Abstract:
A fiber optic cable splice storage assembly includes a termination box including first and second curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of the termination box. The first and second curve shaped bend controls face each other and are detached from one another. An exterior cable port is disposed at a lower side of the termination box and includes an opening that is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber optic cable to be fed into the termination box. A splice retention cradle frame is disposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controls in the top half of the termination box. A splice retention cradle has splice retention features that are dimensioned to accommodate a splice covering for fiber optic cable. The splice retention cradle frame is dimensioned such that the splice retention cradle may snap-in securely to the splice retention cradle frame.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/040,003 filed 27 Sep. 2013, which claims priority to provisional U.S. Application No. 61,789,749, the content of said applications incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to optical communications equipment, and particularly relates to methods for storing optical fiber ribbon. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Today&#39;s communication networks provide transport of voice, video and data to both residential and commercial customers, with more and more of those customers being connected by fiber optic cables. In these communication networks, information is transmitted from one location to another by sending pulses of light through the fiber optic cables. Fiber optic transmission provides several advantages over electrical transmission techniques, such as increased bandwidth and lower losses. 
         [0004]    In telecommunications, the term “demarcation point” is used to refer to the point at which the communications service provider cabling ends and connects to a customer&#39;s on-premises wiring, cabling, and the like. The customer is generally responsible for installation and maintaining of cabling and equipment on the customer&#39;s side of the demarcation point. 
         [0005]    A demarcation box is often placed at the demarcation point and is used to house the physical interface between the service provider&#39;s network and the customer&#39;s cabling. When that cabling involves fiber optic cables, the demarcation box, or fiber termination box, must typically provide secure storage for fiber splices, to allow an installer to connect a fiber optic cable to cabling in the box, and may provide fan-out cabling to one or several fiber optic connectors, for connection to customer cabling and equipment. 
         [0006]    One type of fiber optic cable that is commonly used is ribbon fiber optic cable. Ribbon fiber optic cable includes individual optical fibers arranged side by side and laminated by a relatively durable material, such as plastic, in a ribbon-like form that positions, holds and protects the fibers. These ribbons may be paired with additional components, such as buffer layers and strength members, and encased by a jacketing material. 
         [0007]    Splicing a ribbon fiber optic cable at a demarcation box involves exposing ribbon segments of the fiber optic cables to be spliced from the jacketing material and making the splice with these exposed ribbon segments. In general, exposed ribbon fiber is fragile and must be stored in an organized fashion that protects optical fibers in the exposed ribbon from damage. The physical properties of ribbon fiber optic cable are such that the ribbon is resistive to acute changes in shape and thus tends to resist any organized routing of the ribbon. 
         [0008]    Operators continue to seek reduced costs and improved reliability of the terminations and the interfaces to the customer network. Accordingly, improvements in the design of these termination boxes and in techniques for terminating fiber optic cables are needed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention include improved termination boxes, as described herein, as well as improved techniques for storing fiber optic ribbons within such termination boxes. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, a method for terminating a fiber optic cable is disclosed. A termination box is provided. A terminating end of a fiber optic cable is attached to the termination box, such that one or more exposed ribbon fiber segments from the fiber optical cable are accessible from inside the termination box. One or more fan-out fiber optic cables are attached to the termination box, such that one or more exposed ribbon fiber segments from the fan-out fiber optic cables are accessible from inside the termination box. An exposed ribbon fiber segment from the fiber optic cable is spliced to a corresponding exposed ribbon fiber segment from the one or more fan-out fiber optic cables, such that the resulting splice has a splice covering and such that the spliced ribbon fiber segments and the splice covering form a continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber between the fiber optical cable and the fan-out fiber optic cables. The splice covering is secured to a splice retention cradle. The splice retention cradle with the secured splice covering is rotated so that the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber crosses itself at a point between the splice retention cradle and the termination box. The splice retention cradle is secured to the termination box such that the exposed ribbon fiber remains crossed and forms a double loop. The double loop of exposed ribbon fiber is flipped so that the double loop crosses itself and the crossed double loop is folded to form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. The quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber is secured to the termination box, using two or more routing clips attached to the termination box. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a method for splicing and securing fiber optic cables in a demarcation box, each fiber optic cable including interior ribbon fibers, is disclosed. A demarcation box is provided. A terminating end of a fiber optic cable is inserted through an exterior cable port of the demarcation box. A length of ribbon fiber is exposed from a jacketed portion of the terminating end of the fiber optic cable. The terminating end of the fiber optic cable is secured to the demarcation box such that the length of exposed ribbon fiber is accessible from inside the demarcation box. A length of ribbon fiber is exposed from a jacketed portion of the fan-out fiber optic cable. The fan-out fiber optic cable is secured to the demarcation box such that the length of exposed ribbon fiber is accessible from inside the demarcation box. The exposed ribbon fiber from the fiber optic cable is secured to a corresponding exposed length of fan-out fiber optic cable such that the resulting splice has a splice covering and such that the spliced ribbon fiber segments and the splice covering form a continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber between the fiber optical cable and the fan-out fiber optic cables. The splice covering is secured to a splice retention cradle. The continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber is positioned so that the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber crosses itself at a point between the splice retention cradle and the demarcation box. The splice retention cradle is secured to the termination box such that the exposed ribbon fiber remains crossed and forms a double loop. The double loop of exposed ribbon fiber is twisted so that the double loop crosses itself and the crossed double loop is folded to form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. The quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber is secured to the demarcation box, using two or more routing clips attached to the demarcation box. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable splice storage assembly is disclosed. The fiber optic cable splice storage assembly includes a termination box including first and second curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of the termination box. The first and second curve shaped bend controls face each other and are detached from one another. The termination box further includes an exterior cable port disposed at a lower side of the termination box and including an opening that is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber optic cable to be fed into the termination box, and a splice retention cradle frame disposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controls in the top half of the termination box. The assembly further includes a splice retention cradle having splice retention features that are dimensioned to accommodate a splice covering for fiber optic cable. The splice retention cradle frame is dimensioned such that the splice retention cradle may snap-in securely to the splice retention cradle frame. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly is disclosed. The fiber optic cable assembly includes a termination box including first and second curve shaped bend controls disposed in an upper half of the termination box. The first and second curve shaped bend controls face each other and are detached from one another. The termination box further includes an exterior cable port disposed at a lower side of the termination box and including an opening that is dimensioned to allow a terminating end of a fiber optic cable to be fed into the termination box, a splice retention cradle frame disposed between the first and second curve shaped bend controls in the top half of the termination box, a splice retention cradle securely snapped into the splice retention cradle frame and having splice retention features, a first fiber optic cable having a first exposed ribbon fiber segment and being fed through the exterior cable port, and a second fiber optic cable having a second exposed ribbon fiber segment. The first exposed ribbon fiber segment is spliced with the second exposed ribbon fiber segment. The splice of the first and second exposed ribbon fiber segments is secured to the splice retention features of the splice retention cradle. The first and second exposed ribbon fiber segments are organized in a number of loops with at least one of the loops being placed around the first and second curve shaped bend controls. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts a termination box and fiber optic cables used in a method for terminating a fiber optic cable, according to an embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  depicts additional components used in a method for terminating a fiber optic cable, according to an embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts a terminating end of a fiber optic cable attached to a termination box, a fan-out fiber optic cable attached to the termination box and exposed ribbon fiber segments accessible from inside the termination box. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  depicts exposed ribbon fiber segments from a terminating end of a fiber optic cable spliced to exposed ribbon fiber segments from a fan-out fiber optic cable and secured in a splice retention cradle. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  depicts the splice retention cradle of  FIG. 4  rotated so that the exposed ribbon fiber segments cross at a point between the splice retention cradle and the termination box. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  depicts a splice retention cradle secured to the termination box and exposed ribbon fiber segments remaining crossed and forming a double loop. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  depicts the exposed ribbon fiber segments of  FIG. 6  flipped so that the double loop crosses itself. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  depicts the double loop of  FIG. 7  folded to form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  depicts the quadruple loop of  FIG. 8  secured to the termination box using routing clips. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    The components shown in  FIGS. 1-2  are exemplary components that may be used in a method for terminating a fiber optic cable.  FIGS. 3-9  depict various steps in a method for terminating a fiber optic cable, according to an embodiment, using the components of  FIGS. 1-2 . It should be appreciated, however, that the techniques illustrated in  FIGS. 3-9  may be more generally applied, using equipment that is generally similar to the components illustrated in  FIGS. 1-2  but differing in shape, count, or other details. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a termination box  100 , terminating end of a fiber optic cable  102  and a fan-out fiber optic cable  104  are shown. 
