Patent Publication Number: US-2015071597-A1

Title: Optical fiber cassette systems with fiber retaining covers

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/874,468 filed on Sep. 6, 2013, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure relates generally to optical cable apparatuses, and more particularly to fiber optic cassette systems with fiber optic protective covers. 
     2. Technical Background 
     In optical cable networking apparatuses, including convergence points and distribution frames, there is a constant demand for apparatuses permitting high-density distribution with very high fiber termination counts in a small, confined volume. To accomplish the high-density distribution with high fiber termination counts requires efficient utilization of space with due regard to constraints on optical cables such as minimum bending radius. As such, ongoing needs exist for optical cable networking apparatus that can effectively utilize a confined volume and easily identify individual optical cables, while simultaneously protecting the optical cables from damage. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure relate to drop handles for fiber optic cassette systems. The drop handle comprises a base having a first end, a second end, and a cover latch. The drop handle includes a cover connected to the base, the cover comprising a securing latch positioned on an inner surface, wherein the securing latch is configured to engage with the cover latch of the base to secure the cover to the base in a secured position, and a flexible retainer removably attached to the base and configured to contact the cover in the secured position. The drop handle further includes a first connecting member positioned near the first end of the base, the first connecting member comprising a first hinge that is configured to rotatably connect the drop handle to a cassette, the hinge operable to releasably lock the drop handle in a first position and a second position, a second connecting member positioned near the second end of the base, the second connecting member comprising a second hinge that is configured to rotatably connect the drop handle to the cassette, and a release aperture disposed on at least one of the first and second connecting members, the release aperture configured to receive a corresponding release protrusion on the cassette. 
     In another embodiment, a drop handle comprising a base comprising a first end, a second end, and a cover latch. The drop handle includes a protective cover hingedly attached to the base forming an optical fiber cavity, the protective cover comprising a securing latch configured to engage the cover latch of the base and secure the protective cover in a secured position, a first connecting member positioned near the first end of the base, the first connecting member comprising a first hinge that is configured to rotatably connect the drop handle to a cassette, the first hinge operable to releasably lock the drop handle in a first position and a second position, and a first release aperture configured to engage with a corresponding release protrusion on a cassette, and a second connecting member positioned near the second end of the base, the second connecting member comprising a second hinge that is configured to rotatably connect the drop handle to the cassette, the second hinge operable to releasably lock the drop handle in the first position and the second position, and a second release aperture configured to engage with a corresponding release protrusion on a cassette. The second release aperture is opposite and axially-aligned with the first release aperture, and the protective cover is rotatable, with respect to the base, from the secured position to an unsecured position. 
     Additional embodiments of the disclosure also relate to fiber optic cassette systems for optical cables and optical devices. The fiber optic cassette systems according to such embodiments include a cassette body, a first connecting arm disposed at one end of the cassette body, a second connecting arm disposed at an end of the cassette body opposite the first connecting arm, and a plurality of adapters positioned in between the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm. The cassette system also includes a drop handle comprising a base comprising a first end, a second end, and a cover latch, a cover connected to the base, the cover comprising a securing latch positioned on an inner surface, wherein the securing latch is configured to engage with the cover latch of the base to secure the cover to the base in a secured position. The drop handle includes a flexible retainer removably attached to the base and configured to contact the cover in the secured position, a first connecting member positioned near the first end of the base, the first connecting member comprising a first hinge that is configured to rotatably connect the drop handle to the cassette body, the first hinge operable to releasably lock the drop handle in a first position and a second position, a second connecting member positioned near the second end of the base, the second connecting member comprising a second hinge that is configured to rotatably connect the drop handle to the cassette body, the second hinge operable to releasably lock the drop handle in the first position and the second position, and a first release aperture disposed on the first connecting member and a second release aperture disposed on the second connecting member, the first and second release apertures configured to receive corresponding release protrusions on the cassette body. The first connecting arm comprises a first hinge receiving feature and a first release protrusion, the first hinge receiving feature configured to receive the first hinge of the drop handle and the first release protrusion configured to engage the first release aperture of the drop handle. The second connecting arm comprises a second hinge receiving feature and a second release protrusion, the second hinge receiving feature configured to receive the second hinge of the drop handle and the second release protrusion configured to engage the second release aperture of the drop handle. The drop handle is configured to rotate relative to the cassette body between the first position and the second position. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims. 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fiber optic cassette system including a fiber optic cassette and a drop handle in a stored position according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1  in an access position according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the drop handle of  FIG. 1  according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a detail view of a connecting member of a drop handle and a connecting arm of a cassette body according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a cover of the drop handle of  FIG. 1  according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1 , showing the cover in a first position according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1 , showing the cover moving between the first position of  FIG. 6  to a second position of  FIG. 8  according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1 , showing the cover in a second position according to some embodiments described herein; and 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1 , showing the drop handle in a first position according to some embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1 , showing the drop handle moving between the first position of  FIG. 9  to a second position of  FIG. 11  according to some embodiments described herein; and 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the fiber optic cassette system of  FIG. 1 , showing the drop handle in a second position according to some embodiments described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of fiber optic cassette systems with drop handles for optical cables and optical devices will now be described with reference to the figures. 
     Cartesian axes are shown in the figures for the sake of reference only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to direction or orientation. Additionally, for sake of reference only and not by way of limitation, the Cartesian axes shown in the figures include arrows that consistently define a particular direction with respect to each axis in all figures that depict the same object in different orientations. Throughout this disclosure, relational terms will be used by a convention in view of the Cartesian axes of the figures and the positive directions indicated by the arrows. According to the convention, relationships relative to the x-axis of any object may be expressed using terms such as left, right, to the left of, or to the right of. According to the convention, relationships relative to the y-axis of any object may be expressed using terms such as front, back, in front of or proximal to, or behind or distal to. According to the convention, relationships relative to the z-axis of any object may be expressed using terms such as top, bottom, above, below, over, or under. Neither the convention nor the terms used to express various relationships are intended to limit any object or component thereof to a direction or orientation in construction or in use. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of a fiber optic cassette system  100  including a fiber optic cassette  110  and a drop handle  200  is illustrated.  FIG. 1  illustrates the drop handle  200  of the fiber optic cassette system  100  in a stored position  202  relative to the fiber optic cassette  110 , and a cover  204  of the drop handle  200  in a secured position  206 , relative to a base  210  of the drop handle  200 .  FIG. 2  illustrates the drop handle  200  of the fiber optic cassette system  100  in an access position  212  relative to the fiber optic cassette  110 , and the cover  204  of the drop handle  200  in an unsecured position  214  relative to the base  210  of the drop handle  200 . The drop handle  200  may protect or cover a portion of an adapter bank  126  of the fiber optic cassette  110  when in the stored position  202 . 
     The fiber optic cassette  110  includes a cassette body  112 . The cassette body  112  includes a first end  120 , a second end  122 , and a front surface  118  at a front end of the cassette body  112 . The front surface  118  may be positioned in between and transverse to the first end  120  and the second end  122  of the cassette body  112 . The cassette body  112  may be, for example, a box-like structure or housing with an inner cavity (not shown) configured to hold or guide fiber optic cables or optical components positioned within the cassette body  112 , such that the optical fibers appropriately route between and connect to adapters and to optical components positioned in the cassette body  112 . The cassette body  112  may be formed from, for example, plastic or metal or a combination thereof. The cassette body  112  may be configured to engage with and position on or in a fiber optic distribution frame (not shown) or a fiber optic local convergence point, such as an outdoor fiber optic cabinet (not shown). Accordingly, the fiber optic cassette  110  may include framework operable for positioning in such as a cabinet including, as a non-limiting example, sliding rails  114  positioned on the first and second ends  120 ,  122  of the cassette body  112  to enable the fiber optic cassette  110  to slide into and out of fiber optic distribution frames or cabinets. 
