Anchor for a cable support structure

Abstract

An anchor comprises means for coupling the anchor to a cable support structure, and means for securing a line to the anchor. The anchor further comprises means for further coupling the anchor to the cable support structure. Further coupling means comprises a plurality of indexing apertures formed on the upstanding members, and a pin inserted through the upstanding members via an aligned pair of indexing apertures. The pin has a lanyard attached to the anchor. Securing means comprises a parabolic disc, a post, a hanger, or a notch formed in the anchor.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an anchor for securing a line. Specifically, this invention relates to an anchor coupled to a cable support structure, the anchor having means for coupling the anchor to the cable support structure, and means for securing the line during the installation of communication cable or wires onto the cable support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cable support structures, such as a cable ladder or a cable rack, are used for the installation of cables, such as computer and/or power cable lines within a technical facility. The cable support structure is generally arranged in a manner so that the lines are supported along vertical walls, covered flooring, or along or within a ceiling, and are therefore out of the way and not easily accessible. There are many known cable support structures in the art, including devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,656,998 (issued to Ullberg), U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,817 (issued to Gogan), U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,100,086 and 5,580,014 (each issued to Rinderer), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,236 (issued to Jette), among countless others.

For instance, Ullberg '998 is an early attempt to address the problem of providing a mechanism or device for organizing and protecting cables of various types. Ullberg '998 discloses a support trough for cables having a floor and sidewalls, generally fabricated in a mesh-like fashion for supporting any cables placed therein. The trough includes openings through which the cables may pass. Likewise, Gogan '817 improves upon the art and provides a modular cable tray, having modular panels for segregating bundles of cables as desired. The Rinderer patents ('086 and '014) disclose improvements to cable ladders, particularly as to the coupling of ladder portions (by fasteners rather than by weld) and in the particular orientation or organization of the elements of the cable ladder (as in '086). And Jette ('236) discloses a more structurally sound and more supportive cable ladder structure.

However, each of the aforementioned inventions fails to provide an apparatus and/or means for enabling greater ease and efficiency in the physical installation of the cables that are supported by the cable support structures described in the respective patents. The respective patents discussed above are variations of the physical arrangement of the cable support structures. Therefore, the applicant is unaware of any other inventions that provide the elements, features and functions disclosed by the present invention.

For instance, FIG. 1c depicts one example of how cables or wires are installed onto a cable support structure S, utilizing a line L (including flexible plastic lines, bands or bundles thereof) for securing the individual cables to the support structure S. As indicated, a cable C1 is placed into the cable support structure S. The line L is then secured about the cable C1 and about a rung R of the cable support structure S, generally secured via a knot K. As required by law and by code, the line L must be secured about the cable C1 in a very tight manner, and repeated in successive order with subsequent cables CS placed adjacent to the initial cable C1, so that all the cables are bound to the structure S and to one another and that no gaps are present between adjacent cables. One such method for securing the cable to the structure is to use what is commonly referred to as a “Kansas City Stitch”, in which the starting stitch is wrapped over the cable(s), under the cable rung, and then around the stitch (to form a loop). The slack is pulled out from the loop until a tight knot is formed about the cable(s). This is repeated as more and more cable(s) is/are added to the structure. In order to keep tension on the knot while another cable is placed into the rung, the line L is typically secured to another object, even including the side rail or a rung of the cable support structure S, or to another free standing object. The length of the L is such that creating a tight binding about the cable and maintaining such a binding requires great effort, care and time. The present invention, an anchor coupled to the support structure that is utilized to bind or secure the line L during installation of cables, provides a more efficient means for installing cables onto a cable support structure, by providing a convenient point of binding of the line L, and by providing means that is easily used in that the line L is easily bound and unbound but is maintained in a very secure manner.

