Patent Description:
This disclosure relates generally to optical connectivity, and more particularly to a fiber optic connector parking device for storing and organizing fiber optic connectors and their associated fiber optic cables in a terminal for future use.

Optical fibers are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the telecommunications industry for voice, video, and data transmissions. The benefits of optical fiber are well known and include higher signal-to-noise ratios and increased bandwidth compared to conventional copper-based transmission technologies. To meet modern demands for increased bandwidth and improved performance, telecommunication networks are increasingly providing optical fiber connectivity closer to end subscribers. These initiatives include fiber-to-the-node (FTTN), fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and the like (generally described as FTTx).

In an FTTx network, fiber optic cables are used to carry optical signals to various distribution points and, in some cases, all the way to end subscribers. For example, <FIG> is a schematic diagram of an exemplary FTTx network <NUM> that distributes optical signals generated at a switching point <NUM> (e.g., a central office of a network provider) to subscriber premises <NUM>. Optical line terminals (OLTs; not shown) at the switching point <NUM> convert electrical signals to optical signals. Fiber optic feeder cables <NUM> then carry the optical signals to various local convergence points <NUM>, which act as locations for splicing and making cross-connections and interconnections. The local convergence points <NUM> often include splitters to enable any given optical fiber in the fiber optic feeder cable <NUM> to serve multiple subscriber premises <NUM>. As a result, the optical signals are "branched out" from the optical fibers of the fiber optic feeder cables <NUM> to optical fibers of distribution cables <NUM> that exit the local convergence points <NUM>.

At network access points closer to the subscriber premises <NUM>, some or all of the optical fibers in the distribution cables <NUM> may be accessed to connect to one or more subscriber premises <NUM>. Drop cables <NUM> extend from the network access points to the subscriber premises <NUM>, which may be single-dwelling units (SDU), multi-dwelling units (MDU), businesses, and/or other facilities or buildings. A conversion of optical signals back to electrical signals may occur at the network access points or at the subscriber premises <NUM>.

There are many different network architectures, and the various tasks required to distribute optical signals (e.g., splitting, splicing, routing, connecting subscribers) can occur at several locations. Regardless of whether a location is considered a local convergence point, network access point, subscriber premise, or something else, fiber optic equipment is used to house components that carry out one or more of the tasks. The term "terminal" will be used in this disclosure to generically refer to such equipment, which may include fiber distribution hubs (FDH), cabinets, closures, network interface devices, etc..

Some terminals may include fiber optic connectors that are reserved for future connections. Depending on the location where the terminal is used in the network, there may be anywhere from one to hundreds of such connectors. Storage or "parking" features are typically included in the terminal to store connectors that are reserved for future use. Accommodating such features can be challenging when designing a terminal, particularly when a fairly large quantity, such as dozens or hundreds, of unused connectors are involved. The space within a terminal is typically limited because there is also a need to properly route and store cables, to accommodate components for splicing, splitting, or the like, and to allow technicians to effectively install or operate the components. Making terminals larger may not necessarily help with organization and may increase the likelihood of customers considering the equipment to be obtrusive.

Publication <CIT> discloses a fiber optic connector holder having a frame and a plurality of clips attached to the frame. The clips are adapted to releasably hold a plurality of fiber optic connectors in a certain arrangement. The fiber optic connectors may be attached at or through the boot to optical fibers, which may be, legs of a splitter module, fiber optic cables of a cable harness, or the like. The fiber optic connector holder and the optical fibers, and the splitter module, cable harness, or the like, may be shipped to an installation site. At the installation site, the fiber optic connector holder may be used to orient the fiber optic connectors to facilitate the engagement of the fiber optic connectors in and/or to parking locations.

Embodiments of publication <CIT> are directed to a fiber optic apparatus for retrofit fiber optic connectivity. The fiber optic apparatus is configured to reduce the size and footprint of a typical fiber optic cabinet for retrofit deployment within existing copper infrastructure, while allowing a user to provide and manage fiber optic network connections between a network provider and a plurality of subscribers. In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic apparatus decreases width by vertically aligning features of the fiber optic apparatus, and decreases depth by angled mounting of splitter parking and horizontal positioning of vertically stacked ribbon-fanout kit (RFK) sets. Further, the fiber optic apparatus includes flexible tubing attached to a detachable strain relief bracket configured for removal the detachable strain relief bracket from the frame and reattachment to the telecommunications cabinet to facilitate flexibility in mounting of the fiber optic apparatus and fiber deployment.

