WO2002019491A1

WO2002019491A1 - Baseboard infrastructure system

Info

Publication number: WO2002019491A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/026960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Herb Hauser
Original assignee: Barnes Wentworth
Priority date: 2000-08-30
Filing date: 2001-08-29
Publication date: 2002-03-07
Also published as: AU2001288514A1

Abstract

An assembly of baseboard members is disclosed for concealing and limiting the stress applied to at least one cable (306) which passes through a space defined by at least one wall with a slot (352a, 352b) therein. The assembly comprises first (310a) and second (310b) baseboard members, and a stress relief guide member (354). At least the second baseboard member comprises first and second ends, and a channel region (322a) which extends between the first and second ends and is formed to allow the cable to be concealed therein when the second baseboard is installed against the wall. The stress relief guide member comprises a surface configured to limit the bending of the cable and is disposed in a position with respect to the slot and aligned with respect to the cable and aligned with respect to the channel region of the second baseborard member to engage and follow the configured surface of the stress relief guide member. In a further embodiment of this invention, an assembly of board member is disclosed for concealing at least one cable that passes through a space defined by at least a floor, a wall and a ceiling. The assembly comprises a baseboard member (310a, 310b), a vertical board member (340) and a ceiling board member (320a, 320b), which are configured and arranged to permit the passage of a cable between the floor (388) and the ceiling (386).

Description

BASEBOARD INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of infrastructure systems in general. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of electrical and communications infrastructure routing within a permanent or temporary home, building, or facility.

Description of the Related Art

A major factor in the occupation of any commercial or residential space is the routing of AC power and communications lines. Without power for computers, lamps, facsimile machines, copiers, printers and other devices, most modern workspaces simply cannot be occupied. With the growth in information technology, the same has become true for access to communication lines, hi all types of work environments, from offices to manufacturing facilities, information and the ability to share information has become central to the operations of many employees. Workers in offices and production facilities need access to information relating to customers, inventory, design plans, and scheduling to name just a few. While access to information has significantly aided workers in performing their jobs, competition has made providing such access an essential for firms wishing to be competitive in the marketplace of the 21st century. Firms wishing to occupy new office space or manufacturing facilities are faced with substantial costs in routing power and communication lines with currently available infrastructure systems.

With the advent of information entertainment such as cable TV, DSS dishes, internet hookups and on-line services, there is an increasing need to run multiple power, video, voice, data and other communication lines within the home. This trend is increasing as workers, with the advent of computer networks, face the option of tele-commuting or working late on a home computer by accessing data from computers at work or elsewhere. Home connectivity to communication and information networks is an important feature in a residential space directly effecting the quality of life of the resident.

The standard wall jack used in most homes and offices has substantial limitations which increase the cost of rerouting an office space. As office partitions change, relocating outlets is an expensive, labor intensive proposition. Each outlet needs to be rerouted though the wall to its new location. Additionally, even when installed, the wires and cables plugged into the jack protrude peφendicularly from the wall. This makes them prone to damage from shifting furniture or from traffic within the space. Furniture placed in the office must be positioned several inches away from the wall to give adequate space for the protruding wires and cables. Pushing furniture too close to the wall can bend or damage the connectors on the jack. In the event that placement of computer equipment within a space is changed from the original conception, or new equipment is added, the cost and interruption associated with installing new outlets often results in the hazard of running extension cables along walls and across floors.

