Patent Publication Number: US-2022229252-A1

Title: Drop Cable Box

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The increasing deployment of electronic and fiber optic networks has given rise to an increasing need to manage the distribution of signals in such networks. Often, the distribution of signals is managed through the routing of cables associated with the signals and involves the use of multi-cable terminals that allow for selective connection between cables at designated points in a network. 
     The increasing need to manage signal distribution is particularly acute with respect to fiber optic communications. For example, fiber optic communication signals between individual homes and a fiber network may be implemented through an Outside Plant (OSP) terminal, such as a drop box. In such a system, the terminal may couple a high capacity main cable to a multiple of lower capacity cables so that communication signals for each home may be delivered via the corresponding low capacity dedicated cable. In this manner, there is no need to run a high capacity cable to each home. Moreover, the terminal may be constructed so as to allow cables to be easily connected to the terminal and easily disconnected from the terminal, as dictated by circumstance. For instance, if a home&#39;s dedicated cable is damaged the cable may be readily disconnected from the terminal and replaced with a new cable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In creating the technology described in this disclosure, it was recognized that a desirable feature of multi-cable terminals is an optimized combination of ease-of-use and component protection. Such optimization is among the advantages of the technology. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the technology describe in this disclosure, a multi-cable terminal includes a plurality of sub-structures, each of the sub-structures defining a sub-enclosure and being openable independent of the other sub-structures to provide access to the sub-enclosure; and a frame that secures the plurality of sub-structures such that the frame and sub-structures define a main enclosure, wherein each of the sub-enclosures is configured to accommodate at least an end of an internal cable, an end of a service cable, and a plurality of cable connection elements, such that when the end of the internal cable, the end of the service cable, and the cable connection elements are positioned in the sub-enclosure and a cable seal for the service cable is positioned in the corresponding sub-structure, a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements when the corresponding sub-structure is closed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Also, for purposes of clarity not every component may be labeled in every drawing. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view, from a first viewpoint, of a multi-cable terminal in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view, from a second viewpoint, of the multi-cable terminal of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the multi-cable terminal of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  showing a sub-structure of the terminal in an open position. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view showing a main enclosure of a multi-cable terminal according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view showing a main enclosure of a multi-cable terminal having an openable frame. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal for accommodating a larger number of cables. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal including an accessory section. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of multi-cable terminals having different main cable accommodations. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the sub-structure of  FIG. 1C , with the sub-structure shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the sub-structure of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view a portion of the substructure of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sub-structure of a multi-cable terminal, with the sub-structure shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal which employs the sub-structure of  FIG. 7A , with the sub-structure shown in an open position. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a sub-structure of a multi-cable terminal, with the sub-structure shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal according to an embodiment having an openable main cable section. 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal according to an embodiment having a frame that does not include a distinct main cable section. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the multi-cable terminal of  FIG. 10A  with the frame in an open position. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal of an embodiment including an accessory section, with the frame shown in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Examples of systems and methods are described herein. It should be understood that the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. 
     The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view, from a first viewpoint, of a multi-cable terminal  100  in accordance with an embodiment. The multi-cable terminal  100  includes a frame  105  and a multiple of sub-structures  110 . The frame  105  is configured to secure the sub-structures  110  and to accommodate a main cable  115  and a main cable seal  120 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a perspective view, from a second viewpoint, of the multi-cable terminal  100  of  FIG. 1A . As shown in  FIG. 1B , each of the sub-structures  110  is configured to accommodate a respective one of a multiple of service cables  125  and a respective one of a multiple of cable seals  130  for the service cables  125 . 
       FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the multi-cable terminal  100  of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  showing one the sub-structures  110  (designated as sub-structure  110   a ) of the terminal in an open position. As can be seen from  FIG. 1C , the substructure  110   a  may include a lid  135  and a base  140 . The lid  135  may be movably connected to the base  140  by, for example, a hinge  145 . The lid  135  and base  140  together define a sub-enclosure  150 , with the sub-enclosure  150  configured to accommodate at least an end  155  of an internal cable  157  and an end  160  of the corresponding one of the service cables (designated as service cable  125   a ). Also, the lid  135  and base  140  are configured to accommodate a corresponding one the cable seals  130  (designated as cable seal  130   a ) for the service cable  125   a.    
     The sub-enclosure  150  is further configured to accommodate a multiple of cable connection elements  165 . In the depicted embodiment, the cable connection elements  165  include a first connector  170  for the end  155  of the internal cable  157 , a second connector  175  for the end  160  of the service cable  125   a , and an adaptor  180  for coupling the first connector  170  to the second connector  175 . In this manner, the internal cable  157  and service cable  125   a  may be coupled to one another by way of the first connector  170 , second connector  175  and adaptor  180 . 
     In addition, the sub-enclosure  150  may be configured to accommodate a support member  185 . The support member  185  may be used to secure one or more of the cable connection elements  165 , e.g., to secure adaptor  180 , as shown. Moreover, the support member  185  may be movable so that the secured connection elements are movable with the support member  185  when the sub-structure  110   a  is in an open position. For instance, the support member  185  may be connected to the sub-enclosure  150  by a hinge (not shown). Further, the support member  185  may be arranged to move automatically into an exposed position (as shown in  FIG. 1C ) when the sub-structure  110   a  is opened. 
     Notably, in some embodiments, when the end  155  of the internal cable  157 , the end  160  of the service cable  125   a , and the cable connection elements  165  are positioned in the sub-enclosure  150 , the cable seal  130   a  of service cable  125   a  is positioned in the sub-structure  110   a , and the lid  135  of the sub-structure  110   a  is closed against the base  140  of the sub-structure  110   a , a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements  165 . Further, a fastener  187  may be provided for securing the sub-structure  110   a  in the closed position. In the  FIG. 1C  configuration, the fastener  187  is threaded for engagement with a threaded end  190  of the sub-structure  110   a , and the service cable  125   a  passes through the fastener  187  when the end  160  of the service cable  125   a  is positioned in the sub-enclosure  150 , the cable seal  130   a  of service cable  125   a  is positioned in the sub-structure  110   a , and the sub-structure  110   a  is secured in the closed position. 
     Additional views of sub-enclosure  110   a  are provided in  FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6 , to be described later. 
     Referring back to the multi-cable terminal  100  in general, each of the sub-structures  110  may take the same form as sub-structure  110   a . However, it should be noted that it is not necessary for the sub-structures  110  to have the same form as each other, or to take the form of sub-structure  110   a . For example, the multi-cable terminal  100  may include some sub-structures having the form of sub-structure  110   a  and other sub-structures that take a different form. Or the multi-cable terminal  100  may include only sub-structures having a form different from the form of sub-structure  110   a.    
     Turning now to  FIG. 2A , a perspective view is provided showing a main enclosure  205  of a multi-cable terminal  210  according to an embodiment. The main enclosure  205  is formed when the frame  105  and sub-structures  110  are in a closed position relative to each other, as shown for example, in  FIGS. 1A-1C , and may be a watertight enclosure. The depiction of  FIG. 2A  is provided for purposes of envisioning the main enclosure  205 . As can be seen from  FIG. 2A , the main enclosure  205  may be configured to accommodate a multiple of internal cables  210  and an end  215  of main cable  115 . The internal cables  210  may be respectively provided to the sub-enclosures of the sub-structures  110  through ports  220 , the ports  220  being respective parts of the sub-structures  110  and including port openings  222  and port seals  224 . For example, internal cable  157  may be provided to sub-enclosure  150  of sub-structure  110   a  via port  220   a . In some embodiments, the ports  220  provide respective watertight seals between the internal cables  210  and respective watertight seals between the sub-enclosures and the main enclosure  205 . For example, port  220   a  may provide a watertight seal about internal cable  157  and may provide a watertight seal between sub-enclosure  150  of sub-structure  110   a  and main enclosure  205 . 
