Cable management system

Abstract

A cable management device has a cap with a cable channel and an aperture through which a plug is removably coupled to secure the cable management device into an accessory mounting slot. The cable channel may be open at the bottom of the device to receive and capture one or more cables between the cable management device and a surface of an object having the accessory slot. The cable management device is capable of tool-free installation, safe installation without cables, cabling in multiple orientations, and the ability to hold more than one cable at a time.

Description

[0001] Priority Claimed Under 35 U.S.C. § 119

[0002] This patent application claims priority to provisional application number 63 / 346,580, entitled “Cable Management System,” filed on May 27, 2023, which has been assigned to the assignee of this application and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to cable management. Specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to a cable management system for firearm accessories. Background Art

[0004] Modern firearm handguards often house accessories such as tactical lights and lasers that are often used with cable pressure switches. Traditional methods for securing the various loose cables of these accessories have included do-it-yourself (DIY) options such as tape, cable ties, rerouting the cables yourself, or guiding the cables through cooling slots on the firearm handguard. Each method has significant deficiencies in terms of the safety and integrity of the cables. As a result, specialized products have been developed to remedy some of these deficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0005] However, existing products fail to provide solutions that integrate the following features: tool-less installation, secure installation without cables, cable routing in multiple orientations, and the ability to secure one or more cables at a time. Therefore, there is a need to combine the above features into an aesthetically pleasing, compact, lightweight, and modular cable management system to overcome the challenges of existing cable management devices.

[0006] A simplified overview of one or more aspects and / or embodiments disclosed herein is presented below. As such, the following overview should not be considered as a broad overview of all expected aspects and / or embodiments, nor should the following overview be considered as identifying key or important elements related to the expected aspects and / or embodiments, or describing the scope associated with any particular aspects and / or embodiments. Therefore, the sole purpose of the following overview is to present certain concepts related to one or more aspects and / or embodiments in a simplified form, one or more aspects and / or embodiments are related to the mechanisms disclosed herein, to be presented before the detailed description presented below.

[0007] As described above, current cable management systems for managing various loose cables on modern firearms have deficiencies, particularly in terms of ease of use, durability, and effectiveness, among others. Aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to a cable management system comprising a cap having a locking member and a plug having a tapered profile, wherein the plug is manipulated into the cap by a user, thereby expanding the locking member. The locking member comprises: a rigid, outwardly facing engagement member configured to engage a side of a firearm handguard and further configured to prevent the cable management system from being inadvertently removed from the firearm handguard; wherein the plug further comprises a crush-rib oriented above the tapered profile and configured to prevent tilting between the cap and the plug.

[0008] In one aspect, the user engages the compression ribs of the plug by pressing the plug into a fit into the cap to allow the cable management system to maintain its attachment to the firearm handguard without installing the cable.

[0009] In one aspect, the plug and cap have a slotted feature to accommodate the bullet tip or a simple tool for removing the cable management system.

[0010] In one aspect, the cap encases the cable when fully assembled.

[0011] In one aspect, the interior profile of the cap is a rectangular shape with rounded edges, allowing for a 90 degree routing angle.

[0012] In one aspect, the outer profile of the cap has four openings at each corner, allowing the cable to be routed in multiple orientations.

[0013] On the other hand, the cap profile allows for routing of more than one cable simultaneously.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the cable management assembly may not include metal hardware, thereby reducing the weight burden of the cable management assembly.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system, comprising: a cable management device and a first cable, the cable management device comprising: a device for removably coupling the cable management device to a slot; two or more cable channels on a bottom side of the cable management device; a hole; and a first plug slidingly engaged in the hole, wherein the first plug is fully inserted into the hole so that the device for removably coupling the cable management device to the slot secures the cable management device at a selected position along the slot; when the first plug is fully inserted into the hole, the first cable is secured within one of the two or more channels.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system wherein a first plug includes two snap-on latches configured to retain the first plug coupled to a cable management device when the cable management device is not inserted into a slot or when in a pre-fitted state.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system wherein the first plug further includes a tab near the bottom that prevents the first plug from being accidentally removed from the cap when in a fully inserted state via contact with one of two locking members of the cap.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system in which two or more channels intersect.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system wherein a device for removably coupling a cable management device to a slot includes two locking members configured to deflect inwardly when a cap is inserted into the slot and return to a default position once an engagement member in the locking members leaves the slot.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system in which a tapered region of a first plug is shaped to press a locking member outward and enhance the securement of the cable management system at a selected location along a slot.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system in which the slot is part of a firearm.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system in which the slot is part of the front of the firearm.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system in which a cap includes two locking members extending downwardly from a bottom of the cap and configured to snap fit into a slot.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system further comprising a second plug disposed proximate to the first plug.

