WO2017064278A1

WO2017064278A1 - System for cable storage and device mounting parts

Info

Publication number: WO2017064278A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/074761
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephane Collart; Eric Schurmans
Original assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
Priority date: 2015-10-14
Filing date: 2016-10-14
Publication date: 2017-04-20

Abstract

A system for routing at least two cables with fiber connectors without bending the at least two cables 90°. The system includes a base that has a plurality of female connectors. The system also has a module that includes a plurality of male connectors for releasably connecting to the base female connectors. The module includes a connector surface that supports at least one cable adapter for connecting the at least two fiber connectors. The connector surface is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the base. The module includes a passageway that at least one of the at least two cables extends therethrough without bending 90°.

Description

SYSTEM FOR CABLE STORAGE AND DEVICE MOUNTING PARTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/241 ,545, filed on October 14, 2015, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/264,354, filed on December 8, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a storage system to snap and fix parts together. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a storage system to snap and fix parts together without any tools. The present disclosure also relates to a system for cable storage.

BACKGROUND

Storing cables can be difficult and require the use of separate tools and access to separate rooms or areas. For example, many cables are secured through large storage containers which require a user to enter the storage containers in order to manipulate the orientation of the cables. As a result, current storage and maintenance techniques often require significant time and tools. It is, therefore, desirable to have a system whereby cables can be stored and arranged with reduced need for tools and access to additional areas.

SUMMARY In one aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a system for mounting parts. The system includes a base panel that is defined in reference to a longitudinal axis Y, a latitudinal axis X and a directional axis Z. The longitudinal axis, the latitudinal axis and the directional axis are perpendicular to each other. The base panel includes a front surface and a rear surface. The base panel includes a support aperture and a snap aperture in which the support aperture is positioned higher than the snap aperture with respect to longitudinal axis. The snap aperture is defined along a reference edge and includes an insertion region and a securement region in which the insertion region is positioned above the securement region with respect to the longitudinal axis. The insertion region includes an expansion edge that extends from the securement region to gradually widen the insertion region with respect to the reference edge. The securement region includes a resistance edge extending opposite the reference edge. The system also includes a module defined in reference to the longitudinal axis Y, the latitudinal axis Y and the directional axis Z. The module includes a support insert that removably inserts into the support aperture from the front surface of the base panel. The module includes a securement insert that removably inserts into the snap aperture. The snap insert includes a tab that is vertically aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis and is resiliently flexible along a direction with respect to the latitudinal axis. The tab flexibly engages the expansion edge during insertion through the snap aperture. The tab includes an ear extending from the tab at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The ear flexibly engages the rear surface of the base panel at the resistance edge when the tab is inserted through the snap aperture. In a second aspect, the present disclosure generally relates to a system for routing at least two cables with fiber connectors without bending the at least two cables 90°. The system includes a base that has a plurality of female connectors. The system also has a module that includes a plurality of male connectors for releasably connecting to the base female connectors. The module includes a connector surface that supports at least one cable adapter for connecting the at least two fiber connectors. The connector surface is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the base. The module includes a passageway that at least one of the at least two cables extends therethrough without bending 90°.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a snap system according to an example embodiment of the disclosure, showing two modules secured to a base panel and one module separated from the base panel.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of a section of the snap system shown in FIG. 1 , showing the connection structures of the separated module and base panel.

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the snap system shown in FIG. 1 , showing the separated module and base panel in a connected state.

FIG. 3a shows the front perspective view shown in FIG. 3, showing a plurality of cables secured to cable adapters and extending through the modules.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the snap system shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a side cross-section view of the snap system shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of the snap system shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows an isolated front view of the base panel shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 8 shows an isolated top front perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 shows an underneath front perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a right side view of the module shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 1 1 shows a front side view of the module shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a snap system according to another example embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the snap system shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the snap system shown in FIG 14, showing the translational movement of a module with respect to a base panel.

FIG. 15 is an isolated front view of a base panel of the snap system shown in FIG.

12.

FIG. 16 is an isolated side perspective view of a module of the snap system shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the module shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the module shown in FIG. 16.

DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

FIGS. 1 -1 1 depict an example embodiment of a snap system 10 mounting parts and/or for organizing and storing cables, for example fiber optic cables. The depicted storage snap system 10 includes a base panel 12 that is defined in reference to a longitudinal axis Y, a latitudinal axis X and a directional axis Z. The depicted longitudinal axis Y, the latitudinal axis X and the directional axis Z extend perpendicular to each other. The depicted base panel 12 includes a front surface and a rear surface. The depicted base panel 12 includes a support aperture 16 and a snap aperture 18, each extending through the base panel from the front surface to the rear surface. The depicted support aperture 16 is positioned higher than the snap aperture 18 with respect to longitudinal axis Y. The depicted base panel 12 includes a pairing of the support aperture 16 and the snap aperture 18 positioned with respect to the latitudinal axis X, such that a pairing includes two support apertures along a common latitudinal axis and two snap apertures 18 positioned along a common latitudinal axis. As depicted particularly in FIGS. 1 & 3-7, the base panel 12 can include multiple pairings of support apertures 16 and snap apertures 18 positioned at defined locations along the longitudinal axis Y. The base panel 12 can be constructed of sheet metal having a uniform thickness. The depicted base panel 12 is presented for example only, and can function as part of a larger structure or sheet with more or less apertures 16, 18 than as depicted.

As particularly depicted in FIG. 7, the support aperture 16 can have a shape that resembles a rectangle. The depicted snap aperture 18 has a shape that is defined along a reference edge 40. The depicted snap aperture 18 includes an insertion region 32 and a securement region 34. The depicted insertion region 32 is positioned above the securement region 34 with respect to the longitudinal axis Y. The depicted insertion region 32 and the securement region 34 share the reference edge 40 in common. The insertion region 32 is defined by an expansion edge 36 that extends from the securement region 34 to gradually widen the insertion region with respect to the reference edge 40. The depicted expansion edge 36 extends at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the longitudinal axis Y and the reference edge 40. The depicted securement region 34 includes a resistance edge 38 that extends from the expansion edge 36 in parallel to the reference edge 40. The depicted expansion region 32 increases in latitudinal width as the expansion edge 36 extends from the securement edge 38 toward the support aperture 16.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 1 , 2, 5, 6 & 8-1 1 , the module 14 has a structure that is defined in reference to the longitudinal axis Y, the latitudinal axis Y and the directional axis Z. The depicted module 14 includes a top surface 15 extending between two parallel side surfaces 17. The depicted top surface 15 extends in parallel to the latitudinal axis X and the parallel side surfaces 17 extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis Y. The depicted module 14 includes a front surface 23 that extends from the distal edge of the top surface 15 and between the distal edges of the parallel side surfaces 17. As depicted, the front surface 23 extends perpendicular to the top surface 15 and the side surfaces 17.

In one implementation for storing cables, when secured to the base panel 12 the front surface 23 is oriented at an angle relative to the base panel allowing the module 14 to promote cable management, for example to remove 90° bends in the cables.

The module 14 can be constructed of sheet metal having a uniform thickness.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 2, 5 & 8-10, the module 14 includes a pair of support inserts 20 that removably insert into the support apertures 16 from the front surface of the base panel 12. The depicted support inserts 20 extend from the proximal edge of the top surface 15. The depicted support inserts 20 have a curved lip shape that curves outwardly and upwardly with respect to the module top surface 15.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 2, 5 & 8-10, the depicted module 14 includes a pair of securement inserts 22 that removably insert into the snap apertures 18 from the front surface of the base panel 12. The depicted securement inserts 22 extend from the proximal edge of the side surfaces 17. The depicted securement inserts 22 extend substantially in parallel to the side surfaces 17. As particularly depicted in FIG. 8, the securement inserts 22 include tabs 24 that are substantially co-planar with the side surfaces 17 of the module 14. As particularly depicted in FIG. 2, the depicted tabs 24 include a superior (or upper) edge 33, a lower edge 41 and a distal (or insertion) edge 29. The depicted tabs 24 extend between a pair of flex channels 28 that are oriented at a non- orthogonal angle with respect to the directional axis Z. As depicted, superior edge 33 and lower edge 41 of the tabs 24 are parallel to the pair of flex channels 28. The depicted flex channels 28 allow the tabs 24 to resiliently flex with respect to the side surfaces 17 in a direction parallel to the latitudinal axis X.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 2, 5 & 8-1 1 , the tabs 24 include ears 26 that extend outwardly at non-orthogonal angle relative to the tabs, the side surfaces 17 and the longitudinal axis Y. Preferably, the angle of the expansion edge 36 is directed oppositely (or away from) from the angle of the ears 26. The depicted ears 26 extend from the lower edge 41 near the distal edge 29 of the tabs 24. As particularly shown in FIG. 1 1 , the ears 26 extend away from the side surfaces 17.

