OPTICAL FIBER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A cable mount for fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channel therebetween, the channel defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall. The channel receives a portion of the cable. A strength member pocket receives the strength member of the cable, the pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, the pocket communicating with the longitudinal channel through an opening on the divider wall. A strength member clamp fixes the strength member of the cable against axial pull. Cable management structures in the form of spools define at least one notch that communicates with the longitudinal channel for guiding optical fibers extending from a jacket either upwardly or downwardly therethrough. The cable mount also allows routing of the optical fibers through the longitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to the front end.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical fiber distribution system, including a rack, and elements which populate the rack, including fiber terminations, patching, fiber splitters, and fiber splices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and other equipment which is typically rack mounted. Various concerns exist for the optical fiber distribution systems, including density, ease of use, and cable management. There is a continuing need for improvements in the optical fiber distribution area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One implementation of a system in accordance with the examples of the disclosure includes a building block element mountable to a rack or other structure. The element includes a chassis, and a movable tray. The tray is movably mounted to the chassis with a slide mechanism that allows the tray to slide relative to the chassis. The slide mechanism includes a synchronized movement feature for managing the cables extending to and from the tray, such that cable pull at the entry and exit locations is reduced or eliminated as the tray is moved.

One synchronized movement feature includes gears, including a rack and pinion system. Another synchronized movement feature includes wheels and wires.

The tray preferably includes mounting structures for holding cable terminations, splitters, and/or splices. One mounting structure includes an open shaped frame member for connector access. In one example, two frame members are provided, one positioned over the other. For improved access, the frame members are hingedly mounted to the tray. In a termination arrangement, the adapters are arranged so that the connector axes are horizontal and extend in a perpendicular direction to the direction of travel for the tray.

Each frame member can be populated with adapter blocks. Pathways guide cables to the adapter ports of the adapter blocks for fiber optic cables terminated with connectors to be received therein. The cables follow a general S-shaped pathway from a side of each element to the adapter blocks. The S-shaped pathway includes two levels inside of the tray to segregate cables between the two frame members. Various flanges and radius limiters can be provided to assist with cable management.

The elements can be stacked in a column with each tray mounted horizontally, or used in a group or block mounted vertically. In the case of a column of elements, a selected tray is pulled outward to access the desired tray, and then the frame members on the tray can be pivoted as needed.

One side of each element can be for patch cables, and the opposite side can be for cable termination of an incoming cable, such as a distribution cable or a feeder cable. Because of the synchronized movement feature, cables can be secured along the sides of the elements and still allow for sliding movement of the trays without a need for large amounts or any cable slack.

The tray and the frame members allow for easy top and bottom access to connectors on either side of the adapters. Openings are provided in the tray bottom for hand access if desired.

The cable mounts for the distribution cables or feeder cables can be snap mounted to the elements and/or mounted in a longitudinal slide mount, and include strength member clamps and cable clamps.

Groupings of loose cables can be managed with cable wraps or other cable guides such as flexible troughs.

The elements can be configured as desired and form building blocks for an optical fiber distribution system (ODF).

When the elements are mounted in a column in a rack, the cables can be placed in vertical cable guides to enter and exit the selected element.

The example rack is front accessible, however, the elements can be used in other racks, frames, cabinets or box including in arrangements where rear access is desirable or useful.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable mount configured for fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. The cable mount comprises a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channel extending between the front end and the rear end, the longitudinal channel defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall, the longitudinal channel for receiving a portion of the fiber optic cable. A strength member pocket is for receiving the strength member of the fiber optic cable, the strength member pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, the strength member pocket communicating with the longitudinal channel through an opening provided on the divider wall. A strength member clamp is configured to fix the strength member of the fiber optic cable against axial pull relative to the cable mount.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. The method comprises inserting a front end of the fiber optic cable through a longitudinal channel of a cable mount that is on the fixture, wherein longitudinal channel is defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall, inserting the strength member of the fiber optic cable through an opening on the vertical divider wall into a pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, and clamping the strength member of the fiber optic cable against axial pull relative to the cable mount.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable mount for fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. The cable mount includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channel therebetween, the channel defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall. The channel receives a portion of the cable. A strength member pocket receives the strength member of the cable, the pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, the pocket communicating with the longitudinal channel through an opening on the divider wall. A strength member clamp fixes the strength member of the cable against axial pull. Cable management structures in the form of spools define at least one notch that communicates with the longitudinal channel for guiding optical fibers extending from a jacket either upwardly or downwardly therethrough. The cable mount also allows routing of the optical fibers through the longitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to the front end.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method of fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. The method comprises inserting a front end of the fiber optic cable through a longitudinal channel of a cable mount that is on the fixture, wherein longitudinal channel is defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall, inserting the strength member of the fiber optic cable through an opening on the vertical divider wall into a pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, clamping the strength member of the fiber optic cable against axial pull relative to the cable mount, and guiding optical fibers extending from a jacket of the fiber optic cable either upwardly or downwardly through at least one notch defined between cable management structures in the form of spools or through the longitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to the front end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element in accordance of aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 1 showing the tray pulled forward from the chassis;

FIG. 4 shows one of the tray frame members pivoted upwardly from the tray;

