Radius drop for cable runway

Abstract

A radius drop for use with a cable runway is disclosed. The radius drop can include a planar portion and a retaining structure. The planar portion can define a longitudinal axis and a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge. A portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges can define a first engagement surface. The retaining structure can include a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge. The second tab can include a detent, and a portion of the detent can define a second engagement surface. The first and second tabs can define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive a bar, and the first and second engagement surfaces can lock the radius drop to the bar.

Description

TITLERADIUS DROP FOR CABLE RUNWAYTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses, systems, and methods for a radius drop for use with a cable runway.BACKGROUND

[0002] A radius drop is commonly used in various cable management systems. Specifically, a radius drop may be placed on either a stringer or a cross-member of a cable runway, also referred to herein as a cable ladder, to provide effective cable management. For example, a radius drop can be used to provide a transition from a horizontal cable runway to a cable rack while maintaining a recommended bend radius for a cable of interest. Several other examples will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

[0003] Currently, radius drop designs may rely on mounting hardware, such as bolts, nuts, etc., to mount a radius drop to a cable runway. Additionally, or alternatively, current radius drop designs may rely on gravity to hold a radius drop in place on a cable runway. The present disclosure has realized that such aforementioned radius drop designs pose various obstacles and risks. For example, radius drop designs that rely on mounting hardware require extra time, labor, etc. to install and / or move such radius drops.Additionally, radius drop designs that rely on gravity pose safety risks as they may be bumped and, as a result, may fall off a cable runway. This poses a safety risk to any cable management system, but also to any person(s) that may pass under any such cable management system, cable runway, and / or radius drop.

[0004] Accordingly, through diligent research the inventors of the present disclosure have realized that it may be beneficial to develop a new radius drop for use with a cable runway.SUMMARY

[0005] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of innovative features unique to the aspects disclosed herein and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, and abstract as a whole.

[0006] In various aspects, a radius drop for use with a cable runway is disclosed. The radius drop can include a planar portion and a retaining structure. The planar portion candefine a longitudinal axis. The planar portion can include a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge. At least a portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges can define a first engagement surface. The retaining structure can include a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge. The second tab can include a detent, and at least a portion of the detent can define a second engagement surface. The first and second tabs can define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive a bar, and the first and second engagement surfaces can be sized and configured to lock the radius drop to the bar.

[0007] In various aspects, a radius drop system for use with a cable runway is disclosed. The radius drop system can include a radius drop mounting member and a radius drop. The radius drop mounting member can be configured to be placed between two stringers of a cable runway. The radius drop can be configured to be mounted to the radius drop mounting member. The radius drop can include a planar portion and a retaining structure. The planar portion can define a longitudinal axis. The planar portion can include a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge. At least a portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges can define a first engagement surface. The retaining structure can include a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge. The first tab can include a detent, and at least a portion of the detent can define a second engagement surface. The first and second tabs can define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive the radius drop mounting member, and the first and second engagement surfaces can be sized and configured to lock the radius drop to the radius drop mounting member.

[0008] In various aspects, a method of positions a radius drop on a bar defined by a stringer or a cross-member of a cable runway is disclosed. The method can include aligning a radius drop laterally with a bar based on a lateral gap defined by a first tab and a second tab of a retaining structure of the radius drop. The method can further include aligning the radius drop longitudinally with the far. The method can even further include applying a force substantially orthogonal to a planar portion of the radius drop to position the radius drop on the bar based on a snap engagement between the bar and a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] In the description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific detailsare set forth, such as particular aspects, procedures, techniques, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced in other aspects that depart from these specific details.

[0010] The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate aspects of concepts that include the claimed disclosure and explain various principles and advantages of those aspects.

[0011] The apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various aspects of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0012] FIGS. 1A-D illustrate a radius drop, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the radius drop (FIGS. 1A-D) mounted to a stringer of a cable runway, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the radius drop (FIGS. 1A-D) slidably positioned on a stringer between two cross-members, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a radius drop mounting member, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIGS. 5A-D illustrate a radius drop, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a radius drop system including the radius drop mounting member (FIG. 4) and the radius drop (FIGS. 5A-D), according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a radius drop system including the radius drop mounting member (FIG. 4) and two radius drops, according to at least one aspect of the presentdisclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of positioning a radius drop on a bar defined by a stringer or a cross-member of a cable runway, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present disclosure may provide example apparatuses, systems, and methods for a radius drop for use with a cable runway. Although reference may be made to cable management, or the like, such aspects of the present disclosure are not so limited. That is, the apparatuses, systems, and methods disclosed herein may be utilized for any suitable purpose.