         [0025]    Termination box  100  may be, for example, a layered fiber demarcation box designed for high-density fiber connectivity and splicing for indoor all mount applications. Termination boxes such as termination box  100  provide an enclosure that securely protects a splice of the terminating end of the fiber optic cable  102  and the fan-out fiber optic cable  104 . Moreover, termination boxes such as termination box  100  securely protect any exposed ribbon fiber resulting from a splice of, for example, fiber optic cables  102 ,  104 . 
         [0026]    Termination box  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  includes a customer terminal interface  106 , an exterior cable port  108 , an exterior cable retention feature  110 , bend controls  112  and a splice retention cradle frame  114 . 
         [0027]    The customer terminal interface  106  provides an interface for individual fibers of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  to be connected to, e.g., a customer&#39;s on-premises wiring. 
         [0028]    The exterior cable port  108  provides an opening that allows the terminating end of the fiber optic cable  102  to be fed into the termination box  100  for splicing. 
         [0029]    The exterior cable retention feature  110  may include a semi-circular structure dimensioned to surround the fiber optic cable  102  and securely retain the fiber optic cable  102  to the termination box  100 . Ideally, the exterior cable retention feature  110  is positioned near the exterior cable port  108  and made of relatively strong material to resist forces exerted on the fiber optic cable  102 . This reduces the possibility that a splice between the fiber optic cables  102 ,  104  is destroyed due to external forced exerted on the fiber optic cable  102 . 
         [0030]    The bend controls  106  provide a rounded shape for the routing of ribbon segments from fiber optic cables  102 ,  104 , and additionally provide a surface from which to fasten the fiber optic cable cables  102 ,  104 . 
         [0031]    The splice retention cradle frame  114  provides a frame to mount a retention cradle that retains and protects a splice of fiber optic cables  102 ,  104 . For instance, the splice retention cradle frame  114  may be dimensioned in a complementary fashion to a splice retention cradle, so that the splice retention cradle may snap-in securely. 
         [0032]    The fiber optic cable  102  may be, for example, a cable connected to a communication network that carries voice, data, etc., from a service provider. The fiber optic cable  102  depicted in  FIG. 1  includes interior ribbon fiber that contains individual optical fibers.  FIG. 1  depicts an exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  at an end of the fiber optic cable  102 , where the interior ribbon fiber is exposed from a jacket portion  120  of the fiber optic cable  102  at an end of the fiber optic cable  102 . 
         [0033]    The fan-out fiber optic cable  104  may be, for example, a fiber optic cable that fans out to customer endpoints within a residence or business.  FIG. 1  depicts individual fan-out connections from one end of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  to the customer terminal interface  106 . On an opposite end of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  is an exposed ribbon segment  122 . The exposed ribbon segment  122  corresponds to an interior ribbon fiber of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  and includes individual optical fibers that are associated with the individual fan-out connections to the customer terminal interface  106 . 
         [0034]    The exposed ribbon fiber segments  118 ,  122  are used to splice the fiber optic cable  102  to the fan-out fiber optic cable  104 . As a result of this splice, communication service may be provided to the individual fan-out connections and ultimately customer endpoints within a residence or business. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a splice retention cradle  126 , a splice covering  128 , routing clips  132 , and tie clips  134  are shown. 