     As will be described in greater detail below herein, the fiber optic cassette  110  may be configured to receive and connect to the adapter bank  126  such that the adapter bank  126  is disposed through the front surface  118 . The adapter bank  126  may be comprised of a plurality of individual adapters or a plurality of adaptors that are ganged together as an integral adaptor assembly, with each adapter individually configured to receive a fiber optic connector attached to an end of a fiber optic cable  116 , and optically connect it to a fiber optic connector attached to an end of a fiber optic cable inside of the fiber optic cassette  110  for connecting external devices (not shown) to optical cables within the fiber optic cassette  110 . The adapter bank  126  may be configured to engage with a standard fiber optic connector such as ST, SC, LC, FC or MTP connectors, or the like. 
     In addition to protecting cables  116 , in embodiments, the drop handle  200  may also be configured to organize, guide, and identify the cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  with a cable guide  240 . For example, if the cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  are permitted to extend straight out of the adapter bank  126  (i.e., if the drop handle  200  were not present in  FIG. 1 ) the cables  116  may extend out in the y-direction and hang down in the z-direction, thereby obstructing access to pluralities of adapters in other cassettes that might be present in a housing (not depicted). The drop handle  200  may also include identification labels on the cover  204  to identify the cable  116 , as discussed below. Therefore, in some embodiments, the drop handle  200  guides the cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  away from and to one side (i.e., the left or right side in the x-direction) of the cassette. In other embodiments, the drop handle  200  may guide the cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  to both sides of the cassette body  112 . For example, in such embodiments, one or more of the cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  may be guided by the drop handle to the left side of the cassette body  112  in the x-direction and one or more of the cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  may be guided to the right side of the cassette body  112  in the x-direction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the fiber optic cassette  110  includes a first connecting arm  130  disposed at the first end  120  of the cassette body  112 , and a second connecting arm  132  disposed at the second end  122  of the cassette body  112 , opposite the first connecting arm  130 . The adapter bank  126  may be positioned in between the first connecting arm  130  and the second connecting arm  132 . The first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  may extend from the cassette body  112  and may be extruded as part of the cassette body  112  or may be separate components attached to the cassette body  112 . 
     The first connecting arm  130  may include a first release protrusion  134  and a first hinge receiving feature  136  and the second connecting arm  132  may include a second release protrusion  138  and a second hinge receiving feature  140 , as discussed below. In other embodiments, additional or fewer connecting arms may be included. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  may comprise the same components (e.g. release protrusions and hinge receiving features), while in other embodiments, the first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  may not comprise the same components. Additionally, in some embodiments the hinge receiving features  136 ,  140  may include one or more locking detents (e.g., detents  251 ,  253 ,  255 ,  257 , not shown in  FIG. 2 ) which engage one or more locking tabs (e.g., locking tabs  270 ,  272 , not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the drop handle  200  to hold the drop handle  200  in one or more specific positions, as discussed below (e.g., stored position  202  and access position  212 ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  are configured to connect the drop handle  200  to the cassette body  112  by engaging with corresponding connecting members of the drop handle  200 . The first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  may further be configured to allow the drop handle  200  to rotate, pivot, or slide with respect to the cassette body  112 , as discussed herein. For example, the first and second release protrusions  134 ,  138  may allow a user to apply a force and temporarily displace the first or second connecting arms  130 ,  132  in the x-direction, which may allow the drop handle  200  to be disengaged from the stored position  202  by creating a clearance between the release protrusion  134  or  138  and a corresponding release aperture on the drop handle  200 . Illustrative embodiments of the connection mechanisms between the drop handle  200  and the cassette body  112  are discussed in detail with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the drop handle  200  is illustrated in a second position, or the access position  212 . In the access position  212 , the drop handle  200  allows a user to access the adapter bank  126  positioned on the front surface  118  of the cassette body  112 . The drop handle  200  in  FIG. 2  is also illustrated with the cover  204  in the unsecured position  214 , as described below. Although the access position  212  is illustrated with the drop handle  200  positioned substantially normal to the cassette body  112 , the access position  212  may be any position other than the stored position  202 . Further, the unsecured position  214  for the cover  204  may be any position other than the secured position  206 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the drop handle  200  of the fiber optic cassette system  100  is illustrated in isolation (i.e., separated from the cassette system  100 ). The drop handle  200  comprises the base  210 , the cover  204 , flexible retainers  220 , and at least one finger grip  230 . The base  210  may form a tray-like structure and may form an optical fiber cavity  222  configured to guide or retain fiber optic cables (e.g., fiber optic cables  116  shown in  FIG. 2 ) connected to the plurality of adapters disposed on the cassette body  112 . The base  210  includes a first end  232 , a second end  234 , and a cover latch  236 . Each cover latch  236  of the base  210  is configured to engage with a corresponding securing latch  290  of the cover  204 , as discussed below. 
