WO2018119141A1

WO2018119141A1 - Cable conduit

Info

Publication number: WO2018119141A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/067722
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kathleen TERRYLL; Matthew J. Holmberg; James J. Solheid; James J. Brandt
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2016-12-23
Filing date: 2017-12-20
Publication date: 2018-06-28

Abstract

A cable conduit can be unrolled from a reel and cut to length and includes longitudinal sections of a mounting portion and a covering portion that form an openable and closable channel therebetween, the mounting portion and covering portion being couplable by inserting sides of the covering portion into parallel grooves of the mounting portion.

Description

CABLE CONDUIT

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application is being filed on December 20, 2017 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/438,662, filed on December 23, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

Cable conduits are used to hold, protect, and in some cases conceal cabling. Cabling is sometimes run or is installed in corners of walls, ceilings, and/or floors of new or existing structures. In conventional cable conduit systems, the process of introducing and securing cables inside the conduit can be cumbersome, imprecise, and/or time consuming. Improvement of cable conduits is desired.

Summary

The present disclosure relates to a cable conduit, such as a cable conduit for holding fiber optic cables.

In one embodiment of a cable conduit according to the present disclosure, a cable conduit has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and includes a mounting portion and a covering portion, the mounting portion including a pair of grooves that releasably receive opposing sides of the covering portion. In some examples, at least the covering portion is flexibly resilient and can bend around cables housed in a channel formed by the mounting portion and the covering portion. In some examples, in the open configuration one of the opposing sides of the covering portion is received by a corresponding groove in the mounting portion, and the other of the opposing sides of the covering portion is free, i.e., not received in the corresponding groove of the mounting portion. In the open configuration, the channel is accessible through a gap between the mounting portion and the covering portion; in the closed configuration, the gap between the mounting portion and the covering portion is closed off. In some examples, the grooves in the mounting portion are obliquely angled relative to a face of the mounting portion, and the flexibly resilient nature of the covering piece biases the opposing sides of the covering piece away from each other inside the grooves, creating a tight, but releasable frictional fit between the covering portion and the mounting portion. In some examples, the angulation of the grooves results in frictional retention of the covering portion even if just one of the opposing sides of the covering portion is received in one of the grooves. The retention can be sufficient to inhibit the complete detachment of the covering portion from the mounting portion due to, e.g., the force of gravity, and provide for the open configuration of the cable conduit in which the mounting portion and the covering portion form an accessible channel. In some examples, the covering portion is sufficiently resilient to return the cable conduit to the open configuration upon release of one of the two opposing sides of the covering portion from its corresponding groove in the closed configuration. In some examples, the cable conduit can also have a dispensing

configuration. In some examples the dispensing configuration can include a longitudinal strip of the cable conduit spooled around a rotating dispenser, such as a reel. The mounting portion and the covering portion can be spooled together or, alternatively, spooled separately in separate strips around different rotating dispensers. The longitudinal strip of the cable conduit (or the individual longitudinal strips of each of the mounting portion and the covering portion) can be dispensed, e.g., unrolled, in segments of desired length and "cut to length." Thus, in some examples, the cable conduit is sufficiently flexible to be spooled.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a cable conduit in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cable conduit of Figure 1, the cable conduit being mounted to a mounting surface, and being illustrated in a closed configuration.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cable conduit of Figure 1 mounted on a mounting surface, the cable conduit being shown in an open configuration.

Figure 4 is an end view of the cable conduit as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of using the cable conduit of Figure 1. Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to example aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a cable conduit 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cable conduit 200 of Figure 1, the cable conduit being mounted to a mounting surface 202, and being illustrated in a closed configuration.

With reference to Figures 1-2, in the illustrated embodiment of a cable conduit according to the present disclosure, the cable conduit 200 includes a mounting portion 204 and a covering portion 206. The mounting portion 204 includes a first surface 205 that can abut the mounting surface 202. Opposing the first surface 205 is a second surface 207.

