Patent Description:
Telecommunications systems use a network of telecommunications cables to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over long distances. Telecommunications cables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, or combinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. Telecommunications systems also include a plurality of telecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network of telecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures, often referred to in the industry as "closures," are adapted to contain and protect telecommunications components such as splices, termination panels, power splitters, wave division multiplexers, fiber management trays, cable organizing and routing components, etc..

Typically, cables entering telecommunications enclosures must be fixed in place inside the enclosure. Within the closure, and depending on the type of cable, protective components of the cable, such as a jacket, a buffer tube, strength members, etc., are stripped, truncated, or removed, allowing strands and/or portions of the cable to be managed within the closure.

Typically, fixing and un-fixing cables to/from the interior of a closure is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. In addition, portions of cable fixation assemblies are often not interchangeable, with the assemblies being designed exclusively for a particular cable type, a particular closure type, and the like. As such, current solutions can be ineffective. Some solutions, for example positions strands and/or other portions of the cable within a closure component itself. Another typical solution merely uses a cable tie to hold strands and/or portions of the cable in place. Each of these solutions has disadvantages.

Consequently, there are several needs for improved devices that facilitate connection or coupling of strands and/or other portions of cables to telecommunications enclosures. The embodiments disclosed herein fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages, as will be apparent from the following description and claims. <CIT> describes a fiber optic connector for connecting two optical fibers. The connector comprises housing means and an adapter. A first optical fiber is connected to adapter and the housing is provided with tapered keys, locking lugs and an annular groove located behind each tapered key. Keys, lugs and grooves permit the connector to be firmly attached to a supporting bulkhead or walled structure.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, objectives of the cable strand anchoring devices disclosed herein include providing anchorage means, particularly for cables that include various types of strands, threads, fibers, or yarns or the like, which are capable of being plaited or twisted together. For fiber optic cables, such strands typically include aramid yarns, which are frequently used as stranded strength members. The invention provides a cable strand anchoring device according to independent claim <NUM>. Further embodiments are provided by the dependent claims.

Additional objectives, aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosures will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with particular reference to the drawings.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about. " Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, "lower," "upper," "beneath," "below," "above," and "on top," if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above those other elements.

Cartesian coordinates are used in some of the Figures for reference and are not intended to be limiting as to direction or orientation.

For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "side," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented with respect to the Cartesian coordinates in the corresponding Figure, unless stated otherwise.

For the purposes of describing and defining the subject matter of the disclosure it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "generally" may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

<FIG> illustrates a cable strand anchoring device <NUM> configured for coupling to a telecommunications enclosure and/or one or more components of a telecommunications enclosure. The cable strand anchoring device <NUM> includes a hub <NUM>, extending from a first hub end 102a to a second hub end 102b. In this embodiment, a thru-hole <NUM> is also defined within the hub <NUM> to extend from the first hub end 102a to the second hub end 102b. The thru-hole <NUM> is configured for routing of at least one cable strand. However, alternatively or in addition, one or more cable strands may be routed around the hub exterior 102e. The thru-hole <NUM> may also be configured for assembly with a fastening element, as will be described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring particularly to <FIG>, the hub <NUM> is further defined by a plurality of hub walls, specifically a first hub wall <NUM>, a second hub wall <NUM>, and a third hub wall <NUM>. Each hub wall has respective hub wall thicknesses HW1, HW2, HW3, where the second hub wall thickness HW2 is larger than the third hub wall thickness HW3, and where the third hub wall thickness HW3 is larger than the first hub wall thickness HW1.

Extending outwardly from the hub <NUM> and specifically the hub exterior 102e is a plurality of cable strand positioning elements <NUM>. Each cable strand positioning element <NUM> is positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement with respect to a longitudinal axis A, which extends through the center of the cable anchoring device. In the arrangement shown in <FIG>, there are four cable strand positioning elements which are positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement. Specifically, each cable strand positioning element has a central axis B, B', C, C' positioned a predetermined angular distance PD with respect to each other. Preferably, the predetermined angular distance PD is substantially equal such that the arrangement of the plurality of cable strand positioning elements is symmetrical, as particularly shown in <FIG>. In this exemplary embodiment, the predetermined angular distance PD is about <NUM> degrees.