The depicted ears 26 include a ramp edge 37 that extends from the distal edge 29 of the tab 24. The depicted ramp edge 37 continues along the same orientation as the distal edge 28. The ramp edge 37 is angled outwardly away from tab 24 in alignment with the ear 26. The depicted ears 26 include a securement edge 31 positioned opposite the ramp edge 37.

It is alternatively contemplated that the depicted snap aperture 18 can function with a different orientation and/or shape in conjunction with a different orientation and/or shape of the depicted tabs 24. For example, in an alternative orientation, the insertion region and the securement region of the base panel can be reversed such that the securement region is positioned higher than the insertion region. Correspondingly, the orientation of the tabs of the module can be reversed to be positioned at the top of the tabs to function with the alternative orientation of the snap aperture described above. Additionally still, the snap aperture can be turned 90° to the right or left to sit horizontally with respect to its depicted orientation, and the tabs can be correspondingly oriented. It is further alternatively contemplated that the shape/orientation of the depicted snap aperture 18 can be reversed such that depicted position of the expansion edge and the reference edge are reversed with the expansion edge being on the inside and the reference edge on the outside. Additionally the angle of the depicted expansion edge can be reversed. Correspondingly, the orientation of the tabs of the module can be reversed to be angled inwardly within the module from the tabs. As will be described in the operation further below, when the ears are alternatively angled inwardly and the expansion edge and reference edges are reversed, the mechanics of installation will essentially function similarly but in reverse.

During assembly of the depicted module 14 to the depicted base panel 12, the support inserts 20 of the module are inserted through the support apertures 16 of the base panel. Through the curved lip shape of the support inserts 20, the module 1 4 is then rotated downwardly to align the securement inserts 22 with the snap apertures 18. The protruding distal edge 29 of the tabs 24 are inserted through the insertion regions 32 of the snap apertures 18. As the module 14 is rotated downwardly toward the base panel 12, forcing the tabs 24 through the snap aperture 18, the distal edges 29 of the tabs contact a section of the expansion edges 36 of the snap apertures 18. With continued rotation of the module 14 downwardly toward the base panel 12 further forcing the tabs 24 through the snap apertures 18, the ramp edges 37 of the ears 26 engage the expansion edges 36 and resistance edges 38 of the snap apertures. As the ramp edges 37 continue to engage along the resistance edges 38 of the snap apertures 18 through continued insertion of the tabs 24, the angled orientation of the ears forces the tabs to flex inwardly with respect to the side surfaces 17 of the module 14. When the module 14 is rotated toward the base panel 12 such that the tabs 24 and ears 26 are inserted completely through the securement aperture 18 thus no longer in contact, the tabs will flexibly snap back outwardly with respect to the module side surfaces 17. When snapped outwardly, the securement edges 31 of the ears engage the rear surface of the base panel 12. When the securement edges 31 of the ears 26 engage the rear surfaces of the base panel 12, the securement inserts 22 are prevented from being freely removed from the snap apertures 18. As a result, the module 14 is secured in place with respect to the base panel 12 through insertion of the support inserts 20 through the support apertures 16 and snapped insertion of the securement inserts 22 through the securement apertures 18.

It is alternatively contemplated that the orientation of the base panel 12 can be reversed and the module 14 can be secured to the base panel in the same manner as described, but with the module being rotated upwardly after the support inserts 20 are inserted through the support apertures 16. Similarly, the base panel 12 and module 14 can function in a horizontal orientation.

To remove the module 14 from the base panel 12, inward pressure is applied to the outwardly-facing surfaces of the tabs 22 so that the tabs flex inwardly with respect to the side surfaces 17. When the tabs 22 flex inwardly with respect to the side surfaces 17, the securement edges 31 of the ears 26 disengage from the rear surface of the base panel 12 to allow the securement inserts 22 to freely rotate outwardly through the securement apertures 18. Example inward pressure can be applied with a user's fingers. Preferably pressure should be applied to both tabs 22 simultaneously. As a result, the module 14 can be engaged to, and removed from, the base panel 12 without the use of tools. Additionally, the insertion and removal process described above can be achieved without having to access the rear side of the base panel 12 and can be completed only through access to the front surface of the base panel.

