Cable guide structurally configured to route a cable in a selected direction as the cable extends from a connector

Abstract

A cable guide structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a connector to permit the cable to be routed in a selected direction. The cable guide may include a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of a connector associated with a communication cable and a routing portion connected to the connecting portion to route the communication cable in a selected direction as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector. The routing portion may be structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to-bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the connector can be manipulated so as to permit the cable to be routed in the selected direction. The routing portion may be structurally configured to rotate relative to the connecting portion to adjust the radial direction in which the communication cable is routed.

Description

CABLE GUIDE STRUCTURALLY CONFIGURED TO ROUTE A CABLE IN A SELECTED DIRECTION AS THE CABLE EXTENDS FROM A CONNECTORCROSS REFRENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 654,479 filed May 31 , 2024, which is currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a cable guide, and more particularly to a cable guide structurally configured to route a cable in a selected direction as the cable extends from a connector.BACKGROUND

[0003] Communication systems and networks use enclosures to house system components (e.g., equipment and cable) and handle different connectivity solutions (e.g., looped cable storage, splicing, and patching). The enclosures are typically mounted to a wall or pole and have communication cables (e.g., copper lines, fiber optic lines) routed to and from the enclosure and connected to an input or output port on equipment associated with the enclosure. In some applications, the enclosure may be adjacent a fixed structure (e.g., facing a wall) that results in considerably reduced space for the communication cable to be positioned to go inside the enclosure and connect to the input or output port.

[0004] There is a need for a device that allows for the communication cable to connect to an input or output port in a reduced space application without having to face the cable’s resistance to bending. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a cable guide that is structurally configured to route cable from a connector at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connector to control material resistance of the cable.SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a cable guide structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a connector to permit the cable to be routed in a selected direction.. In some embodiments, the cable guide may include a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of a connector associated with a communication cable and a routing portion structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion. The routing portion may be structurally configured to route the communication cable in a selected direction as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector portion while allowing the cable connector to operatively connect the communication cable to a component or equipment.

[0007] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to-bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the connector portion can be manipulated so as to permit the cable to be routed in the selected direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the desirable direction may be at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion. In some embodiments, the angle may be in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0009] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be connected to the connecting portion by an attachment portion that is structurally configured to allow the routing portion to rotate relative to the connecting portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the attachment portion may include a radially extending projection received within a recess. In some embodiments, the radially extending projection may include circumferentially extending ridge on the routing portion and the recess may include a circumferentially extending groove on the attachment portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to surround the first end portion of the connector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector via one of a snap connection or a frictional fit.

[0013] In some embodiments, the routing portion may include a curved conduit portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the selected direction may be a direction that deviates from a natural trajectory of the communication cable as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, a cable guide may be structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a boot to permit the cable to be routed in a selected direction. In some embodiments, the cable guide may include a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of the boot and a routing portion structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to route the communication cable in a selected direction as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the boot. In some embodiments, the selected direction may be at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion. In some embodiments, the angle may be in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0017] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion by an attachment portion that is structurally configured to allow the routing portion to rotate relative to the connecting portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the attachment portion may include a radially extending projection received within a circumferentially extending recess.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to surround the first end portion of the boot.

[0020] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the boot via one of a snap connection or a frictional fit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the routing portion may include a curved conduit portion having a C-shaped cross-section.

[0022] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the boot while allowing the cable connector to operatively connect the communication cable to a component or equipment.

[0023] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to-bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the boot can be manipulated so as to permit the cable to be routed in the selected direction

[0024] In some embodiments, the selected direction may be a direction that deviates from a natural trajectory of the communication cable as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the boot.

[0025] In some embodiments, a cable guide may be structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a connector to permit the cable to be routed in a selected direction.. In some embodiments, the cable guide may include a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of the connector and a routing portion structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the selected direction may be at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be connected to the connecting portion by an attachment portion that is structurally configured to allow the routing portion to rotate relative to the connecting portion. In some embodiments, the routing portion may include a curved conduit portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector portion while allowing the cable connector to operatively connect the communication cable to a component or equipment.