Publication <CIT> discloses a mounting system for facilitating ordered mating of plural connectors includes a bracket having at least one feature for securing to a pole or wall. A plate is connected to the bracket and includes plural mounting positions. Optional grounding and/or surge arrestors may be included. In a keying embodiment, each mounting position has an inner perimeter shape different than the inner perimeter shapes of the other mounting positions. Each connector of plural first connectors includes a threaded portion holding a first nut with an outer perimeter having a shape unique as compared to the first nuts of other first connectors. The outer perimeter of the first nut seats into one, and only one, of the plural mounting positions of the plate. Optionally, a second plate may be mounted to and spaced from the first plate. The second plate includes plural keyholes which are aligned to the plural mounting positions. Each keyhole has an inner perimeter shape matching the inner perimeter shape of the mounting position to which the keyhole is aligned. The keyholes only permit a second connector, with a matching key nut, to pass therethrough and mate into the first connector in the aligned mounting position.

Publication <CIT> discloses a system for routing at least two cables with fiber connectors without bending the at least two cables <NUM>°. The system includes a base that has a plurality of female connectors. The system also has a module that includes a plurality of male connectors for releasably connecting to the base female connectors. The module includes a connector surface that supports at least one cable adapter for connecting the at least two fiber connectors. The connector surface is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the base. The module includes a passageway that at least one of the at least two cables extends therethrough without bending <NUM>°.

In one embodiment, a fiber optic parking device includes a support wall having front and rear sides, and also includes at least one mount for mounting the fiber optic parking device to a mounting structure of a terminal frame, the at least one mount extending outwardly from the rear side of the support wall and defining a first plane wherein the support wall and the at least one mount are formed integrally as a unitary piece. The fiber optic parking device further includes a platform extending outwardly from the front side of the support wall and defining a second plane, the platform including a plurality of connector slips. Each of the connector slips extends along a corresponding axis parallel to the second plane and intersecting the first plane at an acute angle. In one embodiment, the fiber optic parking device includes a plurality of partitions spaced apart from each other to at least partially define the plurality of connector slips. Each of the partitions may extend in a direction parallel to the axes. In addition or alternatively, each of the partitions may extend outwardly from the front side of the support wall.

The fiber optic parking device may include a plurality of spring arms spaced apart from each other to at least partially define the plurality of connector slips. In one embodiment, each of the spring arms is positioned at a distal end of the platform. In addition or alternatively, at least one of the spring arms may include a tab having a shoulder facing a corresponding one of the connector slips.

The fiber optic parking device may include a plurality of bores provided in the support wall along each of the axes. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of bores extends through the support wall.

The platform may include a first surface and a second surface, and a first portion of the plurality of connector slips may be positioned on the first surface and a second portion of the plurality of connector slips may be positioned on the second surface. In addition or alternatively, the at least one mount may include at least one spring clip having a pair of prongs that extend outwardly from the rear side of the support wall and that are configured to engage with a corresponding aperture of a terminal for mounting the support wall to the terminal. In one embodiment, each of the prongs includes a locking groove configured to engage with a periphery of the corresponding aperture, and the locking grooves define the first plane.

The first and second planes may be substantially perpendicular to each other. In addition or alternatively, the acute angle may be between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In one embodiment, the at least one mount and the platform are integrally formed together as a unitary (i.e. monolithic) piece.

In another embodiment, a fiber optic assembly includes at least one mounting structure, and at least one fiber optic parking device mounted to the at least one mounting structure. The at least one fiber optic parking device includes a support wall having front and rear sides, and also includes at least one mount extending outwardly from the rear side of the support wall and defining a first plane. The at least one fiber optic parking device further includes a platform extending outwardly from the front side of the support wall and defining a second plane, the platform including a plurality of connector slips. Each of the connector slips extends along a corresponding axis parallel to the second plane and intersecting the first plane at an acute angle. The fiber optic assembly also includes at least one fiber optic connector positioned in one of the connector slips.

