertical row.

Figure 4 shows a number of central frames and cable troughs alternately connected at each side. Figures 5a and Sb shows a number of cable finger assemblies aligned adjacent to one another in a vertical row, as they would be in use, each cable finger assembly formed from a flipper portion and a substantially horizontal cable management finger, the flipper portion in use connected at the outer end of the cable management finger, and shown upright or substantially vertical. Figure 5c shows the flippers of Figure 5b rotated inwards, opening a gap between adjacent cable fingers, which in use allows cable to be removed or added to the space between adjacent fingers. Figure 6 shows detail of the flipper portion of the cable finger assembly of Figure 5. Figure 7 shows detail of the outer end of the cable finger assembly, with the cable flipper connected at the outer end of the cable management finger. Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the outer end of the cable finger assembly, showing the cable flipper in position on the outer end of the cable finger assembly. Figure 9 shows a top or plan view of the example configuration of Figure 3. Figure 10 shows an exploded view of alternative construction or configuration of a cable finger and flipper, including a spring member that forms part of a return mechanism to return the flipper to a rest position when it is rotated away from this position by the application of an external force. Figure 11 shows the alternative construction of Figure 10 from a different angle. Figure 12 shows a cutaway end view of the alternative construction of Figures 10 and 11. Figure 13 shows detail of the spring member and the cable flipper of the alternative construction of Figures 10, 11 and 12. Figure 14 shows a cutaway view of the end of the alternative construction, assembled. Figure 15 shows a cutaway end view of the alternative construction of Figures 10 to 14, assembled. Figure 16 shows a number of cable fingers of a second preferred form, mounted on an intermediate mounting platform. Figure 17 shows a number of cable fingers of either the first or second preferred forms mounted on a elongate mounting rail, arranged substantially vertically and forming part of a server racking system inside a server room. Figure 18 shows a view of the elongate mounting rail and server racking of Figure 17 from the front, with cable finger assemblies connected to a flange which extends from the rail, the cable finger assemblies forming a vertical row which extends out from the front of the racking.

