U.S. patent number RE38,311 [Application Number 09/035,377] was granted by the patent office on 2003-11-11 for high-density cable distribution frame.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ADC Telecommunications, Inc.. Invention is credited to Todd A. Wheeler.
United States Patent |
RE38,311 |
Wheeler |
November 11, 2003 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
High-density cable distribution frame
Abstract
A fiber distribution frame includes a fixture having a plurality
of modules mounted side-by-side within said fixture with each of
the modules being individually mounted in a line of travel. Each of
the modules can be locked in any one of a plurality of discrete
positions within the line of travel. Each of the modules contains a
plurality of adapters for receiving and retaining fiber optic
connectors. Further, the fixture may be tilted downwardly to
provide access to the rear of the fixture.
Inventors: |
Wheeler; Todd A. (Savage,
MN) |
Assignee: |
ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
(Eden Prairie, MN)
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Family
ID: |
22662356 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/035,377 |
Filed: |
March 5, 1998 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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180970 |
Jan 21, 1994 |
|
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Reissue of: |
446428 |
May 22, 1995 |
05497444 |
Mar 5, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
385/135; 385/134;
385/25; 385/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/4452 (20130101); G02B 6/4455 (20130101); H04Q
1/06 (20130101); H04Q 1/142 (20130101); H04Q
1/068 (20130101); H04Q 1/021 (20130101); H04Q
1/023 (20130101); H04Q 1/062 (20130101); H04Q
1/066 (20130101); G02B 6/3825 (20130101); G02B
6/3897 (20130101); H04Q 2201/02 (20130101); H04Q
2201/804 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
6/00 (20060101); G02B 6/44 (20060101); H04Q
1/06 (20060101); H04Q 1/02 (20060101); H04Q
1/14 (20060101); G02B 6/38 (20060101); G02B
006/44 () |
Field of
Search: |
;385/135-137,139,53,59,25,89 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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40995/85 |
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Apr 1985 |
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AU |
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8655314 |
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Mar 1986 |
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AU |
|
3308682 |
|
Sep 1984 |
|
DE |
|
146478 |
|
Dec 1984 |
|
EP |
|
149250 |
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Dec 1984 |
|
EP |
|
196102 |
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Oct 1986 |
|
EP |
|
0406151 |
|
Jan 1991 |
|
EP |
|
479226 |
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Apr 1992 |
|
EP |
|
196102 |
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Mar 1993 |
|
EP |
|
0538164 |
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Apr 1993 |
|
EP |
|
2531576 |
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Feb 1984 |
|
FR |
|
2587127 |
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Mar 1987 |
|
FR |
|
27 35 106 |
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Aug 1977 |
|
JP |
|
59-74523 |
|
Apr 1984 |
|
JP |
|
60-169811 |
|
Sep 1985 |
|
JP |
|
61-55607 |
|
Mar 1986 |
|
JP |
|
61-90104 |
|
May 1986 |
|
JP |
|
WO91/10927 |
|
Jul 1991 |
|
WO |
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Other References
Northern Telecom bullein #91-004, Issue #2, May, 1991.* .
AT&T product bulletin 2987D-DLH-7/89 Issue 2.* .
"ITU Fiber Handbook", 7 pages. Mar. 1992. .
"Precision Mechanical", 3 pages..
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Primary Examiner: Sanghavi; Hemang
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/180,970, filed
Jan. 21, 1994 now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with each
of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement along
a line of travel, each one of said modules including a plurality of
adaptor means for holding a fiber optic connector, each one of said
adaptor means movable with said one of said modules along said line
of travel; releasable lock means for releasably locking each of
said modules in any one of a plurality of fixed positions along
said line of travel; means for connecting a first signal
transmission cable at a rear side of said module with a second
signal transmission cable connected at a front side of said
module.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said modules each have a
longitudinal axis; said modules mounted on said fixture in
side-by-side relation with said longitudinal axes generally
parallel to said line of travel, said plurality of adaptor means
linearly disposed along said longitudinal axis.
