OPTICAL FIBER SPLICE CLOSURE AND METHOD OF INSTALLING FIBER OPTIC CABLES

Abstract

The present disclosure describes an optical fiber splice closure for joining two fiber optic cables. The optical fiber splice closure comprises a strain relief assembly that securely holds the two fiber optic cables being connected, and an enclosure that houses the strain relief assembly. The configuration of the strain relief assembly allows for securing the two fiber optic cables in a compact space, thus permitting a compact enclosure of the optical fiber splice closure, while also providing quick and easy installation in the field. A method of installing fiber optic cables using the optical fiber splice closure is also disclosed. The optical fiber splice closure and ease of installation also facilitates repairing damaged fiber optic cable. A method of repairing existing fiber optic cable is disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to joining fiber optic cables, and in particular to an optical fiber splice closure for joining fiber optic cables and a method of installing fiber optic cables.

BACKGROUND

When deploying fiber to the home (FTTH) for telecommunications customers, fiber optic drop cable is provided on order from a terminal box of the telecommunications service provider to the customer's home. Current practice for installing the fiber optic drop cables requires a service technician traveling to the customer's home with various pre-defined lengths of pre-terminated drop cables (e.g. lengths ranging between 20 m to 300 m), determining the length of drop cable required, and cutting the drop cable to size or looping extra length in the terminal box. The drop cable is mechanically connected to the terminal box at one end, and to the customer's equipment (e.g. transition box or jack) at the other. The drop cable between the terminal and the customer's home may be buried underground or traversed aerially.

Installing fiber optic drop cables as described above generally requires lots of space for the pre-defined lengths of drop cables (both at warehouses and in the service technician trucks), and also results in waste when cutting the drop cables to the required lengths. Terminating the fiber optic drop cable through fusion splicing is not performed because there is no way to terminate a bulk drop on the terminal side with a proper enclosure, and there is no way to build a reliable connector on-site. Furthermore, existing enclosures for housing fiber optic cable splice are too large, making them more cumbersome to bury underground, and if left above ground such as connected to a pole, may be undesirable to the public viewing.

Accordingly, optical fiber splice closures and methods of installing fiber optic cables remain desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a representation of an optical fiber splice closure in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-E show a representation of a strain relief assembly of the optical fiber splice closure;

FIGS. 3A-C show a representation of fiber optic cables secured by the strain relief assembly;

FIG. 4 shows a representation of the fiber optic cables installed in the optical fiber splice closure of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively show a plan view and an elevation view of a completed assembly of the optical fiber splice closure with the fiber optic cables installed;

FIG. 6 shows a method of installing fiber optic cables in the optical fiber splice closure;

FIG. 7 shows a method of repairing fiber optic cable; and

FIGS. 8A-F show an example of a constructed optical fiber splice closure.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a strain relief assembly for securing first and second fiber optic cables is disclosed, each fiber optic cable having optical fiber, a strength member, and an outer sheath enclosing the optical fiber and the strength member, the strain relief assembly comprising: a bracket; a first outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the first fiber optic cable; a second outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the second fiber optic cable; and at least one inner securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables along lengths thereof where the outer sheaths have been removed; wherein the at least one inner securing member is arranged closer to a center along a longitudinal length of the bracket than the first and second outer securing members.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that one or more of the securing members comprises a pair of securing members.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that one or more of the securing members are configured to be folded or crimped to secure the respective outer sheath or strength members.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the bracket further comprises first and second support members for supporting the first and second fiber optic cables.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the bracket comprises a depression between the respective first and second support members and a length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged, and wherein the depression has a bottom surface that is disposed lower than the length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged when viewed from the side.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the bracket further comprises a ridge for securing the strength members in conjunction with the at least one inner securing member.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the ridge is formed from a ridge-forming member coupled with the bracket.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the ridge is disposed at the center of the bracket.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members disposed at respective sides of the ridge.