As such, there is a need for an apparatus that aids in the installation of cables or wires, wherein the apparatus is coupled to the cable support structure and used for securely holding the line (or stitching) used to secure the individual communications cables to the support structure. The present invention meets this long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an anchor comprises means for coupling the anchor to a cable support structure, and means for securing a line to the anchor. Coupling means comprises upstanding members interconnected by a connecting member. The anchor may further comprise means for further coupling the anchor to the support structure, and in one embodiment thereof the further coupling means comprises a plurality of indexing apertures formed on the upstanding members, and a pin inserted through the upstanding members via an aligned pair of indexing apertures. The pin may have a lanyard attached to the anchor. In another embodiment, further coupling means may comprise a cap coupled to the upstanding members. In another embodiment, further coupling means may comprise a plurality of teeth formed on the upstanding members, wherein the cap has a pair of slots oriented to receive the respective free ends of the upstanding members, and at least one of the plurality of teeth of the upstanding members is impinged within the cap. Each one of the slots has a tooth for engaging one of the plurality of teeth from the respective upstanding member. The teeth of the upstanding members are formed along the exterior surface or the interior surface thereof, and the teeth of the cap are aligned therewith. The securing means is a member selected from the group consisting of a parabolic disc, a post and a hanger.

In another aspect of the present invention, the anchor may comprise a member coupled to a cable support structure, means for coupling the member to the cable support structure, and means for securing a line to the anchor. The coupling means may comprise upstanding members interconnected by a connecting member. The anchor may further comprise means for further coupling the anchor to the cable support structure, wherein in one embodiment the further coupling means comprises a plurality of indexing apertures formed on the upstanding members, and a pin inserted through the upstanding members via an aligned pair of indexing apertures. The pin may have a lanyard attached to the anchor. In another embodiment, further coupling means may comprise a plurality of teeth formed on the upstanding members, and the cap having a pair of slots oriented to receive the respective free ends of the upstanding members. Each one of the slots has a tooth for engaging one of the plurality of teeth from the respective upstanding member. At least one of the plurality of teeth impinged within the cap. The teeth of the upstanding members are formed on the exterior surface thereof, and the teeth of the cap are correspondingly formed along the margins of the exterior walls. In another embodiment, the teeth of the upstanding members are formed on the interior surface thereof, and the teeth of the cap are correspondingly formed along the margins of the interior walls. Securing means is a member selecting from the group consisting of a parabolic disc, a post and a hanger.

A cable support structure for supporting at least one communication cable secured to the cable support structure by a line, the improvement comprising means for securing the line during installation of the cable. Securing means is integral to the cable support structure. Securing means comprises a parabolic disc, a post, a hanger, or a notch formed in the anchor.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for installing a plurality of cables onto a cable support structure utilizing an anchor is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) securing the anchor to the cable support structure;

(b) placing a cable onto the cable support structure;

(c) securing a line about the cable and the cable support structure;

(d) securing any remaining excess of the line about the anchor;

(e) placing an additional cable onto the cable support structure adjacent the cable;

(f) releasing the line from the anchor;

(g) securing the line about the additional cable and the cable support structure;

(h) securing any remaining excess of the line about the anchor;

(i) repeating steps (e) through (h) as necessary.

As discussed above, the method and device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in prior art methods and devices. In that respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the 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 neither intended to define the invention of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional utility and features of the invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, which illustrate the primary features of the preferred embodiment and numerous alternative embodiments.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a cable support structure, and in particular, a cable ladder;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a cable support structure, and in particular, a cable tray;

FIG. 1c is a perspective view of a cable support structure having cables secured thereto by a line;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the anchor;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the anchor depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4a is a sectional view of one embodiment of the anchor taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4b is a sectional view of another embodiment of the anchor taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4c is a sectional view of another embodiment of the anchor taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the coupling means comprising the upstanding members interconnected or coupled by the connecting or intermediate member;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the coupling means depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the coupling means depicted in FIG. 6 and taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8a is an enhanced view of the encircled portion of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8b is an enhanced view of an alternate embodiment of the encircled portion of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the coupling means depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cap used as further coupling means;

FIG. 11 is a front or rear view of the cap of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the cap of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11;

FIG. 13a is a sectional view of the cap taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13b is a sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the cap taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the cap;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the cap;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the coupling means;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the coupling means having index apertures and a pin;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the coupling means having slots in the upstanding members, fastener and nut for securing the means to a structure;