3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said fixture includes a
plurality of spaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of said walls,
defining a plurality of channels, each of said modules being
disposed within a respective channel, cooperating guide means for
each of said modules and said walls for attaching said modules to
said walls and accommodating movement of each of said modules along
said line of travel.
4. A system according to claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of
fixed positions includes a first, second and third position, each
linearly separated along said line of travel.
5. A system according to claim 1 comprising a frame having mounting
means for mounting said fixture in said frame: said mounting means
including a pivot attachment for said fixture to pivot relative to
said frame about said pivot axis.
6. A system according to claim 5 wherein said pivot axis is
generally perpendicular to said line of travel.
7. A system according to claim 5 wherein said mounting means
further includes a frame lock for releasably locking said fixture
in any one of a plurality of a pivoted positions about said pivot
axis.
8. A system according to claim 1 comprising a plurality of mating
elements secured to each of said modules, said mating elements each
including means for connection of said front side, respectively,
with said first and second cables optically coupled.
9. A system according to claim 8 wherein said mating elements are
mounted in a linear array defining a longitudinal axis for each of
said modules, said modules mounted on said fixture in side-by-side
relation with said longitudinal axes generally parallel to said
line of travel.
10. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with each
of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement along
a line of travel; releasably lock means for releasably locking each
of said modules in any one of a plurality of fixed positions along
said line of travel, each of said plurality of fixed positions
including a first, second and third position, each linearly
separated along said line of travel; means for connecting a first
signal transmission cable at a rear side of said module with a
second signal transmission cable connected at a front side of said
module; a forward wall disposed, spaced from and opposing said
front sides of said modules said modules shielded by said forward
wall when said one of said modules is in said first position and
with a first upper portion of said one of said modules exposed
above an upper edge of said forward wall when said one is in said
second position and with a second portion of said one exposed below
a lower edge of said forward wall when said one is in said third
position.
11. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with each
of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement along
a line of travel; releasable lock means for releasably locking each
of said modules in any one of a plurality of fixed positions along
said line of travel; means for connecting a first signal
transmission cable at a rear side of said module with a second
signal transmission cable connected at a front side of said module;
said fixture including a plurality of spaced-apart walls, opposing
pairs of said walls, defining a plurality of channels, each of said
modules being disposed within a respective channel, cooperating
guide means for each of said modules and said walls for attaching
said modules to said walls and accommodating movement of each of
said modules along said line of travel; said lock means including a
locking member on each of said modules, said locking member
moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position; said
walls and said locking member including cooperating elements for
restraining said modules for movement along said line of travel at
each of said plurality of fixed positions when said locking member
is in said locked position and accommodating movement of said
module along said line of travel when said locked member is in said
unlocked position.
12. A system according to claim 11 wherein said cooperating
elements includes a detent formed in said walls and corresponding
with said plurality of fixed positions, said locked member
including an edge sized to be received within said detent when said
lock member is in said locked position and said edge removed form
said detent when said lock member is in said unlocked position.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein said lock member is
biased toward said locked position.
14. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with each
of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement along
a line of travel; releasable lock means for releasbly locking each
of said modules in any one of a plurality of fixed positions along
said line of travel; means for connecting a first signal
transmission cable at a rear side of said module with a second
signal transmission cable connected at a front side of said module;
said fixture including a plurality of spaced-apart walls, opposing
pairs of said walls, defining a plurality of channels, each of said
modules being disposed within a respective channel, cooperating
guide means for each of said modules and said walls for attaching
said modules to said walls and accommodating movement of each of
said modules along said line of travel; said cooperating guide
means including a rail on each of said modules and a mating groove
on at least one of said walls opposing each of said channels with
said rails slidable received within said groove and with said rails
sliding within said groove along said line of travel.
15. In a signal transmission cable management system having a
fixture including a plurality of spaced apart walls defining a
plurality of parallel spaced apart cavities, said walls including
first and second parallel and opposing recesses; an optic module
for mounting in said cavities, said module comprising: a body sized
to be slidably received within said cavity for movement along a
line of travel, said body having first and second parallel rails,
said rails sized to be slidably received within said recesses; said
body including a plurality of adaptor means for connecting a
plurality of fiber optic cables to said body, said plurality of
adaptor means linearly aligned along said line of travel; said body
including latch means for securing said body to said fixture in any
one of a plurality of fixed positions along said line of travel.