         [0036]    The splice retention cradle  126  is a substantially rigid structure used to secure a splice of the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118 ,  122  to one another and to the termination box  100 . The splice retention cradle  126  may include splice covering retention features  130  that are dimensioned complementary to the splice covering  128  so that the splice covering  128  may snap in securely. 
         [0037]    The splice covering  128  covers and protect splices of exposed ribbon fiber from exterior environmental conditions that may damage the splice. According to an embodiment, the splice covering  128  used to splice the exposed ribbon fiber segments  118 ,  122  is a substantially rigid splice covering  128 . 
         [0038]    Additionally, routing clips  132  are shown. The routing clips  132  are movable clips used to gently retain the exposed fiber segments  118 ,  122  to the termination box  100  in an organized manner. The routing clips  132  include a circular portion that retains the exposed fiber segments  118 ,  122  and a break feature in the circular portion that allows for insertion of the exposed fiber segments  118 ,  122  into the interior circumference of the circular portion. The routing clips  132  may be positioned in several locations of the termination box  100  to accommodate and loops of, e.g., exposed fiber segments  118 ,  122 . 
         [0039]    Finally,  FIG. 2  depicts a tie wrap  134 . The tie wrap  134  may be any conventional tie wrap, such as a plastic tie wrap or other fastening device that can be used to affix fiber optic cables  102 ,  104  to fixed structures. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a termination box  100  is provided. A terminating end of a fiber optic cable  102  is attached to the termination box  100 , such that exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  from the fiber optic cable  102  is accessible from inside the termination box  100 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the terminating end of the fiber optic cable  102  is routed through the exterior cable port  108 . Optionally, the fiber optic cable  102  may be routed through a cable compression seal at the exterior cable port  108 . The cable compression seal includes components such as seals, O-rings, etc., and protects the interior of the termination box  100  from, e.g., water and undesired foreign particles. The terminating end of the fiber optic cable  102  is additionally routed through the exterior cable retention feature  110 . 
         [0041]    The fiber optic cable  102  is prepared to include the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  by stripping the jacketed portion  120  of the terminating the end of the fiber optic cable  102  at an endpoint. This may be done before or after the fiber optic cable  102  is routed through the exterior cable port  108 . Several considerations determine how much fiber optic cable  102  is exposed from the jacketed portion  120 . A sufficient length of exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  should be provided so that the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  is accessible to an automated splicing machine, such as a fusion splicing machine. In addition, a sufficiently length of exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  should be provided so that two double loops may be routed in the termination box  100 . This allows for two rotationally opposing loops, the advantages of which will be explained herein. Thus, the length of exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  is correlated to the size of termination box  100 . Further, a sufficient length of exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  should ideally be provided such that the exposed ribbon fiber  118  may be pared back in the event that initial attempts at splicing are unsuccessful. According to an embodiment, approximately  48  inches of ribbon fiber segment  118  is exposed from the jacketed portion  120  of the fiber optic cable  102 . 
         [0042]    The fiber optic cable  102  is then arranged in the termination box such that an end of the jacketed portion  120 , i.e., near a beginning of the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118 , is secured to one of the bend controls  112  using the tie wrap  134 . This arrangement allows the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  to be spliced and manipulated while the position of the jacketed portion  120  of the fiber optic cable  102  is maintained. As a result, the fiber optic cable  102  as shown in  FIG. 3  is attached to the termination box  100  in two locations: at the bend control  112  with the tie wrap  134  and near the cable port  108  with the cable retention feature  110 . However, the disclosed method does not require attachment in two locations. Moreover, the locations of attachment within the termination box  100  may vary. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  additionally depicts the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  attached to the termination box  100 , such that the exposed ribbon fiber segment  122  from the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  is accessible from inside the termination box  100 . The exposed ribbon fiber segment  122  is obtained by stripping the jacketed portion  124  of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104 , in a similar manner as previously discussed with respect to exposing the ribbon fiber segment  118  of the fiber optic cable  102 . Ideally, the length of the exposed ribbon fiber segment  122  is substantially identical to the length of the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118 , although it need not match precisely. One end of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  is attached to the termination box  100  by the individual fan-out connections to the customer terminal interface  106 . An opposite end of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  is attached to the termination box  100  such that an end of the jacketed portion  124 , i.e., near a beginning