CA2207182A1 - Guide for cables - Google Patents
Guide for cablesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2207182A1 CA2207182A1 CA 2207182 CA2207182A CA2207182A1 CA 2207182 A1 CA2207182 A1 CA 2207182A1 CA 2207182 CA2207182 CA 2207182 CA 2207182 A CA2207182 A CA 2207182A CA 2207182 A1 CA2207182 A1 CA 2207182A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pins
- cable
- length
- units
- guide
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
- H02G3/0462—Tubings, i.e. having a closed section
- H02G3/0487—Tubings, i.e. having a closed section with a non-circular cross-section
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/26—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor directly on or in walls, ceilings, or floors
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Insertion, Bundling And Securing Of Wires For Electric Apparatuses (AREA)
- Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
A stackable guide for retention and restriction of movement of electrical cable, especially optical or computer cable. The guide has linear and/or curved units, with cooperative interlocking end projections.
The guides have a plurality of pins on the upper surface, some of which are elongated with respect to the other pins. The underside of the units has recesses adapted to accommodate the elongated pins.
The guides have a plurality of pins on the upper surface, some of which are elongated with respect to the other pins. The underside of the units has recesses adapted to accommodate the elongated pins.
Description
CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
GUIDE FOR CABLES
The present invention relates to a guide for electrical or communications cable, and especially for optical cable, and in particular to guides for such cable that are inter-connectable in any sequence, and which are stackable so as to accommodate a plurality of cables.
In the electronics industry, it is common to have a plurality of cables interconnected between a first piece of apparatus and a second piece of apparatus. In some instances, each cable is formed from several wires wrapped in an outer jacket. Nonetheless, the interconnecting cables may resemble a disorganised jumble of connecting wires, which may become twisted, bent or otherwise distorted. In the case of electrical or some communications cable, this may not be disadvantageous other than with respect to the disorganised jumble of wires and the resultant inconvenience in tracing the interconnecting wires from one apparatus to another.
In the case of optical cable, the problem is potentially more serious, to the possible extent of preventing communication of information along the cable.
If an optical cable is distorted or bent improperly or to an excessive degree, the information being communicated along the cable may be distorted, attenuated or even fail to pass through the cable. The likelihood of this occurring in cables interconnecting two pieces of apparatus is significant, especially in that the space available for a plurality of cable may be very limited, the cables may need to undergo a number of twists and turns in order to interconnect the apparatus, one or the other of the apparatus may be moved and thereby impose stresses and tensions on the cables, or the like. The consequence can be poor communication of information between the apparatus.
Optical cable is generally not colour coded or labelled, at least not in a manner that permits a cable to be readily traced or tracked through a plurality of CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
cables. This makes it more difficult and time consuming to trace a cable that might be causing a problem, and to effect a replacement.
A device to organize and protect electrical and communications cables, especially optical cables, would be beneficial.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a stackable guide for retention and restriction of movement of electrical or communications cable, said guide comprising:
(a) stackable interconnectable elongated units selected from linear units and curved units, and combinations thereof, each end of each unit having at least one locking projection and a corresponding recess for releasably engaging each said locking projection;
(b) said linear units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said linear units in a stacked arrangement;
(c) said curved units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said curved units in a stacked arrangement;
CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
said pins being spaced apart on said unit and forming at least one channel on said unit for receiving and removably retaining said cable.
In a preferred embodiment of the guide of the present invention, all of said pins are of said first length or of said second length.
In a further embodiment of the linear unit, said pins are uniformly aligned in two dimensions, especially in a square pattern.
In a further embodiment, the channels in the linear units are longitudinal or lateral to said elongated base.
In a further embodiment, the linear units are stackable longitudinally or laterally, and said curved units are stackable longitudinally.
In yet another embodiment, the guides have a plurality of channels, especially four channels in a longitudinal direction and, with respect to linear guide units, fourteen channels in a transverse or cross direction.
In a still further embodiment, said linear units and said curved units are symmetrical about a central axis, except with respect to the ends of the respective units.
In further embodiments, the cable includes various electrical and communications cable, including optical cable and computer cable.
