TECHNICAL FIELD
Embodiments relate generally to a cable storage assembly comprising an external cable storage reel and a housing for installation of the housing at a target location.
BACKGROUND
Fiber to the home (FTTH) installations globally utilize a housing on the side of the residence or building to transition from an outside plant (OSP) drop cable to an indoor rated drop cable. In most cases, this transition housing supports a subscriber connector angled physical contact (SCAPC) style connector for the physical connection. Typically, the OSP cable is stripped and the fiber is accessed. Once accessed, an SCAPC connector is installed on the fiber utilizing either a fusion or a mechanical method. The indoor drop cable is typically equipped with a factory installed SCAPC connector. This drop cable is brought into the housing, and a mating of the two SCAPC connectors is performed. This transition point is important to the service provider because it gives them an access point to the network without the need to enter a private residence or building.
Currently, in order to complete FTTH installations, multiple parts such as the OSP drop cable, indoor rated drop cable, and the housing to retain these cables must be separately shipped, stored, and installed. This takes significant time, has the risk of incorrect parts and lost parts, and the cables are not easily unspooled and installed.
Others have attempted to use fully pre-terminated drop cables as a distinct part. However, where this approach is used, the fully pre-terminated drop cables are connected to a utility line, extended to a target location, and a significant amount of slack often is present in the fully pre-terminated drop cables once these cables have been extended to the target location. In attempt to solve this issue, an installer may choose to leave the remaining slack above ground, but this results in an unsightly appearance with slack exposed for all to see. Alternatively, some attempt to bury the remaining slack, but this is problematic since another person may unknowingly dig in the location where the slack is located, creating a risk of damage to the cable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In various embodiments, an all-in-one solution is provided where an external cable storage reel and a housing are combined together to form a cable storage assembly. The external storage reel may function as a reel with flanges to hold about one hundred feet to about six hundred feet or more of outside cable, and about fifty feet or more of outside cable may extend into the housing itself so that the outside cable may be connected to an indoor cable within the housing. The outside cable may be attached to a utility line, and outside cable may be unreeled from the external cable storage reel as a user moves the cable storage assembly from the utility line to an installation location. The installation location may be a home so that the cable storage assembly is being used in a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) application, but the installation location may be some other building or another location.
Once the user reaches the installation location, the housing may be removed from the external cable storage reel and the remainder of the cable storage assembly so that the housing may be installed at the installation location. Once installation is complete, any additional outside cable may be retained within the housing to avoid exposure of slack in the outside cable.
By providing an all-in-one solution, various benefits may be realized. Embodiments described herein may increase efficiency and reduce installation costs relative to other solutions. Where separate products must be obtained by the user, the user may inadvertently obtain the wrong parts, causing the resulting assembly to function improperly or causing the resulting assembly to not function at all. An all-in-one solution may reduce the amount of packaging required and reduce waste. Additionally, by providing an all-in-one solution, inventory issues for shipping companies and manufacturers may be reduced. An all-in-one solution may also help to avoid the issues others have faced with fully pre-terminated drop cables noted above.
In an example embodiment, a cable storage assembly is provided comprising a first cable that is configured to be used outdoors, a second cable that is configured to be used both outdoors and indoors, a connector, an external cable storage reel, and a housing. The external cable storage reel defines a first flange, a second flange, and a first space between the first flange and the second flange. The external cable storage reel is configured to receive the first cable within the first space. The housing defines an internal volume, and the housing comprises at least one opening. The housing is configured to receive an extra portion of the first cable within the internal volume. The first cable extends from the first space at the external cable storage reel into the internal volume through the at least one opening. The first cable is connected to the second cable within the internal volume using the connector. The second cable is configured to extend from the internal volume through the at least one opening.
In some embodiments, the housing may comprise an internal cable storage reel assembly within the internal volume of the housing, and the internal cable storage reel assembly may be configured to receive at least one of the first cable or the second cable. The internal cable storage reel may be removably attachable from the housing in some embodiments.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing may comprise a plurality of arms within the internal volume of the housing, with the arms being configured to assist in controlling a position of at least one of the first cable or the second cable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the extra portion of the first cable within the internal volume is at least fifty feet long.
In some embodiments, the external cable storage reel may comprise a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is positionally fixed to the external cable storage reel. The second portion and the third portion may each define a handle thereon, and the second portion and third portion may be movable relative to other portions of the external cable storage reel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the handle mechanism may be configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The handle on the second portion of the handle mechanism and the handle on the third portion of the handle mechanism may each be positioned proximate to the other portions of the external cable storage reel in the stowed position, and the handle on the second portion of the handle mechanism and the handle on the third portion of the handle mechanism may be positioned relatively away from the other portions of the external cable storage reel in the deployed position.
In some embodiments, the external cable storage reel may comprise a cover. Additionally, the external cable storage reel may also define a cavity configured to receive the housing therein, and the cover may be removably attached to the external cable storage reel to provide or prohibit access to the cavity.
In some embodiments, the housing may define a maximum width along a first direction, the external cable storage reel may define a central axis extending in a second direction, and the housing may be received within the cavity of the external cable storage reel so that the first direction is approximately parallel to the second direction.
In some embodiments, the housing may define a maximum width along a first direction, the external cable storage reel may define a central axis extending in a second direction, and the housing may be received within the cavity of the external cable storage reel so that the first direction is approximately perpendicular to the second direction.
In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may extend around an entire perimeter of the external cable storage reel.
In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may extend around only a portion of a perimeter of the external cable storage reel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the external cable storage reel may define a third flange, a fourth flange, and a second space between the third flange and the fourth flange, and the external cable storage reel may be configured to receive the first cable within the first space and the second space.
In some embodiments, the cable storage assembly may further comprise a box configured to receive the external cable storage reel, the housing, the first cable, and the second cable therein. The box may define an opening configured to allow the first cable to extend through the opening, and the cable storage assembly may be configured to allow the first cable to be unreeled through the opening.
In some embodiments, the first cable may be configured to be attached to a utility line. At least a portion of the external cable storage reel may be configured to be rotated to unreel the first cable as an operator moves the external cable storage reel from the utility line to a building. The housing may be removable from the external cable storage reel, and the housing may be attachable to an exterior wall of the building.
In another example embodiment, an external cable storage reel is provided. The external cable storage reel comprises a first flange, and a second flange. The external cable storage reel defines a first space between the first flange and the second flange. The external cable storage reel is configured to receive a first cable within the first space. The external cable storage reel is configured to be attached to a housing or to receive the housing within the external cable storage reel.