[0025] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system further comprising two additional locking members corresponding to the second plug.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cable management system in which there are four cable channels, each cable channel intersecting with two other cable channels of the four cable channels.

[0027] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device comprising: a cap and a plug, the cap comprising: a hole, at least two cable channels, and two locking members, the at least two cable channels opening on the bottom of the cap to accommodate one or more cables; the two locking members forming sides of the hole and extending below the bottom of the at least two cable channels, the locking members being configured to couple to an object via a groove in the object; the plug being removably engaged in the hole and configured to deflect the two locking members outward when the plug is fully inserted into the hole, thereby fixing the device at a selected position along the groove.

[0028] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a plug includes two snap-in latches that prevent the plug from being inadvertently removed from the cap when in a pre-fitted state.

[0029] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device wherein the plug further includes a tab near the bottom that prevents the plug from being accidentally removed from the cap when the cap is in a fully inserted state via contact with one of two locking members of the cap.

[0030] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device further comprising two locking members forming a portion of the aperture, wherein the locking members are configured to deflect inwardly when the cap is inserted into the slot and return to a default position once the engagement members in the locking members leave the slot.

[0031] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a device in which a tapered region of the plug is shaped to press the locking member outwardly and enhance the securement of the device to the object.

[0032] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of cable routing, the method comprising: inserting a locking member of a cap of a cable management device into an accessory interface slot; capturing a cable in one of one or more cable channels on an underside of the cap; adjusting a position of the cable management device along the accessory interface slot; and pressing a plug into the hole to secure the position of the cable management device along the accessory interface slot and the position of the cable along the accessory interface slot.

[0033] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method further comprising partially removing a plug from a hole in a cap and sliding a cable management device to another position on the accessory interface slot.

[0034] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method further comprising: after removing the plug to at least the pre-fitted state, moving the cable management device along the accessory interface slot or sufficiently removing the cable management device from the surface of the accessory interface to remove the cable from one or more cable channels.

[0035] These and other features and characteristics of the present technology, as well as the methods of operation and function of the related structural elements and the economy of parts combination and manufacture will become more apparent after considering the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, in which the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts in the various figures. However, it should be expressly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only and are not intended as a definition of the limitations of the present invention. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Various objects and advantages as well as a more complete understanding of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cable management system according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 A side view of a cable management system with cables according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 3 A side view of a cable management system without cables is shown according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 A front view of a cable management system with a plug in a pre-fitted state is shown according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 A front view of a cable management system with a plug fully inserted into a cap is shown according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 A top view of a cable management system according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 7 A bottom view of a cable management system according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a cable management system according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Fig. 9 Another perspective view of a cable management system according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the plug is separated from the cap.

[0046] Fig.10 A perspective view of a plug is shown according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.11 A front view of a plug according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Fig.12 Shown are two embodiments of cable management systems that are used in conjunction to route cables along two accessory rails such as those found on many firearm handguards (only two rails are shown so the rest of the handguard and firearm are hidden).

[0049] Fig.13 Shown is a perspective view of two cable management systems engaged to the same side of the front of a firearm (ie, on the same track) in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.14 Shown is a side view of the front of a firearm that uses two cable management systems to route cables along the front.

[0051] Fig.15 An alternative embodiment of a cable management system is shown in which the plug includes a snap-on latch and a foot that enables the plug to achieve two positions in the cap;

[0052] Fig.16 Shows Fig.15 Another view of an alternative embodiment of;

[0053] Fig.17 Shows Fig.15 Another view of an alternative embodiment of , but with the plug fully inserted;

[0054] Fig.18 Shows Fig.17 Another view of the embodiment shown in;

[0055] Fig.19 Shown from Fig.15 An isolated view of the stopper of the embodiment first seen in FIG.