The present invention also relates to the use of the guides with electrical and communications cable.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided guide for a cable, comprising an elongated two dimensional base having a plurality of pins in two rows spaced apart to receive a cable therebetween, one end of the elongated base having a housing thereon adapted to receive and retain said cable, said housing being in two separable sections for insertion of said cable therebetween.
In a preferred embodiment, the guide has pins at the end opposed to said housing that are undercut to facilitate retention of said cable between the rows of plns .
The present invention is illustrated by the embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a side view, at an angle, of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a plan view of the underside of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a curved guide unit;
Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a curved guide unit;
Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a plan view of the underside of a curved guide unit;
Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a side view of a curved unit;
Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a linear guide unit and a curved guide unit connected together, with cable;
Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a side view of a stack of interconnected linear guide units;
Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of apparatus interconnected by optical cables and guide units;
Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of apparatus for a single cable;
Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of Fig. 12 viewed from A-A; and Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of Fig. 13 in an open position.
The present invention will generally be described herein with reference to optical cable. It is understood however that the cable may be electrical or communications cable, including cable interconnecting computers or other communications equipment, and other cable interconnecting apparatus.
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Fig. 1 shows a linear guide unit, generally indicated by 1. Linear guide unit 1 has longitudinal edges 2 and lateral edges 3, such edges forming a rectangle. Locking projection 4 extends from each of lateral edges 3. Similarly, locking recess 5 is located in each of lateral edges 3. It will be noted that the positions of locking projection 4 and locking recess 5 are reversed on the opposed ends of linear guide unit 1, so that linear guide units 1 may be interconnected in sequence i.e. end to end as shown. In addition, the base of linear guide units 1 is preferably rectangular, although other shapes could be used.
Linear guide unit 1 further has orifice 7 in a central location. Orifice 7 is tapered in the view shown, and is particularly intended to accommodate a screw with a tapered head, to enable the linear guide unit 1 to be attached to a substrate.
The surface of linear guide unit 1 as shown, which is the top surface, has a plurality of pins 6. Pins 6 are shown as being aligned in a longitudinal direction, and aligned in a lateral direction, thus forming a square pattern. The embodiment shown further shows five longitudinal rows of pins 6 and fifteen lateral rows of pins 6, the pins immediately adjacent to orifice 7 being omitted for convenience when inserting a screw into orifice 7 to attach the linear guide unit to a substrate.
However, it is to be understood that any convenient number of rows of pins 6 may be used in either a longitudinal or lateral direction.
Fig. 2 shows a side view of a linear guide unit 1.
Pins 6 are generally shown as being located on the upper surface of the base formed by longitudinal edges 2 and lateral edges 3 of linear guide unit 1. In the view shown in Fig. 2, pins 6 are of two lengths, either being pins of a first length as indicated by pins 10 or of a second length as indicated by pins 11. Pins 10 are shown as being longer than pins 11, and would be of such additional length for facilitate stacking of linear guide CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
units 1 as described herein. As used herein, pins 10 may be described as being of a first length and pins 11 as being of a second length.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of linear guide unit 1. The longer pins 10 may be located at any convenient location, but it is preferred that the longer pins 10 be located in a symmetrical pattern, particularly a symmetrical pattern with respect to both the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis passing through orifice 7.
This will facilitate interconnecting linear units 1 as described herein, as well as the stacking of such units, as described herein.
Fig. 4 shows the underside the linear guide unit 1.
The underside of linear guide unit 1 has a plurality of pin recesses 12. Pin recesses 12 are cooperatively located with respect to the location of pins 10, such that when linear guide units are stacked, pins 10 enter into pin recesses 12 and facilitate the removable stacking of linear guide units 1.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, pins 6 on linear guide unit 1 are of two lengths, either being pins of the length of first pins 10 or pins of the length of second pins 11. First pins 10 of the same length facilitates stacking of the linear guide units 1, and when this occurs second pins 11 act as support for the underside of a linear guide unit 1. It is understood that there could be additional pins of a length shorter than second pins 11, but such short pins are not necessary for operation of the guide units described herein.
Fig. 5 shows a curved guide unit, generally indicated by 20. Curved guide unit 20 has locking projections 4 and locking recesses 5 that would be of the same dimension as those of a linear guide unit 1, and located to facilitate interconnection in any sequence of linear guide units 1 and curved guide units 20.