In some embodiments, the external cable storage reel may comprise a cover. The external cable storage reel may also define a cavity configured to receive a housing therein. The cover may be removably attached in the external cable storage reel to provide or prohibit access to the cavity.
In some embodiments, the external cable storage reel may also include a handle mechanism comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion may be positionally fixed to the external cable storage reel. The second portion and the third portion may define handles thereon, and the second portion and third portion may be movable relative to other portions of the external cable storage reel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the handle mechanism may be configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The handle on the second portion of the handle mechanism and the handle on the third portion of the handle mechanism may be positioned proximate to the other portions of the external cable storage reel in the stowed position. The handle on the second portion of the handle mechanism and the handle on the third portion of the handle mechanism may be positioned away from the other portions of the external cable storage reel in the deployed position.
In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may extend around an entire perimeter of the external cable storage reel. In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may extend around only a portion of a perimeter of the external cable storage reel. Additionally, in some embodiments, the external cable storage reel may define a third flange, a fourth flange, and a second space between the third flange and the fourth flange. The external cable storage reel may be configured to receive the first cable within the first space and the second space.
In another example embodiment, a system is provided comprising a first cable, a second cable, a connector, an external cable storage reel, and a housing. The first cable is configured to be used outdoors, and the second cable is configured to be used both outdoors and indoors. The external cable storage reel defines a first flange, a second flange, and a first space between the first flange and the second flange, and the external cable storage reel is configured to receive the first cable within the first space. The housing defines an internal volume and comprises at least one opening. The housing is configured to receive an extra portion of the first cable within the internal volume. The first cable extends from the first space at the external cable storage reel into the internal volume through the at least one opening. The first cable is connected to the second cable within the internal volume using the connector, and the second cable is configured to extend from the internal volume through the at least one opening. In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may extend around an entire perimeter of the external cable storage reel.
In another example embodiment, a cable storage assembly is provided. The cable storage assembly comprises an external cable storage reel and a housing. The external cable storage reel defines a first flange, a second flange, and a first space between the first flange and the second flange. The external cable storage reel is configured to receive a first cable within the first space, and the first cable is configured to be used outdoors. The housing defines an internal volume, and the housing comprises at least one opening. The housing is configured to receive an extra portion of the first cable within the internal volume with the first cable extending from the first space at the external cable storage reel into the internal volume through the at least one opening.
In some embodiments, the first cable may be connected to a second cable within the internal volume using the connector, the second cable may be configured to extend from the internal volume through the at least one opening, and the second cable may be configured to be used both outdoors and indoors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a user operating a cable storage assembly to install a cable storage box at a building, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating an example cable storage assembly comprising an external cable storage reel and a handle mechanism with a housing positioned within the external cable storage reel with the handle mechanism in a stowed position, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 2B is a perspective view illustrating the cable storage assembly of FIG. 2A with the handle mechanism thereof having been moved to a deployed position to allow handles thereon to be more easily grasped, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating an example cable storage assembly with an external cable storage reel and a housing positioned within the external cable storage reel, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating the cable storage assembly of FIG. 3A where a wall of the example cable storage assembly is hidden to allow the housing to be seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 3C is a side view illustrating the cable storage assembly of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an example cable storage assembly having an external cable storage reel with a housing therein where a cover of the external cable storage reel and a cover of the housing are omitted to allow the inner contents of the cable storage assembly to be seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 4B is an enhanced view illustrating the cable storage assembly of FIG. 4A where a cover of the external cable storage reel and a cover of the housing are omitted to allow the inner contents of the cable storage assembly to be seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 4C is a perspective view illustrating the example cable storage assembly of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 4D is a perspective view illustrating the cable storage assembly of FIG. 4A positioned within a cardboard box and with a fiber extending outside the cardboard box from the cable storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another example cable storage assembly having a housing therein, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views illustrating an example cable storage assembly comprising an external cable storage reel and a housing, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 7A is a front view illustrating an example external cable storage reel and various dimensions thereof, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 7B is a bottom view illustrating the external cable storage reel of FIG. 7A and various dimensions thereof, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIGS. 8A-8B are perspective views illustrating an example housing, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 8C is a perspective view illustrating the housing of FIGS. 8A-8B where a cover of the housing is omitted to enable the internal volume of the housing to be seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 8D is a front view illustrating the example housing of FIGS. 8A-8B where a cover of the housing is omitted to enable the internal volume of the housing to be seen, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating an example internal cable storage reel assembly that may be received in an example housing, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 9B is a front view illustrating the internal cable storage reel of FIG. 9A and various dimensions thereof, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 9C is a side view illustrating the internal cable storage reel of FIG. 9A and various dimensions thereof, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 9D is a perspective view illustrating a rotation bracket assembly for use in the internal cable storage reel of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 10A is a perspective view illustrating an example internal cable storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 10B is a side view illustrating an example internal cable storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIG. 10C is a front view illustrating an example internal cable storage assembly attached to a base box, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;
FIGS. 11A-11D are schematic views illustrating example operations that may be performed to install a housing, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein; and
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for using a cable storage assembly, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout. For example, reference numbers 100, 200, 300, 400, etc., each refer to different embodiments of a cable storage assembly. Additionally, any connections or attachments may be direct or indirect connections or attachments unless specifically noted otherwise.
FIG. 1 illustrates an operator (e.g., user 10) utilizing a cable storage assembly to install a cable storage box at a building. The outdoor cable 142 of the cable storage assembly 100 is configured to be attached to a utility line 196. The utility line 196 may be provided in the form of a distribution cable. The utility line 196 may be positioned proximate to a road, but the utility line 196 may also be positioned at other locations. The utility line 196 may include a terminal where the outdoor cable 142 from the cable storage assembly 100 may be attached. If no terminal is present, one may be installed. Additionally, the outdoor cable 142 and any other outdoor cables described in the detailed description may be an outside plant (OSP) drop cable. The external cable storage reel 130 of the cable storage assembly 100 is configured to be rotated to unreel the outdoor cable 142 as an operator moves the external cable storage reel 130 from the utility line 196 to a target location 198. A required amount of outdoor cable 142 may be unreeled from the external cable storage reel 130 to cover the distance D1 between the utility line and the target location. The housing 102 may initially be attached to or positioned within the external cable storage reel 130. However, upon reaching the target location 198, the housing 102 may be removed from the external cable storage reel 130 so that the housing 102 may be attached to the target location 198. For example, in FIG. 1, the housing 102 is attached to an exterior wall of the target location 198. However, the housing 102 may be positioned at other locations at the building, or the housing 102 may be positioned at other target locations. The housing 102 may serve as a fiber access point where an outdoor cable 142 is joined to an indoor cable (such as an indoor rated drop cable), and the housing 102 may be positioned at a target location outside of a building in some cases so that a technician may make any necessary changes without entering the building. Where that is the case, the housing 102 may include a lock to prohibit unauthorized access.