FIG. 5 shows a second frame member pivoted upwardly relative to the tray;

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a cable management area of the element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a similar view to FIG. 6, with one of the frame members pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an element with different cable management at the entry points;

FIG. 9 shows three of the elements of FIG. 8 mounted in a block formation, with cable radius limiters at the entry point mounted in an alternative position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the block of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view of the block of FIG. 9, with the tray of the middle element pulled forward for access to the fiber terminations;

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged portion of an entry point for one of the elements with a cable radius limiter in a first position;

FIG. 13 shows a similar view as in FIG. 12, with the cable radius limiter positioned in an alternate position;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of a cable mount;

FIG. 15 shows an element with a cable mount on one side, and a cable radius limiter on an opposite side;

FIG. 16 shows an alternative cable mount;

FIGS. 17-29 show various views of the elements shown in FIGS. 1-16 including additional details and cable routings shown for illustration purposes;

FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of a block of two alternative elements;

FIG. 31 shows a tray pulled forward from the chassis of one of the elements of the block of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 shows the tray extended forward as in the view of FIG. 31, with one of the frame members pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 33 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 32, with a second frame member pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 34 shows a block including two elements;

FIG. 35 shows an exploded view of the two elements of the block of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 shows a single element;

FIG. 37 shows an exploded view of the element of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 shows the element of FIG. 37, without the top cover;

FIG. 39 is a top view of the element of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is an alternative view of the element of FIG. 38, showing alternative devices at the cable entry points;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the element of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 shows an alternative embodiment of an element in a top view with an alternative synchronized movement feature;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 42;

FIGS. 44 and 45 show movement of the various components of the synchronized movement feature of FIGS. 42 and 43;

FIGS. 46 and 47 show an element with an alternative radius limiter at the cable entry and exit locations;

FIG. 48 shows a right side perspective view of the cable mount of FIGS. 30-33 and 38-39 in isolation;

FIG. 49 shows the cable mount of FIG. 48 with a radius limiter including friction members mounted thereon, the radius limiter also visible in FIGS. 30-33 and 38-39;

FIG. 50 shows a left side perspective view of the cable mount of FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 shows the cable mount of FIGS. 48-50 in an exploded configuration;

FIG. 52 shows a pair of the cable mounts of FIGS. 48-51 attached to a single optical fiber distribution element having features similar to the elements shown in FIGS. 30-47;

FIG. 53 shows a block formed from four of the elements of FIG. 52 in a stacked arrangement, each of the elements including a pair of the cable mounts of FIGS. 48-51;

FIG. 54 illustrates a front, left, top perspective view of an alternative optical fiber distribution element including a cable mount with pivoting cable guide portions having features that are examples inventive aspects in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 55 is a top view illustrating a close-up of the pivoting cable guide portions of the cable mount of the element of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a cable mount that is configured for fixing cables to telecommunications equipment such as the optical fiber distribution elements of FIGS. 30-41 or FIGS. 54-55, the cable mount shown with a portion of a jacket of a cable;

FIG. 57 illustrates the cable mount of FIG. 56 in a fully assembled configuration;

FIG. 58 is a top view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a bottom view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a right side view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 61 is a left side view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 62 is a front view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 63 is a top view of the base portion of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 64 is a front view of the base portion of FIG. 63; and

FIG. 65 is a left side view of the base portion of FIG. 63.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-16, various embodiments of an optical fiber distribution element 10, or element 10, are shown. The elements 10 can be individually mounted as desired to telecommunications equipment including racks, frames, or cabinets. The elements 10 can be mounted in groups or blocks 12 which forms a stacked arrangement. In one embodiment, a vertical stack of elements 10 populates an optical fiber distribution rack.

Each element 10 holds fiber terminations, or other fiber components including fiber splitters and/or fiber splices. In the case of fiber terminations, incoming cables are connected to outgoing cables through connectorized cable ends which are connected by adapters, as will be described below.

Each element includes a chassis 20 and a movable tray 24. Tray 24 is movable with a slide mechanism 30 including one or more gears 32 and a set of two toothed racks or linear members 34.

Slide mechanism 30 provides for synchronized movement for managing the cables extending to and from tray 24. Entry points 36 on either side of chassis 20 allow for fixation of the input and output cables associated with each element 10. The radius limiters 38 associated with each slide mechanism 30 move in synchronized movement relative to chassis 20 and tray 24 to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent, pinched, or pulled.

Each tray 24 includes mounting structure 50 defining one or more of fiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fiber components. As shown, mounting structure 50 holds adapters 52 which allow for interconnection of two connectorized ends of cables. Each tray 24 includes one or more frame members 56. In the example shown, two frame members 56 are provided. As illustrated, each frame member 56 is T-shaped. Also, each tray 24 includes two frame members 56 which are hingedly mounted at hinges 58. A top frame member 62 is positioned above a bottom frame member 64. The mounting structure 50 associated with each frame member 62, 64 includes one or more integrally formed adapter blocks 70. Adapter blocks 70 include a plurality of adapter ports for interconnecting to fiber optic connectors. A pathway 76 defines a generally S-shape from radius limiters 38 to adapter blocks 70. As shown, pathway 76 includes an upper level 78 and a lower level 80 in the interior. A portion 84 of pathway 76 is positioned adjacent to hinges 58 to avoid potentially damaging cable pull during pivoting movement of frame members 56. Flanges 86 and radius limiters 90 help maintain cables in pathways 76.