Figure 19 shows a view from inside the racking of Figures 17 and 18, looking outwards to the front of the racking, showing the rear of the vertical rail and the cable finger assemblies attached to the flange, and also a sub-spar extending outwards perpendicular to the main rail, which cable finger assemblies can be attached to. Figure 20 shows a side view of the intermediate mounting platform of Figure 16, which in use can be mounted on the rails of Figures 17-19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While the invention is susceptible to embodiment in different forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings, and described in detail. The present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated and described herein. The cable management system of the present invention is formed from two main structural components - a central open rectangular frame 3 and a vertical cable trough 4. Examples of open frame single rack assemblies 1 and 2 formed from these two components are shown in Figures 3 and 4. The rack assemblies I and 2 can freestand on the floor of a room - e.g. a server room. If required, they can be connected to the floor of a room by their bases, or to the walls of a room by their sides, for stability. A number of the modular components can be joined to form a multiple rack such as the rack assembly 2 shown in Figure 4. Multiple rack assemblies are formed by alternately connecting frames 3 and channels 4. CENTRAL FRAME The central open rectangular frame 3 is formed from steel sheet or similar, bent into an open rectangle, with flat side walls 12, top 13 and base 14. The base 14 can freestand in use, and if required, can include stabiliser elements 15 to help prevent the frame tipping over in use. Each side of the frame 3 is identical to the other side. However, the frame 3 can be considered to have a 'front' side, and a 'rear' or 'back' side. It is preferred that the side walls of the frame 3 include flanges or lips 70, bent inwards towards the open centre, and aligned perpendicular to the side walls 12 (parallel with the front or rear). There are lips 70 on both sides of the frame 3 (front and rear). Each of the lips 70 include a row of frame attachment apertures 17 or attachment points 17 cut out of the lip, the frame attachment apertures 17 in the preferred embodiment regularly spaced and running the length of the lips 70. It should however be noted that the apertures 17 do not need to run the full length of the lip 70, and can be irregularly spaced if required for a particular function. The apertures 17 in the preferred embodiment form a substantially vertical front row and a substantially vertical rear row of attachment - t points on the front and rear of the frame 3, on each side (left and right) of the frame 3. In use, server computer modules or other similar modular units, are stacked in racks attached in the hollow central portion of the frame 3. CABLE TROUGH The preferred form of the cable trough 4 is a U-channel, with a flat base 5, and two trough side walls 6 aligned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the base 5. One of the trough side walls 6 is co-located with one of the frame side walls 12 in use, so that the 'U' of the channel is aligned vertically. The connection between the side wall 6 and the frame wall 12 can be achieved by any suitable mechanism that is known in the art, such as bolting the two together through apertures in the frame side walls 12 and the trough side walls 6, or by using complimentary clips and recesses pressed out from the trough side wall 6 and the frame side wall 12, or by any other suitable mechanism such as would be known in the art (e.g. welding, etc). The U-channel in use is substantially vertically aligned when connected to the side of the central frame 3, and the U-channel forms a central cable routing passage along which cables or cable bundles can be routed. The open 'top' of the U-channel faces towards (and effectively defines) the 'front' of the assembly. It is preferred that the U-channels all face in the same direction, so that an assembly made up of multiple channels and frames can be located up against the wall of a room, for example, and technicians or other similar personnel can easily access cables touted along the U-channel assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the trough base 5 includes a number of large apertures 7, spaced at intervals along the length of the base 5. The cables or cable bundles can be routed through these apertures 7 if required. These apertures 7 also make the U channel lighter. The base 5 also includes two parallel rows of trough base connector apertures 8 at the sides of the base 5, aligned with, and next to, the side walls 6. The trough base connector apertures 8 are smaller than the base apertures 7, and in the preferred embodiment are the same size and shape as the frame attachment apertures 17. This allows the use of a single tool to form both apertures 8, 16 and 17. Both the frame attachment apertures 17 and the trough base connector apertures 8 can be used for connecting additional items such as cable management fingers 20, which will be described in greater detail below. The single size of the apertures 8, 16 and 17 allows connection of elements such as a cable finger 20 to both the frame 3 and the trough 4. The top edges of the side walls 6 of the trough 4 include lips 9, turned inward towards each other, and aligned perpendicular to the side walls 6 and parallel to the base 5 (it should be noted that 'top' is not in this instance used to indicate spatial alignment - it is used to indicate that part of the trough side walls 6 furthest from the base 5). Each of the lips 9 include a row of trough lip connector apertures 16, running the length of the channel. In the preferred embodiment, these are the same size -0 and shape as the apertures 8 and 17, and when the frame 3 and the trough 4 are connected, the apertures 16 