Cable management

[0002] The invention generally relates to cabling devices and, more specifically, mechanisms for arranging and organizing cables.

[0003] Many devices require connection to one or more cables. One common example is a desktop computer, which typically has connections for a number of cables including cables for video connections, one or more printers, a keyboard, a mouse, and any number of other peripheral devices. Thus, the number of cables employed can be fairly large and cumbersome even for this basic device.

[0004] There are, of course, more sophisticated devices that have connections for even greater numbers of cables. One particular device, a network router, may require the connection of 200-300 cables or more, each of which must be securely coupled to the proper connector. It may be difficult and time consuming to work on the router if the cables are in the way. Thus, it is desirable to manage the cables so as to minimize the possibility that one or more of the cables may become disconnected if accidentally disturbed.

[0005] Apparatus and methods consistent with the principles of the invention provide a cable manager that can be affixed to a chassis. The cable manager serves to guide each of the cables attached to the chassis and to keep them properly oriented. The cable manager is positioned so as to not interfere with certain components of the chassis during normal operation. The cable manager is also moveable between at least two positions, so that the cable manager and the attached cables can be easily moved to allow access to the chassis.

[0006] In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a cable manager having a trough with a plurality of bobbins for guiding cables. A four bar linkage is used to attach the trough to an external portion of a chassis. The four bar linkage allows the trough to be positioned in, and locked in, at least an upper and a lower position. The lower position may be chosen for normal use and operation of the chassis. The size of the cable manager is chosen so as to not obstruct any components that need to remain unobstructed. For example, it is generally desirable to keep the interface cards to which the cables are connected, as well as an air intake for the chassis, free and unobstructed. In the upper position, the cable manger completely exposes any components it blocks while in the lower position, and allows them to be serviced or otherwise utilized.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a cable manager coupleable, to a device having one or more cables attachable thereto. The cable manager includes a cable guide, and a bracket assembly coupled between the cable guide and the device. The bracket assembly is configured to allow the cable guide to be moved between at least two positions relative to the device. The bracket assembly may include at least one four bar linkage. The four bar linkage may include a first bracket coupleable to the device, a second bracket coupleable to the cable guide, a first link arm pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotally connected to the second bracket, and a second link arm pivotally connected to the first bracket and pivotally connected to the second bracket.

[0008] The cable guide may include a trough, and a plurality of bobbins coupled with the trough. Cables may be passed between adjacent bobbins and supported and guided by the trough. The cable manager may also include a locking assembly coupled between the cable guide and the bracket assembly so that the cable guide can be selectively locked into one of the at least two positions.

[0009] In another embodiment, the cable manager may be coupleable to a chassis having a plurality of cables. The cable manager includes a first four bar assembly having a first upper bracket coupleable to an outer perimeter of the router, a first lower bracket, a first upper link arm pivotally connected between the first upper bracket and the first lower bracket and a first lower link arm pivotally connected between the first upper bracket and the first lower bracket. A second four bar assembly may also be provided and includes a second upper bracket coupleable to an outer perimeter of the chassis, a second lower bracket, a second upper link arm pivotally connected between the second upper bracket and the second lower bracket and a second lower link arm pivotally connected between the second upper bracket and the second lower bracket. A torsion bar may be provided that is connected between the first four bar assembly and the second four bar assembly. A support tray is coupled with the first lower bracket and the second lower bracket. The support tray is moveable relative to the chassis between a raised position and lowered position. A trough may be coupled with the support tray and include a plurality of bobbins. The trough includes an uppermost edge and a lowermost edge.

[0010] In another embodiment, the cable manager may include a tray that is configured to receive and guide cables. The cable manager may also include a first four bar linkage coupleable between the tray and a device having one or more cables. The tray is positionable in at least two positions with respect to the device. The cable manager also includes a locking mechanism coupled between the tray and the four bar linkage and is configured to selectively secure the tray relative to the device.

[0011] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view illustrating a front panel of a router and the interconnection of various cables.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view illustrating a cable manager consistent with the principles of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the components of one embodiment of the cable manager.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a side, partially sectional view of a router with a cable manager attached and in a lowered position.