[0056] Fig. 20A An example of a side view of a multi-plug embodiment with two plugs and five cable channels is shown;

[0057] Fig. 20B Shows Fig. 20A An example of a top view of a multiple plug embodiment; and

[0058] Fig.21 is a flow chart of an example method for routing cables using a cable management system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Before describing the embodiments in detail, it is convenient to define the terms as used in this document. For the purposes of this document, relational terms such as, but not limited to, "lateral," "longitudinal," "perpendicular," "parallel," and "planar" shall be understood to mean "within reasonable manufacturing tolerances accepted in the firearms and consumer product manufacturing industries."

[0060] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0061] Preliminary Note: The flowcharts and block diagrams in the following figures illustrate the functionality and operation of possible implementations of cable management devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in each block may not occur in the order indicated in the figure. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0062] The present disclosure relates generally to cable management. Specifically, but not by way of limitation, the present disclosure relates to a cable management system for firearm accessories.

[0063] Figure 1 1 shows a top perspective view of a cable management system according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The cable management system 100 includes a cap 102 and a plug 106, wherein the cap 102 has a hole 103 therein (see Fig. 9 ), the plug 106 is configured to slidingly engage with the hole 103 and at least partially pass through the hole 103. The cap 102 further includes two locking members 104, which are capable of being deflected inwardly toward each other when the cap 102 is inserted into an M-LOK slot or other shaped accessory mounting interface. The locking members 104 can be shaped and manufactured to reduce or prevent inadvertent removal or separation of the cable management system 100. In a default state or static state, the locking members 104 have one or more engagement members 108, such as horizontal ridges and / or valleys, and the one or more engagement members are slightly wider than the width of the M-LOK slot (see Figure 5 ). This allows the engagement member 108 of the locking member 104 to provide a securing effect when the cap 102 is fully inserted into the M-LOK slot (fully inserted state), and to enhance this securing effect when the plug 106 is fully inserted into the cap 102 (after the cap 102 is inserted into the M-LOK slot). The tapered area 107 of the plug 106 can be arranged so that it presses against the inner side of the locking member 104 when the plug 106 is fully inserted into the cap 102. In some embodiments, when viewed from the front (see Fig.11 ) and side (see Fig.10), the tapered region 107 can taper inwardly from top to bottom when viewed from the top. The tapered region 107 can extend from the bottom of the plug 106 to about one quarter, or one third, or one half of the way up from the top. Thus, when the plug 106 is fully inserted, the cap 102 cannot be inserted into an M-LOK slot or similar slot because the locking member 104 cannot deflect inwardly and allow the locking member 104 to pass through the M-LOK slot. Instead, the cap 102 will be inserted into the M-LOK slot while the plug 106 is removed or only partially inserted into the hole 103 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ), in this manner, allowing the locking members 104 to deflect inwardly as they contact and pass through the M-LOK slot. Once released, the locking members 104 can expand to their resting state and the engagement members 108 can extend beyond the width of the M-LOK slot to prevent the cap 102 from being inadvertently removed from the M-LOK slot. With the cap 102 inserted but the plug 106 partially inserted, there is a loose securement that allows the cable management system 100 to be easily moved along the M-LOK slot to better position the cable management system 100 prior to final securement. When selecting a final position along the slot, if the plug 106 was previously partially inserted, the plug 106 can be inserted into the cap 102 or fully pressed into the cap 102, thereby preventing the locking members 104 from deflecting inwardly, thereby more completely securing the cable management system 100 in the M-LOK slot. Figure 4 Start and move to Figure 5 This transition from partial to full insertion of the plug can be best seen. Figure 5 As shown, full insertion of the plug 106 not only causes the engagement member 108 to extend under the sides of the slot, but it can also press the sides of the cap 106 outward to press against the inside of the slot, further enhancing the fixation of the cable management system 100. In some embodiments, the engagement member 108 extends beyond the width of the M-LOK slot in the default or resting state, while in other embodiments, both the locking member 104 and the engagement member 108 extend beyond the width of the M-LOK slot in the default or resting state. In this way, the cable management system 1600 can be retained in the slot with or without retaining the cable therein (whereas many prior art designs require the cable to achieve a tight engagement with the slot).

[0064] The cap 102 includes a plug recess 124 having a slightly larger length and width than the plug 106 , such that the plug 106 may be nested in the plug recess 124 , leaving a flush top surface of the cable management system 100 .

