AU676173B2 - A cable management system - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT o

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: n SAPPHIRE ANODISERS PTY LIMITED A.C.N. 001 183 486 Actual Inventor: Address for Service: Invention Title: SHELSTON WATERS Clarence Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 "A CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- -2- This invention relates to a cable management system which is particularly useful for housing cabling in an office situation where instead of permanent walls there are semipermanent partitions.

Many office floors ar divided by semi-permanent partitions, which are built directly onto, say, a concrete floor to give the appearance of permanent structural walls. Such partitions are often used in medium term leasing situations involving a time frame of say to 15 years, and are designed to be positioned permanently over that time. The work areas defined by such partitions require communication, power and data cables, which are usually housed in ducting units fitted to the pait-ifions in such a way as to reduce floor area.

10 Alternatively, the cables may be arranged on the floor adjacent the base of the partition, which is both aesthetically displeasing and potentially hazardous.

In other situations, portable partitions have been proposed which incorporate cable ducting systems of various types. These portable devices are designed to divide open plan offices into work stations. Usua!ly, portable partitions are less than around 1600 mm high, thereby providing some privacy whilst allowing easy rearrangement of office space when required. However, the prefabricated nature of such portable partitions tends to reduce their versatility by limiting the way in which walls may be orientated and sized, as well as imposing significant structural and aesthetic disadvantages.

Although they are from a different field of art, some of the solutions to cable routing 20 problems within portable partitions could, with modification, be applied to more permanent wall construction. However, semi-permanent partitions such as those described above must be rigidly attached to the floor for structural and safety reasons. The easiest way to achieve this is to drill holes through the cable routing components into the floor, and attaching it by means of anchor bolts or the like. However, in many cases, this is all but impossible to do without significant effort. For example, in the case of an I-beam construction, it will often be extremely difficult to angle a drill vertically so that it drills through the bottom flange -3and into the floor beneath. Angled holes are difficult to achieve and can make the use of standard bolts awkward.

Furthermore, in many cases the quasi-structural nature of these semi-permanent walls makes them quite heavy, to the point where many of the portable partition systems would not take such loads or distribute them evenly along the floor area. This is especially the case where glazing is involved, due to the relatively stringent strength and rigidity requiremennts which such materials place on any base used to support them. For example, Australian Standard 1289-1989 requires that glass partitions greater than a certain height be formed from 12.38 mm glass, which is simply not capable of being supported as a portable partition.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a cable management system which overcomes or at least ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUIMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15 According to the invention, there is provided a cable ducting system of modular construction for supporting a semi-permanent wall member above a floor and allowing substantially hidden routing of power and data cables, said cable ducting system including: a longitudinally extending base component including a longitudinally extending 20 lower flange to engage the floor along a corresponding longitudinally extending surface thereof, said base component including an upper surface incorporating a first connection formation; o r sc sc r o o aI a longitudinally extending intermediate component including second and third connection formations, the second formation being configured for interconnection with the first formation such that, in use, the intermediate component extends generally upwardly from the base component; a longitudinally extending upper component including a fourth connection formation configured for interconnection with the third connection formation, and a longitudinally extending upper surface to engage a wall member, wherein the base, intermediate and upper components, when interconnected, define a continuous wall I RA 7- T S ij V7^ -4support to support in compression a wall member along a corresponding longitudinally extending base portion thereof; and one or more skirting panels securable with the wall support to define at least one long*.tudinally extending passage through which cables can be routed.

