Abstract:
A fiber distribution cabinet comprises an outer shell having at least one door for accessing an interior thereof. A module support frame is located inside the outer shell. At least one input distribution module, having a plurality of input distribution connector adapters, is attached to the module support frame. The cabinet further includes at least one optical splitter module attached to the support frame. The optical splitter module has a plurality of splitter connector adapters. Also provided is a connector holder support frame carrying a plurality of removable connector holders for maintaining a multiplicity of output connectors.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to outdoor cabinets where fiber optic connections can be made to customers of high-speed data services. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved outdoor cabinet in which signals from feeder cables are split and distributed to the respective customers. 
         [0002]    The ability of high-quality optical fiber to transmit large amounts of information without appreciable signal degradation is well known. As a result, optical fibers have found widespread use in many applications, such as voice and data transmission. Initially, optical fiber was often limited to such uses as trunk line communications or commercial settings requiring high rates of data throughput. More recently, however, the need for greater bandwidth in residential settings has brought optical fibers directly into homes and other premises. 
         [0003]    Typically, information is fed from a central office of the data service provider using feeder cables made up of multiple optical fibers. For example, a typical feeder cable may have 12, 24, 36 or 48 individual optical fibers, each of which is capable of carrying a tremendous amount of information. While some customers may require all of the bandwidth provided by one of the optical fibers in the feeder cable, most subscribers (e.g., residential subscribers) do not. Instead, each of these feeder fibers may be distributed to a number of individual subscribers using an optical fiber splitter. It will be appreciated that the data service provider often needs to connect or disconnect service to customers in a given area. Specifically, all premises in the area equipped with optical fiber to the premises may not desire the data service at a certain point in time. 
         [0004]    Most US-based passive optical network (PON) systems use a fiber distribution hub and a fiber distribution hub splitter. Although this technology generally meets service provider network requirements, the typical fiber distribution hub and fiber distribution hub splitters use proprietary splitters, a fixed internal cabling methodology and are difficult to service. 
         [0005]    The present invention recognizes the foregoing considerations, and others, of the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    According to one aspect, the present invention provides an exterior fiber distribution cabinet comprising an outer shell having at least one door for accessing an interior thereof. A module support frame is located inside the outer shell. At least one input distribution module, having a plurality of input distribution connector adapters, is attached to the module support frame. The cabinet further includes at least one optical splitter module attached to the support frame. The optical splitter module has a plurality of splitter connector adapters. Also provided is a connector holder support frame carrying a plurality of removable connector holders for maintaining a multiplicity of output connectors. 
         [0007]    In exemplary embodiments, the module support frame may be configured to define a plurality of module attachment locations at which a respective input distribution module or optical splitter may be attached. For example, the module support frame may have a multiple of module attachment locations. Preferably, the module support frame may be pivotally mounted inside the outer shell such as about a vertical axis. In addition, the module support frame may further include a fiber guide structure defining a plurality of spaced apart slots for receipt of optical fibers passing therethrough. The input distribution connector adapters of the input distribution module(s) and the splitter connector adapters of the optical splitter(s) are preferably oriented toward the outside of cabinet to facilitate access thereto by a technician. 
         [0008]    Preferably, the connector holder support frame may be pivotally mounted in the outer shell to move between a first position in which the connector holders are inaccessible and a second position in which the connector holders are accessible. Moreover, the connector holder support frame may have a panel defining a plurality of connector identification holes, each of which is in register with a respective connector tip location. In exemplary embodiments, the connector holder support frame may be pivotal about a horizontal axis such that the first position is a raised position and the second position is a lowered position. 
         [0009]    The connector holders may be removably mounted to the connector holder support frame in parallel with each other. Each of the connector holders in such embodiments may be configured to maintain a plurality of output connectors such that connector tips thereof are located at respective connector tip locations. The connector holders may each have a plurality of ferrules for engagement by a corresponding one of the connector tips. 
