Clip-on cable management devices and systems

Abstract

A clip-on cable management device includes at least one loop configured to receive one or more cables, first and second legs extending in different directions from the at least one loop, and first and second catches defined towards free ends of the first and second legs, respectively. The at least one loop and the first and second legs define a torsion spring configuration. The first and second legs are configured to move relative to one another to enable receipt of a support therebetween, thereby increasing stored energy within the at least one loop. Upon receipt of the support between the first and second legs, the first and second legs are urged towards the at-rest configuration by release of the increased energy stored within the at least one loop such that the first and second catches engage the support to retain the at least one loop in suspension from the support.

Description

CLIP-ON CABLE MANAGEMENT DEVICES AND SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 537,684, filed September 11, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to cable management and, more particularly, to clip-on cable management devices and cable management systems incorporating the same.BACKGROUND

[0003] Due to the increasing usage of power, communication, data, and other cabledependent systems, greater numbers of cables are required to interconnect various systems with one another and with various peripheral devices. As a result, cable management systems have been developed to deal with the task of organizing and routing cables to their destinations, sometimes across long distances. As can be appreciated, these cable management systems must be capable of securely retaining one or more cables and routing the cables to their appropriate destinations.SUMMARY

[0004] Any or all of the aspects described herein, to the extent consistent, may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects described herein. In addition, although reference is made herein to a “cable” or “cables,” it is understood that this reference also includes conduits, wires, tubes, pipes, and any other elongated structures to be retained and conveyed.

[0005] Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a clip-on cable management device including at least one loop configured to receive one or more cables, first and second legs extending in different directions from the at least one loop to respective free ends, and first and second catches defined towards the free ends of the first and second legs, respectively. The at least one loop and the first and second legs define a torsion spring configuration whereby the at least one loop biases the first and second legs towards an at-rest configuration. The first and second legs are configured to move relative to one another from the at-rest configuration to enable receipt of a support therebetween, thereby increasing storedenergy within the at least one loop. Upon receipt of the support between the first and second legs, the first and second legs arc urged back towards the at-rcst configuration by release of the increased energy stored within the at least one loop such that the first and second catches engage the support to thereby retain the at least one loop in suspension from the support.

[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one loop, the first and second legs, and the first and second catches are integrally formed from a single length of material. The length of material may be wire stock or any other suitable material.

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one loop includes a single loop. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one loop includes a plurality of loops.

[0008] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second legs extend from the at least one loop to define an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to one another.

[0009] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second legs each include an elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees.

[0010] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second legs cooperate to define a substantially U-shaped configuration.

[0011] In another aspect of the present disclosure, at least portions of the first and second catches extend from the respective first and second legs inwardly towards one another.

[0012] In aspects of the present disclosure, at least one auxiliary loop is configured to receive one or more cables. In such aspects, the at least one auxiliary loop includes an auxiliary loop disposed on the first and / or second leg between the catch and the free end thereof.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second legs define arcuate configurations that cooperate to define an approximately circular configuration.

[0014] In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second legs are configured to define a transverse gap therebetween to permit the one or more cables to pass through the transverse gap and into the at least one loop. In aspects, the transverse gap is defined without requiring external force applied to the first and second legs. In other aspects, the transverse gap is defined in response to external force applied to at least one of the first or second legs.

[0015] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one loop is configured to have an elongated helical configuration such that the first and second legs define the transverse gap therebetween.

[0016] In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first and second legs defines an upright having a bend such that the uprights of the first and second legs extend outwardly relative to one another from the ends thereof towards intermediate portions thereof. In such aspects, the bend of the upright of each of the first and second legs may define an internal angle of from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a hook is defined at the free end of each of the first and second legs. In such aspects, the hooks of the first and second legs may be oriented outwardly away from each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.

[0019] FIG. 1A is a front view of a clip-on cable management device provided in accordance with the present disclosure retaining a plurality of cables and attached to a support in a first orientation;

[0020] FIG. IB is a front view of the clip-on cable management device of FIG. 1A retaining the plurality of cables and attached to the support in a second orientation;

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of the clip-on cable management device of FIG. 1A;

[0022] FIG. 3 A is a bottom view of a portion of the clip-on cable management device ofFIG. 1A;

[0023] FIG. 3B is a bottom view illustrating another configuration of the portion of the clip- on cable management device of FIG. 1 A;

[0024] FIGS. 4A-4C progressively illustrate engagement of the clip-on cable management device of FIG. 1 A with the support of FIG. 1 A;

[0025] FIGS. 5 A and 5B are front views of another clip-on cable management device provided in accordance with the present disclosure and shown in first and second orientations, respectively;

