GB2471944A

GB2471944A - Patch panel frame for detachably mounting on a cable conveying structure to straddle cables therein

Info

Publication number: GB2471944A
Application number: GB201011719A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul John Howell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-13
Filing date: 2010-07-12
Publication date: 2011-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-12
Also published as: GB2471944B; HK1153333A1; GB201011719D0; GB0912185D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a patch panel frame (110) comprising a cover (12) which has a plurality of faceted surfaces (14, 16) and a plurality of apertures (18, 22) formed in each of the faceted surfaces for mounting data or power ports. A retaining structure depending from and integral with the cover is detachably mountable on a cable conveying structure. The cover and retaining structure together define an arch for straddling a cable bundle in the cable conveying structure.

Description

PATCH PANEL FRANE

The invention relates to cabling infrastructure, e.g. used in the installation of information technology (IT) equipment. For example, the invention may be used in the management of cabling associated with rack-mounted IT equipment.

A patch panel is a commonly used interface for establishing communication connections (e.g. data communication or power feed) between a plurality of IT devices, e.g. to enable distribution of data and/or power between those devices. For example, a patch panel can be used as an interface for data communications between a number of client devices (e.g. PCs) and a main server to create a network. In this example, the patch panel may comprise a plurality of data ports on a client side, each of which is connected to the main server. To join the network, a client device has a data communication link plugged into one of the data ports. The patch panel facilitates inspection and management of the devices connected to the server.

Typically patch panels are provided as bespoke units for certain uses. In particular, patch panels for use in interconnecting components mounted in a conventional IT equipment rack are usually arranged to be mounted directly on the rack.

In the installation of IT network equipment many cables may be required, e.g. to provide power to each component and to provide data communication between components to implement the services provided by the equipment. Managing cabling, e.g. in a rack environment, is an important consideration, e.g. in terms of using space efficiently.

At its most general, the present invention provides a patch panel frame mountable on a cable conveying structure to provide patch panel capability for the cable conveying structure in a space saving manner. For example, the patch panel frame may be mountable within a rack to provide patch panel capability for a component within that rack without occupying additional rack space.

According to one aspect of the invention, there may be provided a patch panel frame comprising a cover having a plurality of apertures formed therein for mounting data or power ports, and a retaining structure depending from and integral with the cover, the retaining structure being mountable on a cable conveying structure, wherein the cover and retaining structure together define an arch for straddling a cable bundle in the cable conveying structure.

The cover may comprise a plurality of faceted surfaces, e.g. two or more flat surfaces angled with respect to each other. This arrangement may maximise the surface area available for the apertures to receive data or power ports.

Accordingly, another aspect of the invention may provide a patch panel frame comprising a cover having a plurality of faceted surfaces and a plurality of apertures formed in each of the faceted surfaces for mounting data or power ports, and a retaining structure depending from and integral with the cover, the retaining structure being detachably mountable on a cable conveying structure, wherein the cover and retaining structure together define an arch for straddling a cable bundle in the cable conveying structure.

Thus, when the cover comprises more than two faceted surfaces, apertures are formed in two or more of the faceted surfaces so as to provide a plurality of faceted surfaces each having apertures.

The patch panel frame of either of the above aspects may have any one or, to the extent that they are compatible, any combination of the following optional features.

The cover of the patch panel frame may provide the interface of the patch panel. For example, the cable bundle, which may comprise one or more cables, may be adjacent to the underside of the cover, whereas the upper side of the cover is exposed, e.g. to receive connector plugs from one or more external components which need to communicate with the cable bundle.

In one embodiment the cover may comprise a primary flat surface at the top of the arch and two shoulder surfaces angled to slope away from the primary surface at each side thereof. The retaining structure may depend from one or both edges of the shoulder surfaces opposite to the primary surface.

The apertures, or through holes, may be sized to receive standard data or power ports. For example, the apertures may include one or more cut-outs sized to comply with the BS LJ6C standard. The apertures may include a standard single or double gang power outlet cut-out, e.g. on the primary surface.

The retaining structure may be arranged to engage one or both sides of the cable conveying structure. The cable conveying structure may be a cable channel, having a base and two upstanding side walls. The cable channel may be a rack tray or rack basket suitable for mounting in an IT equipment rack, but need not be limited to this environment. The retaining structure may be securable to the side walls of the cable channel. The retaining structure may be securable to the top of one or both sides of the cable conveying structure.

