Cable Mounting Clamp

Abstract

The cable assembly includes a cable and a cable mounting clamp. The cable mounting clamp includes a base removably connectable to a surface. The base includes an outer body defining an interior channel and a support ramp disposed within the interior channel, the interior channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable mounting clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the interior channel and movably attached to the support ramp, the roller tube being translatable along the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp. A cable is inserted through the roller tube and extends through the interior channel, such that the cable is translatable with the roller tube along the longitudinal axis.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to cable attachment clamps, for example, for attaching cables to enclosures. [Background technology]

[0002] Safely attaching cables during cable installation is essential in a variety of environments. One such environment is in fiber optics, and more specifically, in-office fiber optic environments. In such environments, fiber optic distribution enclosures are utilized to manage fiber optic distribution. The enclosures typically house one or more fiber trays. Each fiber tray contains one or more cassettes. In the cassettes, the drop optical fibers are spliced, split, etc., and the drop optical fibers can be connected to the cassettes and the drop optical fibers to provide fiber optic connections in the office environment. The drop cable containing the drop optical fibers needs to be secured in the enclosure to facilitate a safe and reliable connection.

[0003] Current cable mounting techniques require the use of cable ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, hose clamps, bracket clamps, and the like. In many cases, using such devices to perform mounting is less than desirable and / or the ability to remove and reinstall such devices to reposition or adjust the associated cables is limited. Additionally, while some "quick-release" type solutions are available, these solutions require additional mounting plates to be secured to the enclosure. Furthermore, currently known mounting solutions do not alleviate torsional or bending stresses on the associated cables. This is particularly concerning when multiple mounting points are required. For example, in some cases, large cables may need to be split into smaller branching subassemblies. Large cables and subassemblies may require multiple mounting assemblies for multiple locations, as all need to be attached and secured. Therefore, it can be difficult to reliably provide mounting at all required locations without creating torsional or bending stress issues.

[0004] Therefore, improved cable attachment clamps are desired. For example, a cable attachment clamp that is easily and efficiently removable and reattachable in an associated environment, such as to an associated enclosure, would be advantageous. Additionally, a cable attachment clamp that includes features that reduce torsional or bending stresses in an associated cable would also be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a cable attachment clamp is provided. The cable attachment clamp may be provided for attaching a cable to a surface. The cable attachment clamp includes a base removably connectable to the surface. The base includes an outer body defining an interior channel and a support ramp disposed within the interior channel, the interior channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable attachment clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the interior channel and movably attached to the support ramp, the roller tube being translatable along the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a cable assembly is provided. The cable assembly may be mountable to a surface. The cable assembly includes a cable and a cable mounting clamp. The cable mounting clamp includes a base removably connectable to the surface. The base includes an outer body defining an interior channel and a support ramp disposed within the interior channel, the interior channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable mounting clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the interior channel and movably attached to the support ramp, the roller tube being translatable along the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp. A cable is inserted through the roller tube and extends through the interior channel, such that the cable is translatable along the longitudinal axis with the roller tube.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention disclosed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one skilled in the art, is set forth in this specification, which makes reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a fiber optic distribution enclosure according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cable assembly and cable attachment clamp mount mounted to a wall of a fiber optic distribution enclosure according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view, with cap exploded, of a cable assembly and cable attachment clamp mount mounted to a wall of a fiber optic distribution enclosure according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a cable assembly according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of components of a cable attachment clamp according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of components of a cable assembly according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the components of FIG. 6 assembled together. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure with its cable attachment clamp in a locked position. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure, with its cable attachment clamp in an unlocked position. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of assembled components of a cable assembly according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cable assembly according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, with the cable attachment clamp in a locked position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of components of a cable attachment clamp according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an assembled perspective view of a cable attachment clamp according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of components of a cable attachment clamp according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an assembled perspective view of a cable attachment clamp according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with other embodiments to yield still further embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0012] Referring now to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a fiber optic distribution enclosure 10 is provided. Fiber optic distribution enclosures 10 are generally utilized to manage the distribution of optical fiber, typically in an office environment. The enclosure 10 includes one or more walls 12, as shown, which define an enclosure interior 14. One or more trays 16 can be accommodated within the enclosure. Each tray 16 may contain one or more cassettes 18.