[0029] In some embodiments, the routing portion may be structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to-bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the connector portion can be manipulated so as to permit the cable to be routed in the selected direction.

[0030] In some embodiments, the attachment portion may include a circumferentially extending ridge on the routing portion and a circumferentially extending groove on theattachment portion structurally configured to receive the circumferentially extending ridge.

[0031] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to surround the first end portion of the connector.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connecting portion may be structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector via one of a snap connection or a frictional fit.

[0033] In some embodiments, the curved conduit portion may have a C-shaped cross-section.

[0034] In some embodiments, the selected direction may be a direction that deviates from a natural trajectory of the communication cable as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector portion.

[0035] In some embodiments, the angle is in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0036] Various aspects of the system, as well as other embodiments, objects, features and advantages of this disclosure, will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present teachings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example cable guide and communication cable according to the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the cable guide of FIG. 1 installed on the cable.

[0040] FIG. 3 is perspective view of an example cable guide and cable connector plug according to the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the cable guide of FIG. 3.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a section view of the cable guide and cable connector plug of FIG. 3.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. The figures are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0044] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0045] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a,” “an,” and “the” comprise plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components.

[0046] FIGS. 1 -2 illustrate an example cable guide 100 according to the present disclosure. The cable guide 100 may be structurally configured to connect to a communication cable / connector assembly 102 having a connector 104 attached to a communication cable 106 (e.g., copper line, fiber optic line, etc.). The cable guide 100 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable 106 in a desirable direction (e.g., a direction that is needed to facilitate installation) as the communication cable 106 extends from the connector 104. For example, in some implementations, the cable guide 100 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable 106 in a direction that deviates from the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106 as it extends from the connector 104 (i.e. , the path the communication cable would extend from the connector when not acted upon by an external object).

[0047] The connector 104 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the connector 104 may be a known connector type for terminating the communication cable 106 and operatively connecting the communication cable 106 to an input or output port (not shown) of a component or equipment (not shown) (e.g., equipment housed in an enclosure). The connector 104 may include a first end portion 108, a second end portion 110 opposite the first end portion 108, and a longitudinal axis A. The first end portion 108 may be structurally configured to connect to an input or output port (not shown) of a component or equipment (not shown). The second end portion 110 may be structurally configured to operatively connect to a terminal end 112 of the communication cable 106. As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication cable 106 may connect to the second end portion 110 such that the communication cable 106 extends along the longitudinal axis A, which may be the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106 as it extends from the connector 104.

[0048] The cable guide 100 may be configured in a variety of ways. Any configuration that can connect to communication cable / connector assembly 102 and route the communication cable 106 in a direction that deviates from the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106 as it extends from the connector 104 may be used. In some implementations, the cable guide 100 may include a connecting portion 120 and a routing portion 122.

[0049] In some implementations, the connecting portion 120 may be structurally configured to attach to the communication cable / connector assembly 102. The connecting portion 120 may connect to the communication cable / connector assembly 102 in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the connecting portion 120 may be structurally configured to connect to the second end portion 110 of the connector 104 without inhibiting the functionality of the connector 104 (e.g., while allow the connector to operatively connect the communication cable 106 to a component or equipment). In some implementations, the connecting portion 120 may fit onto or around the second end portion 110 while the first end portion 108 extend distally from the connecting portion 120. In some implementations, the connecting portion 120 may connect to the second end portion 110 via a snap connection or friction fit.

[0050] In some implementations, the routing portion 122 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable 106 extending from the second end portion 110 of the connector 104 in a direction that deviates from the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106. For example, in some implementations, the routing portion 122 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable 106 extending from the second end portion 110 of the connector 104 in a direction that is at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A of the connector 104. The angle a may vary in different implementations. In some implementations, the angle a may be 90±5 degrees. In other implementations, however, the angle a may be any suitable angle, such as for example, in the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0051] The routing portion 122 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, in some implementations, the routing portion 122 may be structurally configured to bend the communication cable 106 to the angle a. In some implementations, the routing portion 122 may include an interface portion 124 (e.g., an engagement surface, a channel, a conduit, etc.) structurally configured to engage the communication cable 106 to bend or redirect the communication cable 106 as the communication cable 106 extends from the connector 104. Thus, the interface portion 124 of the cable guide 100 may absorb the communication cable’s resistance to bending force. As a result, the installer can manipulate the communication cable / connector assembly 102 into position, such as within a tight space, without having to face the resistance to bending force of the communication cable 106.