For example, the retaining structure may comprise one or more engagement elements, e.g. releasable securing members, such as clips, fasteners, hinges, turnbuckles or the like, that are arranged to engage an upper edge of one or both sides of the cable conveying structure. In this case, no significant overlap of the retaining structure with the side walls is necessary. Alternatively, the retaining structure may overlap with the side walls, e.g. to provide increased structural strength. For example, the retaining structure may comprise a pair of arms, each arm being arranged to engage a respective side wall. The retaining structure may comprise a plurality of pairs of arms spaced along the patch panel frame, e.g. in the direction of travel of the cable bundle. A gap may be provided in the side of the frame between adjacent pairs to facilitate air flow through the frame. The arms may pass on both sides of the cable bundle carried by the cable conveying structure.

The retaining structure may include formations arranged to interengage with the cable conveying structure. For example, the retaining structure may include one or more projections or one or more recesses arranged to cooperate with corresponding features (recesses or projections) on the cable conveying structure.

In one embodiment, the retaining structure may include upstanding wall that terminates at an inwardly projecting ledge. The upstanding wall is arranged to contact a side wall of a cable channel, whilst the ledge is arranged to fit against the underside of the cable channel. Where the retaining structure comprising one or more pairs of arms, each arm may comprise an upstanding wall and ledge. The frame may be arranged to grip the cable channel between the upstanding walls, e.g. by forming the frame from resilient material and sizing the arch to be smaller than the width of the cable channel. The frame may be fitted by deforming the frame to open the arch to mount the frame over the cable channel. Upon release, the resilience of the frame may cause the arch to try to return to its original size, whereby the sides of the arch engage with the side walls of the cable channel. The upstanding wall and/or ledge may have fasteners thereon for securing the frame to the cable conveying structure.

In another embodiment, the retaining structure may comprise an upstanding wall arranged to pass on the inside of a side wall of a cable channel. The upstanding wall may include a longitudinally extending notch formed therein for receiving a corresponding feature on the side wall of the cable channel. For example, the cable channel may be a cable basket, e.g. formed of a criss-crossed wires, and the notch may be shaped to receive a section of longitudinally extending wire.

The retaining structure may include one or more fasteners associated with each notch to secure the section of longitudinally extending wire therein. Each fastener may include a finger rotatably mounted on the upstanding wall that is rotatable between a retaining configuration in which it extends over (i.e. "closes") the notch, and a non-retaining configuration in which it runs alongside (i.e. leaves open) the notch.

The frame may have both the notch and the ledge to be securable to more than one type of cable channel.

The retaining structure may enable secure attachment of the frame to the cable conveying structure without the need to use power tools or the like, which can prevent noise and debris generation during installation.

In another aspect, the invention may be expressed as a patch panel frame arranged to connect to an elongate cable channel having an open face and carrying one or more cables extending along its length, the patch panel frame including a support member arranged to extend laterally across the open face of the cable channel, the support member having one or more apertures, each arranged to receive a port interconnectable with one of the one or more cables carried by the cable channel, and one or more engaging means arranged to engage the cable channel to releasably connect it to the support member.

In a further aspect, the invention may be expressed as a patch panel frame arranged to connect to an elongate cable channel having an open face and carrying one or more cables extending along its length, the patch panel frame including a support member arranged to extend laterally across the open face of the cable channel, the support member comprising a plurality of faceted surfaces and one or more apertures formed in each of the faceted surfaces, each aperture arranged to receive a port inter-connectable with one of the one or more cables carried by the cable channel, and one or more engaging means arranged to engage the cable channel to releasably connect it to the support member.

In use, the patch panel frame may provide a unique way of mounting and consolidating multiple outlet types. The frame may be made from sheet metal or moulded plastic, and arranged to fit directly to a conventional tray or basket for conveying cables. For example, the frame may have a width of 100 mm or mm.

To install the frame, it is placed on to the tray or basket, e.g. over the tray or into the basket, and the fasteners (if present) engaged to secure it in place. The frame may thus be attached to the cable conveying structure.