As described above with reference to alternative shapes and orientations, if the tabs and snap apertures are reversed in orientation from those depicted in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , outward pressure is applied to the inward-facing surfaces of the tabs to release them from engagement.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 , 3, 4, 8, 9 & 1 1 the module 14 can include at least one cable aperture 30 through which cables can pass. Preferably, the module 14 includes a plurality of cable apertures 30. As depicted, the cable apertures 30 extend through the front (or connector) surface 23 of the module 14. Preferably, the cable apertures 30 receive a fiber optic adapter for connecting two fiber connectors. U.S. Patent No.

5,317,663, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, shows fiber optic adapters and connecters of the SC type.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 , 3, 4, 8 & 9, the module 14 can include a cutout (or passageway) 27 that extends through the top surface 15 through which the cables can pass. The depicted module 14 can also include a hollow interior that is accessible through an underside opening 35 positioned opposite the cutout 27. As a result, when several modules 14 are secured to the base plate 12, as depicted in FIG. 3, cables can extend through underside openings 35 and cutouts 27 of each of the modules without restriction.

For example, in operation, a first module 14 is secured to the base panel 14 at a lower position. A first set of cables is extended downwardly through the cutout 27 and through the cable apertures 30. A second module 14 is then secured over the first set of cables and above the first module. A second set of cables is extended downwardly through the cutout 27 and through the cable apertures 30 of the second module 14. A third module 14 is then secured over the first and second set of cables and above the second module. A third set of cables is extended downwardly through the cutout 27 and through the cable apertures 30 of the third module 14.

As particularly depicted in FIG. 3a, the system 10 is shown for routing at least two cables 51 with fiber connectors 53 without bending the at least two cables 90°. The front surface 23 supports at least one cable adapter 55 within the at least one cable aperture 30. As depicted, the cable adapters 55 connect the at least two fiber connectors (53). The at least two cables 51 extend through the cutout 27 without bending 90°.

As depicted, a first module 14 is mounted to the base 12 at a position below the second module. At least one cable 51 is secured to the at least one cable adapter 53 on the first module 14 and extends upwardly through the cutout 27 of the first module and up through the underside opening 35 and cutout of the second module. At least one cable 51 is secured to the at least one cable adapter 55 on the second module 14 and extends upwardly through the cutaway 27 of the first module 14. As depicted, this operation can also function with three or more modules 14 and can function in reverse orientations, as described above.

FIGS. 12-18 depict another example embodiment of a snap system 1 00 mounting parts and/or for organizing and storing cables, for example fiber optic cables. The depicted snap system 100 includes a base panel 102 that is defined in reference to a longitudinal axis Y, a latitudinal axis X and a directional axis Z. The depicted longitudinal axis Y, the latitudinal axis X and the directional axis Z extend perpendicular to each other. The depicted base panel 102 includes a front surface and a rear surface.

The depicted base panel 102 includes an alignment aperture 106 and a snap aperture 108, each extending through the base panel from the front surface to the rear surface. The depicted alignment aperture 106 is positioned higher than the snap aperture 108 with respect to longitudinal axis Y. The depicted alignment aperture 106 can be positioned directly above a corresponding snap aperture 108 with respect to the latitudinal axis X.

As particularly depicted in FIG. 15, the alignment aperture 106 can have a shape that resembles a rectangle. The illustrated alignment aperture 106 can be oriented such that the long sides are parallel to the Y axis and the short sides are perpendicular to the Y axis. The depicted snap aperture 108 can have a shape that is geometrically and functionally identical to the snap aperture 18 described in FIGS. 2 & 7.

The depicted base panel 102 includes a pairing of the alignment aperture 106 and the snap aperture 108 positioned with respect to the latitudinal axis X, such that a pairing includes two alignment apertures along a common latitudinal axis and two snap apertures positioned along a common latitudinal axis. As depicted particularly in FIG. 15, the base panel 102 can include multiple pairings of alignment apertures 106 and snap apertures 108 positioned at defined locations along the longitudinal axis Y. The base panel 102 can be constructed of sheet metal having a uniform thickness.