The number of positioning elements shown in <FIG> should not be construed as limiting. Fewer or additional cable strand positioning elements may be integrally and monolithically attached to the hub <NUM>. Accordingly, a predetermined angular distance PD will be in part based on the symmetrical positioning of the plurality of cable strand positioning elements such that the predetermined angular distance PD is equal to <NUM> divided by the total number N of cable strand positioning elements, where PD has a maximum value of <NUM> degrees and where: <MAT>.

Accordingly, where there are three (<NUM>) cable strand positioning elements, the predetermined angular distance will be about <NUM> degrees and where there are six (<NUM>) cable positioning elements, the predetermined angular distance PD will be about <NUM> degrees.

Each cable strand positioning element <NUM> includes a stabilizing portion <NUM>, an arc portion <NUM>, and a lobe <NUM>, The stabilizing portion <NUM> has an innermost end 108a integrally and monolithically attached to the hub exterior 102e and an outermost end 108b integrally and monolithically attached to the lobe <NUM>. Extending from the outermost end 108b is an arc portion <NUM>. The arc portion <NUM> preferably has an arc thickness TA, a curved top <NUM> and a plurality of underside areas <NUM> with one or more of the plurality of underside areas being attached to the outermost end 108b of the stabilizing portion <NUM>. The arc thickness TA varies based upon the curvature of the curved top <NUM>.

The lobe <NUM> is monolithically formed with the hub, the stabilizing portion, the arc portion. The lobe <NUM> includes an outermost lobe end 112a, which preferably has a curved profile, and an innermost lobe end 112b. The innermost lobe end 112b is monolithically formed with the hub <NUM>, as particularly shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the arc portion <NUM> and the lobe <NUM> may be further defined with respect to each other by an angular distance α, where α is measured from an edge 110e of the arc portion to a rear face 114r of the lobe <NUM>.

Monolithically formed with the hub <NUM> and the lobe <NUM> is a plurality of strand anchors <NUM>. Each strand anchor <NUM> includes an outermost end 120a and an innermost end 120b, with the outermost end 120a preferably being curved.

The lobe <NUM> and the strand anchor <NUM> may be further defined with respect to each other by an angular distance β, where β is measured from an edge 112e of the strand anchor to a forward face 114f of the lobe <NUM>. The plurality of strand anchors <NUM> are also positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement with respect to a longitudinal axis A, which extends through the center of the cable anchoring device. The number of strand anchors also preferably corresponds to the number of cable strand positioning elements.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate exploded and assembled views of a cable strand anchoring assembly <NUM>, including the cable strand anchoring device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a modular component <NUM> configured for assembly with a telecommunications enclosures. Such modular components may be part of an external cable assembly such as the External Cable Assembly Module (ECAM) sold by Corning, Inc.

The modular component <NUM> has a bored end 500a, defined by an inner diameter <NUM>, and a gripper end 500b. A portion of the outer surface of the modular component <NUM> includes a plurality of ribs <NUM> that facilitate hand gripping. The bored end 500a is configured to receive a portion of a cable strand anchoring device. When assembled with the cable strand anchoring device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bored end 500a is configured to receive at least the hub <NUM> and the plurality of cable strand positioning elements <NUM>. The outer surface of the modular component <NUM> also has fastening feature, configured as a plurality of threads <NUM>, as well as a series of gripping elements <NUM>, <NUM>.

The modular component <NUM> also includes a plurality of tabs <NUM> extending axially outward from the bored end 550a. Each tab <NUM> is configured for positioning adjacent to a lobe <NUM>, as particularly shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> additionally shows how a fastening element <NUM> may be coupled with the cable strand anchoring device <NUM>. The fastening element <NUM> is configured as a screw, having a head <NUM> and a fastener body <NUM>, having a plurality of fastener threads <NUM>. The head <NUM> is positionable and capable of being centered within the plurality of strand anchors <NUM>. The fastener body <NUM> is positionable in the thru-hole <NUM> of the cable strand anchoring device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a cable strand anchoring device <NUM> configured for coupling to a telecommunications enclosure and/or one or more components of a telecommunications enclosure. As such, the cable strand anchoring device <NUM> can also be coupled to the modular component <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The cable strand anchoring device <NUM> includes a hub <NUM>, extending from a first hub end 202a to a second hub end 202b.

Similar to the first embodiment, a thru-hole <NUM> is defined within the hub <NUM> to extend from the first hub end 202a to the second hub end 202b. The thru-hole <NUM> is configured for routing of at least one cable strand. However, alternatively or in addition, one or more cable strands may be routed around the hub exterior 202e. The thru-hole <NUM> may also be configured for assembly with a fastening element, as will be described with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. The hub <NUM> is further defined by a plurality of hub walls, specifically a first hub wall <NUM> and a second hub wall <NUM>. Each hub wall has respective hub wall thicknesses, where the second hub wall thickness is larger than the first hub wall thickness.