Curved guide unit 20 has two orifices 21 for insertion of tapered screws to facilitate attachment to a CA 02207l82 l997-06-0~
substrate, as discussed above with respect to the linear guide units. The embodiment shown of curved guide unit 20 has a plurality of aligned second pins 22, which should be of a length that is the same as second pins 11 of a linear guide unit 1, to facilitate stacking of interconnected units. Curved guide unit 20 of Fig. 5 shows one row of first pins 23, which are pins of a longer length and would normally be of a length similar to that of first pins 10 of a linear guide unit 1. The embodiment of Fig. 5 further shows ribs 24 extending between pins 22 adjacent to each of outer edge 25 and inner edge 26, and similarly between pins 23 along the axis of the curved unit. Ribs 24 are intended to act as guides for cables inserted into the guide, especially during the time of insertion of cables into curved units 20. Ends 27 would be of corresponding dimensions to ends 3 of linear guide unit 1. It is understood that the radius of curvature of the curved guide unit would be appropriate for the particular type of cable to be inserted into the guide unit, with a range of radii being acceptable to prevent excessive bending of the cable.
Fig. 6 shows an elevated view of curved guide unit 20 of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 shows the underside of a curved guide unit 20. Curved guide unit 20 has a single row of pin recesses 28, which are co-operatively located with respect to first pins 23 that are on the upper surface of curved guide unit 20. Pin recesses 28 act in the same manner as pin recesses 12 of linear guide unit 1.
Fig. 8 shows a side view of curved guide unit 20 of Fig. 5.
Fig. 9 shows a linear guide unit 1 connected to a curved guide unit 20. An optical cable, which is a jacketed optical cable, passes between the aligned rows of pins 11 and pins 22 of linear guide unit 1 and curved guide unit 20, respectively; it is understood that other types of cable may be inserted in a similar manner. It is understood that the spacing between aligned rows of CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
pins 11 and 22 would be such that a cable may be placed between the aligned rows, and retained therein, but be capable of being removed as required, without damage to the cable.
Fig. 10 shows a plurality of stacked linear guide units, generally indicated by 30. Stacked units 30 have a plurality of aligned edges, indicated by 2A-2F. Edges 2A-2F are in a spaced apart relationship, as dictated by the length of pins 6. Cables 29A-29C are shown as passing through the stacked units.
Fig. 11 shows interconnected apparatus, generally indicated by 31. First apparatus 32 has cable port 34 with cables 36 extending therefrom. Similarly, second apparatus 33 has port 35 with cables 37 extending therefrom. Cables 36 and 37 enter opposed ends of interconnecting guide, generally indicated by 38.
Interconnecting guide 38 is made of a plurality of linear guide units 38B and curved guide units 38A. Thus, cables 36 and 37, which are opposed ends of the same cables, are held in position and prevented from flexing or otherwise damaging the optical fibres within cables 36 and 37, if the cable is optical cable.
In operation, for example in the environment of the apparatus of Fig. 11, a plurality of cables are interconnected between two pieces of apparatus; the guides are particularly intended for use with optical fibre cables, which are susceptible to adverse effects if bent or twisted, or the like, improperly or to an excessive degree. If there were, for instance, eleven cables and the guides could accommodate four cables, as shown in the drawings, a selection would be made of linear and curved guides consistent with the spatial situation. A cable would be fitted into a first guide or set of interconnected guides so that the cable was located between the same channels throughout the guides.
The procedure would be repeated with three further cables. Guides would then be stacked on top of the guides previously used and four cables inserted therein.
CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
The procedure would then be repeated for the remaining three cables. The guides would be selected so that the cables would be supported and protected for the full required distance. It will be appreciated that the cables may be inserted into the guides in any manner that is convenient under the circumstances.
Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention for a single cable, generally represented by 50. The guide has edges 51 and 52, and end 53, defining a curved elongated base, which has aligned pins 54A-54F, in the embodiment shown, in two rows. The width between the rows increases from 54A to 54F i.e. the spacing between opposed pins 54A
is narrower than between the other opposed pairs of pins, with the spacing between opposed pins 54A being such that the cable intended for the guide will be removably retained between pins 54A. Pins 54A-54F increase in size from 54A to 54F, and generally are similar to pins described previously, except for pins 54A which differ in that the surface facing inwards is undercut, to facilitate retention of a cable in the space between the rows of pins. One end of guide unit 50 has retention housing 55, which is in two parts (see Fig.s 13 and 14) that are attached together using hinge 56.
Fig. 13 shows an end view, with retention housing 55 being formed of two parts, upper section 57 and lower section 58. Upper section 57 fits over part of lower section 58 to hold a cable there between, forming a channel therebetween that retains the cable. Pin recesses 59 on upper section 57 cooperatively receive and lock with pins 60 on lower section 58. Pin recesses 59 may be of a convenient shape e.g. a moon that is substantially full.
Fig. 14 shows retention housing 55 in an open position, with upper housing 57 separated from lower housing 58.
In operation, the retention housing is opened and a cable is placed between the rows of pins. The housing is then closed to retain the cable. The cable is retained in a reversible manner, as the housing retains the cable during normal use, but the housing may be separated into its two parts for removal of the cable. The hinge serves to conveniently locate the separated housing with the remainder of the guide. The opposed pair of pins 54A
retain the cable therebetween, the cable being disposed between pins 54A-54F and passing through retention housing 55.
The present invention provides a plurality of linear and curved guide units which may be interconnected end-to-end in any combination. Cables are located within the guides and retained therein, at an acceptable radius of curvature, and supported to prevent flexing, cracking or other damage to the cables, as discussed herein. The guides may be made in any convenient width, with the embodiments shown in the drawings being intended to accommodate four cables. It is however understood, that the guides could be adapted to accommodate any number of cables e.g. one or more cables. In addition, the guide units may be stacked so that additional cables may be included within the guide units. It is understood that any linear guide unit 1 will stack on any other linear guide unit 1. Similarly, any guide unit 20 may be stacked on any other curved guide unit 20. If the pattern of pins is as described and shown in the drawings, or otherwise co-operatively disposed, linear guide units 1 may be stacked longitudinally or laterally. The latter stacking would accommodate cables passing in cross directions, and could include with appropriate pattern of pins the stacking of more than one linear guide units e.g. three, transverse to a single linear guide unit.
The guide units of the invention are compact and light in weight. Moreover, they may be adapted to any situation, by being used in any combination. While linear guide units 1 and curved guide units 20 could be of a similar length, it is likely that the units would be of different lengths that are convenient in use. It is understood that a plurality of lengths of guide units 1 CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
and/or curved guide units 20 could be manufactured. In addition the curved guide units 20 could extend through a 90~ angle, as shown in the drawings, or could be manufactured with any other convenient angle e.g. 30~, 45~
or 60~, at a radius that is not less than the minimum bend radius for the particular cable to be used. Such a minimum radius could be different for different types of cable. The guide units tend to support the weight of the cable, and can be attached to a substrate for further support.
A variety of sizes of cable may be used. For instance, one particular embodiment of optical cable has a diameter of about 3 mm, but the guides can be adapted to accommodate other cables e.g. cables having diameters of 2 mm, or less, or up to 30 mm, or more. As will be understood, cables intended for different end-uses will often have different diameters, although within a particular industry there may be common sizes of cables.
GUIDE FOR CABLES
The present invention relates to a guide for electrical or communications cable, and especially for optical cable, and in particular to guides for such cable that are inter-connectable in any sequence, and which are stackable so as to accommodate a plurality of cables.
In the electronics industry, it is common to have a plurality of cables interconnected between a first piece of apparatus and a second piece of apparatus. In some instances, each cable is formed from several wires wrapped in an outer jacket. Nonetheless, the interconnecting cables may resemble a disorganised jumble of connecting wires, which may become twisted, bent or otherwise distorted. In the case of electrical or some communications cable, this may not be disadvantageous other than with respect to the disorganised jumble of wires and the resultant inconvenience in tracing the interconnecting wires from one apparatus to another.
In the case of optical cable, the problem is potentially more serious, to the possible extent of preventing communication of information along the cable.
