Patent Publication Number: US-2023138383-A1

Title: Extendable splice tray

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to provisional application U.S. 63/274,253, filed on Nov. 1, 2021, entitled “EXTENDABLE SPLICE TRAY” which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to fiber-optic splice holders. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Elongate lines, and in particular communication optical fibers, extend to a use location. At the use location (e.g., a building, dwelling, or the like), the elongate lines are connected for termination, splicing or the like. Also, for protection (e.g., potential fragileness), neatness, efficiency, etc., splices of optical fibers are retained upon a fiber-optic splice holder. Such holders are often referred to as “trays.” 
     As can be appreciated, each of such holders or “trays” has a finite area upon which fiber-optic splices may be held. If there is a later desire to have a greater number of splices or the like (e.g., such may occur during a system upgrade), a lack of further available space may be experienced. 
     To address the topic of needed further space, it is possible that a new, larger holder or “tray” may be provided as a replacement. Splices may be transferred to the new, larger holder or “tray” in a common practice called “re-traying.” It is to be noted that the process of “re-traying” may be costly and may be a time-consuming process. It is to be noted that the process of “re-traying” may also involve risks of damage, disconnection and the like. Such damage, disconnection and the like may also be associated with disruption of provided service (e.g., communications). 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects, the present disclosure provides a fiber-optic splice holder. The holder includes a first holder portion that has a first plurality of fiber-optic splice holding locations. The holder includes a second holder portion actuatable with respect to the first holder portion to provide a second plurality of fiber-optic splice holding locations. The holder includes a coupling for connecting the second holder portion to the first holder portion. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects, the present disclosure provides a fiber-optic splice holder. The holder includes a first holder portion comprising a first fiber-optic splice holding location, wherein the first holder portion is actuatable with respect to a second holder portion comprising a second fiber-optic splice holding location. The holder includes a coupling for connecting the first holder portion to the second holder portion. 
     In accordance with one or more aspects, the present disclosure provides a fiber-optic splice holder. The holder includes a first holder portion comprising a first fiber-optic splice holding location, wherein the first holder portion is slidable with respect to a second holder portion comprising a second fiber-optic splice holding location. The holder includes a first segment on the first holder portion to guide the relative sliding. 
     The following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and/or novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example of a first fiber-optic splice holder portion or “tray” in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a photograph of the example first holder portion of  FIG.  1    within an example use environment and shows example lines and related structures. 
         FIG.  3    is perspective view of an example of a splice block that may be used in conjunction with and/or be part of the fiber-optic splice holder portions presented herein. 
         FIG.  4    is a reverse angle perspective view of an example of a second fiber-optic splice holder portion or “tray” in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a plan view of the example first holder of  FIG.  1    and the example second holder portion of  FIG.  4    connected together in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a reverse angle perspective view of the first holder portion and the second holder portion during an actuation that couples the first portion and the second portion together as is shown in  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged, perspective view of a fragment of the overall content of  FIG.  6   , but with the first holder portion and the second holder portion after coupling together, and shows at least some segments that couple the first holder portion and the second holder portion together. 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged, perspective view of a fragment of the overall content of  FIG.  6    and shows at least some segments that couple the first holder portion and the second holder portion together during actuation, as is shown in  FIG.  6   , to couple the first holder portion and the second holder portion together. 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded perspective view of another example of a first fiber-optic splice holder portion or “tray” and a second fiber-optic splice holder portion in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the first holder portion and the second holder portion of  FIG.  9    in a first, telescoped-in position. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view similar to  FIG.  9   , but with the first holder portion and the second holder portion in a second, telescoped-out position. 
         FIG.  12    is a reverse angle perspective view, which is a view in the opposite direction compared to  FIG.  11   . 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged, partially torn away view of just the first holder portion as viewed within  FIG.  12   . 
         FIG.  14    an enlarged, partially torn away view of the view shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. may differ from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     An example first holder portion  10  of a fiber-optic splice holder  12  is shown within  FIG.  1   . It is to be appreciated that the first holder portion  10  may be considered to be the fiber-optic splice holder  12  (i.e., no other holder portion(s)). However, an aspect of the present disclosure is that the other holder portion(s) may be actuated relative to the first holder portion  10  so that the fiber-optic splice holder  12  has more (i.e., additional) holder portion(s). 
