Abstract:
An example exit structure for a cable routing system includes: a fitting configured to be coupled to a lateral trough, the fitting including first and second arms extending perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal direction; a plate positioned relative to the fitting, wherein the plate is configured to slide relative to the fitting to adjust a distance the plate extends perpendicularly from a base of the lateral trough; and an exit component coupled to the plate, the exit component defining a surface directing a fiber optic cable out of the exit structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application is being filed on 20 May 2014, as a PCT International Patent application and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/910,727 filed on Dec. 2, 2013, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/884,699 filed on Sep. 30, 2013, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/883,741 filed on Sep. 27, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/825,369 filed on May 20, 2013, the entirety of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the telecommunications industry, the use of optical fibers for signal transmissions is accelerating. With the increased utilization of optical fiber systems, fiber optic cable management requires industry attention. One area where optical fiber management is necessary is the routing of optical fibers from one piece of optical fiber equipment to another. For example, in a telecommunications facility, fiber optic cables may be routed between fiber distribution equipment and optical line terminating equipment. In buildings and other structures which carry such equipment, the cable routing can take place in concealed ceiling areas or in any other manner to route cables from one location to another. 
         [0003]    When routing optical fibers, it is desirable that any routing system will be readily modifiable and adaptable to changes in equipment needs. Accordingly, a routing system is not practical which would require a high capital outlay and which could not be readily adapted to changes in a customer&#39;s needs. Namely, if routing paths, once established, are forever fixed, the system cannot adapt. Also, any routing system must protect optical fibers from damage. In the use of optical fibers, it is recognized that the fibers should not be bent beyond a minimum radius of curvature. For example, it is commonly recognized that optical fibers should not be bent in a radius of less than a specified amount. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    In one aspect, an exit structure for a cable routing system includes: a fitting configured to be coupled to a lateral trough, the fitting including first and second arms extending perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal direction; a plate positioned relative to the fitting, wherein the plate is configured to slide relative to the fitting to adjust a distance the plate extends perpendicularly from a base of the lateral trough; and an exit component coupled to the plate, the exit component defining a surface directing a fiber optic cable out of the exit structure. 
         [0005]    In another aspect, a cable routing system includes: a lateral trough extending in a longitudinal direction to define a cable pathway, the lateral trough including a base and first and second upstanding sidewalls, with one of the first and second upstanding sidewalls defining an opening extending along the lateral trough; and an exit structure coupled to the lateral trough at the opening of the lateral trough, the exit structure including: a fitting coupled to the lateral trough, the fitting including first and second arms extending perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction; a plate positioned relative to the fitting, wherein the plate is configured to slide relative to the fitting to adjust a distance the plate extends perpendicularly from the base of the lateral trough; and an exit component coupled to the plate, the exit component defining a surface directing an optical cable out of the exit structure. 
         [0006]    In yet another aspect, a method of routing fiber optic cables includes: 
         [0007]    forming an opening in a sidewall of a lateral trough; coupling a fitting to the lateral trough; sliding a plate relative to the fitting so that the plate is a desired distance in a perpendicular direction from the lateral trough; positioning a coupler at the plate; and coupling the coupler to a downspout. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of an example cable routing system including a lateral trough and an exit structure. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is top view of the cable routing system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cable routing system of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is top view of the cable routing system of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is top view of the cable routing system of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is top view of the cable routing system of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is top view of the cable routing system of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the cable routing system. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 14A-D  are various views of a sixth embodiment of a cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 14A-D  mounted to a different lateral trough. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of the system of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0024]      FIGS. 17A-D  are various views of a seventh embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIGS. 18A-D  are various views of an eighth embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIGS. 19A-D  are various views of a ninth embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 20  is a top view of a tenth embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 21  is a top view of an eleventh embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  shows an example cable routing system positioned over telecommunications equipment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 23  is another view of the cable routing system positioned over telecommunications equipment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 24  is a bottom view of a twelfth embodiment of the cable routing system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The present disclosure is directed towards cable routing systems. Although not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of the present disclosure will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-2 , a first embodiment of a cable routing system  100 . This system  100  is used to route fiber optic cables and can include a plurality of components, such as troughs, elbows, fittings, couplers, up- and downspouts, etc. In this example, only a portion of the cable routing system  100  is shown. 
         [0034]    The cable routing system  100  includes a lateral trough  110  that defines a cable pathway for routing fiber optic cables between locations. The lateral trough  110  includes a base  116  and upstanding sidewalls  112 ,  114  forming a general U shape. The lateral trough  110  is part of the cable routing system  100  that is typically installed within a structure, such as a building having optical fiber signal transmitting equipment. 