A pair of longitudinally elongate grooves (208, 210) are disposed in the mounting portion 204. The grooves (208, 210) are open at the second surface 207 and extend (transversely to the longitudinal direction) generally towards the first surface 205 but obliquely to the plane defined by the second surface 207. Thus, the grooves (208, 210), each have a transverse depth defined by a distance by which the groove extends from the second surface 207 along the direction of its transverse extension, and in this example, the directions of transverse extension of the grooves (208, 210) are at least partially away from each other. In addition, as shown in this example, the grooves extend towards, but do not reach, the first surface 205. The grooves (208, 210) are configured to releasably receive opposing sides (212, 214) of the covering portion 206.

As mentioned, in some examples, the grooves (208, 210) in the mounting portion are obliquely angled relative to the plane of the second surface 207, and the flexibly resilient nature of the covering portion 206 biases the opposing sides (212, 214) of the covering portion 206 away from each other inside the grooves, creating a tight, but releasable interference fit between the covering portion 206 and the mounting portion 204. Non-limiting values of the acute angle formed between the direction of transverse extension of either groove (208, 210), and the plane of the second surface 207 include, e.g., 1-10 degrees, 10-20 degrees, 20-30 degrees, 30-40 degrees, 40-50 degrees, 50-60 degrees, 60-70 degrees, 70-80 degrees, and 80-89 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first side 212 of the covering portion 206 is biased in the groove 208 in the direction of the arrow B, while the second side 214 of the covering portion 206 is biased in the groove 210 in the direction of the arrow C.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cable conduit 200 is longitudinally elongate, extending longitudinally into and out of the page. In this example, each of the grooves

(208, 210) is angled such that the groove openings at the second surface 207 are closer to a point P located between the grooves (208, 210) than are the corresponding bottoms of the grooves (208, 210), respectively. That is, the grooves (208, 210) are angled away from each other as they extend from the second surface 207 towards the first surface 205.

In some examples, the angulation of the grooves (208, 210) results in frictional/interference fit/retention of the covering portion 206 even if just one of the opposing sides (212, 214) of the covering portion 206 is received in its corresponding groove (208, 210). This retention can be sufficient to inhibit the complete detachment of the covering portion 206 from the mounting portion 204 due to, e.g., the force of gravity, and provide for an open configuration (Figures 3-4) of the cable conduit 200 in which the mounting portion 204 and the covering portion 206 form an accessible channel into which one or more cables 114 can be laid prior to closing the cable conduit 200 into the configuration shown in Figure 2. Thus, in the open configuration, one of the opposing sides (212, 214) of the covering portion 206 is received by a corresponding groove (208, 210) in the mounting portion 204, and the other of the opposing sides (212, 214) of the covering portion (206) is free, i.e., not received in the corresponding groove (208, 210) of the mounting portion. In the closed configuration illustrated in Figure 2, the access gap to the channel 216 is closed off for housing the cable(s) 114.

In some examples, at least the covering portion 206 of the cable conduit 200 is flexibly resilient and can bend around the cable(s) housed in the cable conduit 200. In some examples, the covering portion is sufficiently resilient to return the cable conduit 200 to the open configuration upon release of one of the two opposing sides of the covering portion from its corresponding groove in the closed configuration. In addition, just as the conduit 200 can return to the open configuration from the closed configuration, in some examples it can also return to the dispensing configuration from the open configuration.

In some examples, the cable conduit 200 can have a dispensing configuration. In some examples the dispensing configuration can include a longitudinal strip of the cable conduit 200 spooled around a rotating dispenser, such as a reel. The mounting portion 204 and the covering portion 206 can be spooled together (e.g., one atop the other) or, alternatively, spooled separately in separate strips around separate reels or other dispensers. The longitudinal strip of the cable conduit 200 (or the individual longitudinal strips of each of the mounting portion 204 and the covering portion 206) can be dispensed, in segments of desired length and "cut to length." Thus, in some examples, the cable conduit 200, including both the mounting portion 204 and the covering portion 206, are sufficiently flexible to be spooled.

In some examples, the cable conduit 200 is it least partially formed from a plastic in an extrusion process, the extruded conduit being capable of winding or wrapping about a spool for dispensing. In some examples, the mounting portion 204 and the covering portion 206 are separately extruded.