[0065] The cap 102 may include two or more cable channels, including a first cable channel 150, a second cable channel 152, a third cable channel, and a fourth cable channel 156 for securing and guiding cables 158 in this particular implementation, but in other embodiments, as few as one cable channel and as many cable channels as the size allows may be implemented. Often, power accessories have generic cables that are not customized for the user's application, and the user may use cable ties and other mechanisms to organize, guide, and compress loose and extra cables, such as cables that stretch between a laser sight or flash and a battery pack or other accessories on the forend of the firearm. The cable management system 100 disclosed herein allows such cables to be routed in different directions through the first cable channel 150 and / or the first cable channel 156. The first cable channel 150 and the second cable channel 152 are arranged parallel to each other, the third cable channel 154 and the fourth cable channel 156 are arranged parallel to each other, and the first cable channel 150 and the second cable channel 152 are arranged at right angles to the third cable channel 154 and the fourth cable channel 156. In other words, the first cable channel 150 intersects the third cable channel 154 and the fourth cable channel 156, and the second cable channel 152 intersects the third cable channel 154 and the fourth cable channel 156. The cable channels 150, 152, 154, 156 are open at the bottom of the cap to allow the cable 158 to be inserted and snapped into one or more of the channels 150, 152, 154, 156 before the cap 102 is pressed down and locked in place.

[0066] return Figure 1 , the plug 106 may include one or two removal holes 120 shaped to receive the end of a bullet or other narrow-ended tool used to pry the plug 106 out of the cap 102. A corresponding one or two slots 124 may be provided in the cap 102 to more easily allow access to the removal holes 120.

[0067] The plug 106 may include one or more crush ribs 114 (see Fig. 9 ) or similar structure to enhance the friction fit with the plug 106 and the hole 103, which reduces the tilt between the cap 102 and the plug 106.

[0068] In some embodiments, the plug 106 can include a variable profile and can be disposed within the cap 102 in ways other than those indicated above. In some embodiments, the cap 102 and the plug 106 can be constructed of the same or similar materials.

[0069] Although the cable management system 100 is shown with a single plug 106, in other embodiments, two or more plugs may be implemented as part of a longer device that can be coupled to two or more M-LOK slots. In the case of implementing multiple plugs, there may also be a correspondingly greater number of cable channels (e.g., 5 cable channels for a two-slot device and 7 cable channels for a three-slot device). Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B An example of a side view and a top view of a multi-plug embodiment with two plugs and five cable channels is shown. The two plugs are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal axis of the multi-pronged cable management system 100. Since there are two plugs, there are four locking members in this embodiment.

[0070] The cap 102 includes cable channels 152, 154, 156, 158 passing underneath the cap 102 and along the periphery of the cap 102 (two in both directions), with each pair of channels 152, 154 and 156, 158 being arranged perpendicularly relative to each other. For example, when arranged on a firearm, this allows cable routing parallel to and in a circumferential direction around the barrel (see, for example, Fig.13 and Fig.14 ). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 shows a possible cable 158 position in the cable management system 100, although many other variations are possible. The cable channels 152, 154, 156, 158 are arranged so that the cables 158 can be arranged at a 90° angle (see FIG. Figure 1 ) or in a straight line orientation (see Fig.13 and Fig.14 ). In other embodiments, multiple cable management systems 100 can be separated by one or more M-LOK slots and / or can be arranged on different accessory rails (such as top rails and side rails) to allow cables to be routed differently along devices with M-LOK slots. For example, Fig.13 Shows how to create a curved cable path between two M-LOK tracks in different planes.

[0071] The depth of the cable channel 150 is selected to clamp the cable 158 against a surface 160 of an accessory rail or firearm, thereby preventing the cable 158 from moving once the plug 106 is inserted into the cap 102. Along these same lines, one or more locking members 104 can be shaped to pull the cap 102 against a surface 160 of an accessory rail or firearm when the plug 106 is inserted into the cap 102. While the channel 150 is shown as having a similar radius as the cable 158, in other embodiments, the cable channel 150 can be slightly smaller than the radius of the cable 158 to further secure the cable 158 in a desired position, although such a variation would also make installation more challenging than simply relying on a clamping force between the top of the channel 150 and the surface 158.

[0072] As depicted, the profile of cap 102 can be configured to allow for a 90° routing angle for cables (not shown) within cable management system 100. Additionally, the profile of cap 102 can be configured to allow for simultaneous routing of two or more cables.