[0052] In addition to routing the communication cable 106 in a direction that is at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A of the connector 104, in some implementations, the routing portion 122 may be structurally configured to adjust the radial direction (360 degrees about the longitudinal axis A) in which the communication cable 106 is routed from the connector 104. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates the communication cable 106 being routed at a 90-degree angle in a first radial direction D1. FIG. 2 also illustrates, in dashed lines, that the communication cable 106 could alternatively be routed by the routing portion 122 in a second radial direction D2, opposite the first radial direction D1. In some implementations, the routing portion 122may be structurally configured to route the communication cable at any radial direction 360 degrees about an axis B of the cable guide 100.

[0053] The routing portion 122 may be structurally configured to adjust the radial direction which the communication cable 106 is routed from the connector 104 in a variety of ways. For example, in some implementations, the orientation of the routing portion 122 relative to the connecting portion 120 may be adjustable. For example, the routing portion 122 may be structurally configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis A relative to the connecting portion 120 to adjust the radial direction in which the communication cable 106 is routed.

[0054] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate an example cable guide 200 according to the present disclosure. The cable guide 200 may be structurally configured to connect to a communication cable / connector assembly (e.g., communication cable / connector assembly 102) having a connector portion or boot portion 204 attached to a communication cable, such as communication cable 106 of FIGS. 1-2 (e.g., copper line, fiber optic line, etc.). The cable guide 200 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable (not shown) in a direction that deviates from the natural trajectory of the communication cable (not shown) as it extends from the boot portion 204.

[0055] The connector portion or boot portion 204 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the boot portion 204 may be any known connector type for terminating the communication cable 106 and operatively connecting the communication cable to an input or output port (not shown) of a component or equipment (not shown) (e.g., equipment housed in an enclosure).

[0056] The boot portion 204 may include a first end portion 208, a second end portion 210 opposite the first end portion 208, and a longitudinal axis A. The first end portion 208 may be structurally configured to operatively connect the communication cable 106 to an input or output port (not shown) of a component or equipment (not shown). The second end portion 210 may be structurally configured to operatively connect to a terminal end of the communication cable 106. The communication cable 106 may connect to the second end portion 210 such that the communication cable 106 extends along the longitudinal axis A, which may be the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106 as it extends from the boot portion 204.

[0057] The cable guide 200 may be configured in a variety of ways. Any configuration that can connect to the boot portion 204 and / or the communication cable 106 and route the communication cable 106 in a direction that deviates from the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106 as it extends from the boot portion 204 may be used. In some implementations, the cable guide 200 may include a connecting portion 220 and a routing portion 222.

[0058] In some implementations, the connecting portion 220 may be structurally configured to attach to the communication cable 106 and / or the boot portion 204. The connecting portion 220 may connect to the communication cable 106 and / or the boot portion 204 in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the connecting portion 220 may be structurally configured to connect to the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 without inhibiting the ability of the boot portion 204 to operatively connect the communication cable 106 to a component or equipment.

[0059] In some implementations, the connecting portion 220 may include a first end portion 224, a second end portion 226 opposite the first end portion 224, and a passage 228 extending through the connecting portion 220 from the first end portion 224 to the second end portion 226. In some implementations, the connecting portion 220 may be structurally configured to fit onto or around the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204.

[0060] For example, in some implementations, the passage 228 at the first end portion 224 of the connecting portion 220 may be structurally configured to receive the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 within the passage 228. In some implementations, the passage 228 may have a cross-sectional shape at the first end portion 224 of the connecting portion 220 that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204. For example, in the illustrated implementation, the cross-sectional shape of both the passage 228 at the at the first end portion 224 of the connecting portion 220 and the cross-sectional shape of the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 are both rectangular, or generally rectangular. In other implementations, the cross-section shape of the passage 228 and the second end portion 210 may be other than rectangular.