The strain relief assembly may be configured such that the bracket is made of metal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, an optical fiber splice closure for joining first and second fiber optic cables is disclosed, each fiber optic cable having optical fiber, a strength member, and an outer sheath enclosing the optical fiber and the strength member, the optical fiber splice closure comprising: an enclosure having a base portion and a top portion connectable with each other, the base portion and the top portion when connected configured to define first and second openings for first and second fiber optic cables, respectively; and a strain relief assembly disposed inside of the enclosure, comprising: a bracket; a first outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the first fiber optic cable; a second outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the second fiber optic cable; and at least one inner securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables along lengths thereof where the outer sheaths have been removed; wherein the at least one inner securing member is arranged closer to a center along a longitudinal length of the bracket than the first and second outer securing members.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that one or more of the securing members comprises a pair of securing members.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that one or more of the securing members are configured to be folded or crimped to secure the respective outer sheath or strength member.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the bracket further comprises first and second support members for supporting the first and second fiber optic cables.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the bracket comprises a depression between respective first and second support members and a length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged, and wherein the depression has a bottom surface that is disposed lower than the length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged when viewed from the side.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the bracket further comprises a ridge for securing the strength members in conjunction with the at least one inner securing member.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the ridge is formed from a ridge-forming member coupled with the bracket.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the ridge is disposed at the center of the bracket.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members disposed at respective sides of the ridge.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the enclosure comprises a flooding compound disposed in an interior thereof.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the strain relief assembly is made of metal.

The optical fiber splice closure may be configured such that the top and bottom portions of the enclosure are made of LDPE or MDPE UV protected plastic.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of installing first and second fiber optic cables is disclosed, each fiber optic cable having optical fiber, a strength member, and an outer sheath enclosing the optical fiber and the strength member, the method comprising: removing the outer sheaths at ends of the first and second fiber optic cables to be connected to expose the respective strength members and the optical fibers; securing the outer sheaths of the first and second fiber optic cables with respective first and second outer securing members of a strain relief assembly, and securing the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables with at least one inner securing member of the strain relief assembly, wherein the first and second outer securing members and the at least one inner securing member are coupled with a bracket, and wherein the at least one inner securing member is arranged closer to a center along a longitudinal length of the bracket than the first and second outer securing members; splicing the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic cables; placing the strain relief assembly into the enclosure; and closing the enclosure by connecting the top and bottom portions thereof.

In the method, splicing the optical fibers may comprise fusing the optical fibers.

The method may further comprise placing heatshrink over the fused optical fibers.

In the method, splicing the optical fibers may comprise mechanically splicing the optical fibers.

The method may further comprise filling the enclosure with flooding compound.

In the method, the first fiber optic cable may be fiber optic drop cable extending between a terminal box and a customer premise, and the second fiber optic cable is coupled with a pig-tail connector to the terminal box.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of repairing existing fiber optic cable is disclosed, comprising: cutting the existing fiber optic cable to remove a length of damaged portion, the existing fiber optic cable with the length of damaged portion removed having first and second exposed end portions; cutting a length of new fiber optic cable corresponding to the length of damaged portion of the existing fiber optic cable, the length of new fiber optic cable having first and second exposed end portions; joining the first exposed end portions of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable in a first optical fiber splice closure in accordance with the above-described installation method; and joining the second exposed end portions of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable in a second optical fiber splice closure in accordance with the above-described installation method.

The present disclosure describes an optical fiber splice closure for joining two fiber optic cables. The optical fiber splice closure is contemplated for use in bulk fiber drop when providing fiber to the home (FTTH), where the fiber optic drop cable is provided on a reel that service technicians can drive to the installation site and cut to length. One end of the fiber optic drop cable can be joined with a small length of fiber optic cable having any kind of pig-tail connector for connection to the terminal box, while the other end of the fiber optic drop cable can be joined to the customer premise. Accordingly, carrying multiple lengths of pre-terminated drops is no longer required. The optical fiber splice closure can be used with any kind of pig-tail connectors, allowing for more flexibility in installation. The optical fiber splice closure as disclosed herein securely encloses the spliced optical fibers and holds the fiber optic cables while also providing a damage- and weather-resistant enclosure. The optical fiber splice closure may be particularly advantageous in that it allows for splicing of the optical fibers housed within a relatively small enclosure which facilitates stacking, is hardly noticeable by the public, and can be easily buried underground.