     As can be further seen from  FIG. 2A , the internal cables  210  may be fanned out from the end  215  of main cable  115 . That is, in some embodiments the main cable  115  may be made up of a group of individual cables and the individual cables may be split off from the main cable  115  within the main enclosure to form the multiple of internal cables  210 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , the frame  105  and sub-structures  110   a  are permanently or semi-permanently sealed into the closed position relative to each other, as depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1C , before the multi-cable terminal  210  is deployed. For example, the frame  105  and sub-structures  110   a  may be glued or welded into position, or fixed into position with one or more screws. However, in other embodiments, a multi-cable terminal is formed so that the structure formed by the closed frame and sub-structures is openable so that the main enclosure may be accessed at any time.  FIG. 2B  depicts one such embodiment. 
       FIG. 2B  is a perspective view showing a main enclosure  275  of a multi-cable terminal  230  having an openable frame  235 . As can be seen from  FIG. 2B , the openable frame  235  may be made up of a first primary portion  240 , a second primary portion  245 , and a main cable section  250 . The first primary portion  240  may be configured to support a first group of sub-structures  255 , and the second primary portion may be configured to support a second group of sub-structures  260 . By way of example, each of the sub-structures in the first group of sub-structures  255 , and each of the sub-structures in the second group of sub-structures  260  may be in the form of sub-structure  110   a . As can be further seen from the figure, the first primary portion  240  and the second primary portion  245  may be connected to each other by a hinge  265 , and the main cable section  250  may be connected to one of the primary portions (primary portion  245  in the depicted embodiment) by a hinge  270 . When the first primary portion  240  and/or second primary portion  245  are rotated about hinge  265  so that they contact each other, and the main cable section  250  is rotated about hinge  270  to contact the two primary portions  240  and  245 , the openable frame  235  is in a closed position and a main enclosure  275  is defined by first primary portion  240 , second primary portion  245 , main cable section  250 , sub-structures  255  and sub-structures  260 . Such main enclosure  275 , with main cable  115  and main cable seal  120  positioned in the main cable section, may be a watertight enclosure. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners, such as one or more screws, may be used to hold the openable frame  235  in a watertight closed position. Moreover, in the embodiments using one or more screws to hold the openable frame  235  in a watertight closed position, gaskets (not shown) may be included between the first primary portion  240  and the second primary portion  245 , and between the main cable section  250  and the first and second primary portions  240  and  245 . 
     In further regard to  FIG. 2B , it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to including hinge  265  and/or hinge  270 . The wide range of elements that may be used in lieu of hinge  265 , and the wide range of elements that may be used in lieu of hinge  270 , will be readily apparent upon reading this description. 
     Having described some embodiments that appear to have the same overall form factor, it should be noted that the present technology is not limited to such form factor. For example,  FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal  300  which is in accordance with the technology and which can accommodate a larger number of service cables. The multi-cable terminal  300  includes a frame  305  that secures a multiple of sub-structures  310  and is configured to accommodate a main cable  315  and a main cable seal  320 . Each of the sub-structures  310  is configured to accommodate a respective one of a multiple of service cables  325  and a respective one of a multiple of cable seals  330  for the service cables  325 . As in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-2B , in the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  the sub-structures  310  are openable and may define respective sub-enclosures (not shown). Also, as in the case of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-2B , in the  FIG. 3A  embodiment the frame  305  and sub-structures  310  may define a main enclosure (not shown). In one possible implementation, each of the sub-structures  310  have the same form as the sub-structure  110   a , although in other implementations all of the sub-structures  310  may have a different form than that of sub-structure  110   a  or some of the sub-structures  310  may have a different form than that of sub-structure  110   a.    
       FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal  350  including an accessory section  355 . The multi-cable terminal  350  includes a frame  357  that secures a multiple of sub-structures  360  and is configured to accommodate a main cable  365  and a main cable seal  370 . Each of the sub-structures  360  is configured to accommodate a respective one of a multiple of service cables  375  and a respective one of a multiple of cable seals  380  for the service cables  375 . As in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1A-3AB , in the embodiment of  FIG. 3B  the sub-structures  360  are openable and may define respective sub-enclosures (not shown). Further, the frame  357 , accessory section  355 , and sub-structures  360  may define a main enclosure (not shown). In one possible implementation, each of the sub-structures  360  has the same form as that of sub-structure  110   a , although in other implementations all of the sub-structures  360  may have a different form than that of sub-structure  110   a  or some of the sub-structures  360  may have a different form than that of sub-structure  110   a.    