If an optical cable is distorted or bent improperly or to an excessive degree, the information being communicated along the cable may be distorted, attenuated or even fail to pass through the cable. The likelihood of this occurring in cables interconnecting two pieces of apparatus is significant, especially in that the space available for a plurality of cable may be very limited, the cables may need to undergo a number of twists and turns in order to interconnect the apparatus, one or the other of the apparatus may be moved and thereby impose stresses and tensions on the cables, or the like. The consequence can be poor communication of information between the apparatus.
Optical cable is generally not colour coded or labelled, at least not in a manner that permits a cable to be readily traced or tracked through a plurality of CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
cables. This makes it more difficult and time consuming to trace a cable that might be causing a problem, and to effect a replacement.
A device to organize and protect electrical and communications cables, especially optical cables, would be beneficial.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides a stackable guide for retention and restriction of movement of electrical or communications cable, said guide comprising:
(a) stackable interconnectable elongated units selected from linear units and curved units, and combinations thereof, each end of each unit having at least one locking projection and a corresponding recess for releasably engaging each said locking projection;
(b) said linear units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said linear units in a stacked arrangement;
(c) said curved units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said curved units in a stacked arrangement;
CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
said pins being spaced apart on said unit and forming at least one channel on said unit for receiving and removably retaining said cable.
In a preferred embodiment of the guide of the present invention, all of said pins are of said first length or of said second length.
In a further embodiment of the linear unit, said pins are uniformly aligned in two dimensions, especially in a square pattern.
In a further embodiment, the channels in the linear units are longitudinal or lateral to said elongated base.
In a further embodiment, the linear units are stackable longitudinally or laterally, and said curved units are stackable longitudinally.
In yet another embodiment, the guides have a plurality of channels, especially four channels in a longitudinal direction and, with respect to linear guide units, fourteen channels in a transverse or cross direction.
In a still further embodiment, said linear units and said curved units are symmetrical about a central axis, except with respect to the ends of the respective units.
In further embodiments, the cable includes various electrical and communications cable, including optical cable and computer cable.
The present invention also relates to the use of the guides with electrical and communications cable.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided guide for a cable, comprising an elongated two dimensional base having a plurality of pins in two rows spaced apart to receive a cable therebetween, one end of the elongated base having a housing thereon adapted to receive and retain said cable, said housing being in two separable sections for insertion of said cable therebetween.
In a preferred embodiment, the guide has pins at the end opposed to said housing that are undercut to facilitate retention of said cable between the rows of plns .
The present invention is illustrated by the embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a side view, at an angle, of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a plan view of the underside of a linear guide unit;
Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a curved guide unit;
Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a curved guide unit;
Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a plan view of the underside of a curved guide unit;
Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a side view of a curved unit;
Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a plan view of a linear guide unit and a curved guide unit connected together, with cable;
Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a side view of a stack of interconnected linear guide units;
Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of apparatus interconnected by optical cables and guide units;
Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of apparatus for a single cable;
Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of Fig. 12 viewed from A-A; and Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of Fig. 13 in an open position.
The present invention will generally be described herein with reference to optical cable. It is understood however that the cable may be electrical or communications cable, including cable interconnecting computers or other communications equipment, and other cable interconnecting apparatus.
CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
Fig. 1 shows a linear guide unit, generally indicated by 1. Linear guide unit 1 has longitudinal edges 2 and lateral edges 3, such edges forming a rectangle. Locking projection 4 extends from each of lateral edges 3. Similarly, locking recess 5 is located in each of lateral edges 3. It will be noted that the positions of locking projection 4 and locking recess 5 are reversed on the opposed ends of linear guide unit 1, so that linear guide units 1 may be interconnected in sequence i.e. end to end as shown. In addition, the base of linear guide units 1 is preferably rectangular, although other shapes could be used.
Linear guide unit 1 further has orifice 7 in a central location. Orifice 7 is tapered in the view shown, and is particularly intended to accommodate a screw with a tapered head, to enable the linear guide unit 1 to be attached to a substrate.