The optical fiber splice closure comprises a strain relief assembly with a plurality of securing members that securely holds the two fiber optic cables being joined, and an enclosure that houses the strain relief assembly. The configuration of the strain relief assembly allows for securing the two fiber optic cables in a compact space, thus permitting a compact enclosure of the optical fiber splice closure, while also providing quick and easy installation in the field.

A method of installing fiber optic cables using the optical fiber splice closure is also disclosed. The optical fiber splice closure and ease of installation also facilitates repairing damaged fiber optic cable. A method of repairing existing fiber optic cable is disclosed.

While reference in the description is particularly made with regards to fiber optic drop cables for use in providing FTTH, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the optical fiber splice closure and methods disclosed herein are not limited to use in drop cable and may also be used more generally for joining any two fiber optic cables in various fiber installation applications.

Embodiments are described below, by way of example only, with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 1 shows a representation of an optical fiber splice closure in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. The optical fiber splice closure 100 is configured for joining two fiber optic cables. The optical fiber splice closure 100 comprises an enclosure having a base portion 102a and a top portion 102b that are able to be connected together to house spliced fiber optic cable. The base portion 102a and/or the top portion 102b may have cut-outs at ends thereof that are sized appropriately for the fiber optic cables so that when the base portion 102a and the top portion 102b are connected together the cut-outs define openings in the enclosure for the fiber optic cables to extend outward from the enclosure. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may form two halves of the enclosure or alternatively one of the base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may be larger than the other. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may be coupled via hinges (not shown) or may be separate elements. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may be securely connected by way of a mechanical connection, a locking mechanism, etc. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may be made of low density polyethylene (LDPE) or medium density polyethylene (MDPE) UV protected plastic.

The optical fiber splice closure 100 further comprises a strain relief assembly 120 disposed inside of the enclosure (in FIG. 1, the strain relief assembly 120 is disposed in the base portion 102a) for securing the two fiber optic cables. The configuration of the strain relief assembly 120 is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may each also comprise one or more pins (pins 104a-d for the base portion 102a and pins 104e-h for the top portion 102b), which help to prevent the strain relief assembly 120 from moving within the enclosure. The enclosure may also comprise a flooding compound 106 provided in an interior thereof to protect the cable splices, particularly when used in outdoor (e.g. “wet”) applications. In indoor (e.g. “dry”) applications, for example to extend a length of optical fiber running inside a customer's house, flooding compound 106 may not be required. For the sake of example only, the flooding compound 106 may be POLY-BEE™ sealant. The base portion 102a and/or the top portion 102b may be partially filled with the flooding compound, and after insertion of the strain relief assembly 120 and splicing of the optical fibers the enclosure may be completely filled with the flooding compound such that there are no voids remaining in the enclosure. Alternatively, there may be no flooding compound in the enclosure prior to splicing, and the enclosure is completely filled with the flooding compound after insertion of the strain relief assembly 120 and splicing of the optical fibers. As described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the compact design of the strain relief assembly also helps to facilitate filling the enclosure with the sealant without voids.

FIGS. 2A-E (collectively referred to as FIG. 2) show a representation of the strain relief assembly of the optical fiber splice closure. The strain relief assembly 120 as shown in FIG. 2A is shown in a pre-formed state, whereas FIG. 2B shows a rendered image of the strain relief assembly 120 after forming. FIGS. 2C-E provide non-limiting dimensions of the strain relief assembly for the sake of example only; actual dimensions may vary without departing from the scope of this disclosure, which may for example depend on the size and/or configuration of the optical fibers to be installed. In general, however, the strain relief assembly 120 is compact to allow for a compact enclosure.

The strain relief assembly 120 comprises a bracket 122 and a plurality of securing members disposed along an longitudinal length of the bracket 122. The bracket 122 may have a rough finish to prevent slippage of the fiber optic cables being joined. The strain relief assembly 120 shown in FIG. 2 comprises four pairs of securing members, namely securing members 124a-b, 124c-d, 124e-f, and 124g-h. The strain relief assembly 120 comprising the bracket 122 and the securing members 124a-h may be formed from a single piece of material such as metal. The securing members may be pliable tabs that can folded or crimped to form the structures shown in FIG. 1.