     Such an example first holder portion  10 ′/fiber-optic splice holder  12 ′ may be for association with example line(s)  20  ( FIG.  2   ) and placed within a closure, not shown, for protection therein. It is to be appreciated that the example first holder portion  10 ′/fiber-optic splice holder  12 ′ may have some variation from the example shown within  FIG.  1   . Such variation simply adds to the understanding that variation is contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. 
     The fiber-optic splice holder  12  ( FIG.  1   ) (or variant holder  12 ′, shown in  FIG.  2   ) provides a location, safely enclosed within the unshown closure, for holding splices, terminations, connection and the like of elongate fibers of the line(s)  20 . It is to be appreciated that structures, such as one or more splice block(s)  22  (see example of  FIG.  3   ), may be included, placed, associated or the like with fiber-optic splice holder  12  ( FIG.  1   ) (or variant holder  12 ′, shown in  FIG.  2   ). 
     Within the example splice block  22  shown in  FIG.  3   , four holder locations  24  are provided. Of course, a different number (e.g., greater or lesser than four) of holder locations may be provided. In fact, it is to be noted that  FIG.  2    shows a variant such that a shown example of the splice block  22 ′ each has three holder locations  24 ′. Such variation simply adds to the understanding that variation is contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. 
     Turning now to the example first holder portion  10  (e.g., the fiber-optic splice holder  12 ) of  FIG.  1   , the first holder portion  10  is configured to have/retain five of such splice blocks  22 . Specifically, see the five spaces  26  for the splice blocks  22 . As such, a total of twenty holder locations could be provided by the shown example if the splice block  22  of  FIG.  3    is utilized at the five available locations and the first holder portion  10  provides the entire fiber-optic splice holder  12 . Such is an example of a capacity (i.e., capable of holding twenty). So, the capacity of the example first holder portion  10  may be twenty. Of course, a different number (e.g., greater or lesser than five) of splice blocks is contemplated. In fact, it is to be noted that  FIG.  2    shows a variant such that six splice blocks are present. Such variation simply adds to the understanding that variation is contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. 
     Hereinafter, with the understanding that variants are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure, further discussions are presented without the use of alternate reference numerals (i.e., without the added prime, “′”). So, the use of reference numerals without the added prime is to be understood to include all variants. 
     Although it is contemplated that the first holder portion  10  may have a varied number of overall holder locations, at some point whatever number that is present may be less than what is currently needed/desired. It should be contemplated that there may be a need/desire to have more than the number (e.g., twenty for the example that would occur concerning  FIGS.  1  and  3    or eighteen for the example concerning  FIG.  2   ) of holder locations that are provided by the first holder portion  10  being the entire fiber-optic splice holder  12 . Accordingly, attention is directed to  FIG.  4   , which shows a second holder portion  30  that is actuatable (e.g., see and compare  FIGS.  5  and  6   ) with respect to the first holder portion  10  to provide a second, additional plurality of fiber-optic splice holding locations within the overall fiber-optic splice holder  12 . To be clear, the second holder portion  30  may be added, combined, supplemented or the like to the first holder portion  10  so that both provide the overall fiber-optic splice holder  12 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the term “actuatable” (and the family of related terms) is to be broadly interpreted. In general, there is to be some action that occurs for the second holder portion  30  relative to the first holder  10  portion. Such action may be varied. Some examples of such action are attachment, connection, movement or the like. Of course, such listed examples need not be limitations upon the present disclosure and that other, different actions are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Focusing upon the shown example second holder portion  30  ( FIG.  4   ), such example is configured to have/retain three of splice blocks  22  as indicated by the three spaces  32  for the splice blocks. With each splice block having four holder locations (e.g., the example of  FIG.  3   ), a total of twelve holder locations may be provided by the second holder portion  30 . Such is an example of a capacity (i.e., capable of holding twelve). So, the capacity of the example second holder portion  10  may be twelve. So, when the number of holder locations of the second holder portion  30  is added, combined, supplemented or the like to the number of holder locations of first holder portion  10  (i.e., when the first and second holder portions provide the overall fiber-optic splice holder  12 ), the total number of holder location that may be available for an example is thirty-two. Such is an example overall, total capacity (e.g., an example total capacity of thirty-two). Of course, it is to be appreciated that the capacity of the first holder portion  10 , the capacity of the second holder portion  10  and thus the total capacity may be varied and such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Turning to the actuation of the second holder portion  30  relative to the first holder portion  10  (see  FIG.  6   ), the shown example has a series of interfitting segments at mating ends of the first and second holder portions  10 ,  30 . Note that the interfitting segments are at one end of the first holder portion and a mating end of the second holder portion. Some of the interfitting segments of the shown example are a series of snap-lock segments. 