[0016] FIG. 5 is side elevational view of a cable manager in a lowered position.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a cable manager in a raised position.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side, partially sectional view illustrating a cable manager in a lowered position and illustrating (in phantom) a cable manager in a raised position.

[0019] FIG. 8 is side elevational view of a four bar linkage assembly.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top, planar and partially sectional view of a portion of a link arm with an attached leaf spring.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a top, planar and partially sectional view of a portion of a link arm with an attached leaf spring shown in an extended position.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a lower bracket.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a lower bracket with an attached lower link arm, shown in both a raised and lowered position.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a lower bracket with an attached lowerlink arm and leaf spring, shown in both a raised and lowered position.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an example router 10. In one embodiment, router 10 has a chassis that includes a front panel 12, a top panel 14, a bottom panel 16, a left side panel 18 and a right side panel 20. Router 10 is generally representative of any electronic or other type of device that requires the attachment of one or more cables 34A-34E, collectively referred to as cables 34. Cables 34 represent any type of flexible, elongated member that is attached to another device. In the present embodiment, router 10 houses various electronic components that require the attachment of various data and peripheral cables 34.

[0026] Router 10 may be placed into a rack with other routers and/or other pieces of equipment. To facilitate placement within a rack or a similar structure, top panel 14, bottom panel 16, left side panel 18 and right side panel 20 are usually devoid of connectors, controls or other types of devices that may need to be routinely accessed. A back panel, not illustrated, may be accessible and may include various components.

[0027] Front panel 12 provides the primary surface to which the various cables 34 are attached and includes various other components of router 10 as well. These components may include a control panel 24, an upper fan tray 25, a plurality of interface cards 32, a filter tray 26, a lower fan tray 28, and an air intake 30. Control panel 24 provides controls for utilizing router 10. Fan trays 25, 28 provide air circulation within router 10. Filter tray 26 provides an air filter to filter the air brought in through air intake 30. Each of these components is removable to allow for servicing and repair.

[0028] Coupled with each of the interface cards 32 are one or more cable connectors 35. For ease of illustration, only cables 34 are show in FIG. 1, however each cable connector 35 may have one or more cables connected thereto during normal operation. Cables 34 illustrate some of the problems that can be associated with the cable management of router 10. For example, although cable 34A is connected to interface card 32A, it crosses over interface card 32B. Thus, access to interface card 32B is obstructed and, if interface card 32B is to be removed, cable 34A must first be moved.

[0029] Cables 34B, 34C avoid this problem by following (running parallel to) interface card 32C. Thus, cables 34B, 34C do not obstruct adjacent interface cards. However, cables 34A, 34B, and 34C cross over and obstruct filter tray 26, fan tray 28 and air intake 30. To service or remove any of these components, a service technician must first move cables 34A, 34B and 34C. When large numbers of cables obstruct a component that needs to be accessed, moving those cables is troublesome, time consuming and problematic. Many of the cables could become disconnected, for example, further increasing the time and complexity of the servicing task. Cables 34D and 34E, which are attached to interface card 32D, illustrate a better cable arrangement, but still obstruct interface cards 32E and 32F.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates certain cable management issues involving router 10. These and other problems are addressed on router 10 in FIG. 2, which is a front elevational view illustrating a cable manager 50 coupled to router 10 to direct cables 34A, 34B along a desired path. In the illustrated embodiment, cable manager 50 includes a plurality of bobbins 52 attached to a trough 54. Each bobbin 52 provides a surface for guiding one or more cables through trough 54, which provides an unobstructed passageway for routing the cables.

[0031] Cable manager 50 is secured to attachment lip 22 of router 10 via upper left bracket 56 and upper right bracket 58. Certain terms such as right, left, upper and lower are used herein only to describe the illustrated embodiments. These terms, which are used in reference the Figures, are for explanatory purposes only and do not limit the invention. Cable manager 50 allows the various cables attached to router 10, such as cable 34A and cable 34B to run along (generally parallel with) their respective interface cards 32G, 32D without interfering with any of the other interface cards 32. When cables 34A, 34B, reach cable manager 50 they are wrapped about bobbins 52A and 52B, directed along (generally parallel with) the width of cable manger 50 through trough 54, and run past the side panel 22 of router 10. The surface provided by each bobbin 52 in one embodiment is generally symmetric in nature. Consequently, once reaching a given bobbin 52, a cable can easily be directed either to the right or the left.