[0073] Figure 2 A right side view of a cable management system 100 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 3 A left side view of a cable management system 100 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 4 A front view of a cable management system 100 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 5 A rear view of a cable management system 100 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 6 A top view of a cable management system 100 is shown according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 7 A bottom view of a cable management system 100 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a cable management system 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. A clamping block 122 can be seen within the first cable channel 150, which helps secure cables when inserted into the first cable channel 150. A portion of the clamping block 122 in the second cable channel 152 is also visible.

[0080] Fig. 9Another perspective view of the cable management system 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown with the plug 106 separated from the cap 102. As shown, the cap hole 103 is centrally located in the center of the cap 102 with the locking member in a disengaged position.

[0081] Fig.10 A perspective view of a plug 106 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the plug 106 includes a tapered region 107 and an extrusion rib 114.

[0082] Fig.11 A front view of a plug 106 is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0083] Fig.12 An embodiment of two cable management systems 100 is shown that are used in conjunction to guide cables 158 along an accessory track 112 as seen on many firearm handguards (only two tracks are shown because the handguard and the rest of the firearm are hidden). The accessory track 112 includes a plurality of elongated slots 110 with which the cable management system 100 engages. In this variation, the two cable management systems 100 are arranged on different sides of the accessory track 112, which may be hexagonal or octagonal, and the cables 158 are guided through the vertical channels of the cable management system 100 to allow the cables 158, which run parallel to the barrel, to bend and be securely guided in a circumferential direction around the accessory track 112.

[0084] Fig.13 A perspective view of two cable management systems 100 engaged with the same side of the accessory track 112 of a firearm handguard (i.e., on the same track) according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the cable management systems 100 can be aligned on a single track to guide cables over a long distance in a single direction. It is also noted that the plug 106 is flush with the top of the cap 102, so that when the cable management system 100 is installed, the cable management system 100 can be used as a track cover, especially when multiple cable management systems 100 are deployed close to each other.

[0085] Fig.14 Shown is a side view of the front of a firearm using two cable management systems 100 to route cables along the front.

[0086] Figure 15 to Figure 19 An alternative embodiment of a cable management system is shown in which the plug includes a foot that allows the plug to be in two positions in the cap without being removed when the cable management system is not coupled to an accessory interface (such as M-LOK). Fig.15 and Fig.16 The pre-adaptation phase shown, and Fig.17 and Fig.18 1602. In the pre-fitting stage, as the product may appear at the time of purchase, the plug 1606 has two snap-on latches 1626 on either short end of the plug 1606, which snap-on latches 1626 may be flexible so that they may be deflected inwardly, somewhat similar to how the locking member 1604 may be deflected inwardly. During factory assembly, the plug 1606 may be inserted into the cap 1602, and the snap-on latches 1626 may be deflected inwardly to allow the tapered region 1607 of the plug 1606 to pass through the hole 1603 in the cap 1602. Once the legs 1628 leave the bottom of the hole, and in particular the clamping block 1622, the snap-on latches 1626 may be extended back to their default position, which in turn causes the legs 1628 to move under the clamping block 1622 and largely prevent the plug 1606 from being removed from or disengaged from the cap 1606. This completes the assembly of the cable management system 1600 to the pre-fit stage. The clamping block 1622 also acts as a flange for the leg 1628 of the snap-on latch 1626 to hook and snap on.

[0087] The user can then insert the cable management system 1600 into a slot in an accessory track, wherein the plug 1606 is in a pre-fitting stage (i.e., not fully pushed into the cap 1602), such as an M-LOK slot, wherein the locking member 1604 is deflected inwardly to allow the engagement member 1608 to pass through the slot. One or more cables can be inserted into the cable channels 1650, 1652, 1654, 1656, and the cap 1606 can continue to be pressed into the slot until it bottoms out in the accessory track, with the cables being completely surrounded by the cable channels 1650, 1652, 1654, 1656 on three sides and completely surrounded by the accessory track on a fourth side. Once the engagement member 1608 clears the sidewalls of the slot, the locking member 1604 will pivot outwardly to its default position, such that the engagement member 1608 is located below the sidewalls of the slot, thereby creating a first resistance to removing the cable management system from the slot. In other words, the locking member 1608 can form a snap-fit ​​coupling with the M-LOK slot.