FIG. 19 is a side view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side view of another alternate embodiment of the coupling means in which the securing means is a post with a notch therein;

FIG. 21 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 20 in which securing means is an L-shaped hanger with a notch or notches therein;

FIG. 22 is a front view of another alternate embodiment in which securing means is a V-shaped hanger having a notch therein;

FIG. 23 is a front view of another alternate embodiment in which securing means is an element projecting from the connecting member and having a notch therein;

FIG. 24 is a front view of another alternate embodiment in which securing means is an element projecting perpendicular from the upstanding member and having a notch therein;

FIG. 25 is a side view of another alternate embodiment in which coupling means comprises separate members that reciprocate via a spring and fit within the lip of a C-shaped rail;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cable support structure having securing means (such as a parabolic disc or ear) integrally mounted to the rail (depicted as mounted to the exterior side of the rail); and

FIG. 27, FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 depict an alternate embodiment in which the anchor is a single member having securing means along the obverse side of the member, and returnably resilient flanges on the reverse side of the member, the flanges for gripping the margins of the cable rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed description below is for preferred embodiments and is intended to explain the current invention. It is to be understood that a variety of other arrangements are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1a through FIG. 1c depicts the general arrangement or configuration of a cable support structure S, such as a cable ladder (in FIG. 1a) or a cable tray (see FIG. 1b). A cable support structure S is used for the installation of cables, such as computer power and/or telecommunication cable lines. The cable support structure S is generally arranged in the manner depicted in the figures, to accommodate many cable lines in a particular facility. The cable support structure S is generally arranged so that the lines are not easily accessible, and not disrupted in an accidental or unintended manner. Thus, the lines are supported along vertical walls, covered flooring, or along or within a ceiling. And, FIG. 1c provides an example of one method of installing cable onto a cable support structure, and that the present invention improves upon and provides a greater means of efficiency and quality of the installation of cables.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2 through FIG. 31, an anchor 100 for a cable support structure S (such as a cable ladder or a cable tray) is depicted in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the anchor 100 comprises or has means 200 for coupling the anchor 100 to a cable support structure S, and means 300 for securing a line L to the anchor 100. The anchor 100 may further comprise means 400 for further coupling the anchor 100 to the cable support structure S, and thus enhancing the security and the stability of the anchor 100 when coupled to the cable support structure S.

As depicted in FIG. 2 through FIG. 8b and FIG. 16 through FIG. 24, means 200 may comprise upstanding members 202 and 204, and a connecting member 206 intermediately disposed between and interconnecting members 202 and 204. The upstanding members 202 and 204 (or more specifically, a forward member 202 and a rearward member 204, respectively) are separated by a distance corresponding to the length or depth of connecting member 206. This length or distance corresponds approximately to the width or thickness of the cable support structure S to which the anchor 100 is coupled. Connecting member 206 (or more specifically, intermediate member 206) may be disposed at either end of the upstanding members 202 and 204, respectively, so as to form an anchor 100 having a generally U-shaped form with an open end for accommodating and accepting the width of a side rail (or run) R1 or R2 of a cable support structure S.

Means 300 for securing (securing means) line L to the anchor 100 may comprise a variety of devices or configurations, the variety and breadth explored in greater detail below. In one embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 2 through FIG. 9, FIG. 16a through FIG. 16c, and FIG. 17 through FIG. 23, means 300 comprises a parabolic disc or ear 302 (FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and FIG. 7), in which the interior of the disc or ear 302 has a substantially conical form or shape. The disc or ear 302 may include a dimension or distance D (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 9) between the upstanding member 202 and the exterior of the disc or ear 302 so as to impinge, lock or wedge (by friction) the line L therein until released by the user. The disc or ear 302 may also be dimensioned or sized to accommodate a number of revolutions of the line L about the disc or ear 302, if necessary.

