Optical fiber distribution system

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

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIGS. 1-16, various embodiments of an optical fiber distribution element10, or element10, are shown. The elements10can be individually mounted as desired to telecommunications equipment including racks, frames, or cabinets. The elements10can be mounted in groups or blocks12which forms a stacked arrangement. In one embodiment, a vertical stack of elements10populates an optical fiber distribution rack.

Each element10holds fiber terminations, or other fiber components including fiber splitters and/or fiber splices. In the case of fiber terminations, incoming cables are connected to outgoing cables through connectorized cable ends which are connected by adapters, as will be described below.

Each element includes a chassis20and a movable tray24. Tray24is movable with a slide mechanism30including one or more gears32and a set of two toothed racks or linear members34.

Slide mechanism30provides for synchronized movement for managing the cables extending to and from tray24. Entry points36on either side of chassis20allow for fixation of the input and output cables associated with each element10. The radius limiters38associated with each slide mechanism30move in synchronized movement relative to chassis20and tray24to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent, pinched, or pulled.

Each tray24includes mounting structure50defining one or more of fiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fiber components. As shown, mounting structure50holds adapters52which allow for interconnection of two connectorized ends of cables. Each tray24includes one or more frame members56. In the example shown, two frame members56are provided. As illustrated, each frame member56is T-shaped. Also, each tray24includes two frame members56which are hingedly mounted at hinges58. A top frame member62is positioned above a bottom frame member64. The mounting structure50associated with each frame member62,64includes one or more integrally formed adapter blocks70. Adapter blocks70include a plurality of adapter ports for interconnecting to fiber optic connectors. A pathway76defines a generally S-shape from radius limiters38to adapter blocks70. As shown, pathway76includes an upper level78and a lower level80in the interior. A portion84of pathway76is positioned adjacent to hinges58to avoid potentially damaging cable pull during pivoting movement of frame members56. Flanges86and radius limiters90help maintain cables in pathways76.

Tray24includes openings96to allow for technician access to the cable terminations at adapter blocks70. In addition, the T-shapes of frame members56further facilitate technician access to the connectors.

Cables extending to and from element10can be affixed with a cable mount100as desired. Additional protection of the fiber breakouts can be handled with cable wraps102. Radius limiters106can be additionally used to support and protect the cables.

Referring now toFIGS. 17-29, various examples of cable routings are illustrated for element10.

If desired, more than one feeder cable can supply cabling to more than one element10.

Referring now toFIGS. 30-41, various additional embodiments of elements210are shown. Element210includes a chassis220in a movable tray224mounted with a slide mechanism230which promotes synchronized movement of radius limiters238. Each tray224includes two hingedly mounted frame members256. Each frame member256has a middle portion260separated by openings262from side portions264. Middle portion260can hold fiber terminations. Side portions264include radius limiters270. Cover266goes over tray224. Latches268latch tray224to cover266in the closed position.

A pathway276extends from either side from tray224to supply cables to each of trays224. An upper level278and a lower level280supply the respective frame members256with cabling. A general S-shaped pathway276is defined wherein the pathway276passes close to hinges258.

A dovetail288is used to hold cable mounts286and radius limiters284.

An opening290in tray224allows for connector access by the technician. Similarly, openings262on each frame member256allow for technician access to the individual connectors.

To form a block292of plural elements210, bars294and fasteners296are used. Bars294give a small spacing between each element210.

Referring now toFIGS. 42-45, an alternative slide mechanism330is shown in alternative element310. Slide mechanism330allows for movement of the trays and related radius limiters and synchronized movement similar to slide mechanism30,230. Alternative slide mechanism330includes two wheels332and two wires334,336. The wheels332are located on second part342. The wires are looped in opposite directions and are connected to the first part340and the third part344.

Referring now toFIGS. 46 and 47, an alternative radius limiter420is shown on alternative element410. Radius limiter420includes friction members430which limit the amount of sliding movement of cables passing through radius limiter420, to assist with cable management. Friction members430include flexible fingers which press lightly on the cables in radius limiter420to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of the cables in the radius limiter420.

Referring now toFIGS. 48-51, one of the cable mounts286that is shown as being mounted to the elements210inFIGS. 30-33 and 38-39is shown in isolation. It should be noted that although the cable mount286has been shown as part of the optical fiber distribution element210ofFIGS. 30-41, the optical fiber distribution element210is simply one example of a telecommunications system, fixture, or closure to which the cable mount286may be used with. The cable mount286includes features having inventive aspects in isolation and can be used on other types of optical fiber distribution elements. For example,FIG. 52shows a pair of the cable mounts286attached to an optical fiber distribution element510that is different than elements210and410ofFIGS. 30-47but having features that are similar to those of elements210and410.FIG. 53shows a block512formed from four of the elements510ofFIG. 52in a stacked arrangement, each of the elements510including a pair of the cable mounts286.