[0061] The connecting portion 220 may attach to the boot portion 204 in a variety of ways. In some implementations, the connecting portion 220 may be structurally configured to connect to the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 via a friction fit or snap connection. For example, the passage 228 at the first end portion 224 of the connecting portion 220 may be shaped and sized to receive the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 such that the boot portion 204 is held within the first end portion 224 of the connecting portion 220 by a friction fit between the boot portion 204 and the connecting portion 220.

[0062] In some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable 106 extending from the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 in a direction that deviates from the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106. For example, the natural trajectory of the communication cable 106 extending from the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 may be along the longitudinal axis A.

[0063] In some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be structurally configured to route the communication cable 106 extending from the second end portion 210 of the boot portion 204 in a direction D1 (FIG. 5) that is at an angle a relative to the longitudinal axis A of the boot portion 204. The angle a may vary in different implementations. In some implementations, the angle a may be 90±5 degrees. In other implementations, however, the angle a may be any suitable angle, such as for example, in the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

[0064] The routing portion 222 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, in some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be structurally configured to bend the communication cable 106 to the angle a. In some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be structurally configured to engage the communication cable 106 to bend or redirect the communication cable 106 as the communication cable 106 extends from the boot portion 204. Thus, the routing portion 222 of the cable guide 200 may absorb the communication cable’s resistance to bending force. As a result, the installer can manipulate the communication cable 106 and the boot portion 204 into position, such as within a tight space, without having to face the resistance to bending force of the communication cable 106.

[0065] In some implementations, the routing portion 222 includes a first end portion 230, a second end portion 232 opposite the first end portion 230, and a conduit portion 234 (e.g., a channel, a tube, a passage, a trough, or the like) extending from the first end portion 230 to the second end portion 232. In some implementations, the conduit portion 234 may be a fully enclosed passage (e.g., a tube). In other implementations, the conduit portion 234 may not be fully enclosed along a length of the conduit portion 234 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). In some implementations, the cross-section of the conduit portion 234 may be a half-circle or greater but less than a full circle (e.g., C- shaped).

[0066] The conduit portion 234 may be structurally configured to receive the communication cable 106 therethrough. In some implementations, the conduit portion 234 may be curved or angled. In some implementations, the conduit portion 234 may be structurally configured to redirect the communication cable 106 in a small or minimal space adjacent the connecting portion 220. For example, in some implementations, the conduit portion 234 may route the communication cable 106 in the direction D1 within a distance DT from the connecting portion 220 (e.g., within a distance DT from an outer proximal surface 236 of the second end portion 226). In some implementations, the conduit portion 234 may include an inner diameter ID.

[0067] In some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be structurally configured such that the radial direction (i.e., 360 degrees about an axis B of the connecting portion 220, as shown in FIG. 5) which the communication cable 106 is routed from the boot portion 204 may be adjusted. For example, in some implementations, the cable guide 200 may be structurally configured to allow the orientation of the routing portion 222 relative to the connecting portion 220 to be adjustable. For example, in some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be connected to the connecting portion 220 via an attachment portion 238 structurally configured to allow the routing portion 222 to rotate relative to the connecting portion 220 about the axis B, as shown by arrow C (FIG. 5). In some implementations, the axis B may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis A of the boot portion 204.

[0068] The attachment portion 238 may be structurally configured in a variety of ways. Any configuration that allows the routing portion 222 to rotate about the axis Brelative to the connecting portion 220 may be used. For example, in some implementations, the second end portion 226 of the connecting portion 220 may include a circumferentially extending recess 240 (e.g., a groove or channel) and the first end portion 230 of the routing portion 222 may include a radially extending projection 242 (e.g., a circumferentially extending ridge) structurally configured to be received within the recess 240. In some implementations, the circumferentially extending recess 240 may be positioned on the routing portion and the radially extending projection 242 may be positioned on the connecting portion 220.

[0069] When the routing portion 222 is rotated relative to the connecting portion 220, the radially extending projection 242 may slide within the recess 240 to allow rotation of the routing portion 222, while resisting the routing portion 222 being axially separated from the connecting portion 220. In some implementations, the routing portion 222 may be configured to rotate 360 degrees relative to the connecting portion 220.