on the lips 9 align with the adjacent apertures 17 on the frame 3, and also with the apertures 8 on the base. The apertures 16 are the same size as the apertures 8 and 16 described above. In the most preferred form, the base of the trough 4 includes a row of apertures 50, the same size and shape as apertures 8, 16 and 17, but rotated through 90 degrees, and at the centre of the base 5, not the sides. These allow the attachment of one or more cable fingers 20 (the structure of which is described in more detail below) to act as slack management spools in the cable channel. CABLE FINGER ASSEMBLY The cables - e.g. patch cables which are managed by the cable management system - ate routed around the frame 3 and trough 4 by cable finger assemblies, which in the preferred form are made up of a cable finger 20 and a cable flipper 30, which are described in detail below. However, it should be noted that when the phrase 'cable finger assembly' or 'cable finger assemblies' is used in this specification, it refers to either the cable finger 20 with the cable flipper 30 attached, or to the cable finger 20 by itself - without the flipper 30 attached. CABLE FINGER Preferred forms of cable fingers 20 are shown in Figures 5a - 5c. In Figure Sa, three separate cable fingers 20 of one preferred form are shown aligned one above the other in a row (in the preferred form, the row would aligned vertically in use). In Figures 5b and 5c, a second preferred form of cable finger assembly, with a different flipper attachment mechanism, is shown. These will be described in greater detail below. Each cable finger 20 is formed as a single item, from a resilient material that can be at least partially elastically deformed. Each cable finger 20 has a main body 21. The main body 21 is an elongate element, which in the preferred embodiment has a semi-circular cross section. One end (the inner end - aligned towards the frame 3 or trough 4 in use) of the body 21 terminates in a flange portion 72. The other end (the outer end) of the body 21 terminates in a flipper connector portion 22, to which a cable flipper 30 is connected in use. The cable flipper 30 will be described in more detail below. The flange portion 72 includes a connector structure 23, adapted to connect with either the frame 3 or the cable trough 4 via the apertures 8, 16, or 17, which act as attachment points. The preferred form of the connector structure 23 is a pair of notched lugs 24, attached one each towards the top and bottom of the base of the flange portion 72. Each of the lugs 24 has a notch 25 close to the base and facing outwards (that is, away from the other one of the pair, either upwards or downwards). To attach the cable finger 20 to the frame 3 or trough 4, a user forces or pushes the pair of lugs 24 either into one of the apertures (8, 16, 17), or one each of the pair into adjacent apertures (8, 16, 17), depending on how the apertures and the lugs 24 have been sized. In the preferred form, the lugs 24 and apertures 8, 16, 17 are sized relative to one another so that the pair of lugs 24 will fit into a single one of the apertures. As the lugs are pushed into the aperture, they are squeezed slightly towards one another. When the pair of lugs 24 have been pressed fully into the aperture, they move apart from one another, returning to their original, undeformed positions. The notches 25 catch on the edges of the aperture, holding the cable finger 20 in position on either the frame 3 or the trough 4. When attached, the cable fingers 20 extend outwards from the front or the rear (depending on where they are attached) of the frame 3 and trough assembly 4. In the preferred form, the cable fingers 20 extend outwards substantially perpendicularly from the front or rear, but if required, the cable fingers could be adapted to extend at an angle. A number of cable fmgers 20 can be added in this manner to the frame 3 or the trough 4, as many as are required in the positions required, to assist in the management of cables running between modules on the racks, or other locations, For example, if required, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, cable fingers can be added in all the apertures to create a 'ribcage' on the frame 3 or the trough 4, through which cables can be threaded in use, with cable also routed along the U-channels. Also as shown in Figures 3 and 4, cable fingers 20 can be added to one side or both sides (front and rear) of the frame 3 and trough 4. In alternative forms, the apertures and the pair of lugs can be mutually sized so that the lugs fit into adjacent apertures. A second preferred form of cable finger 120 is shown in Figure 16. The cable finger 120 is identical to that described above for the first preferred embodiment, but includes a pair of sub-lugs 121 at each end of the flange portion 172, on the outside of the main pair of notched lugs 24. The sub-lugs 121 locate into apertures above and below the aperture or apertures into which the main lugs 124 have located. This alternative form can be preferred in some situations, as it can help to stabilise the cable finger assembly and hold it in position. As already referred to above, the outer end of the body 21 of the cable finger 20 includes a flipper connector 22, to which a cable flipper 30 is attached in use. The flipper connector 22 is a cylindrical projection that is an extension of the main body 21, and which is aligned perpendicular to the body 21. When the finger 20 is connected to the frame 3 or the trough 4 via apertures 8, 16, or 17, the cylindrical body of the connector 22 will be aligned horizontally, parallel with the floor. One end 25 of the cylindrical projection that forms the flipper connector 22 is open, and is sized so that it has a diameter generally the same as the diameter of the semi-circular main body 21, with the open end 125 flush with the main body 21. The other end 26 is closed, and extends slightly outwards from the body 21.