Further details regarding the cable storage assembly itself are illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The cable storage assembly 200 comprises an external cable storage reel 230 and a handle mechanism 232. The cable storage assembly 200 also comprises a housing positioned within the external cable storage reel 230, and this housing may be similar to other housings described herein. The external cable storage reel 230 defines a wall 236A and a wall 236B. These walls 236A, 236B both generally possess a circular shape and both walls 236A, 236B generally extend in planes that are parallel to the X-Z plane. The walls 236A, 236B extend radially outwardly from a central portion of the external cable storage reel 230. The outer portions of the walls 236A, 236B serve as flanges that define a space 238 between the walls 236A, 236B. Outside cable 242 may be reeled within the space 238 between the walls 236A, 236B so that the outside cable 242 may be collected in an organized manner. Outside cable 242 may be configured to be used outdoors. In some embodiments, about one hundred feet to about six hundred feet of outside cable 242 may be wrapped in the external cable storage reel 230 within the space 238 between walls 236A, 236B. However, in other embodiments, a different amount of outside cable 242 may be wrapped in the external cable storage reel 230. In some embodiments, the user may add the outside cable to the cable storage assembly 200, and the user may add the necessary amount of outside cable. However, in other embodiments, the cable storage assemblies 200 may be preloaded with outside cable, and the user may select one that has the desired length of outside cable (e.g., 25 feet, 50 feet, 100 feet, 200 feet, 400 feet, etc.). An extra amount of outside cable 242 may also extend from the space 238 into the internal portion of the external cable storage reel 230, and this extra amount of outside cable 242 may extend into the housing retained within the external cable storage reel 230 so that the outside cable 242 may eventually be connected to the indoor cable. This extra amount of outside cable 242 may be fifty feet or longer in length in some embodiments, but this extra amount of outside cable 242 may have different lengths in other embodiments. The extra amount of outside cable 242 may solve the challenge of spooling extra length of pre-terminated outside cable, which is inherent when using pre-terminated cables. The customer may instead pull the length needed from the outside cable 242 that is already included inside the box, leaving only the unused length.
FIGS. 2A and 2B also illustrate a handle mechanism 232 that may be installed in an external cable storage reel 230. FIG. 2A illustrates the example cable storage assembly 200 where the handle mechanism 232 is in a stowed position, and FIG. 2B illustrates the cable storage assembly 200 of FIG. 2A with the handle mechanism 232 moved to a deployed position to allow handles 234A, 234B thereon to be more easily grasped. The handle mechanism 232 comprises a first portion 232A, a second portion 232B, and a third portion 232C. The first portion 232A abuts the external cable storage reel 230. A fastener 295 may extend through the first portion 232A of the handle mechanism 232 and into another member, and a fastener may similarly attach a handle mechanism on the opposite side of the external cable storage reel 230. As a result of this attachment to the member, the handle mechanism 232 may be held and other portions of the external cable storage reel 230 may rotate relative to the member and the handle mechanism 232 due to tension forces acting on the outdoor cable 242. The second portion 232B and the third portion 232C define handles 234A, 234B thereon. The second portion 232B and third portion 232C are movable relative to other portions of the external cable storage reel 230, with the second portion 232B and the third portion 232C being pivotably attached to the first portion 232A. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the third portion 232C may rotate as indicated by arrow A1, and the second portion 232B may rotate as indicated by arrow A2 (e.g., away from the internal space 238 where the outside cable 242 is reeled).
The handle mechanism 232 is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. For example, in FIG. 2A, the handle mechanism 232 is illustrated in a stowed position. In this stowed position, the handle 234A on the second portion 232B of the handle mechanism 232 and the handle 234B on the third portion 232C of the handle mechanism 232 are positioned proximate to the other portions of the external cable storage reel 230. In the deployed position, the handle 234A on the second portion 232B and the handle 234B on the third portion 232C are positioned away from the other portions of the external cable storage reel 230 so that they may be more easily grasped.
In FIG. 2B, a cover 240 of the cable storage assembly 200 is also illustrated. This cover 240 may be removably attachable to the remainder of the external cable storage reel 230. The cover 240 may be positioned over an internal cavity of the external cable storage reel 230, and the housing may be positioned within this internal cavity. Once the external cable storage reel 230 has been moved from a utility line to a target location where the housing is to be installed, the cover 240 may be removed from the remainder of the external cable storage reel 230 to expose the contents within the internal cavity of the external cable storage reel 230. Then, the housing may be removed from the internal cavity of the external cable storage reel 230 so that the housing may be installed at the installation location. A hole may be included at a central location so that fastener 295 may extend from the handle mechanism 232 to the member inside the external cable storage reel 230.
An example embodiment of a cable storage assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, with FIG. 3A providing a perspective view, with FIG. 3B providing a perspective view where a first wall of the example cable storage assembly is hidden to allow the housing to be seen, and with FIG. 3C providing a side view.
The cable storage assembly 300 of FIGS. 3A-3C comprises an external cable storage reel 330. The cable storage assembly 300 also comprises a housing 302 positioned within the external cable storage reel 330. The external cable storage reel 330 defines a wall 336A and a wall 336B. These walls 336A, 336B both generally possess a circular shape and both walls 336A, 336B generally extend in planes that are parallel to the X-Z plane. The walls 336A, 336B extend radially outwardly from a central portion of the external cable storage reel 330. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the external cable storage reel 330 also defines a wall 346, which has a circular shape in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane. The wall 346 may define an internal volume where the housing 302 is positioned. The walls 336A, 336B also extend radially outwardly from the central portion of the external cable storage reel 330 where the wall 346 is positioned. The outer portions of the walls 336A, 336B extending past wall 346 serve as flanges that define a space 338 between the walls 336A, 336B. Outside cable may be reeled within the space 338 between the walls 336A, 336B so that the outside cable may be collected in an organized manner.