For instance, the bracket 122 and the securing members 124a-h may be made of aluminum or another type of soft metal that is able to be crimped without cracking. Use of pliable tabs as securing members that can be crimped or folded may be particularly advantageous in that it is easy to secure the fiber optic cable and also that the tabs can secure various types of fiber optic cables (i.e. different shapes/configurations, thickness, etc.) because they are crimped around the fiber optic cable. The crimping of pliable tabs to secure the fiber optic cables also facilitates easy installation in the field. Other types of securing members may also be used, for example, screw-type clamps, hose clamps, etc., though these may necessitate larger optical fiber splice closures. As depicted in FIG. 2, the securing members 124a-h may have different configurations/sizes. The securing members 124a-h may be sized appropriately for the fiber optic cables being secured.

The strain relief assembly 120 may further comprise one or more support members for supporting the fiber optic cables. In FIG. 2, first and second support members 126a and 126b are provided at respective ends of the bracket 122. The support members 126a and 126b comprise a recess 128a and 128b sized for receiving the fiber optic cable. The first and second support members 126a and 126b may also be formed form a single piece of material with the bracket 122 and the securing members 124a-h, and from the pre-formed state, the first and second support members 126a and 126b may be folded or crimped inwards toward a center along a longitudinal axis of the bracket 122. As best seen in FIGS. 2B and 2D, the first and second support members 126a and 126b are folded or crimped inwards so as to form a depression in the bracket 122 having a bottom surface that is disposed lower than a length of the bracket along which the securing members 124a-h are arranged when viewed from the side (i.e. elevation view). For example, in FIG. 2D the depression is shown as having a radius of curvature of 4.2 mm (though again, is not limited to such dimension). Forming this depression in the bracket helps to create a space between the strain relief assembly 120 and the enclosure, which ensures that the flooding compound can be filled entirely around the strain relief assembly 120 without voids.

The strain relief assembly 120 may further comprise a ridge-forming member 130 close to the center of the bracket 122. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C and described further with reference to FIG. 3, the ridge-forming member 130 may be folded or crimped to form a ridge along the bracket 122. The ridge-forming member 130 may be similar to the securing members 124a-h. Alternatively, a ridge may be imparted in the bracket 122 using other means, such as mechanical deformation of the bracket 122 itself.

FIGS. 3A-C (collectively referred to as FIG. 3) show a representation of fiber optic cables secured by the strain relief assembly. FIG. 3A shows an elevation view, FIG. 3B shows a rendered perspective view, and FIG. 3C shows a rendered plan view.

The strain relief assembly 120 is configured to secure two single fiber optic cables 150a and 150b. Each of the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b comprise optical fibers 152a and 152b, a strength member 154a and 154b, and an outer sheath 156a and 156b that encloses the optical fibers and the strength member. The fiber optic cables 150a and 150b may have various configurations such as flat drop cable, round drop cable, etc.

As seen in FIG. 3, the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b are respectively supported by the first and second support members 126a and 126b. The two outermost securing members along the longitudinal length of the bracket 122, i.e. securing members 124a and 124g in FIG. 3A, are configured for securing the outer sheaths 156a and 156b of the respective fiber optic cables 150a and 150b. Securing the outer sheaths 156a and 156b with the securing members 124a and 124g also helps for positioning the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b on the strain relief assembly 120. With the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b placed on the strain relief assembly 120, the securing members 124a and 124g may be folded or crimped to secure the outer sheaths 156a and 156b.

The inner securing members 124c and 124e, which are arranged closer to a center of the bracket along the longitudinal length of the bracket 122, are configured for securing the strength members 154a and 154b of the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b. Securing the strength members 154a and 154b with the securing members 124c and 124e restricts movement of the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b. Each of the securing members 124c and 124e may secure both of the strength members 154a and 154b of the fiber optic cables (see FIG. 3B) in order to further prevent the fiber optic cables from sliding out from the enclosure. In an alternative embodiment, there may only be one securing member disposed near a center of the bracket 122 and securing both strength members 154a and 154b. With the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b placed on the strain relief assembly, the securing members 124c and 124e may be folded or crimped to secure the strength members 154a and 154b. The strength members 154a and 154b are further secured by the securing members 124c and 124e when pressed against the ridge formed from the ridge-forming member 130 (as best shown in FIG. 3B). The ridge is formed between the securing members 124c and 124e, and the securing members 124c and 124e may be folded or crimped to secure the strength members 154a and 154b in contact with the ridge.