Tray 24 includes openings 96 to allow for technician access to the cable terminations at adapter blocks 70. In addition, the T-shapes of frame members 56 further facilitate technician access to the connectors.

Cables extending to and from element 10 can be affixed with a cable mount 100 as desired. Additional protection of the fiber breakouts can be handled with cable wraps 102. Radius limiters 106 can be additionally used to support and protect the cables.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-29, various examples of cable routings are illustrated for element 10.

If desired, more than one feeder cable can supply cabling to more than one element 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-41, various additional embodiments of elements 210 are shown. Element 210 includes a chassis 220 in a movable tray 224 mounted with a slide mechanism 230 which promotes synchronized movement of radius limiters 238. Each tray 224 includes two hingedly mounted frame members 256. Each frame member 256 has a middle portion 260 separated by openings 262 from side portions 264. Middle portion 260 can hold fiber terminations. Side portions 264 include radius limiters 270. Cover 266 goes over tray 224. Latches 268 latch tray 224 to cover 266 in the closed position.

A pathway 276 extends from either side from tray 224 to supply cables to each of trays 224. An upper level 278 and a lower level 280 supply the respective frame members 256 with cabling. A general S-shaped pathway 276 is defined wherein the pathway 276 passes close to hinges 258.

A dovetail 288 is used to hold cable mounts 286 and radius limiters 284.

An opening 290 in tray 224 allows for connector access by the technician. Similarly, openings 262 on each frame member 256 allow for technician access to the individual connectors.

To form a block 292 of plural elements 210, bars 294 and fasteners 296 are used. Bars 294 give a small spacing between each element 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-45, an alternative slide mechanism 330 is shown in alternative element 310. Slide mechanism 330 allows for movement of the trays and related radius limiters and synchronized movement similar to slide mechanism 30, 230. Alternative slide mechanism 330 includes two wheels 332 and two wires 334, 336. The wheels 332 are located on second part 342. The wires are looped in opposite directions and are connected to the first part 340 and the third part 344.

Referring now to FIGS. 46 and 47, an alternative radius limiter 420 is shown on alternative element 410. Radius limiter 420 includes friction members 430 which limit the amount of sliding movement of cables passing through radius limiter 420, to assist with cable management. Friction members 430 include flexible fingers which press lightly on the cables in radius limiter 420 to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of the cables in the radius limiter 420.

Referring now to FIGS. 48-51, one of the cable mounts 286 that is shown as being mounted to the elements 210 in FIGS. 30-33 and 38-39 is shown in isolation. It should be noted that although the cable mount 286 has been shown as part of the optical fiber distribution element 210 of FIGS. 30-41, the optical fiber distribution element 210 is simply one example of a telecommunications system, fixture, or closure to which the cable mount 286 may be used with. The cable mount 286 includes features having inventive aspects in isolation and can be used on other types of optical fiber distribution elements. For example, FIG. 52 shows a pair of the cable mounts 286 attached to an optical fiber distribution element 510 that is different than elements 210 and 410 of FIGS. 30-47 but having features that are similar to those of elements 210 and 410. FIG. 53 shows a block 512 formed from four of the elements 510 of FIG. 52 in a stacked arrangement, each of the elements 510 including a pair of the cable mounts 286.

Referring now back to FIGS. 48-51, the cable mount 286 is configured for securing an incoming cable such as a distribution or feeder cable 514 to a side of an element such as element 510. Each cable mount 286 defines a front end 516 and a rear end 518. The cable mount 286 is configured to receive the incoming cable 514 through the rear end 518 for securing the cable 514. As will be discussed in further detail, the cable mount 286 defines a jacket channel 520 for housing the jacket 522 of the incoming cable 514, a strength member pocket 524 for receiving a strength member 526 of the incoming cable 514, and a fiber channel 528 for receiving the individual fiber-carrying loose tubes 530 protruding from an end of the jacket 522 of the cable 514. The jacket channel 520 and the fiber channel 528 are defined by upper and lower transverse walls 531 and a divider wall 535 of the cable mount 286. The strength member pocket 524 is defined on an opposite side of the divider wall 535. The strength member clamp 536 is inserted into the strength member pocket 524 through an opening 537 located in the divider wall 535.

According to the depicted embodiment, the cable mount 286 is configured to be mounted in a sliding fashion to the dovetail structures 288 of the elements such as elements 210, 410, and 510. As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, each cable mount 286 defines dovetail shaped interlock features 532 that mate with the dovetail structures 288 of the elements. The cable mounts 286 are mounted to the dovetails 288 by sliding the cable mounts 286 rearwardly over the dovetails 288. The front end 516 of each cable mount 286 defines a positive stop 534 that abuts a front end of the dovetail 288 for limiting axial pull on the cable 514 once a strength member 526 of the cable 514 has been clamped using the cable mount 286. It should be noted that a dovetail sliding interlock is one example of a structure that may be used to mount the cable mount 286 to an element such as elements 210, 410, and 510 and that other types of interlocks (that limit axial pull on a secured cable) may be used.