This concept may be especially advantageous where the cable conveying structure is a tray in an IT rack, because the patch panel may be installed without a direct attachment to the rack.

This unique way of installing the frame allows installers to supply a more cost effective installation, saving time and a money over standard installation techniques, because the space above the cable conveying structure is utilised.

Separately located outlet boxes may not be required.

The primary flat surface of the cover may be sized to permit a cut-out the size of a UK standard double gang outlet plate to be mounted on the top. This size of cut out also allows different makes of faceplates/fixtures to be added enabling the installer flexibility to choose the use of the panel frame. The primary flat surface may include other cut outs. For example, at each end of the primary flat surface, there may be 2 x 20 mm and 2 x 25 mm slotted mounting holes for fixing flexible or solid conduits.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the angled shoulder surfaces may have 6 x BS LJ6C cut outs. This size of cut out is standard for the majority of IT manufactures outlets, these combined with the top cut-outs allow the frame to house a multitude of different connector types e.g. fibre optics, coaxial cable, copper UTP/STP and even power outlets.

The frame configuration may permit it to be installed in a multitude of locations. For example, it may be possible to retro-fit the frame anywhere were an IT rack tray or basket has been installed because it does not require a large amount of additional space. That is, the frame utilises the space above the carrier without affecting the performance of the cable channel. Where the frame is used in a rack, its height may not exceed the height of a conventional rack unit, U. The frame may also be provided with additional securing points, e.g. if tray or basket is not being used and the installer wishes it to be attached direct to the building fabric e.g. a wall or within a riser.

The frame may be suitable for all sizes of installations from large structured cabling projects needing multipoint under-floor break out points, to small sinle outlets in ceiling voids.

The frame may be used to use space efficiently in data cabinets (i.e. IT racks) . For example, the Panel may be retro-fitted to an existing tray at the rear of the cabinet to maxirnise useable U-space.

In another aspect, the invention may provide a patch panel, i.e. a panel for consolidating multiple outlet types, incorporating a patch panel frame as described above.

The patch panel may be provided on a cable tray within the rear of a data cabinet. The panel may sit between the equipment and the rear of the rack this enables the user to utilise the full height of the rack without restricting the maximum available U-space. This may make it easier to maintain cross patching within the equipment rack, and the avoidance of messy, haphazard cabling arrangements.

The open arch-like configuration of the frame allows the airflow to be drawn through the frame, which may eliminate the problem of any air restriction within the equipment cabinet.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 shows the patch panel of Fig. 2 with a two-gang power socket and data outlet ports connected to it; and Fig. 4 shows the patch panel of Fig. 2 with data outlet ports connected to it; Fig. 5 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows an isometric view of a patch panel frame according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a patch panel frame 10 made of sheet material such as sheet metal or plastic. The frame 10 comprises a cover 12 which spans the width of the frame. The cover 12 comprises a primary flat surface 14 and two downwardly angled shoulder surfaces 16 along each longitudinal edge of the primary surface 14. The primary surface 14 has an oblong shape with a centrally formed cut out 18 sized to receive a standard double gang power outlet and at each end there are 2 x 20 mm and 2 x 25 mm slotted mounting holes 20 for fixing flexible or solid conduits.

Each shoulder surface 16 is a flat oblong strip having a surface area smaller than the primary surface 14. The shoulder surface is angled is about 450 to the primary surface. Six cut outs 22 are formed in each shoulder surface 16. The cut outs 22 are sized in accordance with the BS LJ6C standard.

The frame 10 includes a retaining structure comprises a pair of upstanding walls 24, each wall depending from the longitudinal edge of a respective shoulder surface 16 opposite to the cover 12. Viewed in a longitudinal direction, the frame 10 thus appears as an arch, the upstanding walls 24 being the sides of the arch and the shoulder surfaces 16 and cover 12 being the top of the arch. The frame 10 thus effectively defines a longitudinal pathway therethrough; the pathway is suitable for receiving a cable bundle, e.g. comprises one of more cables. The height of the upstanding walls is less than or equal to a conventional rack unit (U), i.e. 44.45 mm.

Each upstanding wall 24 comprises a front arm 26 and a back arm 28. A gap 30 is formed between the front and back arms 26, 28 on each wall 24 to permit air flow through the frame 10 when in use.