Another attempt at retrofitting an existing space with power and communication lines is shown in Figure 1. Instead of installing outlets within the walls, as described above, existing space is retrofitted with power and communication cables with a surface mount jack (2). The jack (2) protrudes peφendicularly to the wall and actually protrudes further from the wall than the standard wall jack. Unlike the standard wall jack, the surface mounted wall jack runs the power and communication cables inside a conduit (4) attached to the wall. In addition to the disadvantages described above for wires and cables protruding peφendicular to the wall, the surface mounting of the conduit (4) departs from the clean lines often associated with modern architectural style. Another current attempt to provide power and communication lines to workstations are floor mounted jack systems. While floor mounted jack systems do not have connectors protruding from the wall, they have other significant disadvantages. One disadvantage is the difficulty in relocating floor jacks in standard flooring. As with the standard wall mounted jack, floor jacks must be routed through to fixed jacks that cannot easily be relocated. In the standard flooring of existing office buildings or homes, a hole in the floor must be drilled or cut to allow routing of the cables and installation of the jack. This makes relocating jacks prohibitively expensive. While artificial flooring exists, which can be mounted above existing flooring for jack installation and cable routing, this is very expensive and not well suited to home use. Accordingly, it is desired that the present invention overcome the limitations of current infrastructure systems and equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a baseboard infrastructure system that is easily adapted to existing structures. Power cables and communication lines are contained within the baseboard members, thereby eliminating the need for routing within walls or under flooring. Jacks for power and communication lines are provided on the upper surface of the baseboard in an integrated connector assembly (hereinafter ICA). This allows cables connected to the jack to protrude parallel to the wall, thereby averting interfering with furniture placement and protecting the cables from damage. In one embodiment of this invention, an assembly of baseboard members conceals and limits the stress applied to at least one cable which passes though a space defined by at least one wall with a slot therein. The assembly comprises first and second baseboard members, and a stress relief guide member. At least the second baseboard member comprises first and second ends, and a channel region which extends between the first and second ends and is formed to allow the cable to be concealed therein when the second baseboard is installed against the wall. The stress relief guide member comprises a surface configured to limit the bending of the cable and is disposed in a position with respect to the slot and aligned with respect to the channel region of the second baseboard member to pass the cable from the channel region of the second baseboard member to engage and follow the configured surface of the stress relief guide member. hi a still further embodiment of this invention, an assembly of board members is disclosed for concealing at least one cable that passes through a space defined by at least a floor, a wall and a ceiling. The assembly comprises a baseboard member, a vertical board member and a ceiling board member. Each of said baseboard member, the vertical board member and the ceiling board member comprises first and second ends, and a channel region which extends between the first and second ends. The channel regions of the baseboard member and the vertical board member are in communication with each other to permit the passage of the one cable therebetween. The channel regions of the vertical board member and the ceiling board member are in communication with each other to permit the passage of the one cable therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a surface mounted wall jack of the prior art;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member with an ICA cap removed to reveal the upwardly facing jacks in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member as shown in Figure 2 with the ICA cap installed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of a baseboard member as shown in Figure 2 with the ICA cap removed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a close up rear view of the ICA in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an ICA plate in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the ICA plate shown in Figure 5 in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a baseboard member stock as shown in Figure 3 without the ICA plate installed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is an end view of the baseboard member stock shown in Figure 8 in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 is an end view of the baseboard member installed against a wall of a building in accordance with the present invention; Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of the baseboard member and ICA installed against a wall in a room in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 12 is perspective view of the baseboard member mitered on one end at an angle of 45° in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13 is a top cross sectional view of the mitered baseboard member shown in Figure 12 joined with a baseboard member having a complimentary miter and installed against a wall of a building, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 14 is a top cross sectional view of two complimentary mitered baseboard members joined together and installed against a wall of the building, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of a baseboard member with the ICA cap installed, wherein the top of the baseboard member and the ICA cap have a molded shape and a toe-piece is installed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 16 is a front perspective view of the baseboard member and the ICA cap having flat upper surfaces adapted to mounting a piece of molding thereon, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the baseboard member having the sliding ICA cover, shown in the closed position, formed as part of the baseboard member, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 18 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member having a sliding ICA cover, shown in the open position, formed as part of the baseboard member, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 19 is a rear view of the ICA showing the sliding ICA cover of the baseboard member shown in Figures 17 and 18, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 20 is a close up rear view of the ICA showing a plurality of different connector types in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 21 is a front view of a premise hub showing the splitting of incoming lines into a plurality of lines, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 22 is a front view of the premise hub with two baseboard members installed to conceal the lines exiting the premise hub, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 23 is a perspective view illustrating how two baseboard members, each running along its respective wall and the floor, are joined in a comer with each other and with a vertically extending comer member;

Figure 24 is a perspective view illustrating how two baseboard members, each running along its respective wall and the floor, are joined in a comer with each other and how a stress relief guide member is used to direct the cable from one baseboard member to the other without stressing the cable;

Figure 25 is a perspective view illustrating how two baseboard members, each running along its respective wall and the floor, are joined with each other and with a vertically extending corner member at the comer, and how a stress relief guide member is used to direct the cable from one of the two baseboards to the vertically extending comer member without stressing the cable;

Figure 26 is a perspective view illustrating how at least one baseboard member is installed on a wall and a floor defining the space, at least one ceiling board member is disposed on the ceiling and a vertically extending member is disposed on the wall to facilitate the running of a cable between the baseboard member on the floor and the ceiling board member on the ceiling;

Figures 27A, B, C, D, E and F are cross sectioned views of corresponding bundles of differing numbers of cables to illustrate that an effective radius of each bundle is proportional to the number of bundles included within each bundle; and

Figure 28 is a cross sectioned view of the baseboard member as shown in any of Figures 23, 24 and 25, and a retention member that is inserted within the channel region of the baseboard member to retain one or more cables therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a baseboard infrastructure system. In the following description, numerous details are set forth in order to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Further, well-known elements, devices, process steps and the like are not set forth in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

In the following figures like objects are given the same numbers in an effort to aid the reader in understanding the features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member (10) with a ICA cap (12) removed to allow access to an integrated connector assembly (14) (hereinafter ICA). A front surface (16) of the baseboard member (10) is a flat. An upper surface (18) of the baseboard member (10) is formed with a curved or molded surface in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Figure 3 shows the baseboard member (10) with the ICA cap (12) installed. An upper surface (20) of the ICA cap (12) is formed to match the upper surface (18) of the baseboard member (10). When the ICA cap (12) is installed, the baseboard member (10) has the appearance of a standard baseboard used in homes and offices.

Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the baseboard member (10) showing the ICA (14) and a channel region (22) of the baseboard member (10). The ICA cap (not shown) has been removed from the ICA (14). A connector region (24) is formed below the ICA (14) to prevent interference between jacks mounted within the ICA (14) and cables within the channel region (22). As will be described in greater detail later, the baseboard member (10) is formed such that when a rear surface (26) of the baseboard member (10) is placed against a wall (not shown), a channel for carrying cables is formed from the channel region (22) and the wall. In this manner the power and communication cables are concealed from view and protected by the baseboard member (10).