The securing members of the strain relief assembly 120 thus position and securely hold the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b being connected. While FIG. 3A depicts four securing members 124a, 124c, 124e, and 124g for securing the respective outer sheaths 156a-b and strength members 154a-b, the strain relief assembly 120 may comprise pairs of securing members as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B-C. Additionally, instead of two pairs of inner securing members for holding the strength members 154a-b, there may only be a single securing member or a single pair of securing members to hold the strength members 154a-b.

FIG. 4 shows a representation of the fiber optic cables installed in the optical fiber splice closure 100 of FIG. 1. The strain relief assembly 120 is securing the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b, as described with reference to FIG. 3. Reference numerals for the elements of the optical fiber splice closure 100 and the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b are omitted from FIG. 4 for the sake of clarity, except where referred to.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the optical fibers 152a and 152b of the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b are spliced near a center of the strain relief assembly 120. In general, fusion splicing may be performed to ensure high quality splicing and minimize maintenance work, particularly as the optical fiber splice closure 100 may be buried underground when providing FTTH, however the optical fibers may also be mechanical spliced within the optical fiber splice closure 100. FIG. 4 depicts a case where the optical fibers 152a and 152b are fused. To perform the fusion splicing, excess optical fiber is exposed, which may be coiled and secured within the enclosure. Excess length of the strength members may also be exposed and secured within the enclosure. Any excess length of fiber optic cable and strength members may be secured by setting in the flooding compound where the enclosure is filled with the flooding compound.

FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively show a plan view and an elevation view of a completed assembly of the optical fiber splice closure 100 with the fiber optic cables 150a and 150b installed. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b are connected together to enclose the strain relief assembly and the spliced optical fiber. The base portion 102a and the top portion 102b may be secured to one another through various means, such as mechanical connection via mating grooves, bolts, etc., or locking mechanisms such as a latch. The fiber optic drop cables 150a and 150b extend from the optical fiber splice closure 100 through openings defined by the cut-out portions of the base portion 102a and/or the top portion 102b.

As depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B the surfaces of the optical fiber splice closure enclosure may be substantially flat to facilitate stacking several optical fiber splice closures together. The optical fiber splice closure 100 as assembled is relatively small and compact, and may for example have dimensions on the order of approximately 1″ width, 4″ length, and 0.5″ height, though actual dimensions may vary.

FIG. 6 shows a method 600 of installing fiber optic cables in the optical fiber splice closure 100. As described previously, the optical fiber splice closure facilitates use of bulk fiber drop for FTTH installations and allows installers to move away from pre-connecterized drop. Installers can use any kind of pig-tail connectors to join one end of the fiber optic drop cable to a terminal box, while the other end of the fiber optic drop cable extends to a customer premise (e.g. customer's home, apartment building, etc.) and is joined with the customer's cable. The optical fiber splice closure as disclosed herein thus allows a single length of fiber optic drop cable to run from the terminal to the customer premise, and encloses the spliced fiber optic cable at each of the joining locations. Due to its compact size, the optical fiber splice closure may be easily buried underground or if left above-ground, is hardly noticeable.

In the installation method, the outer sheaths at ends of the fiber optic cables to be connected are removed to expose the respective strength members and optical fibers (602). An amount of the outer sheath being removed is in relation to the strain relief assembly and the length of optical fiber required for splicing. That is, enough of the outer sheath should be removed so that splicing can be performed, and such that the fiber optic drop cables are able to be arranged with the outer securing members of the strain relief assembly 120 able to secure the outer sheaths 156a and 156bof the fiber optic drop cables 150a and 150b and with the inner securing member(s) of the strain relief assembly 120 able to secure the strength members 154a and 154b of the fiber optic drop cables 150a and 150b (see FIG. 3). The outer sheaths and the strength members of the fiber optic drop cables are secured with respective securing members of the strain relief assembly (604), for example by folding or crimping the securing members over the outer sheath/strength members.