The external cable storage reel 330 defines a hole 344 at the center of the wall 336A, and the external cable storage reel 330 may also define a similar hole at the center of the wall 336B. However, in other embodiments, one or both of the walls 336A, 336B may be provided without any holes at the center of the walls 336A, 336B. The hole 344 and the corresponding hole on wall 336B may be configured to receive a fastener or a member as noted herein. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to omit the holes in some embodiments, such as to reduce the manufacturing costs for making the external cable storage reel 330.
Another example embodiment of a cable storage assembly 400 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, with FIGS. 4A-4B being perspective views where a cover 440 (see FIG. 4C) of the external cable storage reel 430 and a cover of the housing are omitted to allow the inner contents of the example cable storage assembly 400 to be seen and with FIG. 4C being a perspective view where a cover 440 of external cable storage reel 430 is included.
The housing defines an internal volume 475 between the base box 403 and the cover. An outdoor cable 442 and an indoor cable 450 are positioned within the base box 403. Indoor cable 450 may be wrapped in an internal cable storage reel 420 of an internal cable storage reel assembly 428, and the internal cable storage reel 420 may define a central axis 413. The outdoor cable 442 comprises a connector 442A at an end of the outdoor cable 442, and the indoor cable 450 comprises a connector 450A at an end of the indoor cable 450. The indoor cable 450 and any other indoor cables described herein may be indoor rated drop cables. These indoor drop cables may be configured for use both indoors and outdoors in some embodiments so that a portion extends outdoors and another portion extends indoors. The connectors 442A, 450A may be subscriber connectors (SC) or SC adapters in some embodiments, but other connectors may also be utilized. The connectors 442A, 450A may be optical disconnects and/or mounted adapters in some embodiments. The cable storage assembly 400 also comprises an external cable storage reel 430. The external cable storage reel 430 defines a wall 436A and a wall 436B (see FIG. 4C), with a space 438 defined between the two walls 436A, 436B. The portions of walls 436A, 436B positioned at the perimeter of walls 436A, 436B act as flanges that keep the outdoor cable 442 retained in the space 438 defined between the two walls 436A, 436B. In FIGS. 4A-4D, the flanges effectively extend around the entire perimeter of the external cable storage reel 430 in the X-Z plane, but flanges may extend around only a portion of the perimeter of an external cable storage reel in some embodiments. The external cable storage reel 430 is configured to receive the outdoor cable 442 within the space 438. Additionally, the external cable storage reel 430 defines a cavity 448 configured to receive a housing therein, and a cover 440 (see FIG. 4C) may be removably attached to the external cable storage reel 430 to selectively provide access or prohibit access to the cavity 448.
As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the housing may comprise a plurality of openings. Opening 406A and opening 406B are both positioned on one face of the housing that extends in the X-Y plane, and another opening (not visible in FIG. 4B) is positioned on an opposite face of the housing that extends in the X-Y plane. Notably, a maximum width of the housing extends in a first direction that is approximately parallel to the Z-axis in FIG. 4B. Additionally, the external cable storage reel 430 defines a central axis 411 extending in a second direction. With the horizontal reel approach of FIGS. 4A-4C, the housing is received within the cavity 448 of the external cable storage reel 430 so that the first direction is approximately perpendicular to the second direction. This cavity 448 is formed at the wall 436A and extends into the body of the external cable storage reel 430, and the wall 436B does not have any similar cavity 448. However, in other embodiments, the cavity 448 may be positioned at the wall 436B rather than the wall 436A. Additionally, in the horizontal reel approach, the central axis 413 of the internal cable storage reel 420 may be parallel and/or colinear with the central axis 411 of the external cable storage reel 430.
Furthermore, the flanges formed by walls 436A, 436B are spaced from each other in a second direction that is approximately parallel to the Y-axis such that the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The housing is configured to receive an extra portion of the outdoor cable 442 within the internal volume 475. In FIG. 4B, the extra portion of the outdoor cable 442 comprises about fifty feet or more of outdoor cable. The extra portion of the outdoor cable 442 extends to a connector 442A on one end, and the outdoor cable 442 extends out of the internal volume 475 through opening 406B and another opening in the external cable storage reel 430. The outdoor cable 442 extending out of the opening 406B may extend into the space 438 between the walls 436A, 436B, and the outdoor cable 442 may be wrapped around the external cable storage reel 430 in this space 438. The outdoor cable 442 is connected to the indoor cable 450 within the internal volume 475 using the connectors 442A, 450A, and the indoor cable 450 may extend from the internal volume 475 through the opening 406A and another opening in the external cable storage reel 430. The length of outdoor cable 442 extending within the space 438 amounts to 300 feet or more in some embodiments, but this length may differ in other embodiments.
The housing also comprises an internal cable storage reel assembly 428 within the internal volume 475 of the housing. The internal cable storage reel assembly 428 includes an internal cable storage reel 420, and the internal cable storage reel assembly 428 receives the indoor cable 450 in FIG. 4B, but the internal cable storage reel assembly 428 may additionally or alternatively be configured to receive the outdoor cable 442 in some embodiments. The internal cable storage reel 420 allows the installer to dispense and deploy indoor cable 450 quickly and prevents cable binding and/or kinks within the indoor cable 450. Kinks may eventually cause the fiber within the indoor cable 450 to bind up and potentially break. After installation, any unused or excess cable may remain within the housing on the internal cable storage reel 420.
The base box 403 of the housing also comprises a plurality of arms within the internal volume 475 of the housing. For example, the housing includes an arm 424A, an arm 424B, an arm 426A, and an arm 426B positioned within the internal volume 475 of the housing. The arms 424A, 424B, 426A, 426B are each configured to assist in controlling a position the outdoor cable 442. However, the arms 424A, 424B, 426A, 426B may additionally or alternatively be configured to assist in controlling the position of the indoor cable 450.
In some embodiments, a cable storage assembly may comprise a box and the external cable storage reel may be positioned within the box 452. An example of this is illustrated in the cable storage assembly 454 of FIG. 4D. This box 452 may be a cardboard box in some embodiments. The box 452 may be configured to receive the external cable storage reel 430 and other materials such as the housing, the outdoor cable 442, and the indoor cable 450. The box 452 defines an opening 452A configured to allow the outdoor cable 442 to extend from the external cable storage reel 430 through the opening 452A. A connector 442B is positioned at an end of the outdoor cable 442, and this connector 442B may be configured to connect the outdoor cable 442 to a utility line 196 (see FIG. 1). The connector may be an SC connector, an SC adapter, another pre-terminated connector, or another type of connector. In some embodiments, the cable storage assembly 454 may unreel outside cable 442 without removing the external cable storage reel from the box 452, with outside cable 442 being pulled through opening 452A.