Each pair of arms is arranged to engage a cable conveying structure (not shown) to secure the frame in use. A particularly useful feature of this embodiment is that each arm is arranged to engage one type of conveying structure with its inner surface and a different type of conveying structure with its outer surface.

In detail, each arm has a bottom end that terminates with an inwardly projecting ledge 32. Each ledge 32 projects from a respective inward facing contact surface 34. The contact surfaces 34 on opposing arms are arranged at a distance apart such that they engage, e.g. frictionally engage, the outer side surfaces of a rack tray. In one embodiment, the frame may exhibit resilience, such that if the arms 26 are pulled apart they will spring back when released. In that case, the distance between each pair of opposing arms may be arranged to be slightly less than the width of the rack tray so that they grip the tray therebetween. Each ledge 32 may act to locate the frame relative to the base of the tray.

Each arm also comprises an outwardly facing surface 36 having a longitudinally extending notch 38 formed therein.

The arms in this case may be received on the inside side surfaces of a rack basket. The notch 38 is shaped to receive a section of basket wire (not shown) . As above, the arms may be resilient, whereby constraining them within a basket causes an outward biasing force which acts to retain the frame in the basket by an interference fit.

The frame 12 may be secured to the cable conveying structure by mechanical means instead of or in addition to the frictional engagement discussed above. In this embodiment the front arms 26 and back arms 28 are arranged to have fasteners (not shown) fixed thereon. In particular, the inwardly facing surface 34 and outwardly facing surface 36 may have respective mounting holes 39, 41 for receiving rotatable fasteners, such as those discussed below with respect to the second embodiment. Essentially the fasteners may act either to hold the basket wire in the notch 38 or secure the tray side to a respective arm.

Mounting holes 40 are provided in the ledge 32 to enable the frame to be mounted directly on a wall or floor, e.g. using a wall plug, if necessary.

Fig. 2 shows a patch panel frame 110 that is a second embodiment of the invention. Features in common with the first embodiment are given the same reference numbers and

description thereof is not repeated.

The second embodiment differs from the first in that there are only four apertures 22 on each shoulder surface 16, and in that a common mounting hole is used for the fastener for both the inwardly facing surface 34 and outwardly facing surface 36.

The fastener 42, referred to here as a reversible turnbuckle, comprises a screw 44 that secure rigid finger 46 against either the inwardly facing surface 34 and outwardly facing surface 36. The fastener 42 is rotatable from an open position to a closed position. Fig. 2 shows the fastener 42 in the closed position on the outer surface of the arms 26, 28. In the closed position the arm covers the entrance to notch 38, thereby capturing a section of basket wire contained therein. In the open position the finger 46 lies alongside the notch 38.

Fig. 3 shows the second embodiment with a double power socket 50 fitted to the aperture 18, e.g. using screw fittings into corresponding holes 48. Of course, where a power input is incorporated into the patch panel frame 110, the patch panel frame 110 and the cable conveying structure may together form a sealed unit which boxes in the live power connectors, while still offering the same advantages of arching over the cable conveying structure and utilizing the dead space above the cable conveying structure. For example, the patch panel frame 110 might have end walls (not shown) which span the width of the cable conveying structure.

Fig. 4 shows the second embodiment with additional data ports 52 fitted to the aperture 18, e.g. using screw fittings into corresponding holes 48.

Figure 5 shows a patch panel frame 210 that is a third embodiment of the invention. Features in common with the previous embodiments are given the same reference numbers and

description thereof is not repeated.

The third embodiment differs from the first in that two L-shaped cut-outs 60 are provided on each of the shoulder surfaces 16 of the cover 12. The L-shaped cut-outs 60 are for attachment of an outer cover, and are discussed in more detail later. In addition, in the third embodiment U-shaped cut-outs 62 are provided on each of the four inwardly projecting ledges 32 of the upstanding walls 24. Each U-shaped cut-out 62 defines a resilient tongue 64. To attach the patch panel frame 210 to a cable conveying structure, the resilient tongues 64 are deformed to engage corresponding features on the cable conveying structure. For example, where the cable conveying structure is a wire basket, each resilient tongue 64 is deformed to receive a spanning wire of the wire basket. In this embodiment, the tongues 64 formed in the front arms extend in a direction opposed to that of the tongues 64 formed in the rear arms. This arrangement facilitates a more secure attachment of the patch panel frame 210 to the cable conveying structure.