The at least one fiber optic parking device may include a plurality of partitions spaced apart from each other to at least partially define the plurality of connector slips, and the at least one fiber optic connector may include a connector body received by a pair of adjacent partitions in the plurality of partitions. In addition or alternatively, the at least one fiber optic parking device may include a plurality of spring arms spaced apart from each other to at least partially define the plurality of connector slips, at least one of the spring arms may include a tab having a shoulder facing the one of the connector slips in which the at least one fiber optic connector is positioned, and the at least one fiber optic connector may include a connector boot engaged by the tab. In another embodiment, the at least one fiber optic parking device may include a plurality of spring arms spaced apart from each other to at least partially define the plurality of connector slips, and the at least one fiber optic connector may include a connector boot received by a pair of adjacent spring arms in the plurality of spring arms.

The at least one fiber optic parking device may include a plurality of bores provided in the support wall along each of the axes, and the at least one fiber optic connector may include a dust cap received in one of the bores. In addition or alternatively, the fiber optic assembly may include a door panel, wherein the at least one mounting structure is provided on the door panel.

The at least one mounting structure may be substantially parallel to the first plane. In addition or alternatively, the first and second planes may be substantially perpendicular to each other. In one embodiment, the acute angle is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of optical connectivity. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

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 embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below. In general, the description relates to components that may be used in fiber optic networks to serve as storage locations (i.e., "parking features") for optical fiber connectors that are reserved for future connections.

The components may be used in FTTx networks, such as the FTTx network <NUM> (<FIG>) in terminals at local convergence points <NUM> or network access points, or even in enterprise networks, such as in data center environments. Thus, although the components may be described in connection with an exemplary terminal below, this is merely to facilitate discussion. The components may in fact be used in a wide variety of different equipment for all different types of fiber optic networks.

With this in mind, <FIG> illustrates one example of frame <NUM> for a terminal <NUM> to be placed at one of the local convergence points <NUM> in <FIG>. The terminal <NUM> may be in the form of a cabinet or enclosure that includes the frame <NUM> installed in a housing (not shown). The frame <NUM> supports various components for accomplishing the network tasks associated with the local convergence point <NUM>. For example, a row of fiber optic adapters <NUM> supported by the frame <NUM> defines a feeder field <NUM> to receive connections associated with one of the feeder cables <NUM> of the network <NUM>. Optical fibers (not shown) from the feeder cable <NUM> may be terminated with fiber optic connectors (directly or by splicing to pigtails) that are plugged into the fiber optic adapters <NUM> on the back side of the frame <NUM>.

Below the feeder field <NUM>, the frame <NUM> defines a region <NUM> for receiving and supporting splitter modules <NUM> (e.g., in slots provided in the frame <NUM>). Only two splitter modules <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, and only the splitter module <NUM> on the left is schematically illustrated with an input cable <NUM> and a plurality of output cables <NUM> to simplify the drawings. The input cable <NUM> carries an input fiber (not shown), and the output cables <NUM> carry respective output fibers (not shown). The splitter modules <NUM> each include an optical splitter (not shown) so that a multiplexed signal carried by the input fiber of the input cable <NUM> can be separated into demultiplexed signals carried by the output fibers of the output cables <NUM>. The multiplexed signal typically comes from the feeder cable <NUM> (<FIG>). To this end, the input cable <NUM> of the splitter module <NUM> may be terminated with a fiber optic connector (not shown in <FIG>) and plugged into the front side of the fiber optic adapters <NUM> in the feeder field <NUM>, thereby establishing optical connections with optical fibers of the feeder cable <NUM>.

The number of output fibers (and corresponding output cables <NUM>) of each splitter module <NUM> depends on the split ratio (e.g., <NUM> input fiber and <NUM> output fibers for a 1x8 splitter, <NUM> input fiber and <NUM> output fibers for a 1x16 splitter, <NUM> input fiber and <NUM> output fibers for a 1x32 splitter, etc.). Output cables <NUM> that are "live" (i.e., used in the network to carry signals to and from subscribers) are plugged into the front side of fiber optic adapters <NUM> in a distribution field <NUM>. There are typically several or many rows of adapters <NUM> defining the distribution field <NUM>. These adapters <NUM> are used to establish optical connections with optical fibers of one or more distribution cables <NUM> that exit the terminal and carry signals further into the network <NUM> so that ultimately the signals can reach subscribers.