As noted above, the cable mount 286 is configured for securing or clamping the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 to limit axial pull on the cable 514 to preserve the optical fibers. A strength member clamp 536 of the cable mount 286 is defined by a base 538 and a fixation plate 540 that is clamped thereto via clamp fasteners 542. The base 538 may also be referred to as a first clamp member and the fixation plate 540 may be referred to as a second clamp member of the strength member clamp 536.

Once the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 is inserted into the strength member pocket 524 through the opening 537, the strength member 526 may be clamped between the first and second clamp members 538, 540. The strength member pocket 524 and the strength member clamp 536 of the cable mount are defined by an inset portion 533 of the cable mount 286 such that the clamp 536 does not interfere with the slidable mounting of the cable mount 286 via the dovetail interlock features 532.

The cable mount 286 is designed such that the individual tubes 530 carrying the optical fibers are isolated from the strength member 526 of the cable 514. The fiber carrying tubes 530 are lead through the fiber channel 528 which is located on an opposite side of the divider wall 535 from the strength member pocket 524.

Still referring to FIGS. 48-51, each cable mount 286 also defines features for guiding the fiber tubes 530 that protrude from the incoming cable jacket 522. Each cable mount 286 includes upper and lower front fiber guides 544 and upper and lower rear cable guides 546. The cable guides 544, 546 are defined by notches 548 in the transverse walls 531 that allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to frictionally fit therein and extend to different locations around the distribution block 512.

Referring now to FIG. 52, a pair of the cable mounts 286 are shown attached in a stacked arrangement to a single optical fiber distribution element 510. The fiber guides 544, 546 of the cable mount 286 are designed such that the upper guides of a cable mount 286 and the lower guides of an adjacent cable mount 286 align to form pathways for routing fiber carrying tubes 530 around the elements. FIG. 52 illustrates an example tube routing configuration using the fiber guides 544, 546 of the cable mounts 286. The notches 548 defined by the fiber guides 544, 546 allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to extend from the fiber channel 528 of a given cable mount 286 to the fiber channel 528 of an adjacent upper or lower cable mount 286. The fiber channels 528 of the cable mounts 286 in combination with the notches 548 defined by the fiber guides 544, 546 allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to extend straight upwardly, straight downwardly, diagonally upwardly, diagonally downwardly, or straight through after entering the fiber channels 528. FIG. 53 illustrates an example tube routing for four of the elements 510 of FIG. 52 stacked in a block formation, each element 510 including a pair of the cable mounts 286. FIG. 53 illustrates the various pathways the tubes 530 can take after exiting the cable jacket 522 using the cable mounts 286.

As shown in FIG. 49, each cable mount 286 may also include a radius limiter mount 550 adjacent the front end 516 for mounting a radius limiter 552. The radius limiter 552 may be similar to radius limiter 420 shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 and may include friction members 554 which limit the amount of sliding movement of tubes 530 passing through radius limiter 552, to assist with cable management. Friction members 554 may include flexible fingers which press lightly on the tubes 530 in the radius limiter 552 to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of the tubes 530 in the radius limiter 552. The radius limiter 552 shown in FIG. 49 can also be seen in FIGS. 30-33 and 38-39 of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 54-55, an alternative embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element 610 is shown. The element 610 is shown from a front, left, top perspective view in FIG. 54. The left side of the element 610 is shown to include a cable mount 686 having features that are similar to those of the cable mount 286 illustrated in FIGS. 30-33, 38, 39, and 48-51. A cable mount such as cable mount 686, as discussed previously, is configured for securing an incoming cable such as a distribution of feeder cable to a side of the element 610. Even though the right side of the element 610 is shown in FIG. 54 with a different type of a cable guide 684 that is configured to lead cables to the tray 624, a structure similar to the cable mount 686 could also be used on the right side of the element 610.

The cable mount 686 defines a jacket channel 622 for housing the jacket of an incoming cable, a strength member pocket for receiving a strength member of the incoming cable, and a fiber channel 628 for receiving individual fiber-carrying loose tubes protruding from an end of a jacket of the cable. The jacket channel 622 is defined by upper and lower transverse walls 611, 613. The fiber channel 628 includes a pair of cable management structures 631 therein for guiding cables to different desired directions as the cables lead toward the entry point of the tray 624 of the element 610.

The strength member pocket is defined on an opposite side of a divider wall 635. The strength member is inserted into the strength member pocket through an opening 637 located in the divider wall 635 and is, thus, isolated from the fiber carrying tubes. The cable mount 686 is designed such that the individual tubes carrying the optical fibers are isolated from the strength member of a cable. The fiber carrying tubes are lead through the fiber channel 628 which is located on an opposite side of the divider wall 635 from the strength member pocket.

After being routed around the cable management structures 631, the cables enter and may be secured to an upper cable guide 683 and a lower cable guide 685. As shown, either or both of the cables guides 683, 685 are pivotally mounted to the chassis 620. The cable guides 683, 685 may be pivotable toward and away from the chassis 620 along a plane that is generally parallel to a plane defined by the sliding direction of the tray 624. The pivotability of the cable guides 683, 685 allows routing of the cables to outer and inner troughs 627, 629 of a radius limiter structure 638 that is mounted to the slide mechanism of the element 610. The cables may be secured to the guides 683, 685 by a variety of methods such as with cable ties, snap-fit elements, etc. Thus, when the cables are routed to the outer and inner troughs 627, 629 of the radius limiter 638, the guides 683, 685 may pivot with the movement of the cables secured thereto.