In some embodiments, a housing may be received in an external cable storage reel using a vertical reel approach. FIG. 5 illustrates another example cable storage assembly 500 having a housing 502 therein. The cable storage assembly 500 comprises a housing 502 and an external cable storage reel 530. The external cable storage reel 530 defines a cavity 548A, and the external cable storage reel 530 is configured to receive the housing 502 within the cavity 548A. The cable storage assembly 500 may also include a cover that selectively covers or provides access to the cavity 548A. The external cable storage reel 530 may include a wall 546, which has a circular shape in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane. Additionally, the external cable storage reel 530 comprises a wall 536A and a wall 536B, with both of these walls 536A, 536B extending in planes that are substantially parallel to the X-Z plane. The walls 536A, 536B also extend radially outwardly from the central portion of the external cable storage reel 530 where the wall 546 is positioned. The outer portions of the walls 536A, 536B extending past wall 546 serve as flanges that define a space 538 between the walls 536A, 536B.
The cable storage assembly 500 utilizes a vertical reel approach, with the housing 502 positioned within the cavity 548A so that a maximum width of the housing 502 is generally parallel to the central axis of the external cable storage reel 530. The housing 502 defines a maximum width along a first direction. In FIG. 5, that first direction extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis. The external cable storage reel defines a central axis 511 extending in a second direction, and this second direction is substantially parallel to the Y-axis. Thus, the housing 502 is received within the cavity 548A of the external cable storage reel 530 so that the first direction is substantially parallel to the second direction and so that the maximum width of the housing 502 is generally parallel to the central axis of the external cable storage reel 530. Additionally, in FIG. 5, the central axis 413 (see FIG. 4B) of any internal cable storage reel 420 (see FIG. 4B) may extend substantially parallel to the X-axis, making this central axis 413 perpendicular to the central axis 511 of the external cable storage reel 530.
In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may extend around only a portion of a perimeter of the external cable storage reel. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B provide examples of this. The example cable storage assembly 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B comprises an external cable storage reel 608 and a housing 602. The external cable storage reel 608 comprises a wall 679 extending in a plane that is substantially parallel to the X-Z plane. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the wall 679 defines a hole 683 therein that may expose corresponding holes within the housing 602. However, the hole 683 may be omitted from the wall 679 of the external cable storage reel 608 in other embodiments. The wall 679 also defines a hole 609A and a hole 609B. The holes 609A, 609B may enable fasteners 607A, 607B to extend through the holes 609A, 609B so that the fasteners 607A, 607B may secure the wall 679 to the housing 602.
The external cable storage reel 608 also includes flanges 610B, 614B extending outwardly from the wall 679 in opposite directions along the Z-axis. The external cable storage reel 608 also includes walls 677A, 677B extending along a direction that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis. The walls 677A, 677B are curved, but the walls 677A, 677B may be straight in other embodiments. Flanges 610A, 614A are positioned at ends of the walls 677A, 677B, with flanges 610A, 614A extending in opposite directions along the Z-axis. Flanges 610A, 610B, 614A, 614B each extend in planes that are substantially parallel to the X-Z plane. Flanges 610A, 610B are positioned on one side of the external cable storage reel 608 with a space 616 formed between the flanges 610A, 610B. Additionally, flanges 614A, 614B are positioned on an opposite side of the external cable storage reel 608 with a space 618 formed between the flanges 614A, 614B. The spaces 616, 618 may be configured to receive the outdoor cable so that outdoor cable may be wrapped around the external cable storage reel 608 between flanges 610A, 610B and between flanges 614A, 614B. A space 681 may also be formed between wall 677A, wall 677B, and wall 679.
The housing 602 is also included in the cable storage assembly 600, with the housing 602 being positioned in the space 681 so that the base box 603 of the housing 602 abuts the wall 679 of the external cable storage reel 608. The housing 602 includes a base box 603 and a cover 605. The cover 605 is removably attached to selectively provide access to the internal volume of the housing 602. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, fasteners may be used to secure the cover 605 in place. In the cover 605 of FIG. 6A, a hole 604 is positioned at the center of the cover 605 with the hole 604 being formed in the X-Z plane. Additionally, in the base box 603 illustrated in FIG. 6B, a hole 612 is positioned at the center of the back face with the hole 612 being formed in the X-Z plane. A member (e.g., reel shaft) may be received in the holes 604, 612 in some embodiments to mount the cable storage assembly 600 and, for example, enable easier rotation as a user walks. In FIG. 6A, rotation bracket assembly 627 is visible through the hole 604, and this rotation bracket assembly 627 may form part of an internal cable storage reel assembly positioned within the housing 602. The member may attach to the rotation bracket assembly 627, which may allow other portions of the cable storage assembly 600 to rotate relative to the member so that the outside cable may be easily unreeled from the cable storage assembly 600.
The housing 602 also includes openings 606A, 606B, and the housing 602 is configured to receive cables through these openings 606A, 606B so that cables may extend into the internal volume of the housing 602. The openings 606A, 606B are positioned on surfaces that are generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. In some embodiments, one or more further openings may be positioned on an opposite surface of the base box that is also generally parallel to the Y-Z plane. However, no further openings are included on this surface in the illustrated base box 603 of FIG. 6B.
FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate different views of an example external cable storage reel 708 and various dimensions thereof. The external cable storage reel 708 generally possesses a geometry similar to the geometry of external cable storage reel 608 of FIGS. 6A-6B.
The external cable storage reel 708 comprises a wall 779 extending in a plane that is substantially parallel to the X-Z plane. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the wall 779 defines a hole 724B therein that may expose corresponding holes within a housing. However, the hole 724B may be omitted from the wall 779 of the external cable storage reel 708 in other embodiments.
The external cable storage reel 708 also includes flanges 710B, 714B that extend outwardly from the wall 779 in opposite directions along the Z-axis. The external cable storage reel 708 also includes walls 777A, 777B extending along a direction that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis. The walls 777A, 777B are curved, but the walls 777A, 777B may be straight in other embodiments. Flanges 710A, 714A are positioned at ends of the walls 777A, 777B, with flanges 710A, 714A extending in opposite directions that are parallel to the Z-axis. Flanges 710A, 710B, 714A, 714B each extend in planes that are substantially parallel to the X-Z plane. Flanges 710A, 710B are positioned on one side of the external cable storage reel 708 with a space 716 formed between the flanges 710A, 710B. Additionally, flanges 714A, 714B are positioned on an opposite side of the external cable storage reel 708 with a space 718 formed between the flanges 714A, 714B. The spaces 716, 718 may be configured to receive outdoor cable so that outdoor cable may be wrapped around the external cable storage reel 708 between flanges 710A, 710B and between flanges 714A, 714B. A space 781 may also be formed between wall 777A, wall 777B, and wall 779, and the external cable storage reel 708 is configured to receive a housing in the space 781.