[0013] Generally, an incoming fiber optic cable containing a plurality of optical fibers enters the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 through a rear opening 20 defined by the wall 12. The optical fibers of the incoming fiber optic cable extend from the cable within the interior 14. These optical fibers are routed into one or more of a plurality of cassettes 18 and spliced, split, etc. within the cassettes 18. The incoming optical fibers are also routed into the cassettes 18 and connected to the incoming optical fibers via splicing, split, etc. These incoming optical fibers may be routed from the cassettes 18 and may exit the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 through a front opening 22 of the enclosure 10.

[0014] The incoming fiber optic cable needs to be secured to the enclosure 10 to facilitate safe and reliable connection of the incoming optical fiber and to avoid the risk of breakage or damage to such incoming optical fiber. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a cable assembly 50 that is mountable to a surface, such as the wall 12 of the enclosure 10 described herein.

[0015] Specifically, a cable assembly 50 according to the present disclosure includes a cable 52 and one or more cable mounting clamps 54. The cable mounting clamps 54 are securely and removably attached to the cable 52 and an associated surface, such as, in an exemplary embodiment, to the wall 12 of the enclosure 10. Such secure and removably attached clamps 54 are direct attachments involving direct contact between the clamps 54 and the surface (e.g., the wall 12), thus eliminating the need for additional mounting plates or the like (e.g., within the enclosure 10). The cable mounting clamps 54 according to the present disclosure advantageously facilitate efficient attachment and detachment of the cable 52 and, further, advantageously, facilitate the reduction of torsional and bending stresses in the cable 52. The cable mounting clamps 54 according to the present disclosure are particularly advantageous when multiple attachment points are required for the cable 52 (and / or its small branch subassemblies). The use of such cable mounting clamps 54 significantly reduces problems with torsional or bending stresses in the cable and can also advantageously improve ease of assembly by increasing the tolerances of the cable mounting clamps 54 points relative to one another.

[0016] 2-15, various embodiments of a cable assembly 50 and a cable attachment clamp 54 according to the present disclosure are provided. Generally, a cable attachment clamp 54 according to the present disclosure may include a base 100 and a roller tube 104. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, 8-9, and 11, the cable attachment clamp 54 may further include a cap 102. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12-15, a cap is not required. The base 100 may generally be removably connectable to a surface (e.g., a wall 12), thereby allowing the clamp 54 to be securely and removably attached to the surface. The roller tube 104 may generally be attached to the base 100, e.g., disposed between the base 100 and the cap 102, and / or removably secured to the base 100. The roller tube 104 may advantageously be translatable relative to the base 100 along the clamp 54, facilitating translation of the cable 52 disposed therein. Additionally, in some embodiments, roller tube 104 may be rotatable about the axis of clamp 54, facilitating rotation of cable 52 disposed within roller tube 104. Cable 52 extends through roller tube 104 between base 100 and cap 102 and is advantageously translatable (and optionally rotatable) with roller tube 104 relative to base 100.

[0017] The base 100 generally includes an outer body 110 that defines an interior channel 112. The interior channel 112 extends along the axis 56 of the clamp 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the axis 56 is the longitudinal axis 56 of the clamp 54. A support ramp 114, which may be or include an interior surface of the base 110, may be disposed within or partially define the interior channel 112. The support ramp 114 may have an arcuate shape about the axis 56, resulting in an arcuate surface as shown.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support ramp 114 may include a central inner surface 115, as shown in FIGS. 5, 12, and 13. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, the support ramp 114 may include first and second rails 116 and 118, respectively. The rails 116, 118 may extend from the ramp 114 into the interior channel 112 and may be spaced apart from one another along the axis 56 to serve as boundaries for the support ramp 114. For example, in some embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 12, and 13, the rails 116, 118 extend from the central inner surface 115, forming a step where each rail intersects with the central inner surface 115. Alternatively, in some embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the central inner surface 115 need not be provided, and instead a gap 119 may be defined between the rails 116 and 118.