In the depicted example, the lower cable guide 685 has been shown as pivoted out to guide cables to the outer trough 627 of the radius limiter 638. The upper cable guide 683 is configured to lead cables toward the inner trough 629 of the radius limiter 638. The pivotability of the guides 683, 685 allows separation of the cables as they lead into the desired troughs of the radius limiter 638.

The radius limiter 638 includes a divider wall 625 extending from adjacent an outer end 623 to adjacent an inner end 621. According to one embodiment, the divider 625 does not extend all the way to the inner and outer ends 621, 623 of the U-shaped radius limiter 638. The divider wall 625 of the radius limiter 638 forms the two separate troughs 627, 629. The two troughs 627, 629 isolate and separate the cables (e.g., coming in and going out) of the element 610 into two distinct paths. According to one example cable routing configuration, the two troughs 627, 629 may guide the cables to the upper and lower levels 678, 680 defined toward the rear of the tray 624 while maintaining the S-shaped pathway 676 created within the element 610. The pivotable cable guides 683, 685 allow proper separation and routing of the cables when used with a radius limiter such as the limiter 638. Further details of a radius limiter such as the radius limiter 638 of the present application are discussed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/892,558 concurrently filed herewith, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 56-65, another embodiment of a cable mount 786 having features that are similar to those of the cable mount 286 illustrated in FIGS. 30-33, 38, 39, and 48-51 and the cable mount 686 illustrated in FIGS. 54-55 is shown. As specified with respect to the other embodiments of the cable mounts previously, even though the cable mount 786 is shown and described herein as being part of or being usable with an optical fiber distribution element such as element 210 of FIGS. 30-41 or element 610 of FIGS. 54-55, the optical fiber distribution elements 210 and 610 are simply two examples of telecommunications systems, fixtures, or closures which the cable mount 786 may be used with. The cable mount 786 includes features having inventive aspects in isolation and can be used on other types of optical fiber distribution elements.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, similar to cable mounts 286 and 686, the cable mount 786 is configured for securing an incoming cable such as a distribution or feeder cable 514 to a side of an element such as an element 510 or 610.

The cable mount 786 is defined by a base portion 701 and a fiber routing portion 703 that is configured to be mounted to the base portion 701 with a snap-fit interlock. The base portion 701 of the cable mount 786 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 63-65.

As shown in FIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion 703 defines flexible cantilever fingers 705 with ramped tabs 707 that are configured to be received within slots 709 on the base portion 701. When the fiber routing portion 703 is snap-fit with respect to the base portion 701, the two portions 701, 703 cooperatively form the cable mount 786.

Similar to the cable mounts 286 and 686 described above, the cable mount 786 includes features for securing or clamping the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 to limit axial pull on the cable 514 to preserve the optical fibers. A strength member clamp 736 of the cable mount 786 is defined by the interaction of a portion (i.e., a clamping surface 738) of the base portion 701 and a fixation plate 740 that is configured to be clamped against the base portion 701 via a fastener 742. The strength member clamp 736 will be described in further detail below. The portion of the base 701 that forms the clamping surface 738 for clamping the strength member may also be referred to as a first clamp member and the fixation plate 740 may also be referred to as a second clamp member of the strength member clamp 736.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, the cable mount 786, once assembled, defines a front end 716 and a rear end 718. The cable mount 786 is configured to receive an incoming cable through the rear end 718. Similar to cable mounts 286 and 686, the base portion 701 of the cable mount 786 defines a jacket channel 720 for housing the jacket of the incoming cable. A strength member pocket 724 is defined by the base portion for receiving a strength member 526 of the incoming cable 514. The fiber routing portion 703 of the cable mount 786 includes features for guiding individual fiber-carrying loose tubes 530 to different desired directions as the fibers extend toward the front end 716 of the cable mount 786.

The jacket channel 720 is defined by upper and lower transverse walls 731, 733. A divider wall 735 of the cable mount 286 separates the jacket channel 720 from the strength member pocket 724. The strength member pocket 724 is defined on an opposite side of the divider wall 735 from the jacket channel 720. The divider wall 735 defines an opening 737 through which the jacket channel 720 communicates with the strength member pocket 724. When a cable is received from the rear end 718 of the cable mount 786, the strength member 526 of the cable protruding from the jacket 799 of the cable is inserted into the strength member pocket 724 through the opening 737 before being clamped using the strength member clamp 736.