.Iadd.
16. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; and a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with
each of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement
along a line of travel, each one of said modules including a
plurality of adaptor means for holding a fiber optic connector,
each adaptor means having opposite ends for coupling to a fiber
optic cable connector, each one of said adaptor means movable with
said one of said modules along said line of travel, said plurality
of adaptor means linearly disposed along said line of travel for
each of said modules..Iaddend..Iadd.
17. A system according to claim 16 wherein each of said plurality
of adaptor means couples first and second SC fiber optic cable
connectors..Iaddend..Iadd.
18. A system according to claim 16 wherein said modules each have a
longitudinal axis, said modules mounted on said fixture in
side-by-side relation with said longitudinal axes generally
parallel to said line of travel, said plurality of adaptor means
linearly disposed along said longitudinal axis..Iaddend..Iadd.
19. A system according to claim 16 wherein said fixture defines a
plurality of channels, each of said modules being disposed within a
respective channel, and further comprising cooperating guides on
each of said modules and within said channels accommodating
movement of each of said modules along said line of
travel..Iaddend..Iadd.
20. A system according to claim 19 further including a plurality of
spaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of said walls defining said
plurality of channels, each of said modules being disposed within a
respective channel, and wherein said cooperating guides are on each
of said walls for attaching said modules to said
walls..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with each
of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement along
a line of travel, each one of said modules including a plurality of
adaptor means for holding a fiber optic connector, each adaptor
means mountable to a fiber optic cable connector, each one of said
adaptor means movable with said one of said modules along said line
of travel; and a releasable lock for locking each module to said
fixture in a first position, each of said locks being releasable to
allow movement of each of said modules to a second position along
said line of travel..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. A system according to claim 21 wherein each of said plurality
of adaptor means is mountable to an SC fiber optic cable
connector..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; and a plurality of modules movably mounted on said fixture
with each of said modules individually movable relative to said
fixture, each one of said modules including a plurality of adaptor
means for holding a fiber optic connector, each adaptor means
mountable to a fiber optic cable connector, each one of said
adaptor means movable with said one of said modules, wherein said
modules each have a longitudinal axis, said modules mounted on said
fixture in side-by-side relation with said longitudinal axes
generally parallel to one another, said plurality of adaptor means
linearly disposed along said longitudinal axis, each of said
modules movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of
each module..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. A system according to claim 23 wherein each of said plurality
of adaptor means is mountable to an SC fiber optic cable
connector..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; and a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with
each of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement
along a line of travel, each one of said modules including a
plurality of adaptor means for holding a fiber optic connector,
each adaptor means mountable to a fiber optic cable connector, each
one of said adaptor means movable with said one of said modules
along said line of travel, wherein said fixture includes a
plurality of a spaced-apart walls, opposing pairs of said walls
defining a plurality of channels, each of said modules being
disposed within a respective channel, and further comprising
cooperating guides on each of said modules and said walls for
attaching said modules to said walls and accommodating movement of
each of said modules along said line of travel..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. A system according to claim 25 wherein each of said plurality
of adaptor means is mountable to an SC fiber optic cable
connector..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. A signal transmission cable management system comprising: a
fixture; a plurality of modules mounted on said fixture with each
of said modules movably mounted on said fixture for movement along
a line of travel, each one of said modules including a plurality of
adaptor means for holding a fiber optic connector, each adaptor
means for connecting first and second fiber optic cable connectors,
each one of said adaptor means movable with said one of said
modules along said line of travel, said plurality of adaptor means
linearly disposed along said line of travel for each of said
modules; and a hinged locking tab at an end of each module for
selectively locking each module to said fixture..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. In a signal transmission cable management system having a
fixture including a plurality of spaced apart walls defining a
plurality of parallel spaced apart cavities, said walls including
first and second parallel and opposing recesses; a module for
mounting in said cavities, said module comprising: a body sized to
be slidably received within said cavity for movement along a line
of travel, said body having first and second parallel rails, said
rails sized to be slidably received within said recesses; and said
body including a plurality of adaptor means for connecting a
plurality of fiber optic cables to said body, said plurality of
adaptor means linearly aligned along said line of
travel..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. A module according to claim 28 wherein each of said plurality
of adaptor means couples first and second SC fiber optic cable
connectors..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. A module according to claim 28 comprising a latch for securing
said body to said fixture in a first position..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the telecommunications industry. More
particularly, this invention pertains to a high-density fiber
distribution frame for use in the telecommunications industry.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the telecommunications industry, use of fiber optic cables for
carrying transmission signals is rapidly growing. To interconnect
fiber optic equipment, fiber distribution frames have been
developed. An example of a prior art fiber distribution frame is
shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,688.