Extending outwardly from the hub <NUM> and specifically the hub exterior 202e is a plurality of a plurality of cable strand positioning elements <NUM>. Each cable strand positioning element <NUM> is positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement with respect to a longitudinal axis A', which extends through the center of the cable anchoring device. In the arrangement shown in <FIG>, there are two cable strand positioning elements which are positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement. Specifically, each cable strand positioning element has a central axis B, B' positioned a predetermined angular distance PD with respect to each other. Here, the predetermined angular distance PD is about <NUM> degrees.

Each cable strand positioning element <NUM> includes a stabilizing portion <NUM>, an arc portion <NUM>, and a lobe <NUM>. The stabilizing portion <NUM> has an innermost end 208a integrally and monolithically attached to the hub exterior 202e and an outermost end 208b integrally and monolithically attached to the lobe <NUM>. Extending from the outermost end 208b is the arc portion <NUM>. The arc portion <NUM> preferably has an arc thickness TA2, a curved top <NUM> and a plurality of underside areas <NUM> with one or more of the plurality of underside areas being attached to the outermost end 208b of the stabilizing portion <NUM>. The arc thickness TA varies based upon the curvature of the curved top <NUM>.

The lobe <NUM> is monolithically formed with the hub, the stabilizing portion, the arc portion. The lobe <NUM> includes an outermost lobe end 212a, which preferably has a curved profile, and an innermost lobe end 212b. The innermost lobe end 212b is monolithically formed with the hub <NUM>.

Monolithically formed with the hub <NUM> and the lobe <NUM> is a plurality of strand anchors <NUM>. Each strand anchor <NUM> includes an outermost end 220a, with the outermost end 220a preferably having a curved profile. The plurality of strand anchors <NUM> are also positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement with respect to a longitudinal axis A', which extends through the center of the cable anchoring device.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cable strand anchoring device <NUM> configured for coupling to a telecommunications enclosure and/or one or more components of a telecommunications enclosure such as the modular component <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The cable strand anchoring device <NUM> has the same configurations for a hub <NUM>, and a plurality of cable strand positioning elements <NUM>, as shown and described with respect to the first embodiment. Thus each cable strand positioning element includes a stabilizing portion <NUM>, an arc portion <NUM>, and a lobe <NUM>. This embodiment of the cable strand anchoring devices includes alternatively formed strand anchors <NUM>, having a strand gripping hub <NUM> positioned therein.

Monolithically formed with the hub <NUM> and the lobe <NUM> is a plurality of strand anchors <NUM>. The plurality of strand anchors <NUM> is configured for receiving strands of a cable and/or a cable tie or other equivalent components capable of securing strands to the strand anchors. The plurality of strand anchors <NUM> is also positioned symmetrically in a radial arrangement with respect to a longitudinal axis A", which extends through the center of the cable anchoring device <NUM>. Each strand anchor <NUM> includes an anchor body <NUM> having a first body end 322a, which is monolithically formed with the hub and a second body end 322b, which is cantilevered. The body additionally includes a plurality of side body portions <NUM> and a central anchor portion <NUM>, having sections positioned between the side anchor portions and between two lobes <NUM>. In this embodiment, the plurality of side body portions <NUM> includes a first body portion 324a and a second body portion 324a'. The strand anchor additionally includes a tab portion <NUM>, extending radially outward with respect to longitudinal axis A". The tab portion <NUM> is configured to prevent slippage of cable strands, a cable tie, or another elements which may be positioned around the strand anchors <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cable strand anchoring device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for anchoring strands of telecommunications cables to telecommunications enclosures and/or components configured for connection to telecommunications enclosures, comprising:
a hub (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending from a first hub end (102a, 202a, 302a) to a second hub end (102b, 202b, 302b);
a plurality of cable strand positioning elements (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), extending from the hub, wherein each cable strand positioning element comprises:
a stabilizing portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) monolithically formed with the hub,
an arc portion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) monolithically formed with the stabilizing portion, and
a lobe (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) monolithically formed with the hub, the stabilizing portion and the arc portion; and
a plurality of strand anchors (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) monolithically formed with the hub and the lobe,
wherein the cable strand anchoring device is configured to receive strands of a cable.