The surface of linear guide unit 1 as shown, which is the top surface, has a plurality of pins 6. Pins 6 are shown as being aligned in a longitudinal direction, and aligned in a lateral direction, thus forming a square pattern. The embodiment shown further shows five longitudinal rows of pins 6 and fifteen lateral rows of pins 6, the pins immediately adjacent to orifice 7 being omitted for convenience when inserting a screw into orifice 7 to attach the linear guide unit to a substrate.
However, it is to be understood that any convenient number of rows of pins 6 may be used in either a longitudinal or lateral direction.
Fig. 2 shows a side view of a linear guide unit 1.
Pins 6 are generally shown as being located on the upper surface of the base formed by longitudinal edges 2 and lateral edges 3 of linear guide unit 1. In the view shown in Fig. 2, pins 6 are of two lengths, either being pins of a first length as indicated by pins 10 or of a second length as indicated by pins 11. Pins 10 are shown as being longer than pins 11, and would be of such additional length for facilitate stacking of linear guide CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
units 1 as described herein. As used herein, pins 10 may be described as being of a first length and pins 11 as being of a second length.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of linear guide unit 1. The longer pins 10 may be located at any convenient location, but it is preferred that the longer pins 10 be located in a symmetrical pattern, particularly a symmetrical pattern with respect to both the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis passing through orifice 7.
This will facilitate interconnecting linear units 1 as described herein, as well as the stacking of such units, as described herein.
Fig. 4 shows the underside the linear guide unit 1.
The underside of linear guide unit 1 has a plurality of pin recesses 12. Pin recesses 12 are cooperatively located with respect to the location of pins 10, such that when linear guide units are stacked, pins 10 enter into pin recesses 12 and facilitate the removable stacking of linear guide units 1.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, pins 6 on linear guide unit 1 are of two lengths, either being pins of the length of first pins 10 or pins of the length of second pins 11. First pins 10 of the same length facilitates stacking of the linear guide units 1, and when this occurs second pins 11 act as support for the underside of a linear guide unit 1. It is understood that there could be additional pins of a length shorter than second pins 11, but such short pins are not necessary for operation of the guide units described herein.
Fig. 5 shows a curved guide unit, generally indicated by 20. Curved guide unit 20 has locking projections 4 and locking recesses 5 that would be of the same dimension as those of a linear guide unit 1, and located to facilitate interconnection in any sequence of linear guide units 1 and curved guide units 20.
Curved guide unit 20 has two orifices 21 for insertion of tapered screws to facilitate attachment to a CA 02207l82 l997-06-0~
substrate, as discussed above with respect to the linear guide units. The embodiment shown of curved guide unit 20 has a plurality of aligned second pins 22, which should be of a length that is the same as second pins 11 of a linear guide unit 1, to facilitate stacking of interconnected units. Curved guide unit 20 of Fig. 5 shows one row of first pins 23, which are pins of a longer length and would normally be of a length similar to that of first pins 10 of a linear guide unit 1. The embodiment of Fig. 5 further shows ribs 24 extending between pins 22 adjacent to each of outer edge 25 and inner edge 26, and similarly between pins 23 along the axis of the curved unit. Ribs 24 are intended to act as guides for cables inserted into the guide, especially during the time of insertion of cables into curved units 20. Ends 27 would be of corresponding dimensions to ends 3 of linear guide unit 1. It is understood that the radius of curvature of the curved guide unit would be appropriate for the particular type of cable to be inserted into the guide unit, with a range of radii being acceptable to prevent excessive bending of the cable.
Fig. 6 shows an elevated view of curved guide unit 20 of Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 shows the underside of a curved guide unit 20. Curved guide unit 20 has a single row of pin recesses 28, which are co-operatively located with respect to first pins 23 that are on the upper surface of curved guide unit 20. Pin recesses 28 act in the same manner as pin recesses 12 of linear guide unit 1.
Fig. 8 shows a side view of curved guide unit 20 of Fig. 5.
Fig. 9 shows a linear guide unit 1 connected to a curved guide unit 20. An optical cable, which is a jacketed optical cable, passes between the aligned rows of pins 11 and pins 22 of linear guide unit 1 and curved guide unit 20, respectively; it is understood that other types of cable may be inserted in a similar manner. It is understood that the spacing between aligned rows of CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
pins 11 and 22 would be such that a cable may be placed between the aligned rows, and retained therein, but be capable of being removed as required, without damage to the cable.