Referring now back toFIGS. 48-51, the cable mount286is configured for securing an incoming cable such as a distribution or feeder cable514to a side of an element such as element510. Each cable mount286defines a front end516and a rear end518. The cable mount286is configured to receive the incoming cable514through the rear end518for securing the cable514. As will be discussed in further detail, the cable mount286defines a jacket channel520for housing the jacket522of the incoming cable514, a strength member pocket524for receiving a strength member526of the incoming cable514, and a fiber channel528for receiving the individual fiber-carrying loose tubes530protruding from an end of the jacket522of the cable514. The jacket channel520and the fiber channel528are defined by upper and lower transverse walls531and a divider wall535of the cable mount286. The strength member pocket524is defined on an opposite side of the divider wall535. The strength member clamp536is inserted into the strength member pocket524through an opening537located in the divider wall535.

According to the depicted embodiment, the cable mount286is configured to be mounted in a sliding fashion to the dovetail structures288of the elements such as elements210,410, and510. As shown inFIGS. 50 and 51, each cable mount286defines dovetail shaped interlock features532that mate with the dovetail structures288of the elements. The cable mounts286are mounted to the dovetails288by sliding the cable mounts286rearwardly over the dovetails288. The front end516of each cable mount286defines a positive stop534that abuts a front end of the dovetail288for limiting axial pull on the cable514once a strength member526of the cable514has been clamped using the cable mount286. It should be noted that a dovetail sliding interlock is one example of a structure that may be used to mount the cable mount286to an element such as elements210,410, and510and that other types of interlocks (that limit axial pull on a secured cable) may be used.

As noted above, the cable mount286is configured for securing or clamping the strength member526of an incoming cable514to limit axial pull on the cable514to preserve the optical fibers. A strength member clamp536of the cable mount286is defined by a base538and a fixation plate540that is clamped thereto via clamp fasteners542. The base538may also be referred to as a first clamp member and the fixation plate540may be referred to as a second clamp member of the strength member clamp536.

Once the strength member526of an incoming cable514is inserted into the strength member pocket524through the opening537, the strength member526may be clamped between the first and second clamp members538,540. The strength member pocket524and the strength member clamp536of the cable mount are defined by an inset portion533of the cable mount286such that the clamp536does not interfere with the slidable mounting of the cable mount286via the dovetail interlock features532.

The cable mount286is designed such that the individual tubes530carrying the optical fibers are isolated from the strength member526of the cable514. The fiber carrying tubes530are lead through the fiber channel528which is located on an opposite side of the divider wall535from the strength member pocket524.

Still referring toFIGS. 48-51, each cable mount286also defines features for guiding the fiber tubes530that protrude from the incoming cable jacket522. Each cable mount286includes upper and lower front fiber guides544and upper and lower rear cable guides546. The cable guides544,546are defined by notches548in the transverse walls531that allow the fiber carrying tubes530to frictionally fit therein and extend to different locations around the distribution block512.

Referring now toFIG. 52, a pair of the cable mounts286are shown attached in a stacked arrangement to a single optical fiber distribution element510. The fiber guides544,546of the cable mount286are designed such that the upper guides of a cable mount286and the lower guides of an adjacent cable mount286align to form pathways for routing fiber carrying tubes530around the elements.FIG. 52illustrates an example tube routing configuration using the fiber guides544,546of the cable mounts286. The notches548defined by the fiber guides544,546allow the fiber carrying tubes530to extend from the fiber channel528of a given cable mount286to the fiber channel528of an adjacent upper or lower cable mount286. The fiber channels528of the cable mounts286in combination with the notches548defined by the fiber guides544,546allow the fiber carrying tubes530to extend straight upwardly, straight downwardly, diagonally upwardly, diagonally downwardly, or straight through after entering the fiber channels528.FIG. 53illustrates an example tube routing for four of the elements510ofFIG. 52stacked in a block formation, each element510including a pair of the cable mounts286.FIG. 53illustrates the various pathways the tubes530can take after exiting the cable jacket522using the cable mounts286.