Further coupling means 400 may comprise a variety of devices or configurations, the variety and breadth explored in greater detail below. In one embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 2 through FIG. 15, further coupling means 400 may include the use of cap 402 having teeth 418 and 420 formed on the interior portion of respective exterior walls 410 and 414 of the cap 402. This arrangement corresponds to and complements the indexing teeth 208 and 210 formed on the upstanding members 202 and 204, so that the teeth 418 and 420 of cap 402 are mateable to the teeth 208 and 210 of the members 202 and 204 in a secure and stable manner. The teeth 208 and 418, and 210 and 420, respectively, may be lockable and unlockable so that a more secure mating is achieved.

More specifically, the teeth 208 and 210 of the members 202 and 204 are oriented and positioned along the respective upstanding members 202 and 204 in substantially similar arrangements, in that the teeth 208 and 210 are positioned adjacent the free ends 212 and 214 of the respective upstanding members 202 and 204. As one point of reference, the teeth 206 formed along the upstanding member (forward member) 202 are positioned subjacent to the disc or ear 302. The teeth 208 formed along the upstanding member (rearward member) 204 are aligned and positioned similarly. In one variation, and as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the teeth 208 of member 202 are vertically offset 216 relative to the teeth 210 of member 204, so that the offset 216 is approximately half of the height or distance of the recess 218 formed between adjacent teeth 210a and 210b, for instance. The offset 216 enhances the fine adjustment capabilities of the present invention, thereby offering additional security and stability in coupling the anchor 100 to a cable support structure S. Furthermore, and as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the recess 218 formed between adjacent teeth has an angle ∠α of approximately 51° from a horizontal reference point P, although numerous variations of this angle may be utilized to achieve the same ends. The teeth 208 and 210 may be offset in two additional respects. For instance, the teeth 208 and 210 may be vertically offset 220 from the free ends 212 and 214 of members 202 and 204, so that the last teeth 208c and 210c are not positioned at the extreme margin of the free ends 212 and 214 of members 202 and 204. In addition, the teeth 208 and 210 may be inwardly offset 222 from an imaginary plane corresponding to the outermost portion of the teeth 208 and 210. It is envisioned that the present invention may have no offset or any combination of offset (216, 220 and/or 222). As depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the present invention may have the vertical offset 216 as measured relative from teeth 208 and teeth 210, the vertical offset 220 as measured relative to the free ends 212 and 214 of members 202 and 204, and the inward offset 222 as measured relative to the imaginary plane corresponding to the outermost portion of the teeth 208 and 210.

In one embodiment, depicted in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 10 through 15, the cap 402 comprises a body 404 having slots 406 and 408 corresponding to and complementary to the free ends of upstanding members 202 and 204, respectively. Each slot 406 and/or 408 is formed by an exterior wall 410 or 414 and an interior wall 412 or 416, and having lateral sidewalls 432 and 434 forming the lateral perimeter thereof (see FIG. 11, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, respectively), with the slot 406 or 408 disposed therebetween. The teeth 418 and 420 are oriented along interior portion of the respective exterior wall 410 or 414, and have an angle ∠β complementary of ∠α so as to provide a firm and secure impingement and coupling of the respective teeth 208 and 418, and teeth 210 and 420, respectively. A reinforcement member 422 is disposed between and intermediate to the interior walls 412 and 416, providing stability and reinforcement to the slots 406 and 408 when engaging the teeth 206 and 208 of the upstanding members 202 and 204. And, in the embodiment depicted, the reinforcement member 422 may be disposed in between and intermediately to a pair of voids 424 and 426 provided to lessen the weight of the cap 402 and body 404, in general. The cap 402 may further comprise wings 428 and 430 positioned on the lateral portions of the cap 402, and thus, laterally adjacent the slots 406 and 408, respectively. The wings 428 and 430 are opposite to one another, and are provided to aid in the placement and/or removal of the cap 402 to and from the coupling means 200. The wings 428 and 430 may have a variety of configurations, including the rounded radius in FIG. 3, FIG. 10, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, or the substantially orthogonal perimeter depicted in FIG. 2, for example.