The optical fibers of the fiber optic drop cables are spliced (606). The optical fibers may be fused or mechanically connected. Where the optical fibers are fused, heatshrink may be placed over the splice. The strain relief assembly is placed into the enclosure (608). The enclosure may be filled with flooding compound to prevent water ingress and protect the splice, particularly where the optical fiber splice closure is to be used in outdoor applications or in applications where there is concern of water ingress. Excess length of optical fiber may be coiled and secured in the enclosure, for example by setting in the flooding compound. The enclosure is securely closed (610).

FIG. 7 shows a method 700 of repairing fiber optic cable. Fiber optic drop cable may become damaged for various reasons. For example, if the fiber optic drop cable is buried underground to a customer's house, a resident or worker digging into the ground may accidentally damage the cable. Because the optical fiber splice closure as disclosed herein is compact and permits fusing of optical fibers, a strong connection can be provided by the optical fiber splice closure at several locations between the terminal and the house. Accordingly, a damaged cable can be easily repaired without diminishing the integrity of the overall connection; and further, the newly installed optical fiber splice closures can be easily buried underground, or if installed above-ground, their compact size is not as noticeable.

In the repair method 700, the existing fiber optic drop cable is cut to remove a length of damaged portion (702). Cutting the existing fiber optic drop cable exposes first and second end portions. A length of new fiber optic drop cable is cut based on the length of the damaged portion of the existing fiber optic drop cable that was removed (704). When bulk fiber optic drop cable is used, the length of the new cable can be readily cut without producing excess waste. The length of new fiber optic drop cable will be cut slightly larger than the length of the damaged portion of the existing fiber optic drop cable in order to provide excess length for performing the splicing. The length of new fiber optic drop cable has first and second exposed end portions.

The first exposed end portions of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable are connected using a first optical fiber splice closure (706). The second exposed end portions of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable are connected using a second optical fiber splice closure (708). The method for installing the ends of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable in the optical fiber splice closure may comprise the method 600.

FIGS. 8A-F show an example of a constructed optical fiber splice closure. FIG. 8A shows a plan view of the strain relief assembly 120 disposed in the bottom portion 102a of the enclosure. FIG. 8B shows a side elevation view with the strain relief assembly 120 disposed in the bottom portion 102a of the enclosure. FIG. 8C shows a perspective view of the strain relief assembly 120 disposed in the bottom portion 102a of the enclosure. FIG. 8D shows a plan view the bottom portion 102a of the enclosure without the strain relief assembly disposed therein. FIG. 8E shows a plan view of the optical fiber splice closure 100 with the top portion 102b coupled with the bottom portion 102a of the enclosure. FIG. 8F shows a perspective view of an assembled optical fiber splice closure 100.

It would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the system and components shown in the figures may include components not shown in the drawings. For simplicity and clarity of the illustration, elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale, are only schematic and are non-limiting of the elements structures. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims

1. A strain relief assembly for securing first and second fiber optic cables, each fiber optic cable having optical fiber, a strength member, and an outer sheath enclosing the optical fiber and the strength member, the strain relief assembly comprising: a bracket;a first outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the first fiber optic cable;a second outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the second fiber optic cable; andat least one inner securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables along lengths thereof where the outer sheaths have been removed;wherein the at least one inner securing member is arranged closer to a center along a longitudinal length of the bracket than the first and second outer securing members.

2. The strain relief assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members.

3. The strain relief assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the securing members comprises a pair of securing members.

4. The strain relief assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the securing members are configured to be folded or crimped to secure the respective outer sheath or strength members.

5. The strain relief assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket further comprises first and second support members for supporting the first and second fiber optic cables.

6. The strain relief assembly of claim 4, wherein the bracket comprises a depression between the respective first and second support members and a length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged, and wherein the depression has a bottom surface that is disposed lower than the length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged when viewed from the side.