As shown inFIG. 49, each cable mount286may also include a radius limiter mount550adjacent the front end516for mounting a radius limiter552. The radius limiter552may be similar to radius limiter420shown inFIGS. 46 and 47and may include friction members554which limit the amount of sliding movement of tubes530passing through radius limiter552, to assist with cable management. Friction members554may include flexible fingers which press lightly on the tubes530in the radius limiter552to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of the tubes530in the radius limiter552. The radius limiter552shown inFIG. 49can also be seen inFIGS. 30-33 and 38-39of the disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS. 54-55, an alternative embodiment of an optical fiber distribution element610is shown. The element610is shown from a front, left, top perspective view inFIG. 54. The left side of the element610is shown to include a cable mount686having features that are similar to those of the cable mount286illustrated inFIGS. 30-33, 38, 39, and 48-51. A cable mount such as cable mount686, as discussed previously, is configured for securing an incoming cable such as a distribution of feeder cable to a side of the element610. Even though the right side of the element610is shown inFIG. 54with a different type of a cable guide684that is configured to lead cables to the tray624, a structure similar to the cable mount686could also be used on the right side of the element610.

The cable mount686defines a jacket channel622for housing the jacket of an incoming cable, a strength member pocket for receiving a strength member of the incoming cable, and a fiber channel628for receiving individual fiber-carrying loose tubes protruding from an end of a jacket of the cable. The jacket channel622is defined by upper and lower transverse walls611,613. The fiber channel628includes a pair of cable management structures631therein for guiding cables to different desired directions as the cables lead toward the entry point of the tray624of the element610.

The strength member pocket is defined on an opposite side of a divider wall635. The strength member is inserted into the strength member pocket through an opening637located in the divider wall635and is, thus, isolated from the fiber carrying tubes. The cable mount686is designed such that the individual tubes carrying the optical fibers are isolated from the strength member of a cable. The fiber carrying tubes are lead through the fiber channel628which is located on an opposite side of the divider wall635from the strength member pocket.

After being routed around the cable management structures631, the cables enter and may be secured to an upper cable guide683and a lower cable guide685. As shown, either or both of the cables guides683,685are pivotally mounted to the chassis620. The cable guides683,685may be pivotable toward and away from the chassis620along a plane that is generally parallel to a plane defined by the sliding direction of the tray624. The pivotability of the cable guides683,685allows routing of the cables to outer and inner troughs627,629of a radius limiter structure638that is mounted to the slide mechanism of the element610. The cables may be secured to the guides683,685by a variety of methods such as with cable ties, snap-fit elements, etc. Thus, when the cables are routed to the outer and inner troughs627,629of the radius limiter638, the guides683,685may pivot with the movement of the cables secured thereto.

In the depicted example, the lower cable guide685has been shown as pivoted out to guide cables to the outer trough627of the radius limiter638. The upper cable guide683is configured to lead cables toward the inner trough629of the radius limiter638. The pivotability of the guides683,685allows separation of the cables as they lead into the desired troughs of the radius limiter638.

The radius limiter638includes a divider wall625extending from adjacent an outer end623to adjacent an inner end621. According to one embodiment, the divider625does not extend all the way to the inner and outer ends621,623of the U-shaped radius limiter638. The divider wall625of the radius limiter638forms the two separate troughs627,629. The two troughs627,629isolate and separate the cables (e.g., coming in and going out) of the element610into two distinct paths. According to one example cable routing configuration, the two troughs627,629may guide the cables to the upper and lower levels678,680defined toward the rear of the tray624while maintaining the S-shaped pathway676created within the element610. The pivotable cable guides683,685allow proper separation and routing of the cables when used with a radius limiter such as the limiter638. Further details of a radius limiter such as the radius limiter638of the present application are discussed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/892,558 concurrently filed herewith, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring now toFIGS. 56-65, another embodiment of a cable mount786having features that are similar to those of the cable mount286illustrated inFIGS. 30-33, 38, 39, and 48-51and the cable mount686illustrated inFIGS. 54-55is shown. As specified with respect to the other embodiments of the cable mounts previously, even though the cable mount786is shown and described herein as being part of or being usable with an optical fiber distribution element such as element210ofFIGS. 30-41or element610ofFIGS. 54-55, the optical fiber distribution elements210and610are simply two examples of telecommunications systems, fixtures, or closures which the cable mount786may be used with. The cable mount786includes features having inventive aspects in isolation and can be used on other types of optical fiber distribution elements.

Still referring toFIGS. 56-65, similar to cable mounts286and686, the cable mount786is configured for securing an incoming cable such as a distribution or feeder cable514to a side of an element such as an element510or610.