As depicted in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b, the teeth 208 and 210 may be provided in an offset arrangement (see FIG. 8a) or substantially aligned along an imaginary horizontal plane (see FIG. 8b). In the embodiment with an offset, the teeth 208 and 210 may be offset relative to several rows of teeth when measured using the teeth 208 and 210 of the upstanding members 202 and 204. For instance, in FIG. 4a, the teeth 418 and 420 of the cap 402 are offset so that approximately five rows of teeth 208 and 210 from the upstanding members 202 and 204 are disposed therebetween. FIG. 4b depicts an arrangement where the teeth 418 and 420 of the cap 402 are not offset, and thus, are substantially in plane when impinged within the teeth 208 and 210 of upstanding members 202 and 204.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, means 200 may comprise upstanding members 202 and 204, and a connecting member 206 intermediately disposed between and interconnecting members 202 and 204. The upstanding members 202 and 204 (or more specifically, a forward member 202 and a rearward member 204, respectively) are separated by a distance corresponding to the length or depth of connecting member 206. Connecting member 206 (or more specifically, intermediate member 206) may be disposed at either end of the upstanding members 202 and 204, respectively, so as to form an anchor 100 having a generally U-shaped form with an open end for accommodating and accepting the width of a side rail (or run) R1 or R2 of a cable support structure S. In this embodiment, the anchor 100, and especially means 200 having members 202, 204 and 206, may be formed and dimensioned for placement onto a cable support structure S by friction fit impingement. In another embodiment, the members 202, 204 and 206 may be formed of metal having a magnetic polarity so that placement onto the cable support structure S may be achieved by magnetic attraction, or by the combination of friction fit impingement and magnetism. Means 300 for securing the line L is envisioned as a parabolic disc or ear 302 similar to that described above.

The anchor 100 may further comprise alternate means 400 for further coupling the anchor 100 to the cable support structure S. Further coupling means 400 may comprise a variety of devices or configurations for accomplishing this function, and as depicted in FIG. 17, includes further coupling means 400 having a plurality of indexing apertures 602 and 604 formed on the upstanding members 202 and 204 and a pin 606 inserted through the upstanding members 202 and 204 via an aligned pair of indexing apertures 602 and 604. Each indexing aperture 602 of upstanding member 204 is in substantial horizontal alignment with a respective and corresponding indexing aperture 604 of upstanding member 204, so that the pin 606 is easily inserted into and through the pair of indexing apertures 602 and 604 and to form an anchor 100 securely coupled to the cable support structure S. The pin 606 may have a lanyard 608 attached to the anchor 100 so that the pin 606 is easily found and utilized. The pin 606 may have a free end 610 comprising returnably resilient and outwardly biased arms 612 that impinge against the upstanding member 204 to prevent the pin 606 from being accidently removed from the anchor 100, which may result in the anchor 100 becoming less stable for use (though not wholly unstable).

Further coupling means 400 may also comprise a fastener 700 coupled to a movable and vertically telescopic nut assembly 702. In one such embodiment, the upstanding members 202 and 204 have corresponding slots 704 and 706 through which the fastener 700 passes. The nut assembly 702 corresponds to the upstanding member 204 and slot 706 for securing the fastener 700 in a rigid orientation so as to abut against the top or underside of the side rail R1 or R2. The nut assembly 702 is vertically adjustable, movable or telescopic along the length of the slot 706, respectively, thus providing the anchor 100 with the versatility to accommodate variously sized side rails of a cable support structure S. As depicted, the nut assembly 702 comprises a forward nut and a rearward nut, the forward and rearward nuts accommodating and threadably receiving the fastener 700 in a manner that secures the forward and rearward nuts against the upstanding member 204, and thus fastening the anchor 100 firmly and securely to the cable support structure.

