Cable identification system and method

[0002] The disclosures herein relate generally to an identification system and method for cables utilized in electronic installations.

[0003] In electronic installations, such as those that includes patch panels, hubs, switching apparatus, racks, or the like, a multitude of cables usually extend from the electronic components in the installation. Due to the high number of cables that often are identical or similar in appearance, the individual cables are hard to identify, locate, or trace. Although stickers, adhesive labels, and the like, have been placed on the cables, they are less than satisfactory since they tend to wear out, lose their adhesive properties, and often fall off the cables.

[0004] Accordingly, what is needed is a cable identification system and method according to which identifying indicia can be placed on cables easily and quickly, without the danger of it coming off.

[0005] To this end, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cable identification system and method are provided according to which one or more rings, having identifying indicia thereon, extend around the cable, and a cover extends around the ring and has a window formed therein, so that rotation of the ring relative to the cover exposes the identifying indicia.

[0006] Significant advantages are achieved with the above embodiment since identifying indicia can be placed on cables easily and quickly, without the danger of it coming off.

[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a component of the cable identification system according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of another component of the cable identification system of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of the component of FIG. 2

[0010] FIG. 4 is an isometric view depicting the components of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an assembled condition.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 refers to a cable which is to be identified in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. To this end, five identical split rings 12 are placed around the cable 10 in a side-by-side relationship. Each ring 12 is preferably manufactured of a firm plastic, such as nylon, and is split to form two slightly-spaced ends 12aand 12b.This enables the ends 12aand 12bof each ring 12 to be pulled apart and the ring placed around the cable 10, after which the ring 12 springs back around the cable under its inherent spring tension, as shown in FIG. 1. Each ring 12 has alpha-numeric indicia formed on its outer surface and extending around the circumference of the ring. In the example shown, the indicia is in the form of a series of circumferentially-spaced letters and numbers which are used, in a manner to be described, to identify the cable 10.

[0012] A cover cylinder 16 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and is formed by two split, arcuate portions 16aand 16b.Each cylinder portion 16aand 16bis preferably manufactured of either a high impact plastic, such as ABS, or a relatively firm plastic, such as nylon. The junction between the two cylinder portions 16aand 16bis preferably of a reduced cross-section to form a hinge to permit the portions to be pivoted relative to each other from the opened position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to the closed position shown in FIG. 4. A window 18 is formed in the cylinder portion 16aand is sized to selectively expose one of the numerals or letters of each ring 12 in a manner to be described.

[0013] As better shown in FIG. 3, a pair of spaced retaining wings 20 and 22 are located on the inner surface of the cylinder portion 16a,and a pair of spaced retaining wings 24 and 26 are located on the inner surface of the cylinder portion 16b.Each wing 20, 22, 24 and 26 is arcuate in shape to conform to the inner surfaces of the cylinder portions 16aand 16b,and is preferably formed by a resilient material, such as rubber. One side wall of each wing 20, 22, 24 and 26 extends substantially flush with the corresponding end of the cylinder portions 16aand 16b.The wings 20, 22, 24, and 26 can be attached to their respective cylinder portions 16aand 16bin any conventional manner. A pair of spaced internal ribs 30 and 32 are formed on the internal surface of the cylinder portion 16a,and a pair of spaced internal ribs 34 and 36 are formed on the internal surface of the cylinder portion 16b.The ribs 30, 32, 34, and 36 are spaced from the corresponding ends of the cylinder portions 16aand 16bto maintain the corresponding wings 20, 22, 24 and 26 in the flush positions described above.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an axially-extending groove 36ais formed in the distal end portion of the cylinder portion 16ato form an adjacent tab 36b,and an axially-extending groove 38ais formed in the distal end portion of the cylinder portion 16bto form an adjacent tab 38b.The tabs 36band 38bare sized relatively to the grooves 36aand 38aso that the tabs can be inserted in the respective grooves in a friction fit to permit the cylinder portions 16aand 16bto be locked in the closed position of FIG. 4, as will be described.

[0015] After the rings 12 have been installed over the cable 10 in the above manner, and as shown in FIG. 1, the cylinder portions 16aand 16bare placed proximate to the cable and pivoted from their open position shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to their closed position shown in FIG. 4, in a manner to capture the cable 10 and the rings 12 within the cylinder 16. The tab 36bof the cylinder portion 16ais inserted in the groove 38aof the cylinder portion 16b,and the tab 38bof the cylinder portion 16bis inserted in the groove 36aof the cylinder portion 16a,to lock the cylinder portions in their closed position. In this closed position, the wings 20, 22, 24, and 26 engage corresponding portions of the cable 10, with the thicknesses of the wings being designed relative to the diameter of the cable so that the cable compresses the wings slightly to insure that the wings firmly grip the cable.

[0016] The design is such that, after the above installation, the diameter of each ring 12 is equal to, or slightly smaller than, the inner diameter of the cylinder 16. The above-mentioned spring tension of each ring 12 maintains it in position, yet permits a pin, or the like, to engage each ring and rotate it relative to the cylinder 16 and the cable 10 until the desired alpha-numeric indicia on each ring is exposed by the window 18. In this manner the cable 10 can be identified with five of alpha-numeric indicia corresponding to the number of rings 12.

[0017] Thus, identifying indicia can be permanently placed on cables easily and quickly, without the danger of the indicia falling off the cable. Also, the identifying indicia can easily be changed and the identifying system of the above embodiment can be easily removed and placed on another cable. Moreover, the resilient wings 20, 22, 24 and 26 will accommodate cables of different diameters.

[0018] It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiment. For example, the number of rings 12 that are utilized can vary. Also, other techniques can be used to permit the relative pivotal movement between the cylinder portions 16aand 16b,such as, for example, the use of a separate hinge, or the like. Further, the mechanism disclosed above for locking the cylinders can vary. Also, spatial references, such as “inner”, “outer”, “over”, “under”, etc, are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

[0019] Since other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosed embodiment.