         [0010]    The exterior fiber distribution cabinet in accordance with this aspect of the invention may further have a plurality of cable spools at fixed locations inside the outer shell for storage of excess lengths of optical fiber. The cable spools may each have a semicylindrical structure. 
         [0011]    In exemplary embodiments, the outer shell of the exterior fiber distribution cabinet may comprise first and second doors. The doors may be configured such that distal edges thereof form a corner of the outer shell when the first and second doors are in a closed position. 
         [0012]    Embodiments are also contemplated in which a removable input bracket is mounted at a fixed location inside the outer shell such that removal of the input bracket permits an input feeder cable to remain connected while components of the cabinet are serviced. The outer shell of the exterior fiber distribution cabinet may be mounted on a riser skirt. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect, the present invention provides an optical fiber connector storage arrangement comprising a connector holder support frame including a panel and a connector holder receiving structure. The panel defines a plurality of connector identification holes. Numbers or other indicia may be located adjacent to each of the holes to facilitate locating a corresponding stored connector. In addition, a plurality of removable connector holders are located in the connector holder receiving structure. The connector holders are adapted to maintain a plurality of optical fiber connectors such that connector tips thereof are located at respective connector tip locations. The connector tip locations are in register with a respective connector identification hole. 
         [0014]    Preferably, each of the connector holders has a plurality of tip ferrules at respective connector tip locations. The connector holders in accordance with this aspect of the present invention are preferably light transmissive at the connector tip locations. For example, the connector holders may be formed of a transparent polymeric material. 
         [0015]    In exemplary embodiments, the removable connector holders may be situated in parallel with each other in the connector holder receiving structure. For example, the connector holder receiving structure may have length greater than a width thereof. Preferably, the connector holders may each have at least one deflectable retention arm for engaging the connector holder receiving structure. For example, the connector holders may each have first and second deflectable retention arms. 
         [0016]    A further aspect of the present invention provides an exterior fiber distribution cabinet comprising an outer shell having at least one door for accessing an interior thereof. A module support frame, located inside the outer shell, defines a plurality of module attachment locations. A connector holder support frame carries a plurality of removable connector holders for maintaining a multiplicity of output connectors. 
         [0017]    An additional aspect of the present invention provides a method of attaching an output connector to an optical splitter in an exterior fiber distribution cabinet. One step of the method involves opening the exterior fiber distribution cabinet to reveal a connector holder support frame. The connector holder support frame is moved from a first position in which a plurality of connector holders carried by the connector holder support frame are inaccessible to a second position in which the connector holders are accessible. A selected one of the connector holders in which the desired output connector is maintained is removed from the connector holder support frame. The output connector is then removed from the selected connector holders and attached to a socket of the optical splitter. 
         [0018]    Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are provided by various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed elements, as well as methods of practicing same, which are discussed in greater detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a distribution cabinet constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic view showing one preferred arrangement for wiring internal to the cabinet of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 1  but with outer doors open. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view showing a bottom portion of the front of the open cabinet where an input distribution box is mounted. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a rear isometric view of a preferred splitter module which may be utilized in the cabinet of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the splitter module of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 5  but with the top lid of the splitter module removed to reveal various internal components. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 5  but with portions of the case not shown to reveal various internal components. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 1  but with outer doors open and connector holder hinged frame in its lowered position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is an overhead isometric view of the cabinet of  FIG. 1  but with outer doors removed for purposes of illustration and connector holder hinged frame in its lowered position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a side isometric view of the cabinet of  FIG. 1  with outer doors removed for purposes of illustration and connector holder hinged frame in its lowered position. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of the connector holder hinged frame in lowered position showing a multiplicity of optical fibers extending to the connector holders. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is an overhead rear view of an exemplary connector holder showing a plurality of optical fiber connectors being stored therein. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is an overhead front view of the connector holder of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged view of a portion of a connector holder showing the manner in which optical fiber connectors are stored therein using a connector ferrule. 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a view similar to  FIG. 11  but with the connector holder hinged frame in a raised and latched position to show the plurality of connector identification holes corresponding to respective optical distribution fibers stored in the connector holders. 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a front isometric view of the cabinet of  FIG. 1  with outer doors removed for purposes of illustration but with the swinging module support frame in its open position. 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged view showing the cabinet interior as revealed when the swinging module support frame is in the open position as in  FIG. 17 , further showing optical fiber cables located therein. 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is an additional enlarged view showing the cabinet interior as revealed when the swinging module support frame is in the open position as in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is an additional enlarged view showing the cabinet interior as revealed when the swinging module support frame is in the open position as in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged side view with outer door and connector holder hinged frame removed for purposes of illustration. 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged front view of a bottom portion of the open cabinet showing the removable input bracket. 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22  with the removable input bracket removed. 