In FIGS. 7A and 7B, various dimensions are provided for features in the external cable storage reel 708. For sides of the external cable storage reel 708 extending in a direction parallel to the Z-axis, the sides extend a distance A. The distance A may be about 13.00 inches, and the tolerance for this distance A may be about 0.10 inches. Additionally, a center of the hole 724B may be positioned at the midpoint of the external cable storage reel 708 in a direction parallel to the Z-axis. Thus, the distance B may be about 6.50 inches, and the tolerance for this distance B may be about 0.10 inches. However, these dimensions and other dimensions stated herein are merely exemplary, and different dimensions may be used in other embodiments.
The outer edges of flanges 710A, 710B, 714A, 714B may be curved, and the curvature may be a radial curvature in some embodiments. The radius of curvature C for the outer edges of flanges 710A, 710B, 714A, 714B may be about 10 inches, and the tolerance for this radius of curvature C may be about 0.20 inches.
The external cable storage reel 708 also extends a distance F along a direction parallel to the X-axis. This distance F may be about 11.00 inches, and the tolerance for this distance F may be about 0.10 inches. The center of the hole 724B is centered on the wall 779 of the external cable storage reel 708 so that the center of the hole 724B is separated from the edges of the wall 779 by a distance D along a direction parallel to the X-axis. This distance D may be about 5.50 inches, and the tolerance for this distance D may be about 0.10 inches. The hole 724B may also define a diameter E. This diameter E may be about 2.00 inches, with the tolerance for this diameter E being about 0.10 inches.
Additionally, the walls 777A, 777B may also be radially curved with a radius of curvature G. The radius of curvature G may be about 29.84 inches. In some embodiments, the tolerance for this radius of curvature G may be about 0.20 inches.
A minimum distance H is defined between the wall 777A and the wall 777B. This minimum distance H occurs at opposite sides of the external cable storage reel 708 along the X-axis (e.g., at the top and bottom of the external cable storage reel 708 in FIG. 7A). The minimum distance H is about 9.30 inches, with the tolerance for this distance H being about 0.10 inches. Similarly, a minimum distance I is defined between each of the walls 777A, 777B and a line that extends through the center of the hole 724B and that extends along a direction parallel to the X-axis. In FIG. 7B, the minimum distance I is about 4.65 inches, with the tolerance for this distance being about 0.10 inches.
Additionally, the flange 710A and the flange 710B are separated from each other by a distance J. This distance J may be about 2.50 inches, with the tolerance for this distance J being about 0.10 inches. The flange 714A and the flange 714B may also be separated from each other by the distance J.
In various embodiments described above, a housing is described. An example embodiment of a housing 802 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B, with the housing 802 illustrated in isolation. The housing 802 defines a base box 803 and a cover 805. The cover 805 may be removably attachable to the base box 803, and fasteners such as screws or hinges may be used to secure the cover 805 to the base box 803. The housing 802 may comprise a plurality of openings. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, opening 806A and opening 806B are both positioned on one side of the housing on surfaces that extend in a plane substantially parallel to the Y-Z plane. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, another opening 806C is positioned on an opposite side of the housing on a surface that extends in a plane substantially parallel to the Y-Z plane. The openings 806A-806C are configured to enable cables to extend from outside the housing 802 into the internal volume of the housing. The openings 806A-806C and other similar openings described herein may be sealed or partially sealed with other components to protect components within the internal volume of the housing 802.
Further details regarding the inner contents of the housing 802 may be seen in FIGS. 8C-8D, which omit the cover 805 of the housing 802 so that the components within the internal volume 875 of the housing 802 may be seen. The housing 802 includes a plurality of arms within the internal volume 875 of the housing 802. For example, the housing 802 includes an arm 824A, an arm 824B, an arm 826A, and an arm 826B positioned within the internal volume 875 of the housing. The arms 824A, 824B, 826A, 826B are each configured to assist in controlling a position the outdoor cable 842, with the outdoor cable generally extending around the outer portions of the internal volume 875. When the cover 805 is removed, the arms 824A, 824B, 826A, 826B and other similar arms described in other embodiments may assist in preventing the outer cable and any other cables from shifting out of the internal volume 875 of the housing 802, and, in some embodiments, maintain separation from other cables, such as the indoor cable on the storage reel 820. However, the arms 824A, 824B, 826A, 826B may additionally or alternatively be configured to assist in controlling the position of the indoor cable.
The housing 802 may also include an internal cable storage reel assembly 828 within the internal volume 875 of the housing 802. The internal cable storage reel assembly 828 includes an internal cable storage reel 820 and brackets 885 that are configured to position the internal cable storage reel 820 relative to the remainder of the base box 803. The internal cable storage reel 820 may be configured to receive indoor cable within a space 821, with indoor cable being wrapped around a center portion of the internal cable storage reel 820 within the space 821. A circular hole 822 is provided in the middle of the internal cable storage reel 820 with the hole 822 defining a central axis 813 that generally extends in a direction parallel to the Y-axis. However, other internal cable storage reels 820 may be provided without a hole 822. A member (e.g., a reel shaft) may be mounted in the hole 822.
As illustrated in FIG. 8D, the base box 803 may define an opening 828A, an opening 828B, an opening 828C, and an opening 828D. These openings 828A-828D may help facilitate attachment of the housing 802 to a target location such as a building. Additionally or alternatively, the openings 828A-828D may help facilitate attachment of the housing 802 to an external cable storage reel. In some embodiments, the member may rotate relative to the internal cable storage reel assembly 828 within the hole 822 so that outdoor cable may be easily unreeled from any cable storage assembly. Alternatively, the member may be rotationally fixed to the internal cable storage reel 820, and the internal cable storage reel 820 may be configured to rotate relative to the brackets 885 so that outdoor cable may be easily unreeled from any cable storage assembly.