7. The strain relief assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket further comprises a ridge for securing the strength members in conjunction with the at least one inner securing member.

8. The strain relief assembly of claim 7, wherein the ridge is formed from a ridge-forming member coupled with the bracket.

9. The strain relief assembly of claim 7, wherein the ridge is disposed at the center of the bracket.

10. The strain relief assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members disposed at respective sides of the ridge.

11. The strain relief assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket is made of metal.

12. An optical fiber splice closure for joining first and second fiber optic cables, each fiber optic cable having optical fiber, a strength member, and an outer sheath enclosing the optical fiber and the strength member, the optical fiber splice closure comprising: an enclosure having a base portion and a top portion connectable with each other, the base portion and the top portion when connected configured to define first and second openings for first and second fiber optic cables, respectively; anda strain relief assembly disposed inside of the enclosure, comprising: a bracket;a first outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the first fiber optic cable;a second outer securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the outer sheath of the second fiber optic cable; andat least one inner securing member coupled with the bracket for securing the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables along lengths thereof where the outer sheaths have been removed;wherein the at least one inner securing member is arranged closer to a center along a longitudinal length of the bracket than the first and second outer securing members.

13. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members.

14. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein one or more of the securing members comprises a pair of securing members.

15. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein one or more of the securing members are configured to be folded or crimped to secure the respective outer sheath or strength member.

16. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein the bracket further comprises first and second support members for supporting the first and second fiber optic cables.

17. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 16, wherein the bracket comprises a depression between respective first and second support members and a length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged, and wherein the depression has a bottom surface that is disposed lower than the length of the bracket along which the securing members are arranged when viewed from the side.

18. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein the bracket further comprises a ridge for securing the strength members in conjunction with the at least one inner securing member.

19. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 18, wherein the ridge is formed from a ridge-forming member coupled with the bracket.

20. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 18, wherein the ridge is disposed at the center of the bracket.

21. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 18, wherein the at least one inner securing member comprises first and second inner securing members disposed at respective sides of the ridge.

22. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein the enclosure comprises a flooding compound disposed in an interior thereof.

23. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein the strain relief assembly is made of metal.

24. The optical fiber splice closure of claim 12, wherein the top and bottom portions of the enclosure are made of LDPE or MDPE UV protected plastic.

25. A method of installing first and second fiber optic cables in an optical fiber splice closure, each fiber optic cable having optical fiber, a strength member, and an outer sheath enclosing the optical fiber and the strength member, the method comprising: removing the outer sheaths at ends of the first and second fiber optic cables to be connected to expose the respective strength members and the optical fibers;securing the outer sheaths of the first and second fiber optic cables with respective first and second outer securing members of a strain relief assembly, and securing the strength members of the first and second fiber optic cables with at least one inner securing member of the strain relief assembly, wherein the first and second outer securing members and the at least one inner securing member are coupled with a bracket, and wherein the at least one inner securing member is arranged closer to a center along a longitudinal length of the bracket than the first and second outer securing members;splicing the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic cables;placing the strain relief assembly into the enclosure; andclosing the enclosure by connecting the top and bottom portions thereof.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein splicing the optical fibers comprises fusing the optical fibers.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising placing heatshrink over the fused optical fibers.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein splicing the optical fibers comprises mechanically splicing the optical fibers.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising filling the enclosure with flooding compound.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the first fiber optic cable is fiber optic drop cable extending between a terminal box and a customer premise, and the second fiber optic cable is coupled with a pig-tail connector to the terminal box.

31. A method of repairing existing fiber optic cable, comprising: cutting the existing fiber optic cable to remove a length of damaged portion, the existing fiber optic cable with the length of damaged portion removed having first and second exposed end portions;cutting a length of new fiber optic cable corresponding to the length of damaged portion of the existing fiber optic cable, the length of new fiber optic cable having first and second exposed end portions;joining the first exposed end portions of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable in a first optical fiber splice closure in accordance with the method of claim 25; andjoining the second exposed end portions of the existing fiber optic drop cable and the new fiber optic drop cable in a second optical fiber splice closure in accordance with the method of claim 25.