Conventionally, the output cables <NUM> that are not used for live network traffic, and instead are reserved for future subscribers, are routed to a storage location <NUM> (also referred to as parking field <NUM>). <FIG> illustrates four output cables <NUM> terminated with respective fiber optic connectors <NUM> ("connectors <NUM>") that are held within a parking device <NUM>. The parking device <NUM> is mounted to a door panel <NUM> of the frame <NUM> via a mounting structure <NUM>. As can be appreciated, the parking device <NUM> confronts other components within the frame <NUM>, such as the adapters <NUM> in the feeder field <NUM> and/or distribution field <NUM>, when the door panel <NUM> is in a closed position. Due to the compact nature of the frame <NUM>, the parking device <NUM> and any connectors <NUM> held therein may be in very close proximity to such adapters <NUM> and any connectors <NUM> held therein. The input and output cables <NUM>, <NUM> associated with these connectors <NUM> may interfere with each other if they are not properly organized and routed through the frame <NUM>. For example, if the optical output cables <NUM> are permitted to initially project away from the parking device <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door panel <NUM> (or of the feeder field <NUM> and/or distribution field <NUM>), then the output cables <NUM> (and the output fibers carried in the output cables <NUM>) may be required to bend at a sharp angle such as at or near <NUM>° in order to be routed laterally. Avoiding such a bend, or at least avoiding a bend that exceeds a nominal minimum bend radius of the output fibers carried by the output cables <NUM>, may require initial portions of the output cables <NUM> (e.g., proximate the respective connectors <NUM>) to project farther from the parking device <NUM> and undesirably closer toward the adapters <NUM> as the output cables <NUM> transition to a lateral direction. In one embodiment of the invention, the parking device <NUM> is configured to facilitate an orientation of the output cables <NUM> as they exit the parking device <NUM> that is more conducive to routing the output cables <NUM> laterally, such as toward a hinged edge of the door panel <NUM>, in order to reduce the space necessary to meet minimum bend radius requirements.

Referring now to <FIG>, the illustrated parking device <NUM> includes a support wall <NUM> having first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>, a platform <NUM> extending outwardly from the first side <NUM> of the support wall <NUM> to a distal end <NUM>, and two mounts in the form of spring clips <NUM> for mounting the parking device <NUM> at a desired location on or within the frame <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the support wall <NUM>, the platform <NUM>, and the spring clips <NUM> are integrally formed together as a unitary (i.e., monolithic) piece.

Each spring clip <NUM> includes a pair of prongs <NUM> extending outwardly from the second side <NUM> of the support wall <NUM> and each pair of prongs <NUM> is configured to engage with a corresponding aperture <NUM> of the terminal <NUM>, such as in the mounting structure <NUM> of the parking field <NUM>, for mounting the parking device <NUM> to the terminal <NUM>. To this end, each of the illustrated prongs <NUM> includes a locking groove <NUM> configured to engage with the periphery of the aperture <NUM> to assist in securing the parking device <NUM> in place. In this manner, the locking grooves <NUM> may dictate or otherwise impact an orientation of the parking device <NUM> relative to the mounting structure <NUM> when the parking device <NUM> is installed on the mounting structure <NUM>. Thus, the locking grooves <NUM> may together define a mounting plane of the parking device <NUM>, referred to herein as the first plane P1. In the embodiment shown, the locking grooves <NUM> are generally aligned with each other such that the first plane P1 may be generally vertical in the illustrated orientation of the parking device <NUM>.

As shown, the platform <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> extending between first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> and defines a second plane P2 generally perpendicular to the first plane P1. A plurality of connector slips <NUM> ("slips <NUM>") are positioned on each of the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. Alternatively, the slips <NUM> may be positioned on only one of the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. In any event, each of the slips <NUM> extends along a corresponding axis A. The axes A of the slips <NUM> are generally parallel to the second plane P2 and intersect the first plane P1 at a generally acute angle θ as described in greater detail below. The first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> may also be oriented relative to the first plane P1 at the same generally acute angle θ.