[0026] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front views of still another clip-on cable management device provided in accordance with the present disclosure and shown in first and second orientations, respectively;

[0027] FIG. 7A is a front view of yet another clip-on cable management device provided in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 7B is a front view of the clip-on cable management device of FIG. 7A shown attached to a support; and

[0029] FIG. 8 is a top view of a free end of one of the legs of the clip-on cable management device of FIG. 7 A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Turning to FIGS. 1A and IB, a clip-on cable management device provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral 100. Cable management device 100 is configured to retain one or more cables “C” and to clip-on to a suitable support “S” such as, for example, a wireway, junction box, structural beam, joint, connector, or any other suitable support “S” such that cable management device 100 is suspended from and retains cables “C” suspended from the support “S.” Cable management device 100 is formed from a single piece of material, for example, a single piece of wire stock, a single tube of plastic, and / or any other suitable length of material. The single piece of material may be coated, for example, with rubber, powder, and / or other substance. In aspects, a plurality of cable management devices 100 are disposed along the lengths of cables “C” to thereby define a cable management system supporting cables “C” (suspended from the same or different supports “S”) at various positions along the lengths thereof. Although shown engaged with support “S” of generally rectangular cross-section, it is understood that cable management device 100 may be utilized with a support “S” of any suitable cross-sectional configuration including, for example, polygonal, oval, circular, semi-circular, irregular, Lshaped, U-shaped, C-shaped, Id- shaped, etc.

[0031] Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3A, cable management device 100 generally includes a cable retaining loop 110, and first and second legs 120, 130 extending from cable retaining loop 100. Cable retaining loop 110 and first and second legs 120, 130 define a torsion spring configuration whereby cable retaining loop 110 biases first and second legs 120, 130 towards an at-rest position relative to one another. Although cable retaining loop 110 is shown defining one approximately 360 degree loop, additional loops (in 360 degree increments) and / or partial loops (defining less than or greater than a 360 degree extent) are also contemplated. Further, although legs 120, 130 are shown extending from cable retaining loop 110 oppositely from one another atan angle of approximately 180 degrees, other suitable angles are also contemplated, e.g., depending upon the configuration of the support “S” from which cable management device 100 is to clip-on and be suspended.

[0032] Cable retaining loop 110 defines an interior area 112 configured to receive one or more cables “C.” End portions of cables “C” may be fed through interior area 112 from either end of cable retaining loop 110 to receive and support cables “C” within cable retaining loop 110. Alternatively, legs 120, 130 of cable management device 100 may be manipulated in opposite directions transversely relative to a plane defined by cable retaining loop 110 to establish an opening between legs 120, 130 (and / or the overlapping portion of cable retaining loop 110) for passage of cables “C” transversely into cable retaining loop 110. Once cables “C” are positioned within cable retaining loop 100, legs 120, 130 may be released to allow legs 120, 130 to spring back into contact one another, thereby eliminating (or substantially eliminating) the opening.

[0033] Referring momentarily to FIG. 3B, in aspects, first and second legs 120, 130 are spaced-apart relative to one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extents thereof to define a gap “G” therebetween. In this manner, cable retaining loop 110, as shown in FIG. 3B, defines a more elongated helical configuration (in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extents of first and second legs 120, 130) compared to the helical configuration of cable retaining loop 110 as shown in FIG. 3A. Gap “G” enables insertion of cables “C” (FIGS. 1A and IB) transversely through gap “G” and into interior area 112 of cable retaining loop 110. Gap “G” may be sufficiently large so as to enable one or more cables “C” to pass therethrough in at-rest positions of first and second legs 120, 130, and / or may be configured to expand upon application of opposing forces to first and second legs 120, 130 to resiliently elongate cable retaining loop 110 and increase gap “G” for passage of the one or more cables “C” therethrough and into interior area 112. Regardless of whether gap “G” is expanded, the above-detailed configuration enables cables “C” (FIGS. 1A and IB) to be “dropped into” cable retaining loop 110 without requiring the ends of cables “C” (FIGS. 1A and IB) to be fed through interior area 112, thus facilitating installation.

[0034] The above-detailed configuration, wherein a gap “G” (at rest or resilient expandable) is defined between the legs extending from a cable retaining loop to facilitate installation of cables “C” (FIGS. 1A and IB) into the cable retaining loop, may likewise apply to any or all ofthe other cable retaining loops detailed herein, e.g., cable retaining loops 210, 260, 270, 310 (FIGS. 5A-6B).