In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 20 through FIG. 24, means 300 comprises a post 800 having a variety of geometrical configurations. In FIG. 20, the post 800 may also include a notch 802 into which the line L may be impinged, locked or wedged (by friction and force). In another embodiment (FIG. 21 and FIG. 22), means 300 may comprise a hanger 900, about which the line L may be secured (such as winding the line L about the hanger 900). The hanger 900 may have either an L-shape or a V-shape. In addition, the line L may be secured by impingement into the conjunction 902 of the L-shape or the conjunction 904 of the v-shaped hanger 900. Additionally, a notch 906 may be provided to provide further or increased impingement of the line L therein. It is also envisioned that an additional notch or notches 908 may be provide to further increase the impingement of the line L to the anchor 100. In another embodiment (FIG. 23 and FIG. 24), means 300 may include a notch 912 formed in an element 910 depending from member 202. In one such embodiment, element 910 with notch 912 depends from upstanding member 202. In another such embodiment, the element 910 with notch 912 depends from connecting member 206.

In another embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 25, means 200 may comprise a member 1000 that may be oriented and impinged by force between the exterior lips of a C-shaped side rail R1 or R2. The member 1000 may be fabricated from flexible material to achieve this end. The member 1000 may also comprise separate members 1000a and 1000b that are outwardly biased from the center, via an outwardly biased spring or spring-type device 1002, and returnably resilient so as to expand outward when any applied force is removed. Thus, a user could apply force sufficient to overcome the bias of the spring or spring-type device, displacing the members 1000a and 1000b inwardly, place the member 1000 within the lips of the side rail R1 or R2, and then release or remove the force and allow the members 1000a and 1000b to return to a relatively expanded state so that the perimeter of the members 1000a and 1000b apply a force to the lips and impinge the member 1000, and thus the anchor 100, within the lips and on the exterior surface of the side rail R1 or R2 of the cable support surface S.

In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 26, the anchor 100 is integral to the side rail of the cable support structure S. In this embodiment, the cable support structure S supports at least one cable C, with the cable C secured to the cable support structure S by a line L, the improvement to the cable support structure S comprising means 300 for securing the line L during installation of the cable C. Securing means may comprise a parabolic disc 302 or the other various embodiments disclosed above, including a post, a hanger and/or a notched formed in the anchor 100. The variations and combinations of securing means described above are incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 27 through FIG. 29, means 200 comprises a member 502 comprising an obverse 504 and reverse 506, the member 502 having flanges 508 and 510 on the reverse 506. The flanges 508 and 510 are separated by a distance corresponding to the width w of the top of the side rail (or run) R1 or R2 (see FIG. 2c), or a distance corresponding to the height h from the top to the bottom of the side rail (or run) R1 or R2, respectively. The flanges 508 and 510 are arranged so as to accommodate or accept the width w or height h of the side rail portion in an impinged manner (such as friction fit or snug impingement coupling). The flanges 508 and 510, and correspondingly member 502, are returnably resilient but having an inward bias so that the flanges 508 and 510 may be temporarily separated to a greater distance than when at rest so that a user may place the member 502 about the side rail R1 or R2, and then release or remove the force exerted to provide the temporary separation so that the flanges 508 and 510 return to the rest or starting position, thus impinging the member 502 onto the side rail R1 or R2 at either a top position or a side position.

The anchor 100 may be utilized in the installation of communication cables or wires onto a structure S. A method for installing a plurality of cables C onto a cable support structure S utilizing the anchor comprises the steps of (a) securing the anchor 100 to the cable support structure S; (b) placing a cable C onto the cable support structure S; (c) securing a line L about the cable C1 and the cable support structure S; (d) securing any remaining excess of the line L about the anchor 100; (e) placing an additional cable C2 onto the cable support structure S adjacent the cable C1; (f) releasing the line L from the anchor 100; (g) the line L about the additional cable C2 and the cable support structure S; (h) securing any remaining excess of the line L about the anchor 100; and repeating steps (e) through (h) as necessary.

Claims

1. An anchor comprising:

means for coupling the anchor to a support structure; and

means for securing a line to the anchor.

2. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises upstanding members interconnected by a connecting member.

3. The anchor of claim 2 further comprising means for further coupling the anchor to the support structure.

4. The anchor of claim 3, wherein the further coupling means comprises:

a plurality of indexing apertures formed on the upstanding members; and

a pin inserted through the upstanding members via an aligned pair of indexing apertures.

