MXPA00008101A - Wire protection and storage grommet - Google Patents

Abstract

A wire protection grommet (40) is constructed for installation in a wire pull opening (31) extending between a preset (24) and the cell (18) of a cellular raceway (10). The grommet (40) includes a central opening (44) extending between the preset (24) and the raceway cell (18) and which defines a wire pull strain relief. The grommet (40) is constructed to lockingly engage into the wire pull opening (31) so that it is not displaced during use. The distal end of the grommet (40) is weighted so that the grommet self-orients itself in the opening (31) during installation. The grommet (40) also includes a wire storage section around which excess wiring can bewrapped. Hooks are provided for retaining the excess wire on the wire storage section.

Description

CABLE STORAGE AND PROTECTION OJAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to electrical conduit wiring systems in the floor, and more particularly to an eyelet for pulling cables for installation in an opening for pulling cables between a prefix part and the cellular electrical conductor. Modern office buildings require electrical power, communications, and computer data services in various combinations at a greater number of locations. Frequently these needs are addressed through cellular electrical conduction systems. The cellular electrical conduction systems conventionally have a central portion or cell to carry the power cables and a pair of communication / data cells on the opposite sides of the energy cell. One of the communication cells can carry the telephone cable and the other can be carried under the floor and covered with concrete for the finished floor. Access for electric service conductors under the floor is obtained through prefabricated parts that are mounted on electrical conductors in desired locations before pouring the concrete floor. The prefix parts define a REF. 121958 interior hollow compartment that interconnects with the interiors of the electric conduction cells to provide access to the services carried in the cells. A removable mud lid on top of the prefix parts prevents concrete from entering the interior compartment of the prefixed parts when the floor is poured. After the concrete floor has hardened, the concrete on the mud lid breaks immediately and the mud lid is removed to provide access to the interior of the prefixed parts. Certification standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the National Electric Code, now require opening between the prefix parts and the buttonhole cell to protect the cables from being damaged when they are pulled through the opening. Additionally, current EIA / TIA standards require that any opening that is used to pull data cable or category 5 fiber optic cable must have a feature that will prevent the cable from being damaged when pulled around a corner. This is usually accomplished by rounding the corners of the opening to a minimum radius of 2.54 cm (1 inch). Several constructions include cellular electrical conduction systems that were installed before the implementation of these requirements. There is a need for an eyelet that can be installed in existing electrical conduction systems to bring these applications in compliance with current certification standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an eyelet for mounting in a cable pull opening extending between a prefix part and a cell of a cellular electrical conduction system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelet for mounting in a cable pull opening that provides a smooth, curved surface for pulling cables between a prefix part and a cell of a cellular electrical conduction system. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelet for pulling cables having a step defining a tension relief for pulling cables. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelet for pulling cables that includes a cable storage section for storing excess cable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a cable pull eye that can be mounted in different sizes of wire pull openings. Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelet for pulling cables having around a cable storage portion where excess wiring can be covered. Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelet to pull cables that is inexpensive and economical to elaborate. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cable pull eyelet that is durable and easy to install. Another object of the present invention is to provide an eyelet for pulling cables that can be retrofitted in existing cellular electrical conduction systems. These and other objects and advantages are achieved by means of a cable protection grommet for installation in a cable pull opening extending between a prefix part and the cell of a cellular electrical conduction system. The eyelet has a specific size for the insertion through the opening to pull cables and the electrical conductor cellular and defines central steps that extends between the prefix part and the electrical conduction cell. The central passage has a curved portion defining a tension relief for pulling cables. The eyelet is constructed to fit securely in the opening to pull cables so that it does not move during use. The distal end of the eyelet is weighted so that the eyelet is correctly oriented in the opening during installation. The eyelet also includes around a cable storage section where excess wiring can be covered. Hooks are provided to retain the excess cable in the cable storage section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of an electrical conduction system employing a cable protection eye according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a bottom view showing the protection eye of the cable installed in a predisposed part; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top perspective view of the cable protection eyelet; Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the cable protection eyelet; Figure 6 is a top elevation view of the cable protection eyelet; Figure 7 is a front elevational view of the cable protection eyelet and Figures 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views illustrating installation of the cable protection eyelet in the cable pull opening of an electrical conduction system. Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which excess cable in the eye can be stored.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION While the invention will be described in relation to one or more embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these modalities. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. tffi? * ~ '"-fr Referring now to Figure 1 a cellular electrical conductor includes an upper panel 19 and a lower panel 14. The panels 12, 14 define a central energy cell 16 and a pair of communication cells 18 that are positioned on opposite sides of the energy cell. The cellular electrical conductor 10 is positioned below the floor before pouring the concrete floors. The prefix portions 24 (one shown in Figure 1) are mounted on the electrical conductor 10 at preselected locations to provide access to the cells 16, 18 from the upper surface of the concrete floor. The prefix parts 24 define a hollow interior compartment 26 that is interconnected with the cells 16, 18 through the openings to provide access for the service of the cables carried within the cells. A mud lid (not shown) is removably mounted on the upper opening 30 of the prefix part 24. The mud lid prevents the concrete from entering the interior compartment 26 of the prefix part 24 when the concrete floor is poured. After the concrete floor has hardened, the concrete on the mud lid breaks immediately and the mud lid is removed to provide access to the interior 26 of the prefix part 24. An activation assembly (no shown) which accepts double receptacles or other electrical installation devices can then be installed in the prefix part 24. The cable pull openings 31 extend between the interior 26 of the prefix part 24 and the communication cells 18 to provide access to the services carried in the communication cells. In the illustrated embodiment, the wire pull openings 31 are generally oval in shape. It will be appreciated, however, that the shape of these openings is only illustrative. Referring further to Figures 2 through 8B, an eyelet for pulling cables 40 to be mounted in the cable pull openings will now be described. The eyelet 40 has a radius of curvature construction to prevent damage to the cables when they are pulled through the cable pull opening. Eyelet 40 is also constructed to serve as a cable storage loop for storing excess cables for future re-termination. In the preferred embodiment, the eyelet can store approximately 1 meter of category 5 fiber optic cable or cable. The eyelet is preferably injection molded from an appropriate material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The eyelet 40 has a housing or body 38 that consists of a proximal portion 41 and a distal portion 42. The proximal portion 41 has an outer circumferential dimension that is larger than the prefix opening, whereas the distal portion is constructed for insertion. through the wire pull opening 31. A central opening or passageway 44 extends through the eyelet 40 between the prefix part 24 and the electrical conduction cell 18. The central passage 44 of the eyelet 40 has a predetermined size so that the eyelet 40 can be supported by inserting one of the fingers in the central passage of the proximal end. The proximal portion 41 of the eyelet 40 is indicated externally, as is the internal surface of the central opening 44. This indicated construction provides the proximal end of the central opening 44 with a curved smooth surface 45 which functions as a tension relief for pulling cables. . Preferably, this surface has a radius of at least 2.54 cm (1 inch). (In a mode that is currently being built, the radius is 3.18 cm (1.25 inches)). The outer surface of the eyelet 40 has an annular groove 46 or slit which is configured to engage over the edge of the opening for pulling wires 31 to secure the eyelet within the opening.