Figure 5 is a view of the ICA (14) of the baseboard member (10). The ICA (14) includes two RJ45 connectors (32) and (34) and one coaxial cable connector (36). RJ45 connectors (32) and (34) allow connection of video, data or telephone lines. The connectors (32), (34) and (36) are affixed to an ICA plate (38) by two ICA plate retaining screws (40) and (42). The ICA plate (38) is mounted within the ICA (14) is such manner that cables plugged into to the connectors (32), (34) and (36) protrude peφendicular to the ICA plate (38). Two cap retaining pins (44) and (46) protrude from the ICA plate (38) of the ICA (14). The cap retaining pins (44) and (46) are used to secure the ICA cap (12) in place when the connectors (32), (34) and (36) are not being used. Telephone and data cables (48) and (50) are connected to each of the RJ45 connectors (32) and (34), respectively. An AV coaxial cable (52) is connected to a coaxial connector (36), which is installed in the ICA (14). The telephone cables (48) and (50) and the coaxial cable (52) are run down the channel region (not shown) in the baseboard member (10) when installed.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the ICA plate (38). The ICA plate (38) is formed from any stiff material such as a plastic or metal. Figure 7 is a side cross sectional view of the

ICA plate (38) shown in Figure 6 taken about the center of the long axis of the ICA plate

(38). Holes (54)-(68) in the ICA plate (38) are formed during molding, in the case of the ICA plate (38) formed from plastic, or by cutting or drilling. Holes (54) and (56) are for the ICA plate retention screws (40) and (42) as shown in Figure 5. Hole (58) is circular and is formed to allow mounting of the coaxial connector (36). Holes (60) and (62) are square and formed to allow mounting of a telephone line connectors (32) and (34) as shown in Figure 5. Holes

(64) and (66) are formed to allow mounting of retention pins (44) and (46) as shown in Figure 5. The retention pins (44) and (46) can be press fit within the holes (64) and (66). Another possible means of securing the retention pins (44) and (46) within the holes (64) and (66) of the ICA plate (38) is by a mounting screw (not shown) which screws into the retention pin from the side of the ICA plate (38) opposite the side on which the retention pin is mounted. Alternatively, when the ICA plate (38) is formed from a molding process, the retention pins (44) and (46) can be integrally molded as part of the ICA plate (38).

The ICA cap (12) shown in Figures 2-3 and 5 has two ICA cap retention channels (68) positioned to allow the ICA cap (12) to be securely held in place. The ICA cap retention channels (68) and cap cover retention posts (44) and (46) are formed to provide sufficient friction to securely hold the cap cover (12) on the baseboard member (10) when installed. The cap cover (12) is removed from the baseboard member (10) by prying with a screwdriver or like instrument.

Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of a baseboard member stock (70) as shown in Figure 3 without the ICA plate or jacks installed. Figure 9 is an end view of the baseboard member stock (70) shown in Figure 8. The baseboard member stock (70) is in one illustrative embodiment 4 ft. long, 6 inches high and 2.25 inches deep. The baseboard member stock (70) is formed from a stiff material, such as wood or plastic. The baseboard member stock (70) can either be molded or machined in the configuration shown. The ICA (14) is formed to accept the ICA plate (38), as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The ICA plate (38) screws to, and is supported by the ICA plate supports (72) and (74). The ICA cap (12), as shown in Figure 5, is formed to fit the ICA (14). The channel region (22) is formed along the long axis of the baseboard member stock (70) to allow cables and/or wires (not shown) to be run between the baseboard member stock (70) and a wall (not shown) on which the baseboard is mounted against. The channel region (22) extends 1.5 inches deep into the baseboard member stock (70) from the back side (26) of the baseboard member stock (70). The back surfaces (80) and (82) contact a wall (not shown) when the baseboard member stock is installed. The channel region (22) extends 2.5 inches above a lower lip (76). The lower lip (76) of the baseboard member stock (70) extends from the front (16) to the rear surface (26) of the baseboard member stock (70), contacting a wall when installed. The channel region (22) extends a uniform height above the bottom surface (84) of the baseboard along the length of the baseboard member stock (70). This allows multiple baseboard sections to be connected to span a room, thereby allowing wires and cables to run from channel region to channel region of adjoining baseboards. These dimensions of the channel region (22) allow several cables, wires, cords or lines to run within the channel region when the baseboard member (70) is installed against a wall.

Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a baseboard member (10) installed against a wall (90) within a room of a building or structure. The bottom surface (84) of the baseboard member (10) rests on the floor (88). The back surfaces (80) and (82) of the baseboard member (10) fits against the wall (90) such that the channel region (22) is separated and enclosed from the room by the baseboard member (10) and the wall (90). Within the channel region (22), telephone lines (92) and (94) and coaxial cable are run to the ICA (not shown). The baseboard member (10) can be secured to the wall (10) by nailing or screwing through a nailing runner (96) of the baseboard member (10). The nailing runner (96) is the portion of the baseboard extending from the front (16) to the rear (26) of the baseboard and above the channel region (22). In the embodiment of the baseboard member (10) shown in Figure 10 having a height of 6 inches, the nailing runner (96) extends from the top (18) of the baseboard member (10) down 3 inches to a nail indicator groove (98) in Figure 10. The nailing runner (96) extends along the length of the baseboard member (10) but does not extend in the region of the baseboard below the ICA cap (12) and the ICA (14), as shown in Figure 2-3. The ICA (14) and the connector region (24), as shown in Figure 10, extend beneath the ICA cap (12) as shown in Figure 2-3. As such, nailing in the ICA (14) and the connector region (24) is likely to damage wires or cables within these regions of the baseboard member (10). Nails or screws can be put through the upper 3 inches of the baseboard member (10) except in the region immediately beneath the ICA cap (12). In this manner the baseboard member (10) can be installed within a room of a building by nailing or screwing without danger of damaging the wires or cables. Alternatively, the baseboard member (10) can be installed by an epoxy, glue or adhesive between the baseboard member (10) and the wall (90). In such an installation, epoxy is placed on the rear surfaces (80) and (82) of the baseboard which contact the wall (90), as shown in Figure 8. Care should be taken to avoid epoxy from entering the channel region (22), or the ICA (14) and connector region (not shown), and thereby interfering with wires and cables.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken through the ICA (14) of the baseboard member (10) installed against the wall (90) within a room of a building or other structure. A piece of furniture (102) such as a desk, bookcase or dresser is located within the room adjacent the baseboard member (10) and parallel to the wall (90). Installed within the ICA (14) is a connector (104) with a AV coaxial cable (106) mounted to the connector (104). The AV coaxial cable (106) is located within the connector region (24) beneath the ICA (14) and extends down the channel region (22). A coaxial cable (112) having a connector (108) is connected to the AV connector (104). The cable (112) and connector (108) mount peφendicularly to the ICA plate (38) and parallel to the wall (90). This allows the piece of furniture (102) to be pushed up against the baseboard member (10) without interfering with or damaging the cable (112), or connectors (108) or (104), or the ICA plate (38). The AV coaxial cable (106) is used in Figure 11 and the accompanying description as an example to illustrate the features of the invention. Other embodiments could utilize telephone lines, data transmission lines, fiber optic cables, AC power cables, or other cables or wires connected in any combination to connectors mounted within the jack region.

Figure 12 shows a baseboard member (120) as shown in Figure 2-3 having one end (122) of the baseboard mitered at a 45° angle. An ICA cap (124) is installed in the baseboard (120) and conceals the ICA (not shown). Figure 13 is a top cross sectional view showing two baseboards (120) and (130) having complimentary miters and joined in the comer (132) of a room. The cross section is taken about the lengthwise axis (128) of the baseboard member (120) shown in Figure 12. Baseboard member (120) is mounted against a wall (134) and baseboard member (130) is mounted against a wall (136). A cable (138) runs within the channel region (140) of baseboard member (130) to the channel region (142) of baseboard member (120). In this manner a cable or cables is able to be run along the wall of a room by connecting several baseboards such that their channel regions (142) link up to form one continuous channel region. Figure 14 is a cross sectional view which shows another embodiment of the present invention where two baseboards (150) and (152) have complimentary miters on one end are joined at a comer of a room to form a continuous channel region from their respective channel regions (154) and (156). Baseboard member (150) has a channel region (154) and baseboard member (152) has a channel region (156). Baseboard member (150) is mounted against a wall (158) and baseboard member (152) is mounted against a wall (160). A cable (162) runs within the channel region (154) of baseboard member (150) to the channel region (156) of baseboard member (152).

The embodiments shown in Figures 13-14 had only one cable within the channel region for puφoses of clarity. The embodiments shown in Figures 13-14 allow multiple cables and wires to be run within the channel region.

While the embodiments shown in Figures 13-14 used baseboards with a miter cut of 45° to form a continuous channel region around right angle comers of a room, other embodiments could use different angle miter cuts to form a continuous channel region around non-right angle comers. While the embodiments shown in Figures 13-14 utilized two sections of thp baseboard to form a continuous channel region around a comer in a room, other embodiments could have a single baseboard segment formed as one piece to form a continuous channel region around a comer.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the baseboard member (170) with the ICA cap (176) installed, wherein the top (174) of the baseboard member (170) has a molded shape.

The ICA cap (176) is matched to baseboard member (170) such that the ICA cap appears as part of an integrated top when installed. The molded top (174) can be formed by molding the baseboard member (174) or by routing the baseboard member (170) having a differently shaped top. As can be seen from the baseboard member (170) shown in Figure 15, the present invention has the versatility to allow wiring for power, communications, information and entertainment to be routed within an existing structure in an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive manner. The baseboard member (170) may be shaped or contoured to match or enhance the architectural and design style used within the structure. This is particularly used in residences where the owner or renter of the space may have particular styles of baseboard within the structure. The baseboard system described herein allows customization of the baseboard to the particular needs and preferences of the person or people who will occupy the space in which the baseboard is installed. Additionally, a toe-piece (178) can be attached to the front surface (180) of the baseboard member (170).