     The accessory section  355  of the  FIG. 3B  configuration may include a portion of the main enclosure or may be separated from the main enclosure. In any event, the accessory section  355  may provide watertight housing for one or more accessories. By way of illustration, the accessories housed in the accessory section  355  may include one or more splitters, splice trays, tap modules, wavelength division multiplexors (WDMs), and/or monitoring systems. For example, the accessory section  355  may house a tap module and a monitoring system, with the tap module used to split off a small percentage of signals carried by one of service cables  360  and the monitoring system used to analyze the split off portion of a signal. In one such application, the monitoring system may be used to determine the strength of a monitored signal. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of multi-cable terminals having different main cable accommodations.  FIG. 4A  shows a multi-cable terminal  400  having a frame  405  that includes a less prominent main cable section  410  for accommodating a main cable  415 . The multi-cabler terminal  400  also includes a multiple of sub-structures  420  and an accessory section  425 . By way of example, the sub-structures  420  are illustrated as taking the form of a sub-structure like that illustrated in  FIG. 7A  (to be described later). In any event, the frame  405 , sub-structures  420 , and accessory section  425  define a main enclosure (not shown). 
       FIG. 4B  shows a multi-cable terminal  430  having a frame  435  accommodating a main cable  440  and a main cable seal  445 . The multi-cable terminal  430  includes sub-structures  450  which are oriented to accommodate a multiple of service cables  455  along a first side  460  of frame  435 . As shown, the main cable  440  and main cable seal  445  are accommodated on a second side  465  of frame  435 , with the second side  465  being opposite the first side  460 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5A , there is shown a perspective view of the sub-structure  110   a  of  FIG. 1C  in an open position. Further,  FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the sub-structure  110   a . As can be seen from  FIGS. 5A and 5B , sub-structure  110   a  may include an anchoring portion  505  made up of an upper cable anchor  510  and a lower cable anchor  515 . Each of the upper cable anchor  510  and lower cable anchor  515  may be an integral part of the sub-structure  110   a , such as a molded part, or may be removable part. In either case, the anchoring portion  505  acts to inhibit movement of service cable  125   a , relative to the sub-structure  110   a , in a direction along the axis of service cable  125   a  when the end  160  of cable  125   a  is positioned in the enclosure  150  and the sub-structure  110   a  is closed. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  also show a hinge  520 . The hinge  520  movably couples the sub-structure  110   a  to the frame  105  (shown in  FIG. 1C ) so that the main enclosure  205  (shown in  FIG. 2A ) can be accessed by moving the sub-structure  110   a  about the hinge  520 . Notably, hinge  520  is distinct from hinge  145 , with hinge  520  allowing access to the main enclosure  205  independent of access to the sub-enclosure  150 . Further, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to including a hinge, such as hinge  520 . For example, a stopper may be used in lieu of hinge  520 , with the stopper functioning to limit movement of the sub-structure  110   a  relative to the frame  105 . 
     In addition,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a gasket  525  positioned in the base  140  of the sub-structure  110   a  and a lip  530  that is part of the lid  135  of the sub-structure  110   a . The gasket  525  contacts the lip  530  and cable seal  130   a  when the cable seal  130   a  is positioned in the sub-structure  110   a  and the sub-structure  110   a  is in a closed position. Moreover, it is noted that the cable seal  130   a  may be provided apart from the service cable  125   a  and placed on service cable  125   a , followed by placement of the end  160  of service cable  125   a  in sub-enclosure  150  and the placement of the cable seal  130  in the sub-structure  110   a . It is also noted that the cable seal  130   a  may be provided with a slit  535  to facilitate placement of the cable seal  130   a  on the service cable  125   a . That is, the cable seal  130   a  may be held in a manner that a gap is created along the slit  535 , the service cable  125   a  placed in the gap and moved toward the center of the cable seal  130 , and the cable seal  130  released to close the gap. 