The term "wall" means any constructional component including patitions, panels, glazing or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWITNT The present invention will now be described by way of example and withl reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 0 Figure 1 is a view of the cable management system as seen through a cross s' ction of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a component of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Viur Figure 3 is a further component of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a further component of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 5 is a further component of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 6 is a further component of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 7 is an alternative component to the component of Figure 4; Figure 8 is another alternative component to the component of Figure 4; Figure 9 is another embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 11I is another embodiment of the invention.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The embodiments shown in the drawings and the following description in relation to these drawings are given by way of example only and are not intended to be definitive of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, a cable ducting system 1 includes a base component 13 including a longitudinally extending lower flange to engage a floor 8 along a corresponding longitudinally extending surface thereof. The base component 13 also includes an upper surface incorporating a first connection formation 23. There is also provided a longitudinally extending intermediate component 9 including second and third connection formations 16 and 40. The second formation 16 is interconnectable with the first formation 23, such that the intermediate component 9 extends generally upwardly from the base component 13. The invention also includes an upper component S 11 including a fourth connection formation 21 configured for interconnection with the 15 third connection formation 40. The upper component 11 includes a longitudinally extending upper surface 12 to engage the wall member 2. When interconnected, the base, intermediate and upper components define a continuous wall support to support in compression a wall member 2 along a corresponding longitudinally extending base portion thereof. The invention also incorporates skirting panels 14, which in conjunction with the wall support form compartments divided by the supporting column 9 and trays The cable ducting system 1 takes the place of conventional skirting and is used to position wall member 2, for example in a situation where semi-permanent partitioning of a work space is required. The cable management system may house communication, electricity and data cabling 3. The various forms of cabling 3 may be housed in separate compartments, referenced gene,,'ally by arrow 4, with outlets and switches 5 being located on the exterior surface 6 of the cable management system 1.

The wall members 2 may be secured to the cable ducting system 1, as in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 by fastening means such as with tacks or nails 7.

-6- Furthermore, the wall support may be secured to a stable surface such as a floor 8 of a building, also by means such as tacks, nails or bolts 7.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 1 a plurality of cable compartments 4 are formed by attaching one or more trays 10 to the intermediate component, In Figures 2 to 6 the components of the cable ducting system of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, are shown in isolation. It will be appreciated that the views illustrated in Figures 2 to 6 like that of Figure 1, are cross sectional views, with the componentry being available in indefinite lengths.

In Figure 2 interlocking means 15 are disposed on either side of intermediate component 9. In the present embodiment there are two sets of interlocking means 15 on either side of the intermediate component 9. In the present embodiment a pair of legs 17 extend outwardly fiom each end of the intermediate component 9. The legs 17 may be used as stabilisers or supporting surfaces, depending on their orientation in the 15 assembled cable management system, one embodiment of which is illustrated, in Figure In Figure 3 the cable tray 10 which is L-shaped in cross section and illustrated in Figure 1, includes an interengaging means 18, which is complementary with the interlocking means 15 of the intermediate component 9, to allow the tray 10 to be fixed 20 thereto.

As shown in Figure 4 the upper component 11 consists of a panel 19 which has a pair of legs 20 located on its upper surface. Locating means 21 complementary with the profile of the groove 40 is formed on panel 19 opposite legs As shown in Figure 5, the base component 13 consists of a panel 22 which has a locating means 23 on its upper surface to engage groove 16 when the cable ducting system as illustrated in Figure 1 is assembled. The panel 22 may have an upturned edge 24, with a stepped portion 25, acting as a locating means, situated at its apex. The Spped portions 25 of the base component 13 interconnect with a complementary member located on the skirting panel 14, which is illustrated in Figure 1 and also in Figure 6.

In Figure 6 the skirting panel 14 previously illustrated in Figure 1 is shown here in isolation for the present embodiment. Ana interengaging means 26 may be located at or neat a longitudinal edge of the skirting panel 14 and on one surface of the skirting panel 14 which is able to engage the stepped portion 25 of the base portion 13. A grooved portion 27 may also be provided to receive a fastening means 27, as illustrated in Figure 1.

In Figures 7 and 8, two further components of alternative embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. The upper component illustrated in Figures 1 and 4 may be replaced with either of the components referenced generally as 28 and 29 respectively in Figures 7 and 8. As with the upper component in the previous embodiment, wall locating means 21 are provided on the upper components 28 and 29.

The upper components 28 and 29 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 have wall locating means in the form of grooves 30 and 31 for receiving the wall panels 2 illustrated in Figure 1.

In Figure 7 the longitudinal edge of the upper component 28 is turned under and S 15 provides a hook portion 32 which may interconnect with the skirting panel 14, as shown for the previous embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 or an alternative skirting panel 14.

In Figure 8 the longitudinal edge of the upper component 29 may also be a turned under portion with a serrated groove 32 for receiving a fastening means 7, such as a screw to fasten the skirting panel 14 to the upper component.

20 In use, the base component 13 is placed in a desired position on floor 8. Holes are drilled through the base component and into the floor. Conventional anchor bolts in Sthe case of concrete floors, or nails or screws for softer floors may be used to rigidly attach the component to the floor. The intermediate and upper components are then slotted sequentially into place. Whilst some form of fixative or attachment means such as bolts or the like may be used, in the preferred embodiment it is desirable that the components remain joined by gravity or a snap-lock system.