The exemplary parking device <NUM> includes a plurality of partitions <NUM> spaced apart from each other between the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM> to at least partially define the plurality of slips <NUM>. The illustrated partitions <NUM> each extend outwardly from the first side <NUM> of the support wall <NUM> in a direction generally parallel to the axes A. In the embodiment shown, the partitions <NUM> are provided on both the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. Adjacent partitions <NUM> are configured to together receive a connector body <NUM> of a connector <NUM> positioned within the corresponding slip <NUM>. While the partitions <NUM> are shown as each having a height generally similar to a cross dimension of the corresponding connector <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the partitions <NUM> may be shorter or taller as may be desired. Likewise, while the partitions <NUM> are shown as extending partially across the platform <NUM>, such as approximately halfway across the platform <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the partitions <NUM> may extend greater or less distances across the platform <NUM>, such as substantially entirely across the platform <NUM>.

As shown, a plurality of spring arms <NUM> are positioned at the distal end <NUM> of the platform <NUM> and spaced apart from each other between the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM> to at least partially define the plurality of slips <NUM>. In this regard, each spring arm <NUM> may be generally aligned with a corresponding partition <NUM> (e.g., relative to the axes A). Each spring arm <NUM> extends generally perpendicularly from the corresponding first or second surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the spring arms <NUM> are provided on both the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. Adjacent spring arms <NUM> are configured to together receive a connector boot <NUM> of a connector <NUM> positioned within the corresponding slip <NUM>. In this regard, some or all of the spring arms <NUM> include a tab <NUM> having a shoulder <NUM> facing the corresponding slip <NUM>. The shoulders <NUM> are each configured to engage with the connector boot <NUM> of the connector <NUM> positioned within the corresponding slip <NUM> to assist in retaining the connector <NUM> in the slip <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, a plurality of bores <NUM> are provided in the support wall <NUM> along each of the axes A. Each of the bores <NUM> is sized and/or shaped to receive a dust cap <NUM> of a connector <NUM> positioned within the corresponding slip <NUM>. In this manner, the connector <NUM> may be supported in the slip <NUM> primarily or entirely by the dust cap <NUM> being received by the corresponding bore <NUM> and/or by the connector boot <NUM> received by the corresponding spring arms <NUM>. In one embodiment, the connector body <NUM> may be generally suspended in the slip <NUM>. For example, the connector body <NUM> may not be in direct contact with the corresponding first or second surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. While the bores <NUM> are shown extending completely through the support wall <NUM> and may therefore be referred to as through-bores, it will be appreciated that the bores <NUM> may alternatively extend only partially through the support wall <NUM> to instead provide blind bores.

While the first plane P1 has been described as being defined by the locking grooves <NUM> of the spring clips <NUM>, the first plane P1 may alternatively be defined by any other suitable component of the parking device <NUM>. For example, the spring clips <NUM> may be replaced with any other suitable mounts that may effectively define the mounting plane or first plane P1 when the parking device <NUM> is installed in a desired location, such as on the terminal <NUM>. For example, one or more brackets (not shown) may be used in place of the spring clips <NUM> and may define the first plane P1. In addition or alternatively, the support wall <NUM> may define a plane parallel to the first plane P1, or may itself define the first plane P1.

As mentioned above, each of the axes A are oriented relative to the first plane P1 by the acute angle θ. The acute angle θ may be, for example, between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In one embodiment, the acute angle θ is approximately <NUM>°. In another embodiment, the acute angle θ is approximately <NUM>°.

The angling of the axes A relative to the first plane P1 may facilitate similar angling of each connector <NUM> relative to the first plane P1 when the connectors <NUM> are positioned in the slips <NUM>. Thus, the angling of the axes A relative to the first plane P1 may be used to control the orientation of the connectors <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. For example, the first plane P1 may be selected such that it is generally parallel to the plane (e.g., a surface) of the mounting structure <NUM> when installed. In such cases, the angling of the axes A relative to the first plane P1 may result in the connectors <NUM> being angled relative to the plane of the mounting structure <NUM> at generally the same acute angle θ. In one embodiment, the first plane P1 may be selected such that it is generally parallel to a plane of the door panel <NUM> and/or feeder or distribution fields <NUM>, <NUM> when installed, such that the connectors <NUM> may be angled relative to the door panel <NUM> and/or feeder or distribution fields <NUM>, <NUM> at generally the same acute angle θ.