Figure 6 shows a patch panel frame 310 that is a fourth embodiment of the invention. Features in common with the previous embodiments are given the same reference numbers and

description thereof is not repeated.

The fourth embodiment differs from the third in that three L-shaped cut-outs 60 are provided on each of the shoulder surfaces 16 of the cover 12. In addition, in the fourth embodiment the primary surface 14 has 12 apertures 63.

Figure 7 shows a patch panel frame 410 that is a fifth embodiment of the invention. Features in common with the previous embodiments are given the same reference numbers and

description thereof is not repeated.

The fifth embodiment differs from the first in that an outer cover 70 is attached to the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410. The outer cover 70 has an upper surface 72 with the same shape profile as the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410, i.e. a primary flat surface and two downwardly angled shoulder surfaces. The upper surface 72 is displaced from the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410 by side walls 74 which abut the cover 12. The outer cover 70 thus encloses the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410, preventing access to the cover 12 while it is attached.

The outer cover 70 is formed of a clear transparent material. Thus, it is possible to inspect the network connectivity within the patch panel frame 410 without removing the outer cover 70. To further secure the internal connections, the outer cover 70 is formed of a material of high impact strength, temperature resistance and fire rating.

For example, the outer cover may be formed of polycarbonate.

The internal connections are thus protected against a range of hazards.

To enable attachment of the outer cover 70 to the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410, three L-shaped cut-outs 60 are provided on each shoulder surface 16 of the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410. Corresponding projecting tabs 76 are provided on an inner surface of the outer cover 70 to engage the L-shaped cut-outs 60. The outer cover is attached in two stages. Firstly, each tab 76 is positioned in an upwardly extending section of the corresponding L-shaped cut-out 60 and the outer cover 70 is pushed towards the cover 12 of the patch panel frame. Secondly, the outer cover 70 is moved parallel to the cover 12 so that the tabs 76 move along horizontally extending sections of the L-shaped cut-outs 60.

To detach the outer cover 70, these steps are reversed. A locking mechanism 78 is provided to secure the outer cover 70 to the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410 once it has been attached. The locking mechanism 78 comprises a finger 80 rotatably mounted on the cover 70, which is receivable in a corresponding slot 82 on the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 410. When the outer cover 70 is locked to the cover 12 it cannot be moved parallel to the cover 12 to the patch panel frame 410, and thus cannot be detached.

Fig. 8 shows a patch panel frame 510 that is a sixth embodiment of the invention. Features in common with the previous embodiments are given the same reference numbers and

description thereof is not repeated.

The sixth embodiment differs from the first in that there are no retaining arms depending from the cover 12 of the patch panel frame 510. Instead, the retaining structure comprises two side surfaces 100 each depending from a longitudinal edge of a shoulder surface 16. Each of the side surfaces 100 has a longitudinally extending notch 38 formed therein. Each notch 38 is shaped to receive a section of basket wire (not shown) at an upper edge of a side wall of a wire basket. In this way, the retaining structure can be detachably engaged with the upper edges of both sides of a wire basket. The retaining structure may also include one or more fasteners (not shown) associated with each notch to secure the section of longitudinally extending wire therein. Each fastener may include a finger rotatably mounted on the upstanding wall that is rotatable between a retaining configuration in which is extends over (i.e. "closes") the notch, and a non-retaining configuration in which it runs alongside (i.e. leaves open) the notch.

Fig. 9 shows a patch panel frame 610 that is a seventh embodiment of the invention. Features in common with the previous embodiments are given the same reference numbers and

description thereof is not repeated.

The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth in that the retaining structure comprises six projecting strips depending from the shoulder surfaces 16. Each shoulder surface 16 has an elongate strip 104, which is elongate in the longitudinal direction of the patch panel frame 610, depending downwardly from the longitudinal edge thereof. Each shoulder surface 16 has two more projecting strips 106 depending from the longitudinal edge thereof, these additional projecting strips being positioned to either side of the elongate strip 104.