To fiber distribution frame of U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,688 includes a
so-called connector module (item 16 in the '688 patent) having a
front panel which carries a plurality of adapters (102). Each of
the adapters (102) permits attachment of a fiber optic connector
(100) to both sides of the adapter in order to optically connect
two fiber optic cables.
Typically, the back side of the adapters (102) are provided with
connectors secured to fiber optic cables. The cables are connected
to various pieces of fiber optic equipment (such as, a
fiber-to-copper convertor for converting DS-3 signals to optical
signals).
The connections on the back side of the adapters are
semi-permanent. Namely, while the connectors on the back side of
the adapters can be easily removed, they are normally installed
with the intent to maintain the connection of the connector to the
rear side of the adaptor without frequent future changes to the
connection. On the front side of the adaptor, the fiber optic
connector is secured to a fiber cable (for example, a jumper cable)
for cross-connecting to other pieces of optical equipment or to any
other destination.
With the increase in use of fiber optic cables in the
telecommunications industry, it is desirable to provide fiber
distribution frames with increased density. By density, it is meant
the number of locations per unit volume or unit area for providing
connection on the fiber distribution frame.
In products made according to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.
4,995,688, a typical fiber distribution frame will have about 576
fiber optic connector locations. In the industry, it is becoming
desirable to substantially increase the density to be in excess of
1,400 connectors per frame.
Examples of high-density fiber distribution frames include a frame
marketed under the trademark of Fiber Manager by Northern Telecom
and described in Northern Telecom Bulletin No. 91-004, Issue No. 2,
May, 1991. Another example includes the High Density Interconnect
System (HDIC) of AT&T as disclosed in its Product Bulletin
2987D-DLH-7/89, Issue 2.
One problem associated with prior art high-density fiber
distribution frames is that the prior art products require
substantial displacement of fibers when access to the fiber
connectors is required. For example, the Northern Telecom product
houses the fibers and connectors in a molded plastic cassette. The
cassette is shown on page 7 of the aforementioned Northern Telecom
publication. The particular cassette shown has twelve connectors
(paired into six connections). To access any one of the twelve
connectors, the cassette must be pulled from the frame
approximately three to four inches at which point the cassette
drops to an access position as shown on page 6 of the
aforementioned bulletin. As a result, even though only one
connector may require access, a total of twelve connectors are
displaced with substantial displacement of the fiber optic cables
associated with each of the twelve connectors.
Unnecessary or excessive displacement of fiber optic cables is
undesirable. As fiber optic cables are displaced, they are subject
to bending and other forces. As a fiber bends, the fiber can break
resulting in loss of transmission through the fiber. Since fibers
carry extremely high signal rates, the breakage of a single fiber
can result in a substantial loss of data or voice communications.