[0021] Now, with respect to the figures, FIGS. 1A-D illustrate a radius drop 100, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The radius drop 100 can include a planar portion 102 and a retaining structure. The planar portion 102 can define a longitudinal axis 104. The planar portion 102 can include a first edge 106 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 104 and a second edge 108 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 104 and laterally offset from the first edge 106. At least a portion of the planar portion 102 between the first and second edges 106, 108 can define a first engagement surface 110. The retaining structure can include a first tab 112 extending from the first edge 106 and a second tab 114 extending from the second edge 108. The second tab can include a detent 116, and at least a portion of the detent 116 can define a second engagement surface 118. The first and second tabs 112, 114 can define a lateral gap 120 along the longitudinal axis 104 to receive a bar, and the first and second engagement surfaces 110, 118 can be sized and configured to lock the radius drop 100 to the bar.

[0022] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second edges 106, 108 can be equal in length longitudinally, or, alternatively, the first edge 106 can be greater in length than the second edge 108, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-B, D, or, alternatively, the second edge 108 can be greater in length than the first edge 106.

[0023] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second tabs 112, 114 can be longitudinally offset in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis 104, such as shown in FIG. 1D. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 1C-D, the first and second tabs 112, 114 can extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion 102 in a same direction. Furthermore, each of the first and second tabs 112, 114 can have any length so long as they define the lateral gap 120. That is, the second tab 114 can be greaterin length compared to the first tab 112, such as shown in FIG. 10, or, alternatively, the first and second tabs 112, 114 can be equal in length, or, alternatively, the first tab 112 can be greater in length compared to the second tab 114.

[0024] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the detent 116 can extend from the second tab 114 into the lateral gap 120 defined between the first and second tabs 112, 114, such as shown in FIG. 10. In alternative aspects, however, the detent 116 can extend from the first tab 112 into the lateral gap 120 defined between the first and second tabs 112, 114. In all aspects of the present disclosure, the detent 116 can have a variety of lengths, and the detent 116 can extend from any point on the first or second tabs 112, 114. As shown in FIG. 10, the detent 116 can extend from a free end of the second tab 114. However, alternatively, the detent 116 can extend from a middle point of the second tab 114, or from any point on the first or second tabs 112, 114. Furthermore, the detent 116 can have a variety of shapes, such as a trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 10, or a curved shape, a rectangular shape, or the like, so long as a portion of the detent 116 defines the second engagement surface 118.

[0025] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the radius drop 100 and, specifically, the first or second tabs 112, 114, can include any number of detents 116. For example, such as shown in FIG. 1 D, the radius drop 100 can include two detents 116. However, alternatively, the radius drop 100 can include one or more than two detents 116.

[0026] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, the radius drop 100 can include a curved portion 122 extending from a side 124 opposite to the first and second edges 106, 108 of the planar portion 102. The curved portion 122 can extend in a direction similar to the first and second tabs 112, 114, or, alternatively, the curved portion 122 can extend in a direction opposite to the first and second tabs 112, 114. As shown in FIG. 10, the curved portion 122 can extend in a direction similar to the first and second tabs 112, 114, and the curved portion 122 can extend to a distance away from the planar portion 102 that is equal to a distance for which the first and / or second tabs 112, 114 extend away from the planar portion 102.

[0027] In all aspects of the present disclosure, the curved portion 122 can include any radius. Furthermore, the curved portion 122 can define a plurality of holes 126 disposed about, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis 104, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-B, D. Even further, the plurality of holes 126 can be disposed in a plurality of rows, and each row of the plurality of rows can be disposed about, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinalaxis 104.

[0028] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-B, D, the radius drop 100 can further include a third edge 128 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 104. The third edge 128 can be substantially in-line with the first edge 106 such that the second edge 108 is laterally offset from the third edge 128. The radius drop 100 can even further include a third tab 130 extending from the third edge 128. The third tab 130 can similarly extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion 102 in a same direction as the first and second tabs 112, 114. Additionally, the third tab 130 can be longitudinally offset from the first and second tabs 112, 114 in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis 104.