According to the depicted embodiment, the base portion 701 of the cable mount 786 is configured to be mounted to equipment such as elements 510 or 610 with a snap-fit interlock. As shown, the base portion defines a cantilever arm 711 with a ramped tab 713 adjacent the front end 716 of the cable mount 786 for interlocking with a notch that may be provided on a piece of telecommunications equipment. The base portion 701 of the cable mount 786 also defines catches 715 having dovetail profiles along the base portion 701 that are configured to slidably mate with intermating structures provided on the telecommunications equipment. In this manner, the cable mount 786 may be slidably attached to a piece of telecommunications equipment before being locked into a notch defined by the equipment with the cantilever arm 711. Similar dovetail intermating structures are shown, for example, in FIGS. 48-53 with respect to cable mount 286 and element 510. However, it should be noted that in the present embodiment of the cable mount 786, the catches 715 having the dovetail profiles are provided on the cable mount 786 rather than on the telecommunications equipment. And, accordingly, the structures that intermate with the dovetail catches 715 may be provided on the telecommunications equipment instead.

It should be noted that a snap-fit interlock utilizing dovetail profiles and a flexible cantilever lock is only one example of an attachment mechanism that may be used to mount the cable mount 786 to an element such as elements 210, 410, 510, and 610 and that other types of attachment mechanisms or methods (that limit axial pull on a secured cable) may be used.

As noted above, the cable mount 786 is configured for securing or clamping the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 to limit axial pull on the cable 514 to preserve the optical fibers. Once the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 is inserted into the strength member pocket 724 through the opening 737, the strength member 526 may be clamped between the clamping surface 738 defined by the base portion 701 and the fixation plate 740. A portion of the clamping surface 738 may define a groove 739 along the bottom side of the base portion 701 for proper positioning or alignment of the strength member 526.

The fixation plate 740 defines a fastener mount 741 that has a threaded opening 743 for receiving the fastener 742 when clamping the fixation plate 740 with respect to the base portion 701. The fastener mount 741 defines a throughhole 763 that extends along a longitudinal axis of the fixation plate (generally perpendicular to the threaded opening 743) that is for receiving the strength member 526 of the cable. When the fastener 742 is used to clamp the fixation plate 740 with respect to the base portion 701, at least a portion of the fastener may extend through the threaded opening 743 and into the throughhole. The throughhole 763 is preferably sized such that a strength member 526 can extend therethrough without interference from the fastener 742 that extends at least partially into the throughhole 763.

The fastener mount 741 of the fixation plate 740 extends from a top of the fixation plate 740 to a portion of the fixation plate 740 that defines a clamping surface 745. The clamping surface 745 of the fixation plate 740 is configured to abut against the clamping surface 738 defined by the base portion 701 in clamping the strength member 526 of the cable. As noted above, clamping the fixation plate 740 against the base portion 701 is accomplished by using the fastener 742, which is threadedly engaged with the fastener mount 741 and which draws the fixation plate 740 towards the base portion 701. The base portion 701 defines an opening 717 that is configured to accommodate and receive the fastener mount 741 as the fixation plate 740 is pulled up with respect to the base portion 701.

The fiber routing portion 703 of the cable mount 786 is configured to receive and guide the fiber carrying tubes 530 of a cable being mounted using the cable mount 786. Fiber carrying tubes 530 are lead up a ramp 787 defined by the fiber routing portion 703 after the strength member 536 of the cable has been separated therefrom and has been inserted into the strength member pocket 724. The divider wall 735 keeps the fiber carrying tubes 530 and the cable jacket separate from the strength member pocket 724 similar to the embodiments of the cable mount discussed previously. In this manner, when the cables are subjected to pulling forces, the fiber carrying components are isolated from the part of the cable mount that clamps the strength member.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion 703 of the cable mount 786 defines a fastener mount 719. The fastener mount 719 defines a pocket 721 for accommodating the head 723 of the fastener. The fastener mount 719 allows the fastener 742 to pass from the fiber routing portion 703 through the opening 717 of the base portion 701 into the fastener mount 741 of the fixation plate 740. As the fastener 742 is threadably turned with respect to the fiber routing portion 703, the fixation plate 740 is pulled toward the base portion 701 to clamp the strength member 526 between the clamping surfaces 738 and 745.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, as noted previously, the fiber routing portion 703 of the cable mount 786 includes features for guiding individual fiber-carrying loose tubes 530 to different desired directions as the fibers extend toward the front end 716 of the cable mount 786. The fiber routing portion 703 defines cable management structures in the form of spools 727 that are configured to guide the fiber carrying tubes 530 to different desired directions without violating minimum bend requirements.

As shown, the spools 727 may include flanges 729 for retaining the fibers within the fiber routing portion 703. The fiber routing portion 703 also defines bulkheads 751 adjacent the front end 716 of the cable mount 786. The bulkheads 751 cooperate with the spools 727 in leading the fibers directly forwardly as the fibers approach the front end 716 of the cable mount. The bulkheads 751 also define flanges 729 for retaining the fibers between the bulkheads 751. The bulkheads 751 and the spools 727 may also be cooperatively referred to as cable guides.

A plurality of fiber channels 759 are formed between the spools 727 and the bulkheads 751. The flanges 729 of the spools and the bulkheads 751 facilitate in keeping the fibers within desired fiber channels 759.

As shown, the fiber routing portion 703 may define a notch or an opening 797 between the spools 727 that allows the fiber carrying tubes 530 to fit therethrough and extend to different locations around a distribution element.

Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 52 and 54, the cable mounts 786 may be used in a stacked arrangement where two or more cable mounts 786 may be stacked along a top to bottom direction.