     As an example of the interfitting segments on the mating ends (see  FIGS.  6 - 8   ), note that the first holder portion  10  has a segment that provides a receptacle  42  and the second holder portion  30  has a segment that is a post  44 . The post  44  may be received within the receptacle  42  to help retain the second holder portion  30  relative to the first holder portion  10 . 
     Also within the shown example regarding interfitting segments, the first holder portion  10  includes a plurality (e.g., two) projections  48  and the second holder portion  30  includes a corresponding number of fingers  50 , with each finger having an aperture  52  to receive a respective one of the projections  48  of the first holder portion  10 . The fingers  50  have some amount of resiliency so as to elastically deform during an actuation (e.g., connection movement of the second holder portion  30  to the first holder portion  10 ). Once the respective projection  48  reaches the aperture  52  of the respective finger  50 , the finger returns to an undeformed condition. Such return to undeformed condition may be sudden, snap-like movement and thus is terms a “snap-fit” connection. Each respective projection  48  and finger  50  provides a snap-fit connection. Thus, there are two projection  48  and finger  50  snap-fit connections. The two snap-fit connections help retain the second holder portion  30  relative to the first holder portion  10 . 
     Also with the shown example regarding interfitting segments, the first holder portion  10  includes segments that provide a plurality (e.g., two) of apertures  56  and the second holder portion  30  includes a corresponding number of segments that provide overlap fingers  58 . Each overlap finger  58  is received in a respective one of the apertures  56  of the first holder portion  10 . When the second holder portion  30  is fully actuated to the first holder portion  10  (e.g., the second holder portion is fully and finally seated into a final engagement against the first holder portion), each overlap finger  58  extends through the respective aperture  56  on the first holder portion  10  and at least some of each overlap finger overlaps at least some of the first holder portion adjacent to the respective aperture. The two overlap fingers  58  help retain the second holder portion  30  relative to the first holder portion  10 . 
     It is to be appreciated that within the shown example each of the example interfitting segments simultaneously reach their respective final respective positions as the second holder portion  30  is fully actuated to the first holder portion  10  (e.g., the second holder portion is fully and finally seated into a final engagement against the first holder portion). As an aid to understanding such, please compare  FIGS.  6  and  8   , which show relative positions during actuation but prior to reaching full actuation, to  FIGS.  5  and  7   , which show relative positions once full actuated (e.g., the second holder portion  30  is fully and finally seated into a final engagement against the first holder portion  10 ) is achieved. 
     It is to be noted that the second holder portion may have a series of segments at a distal end that mimic the series of segments just discussed at the mating of for the first holder segment. As such the distal end of the second holder portion mimics the mating end of the first holder portion. It is to be appreciated that with the second holder portion seated into a final engagement against the first holder portion, such second holder portion may be considered to be an initial second holder portion. If another second holder portion is seated into a final engagement against the initial second holder portion, due to the distal end of the initial second holder portion mimicking the first holder portion, such other second holder portion may be considered to be a subsequent second holder portion. With the actuation/addition of the subsequent second holder portion, another group of holder locations  24  is provided. As such, the overall, total capacity may be increased repeatedly. Within an example, the overall, total capacity may be at least doubled as compared to the capacity of just a first holder segment. Of course, any increase amount is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     If the subsequent second holder portion also has a distal end that mimics the mating end of the first holder portion, yet another (i.e., third of the sequence) of the second holder portions may be added. With the actuation/addition of each subsequent second holder portion, another group of holder locations  24  is provided. It is to be appreciated that the number of subsequent second holder portions actuated/added may continue to work toward a needed/desired about of holder locations  24  and/or until available space within an associated container or similar is reached. 