Telecommunications industry standards generally recognize a minimum
bending radius of about one and a half inches for optical
fibers.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fiber
distribution frame which permits high density, ready access to
fiber optic connectors and minimal displacement of fibers when
access is being made to connectors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
cable management system is provided which includes a fixture having
a plurality of modules mounted on the fixture. Each of the modules
is moveable on the fixture for movement along a line of travel. A
releasable lock mechanism is provided for releasably locking each
of the modules in a plurality of fixed positions along the line of
travel. A plurality of mating elements is secured to each of the
modules for movement therewith. The mating elements each includes
means for connecting a first signal transmission cable at a rear
side of the element with a second signal transmission cable at a
front side of the element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a frame
according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top, front and right side perspective view of two
mounting fixtures according to the present invention enjoined by
common mounting bracket;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the mounting fixtures of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing a right mounting fixture
pivoted to a down position;
FIG. 5 is a top, front and right side perspective view of a left
mounting fixture removed from a mounting bracket;
FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of the mounting fixture of
FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a
cross-connect tray including adapters;
FIG. 8 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a
metallic support platform;
FIG. 9 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a left
retaining wall;
FIG. 10 is a right side elevation view of the wall of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged top plan view of a forward end of the wall
of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a
intermediate retaining wall;
FIG. 13 is a right side elevation view of the wall of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged top plan view of a forward end of the wall
of FIG. 12;
FIG. 15 is a rear, top and left side perspective view of a right
retaining wall;
FIG. 16 is left side elevation view of the wall of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a forward end of the wall of FIG.
15;
FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 7 showing connector modules
shifted;
FIG. 19 is a front, top and right side perspective view of four
mounting fixtures mounted in a frame with an upper right side
fixture provided to a down position;
FIG. 20 is a side right elevation view of the view of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a front, top and right side per view of a connector
module according to the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the connector module of FIG.
21;
FIG. 23 is a view taken along lines 23--23 of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a view taken along lines 24--24 of FIG. 22;
FIG. 25 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a
fixture according to the present invention and connected to fiber
optic cables and;
FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the fixture of FIG. 25.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference now to the several drawing figures in which
identical elements are numbered identically through-out, a
description of the preferred embodiment of the invention will now
be provided.
With initial reference to FIG. 1, a fiber distribution frame 10 is
shown. The frame 10 includes spaced-apart side walls 12,14
connected at their upper ends by a top wall 16. Connected to the
forward side of the top wall 16 is a trough 18 for carrying cables
and the like as is conventional. The bottom of the frame 10 is
provided with a pedestal 20 which also has secured to it a trough
22 for carrying cables and the like. The forward edges of the side
walls 12,14 are provided with a plurality of clips 24 for holding
fiber optic cables extending vertically in front of side walls
12,14.
Contained within frame 10 between side walls 12,14 are a plurality
of left and right mounting fixtures 26,26' (schematically shown in
FIG. 1). A detailed description of mounting fixtures 26,26' is
provided elsewhere in this specification. The fixtures 26,26' are
mounted to be aligned in two columns of ten fixtures per column
with the two columns in horizontal alignment. It will be
appreciated that the specific number of fixtures 26,26' and their
alignment is shown for the purposes of illustrating a preferred
embodiment and a different number and alignment of fixtures can be
provided within a frame 10.
The fixtures 26,26' are illustrated in FIG. 2 with the fixtures
26,26' paired in a common mounting bracket 28. The mounting bracket
28 includes first and second mounting plates 30,32 for attachment
to walls 12,14 respectively. First fixed plates 34,36 are secured
to each of mounting plates 30,32, respectively, with the fixed
plates 34,36 disposed in parallel, spaced-apart alignment and
connected by a pivot rod 38. Second fixed plates 40,42 (best shown
in FIG. 4) are also fixedly secured to the pivot rod 38 with plates
40,42 disposed intermediate between plates 34,36 and parallel
thereto. Plate 40 opposes plate 34 and plate 42 opposes plate
36.
A left fixture 26 is separately shown in FIG. 5. Except as will be
specifically discussed, fixtures 26,26' are identical and a
description of one will suffice as a description of the other.
Elements of fixture 26' corresponding to elements of fixture 26 are
identically numbered with the addition of an apostrophe to
distinguish the fixtures.