The fiber routing portion 703, specifically, the spools 727, the notch 797 defined between the spools 727, and the bulkheads 751, are designed to allow the fibers to be routed to different locations around an element or to different elements. The fiber routing portion 703 is configured to allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to extend straight upwardly, straight downwardly, diagonally upwardly, diagonally downwardly, or straight through after passing through the bulkheads 751.

In the embodiment of the cable mount 786 illustrated in FIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion 703 is provided as a separate structure than the base portion 701 of the cable mount 786 and is mounted to the base portion 701 with a snap-fit interlock. The two portions are provided as separate structures so that the base portion 701 can be used with fiber routing portions that may have a different configuration than the fiber routing portion 703 that is shown in FIGS. 56-65. The separability of the two portions 701 and 703 allows variability in the design of the fiber routing portion depending upon the type of cable used. For example, the number and the structure of the spools 727 and/or the bulkheads 751 can be varied depending upon the size and the number of the fibers of the clamped cable.

FIGS. 56-65 illustrate a portion of a cable jacket 799 that has been inserted into the jacket channel 720 between the upper and lower transverse walls 731, 733. As shown, adjacent the back of the cable mount 786, portions 795 of the walls 731, 733 define ramped tabs 793 that are configured to receive the cable jacket 799 with a snap-fit. Adjacent either side of the wall portions 795, the base portion 701 of the cable mount 786 also includes cable tie-wrap pockets 777 for allowing the cable jacket 799 to be fixed with cable ties.

At the exterior of the wall portions 795, there are also defined notches 791 for receiving cantilever fingers 789 of a cover structure 779. According to certain embodiments, for cables that may include soft strength members in the form of aramid fibers such as Kevlar, the soft strength members may be wrapped around the wall portions 795 and may be captured thereagainst with the cover structure 779.

Although in the foregoing description, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” were used for ease of description and illustration, no restriction is intended by such use of the terms. The telecommunications devices such as the cable mounts described herein can be used in any orientation, depending upon the desired application.

Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.

PARTS LIST

• 10 element
• 12 block
• 20 chassis
• 24 tray
• 30 slide mechanism
• 32 gears
• 34 rack
• 36 entry points
• 38 radius limiters
• 50 mounting structure
• 52 adapters
• 56 T-shaped frame member
• 58 hinge
• 62 top frame member
• 64 bottom frame member
• 70 adapter blocks
• 72 connectors
• 74 cables
• 76 pathway
• 78 upper level
• 80 lower level
• 84 portion
• 86 flanges
• 90 radius limiters
• 96 openings
• 100 cable mount
• 102 cable wrap
• 106 radius limiters
• 210 element
• 220 chassis
• 224 tray
• 230 slide mechanism
• 238 radius limiters
• 256 frame members
• 258 hinges
• 260 middle portion
• 262 openings
• 264 side portions
• 266 cover
• 268 latches
• 270 radius limiters
• 276 pathway
• 278 upper level
• 280 lower level
• 284 radius limiters
• 286 cable mounts
• 288 dovetail
• 290 opening
• 292 block
• 294 bar
• 296 fasteners
• 310 element
• 330 slide mechanism
• 332 wheels
• 334 wire
• 336 wire
• 340 first part
• 342 second part
• 344 third part
• 410 element
• 420 radius limiter
• 430 friction members
• 510 element
• 512 block
• 514 cable
• 516 front end of cable mount
• 518 rear end of cable mount
• 520 jacket channel
• 522 jacket
• 524 strength member pocket
• 526 strength member
• 528 fiber channel
• 530 tubes
• 531 upper and lower transverse walls
• 532 dovetail interlock feature
• 533 inset portion
• 534 positive stop
• 535 divider wall
• 536 strength member clamp
• 537 opening in divider wall
• 538 base/first clamp member
• 540 fixation plate/second clamp member
• 542 clamp fasteners
• 544 upper and lower front fiber guides
• 546 upper and lower rear fiber guides
• 548 notches
• 550 radius limiter mount
• 552 radius limiter
• 554 friction members
• 610 element
• 611 upper transverse wall
• 613 lower transverse wall
• 620 chassis
• 621 inner end of radius limiter
• 622 jacket channel
• 623 outer end of radius limiter
• 624 tray
• 625 divider wall of radius limiter
• 627 outer trough
• 628 fiber channel
• 629 inner trough
• 631 cable management structure
• 635 divider wall of cable mount
• 637 opening
• 638 radius limiter
• 676 pathway
• 678 upper level
• 680 lower level
• 683 upper cable guide
• 684 cable guide
• 685 lower cable guide
• 686 cable mount
• 701 base portion of cable mount
• 703 fiber routing portion of cable mount
• 705 cantilever finger
• 707 ramped tab
• 711 cantilever arm
• 713 ramped tab
• 715 catches
• 716 front end
• 717 opening
• 718 rear end
• 719 fastener mount of fiber routing portion
• 720 jacket channel
• 724 strength member pocket
• 727 spool
• 729 flange
• 731 upper transverse wall
• 733 lower transverse wall
• 735 divider wall
• 736 strength member clamp
• 737 opening
• 738 clamping surface
• 739 groove
• 740 fixation plate
• 741 fastener mount
• 742 fastener
• 743 threaded opening
• 745 clamping surface of fixation plate
• 751 bulkhead
• 759 fiber channel
• 763 throughhole
• 777 cable tie-wrap pocket
• 779 cover structure
• 786 cable mount
• 787 ramp
• 789 cantilever finger
• 791 notch
• 793 ramped tab
• 795 portions of upper and lower transverse walls
• 797 notch/opening
• 799 cable jacket