Figure 16 shows another embodiment of the present invention where a baseboard member (182) and a ICA cap (184) have flat upper surfaces (186) and (188), respectively. By providing a flat upper surface to the ICA cap (184) and the baseboard member (184), this particular embodiment allows installers to customize the baseboard infrastructure system to a particular architectural style. Molding of a particular style or shape can be nailed, screwed or glued to the flat upper surfaces (186) and (188).

While the above embodiments utilized an ICA cap held onto the baseboard member by retention pins, as shown in Figure 5, other embodiments could use other retention means to securely hold the ICA cap when installed in the baseboard member.

Figure 17 is a front perspective view of a baseboard member (190) having a sliding ICA cover (192) formed as part of the baseboard member. When no wires or cables are connected to the ICA (not shown), the ICA cover (192) is slid to the closed position to protect the connectors of the ICA from dirt and debris. The ICA cover (192) is shown in the closed position in Figure 17. When a wire or cable is to be connected to an ICA (194), the ICA cover (192) is slid to the open position shown in Figure 18.

Figure 19 is a rear view of the ICA (194) of the baseboard member (190) shown in Figure 18. The ICA cover (192) slides within cover guides (196) and (198). Cover stops (200) prevent the ICA cover (192) from sliding beyond the open and closed positions. For illustration puφoses, the ICA plate (38) is shown without any connectors installed.

Figure 20 is a close up view of an ICA (210) of a baseboard member (212) as shown in Figures ^'2-4. An ICA plate (214) is adapted to mount fiber-optic connectors (216) and

(224), telephone connector (218), AC power connector (220) and AV coaxial connector (222). The ICA (210) can be adapted to carry as many connectors as is appropriate to the application of the baseboard infrastructure system. As this embodiment of the present invention illustrates, the present invention is adaptable to any form of wire, cable, connector or jack that could be utilized within residential or industrial structures. Additionally, the present invention is able to carry an antenna within the channel region of the baseboard member for wireless transmission of data or other signals to devices located within the room wherein the baseboard member is installed. In such an application of the present invention, the antenna could be used to receive data, or to transmit data, or for both reception and transmission of data to the devices within the room. One example of this application is the use of the baseboards to carry antennas used for a local area network (LAN).

While the above embodiments utilized baseboard members with one ICA, other embodiments could have multiple ICAs on one baseboard member.

Figure 21 is a close up view of a premise hub (230) which acts as a central location for all lines entering a space within a structure, such as an apartment or office. Preferably, the premise hub (230) will be located in a utility closet or other unobtrusive location within the space. Telephone and data lines (232) entering the space are connected to a telephone line divider (234) and split into individual telephone lines (236), which are run through the channel regions of baseboard members (not shown) to connectors located at an ICA (not shown). AC power from the AC power line (242) is brought into the AC power splitter (240) and divided into AC power lines (244). AV cable line (250) entering the apartment connects to an AV divider and amplifier (252). The signal from the AV cable line (250) is amplified and divided into 8 signals by the AV amplifier and divider (252). The 8 signals exiting the AV amplifier and divider (252) are then fed into 8 AV coaxial lines (254). Fiber-optic line (260) entering the space is connected to a fiber-optic coupler and splitter (262). The signal from the fiber-optic line (260) is coupled and split among the fiber-optic lines (264). All the power lines (244), AV coaxial lines (254) and fiber-optic lines (264) are run through the channel regions of the baseboard members (not shown) of the baseboard infrastructure system to connectors mounted in the ICA of a baseboard member.

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of the premise hub (230) having a cover (270) to conceal the wires and cables within. Baseboard members (272) and (274) are connected to the premise hub (230). These baseboard members (272) and (274) connect to other baseboard members (not shown) and run throughout the apartment to provide connectors via the ICAs to each desired location within the apartment. In this manner an existing space is easily wired for power, telephone, computer and other information services without the need to run cables through walls or under floors. Rewiring an installation is easily accomplished by removing the baseboard members, running the appropriate cables within the channel regions to the baseboard members, and then reinstalling the baseboard members.

Figure 23 illustrates a further embodiment of this invention, wherein a pair of baseboard member (310a and b), each disposed to abut its respective wall (390a or b), and to meet in a comer (392), which is formed by the intersections of the walls (390a and b), illustratively at a 90 degree angle. Further, a comer member (340) is oriented vertically to extend parallel to the comer (392) and to fit with the baseboard members (310a and b) in a manner to be explained. As described above, each of the baseboard member (310a and b) has its channel region (322a or b) that extends from one end to the other. As illustrated inFigure 23, the baseboard member (310a) has a first end (312a') and a second end (312a"). End 312a" of the baseboard (310a) is joined with the end (312b") of the baseboard member (310b), and with a lower end (346a) of the comer member (340). Further, the comer member (340) has a vertical channel region (342) that extends from the lower end (346a) to its upper end (not shown in Figure 23). As illustrated inFigure 23, the end (312a") of the channel region (322) of the baseboard (310b) is in open communication with the end (312b") of the channel region (322b) of the baseboard member (310b). Further, a triangularly shaped slice is removed from the ends (312a" and 312 b") of the respective baseboard members (310a and b) to form a vertically oriented space (336), which is bounded by the walls (390a and b), and the ends of the baseboard members (310a and b). As will be explained in more detail below, this connection of the channel regions (322a and b), as well as the vertically oriented space (336), permits a cable (306) (see Figures 24 and 25) to be passed from the channel region (322a) to either the channel region (322b) of the baseboard member (310b) or via the vertically oriented space (336) to the vertical channel region (342). Alternatively, the cable (306) may be passed from the channel region (322b) either to the channel region (322a) or via the vertically oriented space (336) to the vertical channel region (342).

