The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 04, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 29, 1999
Douglas Davies, Meadow Vista, CA (US);
Michael Wortman, Roseville, CA (US);
Hewlett-Packard Company, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Abstract
A wireform bracket provides a simple, elegant, low-cost solution for managing a large number of cables, while also allowing ample airflow at the back of a computer system. A wireform bracket in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of bends, with each bend proximate a connector on the backplane of a computer system when the wireform bracket is attached to the back of the computer system. As cables are connected to the back of the computer system, each cable is fastened to the nearest bend using a tie-wrap, or some other cable fastening method known in the art. The present invention minimizes potential strain at the connectors by shifting any strain to the point at which the cable is attached to the wireform bracket, while also minimizing the disruption of airflow in the area immediately behind a computer system. In one embodiment, a wireform cable is formed from a ⅛ inch thick piece of steel wire, though other materials and thicknesses may be Mused. This embodiment includes eight bends and is ideally suited for use in a computer system having six PCI slots. Those skilled in the art will understand how to apply the teachings herein to adapt the present invention for use in other configurations.