- LU The structure of the flipper connector 22 has another advantage when the cable fingers 20 are used as slack management spools in the cable channel. The flipper connectors 22 extend outwards slightly from the main body of the cable finger 20, as described above. When the cable fingers are attached to the attachment points 50 in the centre of the U-channel, they can be aligned so that they face upwards - that is, with the cylindrical connector 22 extending upwards. The connector 22 therefor acts as a stop, and prevents cable loops slipping off the spool The cable fingers 20 could also be connected via the points 50 with the connector portion 22 facing downwards. Also, if required, the cable fingers could be attached with the cylindrical connector facing sideways. It can be useful in certain circumstances for two cable fingers to be connected 'back-to-back'- that is, with the cylindrical connector portions facing away from each other, and the main body portions touching along their length. This arrangement is shown in Figure 17. This arrangement has the benefit of providing a small T-section at the outer end of the fingers) and can be useful in certain circumstances. A top or plan view of the frame 3, with a trough 4 attached on either side, and the top ones of a number of vertical columns of cable fingers 20, is shown in Figure 9. Also shown are the top ones of cable fingers 20 connected to the base of the trough 4 to act as slack management spools. CABLE FLIPPER The preferred form of cable flipper 30 is shown in Figure 6. The overall form of the flipper 30 is an elongate member, with one end- the base end - of substantially greater width than the other end. The base end comprises a circular or hemispherical body 31, with a rim 33 extending outwards from just inside the edge of the hemispherical body. The rim 33 is sized to match the internal diameter of the open end 25 of the connector 22, so that in use the rim 33 just fits within the open end 25 and the flipper 30 can freely rotate relative to the finger 20. A flipper wing 35 extends outwardly from the hemispherical body 31. The two sides of the wing 35 are tangential to the edges of the hemispherical body, and are angled towards one another, coming together at a rounded point or tip 38 at the narrower end. The flipper 30 is attached to the outer end of the cable finger 20, via connector portion 22, in use. As can be seen in Figures 5a and 5b, the flippers 30, cable fingers 20 and the attachment points 8, 16, 17 are sized and positioned so that when the cable fingers are connected in a row, in adjacent apertures (e.g. adjacent apertures 16) with the flippers 30 in an upright position, the top tip 38 of the flipper will be just underneath the cable finger 20 immediately above. A closed slot is therefore formed between adjacent cable finger assemblies. Cables can be routed through these slots, and will be prevented from sliding out of the slot by the upright flipper 30 at the outer end of the slot. It should also be noted that a single finger 20 with a single flipper wing 35 aligned facing upwards will prevent cable slippage off the end of the finger 20). It should further be noted that in the preferred form, the flipper 30 is aligned perpendicular to the main body of the finger 20. However, the advantages of the present invention would still be realised if the flipper was aligned at a shallower angle - e.g. 45 degrees, 30 degrees, etc. However, if cable fingers are located adjacent to one another, if a user wishes to remove or add cabling to a particular slot, they need to move the flipper out of position, rotating it either towards or away from the trough 4 or frame 3 - inwards or outwards. An example of this is shown in Figure 5c, where the flippers 30 are rotated towards the attachment points - i.e. towards the trough 4 or frame 3. It can be seen that some form of attachment between the flippers 30 and the fingers 20 is required that allows the flippers to be rotated out of an upright position blocking the slots, and then allows them to be returned to an upright position. There are several ways that this can be achieved. Two preferred forms are described below. CABLE FINGER AND FLIPPER CONNECTION In use, the rim 33 of the flipper 30 is located into the circular open end 125, The flipper 30 rotates around an axis of rotation that is at the centre of these two portions. It is preferred that a mechanism is included in the connection between the flipper 30 and the cable finger 20 that will automatically return or force the flipper 30 to the position that it was in before it was rotated - its rest position or equilibrium position. That is, in the absence of an external force such as would be applied to the flipper by a user, the flipper 30 will return to its rest or equilibrium position. In the preferred embodiment, this position is with the flipper 30 facing directly upwards to close the slot. Although this automatic return mechanism can be achieved in a number of ways, two preferred forms are described below. In the first preferred form, as shown in Figure 6, the flipper 30 includes an attachment projection 32. In this embodiment, end 26 of the flipper connector portion 22 includes a central indentation, at the centre of which is a slit or slot 27, substantially vertically aligned. The free end 36 of the attachment projection 32 is sized with the slit 27, and passes into and through the slit 27, the