[0035] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-3A, legs 120, 130 extend from cable retaining loop 110 to free ends 122, 132, respectively, thereof. Legs 120, 130 partially overlap one another, e.g., as legs 120, 130 extend from cable retaining loop 110 in different directions (opposite directions approximately 180 degrees apart from one another, in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1A- 3A). In aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-3A, legs 120, 130 may each include an elbow 124, 134 disposed between cable retaining loop 110 and the respective free end 122, 132 thereof. Elbows 124, 134 may define angles of approximately 90 degrees such that legs 120, 130 each include a base 126, 136 and an upright 128, 138, respectively, that cooperate to define a generally U-shape configuration, although other angles and resultant configurations are also contemplated. The above-noted bias provided by cable retaining loop 110 biases uprights 128, 138 of legs 120, 130 towards an at-rest position wherein uprights 128, 138 are substantially parallel to one another.

[0036] Each leg 120, 130 further includes a catch 140, 150 defined towards the respective free end 122, 132 thereof. Catches 140, 150 may be formed via one or more bends in legs 120, 130 such that at least potions of catches 140, 150 protrude from respective legs 120, 130 inwardly towards one another.

[0037] In aspects, bases 126, 136 and uprights 128, 138 of legs 120, 130 may define suitable dimensions to enable receipt of support “S” laterally between uprights 128, 138 and vertically between bases 126, 136 and catches 140, 150. It is contemplated that bases 126, 136 and uprights 128, 138 of legs 120, 130 are suitably dimensioned to cooperate to define overall dimensions that snugly fit about support “S,” e.g., within 10% of the dimensions of support “S,” to thereby minimize play therebetween and enable a more secure engagement.

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the engagement of cable management device 100 about support “S” is detailed. Initially, as shown in FIG. 4A, cable management device 100 is oriented such that support “S” is at least partially aligned within the open end of the U-shaped configuration defined by legs 120, 130 and is approximated towards support “S.” Turning to FIG. 4B, cable management device 100 is further manipulated to receive support “S” through the open end of the U-shaped configuration defined by legs 120, 130 by moving legs 120, 130 outwardly apart from one another, thereby increasing tension on and storing additional energywithin cable retaining loop 110 due to the torsion spring configuration defined by cable retaining loop 110 and legs 120, 130. Referring also to FIG. 4C, as support “S” clears catches 140, 150 and is fully received within the U-shaped configuration defined by legs 120, 130, legs 120, 130 are returned under the bias of cable retaining loop 110 (releasing the additional energy stored within cable retaining loop 110) back towards or to the at-rest configuration, wherein catches 140, 150 engage opposing sides of support “S” to thereby retain cable management device 100 in engagement about and suspended from support “S.” This engagement is maintained by the bias of cable retaining loop 110. In order to disengage and release cable management device 100, legs 120, 130 are again moved apart from one another sufficiently so as to enable withdrawal of support “S” from the open end of the U-shaped configuration defined by legs 120, 130.

[0039] Referring back to FIGS. 1A and IB, cable management device 100 may be installed in a first vertical orientation, wherein the open end of the U-shaped configuration defined by legs 120, 130 is oriented upwardly (see FIG. 1A) or in a second, opposite vertical orientation, wherein the open end of the U-shaped configuration defined by legs 120, 130 is oriented downwardly (see FIG. IB). Angled and / or horizontal orientations are also contemplated.

[0040] Turning to FIGS. 5 A and 5B, another cable management device 200 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Cable management device 200 is similar to cable management device 100 (FIGS. 1A-4C) and, thus, only differences between cable management device 200 and cable management device 100 (FIGS. 1A-4C) are described in detail below while similarities are summarily described or omitted entirely.

[0041] Cable management device 200 generally includes a cable retaining loop 210, first and second legs 220, 230 extending from cable retaining loop 210, and first and second auxiliary cable retaining loops 260, 270 disposed along first and second legs 220, 230, respectively, between catches 240, 250 and free ends 222, 232 of legs 220, 230, respectively. Cable management device 200 may be engaged about a support in either the first or second vertical orientations (FIGS. 5B and 5 A, respectively), or may be engaged in angled or horizontal orientations. Auxiliary cable retaining loops 260, 270 are configured to receive and retain cables therein similarly as detailed above with respect to cable retaining loop 100 (FIGS. 1A and IB). In aspects, when the second vertical orientation is utilized (FIG. 5A), the presence of cables within auxiliary cable retaining loops 260, 270 may strengthen the engagement of cable management device 200 about a support.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another cable management device 300 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Cable management device 300 is similar to cable management device 100 (FIGS. 1A-4C) and, thus, only differences between cable management device 300 and cable management device 100 (FIGS. 1A-4C) are described in detail below while similarities are summarily described or omitted entirely.