Claims

1. A cable mount (286/686/786) configured for fixing a strength member (526) of a fiber optic cable (514) to a fixture (210/410/510), the cable mount (286/686/786) comprising: a front end (516/716), a rear end (518/718), and a longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) extending between the front end (516/716) and the rear end (518/718), the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) defined by upper and lower transverse walls (531/611/613/731/733) and a vertical divider wall (535/635/735), the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) for receiving a portion of the fiber optic cable (514);a strength member pocket (524/724) for receiving the strength member (526) of the fiber optic cable (514), the strength member pocket (524/724) located on an opposite side of the divider wall (535/635/735) from the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720), the strength member pocket (524/724) communicating with the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) through an opening (537/637/737) provided on the divider wall (535/635/735);a strength member clamp (536/736) configured to fix the strength member (526) of the fiber optic cable (514) against axial pull relative to the cable mount (286/686/786); andcable management structures in the form of spools (631/727) defining at least one notch (548/797) therebetween that communicates with the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) for managing and guiding optical fibers (530) extending from a jacket (522/799) of the fiber optic cable (514) either upwardly or downwardly therethrough, wherein the cable mount (286/686/786) is configured to also allow routing of the optical fibers (530) through the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) all the way from the rear end (518/718) to the front end (516/716).

2. A cable mount (286/686/786) according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting structure for mounting the cable mount (286/686/786) to the fixture (210/410/510).

3. A cable mount (286/686/786) according to claim 2, wherein the mounting structure is configured to define a slidable interlock with the fixture (210/410/510).

4. A cable mount (286/686/786) according to claim 3, wherein the slidable interlock is defined by dovetail structures (288/532/715).

5. A cable mount (286/686/786) according to claim 3, wherein the strength member clamp (536/736) is defined in an inset portion (533/724) of the cable mount (286/686/786) so as to not interfere with the slidable mounting of the cable mount (286/686/786) to the fixture (210/410/510).

6. A cable mount (286/686/786) according to claim 1, wherein the strength member clamp (536/736) is defined by a base (538/701) of the cable mount (286/686/786) and a fixation plate (540/740) that is clamped to the base (538/701) with at least one clamp fastener (542/742).

7. A cable mount (786) according to claim 1, wherein the cable management structures in the form of spools (727) defining the at least one notch (797) therebetween are removably mounted to a base portion (701) of the cable mount (786).

8. A cable mount (786) according to claim 7, wherein the spools (727) are removably mounted to the base portion (701) via a snap-fit interlock.

9. A cable mount (286/686/786) according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) defines a jacket channel (520/622/720) adjacent the rear end (518/718) of the cable mount (286/686/786) and a fiber channel (528/759) adjacent the front end (516/716) of the cable mount (286/686/786), the jacket channel (520/622/720) configured to receive the jacket (522/799) of the fiber optic cable (514) and the fiber channel (528/759) configured to receive the optical fibers (530) extending from the jacket (522/799) of the fiber optic cable (514).

10. A cable mount (686) according to claim 1, further comprising a pivotable cable guide portion (683/685) at the front end of the longitudinal channel (622/628), the pivotable cable guide portion (683/685) configured to pivot away from and toward the fixture (610) for selectively moving a portion of the fiber optic cable (514) toward or away from the fixture (610).

11. A method of fixing a strength member (526) of a fiber optic cable (514) to a fixture (210/410/510), the method comprising: inserting a front end of the fiber optic cable (514) through a longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) of a cable mount (286/686/786) that is on the fixture (210/410/510), wherein longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) is defined by upper and lower transverse walls (531/611/613/731/733) and a vertical divider wall (535/635/735);inserting the strength member (526) of the fiber optic cable (514) through an opening (537/637/737) on the vertical divider wall (535/635/735) into a pocket (524/724) located on an opposite side of the divider wall (535/635/735) from the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720);clamping the strength member (526) of the fiber optic cable (514) against axial pull relative to the cable mount (286/686/786); andguiding optical fibers (530) extending from a jacket (522/799) of the fiber optic cable (514) either upwardly or downwardly through at least one notch (548/797) defined between cable management structures in the form of spools (631/727) or through the longitudinal channel (520/528/622/720) all the way from the rear end (518/718) to the front end (516/716).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fixture (210/410/510) is a fiber optic distribution element defined by a chassis (20/220) and a tray (24/224) slidable with respect to the chassis (20/220).

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the cable mount (286/686/786) is removably mounted to the fixture (210/410/510).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the cable mount (286/686/786) is slidably mounted to the fixture (210/410/510).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cable mount (286/686/786) is slidably mounted to the fixture (210/410/510) via dovetail shaped interlock features (288/532/715).

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the strength member (526) is clamped between a base (538/701) defined by the cable mount (286/686/786) and a fixation plate (540/740) that is fastened to the base (538/701) with at least one clamp fastener (542/742).