The depicted base panel 102 is presented for example only, and can function as part of a larger structure or sheet with more or less apertures 1 06, 108 than as depicted. As particularly depicted in FIGS. 13, & 16-18, the module 104 has a structure that is defined in reference to the longitudinal axis Y, the latitudinal axis Y and the directional axis Z. The depicted module 104 includes a top surface 1 15 extending between two parallel side surfaces 1 17 (pressure panels). The side surfaces 1 17 are secured along and extend from the front surface 123. The parallel side surfaces 1 17 are separated from the top surface 1 15 by a separation gap 200 that extends between the side surfaces and the top surface. The separation gaps 200 provide a degree of resilient flexibility of deflection of the side surfaces 1 17 with respect to the top surface 1 15 along the latitudinal axis X. The depicted top surface 1 15 extends in parallel to the latitudinal axis X and the parallel side surfaces 1 17 extend in parallel to the longitudinal axis Y, similarly to the module 14 described in FIGS. 8 & 9.

The depicted module 104 includes a front surface 123 that extends from the distal edge of the top surface 1 15 and between the distal edges of the parallel side surfaces 1 17, similarly to the module 14 described in FIGS. 8 & 9. As depicted, the front surface 123 extends perpendicular to the top surface 1 15 and the side surfaces 1 17, similarly to the module 14 described in FIGS. 8 & 9.

In one implementation for storing cables, when secured to the base panel 102 the front surface 123 is oriented at an angle relative to the base panel allowing the module 104 to promote cable management, for example to remove 90° bends in the cables, similarly to the system 10 described in FIGS. 8 & 9.

The module 104 can be constructed of sheet metal having a uniform thickness, similarly to the module 14 described in FIGS. 8 & 9. As particularly depicted in FIGS. 13, 16 & 18, the module 104 includes a pair of alignment inserts 120 that removably insert into the alignment apertures 106 from the front surface of the base panel 102. The depicted alignment inserts 120 extend from, and are aligned in parallel to, the proximal edge of the side surfaces 1 17. The depicted alignment inserts 120 have a shape that resembles a rectangular that allows for unobstructed insertion through the alignment apertures 106 in the base 102.

As particularly depicted in FIGS. 13, 16 & 18, the depicted module 104 includes a pair of securement inserts 122 that removably insert into the snap apertures 108 from the front surface of the base panel 102. The depicted securement inserts 122 extend from the proximal edge of the side surfaces 1 17 at a position below the support inserts 120 with respect to the longitudinal axis Y. The depicted securement inserts 122 extend substantially in parallel, and with rigid integral construction, to the side surfaces 1 17. The depicted securement inserts 122 resiliently flex or deflect in parallel with the side surfaces 1 17 along the latitudinal axis X.

The securement inserts 122, similarly in geometry and function to the securement inserts 22 described in FIGS. 8 & 9, include tabs 124 that are substantially co-planar with the side surfaces 1 17 of the module 104. The tabs 124, similarly in geometry and function to the securement inserts 22 described in FIGS. 8 & 9, include ears 126 that extend outwardly at non-orthogonal angle relative to the tabs, the side surfaces 1 17 and the longitudinal axis Y.

Similarly to the system 10 described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , it is alternatively contemplated that the depicted snap aperture 108 can function with a different orientation and/or shape in conjunction with a different orientation and/or shape of the depicted securement inserts 122.

During assembly of the depicted module 104 to the depicted base panel 102, as depicted through translational movement in FIGS. 13 & 14, the alignment inserts 120 of the module are inserted through the alignment apertures 106 of the base panel. Simultaneously, the securement inserts 122 are aligned with the snap apertures 108. Similarly to the system described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , the protruding distal edge of the tabs 124 are inserted through the insertion regions of the snap apertures 108. As the module 104 is pushed further toward the base panel 102 along the directional axis Z, forcing the tabs 124 through the snap aperture 108, the distal edges of the tabs contact a section of the expansion edges of the snap apertures 108. With continued insertion of the module 104 toward the base panel 102 along the directional axis Z, the tabs 124 are further forced through the snap apertures 108, and the ramp edges of the ears 126 engage the expansion edges and resistance edges of the snap apertures. As the ramp edges continue to engage along the resistance edges of the snap apertures 108 through continued insertion of the tabs 124, the angled orientation of the ears 126 forces the tabs, and correspondingly the integral side surfaces 1 17, to resiliently flex or deflect inwardly along the latitudinal axis X with respect to top surface 1 15 of the module 14. When the tabs 124 and ears 126 are inserted completely through the securement aperture 108, thus no longer in contact, the tabs and the integral side surfaces 1 17 resiliently snap back outwardly with respect to top surface 1 15. When snapped outwardly, the securement edges of the ears 126 engage the rear surface of the base panel 102, similarly to the system described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 . When the securement edges of the ears 126 engage the rear surfaces of the base panel 102, the securement inserts 122 are prevented from being freely removed from the snap apertures 108. As a result, the module 104 is secured in place with respect to the base panel 102 through insertion of the alignment inserts 120 through the alignment apertures 1 16 and snapped insertion of the securement inserts 122 through the securement apertures 108.