slit 27 acting as an attachment aperture for the attachment projection 32. The arrangement described above, with the rim 33 fitting into the open end 25, and the end 36 passing through the slit 27, is shown in Figure 7, and is shown in cross-section in Figure 8. The attachment projection 32 extends from the centre of the inner part of the hemispherical body 31. The attachment projection 32 is rectangular in cross-section, with the longer sides aligned with the wing 35, so that when the wing 35 points upwards, the longer sides of the projection 32 are also vertical. When the flipper 30 is rotated away from the vertical, the projection 32 is twisted. The - I/z projection 32 therefore exerts a reaction force on the main body of the flipper 30, so that when a user is no longer rotating the flipper 30, it will rotate back into position to close the gap the user created by rotating it away from the vertical. In the second preferred form, a resilient spring member is used to exert the necessary reaction force to return the flipper 30 to the rest position. The preferred form of resilient spring member 60, and the construction of the flipper 30 and the connector portion 22 is shown in Figures 10 to 15, and described below. In a similar manner to the first preferred form, the rim 33 of the flipper 30 is located into the circular open end 125, with an axis of rotation around the centre of the circular open end. A spring member 60 is inserted into the hollow connector portion 22. The spring member 60 has a central body portion 61 that in use is generally aligned along the axis of rotation. The spring member has a first end and a second end. The central body portion has a connector at each end - first connector 62 at the first end, and second connector 63 at the second end. In the preferred form, the first and second connectors 62, 63 are split/squeeze connectors of a type well-know in the art, operating as follows. The central body 61 is partially split along its length from each of the ends, with a gap between the split halves allowing the two split halves at each end to be pressed together, the halves springing apart when no external force is exerted on them. Each half of each split end includes a barbed protrusion. In this form of the mechanism, end 26 of the flipper connector portion 22 includes a central aperture 64, and the flipper 30 includes an aperture 65 in the centre of the hemispherical body 31. The ends of the central body 61 are pushed into the apertures 64, 65 from the inside, with the barbed ends passing through the apertures, and the barbs catching on the outside of the apertures 64, 65 to hold the spring member 60 in position. The spring member 60 also includes spring arms 66, 67, attached to and aligned in parallel with the main body 61, and substantially the same length as the main body 61. The ends of the spring arms 66, 67 locate into apertures 68 on the inner surfaces of the connector portion 22 and the hemispherical body 31. The apertures 68 are close to the circumferences of the cylindrical connector portion 22 and the hemispherical body 31. As the flipper 30 is rotated in use, the ends of the spring arms 66, 67 are held in the apertures 68, and the spring member 60 becomes twisted. When the external (i.e. user generated) force is removed from the flipper, the stored energy from the twisted spring member 60 is released, and it returns to an untwisted position, rotating the flipper 30 back to its rest or equilibrium position. It can be seen that by creating flippers 30 with flipper wings 35 of different lengths, the size of the slot or gap between adjacent fingers or 'ribs' of the ribcage can be altered, without requiring the replacement of the fingers 20. The size of the slot or gap can also be altered by altering the lengths of the fingers 20, or the lengths of the flippers 30. For example, 'double length' flippers could be fitted to a number of fingers 20, which would be fitted in every second slot rather than every slot, to create a wider gap, allowing more or thicker cables to be routed through that slot. It should also be noted that either of the spring mechanisms referred to above could be modified so that the flipper can only be rotated in one direction from the rest position. For example outwards from the rest position, away from the frame or trough or rail to which the cable finger assembly is attached, or alternatively inwards towards the frame or trough or rail to which the cable finger assembly is attached. It can therefore be seen that the frame 3, the troughs 4, the fingers 20 and the flippers 30 are all parts of a modular cable management system that can be configured exactly to a users specification from just these parts. If a change in the size of the gap between the fingers 20 is required, then the fingers 20 can be connected in different, non-adjacent apertures - a user is not required to remove every second finger in a pre-formed assembly to create wider gaps between adjacent cable fingers. It is preferred that the length of the flipper body is substantially the same as the spacing between attachment points, so that there is no gap between the slots. If a user wishes to have an assembly that includes a fully closed gap between the outer ends of adjacent fingers 20, they only need to replace the flipper 30 with a flipper of a different length; they are not required to replace the entire finger assembly. A cable