of the exposed ribbon fiber segments  122 , is secured to one of the bend controls  112  using the tie wrap  134 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the end of the jacketed portion  124  of the fan-out fiber optic cable  104  is secured to a bend control  112  that is opposite to the bend control  112  that is used to secure fiber optic cable  102 . This configuration allows for easy access to the exposed fiber segments  118 ,  122  for splicing and subsequent manipulation, while maintaining the position of the jacketed portions  120 ,  124  of the fiber optic cables  102 ,  104 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  depicts a splice of the exposed ribbon fiber segment  118  from the fiber optic cable  102  to a corresponding exposed ribbon fiber segment  122  from the fan-out fiber optic cable  104 , such that the resulting splice has a splice covering  128  and such that the spliced ribbon fiber segments  118 ,  122  and the splice covering  128  form a continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber between the fiber optic cable  102  and the fan-out fiber optic cable  104 . The splice and splice covering  128  are positioned at approximately a half-way point of the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber. This allows for substantially equal lengths of exposed ribbon fiber on each side of the splice, which in turn allows for substantially symmetrical loops of fibers to be made according to methods discussed herein. A splice at the half-way point of the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber may be achieved by removing sufficient length of the jacketed portions  120 ,  124  of the fiber optic cables  102 ,  104  such that the lengths of ribbon fiber segments  118 ,  122  are approximately identical. Additionally or alternatively, the lengths of ribbon fiber segments  118 ,  122  may be pared back after exposure from the jacketed portions  120 ,  124  of the fiber optic cables  102 ,  104  so that the lengths of ribbon fiber segments  118 ,  122  are approximately identical. 
         [0045]      FIG. 4  additionally depicts the splice covering  128  secured to the splice retention cradle  126 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the splice covering  128  is secured to the splice retention cradle  126  using the snap-in features  130 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 5  depicts the splice retention cradle  126  with the secured splice covering  128  of  FIG. 4  rotated so that that the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber crosses itself at a first crossing point  136  between the splice retention cradle and the termination box. The arrows in  FIG. 5  indicate a counter-clockwise rotation of the splice retention cradle  126  from the perspective of an installer facing the termination box  100 . Alternatively, the splice retention cradle  126  may be rotated in a clockwise direction so that that the continuous length of exposed ribbon fiber crosses itself at the first crossing point  136 . 
         [0047]    The steps depicted in  FIGS. 6-9  omit certain features shown in  FIGS. 3-5  for the sake of clarity. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  depicts the splice retention cradle  126  secured to the termination box  100  such that the exposed ribbon fiber remains crossed at the first crossing point  136  and forms a double loop. The splice retention cradle  126  may be secured to the termination box  100  by snapping the splice retention cradle  126  into the splice retention cradle frame  114 . Alternative fastening techniques, such as screws, bolts, etc., are possible. The first crossing point  136  in the ribbon fiber may be maintained by moving the splice retention cradle  126  as oriented in  FIG. 4  directly towards the termination box  100  without rotating the splice retention cradle  126  or otherwise untwisting the exposed ribbon fiber. 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  depicts the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber of  FIG. 6  flipped, so that the double loop crosses itself at a second crossing point  138 . A direction of flipping the double loop is shown by the rotational arrows of  FIG. 7 . According to an embodiment, the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber is flipped so that a second twist in the exposed ribbon fiber as a result of flipping the double loop as shown in  FIG. 7  is in a reverse direction of the twist in the exposed ribbon fiber as a result of rotating the splice retention cradle  126  shown in  FIG. 5 . The effect of flipping the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber in this manner is that the twists in the crossed double loop rotationally oppose one another. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  depicts the double loop of exposed ribbon fiber of  FIG. 7  folded to form a quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber. Folding may be done, from the perspective of an installer facing the termination box  100 , by moving the bottom of the double loop up in the vicinity of the bend controls  112 . The exposed ribbon fiber is folded around the second crossing point  138  such that the second crossing point  138  is in the vicinity of the bottom of the resulting folded quadruple loop. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  depicts the quadruple loop of exposed ribbon fiber shown in  FIG. 8  secured to the termination box  100  using the routing clips  132 . The break feature of the routing clips  132  is opened, the exposed ribbons are inserted into the break feature and the break feature is closed so that the routing clips  132  permanently retain the exposed ribbons. As shown in  FIG. 9 , four routing clips are positioned such that two routing clips are directly beneath each of the bend controls  112  and spaced apart by approximately the same distance. However, different quantities and positioning of the routing clips  132  are possible. Ideally, a sufficient number of routing clips  132  are positioned so that the quadruple loop of exposed ribbon is secured but allowed to maintain its shape. 