The depicted alignment inserts 120 can engage the bottom surface of the alignment apertures 106 to provide vertical support for the module 104 with respect to the base panel 102, and ensure that the securement inserts 122 align properly with the snap apertures 106 during insertion and removal.

To remove the module 104 from the base panel 102, inward pressure is applied to the outwardly-facing surfaces of the side surfaces 1 17 so that the side surfaces resiliently flex or deflect inwardly within the separation gaps 200 with respect to the top surface 1 15 along the latitudinal axis X. Example inward pressure can be applied with a user's fingers. Preferably pressure should be applied to both side surfaces 1 17 simultaneously. This flexing or deflection of the side surfaces 1 17 causes an integral corresponding deflection of the securement inserts 122. Similarly to the system 10 described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , when the tabs 124 are deflected inwardly, the securement edges of the ears 126 disengage from the rear surface of the base panel 102 to allow the securement inserts 122 to freely be removed from the securement apertures 108.

As a result, the module 104 can be engaged to, and removed from, the base panel 102 without the use of tools. Additionally, the insertion and removal process described above can be achieved without having to access the rear side of the base panel 102 and can be completed only through access to the front surface of the base panel.

As depicted in FIG. 14, the module 104 can be secured to and removed from the base panel 102 even if additional modules are already secured to the base panel above and below along the longitudinal axis Y. This allows a user to replace a module 104 positioned in the middle of a column or row of several modules without having to remove the other modules.

The depicted module 104, similarly in geometry and function to the system described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , can include at least one cable aperture 130 through which cables can pass. Preferably, the module 104 includes a plurality of cable apertures 130.

The depicted module 104, similarly in geometry and function to the system described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , can include a cutout (or passageway) 127 that extends through the top surface 1 15, through which the cables can pass. The depicted module 104 can also include a hollow interior, of similar geometry and function to the system described in FIGS. 1 -1 1 , that is accessible through an underside opening positioned opposite the cutout 127. As a result, similar to the system described above in FIG. 3, when several modules 104 are secured to the base plate 102, cables can extend through underside openings and cutouts 127 of each of the modules without restriction.

The depicted system 100 can receive a single or a plurality of cables within a series of vertically-secured modules 104, similarly to the system 10 described above in FIGS. 1 -1 1 . Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Parts List:

10- Snap system

12- Base panel

14- Module

15- Top surface

17- Side Surface

16- Support aperture

18- Snap aperture

20- Support insert

22- Securement insert

23- Front (or connector) surface

24- Tab

26- Ear

27- Cutout (passageway)

28- Channel

29- Distal insertion edge

30- Cable aperture

31 - Securement edge

32- ^■ Insertion region

33- ^■ Superior edge of tab

34- ^■ Securement region

35- ^■ Underside opening - Expansion edge - Ramp edge of ear

- Resistance edge

- Reference edge

- Lower edge

- Cable

- Fiber optic connector

- Cable adapter

- Snap system

- Base panel

- Module

6 - Alignment aperture

8 - Snap aperture

5 - Top surface

7 - Side surface (Pressure Panel)0 - Alignment insert

2 - Securement insert

3 - Front (or connector) surface4 - Tab

6 - Ear

7 - Cutout (passageway)

0 - Cable aperture

0 - Separation gap

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A system for mounting parts, the system comprising:

a base panel defined in reference to a longitudinal axis Y, a latitudinal axis X and a directional axis Z in which the longitudinal axis, the latitudinal axis and the directional axis are perpendicular to each other, the base panel comprising a front surface and a rear surface, the base panel comprising a support or alignment aperture and a snap aperture in which the support or alignment aperture is positioned higher than the snap aperture with respect to longitudinal axis, the snap aperture defined along a reference edge and comprising an insertion region and a securement region in which the insertion region is positioned above the securement region with respect to the longitudinal axis, the insertion region comprising an expansion edge that extends from the securement region to gradually widen the insertion region with respect to the reference edge, the securement region comprising a resistance edge extending opposite the reference edge; and