     Another view of sub-structure  110   a  is shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  is a detailed view a portion of the substructure of  FIG. 5A . In  FIG. 6 , a port sealer  224   a  and a port opening of port  220   a  can be seen. In some embodiments, the port sealer  224   a  creates a watertight seal between the port opening  222   a  and the internal cable  157 . In other embodiments, the sealer  224   a  does not create a watertight seal between the port opening  222   a  and the internal cable  157 , but still serves to hold the end  155  of cable  157  within enclosure  220 A. The sealer  224   a  may be cylindrically shaped piece of plastic with an O-ring positioned on its outer surface and a hole for allowing the internal cable  157  to pass through. In other configurations, the sealer  224   a  may be a cylindrically shaped piece of rubber having a hole for allowing the internal cable  157  to pass through. In still other configurations, the sealer  224   a  may be poured silicone. An alternative to sub-structure  110   a  is shown in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a sub-structure  700  in an open position. The sub-structure  700  includes a lid  705  and a base  710  and may be employed, for example, as one of the sub-structures  420  in the  FIG. 4A  embodiment. The sub-structure  700  defines an enclosure  715 . The sub-enclosure  715  is configured to accommodate at least an end  155  of internal cable  157 , an end  720  of a service cable  725 , a cable anchor  730 , and a cable seal  735 . The sub-enclosure  715  is further configured to accommodate cable connection elements  165  including first connector  170  for the end  155  of the internal cable  157 , second connector  175  for the end  720  of the service cable  725 , and an adaptor  180  for coupling the first connector  170  to the second connector  175 . In this manner, the internal cable  157  and service cable  725  may be coupled to one another by way of the first connector  170 , second connector  175  and adaptor  180 . In addition, the sub-enclosure  715  may be configured to accommodate support member  185 . 
     In some embodiments, when the end  155  of the internal cable  157 , the end  720  of the service cable  725 , the cable anchor  730  and cable seal  735 , and the cable connection elements  165  are positioned in the sub-enclosure  715 , and the lid  705  of the sub-structure  700  is closed against the base  710  of the sub-structure  700 , a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements  165 . Further, a fastener  740  may be provided for securing the sub-structure  700  in the closed position. In the  FIG. 7A  configuration, the fastener  740  is threaded for engagement with a threaded end  745  of the sub-structure  700 , and the service cable  725  passes through the fastener  745  when the end  720  of the service cable  725  is positioned in the sub-enclosure  715  and the sub-structure  700  is secured in the closed position. 
     Notably, the sub-structure  700  differs from the sub-structure  110   a  in that sub-structure  700  does not include an anchoring portion like anchoring portion  505  of sub-structure  110   a . That is, sub-structure  700  does not include and anchoring portion that is an integral part or removal part to the sub-structure  700 . Rather, cable anchoring is provided in the  FIGS. 7A and 7B  configuration by cable anchor  730 , which may be placed onto the service cable  725  or may be an integral part of the cable  725 . The cable anchor  730  is operable to inhibit movement of service cable  725 , relative to the sub-structure  700 , in a direction along the axis of service cable  725  when the end  720  of service cable  725  and cable anchor are positioned in the enclosure  715  and the sub-structure  700  is closed. 
       FIG. 7B  shows sub-structure  700  as incorporated into a multi-cable terminal  750 . The multi-cable terminal  750  includes a frame  755  and a multiple of sub-structures  760 , including sub-structure  700 . The frame  755  includes a main cable section  765  and an accessory section  770 . The sub-structures  760  are configured to accommodate respective service cables  775 , including service cable  725 . The main cable section  765  is configured to accommodate a main cable  780  and a main cable seal  785 . The accessory section  770 , by way of example, may house one or more accessories such as one or more splitters, splice trays, tap modules, wavelength division multiplexors (WDMs), and/or monitoring systems. For example, the accessory section  770  may house a tap module and a monitoring system, with the tap module used to split off a small percentage of signals carried by one of service cables  775  and the monitoring system used to analyze the split off portion of a signal. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a sub-structure  800  in accordance with an embodiment. The sub-structure  800  includes a lid  805  and a base  810  and is configured to accommodate a service cable  815  and a cable seal  820 . The sub-structure  800  is shown in the closed position. To secure the sub-structure  800  in the closed position a hose clamp  825  is tightened about an unthreaded end  830  of the sub-structure  800 . Accordingly, the hose clamp  825  demonstrates an alternative type of fastener that may be used to secure closure of the sub-structures of the present technology. For example, the hose clamp  825  and unthreaded end  830  may be used in lieu of the fastener  187  and threaded end  190  of the  FIG. 1C , or the fastener  740  and threaded end  745  of  FIG. 7A . Further, it should be noted that a wide range of possible configurations for securing closure of the sub-structures are not explicitly described in this description but will be readily appreciated in view of this description. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal  900  according to an embodiment. The multi-cable terminal  900  includes a frame  905  having a primary section  910  and an openable main cable section  915 , and a multiple of sub-structures  920 . The openable main cable section  915  is configured to accommodate a main cable  925  and a main cable seal  930 . The sub-structures  920  are configured to accommodate respective ones of service cables  935 . The frame  905  and sub-structures  920  define a main enclosure  940  when they are closed relative to one another, with the openable main cable section  915  defining a main sub-enclosure  945  portion of the main enclosure. More specifically, the main enclosure  940  is formed when the sub-structures  920  are in a closed position relative to the primary section  910  and the openable main cable section  915  is closed relative to the primary section  910 . Notably, the main enclosure  940  may be a watertight enclosure. 