The cable mount786is defined by a base portion701and a fiber routing portion703that is configured to be mounted to the base portion701with a snap-fit interlock. The base portion701of the cable mount786is shown in isolation inFIGS. 63-65.

As shown inFIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion703defines flexible cantilever fingers705with ramped tabs707that are configured to be received within slots709on the base portion701. When the fiber routing portion703is snap-fit with respect to the base portion701, the two portions701,703cooperatively form the cable mount786.

Similar to the cable mounts286and686described above, the cable mount786includes features for securing or clamping the strength member526of an incoming cable514to limit axial pull on the cable514to preserve the optical fibers. A strength member clamp736of the cable mount786is defined by the interaction of a portion (i.e., a clamping surface738) of the base portion701and a fixation plate740that is configured to be clamped against the base portion701via a fastener742. The strength member clamp736will be described in further detail below. The portion of the base701that forms the clamping surface738for clamping the strength member may also be referred to as a first clamp member and the fixation plate740may also be referred to as a second clamp member of the strength member clamp736.

Still referring toFIGS. 56-65, the cable mount786, once assembled, defines a front end716and a rear end718. The cable mount786is configured to receive an incoming cable through the rear end718. Similar to cable mounts286and686, the base portion701of the cable mount786defines a jacket channel720for housing the jacket of the incoming cable. A strength member pocket724is defined by the base portion for receiving a strength member526of the incoming cable514. The fiber routing portion703of the cable mount786includes features for guiding individual fiber-carrying loose tubes530to different desired directions as the fibers extend toward the front end716of the cable mount786.

The jacket channel720is defined by upper and lower transverse walls731,733. A divider wall735of the cable mount286separates the jacket channel720from the strength member pocket724. The strength member pocket724is defined on an opposite side of the divider wall735from the jacket channel720. The divider wall735defines an opening737through which the jacket channel720communicates with the strength member pocket724. When a cable is received from the rear end718of the cable mount786, the strength member526of the cable protruding from the jacket799of the cable is inserted into the strength member pocket724through the opening737before being clamped using the strength member clamp736.

According to the depicted embodiment, the base portion701of the cable mount786is configured to be mounted to equipment such as elements510or610with a snap-fit interlock. As shown, the base portion defines a cantilever arm711with a ramped tab713adjacent the front end716of the cable mount786for interlocking with a notch that may be provided on a piece of telecommunications equipment. The base portion701of the cable mount786also defines catches715having dovetail profiles along the base portion701that are configured to slidably mate with intermating structures provided on the telecommunications equipment. In this manner, the cable mount786may be slidably attached to a piece of telecommunications equipment before being locked into a notch defined by the equipment with the cantilever arm711. Similar dovetail intermating structures are shown, for example, inFIGS. 48-53with respect to cable mount286and element510. However, it should be noted that in the present embodiment of the cable mount786, the catches715having the dovetail profiles are provided on the cable mount786rather than on the telecommunications equipment. And, accordingly, the structures that intermate with the dovetail catches715may be provided on the telecommunications equipment instead.

It should be noted that a snap-fit interlock utilizing dovetail profiles and a flexible cantilever lock is only one example of an attachment mechanism that may be used to mount the cable mount786to an element such as elements210,410,510, and610and that other types of attachment mechanisms or methods (that limit axial pull on a secured cable) may be used.

As noted above, the cable mount786is configured for securing or clamping the strength member526of an incoming cable514to limit axial pull on the cable514to preserve the optical fibers. Once the strength member526of an incoming cable514is inserted into the strength member pocket724through the opening737, the strength member526may be clamped between the clamping surface738defined by the base portion701and the fixation plate740. A portion of the clamping surface738may define a groove739along the bottom side of the base portion701for proper positioning or alignment of the strength member526.

The fixation plate740defines a fastener mount741that has a threaded opening743for receiving the fastener742when clamping the fixation plate740with respect to the base portion701. The fastener mount741defines a throughhole763that extends along a longitudinal axis of the fixation plate (generally perpendicular to the threaded opening743) that is for receiving the strength member526of the cable. When the fastener742is used to clamp the fixation plate740with respect to the base portion701, at least a portion of the fastener may extend through the threaded opening743and into the throughhole. The throughhole763is preferably sized such that a strength member526can extend therethrough without interference from the fastener742that extends at least partially into the throughhole763.