[0019] Base 100 further includes one or more tabs 120 and one or more locks 122. Tabs 120 generally locate base 100 on a surface (e.g., wall 12) for secure connection, and locks 122 releasably connect base 100 (and thus clamp 54) to the surface (e.g., wall 12). For example, each tab 120 may be removably insertable into an aperture 60 defined in a lance or catch of a surface described herein. Each lock 122 may be releasably connectable to the surface (e.g., wall 12).

[0020] 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, in some embodiments, base 100 includes multiple (e.g., two as shown) tabs 120 and a lock 122 separate from tabs 120. In these embodiments, tabs 120 are positioned within base 100 and aligned along axis 56. Lock 122 is a lever including a handle 130, a pivot point 132, and a contact surface 134. Pivot point 132 is located between handle 130 and contact surface 134 such that contact surface 134 is on the opposite side of handle 130 relative to pivot point 132.

[0021] To attach the base 100 (and thus the clamp 54) to a surface (e.g., wall 12), the tab 120 is inserted through the aperture 60. The aperture 60 may be defined by lances 62 formed from the surface, as shown. The contact surface 134 contacts one of the lances 62, thereby releasably locking the base 100 (and thus the clamp 54) in place when attached to the surface. Such a locked position is shown, for example, in FIGS. 8 and 11 . To remove the base 100, the user presses the handle 130. This force causes the contact surface 134 to rotate about the pivot point 132 so that the contact surface 134 no longer contacts the lance 62. Such unlocking is shown, for example, in FIG. 9 . This lack of contact then allows the user to slide the tab 120 out of the aperture 60, thereby removing the base 100 and unattaching it from the surface.

[0022] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the components of base 100 described above for releasably connecting base 100 (and thus clamp 54) to a surface (e.g., wall 12). Rather, any suitable components capable of providing such a releasable connection are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Additional exemplary embodiments are provided, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 862,225, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0023] 2-15, as described above, clamp 54 further includes roller tube 104 and, in some embodiments, cap 102. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, 8-9, and 11, cap 102 is generally connectable to (and connected when assembled with) base 100 and further defines an interior channel 112 between cap 102 and base 100. In an exemplary embodiment, cap 102 may have an interior surface having an arc shape about axis 56, thus resulting in arc-shaped cap 102, for example, as shown.

[0024] In other embodiments, a cap may not be utilized, as shown in FIGS. 12-15 . For example, the support ramp 114 includes a central ramp portion 220, which may include portions of the central inner surface 115 or the gap 119 and / or rails 116, 118, as shown. The central ramp portion 220 may be included in embodiments whether or not a cap 102 is utilized. However, in embodiments in which a cap is not utilized, the support ramp 114 may further include cantilevered wings 222 extending oppositely from the central ramp portion 220. Each wing 222 may include a cantilevered portion of the central inner surface 115 or the gap 119 and / or rails 116, 118, as shown. Both wings 222 may extend generally above the central ramp portion 220, may continue the arcuate shape of the support ramp 114, and may further define an interior channel 112.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the wings 222 may be resiliently biased to selectively secure the roller tube 104 within the support ramp 114. For example, to attach the roller tube 104 to the support ramp 114, the roller tube 104 is moved laterally through the cantilevered ends 224 of the wings 222 and into the interior channel 112. As the roller tube 104 is moved in this direction, it contacts the wings 222 (e.g., their ends 224), causing an outward bias on the wings 222 to allow the roller tube 104 to pass. By being resiliently biasable, the wings 222 spring back to their general initial position after the roller tube 104 has passed, thereby securing the roller tube 104 therein. The roller tube 104 can also be removed in a similar manner.

[0026] In some embodiments, clips 226 are provided at the ends 224 of the wings 222, such as at the ends of the rails 116, 118. The clips 226 may also provide additional fixation for the roller tube 104 when placed in the support ramp 114.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2-5, 8-9, and 11-15, roller tube 104 is positionable within (and disposed within upon assembly of) interior channel 112. Further, roller tube 104 may be movably attached to support ramp 114 such that roller tube 104 is translatable relative to support ramp 114, for example, along axis 56, in the exemplary embodiment. For example, roller tube 104 may be positioned within interior channel 112 such that roller tube 104 extends along axis 56. Further, roller tube 104 may contact support ramp 114. Translation along axis 56 is relative to both base 100 and (if utilized) cap 102.