The additional projecting strips 106 project from the elongate edge of the shoulder surface 16 in a direction parallel to the surface of the shoulder surface 16.

To attach the patch panel frame 610 to a wire basket, the patch panel frame 610 is positioned on top of the wire basket so that the longitudinal edges of the shoulder surfaces 16 of the patch panel frame 610 are located directly above upper wires of the side surfaces of the wire basket. In this arrangement, an upper wire of a side surface of the wire basket will pass between the elongate strip 104 and the two additional strips 106 of an elongate edge of a shoulder surface 16. To mount the patch panel frame 610 on the wire basket, the strips 104, 106 can be folded over to enclose the upper wire of the wire basket. With the upper wires enclosed by the strips 104, 106 of the retaining structure, it is not possible to lift the patch panel frame 610 off of the wire basket. To allow the patch panel frame 610 to be detached from the wire basket, the strips can be folded back to their original configuration.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A patch panel frame comprising: a cover having a plurality of faceted surfaces and a plurality of apertures formed in each of the faceted surfaces for mounting data or power ports; and a retaining structure depending from and integral with the cover, the retaining structure being detachably mountable on a cable conveying structure, wherein the cover and retaining structure together define an arch for straddling a cable bundle in the cable conveying structure.
2. A patch panel frame according to claim 1, wherein the cover of the patch panel frame provides a patch panel interface for receiving connector plugs from one or more external components to effect communication between the external components and the cable bundle.
3. A patch panel frame according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover comprises a primary flat surface at the top of the arch and two shoulder surfaces angled to slope away from the primary surface at each side thereof.
4. A patch panel frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining structure is arranged to engage one or both sides of the cable conveying structure.
5. A patch panel frame according to claim 4 wherein the retaining structure is securable on top of one or both sides of the cable conveying structure.
6. A patch panel frame according to claim 4 wherein the retaining structure includes side portions which pass on both sides of the cable bundle.
7. A patch panel frame according to claim 6, wherein the retaining structure comprises a pair of arms on opposite side of the arch.
8. A patch panel frame according to claim 7, wherein the retaining structure comprises a plurality of pairs of arms spaced along the patch panel frame in the. direction of travel of the cable bundle, and wherein a gap is provided in the side of the frame between adjacent pairs of arms to facilitate air flow through the frame.
9. A patch panel frame according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each arm comprises an upstanding wall and the frame is resiliently deforrnable to grip the cable conveying structure between the upstanding walls.
10. A patch panel frame according to claim 9 including one or more fasteners on the inside surface of each upstanding wall for securing the frame to the cable conveying structure.
11. A patch panel frame according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining structure includes formations arranged to interengage with the cable conveying structure.
12. A patch panel frame according to claim 11, wherein the formations include or more projections or one or more recesses arranged to cooperate with corresponding features on the cable conveying structure.
13. A patch panel frame according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each arm comprises an upstanding wall arranged to pass on the inside of a side wall of a cable conveying structure., each upstanding wall including a longitudinally extending notch formed therein for receiving a corresponding feature on the side wall of the cable channel.
14. A patch panel according to claim 13, wherein the retaining structure includes one or more fasteners associated with each notch, each fastener including a finger rotatably mounted on the upstanding wall that is rotatable between a retaining configuration in which it extends over the notch, and a non-retaining configuration in which it runs alongside the notch.
15. A patch panel frame arranged to connect to an elongate cable channel having an open face and carrying one or more cables extending along its length, the patch panel frame including a support member arranged to extend laterally across the open face of the cable channel, the support member comprising a plurality of faceted surfaces and one or more apertures formed in each of the faceted surfaces, each aperture arranged to receive a port interconnectable with one of the one or more cables carried by the cable channel, and one or more engaging means arranged to engage the cable channel to releasably connect it to the support member.
16. Patch panel apparatus comprising a patch panel frame according to any preceding claim mounted on a cable conveying structure, wherein the cable conveying structure comprises a cable channel having a base and two upstanding side walls, the retaining structure of the patch panel frame being engaged with the upstanding side walls of the cable channel.
17. Patch panel apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the retaining structure overlaps the upstanding side walls.
18. Patch panel apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the retaining structure is secured on top of one or both side walls.