5. The anchor of claim 4, wherein the pin has a lanyard attached to the anchor.

6. The anchor of claim 3, wherein the further coupling means comprises a cap coupled to the upstanding members.

7. The anchor of claim 6, wherein further coupling means comprises:

a plurality of teeth formed on the upstanding members;

the cap having a pair of slots oriented to receive the respective free ends of the upstanding members; and

at least one of the plurality of teeth impinged within the cap.

8. The anchor of claim 7, wherein each one of the slots has a tooth for engaging one of the plurality of teeth from the respective upstanding member.

9. The anchor of claim 8, wherein the teeth of the upstanding members are formed along the exterior surface or the interior surface thereof, and the teeth of the cap are aligned therewith.

10. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the securing means is a member selected from the group consisting of a parabolic disc, a post and a hanger.

11. An anchor comprising:

a member coupled to a cable support structure;

means for coupling the member to the cable support structure; and

means for securing a line to the anchor.

12. The anchor of claim 11, wherein the coupling means comprises upstanding members interconnected by a connecting member.

13. The anchor of claim 12 further comprising means for further coupling the anchor to the cable support structure.

14. The anchor of claim 13, wherein the further coupling means comprises:

a plurality of indexing apertures formed on the upstanding members; and

a pin inserted through the upstanding members via an aligned pair of indexing apertures.

15. The anchor of claim 14, wherein the pin has a lanyard attached to the anchor.

16. The anchor of claim 13, wherein the further coupling means comprises:

a plurality of teeth formed on the upstanding members;

the cap having a pair of slots oriented to receive the respective free ends of the upstanding members;

each one of the slots has a tooth for engaging one of the plurality of teeth from the respective upstanding member; and

at least one of the plurality of teeth impinged within the cap.

17. The anchor of claim 16, wherein the teeth of the upstanding members are formed on the exterior surface thereof, and the teeth of the cap are correspondingly formed along the margins of the exterior walls.

18. The anchor of claim 16, wherein the teeth of the upstanding members are formed on the interior surface thereof, and the teeth of the cap are correspondingly formed along the margins of the interior walls.

19. The anchor of claim 11, wherein the securing means is a member selecting from the group consisting of a parabolic disc, a post and a hanger.

20. A cable support structure for supporting at least one communication cable secured to the cable support structure by a line, the improvement comprising means for securing the line during installation of the cable.

21. The cable support structure of claim 20, wherein the securing means is integral to the cable support structure.

22. The cable support structure of claim 21, wherein the securing means is a member selecting from the group consisting of a parabolic disc, a post and a hanger.

23. A method for installing a plurality of cables onto a cable support structure utilizing an anchor, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) securing the anchor to the cable support structure;

(b) placing a cable onto the cable support structure;

(c) securing a line about the cable and the cable support structure;

(d) securing any remaining excess of the line about the anchor;

(e) placing an additional cable onto the cable support structure adjacent the cable;

(f) releasing the line from the anchor;

(g) securing the line about the additional cable and the cable support structure;

(h) securing any remaining excess of the line about the anchor;

(i) repeating steps (e) through (h) as necessary.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the anchor comprises:

means for coupling the anchor to a cable support structure; and

means for securing a line to the anchor.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the coupling means comprises upstanding members interconnected by a connecting member.

26. The method of claim 25 further comprising means for further coupling the anchor to the cable support structure.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the further coupling means comprises:

a plurality of indexing apertures formed on the upstanding members; and

a pin inserted through the upstanding members via an aligned pair of indexing apertures.

28. The anchor of claim 27, wherein the pin has a lanyard attached to the anchor.

29. The anchor of claim 26, wherein the further coupling means comprises:

a plurality of teeth formed on the upstanding members;

the cap having a pair of slots oriented to receive the respective free ends of the upstanding members;

each one of the slots has a tooth for engaging one of the plurality of teeth from the respective upstanding member. and

at least one of the plurality of teeth impinged within the cap.