In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal opening between a group of stops 48, and a group of distal stops 50 to define the annular groove 46. The proximal stops 48 are in the form of longitudinal flanges 52 or flanges extending along the outer surface of the proximal portion 41 of the eyelet 40. The distal stops 50 are formed by a lower leg 56 and a pair of flanges 58 extending upwardly. The lower leg 56 is angled so that its lower edge extends immediately from the proximal edge 62 of the eyelet 40. The eyelet is configured to fit into the openings for pulling cables of different sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the buttonhole fits into the oval-shaped openings having a height of the order of 2.79 cm (1.1 inches) and a width ranging from 9.09 to 9.86 cm (3.58 to 3.88 inches). The installation of the eyelet will now be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. The eyelet 40 is initially lowered in the prefix part 24 through the upper opening 30. The lower leg 56 of the eyelet is then inserted through the pull of the cable pull opening and into the communication cell 18. The weight of the lower leg 56 acts to correctly orient the eye 40 within the opening 31. When the distal portion 42 of the eyelet 40 is rotated downwards, the upper flanges 58 come into contact with the upper edge of the cable pull opening 31. With continuous upward pressure on the proximal end 41 of the eyelet, the flanges 58 bias the eyelet wall inwardly until the eyelashes move past the eyelet. top wall of the opening, and secure the wall within the slot 46. (See Figures 3 and 8A). If necessary, the eyelet 40 can be removed from the opening by inserting a screwdriver into the opening between the top of the eye and the side wall of the prefix part and twisting the screwdriver. The eyelet 40 is constructed to provide a cable storage loop 70 for storing the excess cable for future re-terminations. As shown in Figure 9, the cable 71 is directed from the communication cell 18 and through the central passage 44. The cable is then passed down through an opening 72 and wrapped around the outer periphery of the eyelet 40. The cable retaining hooks 74 extend outwardly from the proximal or front edge of the eyelet 40 to retain the cable in the storage section of the cable 70. In the illustrated mode, the cable pull opening and the eyelet are illustrated oval. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this construction. For example, the wire pull opening and the eyelet may have circular cutting sections.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (20)

1. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A cable protection grommet for installation in an opening for pulling the cables extending between a prefix part and a cell of an electrical conductor characterized in that it comprises: a housing configured to be mounted in the opening for pulling the cables, the housing defines a passage that extends between the prefix part and the electrical conductor cell, the passage defines a tension relief for pulling the cables and that it is adjusted to a predetermined size so that a plurality of cables can freely pass through the opening.
2. 2. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the eyelet was configured to fit securely in the opening to pull the cables.
3. 3. A cable protection grommet according to claim 1, characterized because the eyelet was configured for installation in an opening to pull the cables in an oval shape.
4. 4. A cable protection grommet according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a cable storage section around which the excess cables can be wrapped.
5. 5. A cable protection grommet according to claim 4, characterized in that it additionally comprises a pair of wire retaining hooks for securing the cables in the cable storage section.
6. 6. A cable protection grommet according to claim 1, characterized in that the grommet is configured to be mounted in the openings to pull the cables of varying sizes.
7. 7. A cable protection grommet according to claim 1, characterized in that the tension relief for pulling the cables has a radius of at least 2.54 cm (one inch).
8. 8. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the eye is weighed to self-orientate within the opening for pulling the cables.
9. 9. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 1, characterized in that the eyelet is formed of plastic.
10. 10. A cable protection grommet for installation in an opening for pulling the cables extending between a prefix part and a cell of a cellular electrical conductor characterized in that it comprises: a proximal portion adapted to be placed in the prefix part adjacent to the opening for pull the cables; a distal portion of a size for insertion through the opening for pulling the wires and into the cell of the cellular electrical conductor; the proximal and distal portions define a central passage that extends between the prefix part and the electrical conductor cell, which defines a tension relief for pulling the cables, and adjusts to a size that a plurality of wires can be freely passed through the opening.
11. 11. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 10, characterized in that the eyelet is constructed to be securely attached to the opening for pulling the cables.
12. 12. A cable protection grommet according to claim 10, characterized in that the grommet is configured for installation in an opening for pulling the cables in an oval shape.
13. 13. A cable protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that the peripheral outlet of the proximal portion of the eyelet defines a cable storage section around which the excess cables can be wrapped.
14. 14. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 13, characterized in that it additionally comprises a pair of cable retention hooks for securing the cables in the cable storage section.
15. 15. A cable protection device according to claim 10, characterized in that the tension relief has a radius of at least 2.54 cm (one inch).
16. 16. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 10, characterized in that the eye is weighed to self-orientate within the opening for pulling the cables.
17. 17. A cable protection eyelet according to claim 10, characterized in that the eyelet is formed of plastic.
18. 18. A cable protection grommet for installation in a spring opening extending between a prefix part and a cell of a cellular electrical conductor characterized in that it comprises: a housing configured to be mounted in the opening for pulling the cables, the housing defines a passage that extends between the prefix part and the cell of the electrical conductor, the step defines a relief of tension to pull the cables; Y a cable storage section around which excess cables can be wrapped.
19. 19. A cable protection grommet according to claim 18, characterized in that it additionally comprises a pair of wire retaining hooks for securing the cables in the cable storage section.
20. 20. A cable protection grommet for installation in an opening for pulling the cables extending between a prefix part and a cell of a cellular electrical conductor characterized in that it comprises: a housing configured to be mounted in the opening for pulling the cables, the housing defines a step that extends between the prefix part and the cell of the electrical conductor, the step defines a relief of tension to pull the cables; and where the buttonhole is heavy to self-orientate inside the opening to pull the wires.