The cable conduit 200 can be mounted to the mounting surface 202 in any suitable fashion. For example, an adhesive can be applied to the first surface 205 of the mounting portion 204. Alternatively, the adhesive can be applied to the mounting surface 202. The adhesive can include material suitable for adhesion to an exterior surface of a building or an interior surface of a building. A removable (e.g., by peeling), spoolable (i.e., capable of winding or wrapping about a spool) backing layer can cover the adhesive until the conduit 200 is ready for use, at which point the removable layer is removed to expose the adhesive. In addition to, or as an alternative to, an adhesive, other mounting means, such as one or more screws 128 (FIG. 2), bolts, nails, staples, or the like, can be inserted through the mounting portion 204 and the mounting surface 202 to secure the cable conduit 200 to the mounting surface 202.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cable conduit 200 of Figure 1 mounted on a mounting surface 202, the cable conduit being shown in an open configuration.

Figure 4 is an end view of the cable conduit 200 as shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the first surface 205 of the mounting portion 204 is mounted to a mounting surface 202, e.g., a wall. One side 214 of the covering portion 206 has been installed in the groove 210. The size and angulation of the groove 210, as well as the materials and dimensions selected for the covering portion 206, provide for the v-shaped or approximately v-shaped open channel (with a gap/opening at the top of the "v") shown in Figures 3 and 4 formed between the covering portion 206 and the second surface 207 of the mounting portion 204, in which one or more cables 114 have been laid without jeopardizing the integrity of the open channel. That is, the obliquely angled groove 210 supports the covering portion in a position that can support the cables 114 while the cables are being laid in the conduit. Once all of the desired cables 114 have been laid in the open channel, the channel can be closed by bending/flexing the covering portion 206 and inserting the side 212 in the groove 208 such that the conduit 200 is in the closed configuration as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 400 of using the cable conduit 200 of Figure 1.

In the example method 400, in an operation 402 a longitudinal section of desired length of the cable conduit 200 is unrolled from a reel, the cable conduit 200 including a mounting portion 204 and a separable covering portion 206.

In an operation 404, the longitudinal section is cut to the desired length.

In an operation 406, the mounting portion 204 of the longitudinal section is secured to a surface 202.

In an operation 408, one side 212 of the covering portion 206 is inserted in a first angled groove 208 of the covering portion 206 such that a channel 216, accessible by a gap, is formed between the mounting portion 204 and the covering portion 206.

In an operation 410, one or more cables 114 are placed in the channel.

In an operation 412, a second side 214 of the covering portion 206 that is opposite the first side 212 is inserted in a second angled groove 208 of the covering portion 206, such that the gap to the channel 216 is closed off, and such that a releasable frictional fit between the first and second sides (212, 214) of the covering portion 206, and corresponding angled grooves (208, 210), is formed, thereby creating a closed

configuration for the cable conduit 200.

Devices and methods consistent with the disclosure make possible the fabrication, installation, and use of cable/fiber carriers for optical networks. The foregoing description of example features provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing the disclosures.

For example, implementations consistent with the principles of the invention can be implemented using other types of fabrication techniques, and assembly methods other than those illustrated in the figures and described in the specification without departing from the spirit of the disclosures. Furthermore, additional features can be added, or removed, depending on specific deployments, applications, and the needs of users and/or service providers. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the invention should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cable conduit comprising:

a covering portion having first and second opposing sides; and

a mounting portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and first and second grooves, the first and second grooves opening at the first surface and extending towards the second surface at oblique angles relative to a plane defined by the first surface.

2. The cable conduit of claim 1, wherein the second surface is adapted to abut a mounting surface for securing the cable conduit to the mounting surface.

3. The cable conduit of any of claims 1-2, further comprising an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration, one of the first and second opposing sides is inserted in one of the first and second grooves.

4. The cable conduit of claim 3, wherein in the closed configuration, each of the first and second opposing sides is inserted in a corresponding one of the first and second grooves.