The fastener mount741of the fixation plate740extends from a top of the fixation plate740to a portion of the fixation plate740that defines a clamping surface745. The clamping surface745of the fixation plate740is configured to abut against the clamping surface738defined by the base portion701in clamping the strength member526of the cable. As noted above, clamping the fixation plate740against the base portion701is accomplished by using the fastener742, which is threadedly engaged with the fastener mount741and which draws the fixation plate740towards the base portion701. The base portion701defines an opening717that is configured to accommodate and receive the fastener mount741as the fixation plate740is pulled up with respect to the base portion701.

The fiber routing portion703of the cable mount786is configured to receive and guide the fiber carrying tubes530of a cable being mounted using the cable mount786. Fiber carrying tubes530are lead up a ramp787defined by the fiber routing portion703after the strength member536of the cable has been separated therefrom and has been inserted into the strength member pocket724. The divider wall735keeps the fiber carrying tubes530and the cable jacket separate from the strength member pocket724similar to the embodiments of the cable mount discussed previously. In this manner, when the cables are subjected to pulling forces, the fiber carrying components are isolated from the part of the cable mount that clamps the strength member.

Still referring toFIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion703of the cable mount786defines a fastener mount719. The fastener mount719defines a pocket721for accommodating the head723of the fastener. The fastener mount719allows the fastener742to pass from the fiber routing portion703through the opening717of the base portion701into the fastener mount741of the fixation plate740. As the fastener742is threadably turned with respect to the fiber routing portion703, the fixation plate740is pulled toward the base portion701to clamp the strength member526between the clamping surfaces738and745.

Still referring toFIGS. 56-65, as noted previously, the fiber routing portion703of the cable mount786includes features for guiding individual fiber-carrying loose tubes530to different desired directions as the fibers extend toward the front end716of the cable mount786. The fiber routing portion703defines cable management structures in the form of spools727that are configured to guide the fiber carrying tubes530to different desired directions without violating minimum bend requirements.

As shown, the spools727may include flanges729for retaining the fibers within the fiber routing portion703. The fiber routing portion703also defines bulkheads751adjacent the front end716of the cable mount786. The bulkheads751cooperate with the spools727in leading the fibers directly forwardly as the fibers approach the front end716of the cable mount. The bulkheads751also define flanges729for retaining the fibers between the bulkheads751. The bulkheads751and the spools727may also be cooperatively referred to as cable guides.

A plurality of fiber channels759are formed between the spools727and the bulkheads751. The flanges729of the spools and the bulkheads751facilitate in keeping the fibers within desired fiber channels759.

As shown, the fiber routing portion703may define a notch or an opening797between the spools727that allows the fiber carrying tubes530to fit therethrough and extend to different locations around a distribution element.

Similar to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 52 and 54, the cable mounts786may be used in a stacked arrangement where two or more cable mounts786may be stacked along a top to bottom direction.

The fiber routing portion703, specifically, the spools727, the notch797defined between the spools727, and the bulkheads751, are designed to allow the fibers to be routed to different locations around an element or to different elements. The fiber routing portion703is configured to allow the fiber carrying tubes530to extend straight upwardly, straight downwardly, diagonally upwardly, diagonally downwardly, or straight through after passing through the bulkheads751.

In the embodiment of the cable mount786illustrated inFIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion703is provided as a separate structure than the base portion701of the cable mount786and is mounted to the base portion701with a snap-fit interlock. The two portions are provided as separate structures so that the base portion701can be used with fiber routing portions that may have a different configuration than the fiber routing portion703that is shown inFIGS. 56-65. The separability of the two portions701and703allows variability in the design of the fiber routing portion depending upon the type of cable used. For example, the number and the structure of the spools727and/or the bulkheads751can be varied depending upon the size and the number of the fibers of the clamped cable.

FIGS. 56-65illustrate a portion of a cable jacket799that has been inserted into the jacket channel720between the upper and lower transverse walls731,733. As shown, adjacent the back of the cable mount786, portions795of the walls731,733define ramped tabs793that are configured to receive the cable jacket799with a snap-fit. Adjacent either side of the wall portions795, the base portion701of the cable mount786also includes cable tie-wrap pockets777for allowing the cable jacket799to be fixed with cable ties.

At the exterior of the wall portions795, there are also defined notches791for receiving cantilever fingers789of a cover structure779. According to certain embodiments, for cables that may include soft strength members in the form of aramid fibers such as Kevlar, the soft strength members may be wrapped around the wall portions795and may be captured thereagainst with the cover structure779.

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

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

PARTS LIST