management assembly can be created without using any flippers 30 - just using the fingers 20 if necessary or required, although this will leave a gap or opening at the front of the assembly, between adjacent fingers 20. It should be noted that where reference is made to cable finger assemblies in this specification, this can be taken to mean an assembly with or without the flipper 30 attached. If 'ribs' are only required at one position on the frame and trough assembly, this can easily be achieved by adding (or removing) finger assemblies where required. A frame and trough assembly of the required size can be created by adding additional adjacent frames 3 and troughs 4. It should also be noted that as described above, the flipper 30 points upwards. The fitting of the flipper 30 could be reversed, with the flipper 30 fitted to the end of the cable finger 20 pointing downwards, if this was required. It should also be noted that a double-ended flipper could be created if required, with a pair of wings 35 extending from the hemispherical body 31. This alternative arrangement would mean that a double flipper could be fitted to every second finger only. This could be advantageous in certain situations. MODULAR FRAMEWORK A variation on the modular system outlined above will now be described with reference to Figures 16 20. In some circumstances, cable routing or similar is required where there is already an existing framework or structure. In these circumstances, a user may prefer not to use the frame and trough arrangement described above, but instead to use a different system. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, a second embodiment of the modular system described above comprises elongate spars or mounting rails 200 which in the preferred embodiment are aligned substantially vertically. In the preferred form, the rail can be rectangular in cross-section, or have an S shape, with the two sides at each end parallel, and the central side perpendicular to the two outer sides. The rear view of the S-shaped embodiment is shown in Figure 19. In the preferred embodiment, each of the mounting rails 200 has projecting flange or ledge 201 extending outwardly from one side of the rail. In the preferred embodiment, the flange 201 extends outwards perpendicular to the main body of the rail 200, parallel to the front or rear. In the preferred form, the ledge 201 runs the length of the mounting rail 200. The projecting ledge 201 includes mounting apertures 202 along at least part of and preferably the full length of the spar or tail 200. These apertures 202 are sized and shaped to allow cable finger assemblies to be connected to the ledge 201. The cable finger assemblies are identical to those described above. At least one of the faces of the mounting rail also includes a number of mounting apertures 204, which in the preferred embodiment are aligned to face in the same direction as those on the ledge 201. The ends of the mounting rail 200 include attachment fixtures 205 which allow the spar 200 to be attached or connected to a pre-existing frame or similar structure. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment fixtures 205 are bolt holes or similar located at the ends of the mounting rail 200. The ends of the mounting rail 200 can be formed so that the bolt holes are at an angle to the mounting apertures, but it is preferred that they are either parallel to or perpendicular to the mounting apertures 204 and 202. The mounting rails 200 can be formed in a number of different lengths, so that the appropriate length can be used for a particular application. The cable finger assemblies can either be mounted directly onto the spars 200 either backwards or forwards, via the apertures 202 or 204. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 16 and 20 the cable finger assemblies can be mounted onto an intermediate mounting platform or accessory mounting bracket 206. The accessory mounting bracket 206 is then mounted e.g. to the rails or spars 200, or to the pre existing frame, as preferred. In the preferred embodiment, each accessory mounting bracket 206 can hold up to six cable finger assemblies, connected to the accessory mounting bracket in a row, as shown in Figures 16 and 20. In the preferred form, the accessory mounting bracket includes a front face 208 formed by bending one side of the platform through a substantially 90 degree angle, so that the front face is substantially perpendicular to the inside of the framework. The front face includes a plurality of apertures for mounting the cable finger assemblies. In use, the preferred form of accessory mounting bracket 206 is connected to one side the spar so that the row of cable finger assemblies is attached to the front face, extending outwards perpendicular to the front face 208, This gives a row of cable fingers which are aligned in a vertical row extending horizontally outwards from the front of the mounting rail. It should be noted that other forms of accessory mounting bracket are possible, where the platform is configured so that it can be mounted on the front or rear face of the mounting rail, with the cable finger assemblies extending forwards horizontally. As shown in Figures 17 - 19, sub-spars 207 can be used with the main mounting rails 200 to brace the mounting rails, and also to act as a mounting point for cable finger assemblies which in use function as slack management spools.