5. The cable conduit of claim 4, wherein in the open configuration a channel is formed between the mounting portion and the covering portion for receiving one or more cables, the channel being accessible through a gap between the mounting portion and the covering portion.

6. The cable conduit of claim 5, wherein in the closed configuration, the gap is closed off and the first and second opposing sides are biased away from each other in the first and second grooves.

7. The cable conduit as in any of claims 1-6, further comprising a dispensing configuration, wherein at least one of the covering portion and the mounting portion is wrapped around a dispensing reel when the cable conduit is in the dispensing

configuration.

8. The cable conduit of claim 7, wherein both the covering portion and the mounting portion are wrapped around the dispensing reel when the cable conduit is in the dispensing configuration.

9. The cable conduit as in any of clams 1-8, wherein an adhesive is applied to the second surface for securing the cable conduit to the mounting surface.

10. The cable conduit as in any of claims 1-9, wherein the first groove extends towards the second surface along a first direction, wherein the second groove extends towards the second surface along a second direction, and wherein the first direction and the second direction are at least partially away from each other.

11. The cable conduit as in any of claims 1-10, wherein the first and second grooves extend towards, but do not reach, the second surface.

12. A cable conduit defining a longitudinal direction and comprising:

a covering portion having first and second opposing sides; and

a mounting portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and first and second longitudinally elongate grooves, the first and second longitudinally elongate grooves opening at the first surface and extending transversely to the longitudinal direction and towards the second surface at oblique angles relative to a plane defined by the first surface.

13. The cable conduit of claim 12, wherein the second surface is adapted to abut a mounting surface for securing the cable conduit to the mounting surface.

14. The cable conduit as in any of claims 12-13, further comprising an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration, one of the first and second opposing sides is inserted in one of the first and second grooves.

15. The cable conduit of claim 14, wherein in the closed configuration, each of the first and second opposing sides is inserted in a corresponding one of the first and second grooves.

16. The cable conduit of claim 15, wherein in the open configuration a longitudinally elongate channel is formed between the mounting portion and the covering portion for receiving one or more cables, the channel being accessible through a gap between the mounting portion and the covering portion.

17. The cable conduit of claim 16, wherein in the closed configuration, the gap is closed off and the first and second sides are biased away from each other in the first and second grooves.

18. The cable conduit as in any of claims 13-17, further comprising a dispensing configuration, wherein at least a longitudinal section of at least one of the covering portion and the mounting portion is wrapped around a dispensing reel when the cable conduit is in the dispensing configuration.

19. The cable conduit of claim 18, wherein both the covering portion and the mounting portion are wrapped around the dispensing reel when the cable conduit is in the dispensing configuration.

20. The cable conduit as in any of claims 13-19, wherein an adhesive is applied to the second surface for securing the cable conduit to the mounting surface.

21. The cable conduit as in any of claims 13-20, wherein the first groove extends towards the second surface along a first direction, wherein the second groove extends towards the second surface along a second direction, and wherein the first direction and the second direction are at least partially away from each other.

22. The cable conduit of claim 21, wherein the first and second grooves extend towards, but do not reach, the second surface.

23. The cable conduit of claim 22, wherein a depth of the first groove is transverse to the longitudinal direction and defined by a distance by which the first groove extends towards the second surface along the first direction, and wherein a depth of the second groove is transverse to the longitudinal direction and defined by a distance by which the second groove extends towards the second surface along the second direction.

24. A method for housing one or more cables in a cable conduit comprising the steps of:

unrolling from a reel a longitudinal section of the cable conduit;

cutting the longitudinal section from the reel;

securing a mounting portion of the longitudinal section of the cable conduit to a mounting surface;

inserting a first side of the covering portion into a first groove disposed in the mounting portion to form a channel accessible by a gap between the covering portion and the mounting portion;

placing one or more cables in the channel; and

inserting a second side of the covering portion into a second groove in the mounting portion, the second side being opposite the first side, wherein the first and second grooves open at a first surface of the mounting portion and extend towards an opposing second surface of the mounting portion at oblique angles relative to a plane defined by the first surface.