       
    
    
       [0043]    Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions. 
         [0045]    Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical fiber distribution cabinet for outdoor use that offer many advantages in comparison with the prior art. For example, preferred embodiments to be described in connection with the drawings are modular, easy to configure for different combinations of feeder fiber and distribution fiber counts, easy to connect service to customers, and easy to conduct extensive field repairs. In this regard,  FIG. 1  illustrates an optical fiber distribution cabinet,  10 , constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, cabinet  10  has a box-like outer shell having a top side  12 , a first door  14  forming a front side, a second door  16  forming a right side, a left side  18  and a back side  20 . 
         [0046]    In this case, distal edges of doors  14  and  16  come together to form the right front corner of the outer shell when they are closed. As described in U.S. Pub. App. No. 200810042535A1 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes), such an arrangement provides greater access to the interior of the cabinet when the doors are opened. Preferably, doors  14  and  16  may be configured to interlock when closed such that door  14  must be opened before door  16 . In this manner, latches  22  carried by door  14  can maintain both doors in the closed position. Although the latches generally require a special tool, additional security can be provided by fixed hasps  24  that block access to the latch when fitted with a padlock. 
         [0047]    Typically, cabinet  10  will be either pole-mounted or mounted on the ground pad. To facilitate pole mounting, cabinet  10  is equipped in this embodiment with a pair of lifting eyes  26 . If cabinet  10  is pad mounted, it is typically located atop a skirt such as skirt  28 . As shown, skirt  28  has a hinged door  30  that desirably provides access to the region underneath cabinet  10 . 
         [0048]    Certain novel aspects of cabinet  10  are diagrammatically illustrated in  FIG. 2 . As will be explained, connections are made inside cabinet  10  between feeder cable  32  coming from the data service provider and distribution cable(s)  34  leading to customer premises. Feeder cable  32  will be made up of a number of individual optical fibers assembled in a bundle. For example, typical feeder cable may have twelve fibers (12F), twenty-four fibers (24F), thirty-six fibers (36F) or forty-eight fibers (48F). The distribution cable(s)  34  are also made up of a bundle of individual optical fibers but this number is typically much greater than that of feeder cable  32 . For example, distribution cable  34  may typically have 288 fibers (288F) or 432 fibers (432F), often assembled in 12F subunits. Other distribution cable counts can also be used, such as 72F, 144F, 216F, and 360F. The individual distribution cable fibers lead directly to the premises to which the data service is provided. Thus, each feeder cable fiber corresponds to multiple distribution cable fibers (except in unusual circumstances where a subscriber has enormous bandwidth requirements). 
         [0049]    In this regard, terminated ends of the individual fibers of feeder cable  32  are connected to an input distribution box  36 . As will be explained in greater detail below, input distribution box  36  is formed as a module that can be easily inserted into or removed from a support frame within cabinet  10 . For example, a typical input distribution box  36  may have the capacity to accommodate up to twelve (12) or up to twenty-four (24) feeder cable fibers. In such embodiments, two input distribution boxes are provided if the feeder cable has more than the number of individual fibers that can be accommodated by one input distribution box. 