Figure 24 illustrates a further embodiment of this invention, which utilizes a stress relief guide member (354) to direct the cable (306) to change direction in a manner that will not impose stress or potentially damage the cable (306). In particular, the cable (306) passes along a substantially linear path which is defined by the channel region (322a) of the baseboard member (310a). As illustrated in Figure 24, it is illustratively desired to redirect the cable from its path through the channel region (322a), and to follow another path through the channel region (322b) of the baseboard member (310b). It is appreciated that the cable paths are illustratively at right angles with respect to each other and, if one attempted to bend the cable (306) to place a 90 degree bend therein, that the cable (306) would be broken or, at least, significantly damaged. In order to prevent such stress or damage to be imposed on the cable (306), the stress relief guide member (354) is used to limit the bend or curvature that may be imposed on the cable (306).

The stress relief guide member (354) is used with the baseboard members (310a and b) to guide the cable (306) from the first path defined by the channel region (322a) to the second path defined by the channel region (322b) along a transition path, which is defined and limited by the guide member (354). As illustrated, the transition path is configured illustratively as a circle, which is defined by its radius "R" (356). As will be explained below in detail, the value of "R" (356) is dependent on the nature of the cable (306) and the number of cables (306) passing between the first and second channel regions (322a and b). As explained above, the cable (306) may illustratively take the form of telephone lines (92) and AV coaxial cables (94) (see Figure 10), or data transmission lines, fiber optic cables, AC poser cables and other conductors that are know to those skilled in the art. In turn, each type of cable has a characteristic radius "R" that defines the minimum curvature about which that cable (306) may be directed without stressing or being damaged. In this regard, a stressed cable (306) may not presently be rendered inoperative, but may continue to perfume for a period of time before it fails. As can be appreciated from Figure 24, the curvature imposed by the guide member (354) is larger than the relatively small channel regions (322a and b). To accommodate the relatively large stress relief guide member (354), the guide members (354) are disposed in one illustrative embodiment of this invention behind the walls (390a and b). To permit such placement, a pair of slots (352a and b) are made respectively in the walls (390a and b). In an illustrative embodiment of this invention, each of the slots (352a and b) are of a rectangular configuration, with the long dimension of each slot (352) disposed along the floor (388). The dimensions of the slots (352) are generally dependent on the size of the stress relief guide member (354). In particular, the vertical (relative to Figure 24) is illustratively set equal to the height of the guide member (354) along either of its ends (358a and b), and the horizontal dimension is sufficient to allow a spacing between each end (352a and b) of the guide member (354) and the corresponding edge of the slots (352a and b), whereby one or as many cables (306) as needed can be passed through the spaces and behind the guide member (354). In particular, at least one cable (306) passes through the channel region (322a) of the baseboard member (310a), the space between the end (358a) of the guide member (354) and the edge of the slot (352a), about the interior surface of the guide member (354), the space between the end (358b) of the guide member (354) and the edge of the slot (352b), and finally through the channel region (322b) of the baseboard member (310b). Though the baseboard members (310a and b) are broken away for puφoses of showing the guide member (354), it is appreciated that the respective members (310a and b) completely cover in one illustrative embodiment of this invention the slots (358a and b) and the one or more cables (306). As shown in Figure 23, the baseboard members (310a and b) come together in the comer (392), where at they are mitered. In addition, the baseboard members (310a and b) are secured to their respective wall (390a and b) by suitable means known to those skilled in this art, e.g., nails, adhesive etc. The baseboard members (310a and b), so secured, keep the stress relief guide member (354) and its one or more cables (306) in place and hidden from any occupants of the room defined by the floor (388) and the walls (390a and b). Figure 25 shows a further embodiment of this invention which utilizes a vertically disposed stress relief guide member (354') and a single slot (350) formed in the wall (390b), which is oriented vertically (as shown inFigure 25). In particular, the cable (306) is passed through the channel region (322a) of the baseboard member (310a), through the space between the end (358a) of the guide member (354') and the bottom edge (348a) of the slot (350'), about the remote surface of the guide member (354'), through the space between the end (358b) of the guide member (354') and the top edge (348b) of the slot (350'), and through the vertical channel region (342) of the comer member (340). In this manner, the cable (306) may be passed from the floor (388) upward to or toward the ceiling of the room. Figure 26 shows a still further embodiment of this invention, which permits one or more cables (306) to be run from the floor (388) of the space defined by the walls (390a and b), to a ceiling (386). In a manner similar to that described with respect to Figure 23, the baseboard members (310a and b) run along the floor (388) in a position to abut the walls (390a and b), respectively, and further, are configured to join each other at their respective end (312a' and a"). In particular, the channel regions (322a and b) are in communication with the vertical oriented apace (336). In turn, the comer member (340) is disposed in the comer (392) and extends from the baseboard members (310a and b), which are disposed on the floor (388), upward to a pair of ceilingboard members (320a and b), which are disposed on the ceiling (386) of the room. As shown in Figure 26, the ceiling members (320a and b) resemble the baseboard members (310a and b) as to how they are configured to receive the cable (306) and to interface with the comer member (340) at its top end. It is appreciated that one or more cables (306) may be run through either of the channel regions (322a or b), the bottom most vertically oriented space (336a), the vertical channel region (342), the top most vertically oriented space (336b), and through either of the channel regions (328a and b) of the ceiling board members (320 and b), respectively.

