Patent Publication Number: US-8538227-B2

Title: Furcation management structures

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/488,443 filed on Jun. 19, 2009 and titled “Mounting of Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies Within Fiber Optic Shelf Assemblies”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The present application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/487,929 filed on Jun. 19, 2009 and titled “Clip For Securing a Fiber Optic Cable Assembly and Associated Assemblies”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The technology of the disclosure relates to the furcation management structures for securing a furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assemblies. 
     Benefits of optical fiber use include extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As a result, fiber optic communications networks include a number of interconnection points at which multiple optical fibers are interconnected. 
     Fiber optic installations such as data centers, local-area networks (LAN) and the like route fiber optic cables to fiber optic equipment to establish optical connections. For instance, the fiber optic cables may be installed by pulling fiber optic cables to the equipment in cable runs under the floor, in the ceiling, or riser locations, etc. Preconnectorized fiber optic cable assemblies are typically furcated to separate out individual or groups of optical fibers for making optical connections at the fiber optic equipment. The cable assembly typically includes a furcation assembly near an end of the cable assembly where the optical fibers are split from the fiber optic cable. The furcation assembly includes a furcation body or plug that is usually secured such as on the outside of the housing for positioning, inhibiting damage, and strain relief. However, high-density fiber optic equipment designs may not be possible due to the inability of the fiber optic equipment to support a sufficient density of furcation assemblies. 
     Further, many of furcation assembly securing techniques can be simple fasteners, such tape, a Ty-Wraps®, or Velcro® as examples, and can be used to fasten the furcation assembly to the fiber optic equipment. However, these securing techniques may not be easily integrated into fiber optic equipment and/or not securely mount the furcation assembly. Also, if changes or reconfigurations of fiber optic cables or optical connections in already installed fiber optic equipment are necessary, it may be cumbersome to detach installed furcation assemblies and reattach them to the fiber optic equipment. Further, these securing techniques may affect the stability and strength of the furcation assembly attachment to fiber optic equipment, including the ability of the furcation plug to withstand lateral and rotational forces. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are furcation mounting structures for securing a plurality of furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assembles such as within the fiber optic shelf. In one embodiment, the furcation mounting structure has a first type of aperture for attaching a first type of clip for securing a furcation body and a second type of aperture for securing a second type of clip for securing a furcation body. Consequently, the furcation management structures disclosed advantageously allow the mounting of different types of clips thereto. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of explanatory fiber optic cable assemblies secured to a mounting surface of an exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an explanatory fiber optic cable assembly illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a clip for securing the fiber optic cable assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber optic cable assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates multiple fiber optic cable assemblies of  FIG. 2  installed on the mounting surface of the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIGS. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly with attachment features integrated into the furcation body; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a fiber optic cable assembly similar to  FIG. 5  without securing devices disposed in the attachment features; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of fiber optic cable assemblies of  FIGS. 5 and 6  secured to a mounting surface of an exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a close-up view of  FIG. 7  illustrating the fiber optic cable assemblies of  FIGS. 5 and 6  secured to a mounting surface of an exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate front views of alternate furcation bodies having different cross-sectional shapes; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate side and bottom perspective views, respectively, of another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly; 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly; 
         FIGS. 12B-12D  illustrate side, front, and bottom views, respectively, of the fiber optic cable assembly of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates multiple fiber optic cable assemblies of  FIGS. 12A-12D  installed on a mounting surface of a fiber optic shelf assembly; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  respectively illustrate another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly and a securing device; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate another exemplary fiber optic cable assembly; 
         FIG. 15C  illustrates exemplary securing devices for the fiber optic cable assembly of  FIGS. 15A and 15B ; 
         FIGS. 16A-16C  depicts various views of another clip for securing a fiber optic cable assembly; 
         FIG. 16D  depicts a perspective view of the clip of  FIGS. 16A-16C  receiving a portion of the fiber optic cable assembly therein; 
         FIGS. 16E-16F  depict perspective bottom views of the clip of  FIGS. 16A-16C  being secured to a mounting surface; 
         FIG. 16G  is a perspective view of a clip similar to the clip of  FIGS. 16A-16C  which can secure a plurality of fiber optic cable assemblies; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly having a furcation management assembly; 
         FIG. 18  is a close-up view of the furcation management assembly of  FIG. 17  in a closed position; 
         FIGS. 19 and 20  are different perspective close-up views of the furcation management assembly of  FIG. 17  in an open position; 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternate exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly having an alternate furcation management assembly; 
         FIG. 22  illustrates a top view of the furcation tray disposed in the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  illustrates a furcation platform provided in the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  illustrates the furcation platform of  FIG. 23  disposed as an appendage to the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a side view of the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIG. 21  including an additional top furcation tray; 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIG. 21  providing top, bottom, and intermediate furcation trays; and 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of the fiber optic shelf assembly of  FIG. 26  with the intermediate furcation tray translated out from the fiber optic shelf assembly. 
         FIGS. 28-30  depict a various views of another alternate furcation management assembly mounted in a fiber optic shelf assembly. 
         FIGS. 31A-31D  are perspective views of clips for securing furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies. 
         FIG. 32  depicts a rear perspective view of a fiber optic shelf assembly having a plurality of furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies secured therein. 
         FIGS. 33 and 33A  respectively schematically represent a fiber optic shelf assembly and rack for mounting fiber optic shelf assemblies. 
         FIG. 34-37  depict rear perspective views of various fiber optic shelf assemblies having a plurality of furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies secured therein. 
         FIG. 38  depicts an explanatory furcation management structure for use in suitable fiber optic shelf assemblies. 
         FIGS. 39 and 40  depict other explanatory furcation management structures that may accommodate at least two different types of clips for securing furcation bodies. 
         FIGS. 41 and 42  depict another explanatory clip for receiving a furcation bodies of a fiber optic cable assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. 
     Certain embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiber optic cable assemblies having a fiber optic cable and a furcation body. Specifically, the fiber optic cable is received into the furcation body and furcated into one or more legs that exit the furcation body for routing to desired locations. An anti-rotation feature may be integrated into the furcation body for inhibiting rotation of the furcation body when mounted in or to fiber optic equipment. As used herein, “anti-rotation feature” means one or more generally planar surfaces disposed on the furcation body for abutting with at least one complementary planar mounting surface. An attachment feature which may be a separate component or integrated with the furcation body inhibits lateral movement and/or rotation of the furcation body when secured in position. 
     In this regard,  FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate front perspective views of explanatory fiber optic equipment in the form of a fiber optic shelf assembly  10 . The fiber optic shelf assembly  10  allows mounting of one or more fiber optic cable assemblies  12  thereto or therein. As used herein, fiber optic shelf assembly may be any suitable structure for mounting one or more fiber optic cable assemblies disclosed herein. Several fiber optic shelf assemblies, housings, or the like are typically mounted to an equipment rack (not shown), thereby creating a centralized location for fiber interconnections. As shown, fiber optic cable assemblies  12  are attached to the rear portion  14  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  10  in the form of a fiber optic tray  16 . The fiber optic tray  16 . In this example, the fiber optic tray  16  has a 1 U size (i.e., 1.75 inches in height) and supports a fiber optic adapter module  18 , but the concepts disclosed herein may be used with any suitable mounting surface. Although the fiber optic shelf assembly is depicted as a 1-U any size or configuration is possible such as 4-U or vertical arrangement. 
     To establish fiber optic connections to the fiber optic adapter module  18 , connections are made to one or more fiber optic adapters (not visible) disposed in a rear panel  20  of the fiber optic adapter module  18 . In this regard, one or more fiber optic cables  22  of fiber optic cable assemblies  12  are pulled and routed to the fiber optic tray  16 . The fiber optic tray  16  in  FIG. 1A  contains openings  24 A,  24 B disposed on each side of the rear portion  14  of the fiber optic tray  16  and an opening  25  in the rear portion  14  to allow the fiber optic cables  22  to be routed into the rear portion  14  of the fiber optic tray  16 . Fiber optic cable assemblies  12  include one or more furcation bodies  26  having a desired number of furcated legs  28  exiting the same. The furcated legs  28  may be of any shape, including but not limited to round or rectangular. The furcations of the fiber optic cables  22  may be performed by the cable manufacturer in a factory setting before routing the fiber optic cable assembly  12  to the fiber optic tray  16 . The furcated legs  28  are typically connectorized with fiber optic connectors ( FIG. 17 ) for connecting with fiber optic adapters (not visible) or the like in the rear panel  20  of the fiber optic adapter module  18 , thereby establishing fiber optic connections. 
     Also, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the fiber optic cable assemblies  12  are secured to the fiber optic shelf assembly  10 ; specifically, the fiber optic cable assemblies  12  are secured to the fiber optic tray  16 , and particularly to the rear portion  14 . Securing the fiber optic cable assemblies  12  to the fiber optic tray  16  prevents or reduces the chance of bending or damage to the fiber optic cables  22  and the optical fibers therein due to forces applied to the fiber optic cable assemblies  12 . In this regard, as will be discussed in this application, the furcation body  26  may include at least one anti-rotation feature that is integrated therewith for inhibiting rotational forces on the furcation body  26  when installed in the fiber optic shelf assembly  10  or other suitable location. The furcation body  26  may also include one or more attachment features to inhibit lateral movement of the furcation body  26  when installed in the fiber optic shelf assembly  10 . 
     As shown, the furcation bodies  26  of fiber optic cable assemblies  12  are secured to a mounting surface  30  formed in the rear portion  14  of the fiber optic tray  16 . Because the fiber optic cables  22  are received in respective furcation bodies  26  and securely attached therein, securing of the respective furcation bodies  26  to the mounting surface  30  secures the respective fiber optic cables  22  to the fiber optic shelf assembly  10 . In  FIG. 1A , the fiber optic cables  22  are routed through the openings  24 A,  24 B. The furcation bodies  26  are mounted to the mounting surface  30  of the fiber optic tray  16  substantially parallel to the rear portion  14  of the fiber optic tray  16  since routing the fiber optic cables  22  through the openings  24 A,  24 B naturally aligns the furcation body  26  substantially parallel to the rear portion  14 . However, as illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the furcation body  26  can also be mounted to the mounting surface  30  of the fiber optic tray  16  in an orientation substantially orthogonal to the rear portion  14 . Of course, any suitable orientation is possible for the furcation body  26 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the furcation bodies  26  are mounted to the mounting surface  30  such that the furcation bodies  26  do not extend above a top plane  31  of the fiber optic tray  16 . In this manner, the furcation bodies  26  are mounted in a low profile manner to the mounting surface  30 . Consequently, the furcation bodies  26  do not interfere with additional fiber optic shelf assemblies and/or trays being stacked on top of the fiber optic tray  16 . Additionally, as will be described in greater detail in this application, the mounting surface  30  contains a series of pre-defined apertures  32  that are configured to receive an attachment feature of the furcation body  26  for securing the furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 . The apertures  32  are formed in mounting surface  30  by any suitable manner such as stamped, pre-drilled, or the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fiber optic cable  22  is received in a first end  40  of a furcation body  26 . The furcation body  26  may be constructed out of plastic, metal, composite, and the like as examples. The fiber optic cable  22  is received along a longitudinal axis A 1  of the furcation body  26 . The fiber optic cable  22  is furcated inside the furcation body  26  into a plurality of furcated legs  28  extending from a second end  44  of the furcation body  26  opposite the first end  40  of the furcation body  26 . In this embodiment, an end cap  45  is secured to the furcation body  26  on the first end  40  of the furcation body  26  to cover the epoxy placed inside the furcation body  26  to secure the furcation therein. The end cap  45  is secured to the furcation body  26  via a latch opening  47  designed to receive a latch finger  49  disposed in the furcation body  26 . The same latch structure may also be disposed on the opposite (i.e., bottom) side of the end cap  45  and furcation body  26 , which is not shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the furcation body may have a flexible boot for providing strain relief to the cable assembly. 
     Also in this example, the furcation body  26  is comprised of four (4) main outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D to provide an anti-rotation feature integrated in the furcation body  26 . The four outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D are substantially planar surfaces that extend along a portion of the length L 1  of the furcation body  26  substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 1  of the furcation body  26 . The four outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D are arranged orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to each other to form a rectangular-shaped furcation body  26  having a rectangular-shaped cross-section. Each outer surface  46 A- 46 D contains a substantially planar surface such that when the furcation body  26  is placed on the mounting surface  30 , one of the substantially planar outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D abuts with the mounting surface  30 . In this regard, one of the substantially planar outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D abutted against the mounting surface  30  provides an anti-rotation feature for the furcation body  26 . As discussed above, the anti-rotation feature means that one or more generally planar surfaces are provided in a furcation body for abutting with at least one complementary planar surface for inhibiting rotation of the furcation body with respect to a substantially planar mounting surface (e.g., a flat surface); however, the anti-rotation feature excludes a bracket that is removably attached to the furcation body with a fastener such as a screw or the like. 
     Note that furcation body  26  may only contain one substantially planar outer surface instead of four substantially planar outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D. Providing four substantially planar outer surfaces  46 A- 46 D in the furcation body  26  of  FIG. 2  allows the furcation body  26  to be abutted with the mounting surface  30  in any suitable orientation desired (i.e., a low-stress state). In other words, any one of the four substantially planar surfaces may abut with the mounting surface, thereby allowing mounting of the cable assembly in more than one rotational position. If only one substantially planar outer surface is provided in the furcation body  26 , or less than all orientations or outer surfaces of the furcation body  26 , the furcation body  26  may have to be arranged in a specific orientation so that a substantially planar surface of the furcation body  26  abuts with the mounting surface  30 . 
     The fiber optic cable assembly  12  in  FIG. 2  provides a first embodiment of an attachment feature  48  to secure the furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 . An attachment feature facilitates attachment or securing of a furcation assembly to a mounting surface. In this embodiment, the attachment feature  48  is provided in the form of a discrete attachment bracket or clip  50 . Clip  50  is shown as being disposed about the furcation body  26  in  FIG. 2  and shown separately from the furcation body  26  in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As illustrated in FIGS.  2  and  3 A- 3 B, the clip  50  is comprised of an outer shell  52  comprised of three (3) orthogonally or substantially orthogonally arranged surfaces  54 A- 54 C. A cavity  56  is formed inside the outer shell  52  such that the clip  50  can be placed or cradled around the furcation body  26  in any suitable orientation. The clip  50  may be made out of plastic, metal, composite, and the like as examples. Additionally, the clip may have a marking indica such as a label, markable surface, color code, etc. so that the craft can quickly identify the cable assembly within the fiber optic equipment. 
     To prepare the furcation body  26  to be secured to the mounting surface  30 , the clip  50  is placed over the furcation body  26 . In particular, three outer surfaces  46 A,  46 B,  46 D of the furcation body  26  are received inside the cavity  56  of the clip  50 . The surfaces  54 A,  54 C contain inward curled portions  57  that cradle around the substantially planar surface  46 C of the furcation body  26  to secure the clip  50  about the furcation body  26 . 
     The furcation body  26  may also include a notched portion  55  ( FIG. 3B ) having length L 2  that is about the same length or longer than the length L 3  of the clip  50 . As used herein, “notched portion” means a portion of a furcation body that has a different cross sectional area or different cross-sectional geometry for cooperating with an attachment feature. In this manner, the clip  50  is configured to fit within the notched portion  55  of the furcation body  26  when placed about the furcation body  26 . Providing a notched portion  55  in the furcation body  26  provides a biased position for the clip  50  to attach to the furcation body  26 . This may further promote stability of the furcation body  26  attachment to the mounting surface  30 . The notched portion  55  forces the clip  50  to be placed between the first and second ends  40 ,  44  of the furcation body  26  for greater stability and to be more resistant to rotational forces. Further, the notched portion  55  inhibits the furcation body  26  from being pulled from the clip  50  when a pulling force is applied to the fiber optic cable  22  of the fiber optic cable assembly  12 . The pulling force will cause the top surface  54 B of the clip  50  to abut with end portions  61 A,  61 B of the notched portion  55  depending on whether the pulling force is asserted on the furcated legs  28  or the fiber optic cable  22 . However, providing a notched portion  55  in the furcation body  26  is not required for the concepts disclosed herein. 
     Additionally, furcation body  26  has an inner cavity that has a generally rectangular or square cross-section (i.e., conforms with the generally rectangular or square outer profile of the furcation body), thereby providing corners in the inner cavity for easily depositing epoxy therein for securing the same. Likewise, furcation bodies with other shapes besides round can also have an inner cavity with corner such as a triangular or pentagon cross-section that makes the cavity easier to fill with epoxy. 
     In order to secure the clip  50  to the mounting surface  30 , which in turn secures the furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 , one or more securing devices  58 A,  58 B are disposed in the clip  50 . As will be described, the securing devices  58 A,  58 B secure the clip  50  to the mounting surface  30 , which in turn secures the furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 . In this embodiment, the securing devices  58 A,  58 B interact with attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B that extend from the clip  50 . The attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B provide surfaces for the securing devices to pin the attachment feature such as clip  50  to the mounting surface  30 , thereby securing the clip  50  and furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example, the securing devices  58 A,  58 B include push latch mechanisms in the form of plungers  60 A,  60 B. Because there are two (2) attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B extending from the clip  50 , two plungers  60 A,  60 B are provided. The plungers  60 A,  60 B are inserted within attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B disposed in the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B. Thus, when the plungers  60 A,  60 B are placed over apertures  32  in the mounting surface  30  of the fiber optic tray  16  in  FIG. 1  and pushed downward, flexing members  64 A,  64 B expand to compressibly fit inside the apertures  32 , thereby securing the attachment feature such as clip  50  to the mounting surface  30  along with the furcation body  26 . To release the furcation body  26  from the mounting surface  30 , the plungers  60 A,  60 B are pulled and released from the apertures  32  in the mounting surface  30  for releasing the clip  50  from the mounting surface  30 . 
     Although not limiting to the invention, the fiber optic cable assembly  12  of  FIGS. 2-3B  also provides a low profile attachment structure for the furcation body  26  such that no intermediate securing devices or structures, such as standoffs, are provided between the furcation body  26  and the mounting surface  30 . This feature minimizes the standoff height of the furcation body  26  from the mounting surface  30 . In this embodiment, the attachment feature  48  of the fiber optic cable assembly  12  is provided such that the furcation bodies  26  are not located above the top plane  31  of the fiber optic tray  16  when installed, as discussed above. The furcation body  26  may be mounted directly to the mounting surface  30  without intermediate attachment devices or standoffs such that the tops of the furcation body  26 , when installed, do not extend beyond the top plane  31  of the fiber optic tray  16 . Further, by locating the center of gravity of the furcation body  26  closer to the mounting surface  30 , greater strength and stability may be established between the furcation body  26  and the mounting surface  30 . 
     In the clip  50  illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3B , the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B are provided as part of a one piece mold of the clip  50 . However, the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B may be provided as separate pieces or materials attached to the clip  50 . Also securing devices  58 A,  58 B in the form of the plungers  60 A,  60 B are retained within the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B such that they remain with the clip  50 ; however, the securing devices  58 A,  58 B do not have to be retained with the clip  50 . The securing devices  58 A,  58 B may be any type of fastener, including but not limited to a screw, dowel pin, rivet, etc., that is inserted into the attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B to secure the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B to the mounting surface  30 . Additionally, even though the substantially planar surfaces  54 A- 54 C that comprise the clip  50  are provided in a shape that is substantially in the same form as the outer surfaces  46 A-D of the furcation body  26 , such does not have to be the case. By way of example, clip  50  should merely fit around at least a portion of the furcation body  26  for retaining the furcation body  26  when the clip  50  is secured to the mounting surface  30 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plurality of the furcation bodies  26 ( 1 )- 26 ( 7 ) attached to a mounting surface  30  to secure a plurality of fiber optic cable assemblies  12  to the mounting surface  30 . A plurality of clips  50 ( 1 )- 50 ( 7 ) are also provided for securing the furcation bodies  26 ( 1 )- 26 ( 7 ) to the mounting surface  30 . The furcation bodies  26 ( 1 )- 26 ( 7 ) may vary in size as illustrated. It is assumed for the purposes of this discussion that the mounting surface is the mounting surface  30  of the fiber optic tray  16  in  FIG. 1 . However, the mounting surface may be located on any suitable mounting surface of any type of fiber optic equipment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the apertures  32  are shown as being provided in the mounting surface  30  to receive the clips  50 ( 1 )- 50 ( 7 ), and more particularly the plungers  60 A,  60 B disposed in each of the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B in each of the clips  50 ( 1 )- 50 ( 7 ). The apertures  32  on the mounting surface  30  may be arranged in a grid type fashion in rows and columns, or in any other suitable arrangement. To secure a furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 , the furcation body  26  is placed in the desired location on the mounting surface  30 . Thereafter, the clip  50  is placed over top the furcation body  26  such that a portion of the furcation body  26  is cradled within the cavity  56  of the clip  50 . The clip  50  and cradled furcation body  26  are then placed on the mounting surface  30  such that the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B and their plungers  60 A,  60 B are aligned with respective apertures  32  on the mounting surface  30 . The plungers  60 A,  60 B are then inserted into the apertures  32  for securing the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B of respective clips onto the mounting surface  30 , thereby securing the furcation body  26  to the mounting surface  30 . The plungers are also advantageous since they provide a quick and easy removable of the furcation body for reconfiguring, reorganizing, removing, etc. 
     One advantage to securing the furcation body  26  directly to the mounting surface is to reduce or minimize any rotational forces translated to the furcated legs  28  from a rotational force applied to the fiber optic cable  22 . By way of example, the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B are disposed on each side of the clip  50 . Thus, regardless of which direction a rotational force is applied to the fiber optic cable  22 , the securing of the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B to the mounting surface  30  will inhibit rotational movement of the furcation body  26  about the mounting surface  30 . The attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B are also provided on opposing ends of the clip  50 . In particular, the attachment platform  59 B is provided in the clip  50  such that it is adjacent the first end  40  of the furcation body  26  when the clip  50  is installed on the furcation body  26 . The attachment platform  59 A is provided in the clip  50  such that it is adjacent the second end  44  of the furcation body  26  when the clip  50  is installed on the furcation body  26 . This arrangement of the clip  50  providing symmetrically opposed securing devices  58 A,  58 B is not only resistant to rotational forces to provide an anti-rotational feature, but it also provides the ability to provide a greater density of furcation body  26  adjacent to each other on the mounting surface  30  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Other embodiments of the clip can include more than two attachment platforms such as having four attachment platforms disposed on opposite ends and opposite sides such as shown in  FIGS. 31B and 31C . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B disposed in each attachment platform  59 A,  59 B that receive the plungers  60 A,  60 B for the attachment feature  48  are each aligned along a longitudinal axis. In particular, as illustrated for the clip  50 ( 1 ), the attachment platform  59 A is aligned along longitudinal axis A 2  and the attachment platform  59 B is aligned along longitudinal axis A 3 . The distance between the adjacent apertures  32  disposed in the mounting surface  30  is designed to be compatible with the distance L 4  between the longitudinal axes A 2  and A 3  of the attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B in the clip  50 . In this embodiment, the distance L 4  is approximately 31.9 millimeters (mm), but any desired distance can be provided that is compatible with the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B and apertures  32 . 
     For example, if the apertures  32  were arranged in columns that were each aligned along the same longitudinal axes without offset (e.g., if A 2  and A 4  were aligned on the same longitudinal axis), the distance between the center axes (e.g., A 2  and A 2 ′) in the attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B of the furcation body  26 ( 1 )- 26 ( 7 ) would be provided to be the same as the distance between such adjacent apertures  32 . Also, a larger furcation body  26  could be accommodated by providing a clip  50  where the distance between the center axes of the attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B span over more than one row and/or column of apertures  32  as long as the distance is a multiple of the distance between adjacent rows and/or columns of the apertures  32  (e.g., L 4′  and L 5 ). 
     The longitudinal axis A 4  of an adjacent attachment platform  59 B of the clip  50 ( 2 ) may also be located in the same longitudinal axis A 2  of the attachment platform  59 A of clip  50 ( 1 ) or located a distance away as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Providing a distance between the longitudinal axes A 2 , A 4  affects finger access between the furcation bodies  26 ( 1 )- 26 ( 7 ). Reducing the distance between the longitudinal axes (e.g., A 2 , A 4 ) between attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B in adjacent clips  50  allows a greater density of clips  50  to be disposed in a given area of the mounting surface  30 . Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B in a given clip  50  are disposed along different latitudinal axes A 5  and A 6  a distance L 5  away from each other. This provides for the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B and plungers  60 A,  60 B disposed therein to be arranged symmetrically opposed to each other. In this same regard, the distance between the adjacent rows of apertures  32  disposed in the mounting surface  30  is designed to be compatible with the distance L 5  between the latitudinal axes A 5  and A 6  of the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B in the clip  50 . In this embodiment, the distance L 5  is approximately 30 millimeters, but any suitable distance desired can be provided that is compatible with the attachment platforms  59 A,  59 B and apertures  32 . Further, the rows of apertures  32  are aligned along latitudinal axes (e.g., A 5  and A 6 ) without offset between adjacent apertures  32  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 . However, an offset could be provided similar to the offset provided between adjacent apertures  32  aligned in the longitudinal axes (e.g., A 2  and A 4 ). 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the distance between adjacent apertures  32  aligned in the longitudinal axes (e.g., along A 2  and A 2′  and distance L 4 ′) is not the same as the distance between adjacent apertures  32  aligned in the latitudinal axes (e.g., along A 5  and A 6  and distance L 5 ). However, if the apertures  32  were provided such that these distances were the same or approximately the same, the furcation bodies  26 ( 1 )- 26 ( 7 ) could be rotated in any increment of ninety (90) degrees and the attachment platform orifices  62 A,  62 B align with apertures  32  in the mounting surface  30 . 
     Other fiber optic cable assemblies having different furcation assemblies and attachment features are also possible in addition to those illustrated and described in  FIGS. 2-4 . By way of example,  FIG. 5  illustrates another fiber optic cable assembly  70  that may be employed for providing furcation of a fiber optic cable. In a similar regard, the fiber optic cable assembly  70  of  FIG. 5  may also be employed in the fiber optic tray  16  of  FIG. 1 , thereby securing the fiber optic cable assembly  70  to the mounting surface  30  in the rear portion  14  of the fiber optic tray  16 . The fiber optic cable assembly  70  of  FIG. 5  is comprised of a furcation body  72  receiving the fiber optic cable  22  on a first end  74  along a longitudinal axis A 7  of the same. The fiber optic cable  22  is furcated inside a passage  78  extending through the furcation body  72  between the first end  74  and a second end  80  of the furcation body  72 . One of more furcated legs  28  extend from the passage  78  at the second end  80  where they can be routed to various fiber optic components or equipment to make fiber optic connections. In this embodiment, an end cap  79  is provided on the second end  80  of the furcation body  72  that contains one or more orifices  77  disposed therethrough to receive individual furcated legs  28 . 
     Similar to the furcation body  26  of  FIG. 2 , the furcation body  72  of  FIG. 5  contains a substantially planar surface  82 , thereby providing an anti-rotation feature integrated with the furcation body  72 . The substantially planar surface  82  extends along the entire length L 5  of the furcation body  72  substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A 7 . The substantially planar surface  82  is configured to be abutted with the mounting surface  30  to provide an integrated anti-rotation feature in the furcation body  72 . The substantially planar surface  82  abuts with a complementary planar mounting surface  30  for inhibiting rotation of the furcation body  72  with respect to a mounting surface  30 . However, unlike the furcation body  26  of  FIG. 2 , the furcation body  72  of  FIG. 5  includes an arched surface  81  adjacent and attached to the substantially planar surface  82 . In this manner, the furcation body  72  is tunnel-shaped. 
     Further, similar to the furcation body  26  of  FIG. 2 , the furcation body  72  of  FIG. 5  also contains attachment features  83 A,  83 B. However, the attachment features  83 A,  83 B are integrated into the furcation body  72  and located contiguous with the substantially planar surface  82 . The attachment features  83 A,  83 B are provided in the form of attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B disposed on each side of the furcation body  72  to facilitate attaching the furcation body  72  to the mounting surface  30 . The attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B are provided as part of the furcation body  72  such as molded therewith in this example. In this regard, each attachment platform  84 A,  84 B includes attachment platform orifices  86 A,  86 B disposed therein that are configured to receive securing devices for securing the furcation body  72  to the mounting surface  30 . Thus, a separate clip is not required for mounting furcation body  72 . 
     However, like the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the securing devices are used to secure furcation body  72  to a suitable mounting surface. Specifically, attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B are configured to receive securing devices such as plungers  88 A,  88 B or other suitable securing devices. The plungers  88 A,  88 B engage the attachment platform orifices  86 A,  86 B or other suitable structure. Specifically, the plungers  88 A,  88 B are inserted into appropriate apertures  32  of the mounting surface for securing the attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B to the mounting surface. As a result, furcation body  72  is secured to the mounting surface with the substantially planar surface  82  abutting the same. The fiber optic cable assembly  70  of  FIG. 5  provides the attachment features  83 A,  83 B integrated into the furcation body  72 . It also provides a low profile attachment structure for the furcation body  72  such that no intermediate securing devices or structures, such as standoffs, are provided between the furcation body  72  and the mounting surface to minimize the standoff height of the furcation body  72  from the mounting surface. Like the clip, the furcation body may also have a marking indica such as a label, markable surface, color code, etc. so that the craft can quickly identify the cable assembly within the fiber optic equipment. 
       FIG. 6  also illustrates a furcation body  72 ′ that is similar to furcation body  72  of  FIG. 5 . Furcation body  72 ′ includes attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B provided in the form of ear-shaped platforms that are rounded on their ends  90 A,  90 B. To provide greater support between the attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B one or more ribs  92 A,  92 B are provided. Additionally, like furcation body  26  of  FIG. 2 , the attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B may be located on opposite sides  94 A,  94 B of the furcation body  72 ′ and symmetrically opposed. Again, in this manner, the furcation bodies  72 ′ may be located adjacent to each other such that one attachment platform orifice  86 A from one furcation body  72 ′ will align in the same or different longitudinal axes with another attachment platform orifice  86 B of another furcation body  72 ′. 
     One reason to secure the furcation body directly to the mounting surface, as provided in the fiber optic cable assembly of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , is to reduce or minimize any rotational forces translated to the furcated legs  28  from a rotational force applied to the fiber optic cable  22 . In this manner, the attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B are disposed on each side of the furcation body. Thus, regardless of which direction a rotational force is applied to the fiber optic cable  22 , the securing of the attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B to the mounting surface will inhibit rotation of the furcation body about the mounting surface. The attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B are also provided on opposing ends of the furcation body. In particular, the attachment platform  84 B is provided in the furcation body adjacent the first end of the furcation body and attachment platform  84 A is provided in the furcation body adjacent the second end  80  of the furcation body. This arrangement provides symmetrically opposed attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B in the furcation body and is not only resistant to rotational forces to provide an anti-rotational feature; but, also provides the ability to provide a greater density of furcation bodies adjacent to each other on the mounting surface. 
     By way of example,  FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate the furcation bodies  72  secured on a mounting surface  30 ′ in a rear section  14 ′ of another exemplary fiber optic shelf assembly  10 ′ using attachment features. Like the fiber optic shelf assembly  10  in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the fiber optic shelf assembly  10 ′ in  FIG. 7  contains one or more fiber optic trays  16 ′ that each contain one or more fiber optic adapter modules  18 ′. The fiber optic cable assemblies  12 ′ are routed to the rear section  14 ′ of the fiber optic tray  16 ′ for optical connection to the fiber optic adapter modules  18 ′. As shown in this embodiment, furcation bodies  72  are secured to the mounting surface  30 ′ of the fiber optic shelf assembly  10 ′ at an angled orientation with regard to the rear portion  14 ′. 
       FIG. 8  provides a close-up view of furcation bodies  72  attached to the mounting surface  30 ′. As illustrated therein, the attachment platform orifices  86 A,  86 B disposed in respective attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B of adjacent furcation bodies may be aligned along a common longitudinal axis. In particular, the attachment platform orifice  86 A for the furcation body  72 ( 1 ) is aligned along longitudinal axis A 8  and the attachment platform orifice  86 B for the furcation body  72 ( 1 ) is aligned along longitudinal axis A 9 . As shown, the attachment platform  84 B for furcation body  72 ( 2 ) is located in the same longitudinal axis A 8  of the attachment platform  84 A for the furcation body  72 ( 1 ). By providing the symmetrically opposed attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B in the furcation bodies, the two furcation bodies can be arranged on the mounting surface  30 ′ closer to each other than would otherwise be possible if the attachment platforms  84 A,  84 B were not symmetrically opposed (i.e., disposed in attachment platforms located directly across from each other). Thus, this arrangement may facilitate higher density arrangements for cable management in a fiber optic shelf assembly or the like. 
     A furcation body having one or more anti-rotation features can take other forms or arrangements as long as at least one substantially planar surface is provided in the furcation body for abutting with at least one complementary planar mounting surface for inhibiting rotation of the furcation body with respect to the mounting surface.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  schematically depict alternate furcation bodies. As illustrated in  FIG. 9A , a triangular-shaped furcation body  90  is provided. In this embodiment, the furcation body  90  is comprised of three substantially planar surfaces  91 A- 91 C arranged at approximately one-hundred and twenty (120) degree intervals with respect to each other. In other words, the furcation body  90  is rotated about one-hundred and twenty degrees to advance to the next substantially planar surface. Furcated legs (not shown) from a fiber optic cable can extend through an end cap  92  provided on an end  93  of the furcation body  90 . One or more attachment features may be provided for securing the furcation body  90  to a mounting surface. In one embodiment, the attachment features  94  are provided in the form of attachment platforms  95 A,  95 B integrated into the furcation body  90  and configured to receive one or more securing devices (not shown), similar to the attachment feature arrangement provided in the furcation body of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , but this allows for only one mounting orientation. If a clip or other similar attachment feature is used, then the furcation body can have a plurality of mounting orientations. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a furcation body  96  having five substantially planar surfaces  97 A- 97 E arranged at approximately sixty (60) degree intervals with respect to each other. Furcated legs (not shown) from a fiber optic cable can extend through an end cap  98  provided on an end  99  of the furcation body  96 . One or more attachment features may be provided for securing the furcation body  96  to a mounting surface. As depicted, the attachment features  100  are attachment platforms  101 A,  101 B integrated into the furcation body  96  to receive one or more securing devices, similar to the attachment feature arrangement provided in the furcation body  72  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Likewise, if a clip or other similar attachment feature is used, then the furcation body can have a plurality of mounting orientations. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a portion of another fiber optic cable assembly  102  that may be employed to provide furcation of the fiber optic cable  22  into one or more furcated legs  28 . As illustrated, the fiber optic cable assembly  102  comprises a furcation body  104 . The furcation body  104  can be mounted to any suitable mounting surface. The furcation body  104  may also contain anti-rotation and attachment features, as will be described below. The furcation body  103  receives a fiber optic cable  22  on a first end  106  of the furcation body  104  along a longitudinal axis A 10  of the furcation body  104 . An end cap  105  is attached to the furcation body  104 , but other structures are possible. In this embodiment, end cap  105  snap-fits into furcation body  104  to secure the same to the furcation body  104 . However, a one-piece molded furcation body  104  without a separate end cap  105  is also possible. Additionally, the end cap or end portion may be flexible for providing strain relief such as a boot. The fiber optic cable  22  extends into a passage  108  extending through the furcation body  104  from the first end  106  of the furcation body  104  to a second end  110  of the furcation body  104 . One or more furcated legs  28  extend through the second end  110  of the furcation body  104 . In this embodiment, the furcation body  104  has a generally cylindrically-shaped body which contains a beveled surface  112  at the first end  106 . 
     An attachment feature  114  is provided to attach the furcation body  103  to the mounting surface  30  that also includes an anti-rotation feature. As depicted, the attachment feature  114  is integrated into a substantially planar surface  118  of the furcation body  104 . As best shown in  FIG. 10B , the attachment feature  114  is provided in the form of one or more T-shaped push latch mechanisms  120 A,  120 B (“push latches  120 A,  120 B”) attached to the furcation body  104 . The push latches  120 A,  120 B are include attachment platforms  122 A,  122 B each having two substantially planar surfaces  123 A,  123 B to provide an integrated anti-rotation feature in the furcation body  104  located contiguous with the attachment feature  114 . The attachment platforms  122 A,  122 B are attached to the substantially planar surface  118 . Respectively, each substantially planar surface  123 A,  123 B of the attachment platforms  122 A,  122 B is attached to outer support rails  124 A,  124 B extending generally orthogonally to the attachment platform  122 A,  122 B. The outer support rails  124 A,  124 B are adapted to engage with the furcation body  104  to support and securably hold the furcation body  104 . 
     Latches  126 A,  126 B are integratedly formed into same mold piece as the outer support rails  124 A,  124 B, respectively, and extend from the attachment platforms  122 A,  122 B such that they are adapted to be inserted into apertures, thereby securing the cable assembly to the mounting surface. In this manner, the latches  126 A,  126 B are biased forward and contain shoulder structures  128 A,  128 B that flex inward to be inserted into the apertures to attach the latches  126 A,  126 B and thus the furcation body  103  onto the mounting surface. When the latches  126 A,  126 B are inserted into apertures in the mounting surface, the substantially planar surfaces  123 A,  123 B abut with the mounting surface to provide an anti-rotation feature for the cable assembly. The latches  126 A,  126 B are biased downward such that the shoulder structures  128 A,  128 B cannot be pulled from the apertures unless the latches  126 A,  126 B are compressed inward so that the shoulder structures  128 A,  128 B can pass through the apertures to release the furcation body  103  from the mounting surface  30 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of a fiber optic cable assembly  130  that may be employed to secure a furcation body to a suitable fiber optic shelf assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly  130  includes a furcation body  131  having an end cap  133  attached thereto. A latching finger  135  disposed in the furcation body  132  protrudes and interlocks with a latch orifice  137  disposed in the end cap  133  to secure the end cap  133  to the furcation body  132 . However, a one-piece molded furcation body  132  without a separate end cap  133  is also possible. The furcation body  132  has a first end  134  for receiving a fiber optic cable  22  along a longitudinal axis A 11  of the furcation body  132 . A fiber optic cable is furcated inside a passage  136  disposed within the furcation body  132  between the first end  134  and a second end  138  of the furcation body  132 . Once the fiber optic cable is furcated, one or more furcated legs  28  extend from the second end  138  to be connected to fiber optic components. 
     In order to secure the furcation body  132  to a mounting surface, the furcation body  132  has a substantially planar surface  126  disposed on its bottom wherein a plurality of support members  144  are attached. The furcation body  132  is integrally molded with support members  144  that support the furcation body  132 . The support members  144  are also integrally formed with the attachment feature to mount and secure the furcation body  131 . The attachment feature  146  is comprised of an integrally molded clip  148 . The integrally molded clip  148  has a top substantially planar surface  150  to which the support members  144  are integrally molded. The top substantially planar surface  150  of the integrally molded clip  148  is aligned along the longitudinal axis A 11  of the furcation body  131  such that the entire furcation body  131  is supported. The integrated molded clip  148  also includes a plurality of substantially planar surfaces  149  to provide an anti-rotation feature in the furcation body  131 . The substantially planar surfaces  149  are disposed on a bottom portion of the furcation body  131  and are configured to abut with a mounting surface when the furcation body  132  is mounted to a mounting surface. 
     The integrally molded clip  148  contains latch mechanisms in the form of two attachment latches  152 A,  152 B, wherein one attachment latch  152 A is disposed on a first end  154  of the integrally molded clip  148  and the second attachment latch  152 B is disposed on a second end  156  of the integrally molded clip  148 . The attachment latches  152 A,  152 B are configured to engage suitable apertures in the mounting surface  30  using a compressible fit. In this regard, the integrally molded clip  148  contains a U-shaped compressible member  158  that attaches the attachment latch  152 A to the integrally molded clip  148 . In this manner, when the attachment latch  152 A is placed in an aperture, a force can be asserted on the integrally molded clip  148  towards the first end  154  such that the attachment latch  152 A will move forward in the aperture such that attachment latch  152 B can be placed in another aperture. The compression energy contained in the compressible member  158  will exert a forward-biased force between the attachment latch  152 A and an aperture such that the integrally molded clip  148  will be secured. When secured, the substantially planar surfaces  149  will abut with a mounting surface to provide an anti-rotation feature. 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  illustrate another embodiment of a fiber optic cable assembly  160  having an anti-rotation feature for securing the furcation body to a suitable fiber optic shelf assembly.  FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the fiber optic cable assembly  160  with a two-piece molded furcation body  162 , but other structures are possible. The furcation body  162  includes an end cap  165  attached thereto. A latching finger  167  disposed in the furcation body  164  protrudes and interlocks with a latch orifice  169  disposed in the end cap  165  to secure the end cap  165  to the furcation body  164 . However, a one-piece molded furcation body  164  without a separate end cap  165  is also possible. The furcation body  164  has a first end  166  for receiving a fiber optic cable (not shown) along a longitudinal axis A 12  of the furcation body  164 . The fiber optic cable is received in a passage  168  disposed within the furcation body  164  between the first end  166  and a second end  170  of the furcation body  164 . Therein, the fiber optic cable is furcated into a plurality of furcated legs (not shown) that extend out of the second end  170  of the furcation body  164  to attach to fiber optic components. 
     In order to secure the furcation body  162  of the cable assembly an attachment feature  172  is provided. The attachment feature is an integral portion of the furcation body  164 . The furcation body  164  includes a plurality of attachment platform members  174  each having a substantially planar surface  177  to provide an anti-rotation feature (see also  FIG. 12D ). The furcation body  164  also includes keyhole members  176  attached via attachment platform supports  175  (see  FIGS. 12B and 12C ). The furcation body  162  and the attachment platform members  174  are mounted to a mounting surface when the keyhole members  176  are inserted into apertures. In this manner, the substantially planar surfaces  177  abut and rest flat against a mounting surface to provide an anti-rotation feature. This is further illustrated in the side, front, and bottom views of the fiber optic cable assembly  160  in  FIGS. 12B-12D , respectively. As illustrated therein, the keyhole members  176  are shown as being disposed along the longitudinal axis A 12  below the surface of the furcation body  164  and the attachment platform members  174 . Thus, when the keyhole members  176  are disposed in apertures, the substantially planar surfaces  177  of the attachment platform members  174  will abut with and rest against the mounting surface. In other variations, the keyhole members may be included on a clip that has a side with a living hinge that closes about the furcation body for securing the same within the clip. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates the fiber optic cable assemblies  160  of  FIGS. 12A-12D  installed on a mounting surface  180 . The mounting surface  180  may be disposed in any suitable fiber optic shelf assembly. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the furcation body  162  receives a fiber optic cable  182  through the first end  166  of the furcation body  164 . The fiber optic cable  182  is furcated inside the passage  168  of the furcation body  164  extending therethrough to the second end  170 . 
     A plurality of furcated legs  184  extend through the second end  170  as illustrated. The mounting surface  180  comprises a series of keyholes  186  (i.e., the keyhole is an aperture with a given shape other than round) for allowing the fiber optic cable assembly  160  to be attached to the mounting surface  180 . The keyhole members  176  are inserted into wide portions  188  of the keyholes  186  that will allow the geometry of the keyhole members  176  to pass therethrough. Thereafter, the furcation body  162  and its keyhole members  176  are pushed or pulled as indicated by the arrows  190  in  FIG. 13  such that the attachment platform support  175  is inserted into narrow portions  192  of the keyholes  186 . When locked therein, the substantially planar surfaces  177  abut with the mounting surface  180  to provide an anti-rotation feature for the fiber optic cable assembly  160 . The keyhole members  176  cannot pass through the narrow portions  192  of the keyholes  186  such that the furcation body  162  is locked into place on the mounting surface  180 . 
     To prevent the furcation body  162  from being pulled opposite of the direction of the arrows  190  such that the keyhole members  176  could be released from the mounting surface  180 , a front locking mechanism  194  is provided. The front locking mechanism  194  comprises a T-shaped appendage  196  extending out of the second end  170  of the furcation body  164 . The appendage  196  contains a pin  198  that is located in substantially the same plane as the attachment platform support  175 . Thus, when the pin  198  is inserted into a pin aperture  199 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the furcation body  162  is prevented from moving laterally such that the furcation body  162  cannot accidentally be pushed forward opposite the direction of the arrows  190  such that the keyhole members  176  may be released from the keyholes  186  for an accidental removal or detachment from the mounting surface  180 . Although shown and described as only being able to mount furcation body  164  in one direction relative to the keyholes  186 , the keyholes may have a symmetrical profile so that the furcation body can also be mounted when rotated 180 degrees as shown and described in  FIG. 16E  (i.e., mounting in more than two different orientations). 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  illustrate another alternative fiber optic cable assembly  200  that may be employed for securing a furcation body that includes an anti-rotation feature. In this embodiment, the fiber optic cable assembly  200  includes a furcation body  202  that is comprised of a furcation body  204 . A fiber optic cable  206  is received in a first end  208  of the furcation body  204  and extends through a passage  210  extending through the furcation body  204  to a second end  212  of the furcation body  204  along a longitudinal axis A 13  of the furcation body  204 . The fiber optic cable  206  is furcated inside the passage  210  disposed in the furcation body  204  and furcated into a plurality of furcated legs  214  that extend from the second end  212 . The furcation body  202  in this embodiment is not designed to be placed against a mounting surface to secure the furcation body  202 . Instead, an attachment feature  216  is provided in the form of a clip  218 . As shown, one or more clips  218  are placed around the furcation body  204  to secure it. The attachment feature  216  is then secured to a mounting surface to secure the furcation body  202 . Unlike the clip  50  of  FIG. 3A , the clip  218  of the attachment feature  216  in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  completely surrounds the furcation body  202  such that the furcation body  202  does not touch the mounting surface. 
     The clip  218  is comprised of an attachment housing  222 . The attachment housing  222  is formed from an elongated rectangular shaped piece of material that is banner formed in a substantially rectangular shape with first and second ends  224 ,  226  coming together onto themselves. The attachment housing  222  contains a substantially planar surface  223  that is configured to abut with a mounting surface when the attachment housing  222  secures the furcation body  202  to a mounting surface to provide an anti-rotation feature. A series of protrusions or ridges  225  are disposed on the attachment housing  222  on the first end  224 . A locking structure  230  is disposed on the second end  226  of the attachment housing  222  such that it is configured to lock the first end  224  onto the second end  226  to form the attachment housing  222 . After being installed around the furcation body  204  as illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the attachment housing  222  also contains a button structure  232  disposed within an inner wall  234  of the attachment housing  222  that is designed to couple with a button receiver  236  disposed within the furcation body  204 . The furcation body  204  contains a notched portion  238  that contains a series of button receivers  236  around its outer surface such that the attachment housing  222  can be rotated in a number of directions around the furcation body  202  to secure the furcation body  202  to differently-oriented mounting surfaces as desired. The notched portion  238  has a width W 1  that is about the same width as the width W 2  of the attachment housing  222  such that the attachment housing  222  sits inside the notched portion  238  to provide a secure fit between the attachment housing  222  and the furcation body  204  when attached. 
     In order to secure the attachment housing  222  to a mounting surface, which in turn will secure the furcation body  202  to the mounting surface, an integrated plunger  240  is provided in the attachment housing  222 . The integrated plunger  240  is disposed within a plunger orifice  226  disposed in the attachment housing  222 . The integrated plunger  240  contains a plunger support  244  that has an outer diameter larger than the plunger orifice  226  such that the plunger support  244  rests inside the attachment housing  222 . A plunger head  246  is coupled to a plunger flange  248  to selectively engage the plunger flange  248  to cause it to expand or retract. When the plunger head  246  is pushed down, the plunger flange  248  expands. When the plunger head  246  is pulled up, the plunger flange  248  contracts. Thus, to secure the attachment housing  222  to and abut the substantially planar surface  223  to a mounting surface, the plunger flange  248  is placed inside an aperture or orifice and a force is exerted down on the plunger head  246  to cause the plunger flange  248  to expand within the orifice or aperture. Thus, the plunger flange  248  is secured within the aperture or orifice to secure the attachment housing  222  therein. As a result, the furcation body  202  is held in place within the attachment housing  222  to the mounting surface. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate alternate fiber optic cable assemblies  250 ,  250 ′ that include an anti-rotation feature and attachment features to mount the fiber optic cable assemblies  250 ,  250 ′ to mounting surfaces  252 ,  252 ′. As illustrated therein, the fiber optic cable assemblies  250 ,  250 ′ include fiber optic cable  22  received in first ends  254 ,  254 ′ of furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′. The fiber optic cable  22  is received along longitudinal axes A 14 , A 15  of the furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′, respectively. The fiber optic cable  22  is furcated inside the furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′ into a plurality of furcated legs  28  extending from second ends  258 ,  258 ′ of the furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′ opposite the first ends  254 ,  254 ′ of the furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′, respectively. The furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′ each contain substantially planar surfaces  260 ,  260 ′ that abut with the mounting surfaces  252 ,  252 ′, respectively, to provide an anti-rotation feature when the furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′ are mounted to the mounting surfaces  252 ,  252 ′. 
     The furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′ also contain attachment features  262 ,  262 ′ to secure the furcation bodies  256 ,  256 ′ to the mounting surfaces  252 ,  252 ′. With regard to the fiber optic cable assembly  250  in  FIG. 15A , the attachment feature  262  is provided in the form of button attachment features  264 A,  264 B. The button attachment features  264 A,  264 B each provide a female button portion  266 A,  266 B attached to a bottom surface  268  of the furcation body  256 . The female button portions  266 A,  266 B may be provided by either of the female button portions  270 A,  270 B illustrated in  FIG. 15C  as examples. The female button portions  266 A,  266 B attach to male button portions  272 A,  272 B to secure the furcation body  256  to the mounting surface  252 . The male button portions  272 A,  272 B may be provided by either of the male button portions  274 A,  274 B illustrated in  FIG. 15C  as examples. 
     With regard to the fiber optic cable assembly  250 ′ in  FIG. 15B , an attachment feature  262 ′ is provided in the form of button attachment features  264 A′,  264 B′. However, in this embodiment, the button attachment features  264 A′,  264 B′ each provide a male button portion  272 A′,  272 B′ attached to the substantially planar surface  260 ′ of the furcation body  256 ′. The male button portions  272 A′,  272 B′ may be provided by either of the male button portions  274 A,  274 B illustrated in  FIG. 15C  as examples. The male button portions  272 A′,  272 B′ attach to female button portions  266 A′,  266 B′ to secure the furcation body  256 ′ to the mounting surface  252 . The substantially planar surface  260 ′ abuts with the mounting surface  252 ′ to provide an anti-rotation feature in the furcation body  256 ′. The female button portions  266 A,  266 B may be provided by either of the female button portions  270 A,  270 B illustrated in  FIG. 15C  as examples. 
       FIGS. 16A-16C  depict views of another clip  280  for securing a fiber optic cable assembly while providing an anti-rotation feature for the fiber optic cable assembly.  FIGS. 16A-16C  show clip  280  with a cover  282  in the open position.  FIG. 16A  illustrates a perspective view of clip  280  having cavity  286  for securing a fiber optic cable assembly therein such as shown in  FIG. 3B .  FIGS. 16B and 16C  respectively show a bottom view of clip  280  and a side view of clip  280 , thereby illustrating details of the same. Cavity  286  is generally defined by the body of clip  280  and a cover  282 . Although cover  282  is depicted with a living hinge in this embodiment, other variations can have the cover formed as a separated component that snaps, slides, or otherwise attaches in another suitable manner to the clip for securing a fiber optic cable assembly therein. Cavity  286  is sized to hold one or more furcation plugs of the fiber optic cable assembly therein while inhibiting rotation of the same. For instance,  FIG. 16G  depicts a clip  280 ′ that is sized for securing furcation bodies of two fiber optic cable assemblies. Moreover, clip  280 ′ and the associated furcation plugs may be sized so the assembly fits within a 1 U shelf space (a height of 1.75 inches). Clip  280  also includes one or more suitable attachment features as disclosed herein for securing the same to a mounting surface. In this embodiment, clip  280  has the attachment features disposed on a bottom surface  285  of the clip  280  (i.e., the bottom surface of the clip is generally planar) for mounting the same. Like the other embodiments, clip  280  is advantageous because no tools are required for securing the same to the mounting surface. Further, clip  280  is also advantageous since its width is not much greater than the furcation body, thereby allowing for relatively high density of fiber optic cable assemblies on a mounting surface. However, other variations can use other types of attachment features for mounting similar clips such as attachment features that extend from the side of the clip. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 16B and 16C , each attachment feature of clip  280  is configured as a keyhole member  287  for engaging an aperture having a suitable profile. In this embodiment, the keyhole member  287  has a generally triangular shape that allows for insertion of the same into an appropriately sized aperture of the mounting surface. Additionally, the keyhole member  287  is offset from the bottom surface  285  by a slot guide  287   a  that directs the motion of clip  280  within the aperture. Clip  280  may also include one or more catches  288  for securing the same to the mounting surface. In this embodiment, catch  288  is located on the bottom surface  285  of clip  280 . As shown, catch  288  is a protrusion having a round shape and will have a corresponding shaped portion located in the aperture of the mounting surface to enable engagement therewith. Consequently, clip  280  is slid within the aperture until the catch  288  aligns with and is seated within a corresponding portion of the aperture, thereby inhibiting inadvertent removal of clip  280  from the mounting surface. In this embodiment, catch  288  is located on a cantilevered portion  289  of clip  280  that is deflected slightly upward when sliding the clip  280  into the aperture to secure the same as discussed below. 
       FIG. 16D  depicts the furcation body of the fiber optic cable assembly inserted into cavity  286  of clip  280  before cover  282  is closed. As depicted, furcation body  26  has a notched portion  55  that fits snugly within cavity  286 , thereby inhibiting displacement of the same within the clip  280 . The inner surface of cavity  286  of this embodiment includes a plurality of ribs (not numbered) for positioning and/or clamping furcation body  26  within cavity  286 . Other embodiments can include other structures for securing the clip and/or inhibiting displacement of the furcation body such as longitudinal and/or rotational movement of the same. Thereafter, cover  282  may be closed to secure the furcation body  26  within the cavity  286  of clip  280 . 
     Cover  282  is attached to clip  280  with a living hinge  283  that permits opening and closing of the same for removing or installing the furcation body  26  within clip  280 . Cover  282  may also includes a plurality of ridges for thereon for pressing against the notched portion  55  of furcation body  26 . Clip  280  also includes a plurality of cover latches  290  and cover  282  includes a plurality of complementary cover latches  291  that engage to secure the cover in a releasable snap-fitting arrangement. Additionally, a cutout (not numbered) is disposed between cover latches  290  for improving the flexibility for opening and closing cover  282 .  FIG. 16D  also shows the furcated legs  28  of the fiber optic cable assembly being routed between a pair of guide arms  294 . Cable portions of the fiber optic cable assembly are truncated for the purpose of simplicity. Besides acting as a routing guide for the furcated legs of the fiber optic cable assembly, guide arms  294  provide a lever to aid in the removal of clip  280  from the mounting surface. Specifically, the craft can push the end of one or both guide arms  294  toward the clip  280 , thereby bending and lifting the cantilevered portion of clip  280  and releasing catch  288  from the mounting surface. In other words, the craft merely pushes on one or more of arcuate portions  297  of guide arms  295  toward the clip  280  to release catch  288 , thereby allowing the removal of clip  280  from the mounting surface by sliding the same to disengage from the mounting surface. 
       FIGS. 16E and 16F  show clip  280  being secured to an explanatory mounting surface  298  from a bottom view.  FIG. 16E  shows one such exemplary mounting aperture  299  formed on a mounting surface  298  such as a furcation management structure. Mounting aperture  299  is symmetric and advantageously allows mounting of clip  280  from either direction (i.e., mounting in more than two different orientations; a bidirectional keyhole aperture). Mounting aperture  299  has distinct portions such as a plurality of rectangular (or square) portions  299   a , a plurality of slot portions  299   b , and a plurality of round portions  299   c  as shown. As shown, slot portions  299   b  connect the respective rectangular portions  299   a  and each adjacent rectangular portion  299   a  and round portion  299   c . In this embodiment, the aperture  299  receives respective keyhole members  287  within respective rectangular portions  299   a  of aperture  299 , thereby allowing clip  280  to “drop” into the aperture  299 . Thereafter, clip  280  is slid relative to the mounting surface  298  so that the keyhole member(s)  287  engage aperture  299  of mounting surface  298 , thereby securing the clip  280  as shown in  FIG. 16F . In other words, slot guides  287   a  of keyhole members  287  ride within slot portions  299   b  as clip  280  is secured. As clip  280  is fully seated, the catch  288  “pops” into the corresponding round portion  299   c  of the aperture when the clip  280  is fully seated, thereby securing the same. Although one particular geometry is shown for a cooperating aperture  299  and keyhole member  287  other variations are possible. For instance, catch  288  is shown as round, but it may have other suitable shapes such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. Likewise, other variations of clip  280  are possible along with other features, configurations or the like. For instance,  FIG. 16G  depicts a clip  280 ′ that is similar to clip  280 , but is configured for securing a plurality of furcation bodies in a stacked arrangement; other variations include a clip holding a plurality of furcation bodies in a side-by-side arrangement. 
     Also disclosed are furcation management structures for mounting and/or managing a plurality of furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assemblies. Managing furcation assemblies can provide increased density of fiber optic cable assemblies supported by fiber optic equipment. As disclosed herein, the furcation management structures may be mounted within the shelf or chassis, thereby providing a compact footprint for the assembly. On the other hand, conventional management structures were mounted on the equipment rack and not within the shelf. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates an embodiment of fiber optic equipment in the form of a fiber optic shelf assembly  300  providing one explanatory furcation management structure  302  having an array of apertures for mounting furcation bodies. A furcation management structure may be separate from and attachable and/or integrated into the fiber optic equipment such as a fiber optic shelf assembly for mounting one or more furcation assemblies. The furcation management structure  302  facilitates the management and routing of fiber optic cable assemblies  304  by securing one or more furcation bodies  306  thereto. Additionally, any suitable fiber optic cable assemblies  304  and/or furcation bodies  306  may be used. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the furcation management structure  302  is attached to a chassis  308  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  300 . More specifically, the furcation management structure  302  is attached to a rear portion  310  of the chassis  308 . One or more fiber optic cables  312  of a fiber optic cable assembly  304  are typically routed to establish fiber optic connections with one or more fiber optic modules  313  provided in the fiber optic shelf assembly  300 . The fiber optic cable assembly  304  includes furcation of the fiber optic cable  312  into one or more furcated legs  314 , which are typically connectorized and connected to fiber optic adapters  316  disposed in the rear of the fiber optic modules  313 . 
     To secure the fiber optic cable assembly  304  to the chassis  308 , the furcation body  306  of the fiber optic cable assembly  304  is secured to the furcation management structure  302 . In this embodiment, the furcation management structure  302  is comprised of a furcation bracket  317  comprising a mounting surface  318  containing an attachment feature in the form of a series of pre-defined apertures  320 . The apertures  320  may be arranged like the apertures in the mounting surfaces previously described above. A securing device in the form of plungers  321 A,  321 B are disposed in an attachment feature of the furcation body  306 , such as those previously described above, and secured to the apertures  320  in the furcation bracket  317  to mount the furcation body  306  to the furcation management structure  302 . In this regard, the mounting surface  318  of the furcation bracket  317  is similar to the mounting surfaces previously described above. The furcation bracket  317  also contains a first end  319  and a second end  322  disposed on an opposite side of the first end  319 . As will be described in more detail below, the furcation bracket  317  contains at least one portion that is removably attached to the chassis  308  such that additional furcation body of other fiber optic cable assemblies can be disposed underneath the furcation bracket  317  and mounted directly to the rear portion  310  of the chassis  308  to increase the density of fiber optic cable assemblies  304  that can be disposed in the fiber optic shelf assembly  300 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a close-up perspective view of the furcation management structure  302  with the furcation bracket  317  in a closed position. Only the furcation body  306  of the fiber optic cable assembly  304  is illustrated so as to not obstruct features discussed herein with regard to  FIG. 18 . However, the fiber optic cable  312  and furcated legs  314  would extend from the furcation body  306  in the actual fiber optic cable assembly  304 . As illustrated, the furcation bracket  317  is hingedly mounted to the rear portion  310  via a hinge assembly  324 . The hinge assembly  324  is comprised of a hinge  326  attached between a bottom side  328  (see  FIG. 20 ) of the furcation bracket  317  on its second end  322  and the rear portion  310  of the chassis  308  via a standoff bracket  329 . The hinge assembly  324  allows the furcation bracket  317  to be lifted on its first end  319  about the rear portion  310  for access underneath. The first end  319  is removably attached to the rear portion  310  via an attachment feature provided in the form of an attachment platform  330 . The attachment platform  330  extends from the first end  319  of the furcation bracket  317  and contains an aperture  332  (see also,  FIG. 19 ). A securing device in the form of a plunger  334  is disposed in the aperture  332  and is configured to cooperatively engage with an aperture  336  disposed in a standoff platform  338  (see  FIG. 19 ) to be secured to the rear portion  310  in a closed position. 
     When closed, as illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the furcation bracket  317  forms an internal cavity  340  underneath the mounting surface  318  disposed between the first end  319 , the second end  322 , and curved surfaces  342 A,  342 B disposed orthogonally therebetween. The curved surfaces  342 A,  342 B provide a waterfall feature for the fiber optic cables  312  and the furcated legs  314  to lay over or against to prevent or reduce bending or kinking when installed on the furcation bracket  317 . The internal cavity  340  provides for additional furcation bodies  344  (see also,  FIG. 19 ) to be attached directly to the rear portion  310  underneath the furcation bracket  317  to allow for an increased density of fiber optic cable assemblies to be included in the fiber optic shelf assembly  300 . 
       FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate the furcation bracket  317  in an open position. In this manner, the first end  319  of the furcation bracket  317  is detached from the standoff platform  338  via release of the plunger  334  from the aperture  336 . The hinge assembly  324  contains an internal spring (not shown) to bias the furcation bracket  317  in the open position when not secured to the standoff platform  338 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the rear portion  310  has a series of apertures  348  to receive securing devices for attachment features of the furcation bodies  344  disposed beneath the furcation bracket  317 , which may include the configurations previously provided and described in  FIGS. 1-16 . Further, one or more standoffs  350  may be disposed on the bottom side  328  of the furcation bracket  317  that rest against the rear portion  310  to provide additional support when the furcation bracket  317  is closed. 
       FIGS. 21-27  illustrate various additional embodiments of furcation management structures and/or assemblies that may be employed to manage furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies. In these embodiments, one or more furcation trays  352  disposed in fiber optic equipment in the form of a fiber optic shelf assembly  354  are provided. Further, the furcation management structures may include one or more furcation platforms  356  that mount to the fiber optic equipment, thereby making it possible to retrofit into existing equipment. In other embodiments, the furcation management structure is integrated into the fiber optic shelf assembly. Both the furcation trays  352  and furcation platforms  356  are disposed on a bottom mounting surface  359  in a rear portion  357  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  to support one or more furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assemblies  357 . Of course, trays, platforms or the like could be mounted on other surfaces such as the sides or top of the fiber optic shelf assembly. These fiber optic cable assemblies  357  include furcation bodies  358  receiving a fiber optic cable  360  and providing one or more furcated legs  362 . The furcated legs  362  may be connectorized with fiber optic connectors and connected to fiber optic adapters  364  disposed in one or more fiber optic modules  366  in the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . Furcation management structures such as furcation trays  352  and furcation platforms  356  facilitate providing higher density of fiber optic cable assemblies  357  in the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  along with improved organization. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates a top view of a furcation tray  352  that is disposed in the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  in  FIG. 21  in more detail. As illustrated therein, the furcation tray  352  is comprised of a mounting surface  361 . By way of example, the furcation tray  352  may be constructed out of any suitable material such as sheet metal, aluminum, plastic, and the like. The furcation tray  352  may contain a series of indentures  365  and protrusions  367  on outer edges of the furcation tray  352  that are configured to cooperate with opposing protrusions and indentures disposed on the mounting surface  359  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . A series of pre-defined apertures  355  may also be provided in the mounting surface  359  to receive fasteners (not shown) for securing the furcation tray  352  to the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . 
     Similar to the mounting surfaces previously described herein, the mounting surface  361  of the furcation tray  352  contains a series of pre-defined apertures  368  that receive securing devices  371  (see  FIG. 24 ) disposed in an attachment feature  369  of the furcation body  358 . The apertures  368  are located in offsetting axes (e.g., A 16 , A 17 ) such that the fiber optic cable  360  of one furcation body  358  disposed in a first row (e.g., R 1 ) is disposed in between two adjacent furcation bodies  358  in a second row (e.g, R 2 ). This allows two rows (e.g., R 1 , R 2 ) of furcation bodies  358  facing the same direction to be located in the furcation tray  352  to provide for greater density furcation management. In the example of  FIG. 22 , the furcation tray  352  includes eight (8) furcation bodies  358  facing the same direction. Similarly the furcation tray  352  includes eight (8) additional furcation bodies  358  in rows R 3  and R 4  facing an opposite direction of the furcation bodies  358  in rows R 1  and R 2  to provide for a total of sixteen (16) furcation bodies  358 . In this embodiment, the furcated legs  362  are all routed to a center section  370  of the furcation tray  352  for routing to the fiber optic modules  366 . 
     To provide even greater density possibilities in the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  of  FIG. 21 , one or more furcation platforms  356  may also be disposed in the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  to provide additional furcation management. One furcation platform  356  is illustrated as being provided in  FIG. 21 ; however, additional furcation platforms  356  can be disposed above the furcation tray  352  in a stacked arrangement in the Y-axis (“Y”) (see  FIG. 25 ), as desired. As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the furcation platform  356  contains a mounting surface  374  similar to the mounting surface  361  of the furcation tray  352 . One or more indentures  376  are provided in corners  378  of the furcation platform  356  to mount the furcation platform  356  above the furcation tray  352 . The furcation platform  356  is mounted to standoffs  380  ( FIG. 21 ) inserted into the indentures  376 . As will be described later below with regard to  FIG. 24 , an additional aperture  379  is provided for mounting the furcation platform  356  as an appendage from the furcation tray  352 . In this manner, the furcation platform  356  is mounted above the mounting surface  359  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  similar to the furcation bracket  317  to provide additional mounting space for fiber optic cable assemblies. 
     Similar to the furcation tray  352 , the mounting surface  374  of the furcation platform  356  contains a series of pre-defined apertures  382  that receive securing devices disposed in attachment features of the furcation bodies  358 . The apertures  382  are located in offsetting axes (e.g., A 18 , A 19 ) such that the fiber optic cable  360  of one furcation body  358  disposed in a first row (e.g., R 5 ) is disposed in between two adjacent furcation bodies  358  in a second row (e.g, R 6 ). This allows two rows (e.g., R 5 , R 6 ) of furcation bodies  358  facing the same direction to be located in the furcation platform  356  to provide for greater density furcation management. In the example of  FIG. 23 , the furcation tray  352  includes eight (8) furcation bodies  358  facing the same direction. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a furcation platform  356  provided as an appendage to a furcation tray  352  and a fiber optic shelf assembly  354  to provide additional options for providing additional furcation management. The furcation platform  356  and furcation bodies  358  secured therein are the same as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . The furcation platform  356  is secured to a rear side  389  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  via the additional aperture  379 , which receives a securing device  390  disposed in the furcation tray  352  to secure the furcation platform  356  to the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a side view of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  of  FIG. 21 , and illustrates a furcation tray  392  disposed on a top shelf  394  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  to provide additional furcation management. In this illustration, in addition to a furcation tray  352  and a furcation platform  356  mounted on the furcation tray  352  being disposed on the bottom mounting surface  359  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  300 , the top shelf  394  provides another mounting surface to mount additional furcation trays  392  and/or furcation platforms (not included in  FIG. 25 ), if desired. In this manner, the furcation tray  392  may be provided that contains the same features as the furcation tray  352  illustrated in  FIG. 22  and thus will not be repeated here. Further,  FIG. 25  illustrates more detail regarding the standoff  380  to support a furcation platform  356  disposed above the furcation tray  352 . The standoff  380  is disposed in a standoff orifice  402  disposed in the furcation tray  352  and into the mounting surface  359 .  FIG. 26  illustrates the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  as well, but with an intermediate shelf  396  provided. The intermediate shelf  396  can support an intermediate furcation tray  398  for providing furcation management. In this manner, the furcation tray  392  may be provided that contains the same features as the furcation tray  352  illustrated in  FIG. 22  and thus will not be repeated here. 
       FIG. 27  illustrates furcation management structures such as furcation trays, platforms or the like may be slidable with respect to the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  to be translated in and out from the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . Translation of a furcation tray allows access to any fiber optic cable assemblies, including their furcation bodies, disposed in the furcation tray for access, routing, configuration, reconfiguration, etc. As illustrated, the intermediate furcation tray  398  is translated out from the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . The intermediate furcation tray  398  is disposed between shelves provided in the form of shelf supports  410 A,  410 B on each side of the rear side  389  of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354 . The shelf supports  410 A,  410 B include a guide system in the form of rail guides  412 A,  412 B. The rail guides  412 A,  412 B receive rails  413 A,  413 B disposed on each side of a rear side  414  and a front side  416  of the intermediate furcation tray  398 . In this manner, the intermediate furcation tray  398  can be pulled and pushed about on the rails  413 A,  413 B to translate in and out of the fiber optic shelf assembly  354  about the rails guides  412 A,  412 B. The rail guides  412 A,  412 B is provided in  FIG. 27  as a friction fit guide system; however, a bearing guide system, or any other type of guide system may be employed. 
       FIGS. 28-30  depict a various views of another alternate furcation management structure mounted in a fiber optic shelf assembly. As shown, fiber optic shelf assembly  354  includes two furcation platforms  356  (i.e., a plurality of furcation management structures) mounted on opposing sides of the fiber optic shelf assembly for securing and managing respective fiber optic cable assemblies  357  that are routed therein. As best shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , furcation platform  356  has multiple levels  356   a  and  356   b  for securing the furcation bodies. Moreover, the multiple levels are located on non-parallel planes, but it is possible to locate the multiple levels on generally parallel planes. Having different mounting levels allows angling the cable assemblies on the inner level upward at the rear portion to inhibit interference with the cable assemblies on the outer level. In other words, the cables assemblies on the inner level tend to ramp over the cable assemblies on the outer level as shown in  FIG. 29 . Moreover, this arrangement allows for improved finger access for the craft. Also this multi-level construction can be used on furcation management assemblies that extend, translate (i.e., the tray moves) and/or rotate for access. Still other embodiments can have more than two levels, stack the platforms, have the platforms hingely mounted and/or other arrangements as discussed herein. Likewise, although depicted with cable assemblies having furcation bodies that mount using clips any suitable type of furcation body may be used.  FIG. 30  shows that furcation platforms  356  are mounted to the sides of fiber optic shelf assembly  354  using a suitable fastener  393  such as screws, but they mount to the rear, top, or other location. Of course, other fasteners are possible. Other variations of furcation platforms and furcation trays are possible according to the concepts disclosed herein. 
     Likewise, variations are also possible to structures disclosed herein such as the clips for securing the furcation body. For instance,  FIGS. 31A-31D  show perspective views of other clips for securing furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies. In more detail,  FIG. 31A  depicts clip  50  for securing a plurality of furcation bodies  26  of cable assemblies in a vertical arrangement; instead of a horizontal arrangement. This arrangement is most advantageous when the furcation bodies are smaller, but may be used with any size furcation body. Moreover, other variations of the clip may be configured to secure any suitable number of rows and/or columns of furcation bodies secured by the clip. Other variations of clips can modify the number and/or location of attachment platforms on the clips as shown in  FIGS. 31B and 31C . More specifically, the clip of  FIG. 31B  has four attachment platforms with respective apertures that receive plungers for securing the same and the clip of  FIG. 31C  has three attachment platforms. Other clip variations include having attachment platforms with apertures on upper and lower surfaces, thereby creating a vertical stacking arrangement as shown in  FIG. 31D . The furcation bodies are not shown in the view so that the stacking arrangement is visible. Simply stated, one or more plungers  60  are used to secure a first clip to as second clip as shown to increase the fiber optic cable assembly density of the structure or assembly. 
     As discussed, the concepts disclosed herein advantageously allows securing relatively large numbers of furcation bodies within fiber optic shelf assemblies and the like while still allowing easy access for the craft. Moreover, the relatively large number of furcation bodies can allow the fiber optic shelf assembly to support relatively large optical fiber connections as discussed below. FIGS.  32  and  34 - 36  depict rear perspective views of various fiber optic shelf assemblies having a plurality of furcation bodies of fiber optic cable assemblies secured therein and  FIG. 33  is a schematic representation of a fiber optic shelf assembly. More specifically, FIGS.  32  and  34 - 36  depict fiber optic shelf assemblies employing clips  280  or  280 ′, which allow for higher furcation body packing in a given space since clips  280  and  280 ′ have a width that is similar to the width of the furcation body. In other words, the clips may be spaced closer together on the mounting surface since there is no extending mounting feature(s). Other structures and/or configurations for mounting the furcation bodies are possible as disclosed herein and the description and illustrations of fiber optic shelf assemblies showing clips  280  and  280 ′ is merely for explanatory purposes and not limitation. 
     For instance, clip  280 ′ ( FIG. 16G ) is advantageous since it allows stacking of multiple furcation bodies therein, thereby doubling the density compared with clip  280 . Further, clip  280 ′ is advantageous for high density solution where the associated furcation plugs and clip is sized to fits within a 1 U shelf space as discussed below. In one embodiment, the fiber optic shelf assemblies or the like may have a one-to-one correspondence between a plurality of respective modules and respective fiber optic cable assemblies as shown by  FIG. 32 , but other arrangements are possible. The one-to-one correspondence is advantageous for the craft because it simplifies labeling and port mapping to the modules (i.e., one fiber optic cable assembly per module). By way of example, the one-to-one correspondence simplifies moves, additions, and/or changes to the optical network, thereby saving time and reducing complexity. 
     By way of example,  FIG. 32  illustrates a fiber optic shelf assembly  400  having a furcation management structure  402  for securing a plurality of furcation bodies  403  of respective fiber optic cable assemblies  406  within the fiber optic shelf using a plurality of clips  280 . In this embodiment, furcation management structure  402  includes two furcation platforms (not numbered) mounted on opposing sides of the fiber optic shelf assembly  400  so that the furcation bodies  403  are oppositely facing each other within the fiber optic shelf assembly. Stated another way, the furcated legs  407  of fiber optic cable assemblies  406  are directed toward the middle of the fiber optic shelf assembly for routing to the rear of a plurality of respective modules  410 . As shown, respective furcated legs  407  of the fiber optic cable assemblies  406  each have a respective multi-fiber ferrule  408  such as a twelve fiber connector that connects with a respective module  410 , thereby providing a one-to-one correspondence between the modules  410  and fiber optic cable assemblies  406  (i.e., each fiber optic cable assembly has twelve optical fibers). In this embodiment, the fiber optic shelf assembly  400  has a 1 U footprint and each furcation platform accommodate four clips  280 . 
     However, other 1 U embodiments of fiber optic shelf assembly  400  could include more modules such as twelve modules disposed in three trays and each platform could accommodate six clips  280 , thereby providing a one-to-one correspondence and supporting up to 144 optical connections or more. Further, a relatively large number of furcation bodies may be secured in the 1 U shelf space/footprint using the concepts disclosed herein.  FIG. 33  is a schematic representation showing a 1 U shelf space having twelve modules each represented by a plurality of respective rectangular spaces  512  and supported by fiber optic cable assembly, clips, furcation mounting structures, etc. as disclosed herein. Within rectangular spaces  512  are a plurality of front-side connector footprints  514  that represent individual connector ports on modules represented by rectangular spaces  512 . Connector footprints  514  may have any suitable configuration such as LC, duplexed LC, SC, duplex SC, MT (i.e., multiple fiber connectors) of various fiber counts such as 4-fiber, 8-fiber, 12-fiber, 24-fiber, etc. For the sake of simplicity, each module has four connector footprints  514  with ellipses therebetween for representing any desired number of connector footprints  514  on rectangular spaces  512 . By way of example, each rectangular space may have six duplexed LC connections, four 12-fiber MT connectors, four 24-fiber MT connectors, or any other suitable connector configuration as represented by connector footprints  514 . For the sake of brevity and simplicity, Table 1 below summarizes several configurations of fiber optic shelf assemblies having a 1 U shelf space that may support the given number of optical fiber connections using clips  280  or  280 ′. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Explanatory Embodiments Per 1 U Rack Space and 
               
               
                 Supported Optical Connections 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Fiber Count of 
                 # of Furcation 
                 # of 
                 # of Clips 
                 # of Optical 
               
               
                 Cable 
                 Bodies per 
                 Fibers Per 
                 within Shelf 
                 Connections 
               
               
                 Assembly 
                 Clip 
                 Clip 
                 Assembly 
                 Supported 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 12 
                 2 
                 24 
                 12 
                 288 
               
               
                 24 
                 2 
                 48 
                 12 
                 576 
               
               
                 36 
                 2 
                 72 
                 12 
                 864 
               
               
                 48 
                 1 
                 48 
                 12 
                 576 
               
               
                 72 
                 1 
                 72 
                 12 
                 864 
               
               
                 96 
                 1 
                 96 
                 12 
                 1152 
               
               
                 144 
                 1 
                 144 
                 12 
                 1728 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     By way of explanation, the first row of Table 1 discloses using fiber optic cable assemblies  406  that each include twelve optical fibers, thereby allowing the mounting of two furcation bodies  403  in one clip  280 ′ within a 1 U shelf space. Consequently, the given fiber optic shelf assembly has twenty-four optical fibers per each of twelve clips  280 ′, thereby supporting up to 288 optical fiber connections. Typically, the furcation body increases in size at a certain optical fiber count of the fiber optic cable assemblies due to space restrictions of the furcation body. Moreover, using clips that secure stacked furcation bodies (i.e., two or more furcation bodies per clip) may be limited based on the headroom of the 1 U shelf assembly with respect to the stacked furcation bodies. For instance, Table 1 makes the transition to a larger furcation bodies and single furcation body clips  280  at a fiber count of forty-eight optical fibers, but other transition points are possible. Typically, this headroom limitation is not an issue with larger shelf spaces such as a 2 U or 4 U shelf space. The values of Table 1 are for the purpose of illustration within a 1 U shelf space and can easily be increased in a number of ways. Simply stated, Table 1 is a scaling “per 1 U rack space” and can be increased for larger shelf spaces by multiplying number of supported optical fiber connections for the 1 U shelf space by the size of the given shelf space. 
     For instance, the number of supported fiber optic connections is increased by migrating to a larger shelf space such as a 4 U fiber optic shelf space may be calculated by simply multiplying Table 1 by a factor of 4 to scale up. By way of example, the schematic representation of  FIG. 33  can be stacked four times to represent a 4 U fiber optic shelf assembly  520  as shown in  FIG. 33A , which depicts ten 4 U fiber optic shelf assemblies  520  mounted in a rack  530  (the dashed lines represent a 1 U shelf space). Thus, if connector footprint  514  (not shown for purposes of clarity) of the 4 U shelf configuration represents a twenty-four fiber connector footprint, then the 4 U fiber optic shelf assembly  520  supports up forty-eight rectangular spaces  512  (which represent modules) with each rectangular space  512  supporting up to ninety-six optical connections (twenty-four fiber connector times four connectors per module). Thus, each 4 U fiber optic shelf assembly  520  supports up to 4608 optical fiber connections (96 optical fiber connections times 48 modules) and rack  530  can support up to 46,080 optical fiber connections. Of course, this is only a representative explanatory example and the other rows of Table 1 can also be scaled up to a 2 U shelf space, 4 U shelf, or rack accordingly to arrive at a multitude of different optical fiber count. 
     Additionally, fiber optic shelf assemblies supporting different numbers of optical connections are possible as discussed below. Illustratively,  FIG. 34  depicts a fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ′ having a furcation management structures  402  for securing a plurality of furcation bodies  403  of respective fiber optic cable assemblies  406  within the fiber optic shelf using a plurality of clips  280 ′. Fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ′ is a 1 U shelf assembly having a height H of about 1.75 inches like fiber optic shelf assembly  400 , but it includes six clips  280 ′ mounted on each furcation management structure  402 , thereby increasing the furcation body density. In other words, one furcation management structure  402  secures up to twelve furcation bodies  403  of fiber optic cable assemblies  406  within fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ′. Consequently, the two furcation management structures  402  of fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ′ secure up to twenty-four furcation bodies  403 . By way of example, the furcation management structure  402  can have a form-factor as small as about 3.25 inches by 5.5 inches (83 millimeters by 140 millimeters) and fit within a 1 U shelf space while securing at least twelve furcation bodies  403 . Of course, the furcation management structure can have a larger size and/or a standard size with the same number of apertures for securing furcation bodies thereto while still accommodating mounting within the fiber optic shelf assembly. By way of example, a standard size for the furcation management structure may be about 7.5 inches by 9.375 inches and fit within a 1 U shelf space while securing up to twelve furcation bodies  403 , but other standard sizes are possible. Moreover, the fiber optic cable assemblies  406  can have different fiber counts such as 12-fibers per cable assembly, 24-fibers per cable assembly, or other suitable number of fibers. Thus, the 1 U fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ′ can have up to twenty-four furcation bodies secured therein and support up to 144 optical fiber connections, up to 288 optical fiber connections, or even more optical fiber connections in the fiber optic shelf assembly while still being readily accessible by the craft. In other words, the craft can simply pull back on guide arms and slid the clip out of the furcation management structure or open the cover of the clip and remove the desired furcation body. 
     The mounting density of fiber optic cable assemblies within the fiber optic shelf assembly may be increased in other ways while still providing ease of access for initial installation, moves, adds, and/or changes for the craft. For instance,  FIG. 35  depicts a fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ″ having a furcation management structures  422  for securing a plurality of furcation bodies  403  of respective fiber optic cable assemblies  406  within the fiber optic shelf using a plurality of clips  280 ′. Like fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ′, fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ″ is a 1 U shelf assembly having a height H of about 1.75 inches, but it includes twelve clips  280 ′ mounted on each furcation management structure  422 , thereby increasing the furcation body count therein. Simply stated, the number of clips secured within the fiber optic shelf assembly are doubled; and, thus, it is possible to double the number of supported optical fiber connections given in Table 1 to the extent there is connector space within the fiber optic shelf assembly. In other words, the two furcation management structures  422  of fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ″ secure a total of up to forty-eight furcation bodies  403  using twenty-four clips within a 1 U shelf. The furcation management structure  422  can have any suitable size that accommodates mounting within the fiber optic shelf assembly. By way of example, furcation management structure  422  may have a footprint of about 7.5 inches by 9.375 inches and fit within a 1 U shelf space while securing at least twenty-four furcation bodies  403 , but other sizes are possible. Moreover, the fiber optic cable assemblies  406  can have different fiber counts such as 12-fibers per assembly, 24-fibers per assembly, or other suitable number of fibers like disclosed in Table 1. Thus, the 1 U fiber optic shelf assembly  400 ″ can have up to forty-eight furcation bodies secured therein and support up to 288 optical fiber connections, up to 576 optical fiber connections, or even more optical fiber connections in the fiber optic shelf assembly while still being readily accessible by the craft for initial installation, moves, adds and/or changes. 
       FIG. 36  depicts another fiber optic shelf assembly  420  having a plurality of furcation management structures  422  for securing a plurality of furcation bodies  403  of fiber optic cable assemblies  406  in a suitable arrangement. For instance, the cable assemblies  406  may include the one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of modules (not visible), but this is not necessary. In this embodiment, fiber optic shelf assembly  420  has a 4 U footprint with forty-eight fiber optic cable assemblies  406  secured within fiber optic shelf assembly  420  using two furcation management structures each having multiple levels for mounting clips  280 ′. Each clip  280 ′ can secure two furcation bodies  403 , thereby doubling the density of the furcation bodies secured by each furcation management structure compared with clip  280 . Each fiber optic cable assembly  406  includes twelve optical fibers with a single multi-fiber connector that is connected to a respective module so that fiber optic shelf assembly supports up to 576 optical fiber connections. The number of furcation bodies secured by fiber optic shelf assembly  420  can be varied by using different combinations of clips  280  and/or  280 ′, for instance, the number of secured furcation bodies can be reduced to twenty-four by substituting clips  280  for clips  280 ′. 
       FIG. 37  depicts another fiber optic shelf assembly  440  that is similar to fiber optic shelf assembly  420  by securing up to forty-eight furcation bodies, but it has a higher connectivity (i.e., supporting up to 1152 optical fiber connections) compared with fiber optic shelf assembly  420 . Simply stated, the density is double by doubling the fiber count within the fiber optic cable assembly  406 . Fiber optic shelf assembly  440  includes a plurality of furcation management structures  422  for securing a plurality of furcation bodies  403  of fiber optic cable assemblies  406 . In this embodiment, fiber optic shelf assembly  420  has a 4 U footprint (e.g., 12 trays each with 4 modules in 4 U footprint) with forty-eight fiber optic cable assemblies  406  secured within fiber optic shelf assembly  420  using two furcation management structures each having multiple levels for mounting clips  280 ′. Each fiber optic cable assembly  406  includes twenty-four optical fibers with the furcated leg(s)  407  having one or more a multi-fiber connectors connected with a respective module, but other configurations are possible. Further, the number of furcation bodies and/or number of fiber optic connections can be increased by adding more furcation management structures to the fiber optic shelf assembly such as by mounting the furcation management structure to the top of the fiber optic shelf assembly or in other suitable locations. By way of example, four furcation management structures disposed within fiber optic shelf assembly  420  allows for securing up to ninety-six furcation bodies within the same. 
       FIG. 38  depicts a top view of furcation management structure  422  having a plurality of fiber optic cable assemblies  406  secured thereto using a plurality of clips  280 . Furcation management structure  422  is used in suitable fiber optic shelf assemblies as disclosed herein and can include suitable mounting features similar to that illustrated with furcation platform  356  in  FIG. 30 . Likewise, furcation management structure  422  has a plurality of apertures (not visible) similar to apertures  299  shown in  FIG. 16E . For instance, furcation management structure  422  has twelve apertures for securing up to twelve clips in a staggered arrangement between rows as shown, thereby allowing the fiber optic cables passage rearward out of the fiber optic shelf assembly. Furcation management structure  422  preferably has a relatively small footprint represented by a X-dimension and a Y-dimension as depicted. By way of example, the X-dimension is about 190 millimeters and the Y-dimension is about 235 millimeters, but the form-factor depends on the size of the clips, spacing of clips, size of the furcation bodies, etc. Thus, other suitable dimensions are possible for the furcation management structure. Likewise, the furcation management structure can have other suitable mounting features, layouts, and/or constructions. For instance, the apertures for the clips may be formed directly in a top or bottom of the fiber optic shelf assembly, rather than being a separate component. Moreover, the furcation management structure  422  may have any suitable size or shape to accommodate it within the fiber optic shelf assembly or have features for mounting it in other locations such as on a rack. 
     The disclosure is also directed to methods of assembling a fiber optic shelf assembly according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Generally speaking, the method of assembling the fiber optic shelf assembly includes the steps of: providing a fiber optic shelf, providing at least one furcation management structure, securing a plurality of furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assemblies to the furcation management structure, and securing the furcation management structure within the fiber optic shelf. Additionally, the method may optionally include the step of securing the furcation body to the clips disclosed herein and then attaching the clip to the furcation management structure. 
     Also disclosed are furcation management structures that can accommodate different types of clips. As used herein, different types of clips mean that the clips have different mounting geometry such that they require different mounting footprints. By way of example,  FIGS. 39 and 40  depict explanatory furcation management structure  450  that may accommodate at least two different types of clips for securing furcation bodies as disclosed herein. In other words, the furcation management structure  450  has different types of apertures that can accommodate at least two different mounting geometries of clips and these concepts may be used with any of the furcation management structures/clips disclosed herein. Illustratively,  FIGS. 39 and 40  depict furcation management structure  450  having a first type of aperture  452  (represented by the dashed circled portions) for securing a first type of clip and a second type of aperture  454  (represented by the dashed circled portions) for securing a second type of clip. As shown, the types of aperture may include one or more apertures and the first and second type of apertures may be selected for securing any suitable type of clip(s). By way of example, the first type of aperture may be similar to aperture  299  ( FIG. 16E ), which allows mounting of the clip from either direction (i.e., mounting in more than two different orientations; a bidirectional keyhole aperture). Moreover, any suitable arrangement of the first and second apertures are possible, but the arrangement preferably allows an orderly arrangement with a suitable number of apertures for the given application such as securing at least six clips and more preferably at least twelve clips to the furcation management structure. Additionally, the furcation management structure can form a portion of the fiber optic shelf assembly as disclosed herein. 
     By way of example,  FIG. 40  shows the furcation management structure  450  including at least one first type of clip  280  ( FIGS. 16A-16D ) and at least one second type of clip  580  ( FIGS. 41 and 42 ). Of course, other types of clips may be used with furcation management structure  450  such as clip  280 ′ shown in  FIG. 16G  that may secure at least two furcation bodies of respective fiber optic cable assemblies. Clip  280  and clip  580  can have any suitable arrangement on the furcation management structure. Moreover, the furcation management structure  450  may have any suitable arrangement and/or mounting within a fiber optic shelf assembly or outside a fiber optic shelf assembly. For instance, a first and second management structuces can mount to a fiber optic shelf assembly so that the furcation bodies oppositely face each other within the assembly like shown in  FIG. 27 . Further, furcation management structures with two types of apertures may have multiple levels for securing the plurality of clips such as depicted in the furcation management structure of  FIGS. 28-30 . 
     Furcation management structures may have one or more types of apertures that are keyhole apertures. Keyhole apertures are shaped so that the clip is inserted into the aperture and then slid relative to the aperture to secure the clip to the furcation management structure. For instance, first type of aperture  452  is a keyhole aperture for securing a clip having a mounting footprint with keyhole members like clip  280  or  280 ′, which in this embodiment is a unidirectional keyhole aperture. Although the first type of aperture  452  has unidirectional mounting for the clip, one or more of the types of apertures may allow mounting of the clip in two different directions. Further, the clip may be mounted using a common aperture. As shown in  FIG. 40 , clip  580  is secured to the furcation management structure  450  using an aperture that is common to both the first type of aperture  452  and the second type of aperture  454 . Simply stated, the first type of aperture and the second type of aperture share a common aperture that may be used to secure a portion either type of clip using the common aperture. 
       FIGS. 41 and 42  depict detailed views of clip  580  for receiving the furcation body of a respective fiber optic cable assembly. Clip  580  includes mounting elements  586  and  587  disposed near respective ends thereof for securing the clip  580  to the furcation management structure. Specifically, mounting elements  586  and  587  are received into respective portions of the second type of aperture  454 . Clip  580  also includes a guide element  584  for receiving the furcation body of the respective fiber optic cable assembly into the same. Generally speaking, the furcation body is pushed into the guide element  584  in the direction of the arrow for securing the furcation body within clip  580 . Specifically, as the furcation body is inserted and pushed into clip  580  in direction shown by the arrow, the protrusions  588  are flexed outwardly to receive the furcation body and then the protrusions  588  spring back when the furcation body is seated to secure the furcation body within the clip. Simply stated, the protrusions  588  are resiliently attached cantilever arms. 
     The disclosure is also directed to methods of securing clips to the furcation management structure including the steps of providing a furcation management structure having a first type of aperture of attaching a first type of clip and a second type of aperture for attaching a second type of clip and attaching at least one clip to the furcation management structure. The method may also include the step of mounting the furcation management structure within a fiber optic shelf assembly. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. These modifications include, but are not limited to, different types and sizes of fiber optic equipment, fiber optic cables, furcated legs, furcation bodies, attachment features, and securing devices. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is 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. It is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.