         [0052]    Advantageously, the methods disclosed herein allow for a substantial length ribbon to be exposed from jacketed portions of fiber optic cable in advance of splicing. The quadruple loop that is formed as a result of the methods discussed herein accommodates a substantial length of ribbon efficiently within a termination box. Moreover, the methods discussed herein tolerate a significant variation in the amount of length of exposed ribbon that is secured to the termination box after the splice is made. This tolerance is partly due to the fact that the position and number of routing clips  132  may vary. Thus, the size of the quadruple loop that is ultimately secured to the termination box may correspondingly vary. Further, the disclosed method allows for termination of a fiber optic cable in a variety of termination boxes having substantially differing size and available area for storage of exposed ribbon. Moreover, the disclosed methods accommodate variation in the length of exposed fiber due to the possibility that exposed ribbon is pared back during splicing. 
         [0053]    Additionally, the methods disclosed herein advantageously accommodate exposed ribbon fiber that remains after splicing within a termination box in a safe and secure manner. The loops efficiently route the exposed ribbon approximately around a perimeter of a termination box in such a manner that avoids acute changes in shape. Because the loops are somewhat tightly contained within the routing clips, the exposed ribbon is protected from rubbing against other components in the termination box. Additional advantages are obtained by the embodiment of the method resulting in twists of the crossed double loop that oppose one another. The opposing twists are advantageous because the self-restricting nature of the double crossed loop prevents the ribbon fiber from naturally reverting to another shape. Thus, an installer may manipulate and secure the ribbon fiber to the routing clips  116  with less likelihood that the ribbon fiber will protrude in different directions and potentially brush against potentially damaging surfaces in the termination box  100 . 
         [0054]    Additionally, the disclosed methods utilize simple, low-cost components while simultaneously providing a safe and reliable way to store the exposed ribbon fiber segments. For instance, the splice retention cradle  126  may be a simple and relatively small structure, for example, approximately three inches long and two inches wide, and be made of plastic. The routing clips  132  may be, for example, approximately one inch in circumference, and may be made of plastic. These components advantageously reduce cost and complexity over, e.g., larger cable splice trays in which the perimeter of the tray is used to route exposed ribbon fiber segments. 
         [0055]    The particular features of the components disclosed herein are provided for exemplary purposes of discussing the disclosed methods. However, components having different features may be used in conjunction with the disclosed methods. For instance, the tie wrap  134  may be substituted with any device suitable for securing jacketed portions  120 ,  124  of fiber optic cables  102 ,  104  to the termination box  100 , such as a hose clamp. The routing clips  134  may be substituted with any device suitably configured to retain exposed fiber ribbon, and does not need to be movable or dimensioned as shown. For instance, the routing clips  134  may be permanent features that are constituent components of the termination box  100 . The position and number of bend controls  112  may vary. For example, the termination box  100  may include four bend controls  112  positioned each of the corners of the termination box  100 . 
         [0056]    The disclosed methods are equally applicable to the termination of more than one fiber optic cable and corresponding fan-out ribbon fiber. For example, the disclosed method may be performed with two fiber optic cables  102  and two fan-out fiber optic cables  104 . The exposed ribbon fiber segments of each cable  102 ,  104  may combined and simultaneously formed into loops, ultimately resulting in quadruple loops, according to the methods disclosed herein. 
         [0057]    Notably, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention(s) is/are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.