     As mentioned above, an aspect of the present disclosure is that the additional holder portion(s) may be actuated so that an overall fiber-optic splice holder has more (i.e., additional) holder portion(s). It is to be appreciated that the examples discussed above are simply examples and that variants are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be recalled that the aspect of actuation of additional holder portion(s) is to be broadly interpreted. So, different types of actuation are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. An example of such different type of actuation is provide via the example fiber-optic splice holder  100  shown with  FIGS.  9 - 14   . 
     The holder  100  includes a first holder portion  102  and a second holder portion  104 . Each of the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  may be configured/constructed to provide holder locations. See the general areas  108 A,  1088  which may be for holder locations. Within an example, each of the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  may utilize one or more splice block(s) (e.g., item  22  of  FIG.  3   ) to provide the multiple holder locations. Of course, it is to be understood that such is just an example and that variations are possible, contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. As such, the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  are shown with generic areas  108 A,  1088  for holder locations to help indicate that variations are possible. 
     The first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  are coupled together with a coupling  110  (locations generally referenced within the exploded view of  FIG.  9   ) such that the first and second holder portions are relatively moveable to each other and such relative movement may be associated with actuated so that the holder  100  may provide more (i.e., additional) holder portion(s). Within the shown example, the relative movement includes a relative sliding movement. Accordingly, the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  have cooperating structures to provide for the sliding movement. The first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  are relatively slidable between a first, telescoped-in position ( FIG.  10   ) and a second, telescoped-out position ( FIG.  11   ). 
     Focusing upon the first holder portion  102 , the first holder portion has a general rectangular shape. The first holder portion  102  has a planar back wall  116  and two side walls  118 . The back wall  116  provides an area for the multiple holder locations, see generic areas  108 A, which are mentioned above. The two side walls  118  are at opposite sides of the back wall  116 . Each of the two side walls  118  is perpendicular to the back wall  116  and extend along a length extent of the back wall. A major width of the first holder portion is measured between the outer side of the two side walls  188 . 
     One or more line guides, retainers or the like, generally identified as  122 , are provided on the first holder portion  102 . Within the shown example the guides, retainers or the like  122  are located at the side walls  118 . However, other constructions/configurations are possible. Also, one or more structures  124  for attachment of the first holder portion  102  to other related items/structures may be provided. Within the shown example the structure(s)  124  for attachment is located at a bottom of the back wall  116 . However, other constructions/configurations are possible. 
     At an end proximate to the second holder portion  104 , the first holder portion  102  includes a tongue  128 . The tongue  128  is within the same plane as the back wall  116 . The tongue  128  has a width that is less than the major width of the first holder portion  102 . A projection  130  (e.g., seen in  FIGS.  12 - 14   ) extends transversely from the tongue  128 . The projection  130  is hidden from view within some of the figures, and as such is shown via the use of a reference line indicating hidden structure for such figures. The projection  130  is at least part of the coupling  110  that connects the second holder portion  104  to the first holder portion  102 . 
     Turning to the second holder portion  104 , the second holder portion has a general horseshoe shape. The second holder portion  104  has a planar back wall  142  and a boundary wall  144  that extends in a general horseshoe shape around a periphery of the back wall  142 . Specifically, the boundary wall has two side wall segments  146  and an arcuate segment  148  at a top connecting the two side wall segments  146 . The boundary wall  144  is perpendicular to the back wall  142 . The two side wall segments  146  are at opposite sides of the back wall  142 . 
     A major width of the second holder portion  104  is measured between the outer side of the two side wall segments  146 . It is to be noted that the major width of the second holder portion  104  is slightly greater than the major width of the first holder portion  102 . As such the side walls  118  of the first holder portion  102  fit inside (i.e., nest within) the two side wall segments  146  of the second holder portion  104 . 
     The back wall  142  provides an area (e.g., area  1088 ) for the multiple holder locations that are mentioned above. One or more line guides, retainers or the like, generally  152 , are provided on the second holder portion  104 . Within the shown example the guides, retainers or the like  152  are located at the arcuate segment  148 . However, other constructions/configurations are possible. 