[0029] As discussed above with respect to the first and second tabs 112, 114, the third tab 130 can similarly be any length so long as it defines the lateral gap 120 with the first and second tabs 112, 114. Additionally and / or alternatively, the detent 116 can similarly extend from the third tab 130 into the lateral gap 120 defined between the first, second, and third tabs 112, 114, 130, and the detent 116 can similarly extend from any point on the third tab 130.

[0030] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and although not shown in FIGS. 1A-D, the radius drop 100 can further include one, two, or more than two spools extending from and substantially orthogonal to the planar portion 102. Furthermore, the spool(s) can extend in a direction opposite the first and second tabs 112, 114, or the first, second, and third tabs 112, 114, 130. The radius drop 100 may include at least one through hole in the planar portion 102 such that the spool(s) can be inserted, or coupled, to the planar portion 102. In all aspects, the radius drop 100 can be stamped from a single piece of sheet metal.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates the radius drop 100 mounted to a stringer 202 of a cable runway, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the stringer 202 can be received in the lateral gap 120 defined between the first, second, and third tabs 112, 114, 130. Furthermore, a snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces 110, 118 and the stringer 202 can lock the radius drop 100 to the stringer 202. Although reference is made to a snap engagement to lock the radius drop 100 to the stringer 200, such a snap engagement can be used to similarly lock the radius drop 100 to a crossmember, or the like, of a cable runway.

[0032] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate the radius drop 100 slidably positioned on a stringer 302between two cross-members 304a, 304b, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3A, the radius drop 100 can be positioned in a first position against cross-member 304a, and, as shown in FIG. 3B, the radius drop 100 can be positioned in a second position against cross-member 304b. Based on the snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces 110, 118, the radius drop can slidably receive the stringer 302 and, as a result, slide along the stringer 302 between the cross-members 304a-b. In such aspects, the second tab 114 contacting the crossmembers 304a-b can prevent the radius drop 100 from slidably moving beyond crossmembers 304a-b.

[0033] As a result of the radius drop 100 being slidably positioned on the stringer 302, a position of the radius drop 100 can be adjusted to properly align the radius drop 100 with a mounting rack, another cable runway, or cable ladder, or the like.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a radius drop mounting member 402, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The radius drop mounting member 402 As shown, the radius drop mounting member 402 can be positioned between two stringers 404a-b and between two cross-members 406a-b. The radius drop mounting member 402 can include two members, and each member of the two members can slidably receive the other. As such, the two members can slide with respect to one another to adjust a total length of the radius drop mounting member 402. The radius drop mounting member 402, once positioned between the two stringers 404a-b, can slidably move between the two cross-members 406a- b. Furthermore, the radius drop mounting member 402 can include at least one aperture, and the at least one aperture can be configured to receive a detent, or the like, of a radius drop.

[0035] As a result of the radius drop mounting member 402 being slidably positioned between the two cross-members 406a-b, a position of the radius drop mounting member 402 can be adjusted to properly align any radius drop that is received by the radius drop mounting member 402 with a mounting rack, another cable runway, or cable ladder, or the like.

[0036] FIGS. 5A-D illustrate a radius drop 500, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The radius drop 500 can include a planar portion 502 and a retaining structure. The planar portion 502 can define a longitudinal axis 504. The planar portion 502 can include a first edge 506 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 504 and a second edge 508 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 504 and laterally offset from the firstedge 506. At least a portion of the planar portion 502 between the first and second edges 506, 508 can define a first engagement surface 510. The retaining structure can include a first tab 512 extending from the first edge 506 and a second tab 514 extending from the second edge 508. The first tab can include a detent 516, and at least a portion of the detent 516 can define a second engagement surface 518. The first and second tabs 512, 514 can define a lateral gap 520 along the longitudinal axis 504 to receive the radius drop mounting member 402, and the first and second engagement surfaces 510, 518 can be sized and configured to lock the radius drop 100 to the radius drop mounting member 402.

[0037] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second edges 506, 508 can be equal in length longitudinally, or, alternatively, the first edge 506 can be greater in length than the second edge 508, or, alternatively, the second edge 508 can be greater in length than the first edge 506, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, D.

[0038] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second tabs 512, 514 can be longitudinally offset in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis 504, such as shown in FIG. 5D. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5C-D, the first and second tabs 512, 514 can extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion 502 in a same direction. Furthermore, the first and second tabs 512, 514 can each have any length so long as they define the lateral gap 520. That is, the second tab 514 can be greater in length compared to the first tab 512, or, alternatively, the first and second tabs 512, 514 can be equal in length, such as shown in FIG. 5C, or, alternatively, the first tab 512 can be greater in length compared to the second tab 514.

[0039] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the detent 516 can extend from the first tab 512 into the lateral gap 520 defined between the first and second tabs 512, 514, such as shown in FIG. 5C. In alternative aspects, however, the detent 516 can extend from the second tab 514 into the lateral gap 520 defined between the first and second tabs 512, 514. In all aspects of the present disclosure, the detent 516 can be a variety of lengths, and the detent 516 can extend from any point on the first or second tabs 512, 514. As shown in FIG. 5C, the detent 516 can extend from a middle point of the first tab 512. However, alternatively, the detent 516 can extend from a free end of the first tab 512, or from any point on the first or second tabs 512, 514. Furthermore, the detent 516 can include a variety of shapes, such as a trapezoidal shape as shown in FIG. 5C, or a curved shape, a rectangular shape, or the like, so long as a portion of the detent 516 defines the second engagement surface 518.

[0040] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the radius drop 500 and, specifically, the first or second tabs 512, 514, can include any number of detents 516. For example, such as shown in FIG. 5D, the first tab 512 can include one detent 516. However, alternatively, the first tab 512 can include two or more than two detents 516.

[0041] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-D, the radius drop 500 can include a curved portion 522 extending from a side 524 opposite to the first and second edges 506, 508 of the planar portion 502. The curved portion 522 can extend in a direction similar to the first and second tabs 512, 514, or, alternatively, the curved portion 522 can extend in a direction opposite to the first and second tabs 512, 514. As shown in FIG. 5C, the curved portion 522 can extend in a direction similar to the first and second tabs 512, 514, and the curved portion 522 can extend to a distance away from the planar portion 502 that is equal to a distance for which the first and / or second tabs 512, 514 extend away from the planar portion 502.

[0042] In all aspects of the present disclosure, the curved portion 522 can include any radius. Furthermore, the curved portion 522 can include a plurality of holes 526 disposed about, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis 504, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, D. Even further, the plurality of holes 526 can be disposed in a plurality of rows, and each row of the plurality of rows can be disposed about, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis 504.

[0043] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and as shown in FIGS. 5A-B, D, the radius drop 500 can further include a third edge 528 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 504. The third edge 528 can be substantially in-line with the first edge 506 such that the second edge 508 is laterally offset from the third edge 528. The radius drop 500 can even further include a third tab 530 extending from the third edge 528. The third tab 530 can similarly extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion 502 in a same direction as the first and second tabs 512, 514. Additionally, the third tab 530 can be longitudinally offset from the first and second tabs 512, 514 in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis 504.

[0044] As discussed above with respect to the first and second tabs 512, 514, the third tab 530 can similarly be any length so long as it defines the lateral gap 520 with the first and second tabs 512, 514. Additionally and / or alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 5B, D, the detent 516 can similarly extend from the third tab 530 into the lateral gap 520 defined between the first, second, and third tabs 512, 514, 530, and the detent 516 can similarly extend from anypoint on the third tab 530.

[0045] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and although not shown in FIGS. 5A-D, the radius drop 500 can further include one, two, or more than two spools extending from and substantially orthogonal to the planar portion 502. Furthermore, the spool(s) can extend in a direction opposite the first and second tabs 512, 514, or the first, second, and third tabs 512, 514, 530. The radius drop 500 may include at least one through hole in the planar portion 502 such that the spool(s) can be inserted, or coupled, to the planar portion 502. In all aspects, the radius drop 500 can be stamped from a single piece of sheet metal.

[0046] FIGS. 6A-B illustrate a radius drop system including the radius drop mounting member 402 and the radius drop 500, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the radius drop mounting member 402 can be received in the lateral gap 520 defined between the first, second, and third tabs 512, 514, 530. Furthermore, a snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces 510, 518 and the radius drop mounting member 402 can lock the radius drop 500 to the radius drop mounting member 402. Specifically, a snap fit between the detents 516 and the at least one aperture of the radius drop mounting member 402 can lock the radius drop 500 to the radius drop mounting member 402. After the snap engagement, the radius drop 500 can be moved along a cable runway by sliding the radius drop mounting member 402 along the stringers 404a-b.

[0047] FIGS. 7A-B illustrate a radius drop system including the radius drop mounting member 402 and two radius drops 702a-b, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the two radius drops 702a-b can be similar to the radius drop 500. Specifically, the two radius drops 702a-b can include similar features as the radius drop 500, although scaled down. As shown, the radius drop mounting member 402 can be received in a lateral gap defined between a first, second, and third tab of the first radius drop 702a and a first, second, and third tab of the second radius drop 702b. Furthermore, a snap engagement between first and second engagement surfaces of the first radius drop 702a, first and second engagement surfaces of the second radius drop 702b, and the radius drop mounting member 402 can lock the two radius drops 702a-b to the radius drop mounting member 402. Specifically, a snap fit between detents of the two radius drops 702a-b and at least one aperture of the radius drop mounting member 402 can lock the two radius drop 702a-b to the radius drop mounting member 402. After the snap engagement, or the snap fit, the two radius drops 702a-b can be moved along a cable runway by sliding the radius drop mountingmember 402 along the stringers 404a-b.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 800 of positioning a radius drop on a bar defined by a stringer or a cross-member of a cable runway, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The method 800 includes the steps of aligning 802 a radius drop laterally with a bar based on a lateral gap defined by a first tab and a second tab of a retaining structure of the radius drop, aligning 804 the radius drop longitudinally with the bar, and applying 806 a force substantially orthogonal to a planar portion of the radius drop to position the radius drop on the bar based on a snap engagement between the bar and a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface.

[0049] According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and with continued reference to FIG. 8, the method 800 can further include sliding the radius drop longitudinally on the bar to align the radius drop in a proper location.

[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and practice the subject matter disclosed herein, including making and using any apparatuses or systems and performing any incorporated methods. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application.

[0051] Examples of the devices, and methods disclosed herein, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, are provided below in the following embodiments. An aspect of the devices and methods may include any one or more than one of, and any combination of, the embodiments described below.

[0052] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides a radius drop for use with a cable runway including a planar portion defining a longitudinal axis. The planar portion includes a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge. At least a portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges defines a first engagement surface. The radius drop further includes a retaining structure that includes a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge. The second tab includes a detent. At least a portion of the detent defines a second engagement surface. The first and second tabs define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive a bar. The first and second engagement surfaces are sized and configured to lock the radius dropto the bar.

[0053] Additionally, the first embodiment further includes a curved portion extending from a side opposite to the first and second edges of the planar portion; the curved portion includes a plurality of holes disposed about the longitudinal axis, and each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to allow at least one cable to pass therethrough; or the plurality of holes is positioned in a plurality of rows, and each row of the plurality of rows is parallel to the longitudinal axis; or any combination thereof.

[0054] Alternatively, in the first embodiment, the retaining structure is configured to slidably receive the bar; a snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces and the bar is configured to lock the radius drop to the bar; the first and second tabs are longitudinally offset in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis; the first and second tabs extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion in a same direction; or the radius drop further includes at least one cable spool extending from and substantially orthogonal to the planar portion; or any combination thereof.

[0055] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a radius drop system for use with a cable runway including a radius drop mounting member configured to be placed between two stringers of a cable runway and a radius drop configured to be mounted to the radius drop mounting member. The radius drop includes a planar portion defining a longitudinal axis, the planar portion comprising a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge. At least a portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges defines a first engagement surface. The radius drop further includes a retaining structure that includes a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge. The first tab includes a detent. At least a portion of the detent defines a second engagement surface. The first and second tabs define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive the radius drop mounting member. The first and second engagement surfaces are sized and configured to lock the radius drop to the radius drop mounting member.

[0056] Additionally, in the second embodiment, a snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces and the radius drop mounting member is configured to lock the radius drop to the radius drop mounting member; or the snap engagement includes a snap fit between the detent and an aperture defined by the radius drop mounting member; or any combination thereof.

[0057] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the radius drop further includes a curved portion extending from a side opposite to the first and second edges of the planar portion; the curved portion includes a plurality of holes disposed about the longitudinal axis, and each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to allow at least one cable to pass therethrough; or the plurality of holes is positioned in a plurality of rows, and each row of the plurality of rows is parallel to the longitudinal axis; or any combination thereof.

[0058] Alternatively, in the second embodiment, the radius drop mounting member is configured to be slidably placed between the two stringers of the cable runway; the first and second tabs are longitudinally offset in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis; the first and second tabs extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion in a same direction; or the radius drop further includes at least one cable spool extending from and substantially orthogonal to the planar portion; or any combination thereof.

[0059] In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of positioning a radius drop on a bar defined by a stringer or a cross-member of a cable runway, the method includes aligning a radius drop laterally with a bar based on a lateral gap defined by a first tab and a second tab of a retaining structure of the radius drop; aligning the radius drop longitudinally with the bar; and applying a force substantially orthogonal to a planar portion of the radius drop to position the radius drop on the bar based on a snap engagement between the bar and a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface.

[0060] As used herein, the term substantially includes ±5° deviations from any referenced axis. In other words, an edge is considered to be substantially parallel, or orthogonal, to any referenced axis when such edge is within a ±5° deviation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A radius drop for use with a cable runway, the radius drop comprising: a planar portion defining a longitudinal axis, the planar portion comprising a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge, wherein at least a portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges defines a first engagement surface; and a retaining structure comprising a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge, wherein the second tab comprises a detent, wherein at least a portion of the detent defines a second engagement surface, wherein the first and second tabs define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive a bar, and wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are sized and configured to lock the radius drop to the bar.

2. The radius drop of Claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure is configured to slidably receive the bar.

3. The radius drop of Claim 1 , wherein a snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces and the bar is configured to lock the radius drop to the bar.

4. The radius drop of Claim 1 , wherein the first and second tabs are longitudinally offset in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis.

5. The radius drop of Claim 1 , wherein the first and second tabs extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion in a same direction.

6. The radius drop of Claim 1 , further comprising at least one cable spool extending from and substantially orthogonal to the planar portion.

7. The radius drop of Claim 1 , further comprising a curved portion extending from a side opposite to the first and second edges of the planar portion.

8. The radius drop of Claim 7, wherein the curved portion comprises a plurality of holes disposed about the longitudinal axis, and wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to allow at least one cable to pass therethrough.

9. The radius drop of Claim 8, wherein the plurality of holes is positioned in a plurality of rows, and wherein each row of the plurality of rows is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

10. A radius drop system for use with a cable runway, the radius drop system comprising: a radius drop mounting member configured to be placed between two stringers of a cable runway; and a radius drop configured to be mounted to the radius drop mounting member, the radius drop comprising: a planar portion defining a longitudinal axis, the planar portion comprising a first edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second edge substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and laterally offset from the first edge, wherein at least a portion of the planar portion between the first and second edges defines a first engagement surface; and a retaining structure comprising a first tab extending from the first edge and a second tab extending from the second edge, wherein the first tab comprises a detent, wherein at least a portion of the detent defines a second engagement surface, wherein the first and second tabs define a lateral gap along the longitudinal axis to receive the radius drop mounting member, and wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are sized and configured to lock the radius drop to the radius drop mounting member.

11. The radius drop system of Claim 10, wherein the radius drop mounting member is configured to be slidably placed between the two stringers of the cable runway.

12. The radius drop system of Claim 10, wherein a snap engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces and the radius drop mounting member is configured to lock the radius drop to the radius drop mounting member.

13. The radius drop system of Claim 12, wherein the snap engagement comprises a snap fit between the detent and an aperture defined by the radius drop mounting member.

14. The radius drop system of Claim 10, wherein the first and second tabs are longitudinally offset in a non-overlapping configuration along the longitudinal axis.

15. The radius drop system of Claim 10, wherein the first and second tabs extend substantially orthogonal to the planar portion in a same direction.

16. The radius drop system of Claim 10, wherein the radius drop further comprises at least one cable spool extending from and substantially orthogonal to the planar portion.

17. The radius drop system of Claim 10, wherein the radius drop further comprises a curved portion extending from a side opposite to the first and second edges of the planar portion.

18. The radius drop system of Claim 17, wherein the curved portion comprises a plurality of holes disposed about the longitudinal axis, and wherein each hole of the plurality of holes is configured to allow at least one cable to pass therethrough.

19. The radius drop system of Claim 18, wherein the plurality of holes is positioned in a plurality of rows, and wherein each row of the plurality of rows is parallel to the longitudinal axis.

20. A method of positioning a radius drop on a bar defined by a stringer or a crossmember of a cable runway, the method comprising: aligning a radius drop laterally with a bar based on a lateral gap defined by a first tab and a second tab of a retaining structure of the radius drop; aligning the radius drop longitudinally with the bar; and applying a force substantially orthogonal to a planar portion of the radius drop to position the radius drop on the bar based on a snap engagement between the bar and a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface.

Images