         [0035]    The lateral trough  110  can typically be suspended from a ceiling structure by any suitable means (not shown). U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,067,678; 5,316,243; 5,937,131; and 7,742,675 disclose various cable routing systems, including lateral troughs like lateral trough  110  described herein. All of these patents are hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0036]    In this example, the lateral trough  110  is 24 inches in width and is formed from multiple pieces, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,742,675. However, in other examples, the lateral trough can be larger or smaller. For example, the lateral trough can also have widths such as 4 inches, 6 inches, or 12 inches and be formed as an integral unit. 
         [0037]    As illustrated, the cable routing system  100  also includes an exit structure  102  that generally allows fiber optic cables to exit the lateral trough  110 . The exit structure  102  includes a fitting  120 , a plate  140 , a coupler  150 , a downspout  160 , and a bracket  170 . 
         [0038]    The fitting  120  of the exit structure  102  is sized to engage the lateral trough  110 , as described further below. The fitting  120  includes members  122 ,  124  formed on the sides of the fitting  120  to maintain each of the fiber optic cables exiting through the fitting  120  at a proper bend radius. In addition, the fitting  120  includes arms  126 ,  128  that extend towards the lateral trough  110 . A portion  125  of the member  122  and arm  128  form a space therebetween, as does the member  124  and the arm  126 . This space is sized to accept a portion of the base  116 , as described further below. Finally, the fitting  120  includes an exit surface  130  leading to the plate  140 . 
         [0039]    The plate  140  of the exit structure  102  includes a main surface  142  and an upstanding sidewall  144 . The main surface  142  is sized to be received in grooves  182  formed in the arms  126 ,  128  of the fitting  120 , as described further below. Also, the plate  140  includes an adjustable sidewall formed of sidewall members  146 . The sidewall members  146  can be added or removed depending on the configuration of the exit structure  102 , which is described further below. The sidewall members  146  can be connected to the main surface  142  of the plate  140  using various fasteners, such as screws, tacks, or adhesive. In this example, each of the sidewall members  146  is 2 inches in width, although other sizes are possible. See, e.g.,  FIG. 13  described below. 
         [0040]    The coupler  150  of the exit structure  102  includes a guiding surface  152  and locking elements  154  that are used to couple different components. In this example, the plate  140  and the downspout  160  are sized to fit within a space formed by the coupler  150  between the guiding surface  152  and the locking elements  154  to hold the plate  140  and the downspout  160  in the desired position. Additional details on example couplers are found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,997, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0041]    The downspout  160  of the exit structure  102  is an example of an exit component. The downspout  160  is coupled to the coupler  150 . The downspout includes a curved guiding surface  162  that guides the fiber optic cables out of (e.g., downward from) the exit structure  102  to telecommunications equipment located beneath the lateral trough  110 . 
         [0042]    The bracket  170  of the exit structure  102  is configured to close any gaps formed when the exit structure  102  is coupled to the lateral trough  110 . The bracket  170  provides a smooth transition from the lateral trough  110  to the exit structure  102 . The bracket  170  includes a first end  174  configured to be positioned adjacent to the sidewall  114 , and a second end  176  configured to be positioned adjacent to the member  122  of the fitting  120 . In addition, the bracket  170  includes a tab  172  positioned to engage the member  122  to hold the bracket  170  in place. 
         [0043]    In example embodiments, the exit structure  102  is coupled to the lateral trough  110  to allow fiber optic cables (see  FIGS. 2-4 ) positioned within the lateral trough  110  to exit the lateral trough  110  and access to telecommunications equipment located beneath the lateral trough  110 . The exit structure  102  is configurable so that the perpendicular distance the exit structure  102  extends from the lateral trough  110  can be tailored so that the fiber optic cables are correctly positioned when the fiber optic cables exit the lateral trough  110 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-4 , the exit structure  102  is shown coupled to the lateral trough  110  in a first position. In this first position, the exit structure  102  extends inward into the lateral trough  110  a distance A. In this example, the distance is 4 inches, although other distances can be used. 
         [0045]    As shown, an opening (see, e.g., opening  118  formed in lateral trough  110  in  FIG. 1 ) is formed in the upstanding wall  114 . In addition, in the configuration shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the opening extends into the base  116  so that the exit structure  102  extend perpendicularly into the lateral trough  110 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the arms  126 ,  128  and the plate  140  are then slid onto the base  116  of the lateral trough  110  at the opening  118 . In this first position shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the arms  126 ,  128  and the plate  140  extend perpendicularly into the lateral trough  110 . Specifically, the space formed between the arms  126 ,  128  and the members  122 ,  124  receives the base  116  so that the exit structure  102  extends into the lateral trough  110  the distance A. 