Figures 27A, B, C, D, E and F illustrate how the radius "R" of the stress relief guide member (354) is determined as a function of the number of cables (306) to be guided by the member (354), the radii of the corresponding bundled cables (306), and the type or types of the cables (306) guided by the member (354). Figures 27 A, B, C, D, E and F depict bundles of cables, each bundle having a different number of cables. In particular, the cable bundles of Figures 27 A, B, C, D, E and F respectively include one, two, three, four, five and seven cables (306). Though the cables (306) have been illustrated in Figures 27 as being of uniform dimension and kind, one skilled in this art would appreciated that different types, configurations, number and sizes of cables (306) could be used within the spirit of this invention. In particular, each of the depicted cable bundles has an envelope (308), which enclosed all of the cables (306) of its bundle. Each bundle in turn has its composite radius "r". As observed from Figures 27A, B, C, D, E and F, the size of the composite radius "r" is a function of the number and sizes of the cables (306) included within its bundle. In one illustrative embodiment of this invention, the envelope is that circle of minimum composite radius "r" that can enclose the particular set of cables (306) of that bundle. In turn, the radius "R" (356) of the stress relief guide member (354) is set as a multiple or parameter of the of composite radius "r"; in particular, the parameter is set as a function the type of cable (308). For example, a typical telephone cable (306) has a parameter of 4, a twisted pair cable (306) has a parameter of 4, a fiber optic cable (306) has a parameter in the range of 4-10 dependent upon the construction of this fiber optic cable, and a coaxial cable (306) has a parameter of 4. Further appreciating the objective to minimize the cost of installation as contemplated by this invention, it is desired in a preferred embodiment of this invention to use the lowest parameter possible to minimize the length of cable required for on installation. Though large parameters may be used, the resulting stress relief guide member (354) will use greater lengths of cable (306), thus increasing the cost of the installation.

Figure 28 shows a still further embodiment of this invention, wherein a bundle of one or more cables (308) is retained in a channel region (322) of a board member (310, 340 and/or 320) by a retaining mechanism. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the retaining mechanism is relatively simple in configuration and installation. In one illustrative example of this invention, the cable retaining mechanism takes the form of a retaining member (330), which comprises a flexible material, which is also pliable and will retain its shape. In the illustrative embodiment, the retaining member (330) takes the form of a rectangularly shaped member made of a metal such as aluminum and tin. In use, the desired number and kind of cables (306) are disposed in the channel region (322) of a baseboard member (310). Next, a first end (331a) of the retaining member (330) is inserted into a comer (323) of the channel region (322). Then, the retaining member (330) is flexed sufficiently to permit the other end (331b) of the retaining member (330) to be disposed against a surface (325) of the channel region (322), whereby the member (330) and thus the bundle of cables (306) are held in place with respect to the channel region (322). Illustratively, such retaining members (330) are inserted every four to five feet along the length of the channel region (322) to hold the bundle of cables (306) with the region (322). It is understood that the retaining member (330) may also be used in the vertical channel region (342) of the corner member (340) and also in the channel region (322) of the ceiling channel region (328) without departing from the teachings of this invention.

While the embodiments of the present invention described herein were mounted at the base of a wall, the present invention could also be mounted against a wall at a height above the floor. Tire board member could be mounted above the floor against the wall to provide a channel region for running wires and cables to connectors mounted in the ICA of the members. In one possible embodiment, the members are placed at a height to form a chair railing or run vertically at a position intermediate to the corners of the room, to carry wires and cables to connectors.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with particular embodiments, it will be appreciated that various modifications and alterations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited fiber-optic communications and optical instruments.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An assembly of baseboard members for concealing and limiting the stress applied to at least one cable, the cable passing though a space defined by at least one wall, the wall comprising a slot therein, said assembly comprising: a) first and second baseboard members; b) at least said second baseboard member comprising:

1) first and second ends; and

2) a channel region extending between said first and second ends and formed to allow the cable to be concealed therein when said second baseboard is installed against the wall; and c) a stress relief guide member comprising a surface configured to limit the bending of the cable, said stress relief guide member being disposed in a position with respect to the slot and aligned with respect to said channel region of said second baseboard member to pass the cable from said channel region of said second baseboard member to engage and follow said configured surface of said stress relief guide member.

2. The baseboard assembly as recited by claim 1, wherein there is a bundle of at least one cable, said bundle having an effective radius, and said curvature of said stress relief guide member is defined by its radius, said guide member radius being dependent on a product of the effective radius of the bundle and a parameter, said parameter being set dependent on the type of cable.