         [0050]    One or more optical splitters  38  are also located inside cabinet  10 . Optical splitters  38  divide a single input fiber into a plurality of output fibers. For example, a typical optical splitter used in cabinet  10  may have a 1×32 configuration. One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that other splitter configurations (such as 1×16, 1×8 or 1×4) may be utilized depending on the requirements of a particular installation. 
         [0051]    Preferably, splitters  38  are formed as modules that, like input distribution box  36 , can be easily inserted into and removed from the support frame. Preferably, interconnection between fibers at input distribution box  36  and the respective inputs of splitters  38  is provided by respective one fiber (1F) jumper cables  40 . 
         [0052]    Splitters  38  are preferably configured to allow easy connection and disconnection to individual distribution fibers. In this regard, cabinet  10  defines a connector holder area  42  in which terminated ends of the distribution cable fibers are stored. As will be explained more fully below, the distribution cable ends are preferably formed as standard connectors which may be located and individually removed when needed from a connector holder. The selected connector is then simply plugged into an available receptacle on one of the splitters  38  when subscriber service is to be established. If subscriber service is to be disconnected, the technician unplugs the corresponding connector from the splitter receptacle and places it back into the connector holder. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , cabinet  10  is shown with doors  14  and  16  in open position. In this regard, doors  14  and  16  have hinges located at their respective proximal edges to pivot about a vertical axis. Linkages  44  and  46  may be provided to limit the extent to which respective doors  14  and  16  can open. The linkages may also provide a detent feature which tends to maintain the doors in the open position. As shown, the insides of doors  14  and  16  may be provided with labels  48  and  50  which may be used by the data service provider to indentify the cables. A pocket  52  may be attached to the inside of one of the doors for storing technical manuals, test data and the like. 
         [0054]    A vertical structure  54  is located at a fixed position inside cabinet  10  adjacent the right front corner. Structure  54  defines an opening  56  through which distribution fibers can be passed for connection to a splitter. The upper and lower bounds of opening  56  are defined by semicylindrical guides  56  and  58  ( FIG. 11 ) which limit the bending stresses on distribution cable fibers. Flanges are preferably located on the distal ends of the guides to maintain the fibers in position. In addition, as shown in  FIG. 11 , vertical structure  54  may also include a plurality of semicylindrical spools (collectively 62) about which excess length of cable can be wound as necessary or desired. 
         [0055]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , module support frame  64  is accessed behind door  14  whereas connector holder support frame  66  is accessed behind door  16 . As shown, frame  64  has a predetermined number of locations (in this case, ten locations) at which any desired combination of input distribution boxes and optical splitters may be installed. In  FIG. 3 , for example, two input distribution boxes  36  are installed in the bottom two locations of frame  64 . Similarly, two optical splitters  38  are installed in the top two locations of frame  64 . Unused locations of frame  64  may be occupied by a “blank” (such as blank  68 ) until use of that location is needed. 
         [0056]    Additional details of input distribution  36  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . (In this case, a single input distribution box  36  is installed with the location to its left occupied by a blank  68 .) As can be seen, input distribution box  36  is connected to support frame  64  in this case using a pair of attachment screws  72 . One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that any suitable technique for connecting input distribution box  36  can be used. An aperture  72  is defined in the front of input distribution box  36  for receipt of a feeder cable. The feeder cable is preferably routed from the bottom interior of cabinet  10  through an input removal bracket  74 . Ends of the feeder cable fibers are terminated at respective receptacles  76  located on the front of input distribution box  36 . Preferably, receptacles  76  may be standard receptacles such as SC connector receptacles. Receptacles  76  may be filled with a protective plug when not in use. 