Fig. 10 shows a plurality of stacked linear guide units, generally indicated by 30. Stacked units 30 have a plurality of aligned edges, indicated by 2A-2F. Edges 2A-2F are in a spaced apart relationship, as dictated by the length of pins 6. Cables 29A-29C are shown as passing through the stacked units.
Fig. 11 shows interconnected apparatus, generally indicated by 31. First apparatus 32 has cable port 34 with cables 36 extending therefrom. Similarly, second apparatus 33 has port 35 with cables 37 extending therefrom. Cables 36 and 37 enter opposed ends of interconnecting guide, generally indicated by 38.
Interconnecting guide 38 is made of a plurality of linear guide units 38B and curved guide units 38A. Thus, cables 36 and 37, which are opposed ends of the same cables, are held in position and prevented from flexing or otherwise damaging the optical fibres within cables 36 and 37, if the cable is optical cable.
In operation, for example in the environment of the apparatus of Fig. 11, a plurality of cables are interconnected between two pieces of apparatus; the guides are particularly intended for use with optical fibre cables, which are susceptible to adverse effects if bent or twisted, or the like, improperly or to an excessive degree. If there were, for instance, eleven cables and the guides could accommodate four cables, as shown in the drawings, a selection would be made of linear and curved guides consistent with the spatial situation. A cable would be fitted into a first guide or set of interconnected guides so that the cable was located between the same channels throughout the guides.
The procedure would be repeated with three further cables. Guides would then be stacked on top of the guides previously used and four cables inserted therein.
CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
The procedure would then be repeated for the remaining three cables. The guides would be selected so that the cables would be supported and protected for the full required distance. It will be appreciated that the cables may be inserted into the guides in any manner that is convenient under the circumstances.
Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention for a single cable, generally represented by 50. The guide has edges 51 and 52, and end 53, defining a curved elongated base, which has aligned pins 54A-54F, in the embodiment shown, in two rows. The width between the rows increases from 54A to 54F i.e. the spacing between opposed pins 54A
is narrower than between the other opposed pairs of pins, with the spacing between opposed pins 54A being such that the cable intended for the guide will be removably retained between pins 54A. Pins 54A-54F increase in size from 54A to 54F, and generally are similar to pins described previously, except for pins 54A which differ in that the surface facing inwards is undercut, to facilitate retention of a cable in the space between the rows of pins. One end of guide unit 50 has retention housing 55, which is in two parts (see Fig.s 13 and 14) that are attached together using hinge 56.
Fig. 13 shows an end view, with retention housing 55 being formed of two parts, upper section 57 and lower section 58. Upper section 57 fits over part of lower section 58 to hold a cable there between, forming a channel therebetween that retains the cable. Pin recesses 59 on upper section 57 cooperatively receive and lock with pins 60 on lower section 58. Pin recesses 59 may be of a convenient shape e.g. a moon that is substantially full.
Fig. 14 shows retention housing 55 in an open position, with upper housing 57 separated from lower housing 58.
In operation, the retention housing is opened and a cable is placed between the rows of pins. The housing is then closed to retain the cable. The cable is retained in a reversible manner, as the housing retains the cable during normal use, but the housing may be separated into its two parts for removal of the cable. The hinge serves to conveniently locate the separated housing with the remainder of the guide. The opposed pair of pins 54A
retain the cable therebetween, the cable being disposed between pins 54A-54F and passing through retention housing 55.
The present invention provides a plurality of linear and curved guide units which may be interconnected end-to-end in any combination. Cables are located within the guides and retained therein, at an acceptable radius of curvature, and supported to prevent flexing, cracking or other damage to the cables, as discussed herein. The guides may be made in any convenient width, with the embodiments shown in the drawings being intended to accommodate four cables. It is however understood, that the guides could be adapted to accommodate any number of cables e.g. one or more cables. In addition, the guide units may be stacked so that additional cables may be included within the guide units. It is understood that any linear guide unit 1 will stack on any other linear guide unit 1. Similarly, any guide unit 20 may be stacked on any other curved guide unit 20. If the pattern of pins is as described and shown in the drawings, or otherwise co-operatively disposed, linear guide units 1 may be stacked longitudinally or laterally. The latter stacking would accommodate cables passing in cross directions, and could include with appropriate pattern of pins the stacking of more than one linear guide units e.g. three, transverse to a single linear guide unit.