a module defined in reference to the longitudinal axis Y, the latitudinal axis Y and the directional axis Z, the module comprising a support or alignment insert that removably inserts into the support or alignment aperture from the front surface of the base panel, the module comprising a securement insert that removably inserts into the snap aperture, the snap insert comprising a tab vertically aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis and resiliently flexible along a direction with respect to the latitudinal axis, the tab flexibly engages the expansion edge during insertion through the snap aperture, the tab comprising an ear extending from the tab at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the ear flexibly engages the rear surface of the base panel at the resistance edge when the tab is inserted through the snap aperture.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tab extends between a pair of flex channels positioned along the longitudinal axis and extending along a direction with respect to the directional axis Z, the flex channels allowing the tab to flex in a direction with respect to the latitudinal axis X.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the tab comprises an insertion edge that engages the expansion edge when the tab is inserted through the insertion region of the snap aperture, the insertion edge angled toward the base panel as the insertion edge extends away from the ear.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the insertion edge engages the expansion edge during insertion of the tab through the snap aperture.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the ear comprises a ramp edge that extends from the insertion edge of the tab, the ear ramp edge engages the resistance edge to flex the tab during insertion of the tab through the snap aperture.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the ear comprises a securement edge opposite the ear ramp edge, the ear securement edge engages the rear surface of the base panel adjacent the resistance edge after the tab is inserted through the snap aperture.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ear disengages from the rear surface of the base panel by deflecting the tab away from the resistance edge through pressure applied relative to the tab on the front side of the base panel.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the support insert is inserted through the support aperture then the module is rotated down relative to the longitudinal axis Y to insert the snap insert through the securement aperture.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the module comprises a pair of pressure panels flexibly oriented in parallel with respect to each other, the pair of pressure panels comprising the support or alignment inserts and the securement inserts in alignment with the pressure panels along the longitudinal axis Y so that the support or alignment inserts and the securement inserts are always oriented in alignment with the pressure panels when the pressure panels flex with respect to each other.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the support insert comprises a curved lip shape that rotatably inserts through the support aperture from the front surface of the base panel and engages the rear surface of the base panel when the ear engages the rear surface of the base panel when the tab is inserted through the snap aperture.

1 1 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the module comprises at least one cable aperture through which at least one cable can pass.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the module comprises a cutout through which at least one cable can pass.

13. The system of claim 1 2, wherein the module comprises a hollow interior accessible through an underside opening opposite the cutout.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the base panel comprises a pair of the support apertures and a pair of the snap apertures, and the module comprises a pair of the support inserts and a pair of the snap inserts.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pair of support apertures are oriented directly above the pair snap apertures along the longitudinal axis Y.

16. The system of claims 1 -15, wherein the module comprises a plurality of separately mounted modules on the base panel.

17. The system of claim 1 6, wherein the plurality of separately mounted modules on the base panel are added vertically upwardly as needed.

18. The system of any of claims 1 -17, wherein the modules are mounted vertically downwardly as needed, or horizontally, as needed.

19. The system of any of claims 1 -18, wherein the insertion region of the snap aperture is lower than the securement region, or horizontally displaced from the securement region, if the tab is correspondingly shaped and oriented.

20. The system of any of claims 1 -19, wherein the ear is bent inwardly instead of outwardly with respect to the side surfaces.

21 . The system of any of claims 1 -20, further comprising a plurality of cable apertures in each module, wherein each aperture includes at least one fiber optic adapter for connecting at least two cables, each terminated by a fiber optic connector.

22. A system for routing at least two cables with fiber connectors without bending the at least two cables 90°, the system comprising:

a base comprising a plurality of female connectors; and

a module comprising a plurality of male connectors for releasably connecting to the base female connectors, the module comprising a connector surface that supports at least one cable adapter for connecting the at least two fiber connectors, the connector surface being oriented at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the base, the module comprising a passageway that at least one of the at least two cables extends therethrough without bending 90°.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the module comprises an opening behind the connector surface and providing direct access to the passageway.

24. The system of claim 23, comprising first and second modules, wherein the first module is mounted to the base at a position below the second module, wherein at least one cable secured to the at least one cable adapter on the first module extends upwardly through the passageway of the first module and up through the opening and passageway of the second module, and at least one cable secured to the at least one cable adapter on the second module extends upwardly through the passageway of the first module.