[0032] Cable manager 50 is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. FIG. 2 illustrates cable manager 50, consistent with the principles of the invention, in a lowered position, which would typically be used during normal operation of router 10. In this position, cable manager 50 does not obstruct air intake 30 and interface cards 32, allowing the service technician or system administrator to easily access the various interface cards 32. Cable manager 50, however, blocks filter tray 26 and fan tray 28 when it is in the lowered position. However, these components generally do not need to be accessed during normal operation of router 10. Cable manager 50 can be raised, along with all cables 34, 36 coupled thereto, so that filter tray 26 and fan tray 28 are exposed for servicing or other purposes.

[0033] In order to accommodate the movement of cable manager 50, a service technician provides a sufficient amount of slack in cables 34 when connecting cables 34 to cable manager 50. Cables 34 connect router 10 to some external point and if there were no slack in cables 34 between cable manager 50 and that external point, it would not be possible to move cable manager 50 from lowered position to the upper position. In one embodiment, cable manager 50 may include a gauge (not shown) to help the service technician determine the proper amount of slack to leave in cables 34.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view illustrating an example embodiment of cable manager 50. Cable manager 50 includes a plurality of cable guides such as bobbins 52. Bobbins 52 may be semi-cylindrical elements separated by slots 104. One or more cables pass through a given slot 104 and then partially wrap about the cylindrical portion of a given bobbin 52. Bobbins 52 are coupled with trough 54. Thus, as cables wrap around an individual bobbin 52, trough 54 guides and supports the cables so as to direct them along trough 54. Bobbins 52 and trough 54 may be integrally formed and may be made of plastic, metal or any other material. Trough 54 and bobbins 52 generally form a tray structure for receiving and guiding cables. Various other configurations of such a tray can be utilized to receive and guide cables. For example, clips or locks (not shown) located between bobbins 52 could further secure cables 34 in place.

[0035] Trough 54 may be coupled to a support tray 70 formed of metal, plastic or another material. Attachment of trough 54 to support tray 70 may be accomplished with screws 106 or other attachment mechanisms. Support tray 70 provides a base to which various other components, including trough 54, may be attached. In another embodiment, support tray 70 may be eliminated. Instead the various components are attached directly to trough 54.

[0036] Cable manager 50 can be securely affixed to router 10 (or other device) via a connection mechanism, such as left and right four-bar linkages 77, 76, respectively. Right four-bar linkage 76 includes a right upper bracket 58 that is fixedly attached to router 10 via screws, rivets, bolts, welding, latches or any other permanent or temporary connection medium. An upper link arm 84 and a lower link arm 82 are respectively pivotally connected to right upper bracket 58. For example, rivet 102 couples upper link arm 84 to right upper bracket 58. This allows lower link arm 82 to pivot freely with respect to right upper bracket 58. A right lower bracket 74 is fixedly attached to support tray 70. Lower and upper link arms 82, 84 are respectively pivotally coupled with right lower bracket 74. Thus, upper bracket 58, lower bracket 74, upper link arm 84 and lower link arm 82 form four bar linkage 76. This arrangement allows for relative motion between right upper bracket 58 and right lower bracket 74 via the motion of pivoting support arms 82, 84. As illustrated, the opposing sides of four bar linkage 76 will remain generally parallel to one another despite their movement. That is, lower link arm 82 will remain generally parallel with upper link arm 84 and right upper bracket 58 will remain generally parallel with right lower bracket 74.

[0037] Other four bar linkage configurations would provide for different paths of travel that maybe desirable in certain circumstances. For example, if the opposing sides were made non-parallel, trough 54 would tilt as it travels along its path of movement. Making the opposing sides different lengths would produce the non-parallel configuration. Whether parallel or not, the four bar linkage serves to constrain the position of cable manager 50 relative to the chassis.

