1. Field
Example aspects of the present invention relate to mounting brackets and, more particularly, to mounting brackets for holding network devices.
2. Related Art
In telecommunication and computer networks, network devices often must be installed together in a single location. A network device is any device used as part of a network to achieve some function. Examples of network devices include Network Interface Devices (NID), Optical Network Terminals (ONT), routers, repeaters, bridges, hubs, and switches. The combination of network devices that may be installed together in a single location depends on the desired function of that network point. For example, to connect a user to an optical communications network in a fiber to the home (FTTH) network architecture, a service provider(s) might install an ONT and a router in the user's facility or home. Often these network devices are simply left on the floor or are placed precariously on a shelf. The network devices are then liable to fall or be inadvertently kicked around. Also, the wires from the multiple devices are a nuisance, especially when there are pets and/or young children in the area, and can become entangled.
Holding apparatuses for some network devices are known. However, these tend to be unrelated, individual holding mechanisms—sometimes nothing more than simple stands—that only minimally improve the stability of the network device. Further, when the known holding mechanisms are used, there are still multiple individual units (a unit being a network device and a holding mechanism) that take up space and can each be inadvertently kicked around. Also, the wires from the network devices are still a nuisance because the wires remain unconsolidated, with wires leading to each freestanding individual unit. This can lead to complicated and inefficient installation of the network devices.
The example embodiments described herein provide a device and method for mounting network devices. According to one example aspect of the present invention, a network device mounting bracket is provided that has a mounting surface including at least one network device interface for receiving a corresponding network device. The bracket also has a connection interface on at least one of its edges to connect it with other brackets.
According to another example aspect of the present invention, a network device mounting bracket has a mounting surface that includes a plurality of network device interfaces for receiving a plurality of corresponding network devices.
Another example embodiment of the present invention is a method of making a network device mounting system. The method includes obtaining information regarding a plurality of network devices to be installed together in a single location and manufacturing a network device mounting system. The mounting system could include a single network device mounting bracket with a plurality of network device interfaces such that the single bracket can receive all the network devices. Alternatively, the mounting system could include a series of network device mounting brackets that, in combination, can receive all the network devices, and that have connection interfaces for connecting the brackets together.
Another example embodiment of the present invention is a method of installing network devices. The method includes attaching a first network device to a device interface of a first network device mounting bracket, attaching a second network device to a device interface of a second network device mounting bracket, and connecting the first and second network device mounting brackets to each other using first and second connection interfaces.
These and other features and advantages of the example embodiments of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings.
a and 1b depict a network device mounting bracket with connection interfaces disposed on the longitudinal edges of the bracket.
a and 5b illustrate wire management capabilities of network device mounting brackets.
Example embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of a novel device for holding network devices, and methods for making and using such a device. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following detailed description of the example embodiments is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It is noted that the various components of the example embodiments of the present invention can be constructed of any material well-known in the art for constructing such components without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the mounting brackets with their corresponding device and connection interfaces, attachment mechanisms, and the like, can be constructed of plastic, fiberglass, ceramic, metal, composite, wood, or any other material well known in the art, and any combination thereof. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the example embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It should be appreciated that in the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints. These specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, although such a development effort might be time-consuming, it would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
An example embodiment of a network device mounting bracket will be described with respect to
Although this example embodiment depicts keyholes and hole patterns as attachment mechanisms, those skilled in the art will appreciate that either of those features may be included rather than both, or yet some other attachment mechanism may be used. Further, the bracket need not include any attachment mechanism. For example, it may be designed to sit on a desktop rather than attach to another structure.
The connection interfaces 102 serve to enable the brackets to connect to each other to create a sturdy and efficient bracket system for housing multiple network devices. The connection interface can be made up of any of a variety of connectors known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as illustrated in
In addition, in this example embodiment, the connecter interfaces 102 are integrally formed at the longitudinal edges of a mounting bracket. However, a connection interface can be formed as a separate component that attaches to a portion of a mounting bracket containing the network device interfaces. For example, the comb-shaped connection interfaces can be formed to snap onto an edge of the mounting surface, or to be ultrasonically welded to the edge of the mounting surface. In this way, a standard connection interface could be attached to plural different mounting surfaces having network device interfaces configured to receive different types of network devices.
In yet another example embodiment, the connection interface could be hinged or otherwise configured to enable the connected brackets to swivel or turn with respect to each other. This could facilitate a simpler and more appropriate installation for certain installation location circumstances. In this example embodiment, the passing of wire between the brackets would likely be best facilitated through a channel located inside the connector.
b shows an opposite side of network device mounting bracket 101. In this example embodiment, a spooling structure for wires includes a channel 109 and plural posts 110 (acting as cable hooks) around which wires can wrap. The posts include grooves for holding the wires in a certain position on the posts, and the tabs 104 hold the wires in channel 109. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a channel may be provided to guide wires separate from a spooling structure, and that a spooling structure may take other forms than shown in
Although the example embodiments discussed so far have a network device interface on only one side, those skilled in the art will appreciate that device interfaces can be formed on opposite sides of a bracket. Further, a channel for wires can be formed through the interior of such a mounting bracket.
a and 5b illustrate example embodiments of wire management capabilities of a network device mounting bracket.
In another example embodiment, as shown in
In block 802, a network device mounting system is manufactured according to the specifications of the various network devices. The mounting system includes at least one network device interface to accommodate each of the plurality of network devices. Thus, the mounting system could include either a single bracket with a plurality of device interfaces, or multiple brackets that together have sufficient device interfaces to accommodate the plurality of network devices. Depending on the requirements for the mounting system, the multiple brackets could have connection interfaces for linking various brackets together. Additionally, as an alternative embodiment, any number of mounting adapters may be included in the mounting system to accommodate the various network devices.
In this example embodiment, each mounting bracket has a single network device interface, and there is one mounting bracket corresponding to each network device in the obtained information. In this example embodiment, each mounting bracket is formed as a single unitary structure having a connection interface integrally formed on each longitudinal edge. For example, the brackets may be formed by injection molding or stamping. In an alternative embodiment, different mounting surfaces can be formed having different network device interfaces, and then standard connection interfaces can be attached to the edges of the mounting surfaces.
In block 803, the mounting system and the network devices are packaged together. Thus, acquisition and installation of network devices and a corresponding bracket system can be greatly simplified.
While various example embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made to these example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
In addition, it should be understood that the
Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the example embodiments presented herein in any way. It is also to be understood that the procedures recited in the claims need not be performed in the order presented.