Claims

1. A modular cable management system comprising: at least one central frame, adapted to freestand, at least one cable trough that has a cable routing passage adapted for routing multiple patch type cables or similar, a plurality of cable finger assemblies, each of said cable finger assemblies comprising a cable finger and a separate cable flipper, said central frame and said cable channel mutually adapted so that said cable trough can be fastened to the side of said central frame in use, said cable routing passage substantially vertically aligned in use when said cable trough is fastened to said central frame, each of said cable fingers having a main body with an inner end and an outer end, said outer end having a cable flipper connector portion, each of said cable flippers having a first end adapted for connecting said flipper to said cable finger via said cable flipper connector portion, such that said cable flipper is aligned in a rest position with the body of said flipper aligned at an angle to said main body when said flipper is connected to said cable finger, said connector portion and said first end of said cable flipper mutually adapted so that said cable flipper can be rotated relative to said main body away from said rest position by the application of an external force to said flipper, and further mutually adapted to include a return mechanism which acts on said cable flipper when it is rotated away from said rest position to return said flipper to said rest position when said external force ceases to act on said flipper, at least one of said central frame or said cable trough including a plurality of attachment points, said inner ends of said cable fingers including an attachment mechanism adapted to allow said cable finger to be removably attached to one of said attachment points in use, said cable finger assemblies extending outwards generally horizontally when attached to said attachment points.

2. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cable flipper is rotated about an axis of rotation, said axis of rotation of said cable flipper aligned substantially perpendicular to both said main body and said flipper body when said flipper is in said rest position.

3. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said attachment mechanism is a pair of notched lugs on said inner end, and each of said attachment points is an aperture, said notched lugs inserted into said aperture to hold said cable finger assembly in position in use.

4. A modular cable management system as claimed in any one of claims I to 3 wherein said flipper further has an attachment projection formed from a resilient material and extending generally along said axis of rotation in use, said attachment projection having a free end, said connector portion having an attachment aperture, said free end engaging with said aperture when said flipper is connected to said connector portion, said free end held in position as said flipper is rotated away from said rest position so that as said flipper is rotated, said attachment projection becomes elastically twisted, said attachment projection untwisting when said flipper is released to return said flipper to said rest position.

5. A modular cable management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said connector portion is cylindrical, with a closed end and an open end, the central axis of said cylindrical portion congruent with said axis of rotation, at least part of said flipper first end locating into said open end in use.

6. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said flipper first end has a rim, locating into said open end in use, and said attachment projection is congruent with said axis of rotation.

7. A modular cable management system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 6 wherein said attachment aperture is a slit in said closed end, said free end of said attachment projection locating into said slit in use.

8. A modular cable management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said flipper body is substantially the same length as the spacing between said attachment points, said flipper body aligned substantially perpendicular to said main body in said rest position.

9. A modular cable management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said return mechanism is a resilient spring member located within said connector portion in use, said resilient spring member having a first end and a second end, at least part of said spring member first end locating into a connector portion aperture and held in position relative to said connector portion in use, and said spring member second end locating into a flipper first end aperture and held in position relative to said flipper in use, said resilient spring member twisting as said flipper is rotated, and untwisting when said external force no longer acts on said flipper, returning said flipper to said rest position.

10. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 9 wherein said resilient spring member has a central body, a first spring arm and a second spring arm, said central body substantially congruent with said axis of rotation in use, said first and second spring arms parallel with said axis of rotation, and substantially the same length as said central body portion.

11. A modular cable management system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said connector portion and said flipper first end have central body apertures, and each end of said central body includes a split/squeeze connector adapted to locate into said apertures.

12. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 11 wherein said connector portion and said flipper first end have spring arm apertures, adapted to hold each end of each of said spring arms in position relative to said connector portion and said flipper in use.

13. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cable channel is a U channel, said U-channel forming said cable routing passage, said cable routing passage running the length of said U-channel.

14. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said plurality of attachment points are arranged in at least one substantially vertical row.

15. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cable routing passage is formed by protruding side walls, each of said side walls having a front row of attachment points and a rear row of attachment points, on each of the front and the rear of said frame respectively.

16. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said front row and said rear row are substantially vertically aligned.

17. A modular cable management system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cable finger assemblies extend outwards substantially perpendicular to said frame and said trough when connected to said frame or said trough.