Angled patch panel assembly

Abstract

An angled patch panel is provided that is configured to be mounted to a rack or console. The angled patch panel facilitates cable management functions and enhances space utilization at and around the rack/patch panel assembly. The angled patch panel includes first and second patch panel elements that are angularly oriented with respect to each other. The transition from the first patch panel element to the second patch panel element is generally achieved in an apex region. The angled patch panel also includes flange members that extend from the first and second patch panel elements. Each of the flange members define a mounting face and an extension arm that is intermediate the mounting face and the patch panel element. The extension arm is dimensioned to facilitate at least partial recessing of the angled patch panel relative to the rack/console when the angled patch panel is mounted thereto.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . An angled patch panel comprising: 
 first and second patch panel elements that are joined in an apex region and are angularly oriented relative to each other, the first and second patch panel elements including a plurality of modules that are sized to support a plurality of communication ports, and the apex region defining a peak and providing for a continuous link between the first and second patch panel elements.    
   
   
       22 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , wherein the apex region is formed by joining the first and the second patch panel elements.  
   
   
       23 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , wherein the first and second patch panel elements are defined by distinct structural members that are angularly joined in the apex region.  
   
   
       24 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , wherein the first and second patch panel elements are formed from a single elongated member and the apex region is defined by a bend that differentiates the first patch panel element from the second patch panel element.  
   
   
       25 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 24 , wherein said single elongated member is an elongated steel member.  
   
   
       26 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , further comprising: 
 first and second flange members extending from said first and second patch panel elements, respectively;    wherein each of said flange members includes a mounting face and an extension arm, and wherein said extension arm facilitates said first and second patch panel elements to be substantially recessed relative to a rack.    
   
   
       27 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 26 , wherein said first and second flange members are integrally formed with respect to said first and second patch panel elements.  
   
   
       28 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , wherein each of said first and second patch panel elements includes at least one opening that is configured and dimensioned to receive a jack module, and wherein said angled patch panel further comprises a jack module positioned in each of said at least one opening.  
   
   
       29 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 27 , wherein each of said jack modules includes six linearly aligned ports.  
   
   
       30 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , further comprising at least one wire management bracket mounted with respect to said first and second patch panel elements.  
   
   
       31 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , wherein said first and second patch panel elements are angularly oriented at an angle of between about 10° and 20°.  
   
   
       32 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , further comprising an appliqué adhered to said first and second patch panels, said appliqué including indicia printed thereon.  
   
   
       33 . An angled patch panel according to  claim 21 , further comprising at least one cable manager mounted with respect to a front face of said first patch panel element.  
   
   
       34 . An angled patch panel assembly, comprising: 
 a rack that includes first and second spaced rack support elements;    an angled patch panel mounted to said first and second spaced rack support elements, said angled patch panel including:    first and second patch panel elements that are joined in an apex region and are angularly oriented relative to each other, the first and second patch panel elements including a plurality of modules that are sized to support a plurality of communication ports, and the apex region defining a peak and providing for a continuous link between the first and second patch panel elements.    
   
   
       35 . An angled patch panel assembly according to  claim 34 , wherein the apex region is formed by joining the first and the second patch panel elements.  
   
   
       36 . An angled patch panel assembly according to  claim 34 , wherein the first and second patch panel elements are defined by distinct structural members that are angularly joined in the apex region.  
   
   
       37 . An angled patch panel assembly according to  claim 34 , wherein the first and second patch panel elements are formed from a single elongated member and the apex region is defined by a bend that differentiates the first patch panel element from the second patch panel element.  
   
   
       38 . An angled patch panel assembly according to  claim 37 , wherein said single elongated member is an elongated steel member.  
   
   
       39 . An angled patch panel mountable to a rack, comprising: 
 first and second patch panel elements that are joined in an apex region and are angularly oriented relative to each other, the first and second patch panel elements including a plurality of modules that are sized to support a plurality of communication ports, and    first and second flange members extending from said first and second patch panel elements, respectively, the first and second flange members including first and second mounting faces, respectively, that are adapted to mount with respect to a face of the rack;    wherein the plurality of modules includes a first module adjacent the apex region and a second module that is adjacent the first mounting flange, and    wherein the first module is closer than the second module to a horizontal axis extending between the first and second mounting faces.    
   
   
       40 . A patch panel assembly according to  claim 39 , wherein the first flange member further includes a first extension arm intermediate the first patch panel element and the first mounting face, and 
 wherein the second flange member further includes a second extension arm intermediate the second panel element and the second mounting face.