In Figures 9, 10 and 11 there are illustrated alternative embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments intermediate component 9 includes an internal cavity 36. Cavity 36 may be divided into three portions as shown in Figures 9 and I 1 or two 7~~ portions as illustrated in Figure 10. The presence of cavity 36 has been found to attenuate sound transmission.

It is to be appreciated that the componentry of the embodiments described for the present inven, ion may be constructed out of aluminium, molded or extruded panels, or from other suitable materials or construction methods.

It is also to be appreciated that the wall members may be formed from any suitable materials such as plasterboard, or even glazing.

It must also be appreciated that numerous modifications to the componentry illustrated and described for the three embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention such as providing different interengaging means on the individual components, reducing the number of trays used and in turn reducing the number of compartments, and other forms of locating means for the panels, as well as the use of other partitioning materials.

The present invention provides surprising and significant advantages over the prior art. The separate components comprising the wall support enable semi-permanent partitions to be built quickly and easily. The modular nature of the invention enables easy drilling through the lower track into the floor beneath. For these reasons, the present invention provides a commercially significant advance over prior art systems.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to specific 20 components or integers having known equivalents, such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Furthermore, although this invention has been described by way of example and with reference to possible embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A cable ducting system of modular construction for supporting a semi-permanent wall member above a floor and allowing substantially hidden routing of power and data cables, said cable ducting system including: a longitudinally extending base component including a longitudinally extending lower flange to engage the floor along a corresponding longitudinally extending surface thereof, said base component including an upper surface incorporating a first connection formation; a longitudinally extending intermediate component including second and third So connection formations, the second formation being configured for interconnection with the first formation such that, in use, the intermediate component extends generally upwardly from the base component; a longitudinally extending upper component including a fourth connection formation configured for interconnection with the third connection formation, and a 15 longitudinally extending upper surface to engage a wall member, wherein the base, intermediate and upper components, when interconnected, define a continuous wall support to support in compression a wall member along a corresponding longitudinally extending base portion thereof; and one or more skirting panels securable with the wall support to define at least one longitudinally extending passage through which cables can be routed.

2. A cable ducting system of modular construction according to claim 1, wherein the first and fourth formations take the form of a longitudinally extending ridge, and the second and third formations take the form of longitudinal grooves configured for complementary engagement with said ridges.

3. A cable ducting system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper surface includes wall locating means for positioning said wall member with respect to the wall support.

4. A cable ducting system according to claim 3, wherein said wall locating means t- includes one or more longitudinally extending ridges. A cable ducting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall support includes at least one cable support to hold a cable a predetermined distance from the floor.

6. A cable ducting system according to claim 5, wherein the cable supports extend longitudinally along said wall support to define at least one cable tray.

7. A cable ducting system according to claim 6, wherein said cable tray or trays divide said longitudinally extending passage into a plurality of substantially distinct cable compartments.

8. A cable ducting system according to claim 7 or claim 6, wherein said cable trays are adapted for releasable attachment to said wall support.

9. A cable ducting system according to claim 8, wherein said cable trays are adapted for releasable attachment to the intermediate component to extend outwardly therefrom. A cable ducting system according to claim 9, wherein said cable trays include mounting formations interengageable with complementary interlocking means formed along at least one side of the intermediate component. S11. A cable ducting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediatc component includes at least one longitudinally extending internal cavity.

12. A cable ducting system according to claim 11, wherein at least one of said cavities is substantially triangular in cross-section.

13. A cable ducting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the a a skirting panels include apertures for allowing cables to exit said longitudinally extending passage.

14. A cable ducting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said components comprising said wall support are formed by an extrusion process.

15. A cable ducting system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of said wall support is formed from aluminium. ~7Z~ 11

16. A cable ducting system substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1, 9, 1, or 11. DATED this 9th Day of January, 1997. SAPPHIRE ANODISERS' PTY LIMITED Attorney: CAROLINE M. BOMMER Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia of SHELSTON WATERS V 12 ABSTRACT According to the invention there is provided an elongate cable system adapted to extend along and support the base of a wall the cable ducting system including a longitudinally extending passage for receiving a longitudinally extending cable 0 4o a

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