The fixture 26 includes a metallic support platform 44 and a
plastic molded cross-connect tray 46. The support platform 44 is
separately shown in FIG. 8 and includes parallel side walls 45,49
spaced apart by a floor portion 47. A leading edge of the floor
portion 47 is provided with parallel cut-outs 51 to define a
plurality of support fingers 53.
The cross-connect tray 46 is separately shown in FIGS. 7 and 18.
The cross-connect tray 46 includes a flat base 48 (which is secured
to floor 47 of platform 44). Intricately molded with base 48 at a
rear edge thereof are clips 50 sized to snap fit onto pivot rod 38
permitting clips 50 (and hence cross-connect tray 46) to rotate or
pivot about the axis (X--X in FIG. 2) of the pivot rod 38. Pivot
rod 38 and axis X--X are horizontal when the mounting fixture 26 is
secured within the frame 10.
The upper surface of the base 48 is provided with a plurality of
triangular-shaped walls including a left wall 52a, a right wall 52b
and a plurality of intermediate walls 52c. The walls 52a-52c are
numbered and shown assembled in FIG. 26 and are shown separately in
FIGS. 9-17.
A wall is mounted on each support finger 53. The plurality of walls
52a-52c are vertical when base 48 is horizontal and each extends
generally perpendicular to the pivot axis X--X of clips 50 with the
walls 52a-52c disposed in spaced-apart, parallel alignment.
Accordingly, opposing surfaces of each of the walls 52a-52c define
a plurality of discrete channels 54. (FIG. 18). Also, opposing
surfaces of each of the walls 52a-52c have formed therein parallel
spaced-apart grooves 56 which extend perpendicular to the base
48.
Disposed within each of the channels 54 is a module 58. As best
shown in FIGS. 21-24, each of modules 58 is a generally box-like
construction including side walls 60,62. Each of side walls 60,62
is provided with a projecting rail 64 sized to be sideably received
within grooves 56. Accordingly, rails 62,64 are received within
grooves 56 to permit individual movement of each of the modules 58
relative to the platform 48 only in a direction of travel A (FIG.
18) which is perpendicular to the pivot axis X--X of the clips 50.
The direction of travel A is vertical when base 48 is
horizontal.
The rails 64 have beveled edges which taper inwardly toward the
side walls 60,62. The groove 56 are complementary shaped.
Accordingly, when rails 64 are received within the grooves 56, the
rails can only move in the direction of the grooves 56. This
structure provides lateral support to the walls 52a-52c.
The modules 58 further include top and bottom walls 66,68 which are
provided with a releasable lock mechanism 70 for independently
locking each of the modules 58 in any one of a plurality of fixed
positions along the line of travel A. The lock mechanisms 70
include tabs 74 secured to the walls 66,68 by hinge members 76. It
will be appreciated that each of modules 58 is formed from an
injection-molded plastic. The hinge member 76 is provided with a
narrowed mid-point 78 (FIG. 23) to permit the material of the hinge
member 76 to rotate about the mid-point 78 when an operator grasps
the tab 74 and urges it toward the walls 66,68. The tabs 74 are
also provided with a rear edge 80 (FIG. 23) which projects rearedly
from the hinge members 76. Further, a stop 75 is provided on each
of walls 66,68 to limit the stroke of tabs 74 to prevent breakage
of narrowed mid-point 78.
The lock mechanism 70 are sized such that the rear edges 80 oppose
and abut the top and bottom edges 82 of the wall members 52a-52c
when the modules 58 are in a first or neutral position as shown in
FIG. 7. In this position, the lock members 74 are shown biased to a
lock position with the rear edges 80 opposing and abutting the top
and bottom edges 82 to prevent movement of the modules 58 along the
line of travel A.
By pressing on the tabs 74 and urging them toward the top and
bottom walls 56,58. The lock mechanism 70 are moved from their
locked position to an unlocked position with the rear edges 80
clear of the top and bottom edges 82. So cleared, the modules 58
may be individually moved either up or down (i.e., in the direction
of the line of travel A as shown in FIG. 18). Centrally positioned
between the top and bottom edges 82 on each of walls 52a-52c are
grooves 84,85. When either of the lock mechanisms 70 is in the
region of the groove 84,85, an operator may release the lock
mechanism 70 such that its natural bias causes the edge 80 to be
received within the grooves 84,85. Accordingly, each of the modules
58 may be locked in an up position (with edge 80 of the lower lock
mechanism 70 received within lower groove 85) or in a down position
(with edge 80 of the upper lock mechanism 70 received within upper
groove 84).