[0043] Cable management device 300 generally includes a cable retaining loop 310 and first and second legs 320, 330 extending from cable retaining loop 310. Legs 320, 330 define radiused arcs extending from cable retaining loop 310 and having catches 340, 350 disposed towards free ends 322, 332 of legs 320, 330, respectively. Arced legs 320, 330 cooperate to define a substantially circular internal area for receipt and engagement about a substantially circular support.

[0044] Turning to FIGS. 7 A and 7B, another cable management device 700 provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Cable management device 700 is similar to cable management device 100 (FIGS. 1A-4C) and, thus, only differences between cable management device 700 and cable management device 100 (FIGS. 1A-4C) are described in detail below while similarities are summarily described or omitted entirely.

[0045] Cable management device 700 generally includes a cable retaining loop 710 and first and second legs 720, 730 extending from cable retaining loop 710. Each leg 720, 730 includes a base 726, 736 and an upright 728, 738 connected by an elbow 724, 734, respectively, thus defining a generally U-shape configuration. However, uprights 728, 738 of legs 720, 730, respectively, include first and second upright segments 729a, 729b, and 739a, 739 having a bend 729c, 739c therebetween such that uprights 728, 738 extend outwardly from the upper and lower ends thereof to bends 729c, 739c, respectively. In aspects, this configuration facilitates engagement of legs 720, 730 about support “S” to retain cable management device 700 in engagement about and suspended from support “S.” The internal angles defined by bends 729c, 739c may be, in aspects, from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees, although other angles are also contemplated.

[0046] With additional reference to FIG. 8, a hook 740 may be defined at the free end 742 of each leg 720, 730 (FIGS. 7A and 7B), respectively, or the free ends of the legs of any other cable management devices in accordance with the present disclosure. Each hook 740 is disposed within a plane (not withstanding a thickness of the wire stock forming the hook 740) that issubstantially perpendicular to a plane defined by legs 720, 730 (not withstanding a thickness of the wire stock and / or any 3D aspects of legs 720, 730). The hooks 740 of legs 720, 730 arc oriented such that the concave sides of hooks 740 face inwardly and such that the convex sides of hooks 740 face outwardly. Hooks 740 thus provide a rounded outwardly facing surface configured to inhibit catching on components, clothing, etc. during engagement and disengagement of cable management device 700 to and from support “S”.

[0047] While several aspects of the disclosure have been detailed above and are shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description and accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A clip-on cable management device, comprising: at least one loop configured to receive one or more cables; first and second legs extending in different directions from the at least one loop to respective free ends; and first and second catches defined towards the free ends of the first and second legs, respectively, wherein the at least one loop and the first and second legs define a torsion spring configuration whereby the at least one loop biases the first and second legs towards an at-rest configuration, wherein the first and second legs are configured to move relative to one another from the at-rest configuration to enable receipt of a support therebetween, thereby increasing stored energy within the at least one loop, and wherein, upon receipt of the support between the first and second legs, the first and second legs are urged back towards the at-rest configuration by release of the increased energy stored within the at least one loop such that the first and second catches engage the support to thereby retain the at least one loop in suspension from the support.

2. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one loop, the first and second legs, and the first and second catches are integrally formed from a single length of material.

3. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 2, wherein the length of material is wire stock.

4. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one loop includes a single loop.

5. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second legs extend from the at least one loop to define an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to one another.

6. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second legs each include an elbow bent at approximately 90 degrees.

7. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second legs cooperate to define a substantially U-shaped configuration.

8. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein at least portions of the first and second catches extend from the respective first and second legs inwardly towards one another.

9. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one auxiliary loop configured to receive one or more cables.

10. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one auxiliary loop is disposed on one of the first or second legs between the catch and the free end thereof.

11. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one auxiliary loop includes first and second auxiliary loops disposed on the respective first and second legs between the catches and the free ends thereof.

12. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second legs define arcuate configurations that cooperate to define an approximately circular configuration.

13. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second legs arc configured to define a transverse gap therebetween to permit the one or more cables to pass through the transverse gap and into the at least one loop.

14. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 13, wherein the first and second legs define the transverse gap without requiring external force applied to the first and second legs.

15. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 13, wherein the first and second legs define the transverse gap in response to external force applied to at least one of the first or second legs.

16. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 13, wherein the at least one loop is configured to have an elongated helical configuration such that the first and second legs define the transverse gap therebetween.

17. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second legs defines an upright having a bend such that the uprights of the first and second legs extend outwardly relative to one another from the ends thereof towards intermediate portions thereof.

18. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 17, wherein the bend of the upright of each of the first and second legs defines an internal angle of from about 120 degrees to about 170 degrees.

19. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 1, wherein a hook is defined at the free end of each of the first and second legs.

20. The clip-on cable management device according to claim 19, wherein the hooks of the first and second legs are oriented outwardly away from each other.

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