3. The baseboard as recited in claim 2, wherein said guide member radius is not less than said product.

4. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein at least said first baseboard member is disposed to cover the slot and to conceal said stress relief guide member and the cable from the perspective of the space.

5. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein said first baseboard member retains said stress relief guide member in said position.

6. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 5, wherein said first baseboard member is positioned against the one wall.

7. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 6, wherein there is a second wall that is disposed to intersect the one wall to form a comer therewith, and said second baseboard member is positioned against the second wall.

8. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein said baseboard assembly comprises a third baseboard member, said third baseboard member comprising first and second ends, and a channel region extending between said first and second ends thereof, said third baseboard member being aligned with respect to said stress relief guide member to pass the cable from said stress relief guide member to said channel region of said third baseboard member.

9. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said first baseboard member comprises first and second ends, and a channel region extending between said first and second ends thereof, and said stress relief guide member is aligned with respect to said channel region of said first baseboard member to pass the cable to said channel region of said first baseboard member.

10. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein the space is further defined by a floor intersecting the one wall, and said second baseboard member is disposed to abut the one wall and the floor.

11. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the space is further defined by a floor and a second wall, and said second baseboard member is disposed to abut the second wall.

12. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein said first baseboard member comprises first and second ends and a channel region extending between said first and second ends, and said stress relief guide member is aligned with respect to said channel region of said first baseboard member to pass the cable to said channel region of said first baseboard member.

13. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein said second baseboard member is disposed to abut the floor and the second wall.

14. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein said first baseboard member is disposed to abut the floor and the one wall.

15. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 13, wherein the second wall includes a slot, and said stress relief guide member is disposed in the first and second slots.

16. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the space is further defined by a floor and a second wall, the one and second walls intersecting to form a comer, said first baseboard member comprising first and second ends and a channel region extending therebetween, said first baseboard member disposed along the comer, said stress relief guide member being aligned with respect to said channel region of said first baseboard member to pass the cable to said channel region of said first baseboard member.

17. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein there is included a third baseboard member comprising first and second ends and a channel region extending therebetween, said third baseboard disposed to abut the floor and the one wall.

18. The baseboard assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein said first and second baseboard members are joined and adapted to permit communication of said channel region of said second baseboard member with the slot.

19. An assembly of board members for concealing at least one cable that passes through a space defined by at least a floor, a wall and a ceiling, said assembly comprising: a) a baseboard member; b) a vertical board member; c) a ceiling board member; and d) each of said baseboard member, said vertical board member and said ceiling board member comprising:

1) first and second ends, and 2) a channel region extending between said first and second ends,

3) said channel regions of said baseboard member and said vertical board member being in communication with each other to permit the passage of the one cable therebetween, said channel regions of said vertical board member and said ceiling board member being in communication with each other to permit the passage of the one cable therebetween.

20. The board member assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein the space is further defined by a second wall, and there is further included a second baseboard member, said first mentioned baseboard member being disposed to abut the floor and the first mentioned wall, and said second baseboard member disposed to abut the floor and the second wall.

21. The board member assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the first mentioned wall and the second wall intersect each other to form a corner, said vertical board member being disposed along the comer.

22. The board member assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein there is further included a second ceiling board member, said second ceiling board member disposed to abut the ceiling and the second wall, said first ceiling board member disposed to abut the ceiling and the first mentioned wall.

23. The board member assembly as recited in claim 19, wherein each of said baseboard, said vertical board and said ceiling board comprises a back surface which is disposed to abut the wall, said channel region of each of said baseboard member, said vertical board member and said ceiling board member being open to its back surface, the wall having at least one slot to be aligned with said channel region of said vertical board member and said channel region of one of said ceiling board member and said baseboard member.

24. The board member assembly as recited in claim 23, wherein the wall includes a second slot that is aligned with said channel region of said vertical board member and said channel region of the other of said ceiling board member and said baseboard member.

25. The board member assembly as recited in claim 24, wherein there is further included first and second stress relief guide members, each configured to limit the bending of the cable, said first stress relief guide member being disposed in a position with respect to the first mentioned slot and aligned with respect to said channel regions of said baseboard member and said vertical board member to pass the cable from said channel region of said baseboard member to said channel region of said vertical board member, said second stress relief guide member disposed in position with respect to the second slot and aligned with respect to said channel regions of said ceiling board member and said vertical board member to pass the cable from said channel region of said ceiling board member to said channel region of said vertical board member.

26. A board member adapted to be installed on a wall for concealing and retaining one or more cables, said board member comprising; a) first and second ends; b) a back surface adapted to abut the wall when the board member is installed on the wall; c) a channel region extending between said first and second ends, and being formed to open through said back surface to receive therein the one or more cables and to be of a size sufficient to receive a plurality of the cables; and d) a retention member, said retention member being made of a material to render said retention member flexible and of a dimension relative to the dimensions of said channel region to permit said retention member to be inserted into said channel region and to be engaged therewith to retain one or more cables in said channel region.

27. The board member as claimed in claim 26, wherein said material is selected from a group comprising tin and aluminum.

28. The board member as claimed in claim 26, wherein said retention member has a pair of ends, said channel region comprises a surface and a corner adapted to receive one of said ends while said other end engages said surface to flex and to retain said retention member in said channel region.