[0028] For example, as will be described, the support ramp 114 can include a first rail 116 and a second rail 118, respectively. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5-9, and 12-15, the roller tube 104 can include a single outer flange 180, which may be an annular flange as shown. The single outer flange 180 can be positioned, for example, generally at a longitudinal centerpoint (e.g., along axis 56). When only a single outer flange 180 is utilized, the roller tube 104 can selectively contact one of the first rail 116 and the second rail 118 with the single outer flange 180 floating between the first rail 116 and the second rail 118. For example, the roller tube 104 can slide in one direction along axis 56 until the flange 180 contacts the first rail 116, and then slide in the opposite direction along axis 56 until the flange 180 contacts the second rail 118. Additionally, such an arrangement, in which the outer flange 180 floats between the rails 116, 118, advantageously reduces or prevents the risk of the roller tube 104 becoming unsecured from the base 100.

[0029] 10 and 11, the roller tube 104 may include a plurality of outer flanges 180. Each outer flange 180 may be annular, as shown. The outer flanges 180 may be spaced apart from one another along the axis 56, for example. Additionally, in some illustrated embodiments, a cap 102 is utilized, with one or more grooves 182 (each of which may be annular) defined in the interior surface of the cap 102. The roller tube 104 may be translatable such that different outer flanges 180 selectively contact the first rail 116 and the second rail 118 at various locations along the axis 56. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, when a cap 102 is utilized, the roller tube 104 may be translatable such that each of the plurality of grooves 182 selectively accommodates one or more of the plurality of outer flanges 180. Thus, at various different positions of the roller tube 104 along the axis 56, different outer flanges 180 contact each of the first rail 116 and second rail 118, and when the cap 102 is utilized, different outer flanges 180 may be accommodated in each groove 182, or the grooves 182 may be empty depending on the position of the roller tube 104 along the axis 56.

[0030] In a further exemplary embodiment, roller tube 104 is rotatably mounted to support ramp 114 such that roller tube 104 is rotatable (e.g., relative to support ramp 114) about axis 56. For example, roller tube 104 may be positioned within interior channel 112 such that roller tube 104 extends along axis 56. Furthermore, roller tube 104 may contact support ramp 114. Rotation about axis 56 is relative to both base 100 and (if utilized) cap 102.

[0031] 1-15 , in some embodiments, roller tube 104 can include a central portion 190, a first end portion 192, and a second end portion 194. First end portion 192 and second end portion 194 extend in opposite directions from central portion 190, such as in opposite directions along axis 56. In some embodiments, outer flange 180 is provided on central portion 190. In some embodiments, first end portion 192 and second end portion 194 each include one or more ribs 196, which can be annular ribs as shown.

[0032] Additionally, in some embodiments, the clamp 54 may include one or more heat sink tubes 200. The heat sink tubes 200 may each be connected to the roller tube 104. For example, in some illustrated embodiments, a heat sink tube 200 may be connected to and extend from the first end portion 192, and a heat sink tube 200 may be connected to and extend from the second end portion 194. In some embodiments, a rib 196 contacts the heat sink tube 200. The rib 196 helps maintain the location of the heat sink tube 200 by preventing the heat sink tube 200 from slipping off the roller tube 104 (e.g., its end portions 192, 194).

[0033] As illustrated, a cable assembly 50 according to the present disclosure includes a cable 52 and one or more cable mounting clamps 54. The clamps 54 may be user-installable on the cable 52 or may be pre-installed on the cable 52 at the factory. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cable 52 is a fiber optic cable 52 including multiple optical fibers 70 disposed within an outermost outer jacket 72. Attachment of the clamps 54 to a surface, in the exemplary embodiment, also attaches the associated cable assembly 50 and its cable 52, thereby allowing the cable 52 to be efficiently, securely, and removably positioned on a surface.