         [0047]    To accommodate the distance A, the plate  140  is slid within the grooves  182  of the arms so that only two sidewall members  146  are used to form one side of the plate  140 , and an appropriately-sized coupler  150  and downspout  160  are used. For example, a 4 inch coupler and downspout can be used in this example. 
         [0048]    Finally, two brackets  170  are used to create a smooth transition from the lateral trough  110  to the members  122 ,  124  of the exit structure  102 . An fiber optic cable  202  positioned within the lateral trough  110  is shown exiting the lateral trough  110  at the exit structure  102 , through the fitting  120 , over the plate  140 , and out the coupler  150  and downspout  160  to telecommunications equipment below (not shown). 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the fiber optic cable  202  is protected as the fiber optic cable  202  exits the downspout  160  and extends to the equipment below. For example, a sheath, tubing, or other mechanisms can be used to protect the cable  202 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5-6 , another example of the system  100  is shown with the exit structure  102  in a second position. In this example, the exit structure  102  is configured in a same manner as that described above, except that the exit structure  102  extends perpendicularly into the lateral trough  110  a distance B, which is greater than the distance A. In this example, the distance B is 6 inches. To accomplish this configuration, a greater-sized opening is formed in the base  116 , more of the plate  140  is exposed, and an additional sidewall member  146  is used. Further, a 6 inch coupler and downspout can be used. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7-8 , another example of the system  100  is shown with the exit structure  102  in a third position. In this example, the exit structure  102  is configured in a same manner as that described above, except that the exit structure  102  is generally flush with the sidewall  114 . In this configuration, only the opening  118  formed in the sidewall  114  is necessary. The plate  140  extends perpendicularly from the lateral trough  110 . The exit structure extends from the lateral trough  110  a distance C. In this example, the distance C is 4 inches. To accomplish this configuration, two sidewall members  146  are used. Further, a 4 inch coupler and downspout can be used. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9-10 , another example of the system  100  is shown with the exit structure  102  in a fourth position. In this example, the exit structure  102  is configured in a same manner as that described above, and the exit structure  102  is generally flush with the sidewall  114 . In this configuration, only the opening  118  formed in the sidewall  114  is necessary. The plate  140  extends perpendicularly from the lateral trough  110 . The exit structure extends from the lateral trough  110  a distance D, which is greater than the distance C. In this example, the distance D is 6 inches. To accomplish this configuration, four sidewall members  146  are used. Further, a 6 inch coupler and downspout can be used. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11-12 , another example of the system  100  is shown with the exit structure  102  in a fifth position. In this example, the exit structure  102  is configured in a same manner as that described above, and the exit structure  102  is generally flush with the sidewall  114 . In this configuration, only the opening  118  formed in the sidewall  114  is necessary. The plate  140  extends perpendicularly from the lateral trough  110 . The exit structure extends from the lateral trough  110  a distance E, which is greater than the distance D. In this example, the distance E is 12 inches. To accomplish this configuration, six sidewall members  146  are used. Further, a 12 inch coupler and downspout can be used. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , another example cable routing system  300  is shown. The system  300  is similar to the system  100  described above, with the following exceptions. The system  300  includes a single sidewall member  310  (instead of multiple sidewall members  146 ). The single sidewall member  310  is sized to close the opening opposite to that of the exit. For different implementations, sidewall members  310  having different lengths can be provided. 
         [0055]    Also, the system  300  includes another example of an exit component, a trumpet  320  (rather than the downspout  160 ). In other configurations, other exit components can be used. 
         [0056]    Other configurations are possible. For example, the exit structure can be configured to extend into and out of the lateral trough at different distances. In example embodiments, the exit structure is configured so that the downspout is positioned generally above the telecommunications equipment. By moving the exit structure perpendicularly relative to the lateral trough, the desired position for the downspout can be obtained so that the optical cables are positioned as desired. 
         [0057]    This allows for configurability during installation of the exit structure. Further, if the topography of the equipment changes, the exit structure can be moved or readjusted. For example, the plate can be moved inward or outward relative to the lateral trough to change the position at which the fiber optic cables exit the exit structure. 
         [0058]    In other designs, the exit structure can be used with other cable routing components, such as cross components and T&#39;s. 