As illustrated in FIGS. 8C and 8D, the base box 803 may have a bracket 845A attached to the base box 803. In some embodiments, the bracket 845A may be integrally connected to the base box 803. An adapter 845 may be positioned at the bracket 845A. The adapter 845 may facilitate the connection between an indoor cable and an outdoor cable (or connectors on the indoor cable and the outdoor cable).
Another example internal cable storage reel assembly 928 that may be received in a housing is illustrated in FIG. 9A. The internal cable storage reel assembly 928 includes an internal cable storage reel 920 that comprises a wall 923A and a wall 923B. The walls 923A, 923B both extend in planes that are generally parallel to the X-Z plane in FIG. 9A. A space 925 is defined between the walls 923A, 923B, and an indoor cable may be received within the space 925 so that the indoor cable may collect on the internal cable storage reel 920. A rotation bracket assembly 927 is also included in the internal cable storage reel assembly 928. The rotation bracket assembly 927 may be positioned within the hole 922 defined at the center of the internal cable storage reel 920. Further details regarding the rotation bracket assembly 927 are discussed further herein.
FIG. 9B is a front view illustrating the internal cable storage reel 920 of FIG. 9A and various dimensions thereof. The wall 923A of the internal cable storage reel 920 defines a diameter K. This diameter K is about 6.00 inches, with a tolerance of about 0.10 inches. Additionally, hole 922 of the internal cable storage reel 920 defines a diameter L. This diameter L is about 2.25 inches, with a tolerance of about 0.05 inches. However, these dimensions and other dimensions stated herein are merely exemplary, and the dimensions may differ in other embodiments.
A side view illustrating the internal cable storage reel 920 of FIG. 9A is presented in FIG. 9C. The internal cable storage reel 920 defines a thickness M in a direction parallel to the Y-axis. The thickness M is about 1.7 inches, with a tolerance of about 0.10 inches. Additionally, the internal faces of walls 923A, 923B are separated by a distance N. This distance N is about 1.40 inches, with a tolerance of about 0.10 inches. Furthermore, the walls 923A, 923B each define a thickness of about 0.15 inches along the Y-axis.
FIG. 9D is a perspective view illustrating a rotation bracket assembly 927 for use in the internal cable storage reel of FIG. 9A. The rotation bracket assembly 927 includes brackets 982 for attachment to the internal cable storage reel 920. The brackets 982 may be attached to a base box 603 (see FIG. 6B). The rotation bracket assembly 927 also includes a grommet 986 that is attached to the brackets 982, and a seal member 984 is also attached to the grommet 986. In some embodiments, a handle mechanism may be inserted through the grommet 986 and the seal member 984, and the handle mechanism may be free to rotate relative to the rotation bracket assembly 927. While the grommet 986 is positioned on only one side of the rotation bracket assembly 927, a similar grommet may be positioned on an opposite side in some embodiments. The grommet 986 may be positioned at hole 604 (see FIG. 6A) in the cover 605 (see FIG. 6A) or hole 612 (see FIG. 6B) at the base box 603 (see FIG. 6B) to seal these holes 604, 612, but the grommet 986 may be used to form a seal at other locations.
In some embodiments, the internal cable storage assembly may include an internal cable storage reel and an attachment member. An example internal cable storage assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The internal cable storage assembly 1028 comprises an internal cable storage reel 1020. Similar to other internal cable storage reels described herein, the internal cable storage reel 1020 includes a wall 1023A and a wall 1023B. The internal cable storage reel 1020 also includes a center portion 1066 extending between the walls 1023A, 1023B, and a space 1025 is also positioned between the walls 1023A, 1023B. The walls 1023A, 1023B also define windows 1062, with these windows 1062 allowing a user to see the amount of cable on the internal cable storage reel 1020. The center portion 1066 defines a cavity 1064 extending within the center portion 1066. The cavity 1064 is generally circular in shape, but the cavity 1064 may have other shapes. The cavity 1064 defines a central axis that is generally parallel to the Y-axis.
The internal cable storage assembly 1028 also comprises an attachment member 1056. The attachment member 1056 comprises a first portion 1058A, a second portion 1058B, a third portion 1058C, and a fourth portion 1058D. The first portion 1058A generally extends in a plane parallel to the Y-Z plane. In some embodiments, the first portion 1058A of the attachment member 1056 may remain attached to the base box 1003, and the internal cable storage reel 1020 may be separated from the attachment member 1056 so that cable may be unreeled from the internal cable storage reel 1020—where this is the case, a user may unreel cable by inserting a separate spindle (e.g., a screwdriver, a pipe, or something similar) through the cavity 1064. In other embodiments, a user may remove the entire internal cable storage assembly 1028 from a base box 1003 (see FIG. 10C) so that internal cable may be unreeled from the internal cable storage reel 1020. Where this is the case, the first portion 1058A may be gripped by a user so that the user may grasp the attachment member 1056, with the attachment member 1056 being usable as a handle. Cable may be unreeled from the internal cable storage reel 1020 while the internal cable storage reel 1020 is still positioned on the attachment member 1056.
The first portion 1058A is attached to the second portion 1058B. The second portion 1058B generally extends in a plane parallel to the X-Z plane. The second portion 1058B defines two openings 1060, and the openings 1060 are configured to receive fasteners therein to attach the attachment member 1056 to the base box 1003 (see FIG. 10C). In some embodiments, the fasteners may removably attach the attachment member 1056 so that the internal cable storage assembly 1028 may be easily removed. However, in some embodiments, openings 1060 may be omitted, and other fasteners (e.g., adhesives) may be used to attach the attachment member 1056 to the base box 1003. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C, an adapter 1045 may be attached to the first portion 1058A of the attachment member 1056. The adapter 1045 may facilitate the connection between an indoor cable and an outdoor cable (or connectors thereof), with an indoor cable being received on one side of the adapter 1045 and with an outdoor cable being received on a second side of the adapter 1045.
The second portion 1058B is attached to the third portion 1058C. The third portion 1058C generally extends in the X-Y plane. The third portion 1058C may extend into the cavity 1064 of the internal cable storage reel 1020 so that the attachment member 1056 may hold the internal cable storage reel 1020 in position when the attachment member 1056 is attached to the base box 1003. Where the attachment member 1056 is used as a handle, the internal cable storage reel 1020 may rotate about the third portion 1058C so that the internal cable storage reel 1020 rotates relative to the attachment member 1056, and a user may hold the attachment member 1056 and unreel internal cable from the internal cable storage reel 1020.