     At an end proximate to the first holder portion  102 , the second holder portion  104  includes at least one retainer  160  for holding and guiding the first holder portion during relative movement of the first and second holder portions. The at least one retainer  160  is at least part of the coupling  110  that connects the second holder portion  104  to the first holder portion  102 . Within the shown example, the second holder portion  104  includes two retainers  160 , with one retainer being located on each of the two side wall segments  146 . 
     Each retainer  160  is a hook-like segment that hooks over an edge of an associated/adjacent side wall  118  of the first holder portion  102 . As the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104  relatively move (e.g., slide), the retainers  160  slide along the edges of the side walls  118 . The retainers  160  allow such relative sliding movement, but the retainers prevent separation of the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104 . It is to be noted that within the shown example, some of the line guides, retainers or the like  122  on the first holder portion  102  also function as stops to bound the relative sliding range of the first and second holder portions  102 ,  104 . 
     The second holder portion  104  includes a plurality of apertures  166 A,  1668  in the back wall  142  of the second holder portion. Within the shown example, two apertures, a first aperture  166 A and a second aperture  1668 , are present. See that within  FIGS.  9 ,  12  and  14    the two apertures  166 A,  166 B are visible. Note that the apertures  166 A,  166 B are hidden within  FIG.  10    and are thus indicated by the use of the hidden-indicating lead lines. Also note that the aperture  1668  is hidden within  FIG.  11    and are thus indicated by the use of the hidden-indicating lead line. 
     The tongue  128  of the first holder portion  102  is insertable into each one of the apertures  166 A,  1668 . Each aperture  166 A,  1668  is approximately the same size (i.e., length and width) as the projection  130  on the tongue  128  of the first holder portion  102 . Within an example each aperture  166 A,  1668  is sized such that there is some resistance to insertion/extraction of the projection  130  into/out of each aperture  166 A,  1668 . Thus, a friction fit, or similar, occurs upon insertion of the projection  130  into each one the first or second apertures  166 A,  166 B. 
     The first and second apertures  166 A,  1668  are located on the back wall  142  of the second holder portion such that the projection is aligned within the first aperture when the first and second holder portions are in the first, telescoped-in position ( FIG.  10   ) and the projection is aligned within the second aperture when the first and second holder portions are in the second, telescoped-out position ( FIGS.  11 ,  12  and  14   ). Moreover, the projection may be inserted, albeit with some possible resistance, into the first aperture when the first and second holder portions are in the first, telescoped-in position ( FIG.  10   ) and the projection may be inserted, albeit with some resistance, into the second aperture when the first and second holder portions are in the second, telescoped-out position ( FIGS.  11 ,  12  and  14   ). The projection, the first and second apertures, and the insertion of the projection into such may be part of the coupling for connecting the second holder portion to the first holder portion. 
     Although the areas  108 A,  1088  are shown as being generic, it is to be appreciated that each of the areas  108 A,  1088  may have an associated capacity. Accordingly, the capacity of the area  108 A and the capacity of the area  1088  provide an overall, total capacity. Of course, it is to be appreciated that the capacity of the area  108 A, the capacity of the area  1088  and thus the overall, total capacity may be varied and such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Within an example, the addition of the capacity of the area  1088  to the capacity of the area  108 A at least doubles the overall, total capacity. 
     It is to be appreciated that an aspect of the present disclosure is that overall capacity (e.g., number of spaces, number of splice blocks, number of holder locations, etc.) for lines is increased. The amount of increase may vary the particulars of the components, the number of components, etc. Within an example, the utilization of an additional (i.e., second) holder portion, the overall capacity may be at least doubled. Of course, doubling the capacity need not be a specific limitation, and different capacity increases are within the scope of the present disclosure. Also of course, use of multiple additional holder portions provide commensurate additional capacity increases. 
     It is to be appreciated that an aspect of the present disclosure is that increase(s) in capacity enables scalability. Moreover, increase(s) in capacity, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, provides for such scalability without re-splicing or re-traying existing lines/splice points. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims. 
     Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments. 
     Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first location and a second location correspond to location A and location B or two different or two identical locations or the same location. 
     Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to “comprising.” 
     Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.