     The multi-cable terminal  900  is configured so that the openable main-cable section  915  is readily openable and re-closable when the main-cable terminal  900  is deployed in the field. In this regard, the multi-cable terminal  900  may include a hinge  950 , a gasket  955 , and fastening points  960 . The openable main cable section  915  may be closed against the primary section  910  by moving the openable main cable section  915  about the hinge  950  to contact the gasket  955 . Further, the openable main cable section  915  may be secured in the closed position my inserting fasteners, such as screws, into the fastening points  960 . Accordingly, the openable main cable section  915  may be readily opened by loosening or removing the fasteners. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 9  is an alternative internal cabling structure. In the  FIG. 9  embodiment, the multi-cable terminal  900  includes an internal distribution cable  965  from which a multiple of internal cables (not shown) are fanned out. In the depicted configuration, the fanning out is implemented within the primary section  910 , although other implementations are possible, such as fanning out the internal cables in the openable main cable section  915 . In any event, the main sub-enclosure  945  is configured to accommodate an end  970  of the internal distribution cable  965 , a first connector  975  (e.g., a Multi-fiber Push On, MPO, connector) for the end  970  of the internal distribution cable  965 , an end  980  of the main cable  925 , a second connector  985  (e.g., an MPO connector) for the end  980  of the main cable  925 , and an adaptor  990  (e.g., an MPO adaptor). As shown, the first connector  975  and second connector  985  may be plugged into the adaptor  990  to communicatively couple the main cable  925  to the internal distribution cable  965 . As also shown, when the end  980  of the main cable  925  is positioned in the main sub-enclosure  945 , the main cable seal is positioned in the openable main cable section  915 , and the openable main cable section  915  is in the closed position, a seal is created around the end  980  of the main cable  925 , the first connector  975 , the second connector  985 , and the adaptor  990 . Notably, such seal may be a watertight seal. 
     Having described several multi-cable terminal embodiments with frames having a distinct main cable section, it is noted that the present technology does not require a frame having a distinct main cable section. 
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal  1000  of an embodiment that does not include a distinct main cable section. The multi-cable terminal  1000  includes a frame  1005  made up of a first frame portion  1010  and a second frame portion  1015 , and a multiple of sub-structures  1020 . The sub-structures  1020  are configured to accommodate respective ones of service cables  1025 . By way of example, each of sub-structures  1020  may be in the form of sub-structure  110   a , although the sub-structures  1020  are not limited to the form of sub-structure  110   a . The sub-structures  1020  may include some sub-structures having the form of sub-structure  110   a  and other sub-structures that take a different form. Or the sub-structures  1020  may include only sub-structures having a form different from the form of sub-structure  110   a.    
       FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of the multi-cable terminal  1000  of  FIG. 10A  with the frame  1005  in an open position. As can be seen from  FIG. 10B , the first frame portion  1010  may be configured to support a first group of sub-structures  1030  from among sub-structures  1020 , and the second frame portion  1015  may be configured to support a second group of sub-structures  1035  from among sub-structures  1020 . By way of example, each of the sub-structures in the first group of sub-structures  1030 , and each of the sub-structures in the second group of sub-structures  1035  may be in the form of sub-structure  110   a . As can be further seen from  FIG. 10B , the first frame portion  1010  and the second frame portion  1015  may be connected to each other by a hinge  1040 , and when the first frame portion  1010  and/or second frame portion  1015  are rotated about hinge  1040  so that they contact each other, the frame  1005  is in a closed position and a main enclosure  1045  is defined by first frame portion  1010 , second frame portion  1015 , and sub-structures  1020 . Such main enclosure  1045  may be a watertight enclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the frame  1005  and sub-structures  1020  may be held in a watertight closed position by one or more types of fastening, including, for example, screwing, gluing, and welding. 