         [0057]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-8 , an exemplary configuration of a splitter  38  is illustrated. As noted above, splitter  38  is preferably configured as a module that can be easily inserted into and removed from support frame  64 . In this embodiment, splitter  38  is divided into three submodules  78   a - c  which each of which carries eleven receptacles  80  on its front surface. Submodules  78   a - c  are hinged together at respective hinges  82   a - c  as limited by laterally-mounted link plates  84   a - b.  Link plates  84   a - b  allow some separation of submodules  78   a - c  to facilitate making connections at receptacles  80 . Receptacles  80  may be filled with a protective plug when not in use. 
         [0058]    Details of the internal construction of splitter  38  are described in PCT application no. PCT/US2011/022594, incorporated fully herein by reference for all purposes.  FIGS. 7 and 8 , however, show splitter  38  with portions of the housing removed or broken away so that various internal structures can be seen. In this embodiment, one of the receptacles  80  serves as an input from input distribution box  36 . This single input line is split inside of splitter  36  into thirty-two outputs corresponding to the remaining receptacles  80 . The frontal location of receptacles  76  and the input receptacle of receptacles  80  allows the interconnection therebetween to be accomplished by a common one fiber (1F) jumper cable. 
         [0059]    Referring again to  FIG. 4 , support frame  64  is mounted within cabinet  10  to pivot about a vertical axis. In this case, for example, a lower pivot pin  86  and a corresponding upper pivot pin are provided at structure  54  for this purpose. A latch  88  (here in form of a deadbolt latch) is provided to maintain support frame  64  in the closed position (shown in  FIG. 4 ). When access to the area behind support frame  64  is desired, the technician releases latch  88  and pivots support frame  64  toward the outside of cabinet  10  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ). 
         [0060]    In the illustrated embodiment, support frame  64  further includes a vertical fiber guide  90 . Fiber guide  90  defines a plurality of spaced apart slots  92  for receipt of optical fibers therethrough. These may include individual distribution fibers brought over from the connector holder area  42  or feeder cables  32  ( FIG. 22 ). Preferably, a compressible material such as foam is located in slots  92  to hold the fibers in position. 
         [0061]    Connector holder support frame  66  is pivotal about a horizontal axis so that it can be lowered from the first position shown in  FIG. 3  to a second position shown in  FIGS. 9-11 . In the first position, connector holder support frame is maintained by a suitable latch, such as latch  94 . In this case, latch  94  is configured as a deadbolt latch similar to latch  88 . When in the lowered position, the technician may access the plurality of connector holders  96  located in a connector holder receiving structure  98 . As shown, the connector holders are arranged as parallel cartridges in the receiving structure  98 . 
         [0062]    Each of connector holders  96  is adapted to maintain a plurality of distribution fiber connectors (e.g., twelve connectors) which may be connected to a receptacle of a splitter  38  (or in the case of a subscriber having enormous bandwidth requirements, directly to a receptacle of input distribution box  36 ). To do this, a technician would remove the particular connector holder  96  having the specific connector for a subscriber&#39;s distribution fiber. That connector is then pulled around to the front of the open cabinet and plugged into one of the receptacles at module support frame  64 . The fiber is held steady by the compressible material in a slot  92  of fiber guide  90 . Any excess length of fiber may be taken up on spools  62 . Connector holder support frame is then raised and latched, after which doors  14  and  16  can be closed. 
         [0063]    As can be seen with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the distribution fibers  100  are routed from the inside of cabinet  10  into the connector holder area  42  through an arrangement of grommet holes collectively indicated at  102 . A guard  104  may be provided on the inside of connector holder support frame  66  to prevent distribution fibers  100  from interfering with closure of connector holder support frame  66  (which could damage the distribution fibers). A suitable linkage  106  ( FIG. 10 ) is preferably provided to limit the downward movement of connector holder support frame  66  to a position approximately parallel with the ground. As most easily seen in  FIG. 10 , connector holder area  42  may include several additional semicylindrical spools (collectively indicated at  108 ) where excess length of distribution fiber may be taken up. For example, distribution fiber for connectors located in connector holders closer to the pivot axis can be taken up on spools  108 . 