[0070] While at least one example, non-limiting embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A cable guide structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a connector to permit the communication cable to be routed in a selected direction comprising: a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of a boot of a cable connector; a routing portion structurally configured to be connected with the connecting portion; wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to route a communication cable in a selected direction as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the boot; wherein the selective direction comprises an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion; wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion by an attachment portion that is structurally configured to allow the routing portion to rotate relative to the connecting portion; wherein the attachment portion includes a radially extending projection on the routing portion structurally configured to be received within a circumferentially extending recess connecting portion; wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to surround the first end portion of the boot; wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the boot via one of a snap connection or a frictional fit; wherein the routing portion includes a curved conduit portion having a C-shaped cross-section; wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the boot while allowing the cable connector to operatively connect the communication cable to a component or equipment; andwherein the routing portion is structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to- bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the boot can be manipulated so as to permit the communication cable to be routed in the selected direction.

2. The cable guide of claim 1 , wherein the angle is in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

3. The cable guide of claim 1 or 2, wherein the selected direction is a direction that deviates from a natural trajectory of the communication cable as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the boot.

4. A cable guide structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a connector to permit the communication cable to be routed in a selected direction comprising: a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of the connector; a routing portion structurally configured to be connected with the connecting portion, the routing portion being structurally configured to route the communication cable in a selected direction as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector; wherein the selected direction comprises an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion; wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion by an attachment portion that is structurally configured to allow the routing portion to rotate relative to the connecting portion; wherein the routing portion includes a curved conduit portion; wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector while allowing the connector to operatively connect the communication cable to a component or equipment;; andwherein the routing portion is structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to- bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the connector can be manipulated so as to permit the communication cable to be routed in the selected direction.

5. The cable guide of claim 4, wherein the attachment portion includes a circumferentially extending ridge on the routing portion and a circumferentially extending groove on the attachment portion structurally configured to receive the circumferentially extending ridge.

6. The cable guide of claim 4 or 5, wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to surround the first end portion of the connector.

7. The cable guide of any of claims 4-6, wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector via one of a snap connection or a frictional fit.

8. The cable guide of any of claims 4-7, wherein the curved conduit portion has a C- shaped cross-section.

9. The cable guide of any of claims 4-8, wherein the selected direction is a direction that deviates from a natural trajectory of the communication cable as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector.

10. The cable guide of any of claims 4-10, wherein the angle is in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

11. A cable guide structurally configured to guide a communication cable extending from a connector to permit the communication cable to be routed in a selected direction comprising:a connecting portion structurally configured to connect to a first end portion of a connector associated with a communication cable; a routing portion structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion, the routing portion structurally configured to route the communication cable in a selected direction as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector; wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector while allowing the connector to operatively connect the communication cable to a component or equipment;; and wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to absorb a resistance-to- bending force of the communication cable such that the cable guide and the connector can be manipulated so as to permit the communication cable to be routed in the selected direction.

12. The cable guide of claim 11 , wherein the selected direction is at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the connecting portion.

13. The cable guide of claim 12, wherein the angle is in a range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees.

14. The cable guide of any of claims 11 -13, wherein the routing portion is structurally configured to be connected to the connecting portion by an attachment portion that is structurally configured to allow the routing portion to rotate relative to the connecting portion.

15. The cable guide of claim 14, wherein the attachment portion includes a radially extending projection on the routing portion structurally configured to be received within a recess of the connecting portion.

16. The cable guide of claim 15, wherein the radially extending projection comprises a circumferentially extending ridge and the recess comprises a circumferentially extending groove.

17. The cable guide of any of claims 11 -16, wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to surround the first end portion of the connector.

18. The cable guide of any of claims 11 -17, wherein the connecting portion is structurally configured to connect to the first end portion of the connector via one of a snap connection or a frictional fit.

19. The cable guide of any of claims 11-18, wherein the routing portion comprises a curved conduit portion.

20. The cable guide according to any of claims 11-19, wherein the selected direction is a direction that deviates from a natural trajectory of the communication cable as the communication cable extends from the first end portion of the connector.

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