The third portion 1058C is attached to the fourth portion 1058D, which is illustrated in FIG. 10B. The fourth portion 1058D generally extends in the X-Z plane. The fourth portion 1058D may serve as a tab that retains the internal cable storage reel 1020 in position relative to the attachment member 1056, with the third portion 1058C of the attachment member 1056 extending through the cavity 1064. In some embodiments, the fourth portion 1058D may be sized so that the internal cable storage reel 1020 may be removed from the attachment member 1056.
The internal cable storage assembly 1028 may be removably attachable to the base box 1003 as illustrated in FIG. 10C. To accomplish this, fasteners 1068 may extend through openings 1060 of the second portion 1058B, and the fasteners 1068 may removably attach the attachment member 1056 of the internal cable storage assembly 1028 to the base box 1003. When the attachment member 1056 is attached to the base box 1003, the internal cable storage reel 1020 may still be permitted to rotate relative to the attachment member 1056 and the base box 1003. However, in some embodiments, the internal cable storage assembly 1028 may be selectively locked in position so that the internal cable storage reel 1020 remains rotationally fixed at times relative to the attachment member 1056 and the base box 1003.
FIGS. 11A-11D are schematic views illustrating example operations that may be performed to install a housing. At operation 1 (01) illustrated in FIG. 11A, an external cable storage reel 1130 is provided alongside handle mechanisms 1132, 1132′ and a cover 1140. The external cable storage reel 1130, handle mechanisms 1132, 1132′, and cover 1140 may be similar to those described in reference to FIGS. 2A-2B.
At operation 2 (02) illustrated in FIG. 11A, the housing 1102 may also be provided. This housing 1102 may be positioned within the external cable storage reel 1130. Once the housing 1102 is positioned within the external cable storage reel 1130, the cover 1140 may be secured to the external cable storage reel 1130 to secure the housing 1102 within the external cable storage reel 1130. Once the cover 1140 is in place, the handle mechanisms 1132, 1132′ may be attached on opposite sides of the external cable storage reel 1130.
At operation 3 (03) illustrated in FIG. 11B, outdoor cable may be reeled onto the external cable storage reel 1130 to form a cable storage assembly 1100. Once the outdoor cable is reeled onto the external cable storage reel 1130, the cable storage assembly 1100 may be positioned within a box 1152 at operation 4 (04). The box 1152 may be a cardboard box in some embodiments. The external cable storage reel 1130 may be shipped, otherwise transported, or stored within the box 1152. The cable storage assembly 1100 may be eventually removed from the box 1152 at operation 5 (05) illustrated in FIG. 11C. Once removed from the box 1152, the handle mechanisms 1132, 1132′ may be moved to a deployed position. For example, in FIG. 11C, the handle mechanism 1132 is illustrated in a deployed position. In this deployed position, the first portion 1132A remains positioned against the cover 1140, but the second portion 1132B and the third portion 1132C are rotated as indicated by arrows A1, A2 so that the handles on these portions 1132B, 1132C are brought in close proximity to each other. In operation 6 within FIG. 11C, the outdoor cable 1142 is shown reeled on the external cable storage reel 1130.
At operation 7 (07) illustrated in FIG. 11D, the outdoor cable 1142 may be connected to a utility line 1196 at an exposed end of the outdoor cable 1142, and the cable storage assembly 1100 may be moved towards a target location. As the cable storage assembly 1100 is moved towards the target location 1198, the outdoor cable 1142 may be unreeled from the external cable storage reel 1130 of the cable storage assembly 1100. As the cable storage assembly is moved, the external cable storage reel 1130 may rotate relative to the handle mechanisms 1132, 1132′ so that the outdoor cable 1142 may be more easily unreeled. If it is necessary to use some of the extra outdoor cable stored within the housing 1102, the housing 1102 may be removed and the extra outdoor cable may be used to reach the target location.
Once the cable storage assembly 1100 has been moved to the target location 1198, the housing 1102 may be removed from the external cable storage reel 1130 of the cable storage assembly 1100 at operation 8 (08). Once the housing 1102 has been removed, the housing may be installed at the target location 1198. The outdoor cable 1142 may already extend into the housing 1102, and the indoor cable 1150 may also extend out of the housing 1102 in some embodiments. The indoor cable 1150 may ultimately be moved into a building in some embodiments.
FIGS. 11A-11D are merely provided for the purposes of illustration, and these figures may be modified in several ways. While the cable storage assembly 1100 is generally similar to the cable storage assembly 200 of FIGS. 2A-2B in the example embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11D, other cable storage assemblies may be utilized in a similar manner. In some embodiments, cable may be unreeled from a box similar to the cable storage assembly 454 of FIG. 4D.
Additionally, a flow chart illustrating an example method 1200 for using the cable storage assembly is illustrated in FIG. 12. At operation 1202, components of an external cable storage reel are received. These components may include one or more handle mechanism(s) and a cover alongside other portions of the external cable storage reel. The external cable storage reel, handle mechanisms, and cover may be similar to those described herein.
At operation 1204, the cable storage assembly is assembled. To assemble the cable storage assembly, a housing is positioned within the external cable storage reel. Once the housing is positioned within the external cable storage reel, the cover may be secured to the external cable storage reel to secure the housing within the external cable storage reel. Once the cover is in place, handle mechanism(s) may be attached on opposite sides of the external cable storage reel. At operation 1206, outdoor cable is wound onto the external cable storage reel to complete the cable storage assembly. At operation 1208, the cable storage assembly is positioned in a packaging box so that the cable storage assembly may be stored and/or shipped.
The cable storage assembly may eventually be removed from the packaging box at operation 1210. Once removed, the handles of the handle mechanism on the external cable storage reel are moved to a deployed position at operation 1212. The outdoor cable is attached to a utility line at operation 1214, and the outdoor cable is unreeled from the external cable storage reel as the cable storage assembly is moved to the installation location at operation 1216 due to tension acting on the outdoor cable. At operation 1218, the housing is removed from the cable storage assembly and is installed at the installation location.
Method 1200 is merely exemplary. The operations of method 1200 and the operations described for other methods (e.g., those described in reference to FIGS. 11A-11D) may generally be performed in any order, and some of the operations may be performed simultaneously in some embodiments. Additionally, some of the operations may be omitted from some embodiments, and others may be added. For example, operations 1210 and 1212 may be omitted, and the outdoor cable may be unreeled without removing the cable storage assembly from any box as illustrated in FIG. 4D.
CONCLUSION
Many modifications and other embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
Patent Application
20250145406