[0088] The user can then slide the cable management system 1600 along the slot to another position (i.e., until a selected position is reached) (e.g., the cable ramp can be picked up), at which point the user presses downward on the plug 1606, causing the tapered area 1607 to press the locking member 1604 outward. This outward pressing force secures the cable management system 1600 in place in the slot. The cable channels 1650, 1652, 1654, 1656 can be sized to create a slight clamp on the cables from top to bottom, from side to side, or both. For example, the clamping block 1622 can extend into the first cable channel 1650 and the second cable channel 1652 sufficiently to squeeze the cables from side to side (for an example of this side-to-side clamping, see Figure 2 The first cable channel 150 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] To adjust the position of the cable, or to remove the cable, the plug 1606 is pried upward. A tool or object (such as the end of a bullet) can be inserted into one of the two removal holes 1620 to pry the plug 1606 upward. Once the plug 1606 returns to the pre-fitting stage, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the cable management system 1600 can be slid along the slot to be repositioned, raised sufficiently above the accessory rail to allow the cables to be removed from one of the cable channels 1650, 1652, 1654, 1656, or removed from the slot entirely. If the cable management system 1600 is not immediately recoupled to the accessory rail, the cable management system 1600 can be stored with less risk of the cap 1602 and plug 1606 becoming separated because the feet 1628 make it very difficult for the two to be inadvertently separated.

[0090] The bump 1630 fits into a notch (not visible) on the inside of either locking member 1604 to help retain the plug 1606 in the pre-fitted state. The bump 1630 is shallow enough so that it does not take much effort to push the bump 1630 through the notch on the locking member 1604. In addition, when the plug 1606 is fully inserted, the bump 1630 acts as a stopper when it contacts the bottom of the locking member 1604 to prevent the plug 1606 from working back and coming out of the fully inserted position.

[0091] Fig.21 21 is a flow chart of an example method for routing cables using a cable management system. In step 2102, a user inserts a locking member of a cap of a cable management device into an accessory interface slot. In some embodiments, this can be done independently of the plug (e.g., see Figure 1-Figure 11 ), while in other embodiments, the plug remains with the cap even before the cap engages with the accessory interface slot (see, for example, Figure 15-18). At step 2104, the user captures the cable in one of the one or more cable channels on the underside of the cap. For example, the cable can be snap-fitted into the channel, which can occur before or after the cap is first inserted into the accessory interface slot. If the cap is first inserted into the slot, some clearance should be left between the bottom of the cap and the accessory to provide room for the cable to snap into one of the channels. Once the cable is captured, the cap can be fully inserted into the slot so that the locking member snaps under the slot, thereby providing a first level of resistance to removing the cap from the slot. At step 2106, the user can adjust the position of the cable management device along the accessory interface slot. Once the desired position is selected, at step 2108, the user presses the plug into the hole to fix the position of the cable management device along the accessory interface slot and the position of the cable along the accessory interface slot. This step 2108 can simply involve pressing the plug all the way into the hole, where the plug starts in a pre-fitted state.

[0092] Although generally described with respect to firearms and firearm handguards, it should be noted that the cable management system 100 described herein may be used to secure or attach items other than firearm accessories and may engage with other surfaces of a firearm, such as, for example, mounting rails on the receiver or forend stock of a firearm. Furthermore, the disclosed cable management system 100 may be used to secure cables, cords, and straps used for scientific, photographic, computer, telephone, consumer, commercial products, and musical equipment, to name a few non-limiting examples. Furthermore, in Figures 1 to 14 The cap 102 and / or plug 106 depicted in Figure 15 to Figure 19 The cap 1602 and plug 1606 depicted in FIG. 1 may be used with other cable management components in addition to the cable management system 100 .

[0093] The terms and expressions adopted herein are used as terms and expressions of description and are not restrictive, and when using such terms and expressions, it is not intended to exclude any equivalent or part thereof of the features shown and described. Each of the various elements disclosed herein can be implemented in various ways. The present disclosure should be understood to include each such variation, which can be a variation of the embodiment of any device embodiment, method or process embodiment, or even only a variation of any element of these. Specifically, it should be understood that the words used for each element can be represented by equivalent device terms or method terms-even if only the function or result is the same. This equivalent, wider or even more general term should be considered to be included in the description of each element or action. In the case of wishing to make the implicit wide coverage of the present invention clear, these terms can be replaced.