[0038] Left four bar linkage 77 is similar to right four bar linkage 76 and includes a left upper bracket 56, a left lower bracket 72, a lower left link arm 80 and an upper right link arm 78. The components of right and left four bar linkages 76, 77 can be formed from metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. As explained above, motion of either right or left four bar linkages 76, 77 will cause the various opposing components within the four bar linkage to remain generally parallel to one another. Torsion bar 90 is provided to mechanically link right four bar linkage 76 to left four bar linkage 77 so that they also remain aligned with one another.

[0039] Right and left four bar linkages 76, 77 allow support tray 70 (and the components attached thereto) to be moved with respect to upper left and right brackets 56, 58. This motion will be described in greater detail below. In this embodiment, support tray 70 is moved from a lower position to an upper position. It is desirable to lock or secure support tray 70 in the position selected. To facilitate locking latch bar 86 is provided. Latch bar 86 is a flexible, resilient member that is substantially similar to lower link arm 82. Latch bar 86 includes an oversized head portion 131 that has a diameter greater than that of the width of lower link arm 82. A locking pin 88 extends from latch spring 86 towards lower link arm 82. Pivotally coupled with support tray 70 is a right latch lever 92. Right latch lever 92 pivots generally from right to left and vice versa, as illustrated.

[0040] Right latch lever 92 includes a bifurcated tip 93 that engages head portion 131. An extension spring 96 biases bifurcated tip 93 towards support tray 70. Thus, as latch lever 92 is engaged and caused to pivot, bifurcated tip 93 causes head portion 131 to move away from lower link arm 82, which in turn causes locking pin 88 to release. When latch lever 92 is not engaged, right latch lever 92 is generally coplanar with link arm 82 and locking pin 88 is engaged if aligned with link arm 82. Though not illustrated in FIG. 3, a second latch bar can be provided adjacent left lower link arm 80 that interacts with left latch lever 94. Alternative locking mechanisms could be utilized in lieu of those illustrated. Such a locking mechanism should latch both four bar mechanisms and should allow an operator to select from multiple positions. Preferably, a selected alternative locking mechanism would operate easily while manipulating cable manager 50 and would latch both four bar mechanisms simultaneously.

[0041] FIGS. 4-13 illustrate the operation of the elements located on the left end of cable manager 50. The corresponding elements on the right end of cable manager 50 operate in a substantially similar fashion.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a side, partially, sectional view of router 10 with cable manager 50 attached and in a lowered position. As illustrated, a bottom edge 10 of cable manager 110 is above air intake 30, which should not be obstructed. Interface cards 32 are also completely unobstructed. That is, an upper edge 112 is positioned below the lowermost portion of interface cards 32. Left four bar linkage 77 at least partially extends beyond a plane defined by the lowermost portion of interface cards 32; however, left four bar linkage is coupled to attachment lip 22 which surrounds the perimeter of router 10, thus preventing obstruction of the components.

[0043] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views illustrating two of the positions that cable manager 50 can be positioned in. FIG. 5 represents the same position illustrated in FIG. 4. As trough 54 is roved from the position illustrated in FIG. 5 to that of FIG. 6 as indicated by arrow A, left upper bracket 56 and left lower bracket 72 remain generally parallel with one another. Upper link arm 78 pivots about pivot points 116, 120 and lower link arm 80 pivots about pivot points 118, 122. Upper link arm 78 and lower link arm 80 also remain generally parallel with one another. As trough 54 is moved, any cables wrapped about bobbins 52 will also move. Thus, simple cable management and movement are achieved.

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates cable manager 50 in a lowered position with respect to router 10 and illustrates in phantom, cable manager 50 in a raised position with respect to router 10. As previously described, cable manager 50 is sized so that when in the lowered position the bottom edge 110 does not occlude air intake 30 and the upper edge 112 does not occlude interface cards 32. In the raised position, bottom edge 110 is above the uppermost portion of filter tray 26, thus allowing full access to filter tray 26 and fan tray 28. That is, cable tray 50 is moved out of the way, along with any cables attached thereto. Of course, when cable manager 50 is used with other devices, its size and positioning will be chosen to correspond with the components of that device.