Each of modules 58 has a hollow construction which in a preferred
embodiment is sized to receive six fiber optic connector adapters
disposed in an abutting linear array. In the preferred embodiment
shown, the specific adapters 90 are well-known and so-called SC
adapters for receiving and retaining SC connectors at opposite ends
of each of the adapters 90 such that each adaptor 90 joins and
optically couples two fiber optic connectors.
It will be appreciated that SC adaptors form no part of this
invention per se. Such adapters are commercially available,
well-known items. An example of such an adaptor is shown in
commonly-assigned and co-pending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No.
08/065,139, filed May 30, 1993. Also, it will be appreciated that
while SC adapters 90 are shown in use in a preferred embodiment,
different types of adapters for different types of fiber optic
connectors (for example, FC, D4 or other connectors) could also be
utilized in the modules 58 with internal geometry of the modules 58
simply modified to accommodate different external geometry of
different connector adapters.
With reference now back to FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the cross-connect
trays 46 is secured (through bolts or the like) to the support
platforms 44. Sidewalls 45, 49 of left fixture 26 are sized to
closely face walls 42,36. Side walls 45' 49' of right fixture 26'
are sized to closely face walls 34,40. The side walls 45,49 carry
spring-loaded locking tabs 103 which can be pulled inwardly to
retract a lock pin 102 (FIG. 5). Upon release of the tabs 103, the
tabs 103 are spring-biased to permit locking pins 102 to protrude
beyond the exterior of the side walls 45,49. Opposing surfaces of
the plates 34,40, 42 and 36 are provided with detents 101 (FIG. 4)
sized to receive the pins 102 such that the support platform 44 and
attached cross-connect trays 46 may be rotated about pivot rod 38
to any one of a plurality of rotated positions and fixed in place
in the fixed position. FIG. 4 shows a mounting fixture 26 in a
horizontal position and a second mounting fixture 26' rotated about
pivot rod 38 to a down position.
The forward edge of each of the support platforms 44 is provided
with extension side walls 100,102 which extend from the side plates
45,49. The extension walls 100,102 extend forwardly beyond the
front side of the adapters 90 by a distant sufficient to permit
connectors to be inserted within the adapters 90 as will become
apparent.
The extension walls 100,102 are joined by a forward wall 104.
Extending upwardly from forward wall 104 is a designation plate 106
which provides a flat surface generally parallel to the plane of
the front ends of the adapters 90. The flat surface of the
designation plate 106 provides a surface on which a designation
strip can be attached to permit an operator to place identifying
information or the like. The plate 106 also protects the adaptors
90 and attached connectors and fibers from physical damage.
Secured to the forward wall 104 and spaced between the designation
plate 106 and the adapters 90 are a plurality of arcuate fanning
clips 108. For the left side fixtures 26, the fanning chips 108 are
arced to direct fibers from the adapters to the left side of the
frame. For the right side fixture 26', the fanning clips 108 are
oriented to direct fibers from the adapters 90 to the right side of
the frame. Further, each of the fixtures 26 is provided with a
radius plate 110 with an attached fanning clip 112. The plate 110
permits fibers to be draped downwardly through clip 112 with the
radius 110 limiting the bending of the fibers to prevent excess
bending.
Connected to the fixture 26 on the rear side thereof may be
provided any one of a plurality of different styles of cable
management fixtures 120. The cable management fixtures 120 shown in
FIG. 4 includes a plurality of fanning clips for cable management
as well as takeup spools for taking up excess amounts of cable. It
will also be appreciated that the rear area of the fixtures 26 can
be provided with a variety of different cable management devices
including splice trays or the like.