         [0064]    An exemplary configuration for each of the connector holders  96  is shown in  FIGS. 13-15 . Preferably, connector holders  96  may be a unitary body  110  formed of a suitable polymeric material. In this case, a pair of retention arms,  112  and  114 , extend away from the remainder of body  110 . Retention arms  112  and  114  may be pushed in by the technician in order to remove connector holder  96  from the receiving structure  98 . When arms  112  and  114  are released, they will move back to their original positions to retain connector holder  96  in the receiving structure  98 . 
         [0065]    The individual distribution fibers are terminated in respective connectors  116 , such as SCAPC connectors, and exit from body  110  through a gap  118 . Body  110  may include suitable bend limiters  120  and  122  to limit the extent to which distribution fibers can be bent. Connectors  116  are preferably situated side by side such that their tips are located on the inside of a transmission surface  124 . Preferably, body  110  may be formed of a light transmissive material, in which case transmission surface  124  may be of the same material as the reminder of body  110 . If body  110  is otherwise opaque, however, transmission surface  124  may be provided by a transparent window fitted into a corresponding opening in body  110 . The distribution fibers are gripped at a location behind the boot of each connector  116  in corresponding holes defined by a cross support  126 . (It will be appreciated that the length of fiber behind connectors  116  is removed in  FIGS. 13 and 14  for purposes of illustration.) 
         [0066]    Referring now specifically to  FIG. 15 , the tip  128  of each connector  116  is spring-loaded so that it may be retained by a corresponding ferrule  130 . This eliminates the need to use a dust cap to cover an unused connector. In addition, the specific positions that can be occupied by connector  116  when connector holders  96  are installed in receiving structure  98  are known. This property can be used in advantageous fashion to assist the technician in locating the desired connector. 
         [0067]    In particular, as shown in  FIG. 16 , connector holder support frame  66  defines a plurality of connector identification holes collectively indicated at  132 . Connector identification holes  132  are respectively aligned with each of the ferrule locations defined by connector holders  96  when they are installed in the receiving structure  98 . Preferably, alphanumeric indicia (such as a simple number) may be provided adjacent to each of the identification holes  132 . This allows a field technician to conduct a simple “red-light” check to verify continuity and to visually inspect the connector tip. For example, one technician at the subscriber&#39;s premises may inject a visible light into the distal end of the distribution fiber, which will be received at cabinet  10  if there is suitable continuity. The technician at cabinet  10  can easily locate the correct connector depending on which identification hole is lit. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 17-20  show the interior of cabinet  10  behind support structure  64  when it is pivoted to the open position. Feeder cable and distribution cable enter cabinet  10  from below into this area. Suitable cable clamps, such as those indicated at  134 , may be located on the inside of cabinet  10  to assist routing of the cables (as shown in  FIG. 18 ). In addition, a cable transition holder  136  (most clearly seen in  FIGS. 18 and 20 ) may be mounted in the bottom of cabinet  10 . Cable transition holder  136  defines a plurality of parallel tubes in which subunits (e.g.,  12 F subunits) of the large distribution cable are further separated into its individual fibers. These fibers are then routed to component holder area  42  through grommet holes  102  as described above. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , an additional aspect of cabinet  10  will be described. In particular, as shown in  FIG. 23 , removal of bracket  74  reveals a cable passage  138  and a gap  140  defined in structure  54 . This allows the service provider to “reskin” cabinet  10  when it is damaged without disrupting service. In particular, the optically connected components can be moved around and into the bottom of the cabinet without being disconnected. The cables, while still connected, are moved through passage  138  and gap  140 . After the repair is completed, the process can be reversed. 
         [0070]    It can thus be seen that the present invention provides an improved exterior fiber distribution cabinet having various advantages in comparison with the prior art. While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made thereto by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged, in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limitative of the invention as further described in the appended claims.