     The first end  232  of the drop handle  200  may correspond to the first end  120  of the cassette body  112  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), while the second end  234  of the drop handle  200  may correspond to the second end  122  of the cassette body  112 . The first end  232  of the base  210  may comprise the cable guide  240 . The cable guide  240  may guide the fiber optic cables  116  connected to the adapter bank  126  on the cassette body  112 . The cable guide  240  may be configured to ensure the fiber optic cables  116  positioned on the cable guide  240  do not exceed a certain predetermined curvature radius or otherwise become damaged. In some embodiments, the second end  234  may also comprise a cable guidance apparatus (not shown). 
     A first connecting member  250  is positioned at or near the first end  232  of the base, and a second connecting member  252  is positioned at or near the second end  234  of the base  210 . The first and second connecting members  250 ,  252  may extend from the base  210  of the drop handle  200 . The first connecting member  250  may include a first hinge  254 , and the second connecting member  252  may include a second hinge  256 . The first and second hinges  254 ,  256  may be the same in some embodiments, or may be different in other embodiments. The first and second hinges  254 ,  256  may be configured to connect the drop handle  200  to the fiber optic cassette  110  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) by engaging with the corresponding hinge receiving features  136 ,  140  of the cassette body  112 . In other embodiments, more or fewer connecting members may be included in the drop handle  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second connecting members  250 ,  252 , along with their respective first and second hinges  254 ,  256 , may rotatably connect the drop handle  200  to the fiber optic cassette  110  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ). In other embodiments, the first and second connecting members  250 ,  252  may slidably connect the drop handle  200  to the fiber optic cassette  110  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) and may or may not permit the drop handle  200  to stop or releasably lock into one or more specific positions relative to the cassette  110 . It should be understood that the first and second hinges  254 ,  256  may be disposed on the cassette body  112  and the corresponding release apertures may be disposed on the drop handle  200 . Further, it should be understood that other hinged connections may be used without deviating from the scope of embodiments described herein. The hinged connection between the drop handle  200  and the cassette body  112  will be described in more detail below. 
     The first connecting member  250  may further include a first release aperture  280  and the second connecting member  252  may further include a second release aperture  282 . The first and second release apertures  280 ,  282  may be opposite and axially aligned. The first and second release apertures  280 ,  282  may receive the corresponding release protrusions  134 ,  138  on the first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  of the cassette body  112  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) to form a snap-fit or detent-like connection. The first and second release apertures  280 ,  282  may be circular, rectangular, triangular, or may have another geometry that corresponds with the geometry of the first and second release protrusions on the connecting arms of the fiber optic cassette. 
     Further, the release aperture  280  of the first connecting member  250  of the drop handle  200  may receive the first release protrusion  134  of the cassette body  112 . The first release protrusion  134  may be pressed in the x-direction by a user, temporarily displacing the first connecting arm  130 , and allowing the first connecting member  250  to move with respect to the first connecting arm  130 , as the first release protrusion  134  is no longer securing the arm and the member to each other. Some embodiments may only include one hinge, while others may include one hinge per connecting member. 
     Referring briefly to  FIG. 4 , the first hinge  254  may engage or insert into the first hinge receiving feature  136  of the first connecting arm  130  of the fiber optic cassette  110  (e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ), and may be operable to releasably lock the drop handle  200  in a first position or a second position. For example, the first hinge  254  may comprise a first locking tab  270  that can engage a first detent  251  of the first hinge receiving feature  136  of the first connecting arm  130  to hold or releasably lock the drop handle  200  in the stored position  202  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The first hinge receiving feature  136  may also comprise a second detent  253  that is angularly spaced from the first detent  251  such that when the drop handle  200  is moved from the stored position  202 , the first locking tab  270  may disengage from the first detent  251  and move, rotate, and or pivot until the first locking tab  270  engages the second detent  253 . When the first locking tab  270  is engaged with the second detent  253 , it holds or releasably locks the drop handle  200  in the access position  212  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Optionally, the second hinge  256  may also include a second locking tab  272  (shown in  FIGS. 9-11 ) that can engage a respective first detent  255  disposed on the second hinge receiving feature  140  to hold or releasably lock, separately or in combination with the first hinge  254 , the drop handle  200  in the stored position  202 , and a second detent  257  disposed on the second hinge receiving feature  140  (spaced from the first detent  255 ) to hold or releasably lock the drop handle  200  in the access position  212 . The first and second detents  251 ,  253 ,  255 ,  257  may provide a friction fit or interference fit, for example, with the respective locking tabs  270 ,  272  and may provide a force that arrests motion of the drop handle  200  with respect to the cassette body  112 , providing a releasable locking function. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the drop handle  200  also includes flexible retainers  220 . The flexible retainers  220  may be attached to the base  210  and configured to contact the cover  204  of the base  210  when the cover  204  is in the secured position  206  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The flexible retainers  220  may be removably attached to the base  210  and may be replaceable. The flexible retainers  220  may also be overmolded to the base  210 . Although the drop handle  200  is illustrated with two flexible retainers  220 , other embodiments may include multiple flexible retainers, for example, or a single flexible retainer extending along the width of the drop handle  200 . Additionally, the flexible retainers  220  may be attached to the cover  204  instead of the base  210 . 
     The drop handle  200  also includes at least one finger grip  230 . In  FIG. 3 , the finger grips  230  are shown positioned near the cable guide  240  near the first end  232  of the base  210  and at the second end  234  of the base  210 . The finger grips  230  may allow users to manually operate or move the drop handle  200 , for example from the stored position  202  to the access position  212 . The finger grip  230  may be a finger tab, as shown near the first end  232 , or may be another device that allows users to manipulate the drop handle position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the cover  204  of the drop handle  200  is depicted in isolation (i.e., separated from the drop handle  200 ). The cover  204  may be a protective cover and may cover a portion of the fiber optic cables  116  connected to individual adapters of the adapter bank  126  when the adapter bank  126  is in use or a portion of the adaptor bank  126 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The cover  204  comprises an inner surface  286 , an outer surface  288 , securing latches  290 , and a hinge portion  292 . The cover  204  may be substantially planar and may therefore provide substantially flat inner and outer surfaces  286 ,  288 , to accommodate, for example, identification labels affixed to the inner or outer surfaces  286 ,  288 . Identification labels may decrease difficulty in identifying specific optical fiber cables by providing ample surface area in which to describe or otherwise label specific optical fiber cables. The cover  204  may be hingedly connected to the base  210 , allowing the cover  204  to rotate with respect to the base  210 . In other embodiments, the cover  204  may be slidably attached to the base  210 . The securing latches  290  may be positioned on the inner surface  286  of the cover  204  and may engage with corresponding cover latches  236  of the base  210  to secure the cover  204  to the base  210  when the cover  204  is in the secured position  206 . Although two securing latches  290  are illustrated, additional or fewer securing latches may be included. Also, other securing mechanisms may be used to secure the cover  204  to the base  210 , such as a snap-fit mechanism. While the cover  204  is illustrated as being detachable from the base  210  in  FIGS. 3-5 , in other embodiments the cover  204  may not be detachable from the base  210 . The cover may be made of any suitable material including, without limitation, a transparent or translucent material. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6-8 , the drop handle  200  is depicted in a side view in various positions. In  FIG. 6 , the cover  204  is in the secured position  206 , in  FIG. 7  the cover  204  is shown moving into the unsecured position  214 , and in  FIG. 8 , the cover  204  is in the unsecured position  214 . Referring first to  FIG. 6 , the cover  204  may be moved from the secured position  206  by applying an upward force F to the cover  204 . As the upward force F is applied as shown in  FIG. 6 , the cover  204  rotates about the hinge portion  292 , away from the secured position  206  as shown in  FIG. 6  and towards the unsecured position  214  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The flexible retainers  220 , shown engaged with the cover  204  in the secured position  206 , begin returning to a default form as the contact surface between the cover  204  and the flexible retainers  220  is reduced. In the unsecured position  214 , depicted in  FIG. 8 , the cover  204  may be configured to stand alone, such that a user may access the plurality of adapters on the fiber optic cassette  110 . The flexible retainers  220  may prevent pinching of optical fiber cables when the drop handle  200  or cover  204  is moved. In some embodiments, the flexible retainers  220  may still contact the cover  204  in the unsecured position  214 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , the drop handle  200  is depicted moving from the stored position  202  and secured position  206  in  FIG. 9  along direction  201  towards an access position  213  and unsecured position  215  in  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, to release the drop handle  200  from the stored position  202 , the release protrusions  134 ,  138  of the fiber optic cassette  110  (as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) may be depressed or actuated such that the release protrusions  134 ,  138  are no longer engaged with the respective release apertures  280 ,  282  of the drop handle  200 . The drop handle  200  may then rotate with respect to the cassette body  112  along direction  201 . As the drop handle  200  rotates, the locking tabs  270 ,  272  of the hinges  254 ,  256  disengage from the first detents  251 ,  255  and move towards the second detents  253 ,  257 . The detent positions may provide a more secure engagement with the first and second locking tabs  270 ,  272 , and a higher amount of force may be needed to dislodge the drop handle  200  when the locking tabs  270 ,  272  are engaged with the detents. Alternatively, in some embodiments a user may manipulate the drop handle  200  or move the drop handle  200  by manually applying force to the finger grips  230  instead of the release protrusions  134 ,  138 . In this embodiment, the locking tabs  270 ,  272  may be of limited dimension, such that any resisting force generated by the locking tabs  270 ,  272  may be overcome by torque applied to the finger grips  230 , and the fiber optic cassette system  100  is not damaged. 
     Additionally, the first and second connecting arms  130 ,  132  of the fiber optic cassette  110  include a notch portion  310 . A portion  312  of the cover  204  rests on the notch portion  310  when the cover  204  is in the secured position  206 . The notch portion  310  applies a force to the cover  204  when the release protrusions  134 ,  138  are actuated and the drop handle  200  is moved from the stored position  202 . The force applied to the cover  204  by the notch portion  310  dislodges the cover  204  from the secured position  206 , such that the securing latch  290  and the cover latch  236  of the base  210  are disengaged. Accordingly, when the drop handle  200  is moved from the stored position  202  while the cover  204  is in the secured position  206 , the cover  204  will be automatically dislodged from the secured position  206 , thereby preventing the cover  204  from displacing any optical fibers or the plurality of adapters. 
     Thus, various embodiments of fiber optic cassette systems have been described, in which a fiber optic cassette is connected to a drop handle, and the drop handle protects and identifies fiber optic cables positioned in the fiber optic cassette system. Furthermore, the inclusion of a drop handle according to the embodiments described above may protect fiber optic cables while not exceeding physical constraints of optical fibers such as minimum bending radii. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments set forth herein pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims 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 the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.