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates in greater detail the latching mechanism of cable manager 50. Left lower bracket 72 is shown in a raised position with respect to left upper bracket 56. In this view, left lower link arm 80 is obscured by left latch bar 87, which terminates in a generally circular latch spring head 130. As link arm 80 and latch spring 87 rotate about pivot point 122, locking pin 136 (not shown in FIG. 8), can either engage upper locking hole 132 or lower locking hole 134. When engaged with upper locking hole 132, link arm 80 is locked into the raised position. When engaged with lower locking hole 134, link arm 80 is locked into the lowered position. While two locking holes 132, 134 have been shown, more could be provided so as to allow cable manager 50 to be locked into any number of positions.

[0046] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the cooperation of locking pin 136 with link arm 80 and latch spring 87. Locking pin 136, which is coupled with latch spring 87, extends through a hole in link arm 80. When properly aligned, locking pin 136 will extend through link arm 80 and enter either upper or lower locking holes 132, 134 and thus prevent the further rotational movement of link arm 80 about pivot point 122. Because of the design of left four bar linkage 77, this prevents any of the elements of that linkage from further movement. To release locking pin 136, latch spring head 130 is engaged by left latch lever 94 (FIG. 3) and is caused to flex away from link arm 80. This causes locking pin 136 to retract at least partially through the hole in link arm 80, causing locking pin 136 to disengage from either upper or lower locking hole 132, 134. As link arm 80 is pivoted, lower bracket 72 will continue to cause locking pin 136 to remain partially retracted, and also cause latch spring 87 to be partially flexed away from link arm 80. This continues until link arm 80 is pivoted to a point where locking pin 136 is aligned with either upper or lower locking holes 132, 134. When so aligned, the resiliency of latch spring 87 and the force exerted by left extension spring 96 cause locking pin 136 to engage the aligned locking holes 132, 134.

[0047] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate the cooperation of lower link arm 80 with lower left bracket 72. Lower left bracket 72 is illustrated by itself in FIG. 11. Here, the relationship between pivot point 122 and upper and lower locking holes 132, 134 is shown in greater detail. Once again, more locking holes 132, 134 could be added to allow cable manager 50 to be locked into alternative positions. FIG. 12 illustrates the two extreme positions taken by left lower link arm 80 in this embodiment. FIG. 13 also illustrates the same two extreme positions and illustrates the position of latch spring 87 relative thereto. As shown, regardless of the position chosen, latch spring head 130 extends at least partially beyond bracket 72. This is due to the circular configuration of latch spring head 130 and the way it cooperates with bracket indent 140. Thus, whatever position latch spring 87 may be in, latch lever 94 (FIG. 3) will always be able to engage it. Of course, various other latching and locking mechanisms could be employed to secure cable manager 50 into one or more positions.

[0048] A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the size and configuration of the cable management tray and the components that interconnect with the cable can be varied. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to use with routers. The cable manager can be used with any device having connections for one or more cables.

[0049] Assemblies consistent with the principles of the invention may be used to hold other elements instead of or in addition to cables. For example, such assemblies may hold elements that supplement the operation of the chassis in some way or elements that assist in servicing or operating the chassis or its components. Such assemblies may even hold elements that are used with other elements adjacent to the chassis.

[0050] For example, such an assembly may hold test equipment used to test components in the chassis. Or the assembly may hold functional elements that in some way enhance the operation of the elements in the chassis, or functional elements that operate in conjunction with components in the chassis and components outside the chassis. For example, the assembly could hold a unit that interfaces between the chassis or elements in the chassis, and another chassis or other device. In this way, elements used in conjunction with the chassis or apparatus adjacent to the chassis can be conveniently positioned on the assembly and can be conveniently moved as described herein.

[0051] Multiple assemblies may be attached to a chassis on the same side of the chassis or on different sides. Assemblies may also be attached adjacent to one another.