     In the configuration of  FIGS. 10A and 10B , one of the service cables  1025  may function as a main cable. For purposes of illustration,  FIG. 10B  shows an embodiment in which service cable  1025   a  functions as a main cable. As can be seen from  FIG. 10B , service cable  1025   a  is accommodated by a sub-structure  1035   a  of the second group of sub-structures  1035 . In a sub-enclosure (not shown) of sub-structure  1035   a  the service cable  1025   a  is coupled to an internal cable  1050  in a manner such as the manner in which service cable  125   a  is coupled to internal cable  157  (see e.g.,  FIG. 5A ). The internal cable  1050  is passed between a sub-enclosure (not shown) of sub-structure  1035   a  and the main enclosure  1045  via a port  1055  of sub-structure  1035   a . In the main enclosure  1045 , the internal cable  1050  is coupled to a connecting module  1060 . The connecting module  1060  couples the internal cable  1050  to other internal cables  1065 , with the other internal cables  1065  being respectively passed to sub-enclosures (not shown) of the other sub-structures  1020 , i.e., the substructures  1020  other than sub-structure  1035   a . In this manner the service cable  1025   a  is communicatively coupled with the other service cables  1025 , i.e., the service cables  1025  other than service cable  1025   a . The connecting module  1060  may be, for example, a splitter, a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) module, a tap module, a monitoring system, or a fan-out assembly, with a fan-out assembly being particularly applicable when the service cable  1025   a  is a multi-fiber cable. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment employing a connecting module feature.  FIG. 11  shows a multi-cable terminal  1100  including a frame  1105 , sub-structures  1110 , and an accessory section  1115 , with the frame  1105  shown in an open position. The frame  1105  is made up of a first frame portion  1120 , a second frame portion  1125 , and a main cable section  1130 . The sub-structures  1110  are configured to accommodate respective ones of service cables  1135 . By way of example, each of sub-structures  1110  may be in the form of sub-structure  110   a , although the sub-structures  1110  are not limited to the form of sub-structure  110   a . The sub-structures  1110  may include some sub-structures having the form of sub-structure  110   a  and other sub-structures that take a different form. Or the sub-structures  1110  may include only sub-structures having a form different from the form of sub-structure  110   a.    
     As can be seen from  FIG. 11 , the first frame portion  1120  may be configured to support the sub-structures  1110 , and the second frame portion defines the accessory section  1115 . As can be further seen from the figure, the first frame portion  1120  and the second frame portion  1125  may be connected to each other by a hinge  1140 , and the main cable section  1130  may be connected to one of the frame portions (first frame portion  1125  in the depicted embodiment) by a hinge  1145 . When the first frame portion  1120  and/or second frame portion  1125  are rotated about hinge  1140  so that they contact each other, and the main cable section  1130  is rotated about hinge  1145  to contact the two frame portions  1120  and  1125 , the frame  1105  is in a closed position and a main enclosure  1150  is defined by first frame portion  1120 , second frame portion  1125 , main cable section  1130 , and sub-structures  1110 . Such main enclosure  1150 , with a main cable  1155  and main cable seal  1160  positioned in the main cable section, may be a watertight enclosure. In some embodiments, the frame  1105  and sub-structures  1110  may be held in a watertight closed position by one or more types of fastening, including, for example, screwing, gluing, and welding. Further, it should be noted that the multi-cable terminal  1100  need not include hinge  1140  or hinge  1145 . For example, the first frame portion  1120 , second frame portion  1125 , main cable section  1130 , and sub-structures  1110  may be positioned without the use of hinges  1140  and  1145  and then glued or welded into place, or fixed into place with one or more screws. 
     The multi-cable terminal  1100  of  FIG. 11  includes a connecting module  1165 . As shown, the connecting module  1165  may be positioned in the accessory section  111  and may be coupled to a primary cable  1170  and a multiple of internal cables  1175 . The primary cable  1170  may take the form of an internal distribution cable, like internal distribution cable  965  of  FIG. 9 , that is connectively coupled to the main cable  1155 , or may be an integral part of the main cable  1155 . In either case, the primary cable  1170 , connecting module  1165  and internal cables  1175  may be used to provide communicative coupling between the main cable  1155  and the service cables  1135 . The connecting module  1165  may be, for example, a splitter, a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) module, a tap module, a monitoring system, or a fan-out assembly, with a fan-out assembly being particularly applicable when the primary cable  1170  is a multi-fiber cable. 
     Embodiments of the present technology include, but are not restricted to, the following. 
     (1) A multi-cable terminal including a plurality of sub-structures, each of the sub-structures defining a sub-enclosure and being openable independent of the other sub-structures to provide access to the sub-enclosure; and a frame that secures the plurality of sub-structures such that the frame and sub-structures define a main enclosure, wherein each of the sub-enclosures is configured to accommodate at least an end of an internal cable, an end of a service cable, and a plurality of cable connection elements, such that when the end of the internal cable, the end of the service cable, and the cable connection elements are positioned in the sub-enclosure and a cable seal for the service cable is positioned in the corresponding sub-structure, a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements when the corresponding sub-structure is closed.
 