The guide units of the invention are compact and light in weight. Moreover, they may be adapted to any situation, by being used in any combination. While linear guide units 1 and curved guide units 20 could be of a similar length, it is likely that the units would be of different lengths that are convenient in use. It is understood that a plurality of lengths of guide units 1 CA 02207182 1997-06-0~
and/or curved guide units 20 could be manufactured. In addition the curved guide units 20 could extend through a 90~ angle, as shown in the drawings, or could be manufactured with any other convenient angle e.g. 30~, 45~
or 60~, at a radius that is not less than the minimum bend radius for the particular cable to be used. Such a minimum radius could be different for different types of cable. The guide units tend to support the weight of the cable, and can be attached to a substrate for further support.
A variety of sizes of cable may be used. For instance, one particular embodiment of optical cable has a diameter of about 3 mm, but the guides can be adapted to accommodate other cables e.g. cables having diameters of 2 mm, or less, or up to 30 mm, or more. As will be understood, cables intended for different end-uses will often have different diameters, although within a particular industry there may be common sizes of cables.
Claims (12)
1. A stackable guide for retention and restriction of movement of electrical or communications cable, said guide comprising:
(a) stackable interconnectable elongated units selected from linear units and curved units, or combinations thereof, each end of each unit having at least one locking projection and a corresponding recess for releasably engaging each said locking projection;
(b) said linear units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said linear units in a stacked arrangement;
(c) said curved units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said curved units in a stacked arrangement;
said pins being spaced apart on said unit and forming at least one channel on said unit for receiving and removably retaining said cable.
(a) stackable interconnectable elongated units selected from linear units and curved units, or combinations thereof, each end of each unit having at least one locking projection and a corresponding recess for releasably engaging each said locking projection;
(b) said linear units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said linear units in a stacked arrangement;
(c) said curved units having an elongated two dimensional base with opposed surfaces, one surface having a plurality of pins extending from said surface, a portion of said pins being of a first length and a portion of second pins being of a second length, said first length being greater than said second length, the opposed surface of said elongated base having recesses co-operatively located to receive and removably retain said pins of said first length, said pins and cooperatively located recesses being adapted for retention of said curved units in a stacked arrangement;
said pins being spaced apart on said unit and forming at least one channel on said unit for receiving and removably retaining said cable.
2. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which all of said pins are of said first length or of said second length.
3. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which, in said linear unit, said pins are uniformly aligned in two dimensions, especially in a square pattern.
4. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which the channels in the linear units are longitudinal or lateral to said elongated base.
5. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which the linear units are stackable longitudinally or laterally, and said curved units are stackable longitudinally.
6. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which the guides have a plurality of channels, especially four longitudinal channels.
7. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which the linear guides have a plurality of transverse channels, especially fourteen channels.
8. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which said linear units and said curved units are symmetrical about a central axis.
9. The stackable guide of Claim 1 in which the elongated base of the linear guide unit is rectangular.
10. Use of stackable guides of any one of Claims 1-9 with electrical or communications cable, especially optical or computer cable.
11. A guide for a cable, comprising an elongated two dimensional base having a plurality of pins in two rows spaced apart to receive a cable therebetween, one end of the elongated base having a housing thereon adapted to receive and retain said cable, said housing being in two separable sections for insertion of said cable therebetween.
12. The guide of Claim 11 in which pins at the end opposed to said housing are undercut to facilitate retention of said cable between the rows of pins.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207182 CA2207182A1 (en) | 1997-06-05 | 1997-06-05 | Guide for cables |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207182 CA2207182A1 (en) | 1997-06-05 | 1997-06-05 | Guide for cables |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2207182A1 true CA2207182A1 (en) | 1998-12-05 |
Family
ID=4160838
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2207182 Abandoned CA2207182A1 (en) | 1997-06-05 | 1997-06-05 | Guide for cables |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2207182A1 (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-06-05 CA CA 2207182 patent/CA2207182A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |