Communication system component mounting device structurally configured to enhance mounting of system components of varying sizes

Abstract

A communication system component mounting device structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface. The device may include a capturing portion structurally configured to engage a communication system component to secure the communication system component to a mounting surface and an actuating portion structurally configured to be selectively moved between a first position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to move the capturing portion to a tightened position, and a disengaged position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to allow the capturing portion to move to a loosened position. The capturing portion may be structurally configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM COMPONENT MOUNTING DEVICE STRUCTURALLY CONFIGURED TO ENHANCE MOUNTING OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS OF VARYING SIZESCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 677,768, filed July 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 communication system component mounting device and, more particularly, to a communication system component mounting device structurally configured to enhance mounting of system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface.BACKGROUND

[0003] Communication systems and networks (e.g., fiber optic networks) use enclosures to house system components (e.g., equipment and cable). System components within the enclosures are configured to handle different connectivity solutions (e.g., looped cable storage, splicing, and patching). Current enclosure designs have equipment or fiber connectivity mounted inside the enclosure on a static rear wall or pivot panel. Due to the continuously expanding need for greater fiber density in an enclosure and the desire for minimizing enclosure size, the interior space of the enclosure may be congested.

[0004] Current options for securing communication system components within the enclosure include Velcro straps, metal or plastic clamping devices, or mounting hardware (e.g., screws, bolts). Each of these securing options has individual strengths as well as disadvantages for the end user. For example, Velcro straps are relatively simple to install, but require the component to be held in place while the strap is tightened down, and does not provide the most robust securement. Clamping devices may hold the component securely in place, but require more precise adjustment from the installer and limit available component size by taking up extra space around the component. Mounting hardware can only be used with certain device setups and requires tools for proper installation.

[0005] There is a need for a way to secure system components of varying size to a mounting surface (e.g., inside an enclosure) without impeding function of the systemcomponents, without taking up too much space, and without requiring significant installation effort. Accordingly, it may be desirable to provide a component mounting device that is structurally configured to be used with a wide size range of system components and does not require much installation space. It may be desirable to provide a component mounting device that is configured to hold a component to be mounted so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to a mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a communication system component mounting device structurally configured to secure a communication system component to a mounting surface. In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may be structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a capturing portion structurally configured to engage a communication system component to secure the communication system component to a mounting surface and an actuating portion structurally configured to be selectively moved between a first position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to move the capturing portion to a tightened position, and a disengaged position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to allow the capturing portion to move to a loosened position. The capturing portion may be structurally configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component

[0008] In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a securing portion structurally configured to move the capturing portion between a tightened position and a loosened position. In some embodiments, the securing portion may include a housing portion structurally configured to define an interior space portion, a tightening portion received within the interior space portion and coupled with the capturing portion, and the actuating portion. In some embodiments, in the engaged position, the actuating portion may be structurally configured to rotate the tightening portion within the interior space portion to move the capturing portion to the tightened position. In some embodiments, in the disengagedposition, the actuating portion may be structurally configured to allow the capturing portion to move to the loosened position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the capturing portion may be configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a biasing portion structurally configured to bias the actuating portion to the engaged position.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing portion, the biasing portion, the tightening portion, and the actuating portion may be coaxially arranged.

[0012] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may be structurally configured to move axially between the engaged position and disengaged position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may include a gripping portion structurally configured to facilitate manually rotating the actuating portion relative to the housing portion in order to rotate the tightening portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the capturing portion may include a coupling portion structurally configured to extend through a sidewall portion of the housing portion. In some embodiments, the coupling portion may include a proximal end portion structurally configured to couple to the mounting surface and a distal end portion structurally configured to couple to the tightening portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tightening portion may be structurally configured to apply tension to the coupling portion when rotated within the housing portion in a first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a ratcheting portion that, when the actuating portion is in the engaged position, is structurally configured to allow rotation of the tightening portion in a first direction and to resist rotation of the tightening portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the ratcheting portion may include a distal ratchet projection positioned on a proximal end portion of the tightening portion that is structurally configured to mate with a proximal ratchet projection positioned on the housing portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, a communication system component mounting device may be structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface. In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a capturing portion structurally configured to engage a communication system component and a securing portion structurally configured to move the capturing portion between a tightened position and a loosened position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the capturing portion may include an engagement portion structurally configured to engage the communication system component and a coupling portion structurally configured to couple the communication system component mounting device with the mounting surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the securing portion may include a housing portion structurally configured to define an interior space portion, a tightening portion received within the interior space portion and coupled with the capturing portion, and an actuating portion structurally configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the engaged position, the actuating portion may be structurally configured to rotate the tightening portion within the interior space portion to move the capturing portion to the tightened position. In some embodiments, in the disengaged position, the actuating portion is structurally configured allow the capturing portion to move to the loosened position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the securing portion may include a biasing portion structurally configured to bias the actuating portion to the engaged position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the housing portion, the biasing portion, the tightening portion, and the actuating portion may be coaxially arranged.

[0024] In some embodiments, the coupling portion may be structurally configured to extend through a sidewall portion of the housing portion. In some embodiments, the coupling portion may include a proximal end portion structurally configured to couple to the mounting surface and a distal end portion structurally configured to couple to the tightening portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the capturing portion may be configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

[0026] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may include a gripping portion structurally configured to facilitate manually rotating the actuating portion relative to the housing portion in order to rotate the tightening portion.

[0027] In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a ratcheting portion that, when the actuating portion is in the engaged position, is structurally configured to allow rotation of the tightening portion in a first direction and to resist rotation of the tightening portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ratcheting portion may include a distal ratchet projection positioned on the proximal end portion of the tightening portion that is structurally configured to mate with a proximal ratchet projection positioned on the housing portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the securing device may include a mating portion structurally configured to operatively connect the actuating portion to the tightening portion. In some embodiments, the mating portion may include a projecting portion of the tightening portion that is structurally configured to extend distally to engage a projecting portion of the actuating portion that is structurally configured to extend proximally.

[0030] In some embodiments, the securing portion may include a base portion supported by the housing portion. In some embodiments, the base portion may be structurally configured to rotate relative to the housing portion. In some embodiments, the biasing portion may be structurally configured to attach to the base portion for rotation therewith.

[0031] In some embodiments, a communication system component mounting device may be structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface. In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device may include a capturing portion structurally configured to engage a communication system component to secure the communication system component to a mounting surface and a securing portion structurally configured to move the capturing portion between a tightened position and a loosened position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the securing portion may include a housing portion structurally configured to define an interior space portion, a tightening portion received within the interior space portion and coupled with the capturing portion, an actuating portion structurally configured to move between an engaged position and adisengaged position, and a biasing portion structurally configured to bias the actuating portion to the engaged position.

[0033] In some embodiments, in the engaged position, the actuating portion may be structurally configured to rotate the tightening portion within the interior space portion to move the capturing portion to the tightened position. In some embodiments, in the disengaged position, the actuating portion may be structurally configured allow the capturing portion to move to the loosened position.

[0034] In some embodiments, the housing portion, the biasing portion, the tightening portion, and the actuating portion may be coaxially arranged.

[0035] In some embodiments, the capturing portion may be configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

[0036] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may be structurally configured to move axially between the engaged position and disengaged position.

[0037] In some embodiments, the actuating portion may include a gripping portion structurally configured to facilitate manually rotating the actuating portion relative to the housing portion in order to rotate the tightening portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the capturing portion may include a coupling portion structurally configured to extend through a sidewall portion of the housing portion. In some embodiments, the coupling portion may include a proximal end portion structurally configured to couple to the mounting surface and a distal end portion structurally configured to couple to the tightening portion.

[0039] In some embodiments, the securing portion may include a ratcheting portion that, when the actuating portion is in the engaged position, is structurally configured to allow rotation of the tightening portion in a first direction and to resist rotation of the tightening portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

[0040] 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

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example communication system component mounting device in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1 with communication system component captured.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 1 .

[0045] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example actuation portion of the device ofFIG. 1.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a side section view of the actuation portion of the device of FIG. 4 in an tightened state / position.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a rear isometric section view of the actuation portion of the device of FIG. 4 in an tightened state / position.

[0048] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the actuation portion of the device of FIG. 4 in a loosened state / position.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a side section view of the actuation portion of the device of FIG. 4 in the loosened state / position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] 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. 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 -3, embodiments of the disclosure provide a communication system component mounting device 10 structurally configured to mount a communication system component 12 to a mounting surface 14 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the mounting surface 14 may be a rear wall of a cabinet or enclosure, a wall of a building, or any other suitable mounting surface. In some embodiments, the communication system component 12 may be equipment for providing connectivity solutions (e.g., splicing, patching, etc.) for a communication system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device 10 may be structurally configured to mount a wide size range of system components in a compact manner (i.e., without taking up much install space). The communication system component mounting device 10 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the communication system component mounting device 10 may include a capturing portion 16 and a securing portion 18.

[0055] The capturing portion 16 may be structurally configured to secure the communication system component 12 to the mounting surface 14. The capturing portion 16 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the capturing portion 16 may include an engagement portion 20 structurally configured to engage the communication system component 12. The engagement portion 20 may be configured in a variety of ways, including size and shape.

[0056] In some embodiments, the engagement portion 20 may include an engagement surface portion 22 structurally configured to face and engage (e.g., abut) the communication system component 12. In some embodiments, the engagement surface portion 22 may include a planar surface. In some embodiments, the engagement portion 20 may be structurally configured to connect or attach to the securing portion 18. For example, in some embodiments, the engagement portion 20 may be connected to a proximal end portion 24 (FIG. 6) of the securing portion 18 such that the engagement surface portion 22 faces proximally and is structurallyconfigured to engage a distally facing or outer surface 26 (FIG. 2) associated with the communication system component 12.

[0057] In some embodiments, the engagement portion 20 may be disc-shaped with the engagement surface portion 22 including a major face of the engagement portion 20. In other embodiments, however, the engagement portion 20 may be any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the engagement surface portion 22 may include a cushioning material structurally configured to engage a surface of the communication system component 12, such as for example, a resilient material (e.g. resilient foam) or other suitable cushioning material.

[0058] In some embodiments, the capturing portion 16 may include a coupling portion 28 structurally configured to move the communication system component mounting device 10 between a tightened state / position where the communication system component 12 is secured to the mounting surface 14 and a loosened state / position where the communication system component 12 is released from the mounting surface 14. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 28 may be structurally configured to apply a force in the proximal direction, as shown by arrow P in FIG. 2, to capture or sandwich the communication system component 12 between the engagement portion 20 and the mounting surface 14.

[0059] The coupling portion 28 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 28 may include one or more coupling members 30 (e.g., straps, wires, cables, ropes, cords, bands, etc.) structurally configured to apply a force to the communication system component 12 via the engagement portion 20 when placed under a sufficient tensile force.

[0060] In some embodiments, the coupling portion 28 may include four coupling members 30 arranged in an X-shape or cross-shape. In other embodiments, more or less than four coupling members 30 may be used and / or the coupling members 30 may be arranged other than in an X-shape or cross-shape. The coupling portion 28 may include a distal end portion 32 and a proximal end portion 34 opposite the distal end portion 32.

[0061] The distal end portion 32 may be structurally configured to be fixed relative to the mounting surface 14. The distal end portion 32 may be structurally configured to be fixed relative to the mounting surface 14 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the distal end portion 32 may be formed as a loop 35 structurally configured to attach to a hook, an eyelet, or other suitable mounting hardware 36)(FIG.2). The proximal end portion 34 may attach to a portion of the securing portion 18 as will be described below.

[0062] The securing portion 18 may be structurally configured to move the capturing portion 16 between a tightened state / position in which the capturing portion 16 engages the communication system component 12 to secure the communication system component 12 against the mounting surface 14 and a loosened state / position in which the capturing portion 16 releases the communication system component 12 allowing the communication system component 12 to be removed from the mounting surface 14.

[0063] In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may be structurally configured to apply tension to the coupling portion 28 to move the capturing portion 16 to the tightened state / position and release tension from the coupling portion 28 to move the capturing portion 16 to the loosened state / position. In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may be configured to wind, at least partially, the proximal end portion 34 of the coupling portion 28 about a central axis A. In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may be positioned centrally relative to the coupling portion 28.

[0064] The securing portion 18 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may include a housing portion 40. The housing portion 40 may be configured in a variety of ways, including different shapes, sizes, and materials (e.g., plastic, metal, or other suitable materials). In some embodiments, the housing portion 40 includes a proximal end portion 42 and a distal end portion 44. In some embodiments, the housing portion 40 may include a sidewall portion 46 forming an interior space portion 48 extending from the proximal end portion 42 to the distal end portion 44. In some embodiments, the sidewall portion 46 may be cylindrical.

[0065] In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 42 may be structurally configured for the engagement portion 20 to attach thereto. The engagement portion 20 may attach to the proximal end portion 42 in any suitable manner (e.g., adhesive, fasteners, etc.). In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 42 may include a flange portion 50 onto which the engagement portion 20 may attach.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sidewall portion 46 may be structurally configured to allow the coupling portion 28 to extend therethrough. For example, in some embodiments, the sidewall portion 46 may include a plurality of apertures 52(e.g., holes), each of the apertures being structurally configured to receive one of the coupling members 30.

[0067] In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may include a tightening portion structurally configured to move the communication system component mounting device 10 to the tightened state / position. The tightening portion 54 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the tightening portion 54 may be structurally configured to impart a tensile force to the coupling portion 28. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the tightening portion 54 may have an annular body portion 56 having a cylindrical sidewall portion 58 defining and a passage 59 and having a proximal end portion 60 and a distal end portion 62 opposite the proximal end portion 60. The tightening portion 54 may be received within the interior space portion 48 of the housing portion 40 and may be structurally configured to rotate about the axis A relative to the housing portion 40.

[0068] In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 34 of the coupling portion 28 may be connected to the tightening portion 54. The proximal end portion 34 of the coupling portion 28 may be connected to the tightening portion 54 in a variety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the cylindrical sidewall portion 58 of the tightening portion 54 may include a plurality of apertures 64 (e.g., holes)(FIG. 3), each of the apertures being structurally configured to receive the proximal end portion 34 of one of the coupling members 30 therethrough.

[0069] The proximal end portion 34 may be connected to the tightening portion 54 in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the proximal end portion 34 may include an oversized portion (not shown) positioned radially inward of the sidewall portion 58 and structurally configured to be too large to fit through the aperture 64 that the coupling member 30 extends through; thus, preventing the coupling member 30 from being withdrawn from the aperture 64. In other embodiments, the proximal end portion 34 may attach to the tightening portion 54 by other means (e.g., adhesive, threaded connection, fasteners, crimping, welding, etc.).

[0070] In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may include an actuating portion 70 structurally configured to rotate the tightening portion 54 to apply tension to the coupling member 30. In some embodiments, the actuating portion 70 may be structurally configured to be manually actuated (e.g., grasped by a hand). In some embodiments, the actuating portion 70 may include a proximal end portion 72 and a distal end portion 74 opposite the proximal end portion 12.. In some embodiments, thedistal end portion 74 may include a gripping portion 76 (e.g., a knob portion, wheel portion, etc.) structurally configured to be grasped by a hand. In some embodiments, the gripping portion 76 may have a circular profile. In some embodiments, the gripping portion 76 may have a textured portion 78 (e.g., knurled, roughed, dimpled) structurally configured to be engaged by a user’s hand and to provide for improved gripping of the actuating portion 70.

[0071] In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 72 may include a cylindrical sidewall 79. The cylindrical sidewall 79 and the distal end portion 74 may define a recessed portion 80 (e.g., a cavity) (FIG. 8) structurally configured to receive the distal end portion 44 of the housing portion 40.

[0072] In some embodiments, the actuating portion 70 may be structurally configured to rotate relative to the housing portion 40 about the axis A. In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may include a mating portion 81 structurally configured to provide for the actuating portion 70 to engage with the tightening portion 54 in an engaged position and disengage from the tightening portion 54 in a disengaged position.

[0073] The mating portion 81 (FIG. 5) may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the mating portion 81 may include a distal projection or tooth portion 82 positioned on the actuating portion 70 and structurally configured to mate with a proximal projection or tooth portion 84 positioned on the tightening portion 54 (FIG. 3). The distal projection portion 82 may include a plurality of projections 86 extending proximally from distal end portion 74 within the recessed portion 80 and the proximal projection portion 84 may include a plurality of projections 88 extending distally from the distal end portion 62 of the tightening portion 54.

[0074] In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may include a ratcheting portion 90 (FIG. 5) structurally configured to allow the tightening portion 54 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise as shown by arrow R in FIG. 4) while resisting rotation in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The ratcheting portion 90 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the ratcheting portion 90 may include a distal ratchet projection or tooth portion 92 positioned on the proximal end portion 60 of the tightening portion 54 and structurally configured to mate with a proximal ratchet projection or tooth portion 94 positioned on the housing portion 40.

[0075] The distal ratchet projection portion 92 may include a plurality of projections 96 structurally configured to extend proximally and the proximal ratchet projectionportion 94 may include a plurality of projections 98 structurally configured to extend distally. In some embodiments, the proximal ratchet projection portion 94 may be positioned on a radial shoulder portion 100 (FIG. 5) structurally configured to face distally.

[0076] In some embodiments, the securing portion 18 may include a biasing portion 110. The biasing portion 110 may be structurally configured to bias the actuating portion 70 toward the housing portion 40 and into engagement with the tightening portion 54 (i.e., bias the actuating portion to the engaged position). Thus, the biasing portion 1 10 may bias the distal projection portion 82 on the actuating portion 70 into engagement with the proximal projection portion 84 positioned on the tightening portion 54. Biasing the actuating portion 70 into engagement with the tightening portion 54 may also result in biasing the distal ratchet projection portion 92 on the tightening portion 54 into engagement with the proximal ratchet projection portion 94 on the housing portion 40. Thus, in some embodiments, biasing the actuating portion 70 to the engaged position results in the biasing force being applied through the tightening portion 54 to the ratcheting portion 90 (i.e., causes the distal ratchet projection portion 92 to be biased against the proximal ratchet projection portion 94).

[0077] The biasing portion 1 10 may be configured in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the biasing portion 1 10 may include a biasing member 1 12 (e.g., a coil spring or other suitable biasing member). The biasing member 1 12 may have a proximal end portion 1 14 and a distal end portion 116 opposite the proximal end portion 1 14. In some embodiments, the biasing portion 110 may be structurally configured to rotate with the actuating portion 70. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion 116 may be attached to and fixed relative to the actuating portion 70.

[0078] In some embodiments, the biasing portion 1 10 may be structurally configured to rotate relative to the housing portion 40. The biasing portion 1 10 may be configured to rotate relative to the housing portion 40 in a variety of ways. For example, the securing portion 18 may include a base portion 120 structurally configured to rotate relative to the housing portion 40 and the proximal end portion 1 14 of the biasing member 1 12 may be attached to the base portion 120.

[0079] The base portion 120 may be configured and arranged relative to the housing portion 40 in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, the base portion 120 may be disc-shaped having a proximal face portion 122 and a distal face portion 124opposite the proximal face portion 122. In some embodiments, the base portion 120 may be supported at the proximal end portion 42 of the housing portion 40. For example, in some embodiments, the base portion 120 may be captured between the proximal end portion 42 of the housing portion 40 and the engagement portion 20 mounted to the proximal end portion 42. For example, the housing portion 40 may include a recessed portion 126 (e.g., a counterbore) at the proximal end portion 42 that is structurally configured to receive the base portion 120.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 4-8, the communication system component mounting device 10, when assembled, may include the housing portion 40, the tightening portion 54, the actuating portion 70, and the biasing portion 110 coaxially aligned and the engagement portion 20 attached to the housing portion 40. The distal end portion 44 of the housing portion 40 may be received within the recessed portion 80 of the actuating portion 70. The tightening portion 54 may be received within the interior space portion 48 of the housing portion 40 and the biasing portion 1 10 may be received within the passage 59 of the tightening portion 54.

[0081] The distal end portion 116 of the biasing portion 110 may extend into the recessed portion 80 of the actuating portion 70. The distal end portion 1 16 may be attached to the actuating portion 70 such that the biasing portion 110 rotates with the actuating portion 70. For example, in some embodiments, the distal end portion 116 may be fixed to an inner surface portion 130 (FIG. 6) of the distal end portion 74 of the actuating portion 70.

[0082] The biasing portion 1 10 may extend through the passage 59 of the tightening portion 54 and into the interior space portion 48 of the housing portion 40. The proximal end portion 1 14 of the biasing portion 1 10 may be attached to the base portion 120 such that the biasing portion 110 rotates with the base portion 120 relative to the housing portion 40.

[0083] The biasing portion 110 may be structurally configured to bias the actuating portion 70 toward the housing portion 40. As a result, the distal ratchet projection portion 92 on the tightening portion 54 is biased into engagement with the proximal ratchet projection portion 94 on the housing portion 40 and the distal projection portion 82 on the actuating portion 70 is biased into engagement with the proximal projection portion 84 positioned on the tightening portion 54.

[0084] The proximal end portion 34 of coupling portion 28 may extend through the apertures 52 in the sidewall portion 46 of the housing portion 40, extend through theapertures 64 in the sidewall portion 58 of the tightening portion 54, and operatively connected to tightening portion 54. The distal end portion 32 may be attached to the mounting surface 14 or other fixed structure.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4-6, to mount a communication system component 12 to the mounting surface 14, the communication system component 12 may be placed between the mounting surface 14 and the engagement surface portion 22 of the engagement portion 20. The actuating portion 70 may be rotated relative to the housing portion 40 about the axis A (e.g., clockwise in the illustrated example). As a result of the biasing portion 110 biasing the actuating portion 70 to the engaged position (i.e., the distal projection portion 82 into engagement with the proximal projection portion 84), rotation of the actuating portion 70 may cause rotation of the tightening portion 54.

[0086] As the tightening portion 54 rotates within the housing portion 40, the proximal end portion 34 of the coupling portion 28 may rotate with the tightening portion 54 causing tension in the coupling portion 28 (i.e., the coupling members 30 may be pulled inward through the apertures 52 in the housing portion and partially wound onto the tightening portion 54).

[0087] As tension is applied to the coupling portion 28, the engagement portion 20 may be drawn toward the mounting surface 14, as shown by arrow P in FIG. 2. Thus, the engagement portion 20 may engage the communication system component 12 to capture the communication system component 12 between the engagement portion 20 and the mounting surface 14.

[0088] Since the biasing portion 110 is structurally configured to bias the distal ratchet projection portion 92 into engagement with the proximal ratchet projection portion 94, if the actuating portion 70 is released during tightening of the coupling portion 28 or after tightening is complete, the tightening portion 54 will not rotate backward (i.e., counterclockwise in the example of FIG. 4) due to configuration of the ratcheting portion 90. Thus, the capturing portion 16, and the communication system component mounting device 10, remains in the tightened state / position and are held in position by the biasing portion 110.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, to release the communication system component 12 (i.e., move the capturing portion 16, and the communication system component mounting device 10, to the loosened state / position), the actuating portion 70 may be pulled axially away from the housing portion 40 (i.e., pulled outward ) against the biasof the biasing portion 1 10 to the disengaged position. For ease of illustration, FIG. 7 illustrates an exaggerated distance between the actuating portion 70 and the housing portion 40. It is understood that the distal end portion 44 of the housing portion 40 may still be at least partially received within the recessed portion 80 of the actuating portion 70 in the loosened state / position (as shown in FIG. 8).

[0090] In the loosened state / position, the distal projection portion 82 of the actuating portion 70 may not engage (e.g., be spaced apart from) the proximal projection portion 84 of the tightening portion 54. Further, the biasing portion 1 10 may no longer bias the distal ratchet projection portion 92 into engagement with the proximal ratchet projection portion 94. The ratcheting portion 90 may be structurally configured (e.g., angle on the plurality of projections 98) to allow the distal ratchet projection portion 92 to disengage from the proximal ratchet projection portion 94. As a result, the tension in the coupling portion 28 may force the tightening portion 54 to rotate backwards (i.e. , counterclockwise in the example of FIG. 4); thus, releasing the tension such that the engagement portion 20 is not urging the communication system component 12 against the mounting surface 14 and allowing the communication system component 12 to be removed.

[0091] Embodiments of the disclosed communication system component mounting device 10 may be structurally configured to secure system components of varying size to a mounting surface in a robust and compact manner (i.e., without taking up much install space) and without requiring significant installation effort (i.e., easy to use and does not require additional tools). For example, since the securing portion 18 and the engagement portion 20 are positioned against the outer surface 26 of the communication system component 12 and are within the system component’s footprint, the communication system component mounting device 10 takes up minimal space adjacent the component (i.e., just the space needed to secure the distal end portion 32 of the coupling portion 28 to a fixed surface, such as with mounting hardware 36). Further, since the length of the tightening portions may be selected based on the specific system component intended to be secured or by how much of the tightening portions are wound onto the tightening portion when the actuating portion is rotated, the communication system component mounting device 10 may be used to secure a wide range of system component of various sizes.

[0092] While at least one example, non-limiting embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number ofvariations 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 communication system component mounting device structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface, comprising: a capturing portion structurally configured to engage a communication system component, wherein the capturing portion includes an engagement portion structurally configured to engage the communication system component and a coupling portion structurally configured to couple the communication system component mounting device with the mounting surface; a securing portion structurally configured to move the capturing portion between a tightened position and a loosened position; wherein the securing portion comprises: a housing portion structurally configured to define an interior space portion; a tightening portion received within the interior space portion and coupled with the capturing portion; an actuating portion structurally configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position, the actuating portion is structurally configured to rotate the tightening portion within the interior space portion to move the capturing portion to the tightened position and, in the disengaged position, the actuating portion is structurally configured allow the capturing portion to move to the loosened position; and a biasing portion structurally configured to bias the actuating portion to the engaged position; wherein the housing portion, the biasing portion, the tightening portion, and the actuating portion are coaxially arranged; wherein the coupling portion is structurally configured to extend through a sidewall portion of the housing portion and includes a proximal end portion structurally configured to couple to the mounting surface and a distal end portion structurally configured to couple to the tightening portion; wherein the communication system component mounting device is structurally configured to mount system components of varying sizes; andwherein the capturing portion is configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one- handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

2. The communication system component mounting device of claim 1 , where the actuating portion includes a gripping portion structurally configured to facilitate manually rotating the actuating portion relative to the housing portion in order to rotate the tightening portion.

3. The communication system component mounting device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a ratcheting portion that, when the actuating portion is in the engaged position, is structurally configured to allow rotation of the tightening portion in a first direction and to resist rotation of the tightening portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

4. The communication system component mounting device of claim 3, wherein the ratcheting portion includes a distal ratchet projection positioned on the proximal end portion of the tightening portion that is structurally configured to mate with a proximal ratchet projection positioned on the housing portion.

5. The communication system component mounting device of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a mating portion structurally configured to operatively connect the actuating portion to the tightening portion, wherein the mating portion includes a projecting portion of the tightening portion that is structurally configured to extend distally to engage a projecting portion of the actuating portion that is structurally configured to extend proximally.

6. The communication system component mounting device of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a base portion supported by the housing portion, wherein the base portion is structurally configured to rotate relative to the housing portion, and wherein biasing portion is structurally configured to attach to the base portion for rotation therewith.

7. A communication system component mounting device structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface, comprising: a capturing portion structurally configured to engage a communication system component to secure the communication system component to a mounting surface;a securing portion structurally configured to move the capturing portion between a tightened position and a loosened position, wherein the securing portion comprises: a tightening portion structurally configured to be coupled with the capturing portion; and an actuating portion structurally configured to move between an engaged position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to rotate the tightening portion to move the capturing portion to the tightened position, and a disengaged position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to allow the capturing portion to move to the loosened position; wherein the capturing portion is configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one- handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

8. The communication system component mounting device of claim 7, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to move axially between the engaged position and disengaged position.

9. The communication system component mounting device of claim 7 or 8, where the actuating portion includes a gripping portion structurally configured to facilitate manually rotating the actuating portion relative to the housing portion in order to rotate the tightening portion.

10. The communication system component mounting device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the capturing portion further comprises a coupling portion structurally configured to extend through a sidewall portion of the housing portion and includes a proximal end portion structurally configured to couple to the mounting surface and a distal end portion structurally configured to couple to the tightening portion.11 . The communication system component mounting device of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a ratcheting portion that, when the actuating portion is in the engaged position, is structurally configured to allow rotation of the tightening portion in a first direction and to resist rotation of the tightening portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

12. The communication system component mounting device of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a biasing portion structurally configured to bias the actuating portion to the engaged position, wherein the housing portion, the biasing portion, the tightening portion, and the actuating portion are coaxially arranged.

13. A communication system component mounting device structurally configured to secure system components of varying sizes to a mounting surface, comprising: a capturing portion structurally configured to secure a communication system component to a mounting surface; an actuating portion structurally configured to be selectively moved between a first position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to move the capturing portion to a tightened position, and a disengaged position, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to allow the capturing portion to move to a loosened position; and wherein the capturing portion is structurally configured to hold a component to be mounted while a user operates the actuating portion so as to permit one-handed mounting of the component to the mounting surface, thereby enhancing installation of the component.

14. The communication system component mounting device of claim 13, further comprising a biasing portion structurally configured to bias the actuating portion to the engaged position.

15. The communication system component mounting device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the housing portion, the biasing portion, the tightening portion, and the actuating portion are coaxially arranged.

16. The communication system component mounting device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the actuating portion is structurally configured to move axially between the engaged position and disengaged position.

17. The communication system component mounting device of claim 13 or 14, where the actuating portion includes a gripping portion structurally configured to facilitate manually rotating the actuating portion relative to the housing portion in order to rotate the tightening portion.

18. The communication system component mounting device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the capturing portion further comprises a coupling portion structurally configured to extend through a sidewall portion of the housing portion andincludes a proximal end portion structurally configured to couple to the mounting surface and a distal end portion structurally configured to couple to the tightening portion.

19. The communication system component mounting device of claim 18, wherein the tightening portion is structurally configured to apply tension to the coupling portion when rotated within the housing portion in a first direction.

20. The communication system component mounting device of claim 13 or 14, further comprising a ratcheting portion that, when the actuating portion is in the engaged position, is structurally configured to allow rotation of the tightening portion in a first direction and to resist rotation of the tightening portion in a second direction, opposite the first direction.21 . The communication system component mounting device of claim 20, wherein the ratcheting portion includes a distal ratchet projection positioned on a proximal end portion of the tightening portion that is structurally configured to mate with a proximal ratchet projection positioned on the housing portion.

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