(2) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the frame is configured to accommodate at least an end of a main cable and a main cable seal for the main cable.
 
(3) The multi-cable terminal according to (2), wherein the internal cable is a fiber optic cable, the service cable is a fiber optic cable, and the main cable is a fiber optic cable.
 
(4) The multi-cable terminal according to (2), wherein the internal cable is fanned out from the main cable.
 
(5) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the internal cable is a fiber optic cable and the service cable is a fiber optic cable.
 
(6) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), further including an internal distribution cable, and wherein the internal cable is fanned out from the internal distribution cable.
 
(7) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the cable connection elements include a first cable connector for the end of the internal cable, a second cable connector for the end of the service cable, and an adaptor, and wherein the adaptor is configured to couple the first cable connector to the second cable connector.
 
(8) The multi-cable terminal according to (7), wherein each of the sub-structures further includes a support member for securing the adaptor, the adaptor being movable with the support member when the sub-structure is open.
 
(9) The multi-cable terminal according to (8), wherein the support member moves automatically into an exposed position when the substructure is opened.
 
(10) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the service cable is part of a group of cables that are introduced into the sub-enclosure.
 
(11) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the service cable includes a plurality of optical fibers.
 
(12) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the service cable includes a plurality of electric wires.
 
(13) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the service cable includes at least one optical fiber and at least one electric wire.
 
(14) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein each of the sub-structures further includes a fastener for securing the sub-structure in a closed position.
 
(15) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein each sub-enclosure includes an anchoring portion which contacts the service cable when the end of the service cable is positioned in the sub-enclosure, and which inhibits movement of the service cable relative to the multi-cable terminal in a direction along the axis of the service cable.
 
(16) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), further including at least one of a splitter, a splice tray, a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM), or a tap module.
 
(17) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the frame includes a main cable section defining a main sub-enclosure, the main cable section being openable independent of the sub-structures to provide access to the main sub-enclosure, wherein the main sub-enclosure makes up a portion of the main enclosure, wherein the main sub-enclosure is configured to accommodate at least an end of a main cable, and wherein the main cable section is configured to accommodate a main cable seal.
 
(18) The multi-cable terminal according to (17), wherein when the end of the main cable is positioned in the main sub-enclosure and the main cable seal is positioned in the main cable section, a watertight seal is created around the end of the main cable when the main cable section is closed.
 
(19) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein each of the sub-enclosures is further configured to accommodate an anchor for the respective service cable.
 
(20) The multi-cable terminal according to (1), wherein the frame includes an openable main cable section and a primary section, and the openable main cable section is configured to accommodate an end of an internal distribution cable, a first connector for the end of the internal distribution cable, an end of a main cable, a second connector for the end of the main cable, and an adaptor configured to couple the first connector to the second connector.
 
     Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.