[0034] Once installed, the cable 52 may be inserted through the roller tube 104. Additionally, in some illustrated embodiments, the cable 52 may be inserted through a heat sink tube 200 connected to the roller tube 104. This allows the heat sink tube 200 to also be connected to the cable 52. In these embodiments, the heat sink tube 200 may be shrunk onto the cable 52 and the roller tube 104. Because the roller tube 104 is disposed in the interior channel 112, the cable 52 may further pass through the interior channel 112, for example, along the axis 56. The cable 52 may generally be fixed relative to the roller tube 104, for example, in some embodiments, by contact with the heat sink tube 200 and / or by an epoxy or other suitable bonding material disposed between the cable 52 and the roller tube 104, thereby generally preventing it from moving relative to the roller tube 104. Advantageously, however, the cable 52 is translatable along the longitudinal axis 56 along with the roller tube 104 , and in some embodiments, is rotatable along the longitudinal axis 56 along with the roller tube 104 .

[0035] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables one skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A cable mounting clamp for mounting a cable to a surface, comprising: a base removably connectable to the surface, the base including an outer body defining an internal channel extending along a longitudinal axis and a support ramp disposed within the internal channel; a roller tube disposed within the interior channel and movably attached to the support ramp; Including, The roller tube is translatable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp.

2. the roller tube includes an outer flange; the support ramp includes a first rail and a second rail; 2. The cable attachment clamp of claim 1, wherein the roller tube is translatable so that the one outer flange can selectively contact one of the first rail or the second rail.

3. further comprising a cap connectable to the base; The cable attachment clamp of claim 1 , wherein the interior channel is further defined between the base and the cap.

4. a plurality of grooves defined on an inner surface of the cap; the roller tube includes a plurality of outer flanges; The cable attachment clamp of claim 3 , wherein the roller tube is translatable such that each of the plurality of grooves can selectively receive one of the plurality of outer flanges.

5. The cable attachment clamp of claim 1 , wherein the support ramp includes a central ramp portion and cantilevered wings extending oppositely from the central ramp portion.

6. 6. The cable attachment clamp of claim 5, wherein said support ramp further comprises a clip provided on the cantilevered end of said cantilevered wing.

7. 6. The cable attachment clamp of claim 5, wherein said cantilevered wings are resiliently biased to selectively secure said roller tube within said support ramp.

8. the roller tube includes a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion; The cable attachment clamp of claim 1 , wherein the first end portion and the second end portion each include one or more outer ribs.

9. The cable attachment clamp of claim 1 , further comprising a heat shrink tube connected to said roller tube.

10. The cable attachment clamp of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a tab removably insertable into an aperture defined in the surface and a lock releasably connectable to the surface.

11. The cable attachment clamp of claim 10 , wherein the tab is a plurality of tabs.

12. the lock includes a lever; The cable attachment clamp of claim 10 , wherein the lever includes a handle, a pivot point, and a contact surface opposite the handle relative to the pivot point.

13. 1. A surface mountable cable assembly comprising: Cable and Cable mounting clamp and Including, The cable attachment clamp comprises: a base removably connectable to the surface, the base including an outer body defining an internal channel extending along a longitudinal axis and a support ramp disposed within the internal channel; a roller tube disposed within the interior channel and movably attached to the support ramp; Including, the roller tube is translatable along and rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp; The cable assembly wherein the cable is inserted through the roller tube and extends through the interior channel such that the cable is translatable with the roller tube along the longitudinal axis.

14. the roller tube includes an outer flange; the support ramp includes a first rail and a second rail; 14. The cable assembly of claim 13, wherein the roller tube is translatable so that the one outer flange can selectively contact one of the first rail or the second rail.

15. further comprising a cap connectable to the base; The cable assembly of claim 13 , wherein the interior channel is further defined between the base and the cap.

16. a plurality of grooves defined on an inner surface of the cap; the roller tube includes a plurality of outer flanges; 16. The cable assembly of claim 15, wherein the roller tube is translatable such that each of the plurality of grooves can selectively receive one of the plurality of outer flanges.

17. 14. The cable assembly of claim 13, wherein the support ramp includes a central ramp portion and cantilevered wings extending oppositely from the central ramp portion.

18. 18. The cable assembly of claim 17, wherein the support ramp further comprises a clip provided on the cantilevered end of the cantilevered wing.

19. 18. The cable assembly of claim 17, wherein the cantilevered wing is resiliently biased to selectively secure the roller tube within the support ramp.

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