[0094] As just one example, it should be understood that all actions can be expressed as a means for taking the action or as an element that causes the action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to include a disclosure of the action that the physical element facilitates. With respect to this last aspect, by way of example only, a disclosure of a "protrusion" should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action of the "protrusion"—whether or not explicitly discussed—and conversely, if there is only a disclosure of the action of the "protrusion", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the "protrusion". Such changes and alternative terms should be understood to be explicitly included in the specification.

[0095] As used herein, the recitation of "at least one of A, B, and C" is intended to mean "any one of A, B, C or any combination of A, B, and C". The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A cable management system, comprising: Cable management equipment, including: means for removably coupling the cable management device to the slot; two or more cable channels on a bottom portion of the cable management device; holes; and a first plug slidably engaged in the aperture, wherein full insertion of the first plug into the aperture causes the means for removably coupling the cable management device to the slot to secure the cable management device in position along the slot; and A first cable is secured within one of the two or more cable channels when the first plug is fully inserted into the hole.

2. The cable management system according to claim 1, wherein: The first plug includes two snap-on latches configured to prevent the first plug from being detached from the cable management device when the cable management device is not inserted into the slot or when the cable management device is in a pre-fitted state.

3. The cable management system according to claim 2, wherein: The first plug further includes a projection near the bottom, the projection preventing the first plug from being accidentally removed from the cable management device when in a fully inserted state via contact with one of two locking members of the cable management device.

4. The cable management system according to claim 1, wherein: The two or more cable channels intersect.

5. The cable management system according to claim 1, wherein: The means for removably coupling the cable management device to the slot includes two locking members configured to deflect inwardly when the cable management device is inserted into the slot and return to a default position once the engagement members of the two locking members leave the slot.

6. The cable management system according to claim 5, wherein: The tapered area of ​​the first plug is shaped to press the two locking members outwardly and enhance the securement of the cable management system at selected locations along the slot.

7. The cable management system according to claim 1, wherein: The slot is part of the firearm.

8. The cable management system according to claim 7, wherein: The slot is part of the front portion of the firearm.

9. The cable management system according to claim 1, wherein: The means for removably coupling the cable management device to the slot includes two locking members extending downwardly from a bottom of the cable management device and configured to snap fit into the slot.

10. The cable management system of claim 1, further comprising a second plug disposed adjacent to the first plug.

11. The cable management system according to claim 10, wherein: The means for removably coupling the cable management device to the slot includes four locking members.

12. The cable management system according to claim 1, wherein: There are four cable channels, each cable channel intersecting with two other cable channels of the four cable channels.

13. A device comprising: Cap, including: hole; at least two cable channels opening on the bottom of the cap to accommodate one or more cables; and two locking members forming sides of the aperture and extending below the bottom of the at least two cable channels, the two locking members being configured to couple to the object via slots in the object; and A plug is removably engaged in the hole, the plug being configured to press the two locking members against the sides of the slot and prevent the device from being accidentally removed from the slot when the plug is fully inserted into the hole, thereby securing the device at a selected position along the slot.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The plug includes two snap-in latches that prevent the plug from being accidentally removed from the cap when in the pre-fitted state.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The stopper further includes a projection near the bottom of the stopper, the projection preventing the stopper from being accidentally removed from the cap when the cap is in a fully inserted state via contact with one of the two locking members of the cap.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising two locking members forming a portion of the aperture, wherein: The two locking members are configured to deflect inwardly when the cap is inserted into the slot and return to a default position once the engagement member of the two locking members leaves the slot.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The tapered region of the plug is shaped to press the two locking members outwardly and enhance the fixation of the device to the object.

18. A method for wiring a cable, comprising: inserting a locking member of a cap of the cable management system into the accessory interface slot; capturing a cable in one of the one or more cable channels on an underside of the cap; adjusting the position of the cable management system along the accessory interface slot; as well as A plug is pressed into the hole in the cap to secure the position of the cable management system along the accessory interface slot and to secure the position of the cables along the accessory interface slot.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising partially removing the plug from the hole in the cap and sliding the cable management system to another position on the accessory interface slot.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising, after removing the plug to at least the pre-fitted state, moving the cable management system along the accessory interface slot or removing the cable management system sufficiently to remove the cables from the one or more cable channels.

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