With reference now to FIGS. 25-26, the reader will note use of the
fixture 26 in use for organizing and cross connecting a plurality
of optical fibers. Equipment fibers 130 enter the rear of the
fixture 26 with excess fiber lengths wrapped around the cable
management device 120. The equipment fibers 130 may originate from
any one of a plurality of different types of fiber optic equipment
such as fiber-to-copper convertors. Each of the fibers 130 is
terminated at an SC connector 132. The connector 132 is received
within the back end of adapters 90. Cross-connect fiber cables
(frequently referred to as jumpers) 140 are passed through clip 112
and individually fanned by fanning clips 108 toward adapters 90.
Each of the fibers 140 terminates at an SC connector 142 which is
each received within the forward end of an adaptor 90 such that
each one of connectors 132 is individually connected to a singular
one of a plurality of connectors 142.
From time to time, it is desirable to replace or move the
cross-connect cables 140. If the cables or connectors of the top
three adaptors of a given module 58 are desired to be accessed, the
operator grasps the locking tabs 74 and moves the module upwardly
to the position of the raised module 58 shown in FIG. 25. In this
position, each of the top three of the connectors 142 of the module
is readily accessible without interference from the designation
strip 106. If the bottom three of the connectors 142 of the same
module 58 are to be accessed, the operator simply engages the tabs
74 and moves the connector downwardly until the top tab 74 is
received within the groove 84 to lock the module 58 in the down
position. In the down position, the bottom three of the connectors
142 is accessible beneath the designation strip 106 without
interference from the designation strip 106. When no connectors are
to be accessed, the module 58 is placed in its neutral position
with all of the connectors 142 protected from impact or other
interference by means of the designation strip 106 and the forward
wall 104.
The reader will note that in order to obtain access to any one of
the connectors 142 in a module 58, the module 58 is only moved a
very small distance. Also, only six adaptors 90 are moved at a
time. The very small movement associated with accessing each of the
connectors results in a minimal probability of damage of any one of
the fiber optic cables.
The benefits of the present invention include limited displacement
of the fibers. In the prior art, when a tray containing several
connectors is moved, the fibers are displaced axially by a
substantial amount (e.g., about 3 inches). In the present
invention, as a module 58 is moved up or down (about 1.5 inches)
the fiber experiences very little axial movement with most of the
movement accommodated by a lifting or lowering movement of the
fiber transverse to the fiber's axis.
While the back connectors 132 are semi-permanently installed, it is
desirable, from time to time, to be able to have access to the
connectors 132 (particularly when the connectors 132 are initially
installed). However, if access to back connectors 132 is desired,
they may be accessed the same as the front connectors 142 (i.e., by
raising or lowering modules 58).
In certain installations, only the front of frame 10 is accessible
to an operator. In such installments, access to the cable
management device 120 is obtained through the tilt feature of the
fixture 26. Namely, to obtain access to the cable management device
120 from the front of frame 10, the tabs 103 are pulled inwardly to
retract lock pins 102. With the pins 102 retracted, the entire
fixture 26 rotates about the pivot rod 38 to a down position as
shown by fixture 26' in FIG. 4. In the down position, the cable
management device 120 is readily accessible to an operator facing
the front of the frame 10.
Other modifications of the invention may be apparent to one skilled
in the art. For example, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, a
module 58 with all six adaptors 90 is moved up or down from the
neutral position. Alternatively, the module 58, could be split in
half with the top half moved up to access the top three connectors
and with the bottom half independently moved down to access the
bottom three adaptors.
Also, as an alternative, the modules 58 can be provided with
additional functions. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the
modules 58 retain only adaptors 90. However, modules 58 can include
products other than adaptors 90. For example, modules 58 may house
optical splitters, WDM's (wave division multiplexers) or other
equipment. While adaptors 90 may be used with such enhancements,
adaptors 90 may not be necessary (e.g., such enhanced modules may
be provided with fiber pigtails).
From the foregoing detailed description of the present invention,
it has been shown how the objects of the invention have been
attained in a preferred manner. However, modifications and
equivalents of the disclosed concepts, such as those which readily
occur to one skilled in the art, are intended to be included within
the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.
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