         [0059]    Further, in an alternative design, one or more of the fitting, plate, coupler and/or downspout can be formed as an integral unit. For example, the exit structure can be formed as one or more pieces, and different exit structures of different sizes can be provided as needed. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14-21 , another example of the system  400  is shown with an exit structure  402 . In this example, the exit structure  402  includes a fitting  420  configured to be placed in the opening  418  in the lateral trough  110 . The fitting  420  defines an exit region from the lateral trough  110  and is mounted to the lateral trough  110  with brackets  426 . Fitting  420  is also positioned adjacent to brackets  470  which facilitate cable routing to fitting  420 . 
         [0061]    Support brackets  430  hold a plate  440  that extends perpendicularly from the lateral trough  110 . The support brackets  430  are coupled to the lateral trough  110  using connectors  434  or additional supporting structures. The plate  440  slides with the support brackets  430  in the perpendicular direction until a desired distance D is reached. Opening  418  can be cut as desired, flush (sidewall only removed), 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches or 12 inches. Divider walls  490  can be added as desired, as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . See U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,918, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Plate  440  with support brackets  430  slides relative to fitting  420  held in place by brackets  426 . A latch  480  on each bracket  426  engages holes  482  on plate  440  to help hold plate  440  in position during assembly or adjustment. 
         [0062]    Plate  440  leads to a downspout  160  or a trumpet  460 . An opposite side can include a sidewall portion  446 , or another downspout  160  or trumpet  460 . 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the system  400  is shown in greater detail. In this system, the lateral trough  110  is mounted above a rack arrangement  500 . Cables within the lateral trough are guided through the exit structure  402  and out through trumpets  460 . The cables then go downward to the equipment  520  in the racks below. 
         [0064]    Plates  140 ,  440  are adjustable relative to the lateral trough  110  to define a desired positioning of the cables extending out of the lateral trough to the equipment below. Brackets  170 ,  470  are also adjustable. Additional variations are possible with the amount of the cutout  118  provided in the lateral trough, as illustrated in the various  FIGS. 14-21 . As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the exit structure  102  and  402  can include only one exit point, or two exit points. Further, the exit structure can include downspouts, trumpets, or other devices. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 14A-D  show a 12 inch lateral trough  110 , and a 12 inch exit structure  402 , with a flush opening  418 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show a 24 inch lateral trough  110 , and a 6 inch opening  418 . Various downspouts or trumpets can be added to plate  440 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 17A-D  show a 12 inch lateral trough  110 , and a 4 inch exit structure  402 , with a flush opening  418 . 
         [0068]      FIGS. 18A-D  show a 12 inch lateral trough  110 , and a 4 inch exit structure  402 , with a 4 inch opening  418 . 
         [0069]      FIGS. 19A-D  show a 12 inch lateral trough  110 , and a 12 inch exit structure  402 , with a 4 inch opening  418 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 20  shows a 24 inch lateral trough  110 , and a 6 inch exit structure  402 , with a 6 inch opening  418 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 21  shows a lateral trough  110  with a flush opening  418 , with an exit structure  402  extending out 12 inches, and including a 4 inch downspout  160 . Downspout  160  extends a distance D and downspout  160  has a width D′.  FIG. 21  illustrates the additional variations possible with moveable plate  440  and/or different cutouts in the lateral trough  110 . Brackets  470 , and walls  446  and  490  can further add variations for the user. 
         [0072]    Systems  100 ,  300 ,  400  offer a number of variations in placement of the exit structure. These variations can be used singly, or together in various combinations. One variation is the depth of opening  418  as in system  400 . Another variation is the length of opening  418 . A further variation is the location of exit structure  402  in opening  418  in the lateral direction, such as left, right, or central. Another variation is the amount of extension for plate  440 . Another variation is the size of downspout  160  or trumpet  460 . A further variation is the type of brackets  470  and walls  446 ,  490  that can be used and where they can be located. These parts can be adjustable in length if desired, such as by using parts with predefined breakaway sections. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIG. 24 , an example system  600  is shown. The exit structure  602  includes a fitting  620  mounted to lateral trough  110 . Fitting  620  includes brackets  652  which mount with connectors  434  to trough  110 . Brackets  652  and a cross member  651  form a framework  650 . Framework  650  holds slideable plate  640  which is moveable relative to framework  650  and trough  110 . Support brackets  656  are coupled to the plate  640  with fasteners, such as bolts, and to the framework  650  with connectors  434 . A rail/slot arrangement is positioned between the plate  640  and brackets  652 . 
         [0074]    Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.