When installed, the second plane P2 may extend in a generally lateral direction (e.g., horizontal), such that each slip <NUM> is configured to direct a corresponding connector <NUM> at least slightly laterally as a result of the acute angle θ. In other words, rather than projecting directly away from the slips <NUM> (e.g., perpendicularly), each connector <NUM> at least initially projects away from the corresponding slip <NUM> at the angle θ relative to the first plane P1 and thus at the same angle θ relative to the desired reference plane (e.g., mounting structure <NUM>, door panel <NUM>, distribution field <NUM>, feeder field <NUM>, etc.). This may appreciably reduce the frontal projection of the output cables <NUM> exiting the parking device <NUM> since a reduced bend is required for the output fibers to transition to a lateral direction toward their respective destinations (e.g., via the hinged edge of the door panel <NUM>). By virtue of the parking device <NUM> including slips <NUM> on both the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the platform <NUM>, the slips <NUM> may direct the connectors <NUM> in either a generally rightward or generally leftward direction depending on whether the parking device <NUM> is installed with the first surface <NUM> facing upward or downward, for example.

Referring now to <FIG>, wherein like reference numerals represent like features, an alternative parking device 60a includes a support wall 70a having first and second sides 72a, 74a, a platform 76a extending outwardly from the first side 72a to a distal end 78a, and two mounts in the form of spring clips 80a each including a pair of mounting prongs 82a for mounting the parking device 60a at a desired location on or within the frame <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the support wall 70a, the platform 76a, and the mounting prongs 82a are integrally formed together as a unitary (i.e., monolithic) piece.

Each of the illustrated prongs 82a includes a locking groove 86a configured to engage with the periphery of an aperture <NUM> of the mounting structure <NUM> to assist in securing the parking device 60a in place. Thus, similar to the above embodiment, the locking grooves 86a may together define the mounting plane or first plane P1 of the parking device 60a.

As shown, the platform 76a includes a first surface 90a and a second surface 92a extending between first and second sides 94a, 96a and defines the second plane P2 generally perpendicular to the first plane P1. A plurality of connector slips 100a are positioned on each of the first and second surfaces 90a, 92a of the platform 76a, each of the slips 100a extending along a corresponding axis A generally parallel to the second plane P2 and intersecting the first plane P1 at a generally acute angle θ. The acute angle θ may be, for example, between <NUM>° and <NUM>°. In one embodiment, the acute angle θ is approximately <NUM>°. In another embodiment, the acute angle θ is approximately <NUM>°.

The exemplary parking device 60a includes a plurality of partitions 102a similar to the above embodiment. In the embodiment shown, some or all of the partitions 102a include an overhang <NUM> at or near the support wall 70a. As shown, each overhang <NUM> on a particular partition 102a opposes a portion of the first or second surfaces 90a, 92a of the platform 76a in a spaced apart relation. This spacing allows a portion of a connector <NUM>, such as a dust cap <NUM>, to pass therebetween into the corresponding slip 100a. In one embodiment, the overhang <NUM> may be configured to assist in preventing a portion of the connector <NUM>, such as the dust cap <NUM>, from becoming inadvertently dislodged from the slip 100a.

A plurality of spring arms 110a are positioned at or near the distal end 78a of the platform 76a similar to the above embodiment. Some or all of the spring arms 110a include a tab 114a having a shoulder 116a facing the corresponding slip 100a to assist in retaining the connector <NUM> in the slip 100a. The fiber optic connector <NUM> may be supported in the slip 100a primarily or entirely by the connector boot <NUM> received by the corresponding spring arms 110a. In one embodiment, the connector body <NUM> may be in direct contact with the corresponding surface 90a, 92a of the platform 76a such that the platform 76a may directly support the connector body <NUM>.

When installed, the second plane P2 may extend in a generally lateral direction (e.g., horizontal), such that each slip 100a is configured to direct a corresponding connector <NUM> at least slightly laterally as a result of the acute angle θ. In other words, rather than projecting directly away from the slips 100a (e.g., perpendicularly), each connector <NUM> at least initially projects away from the corresponding slip 100a at the angle θ relative to the first plane P1 and thus at the same angle θ relative to the desired reference plane. This may appreciably reduce the frontal projection of the output cables <NUM> exiting the parking device <NUM> since a reduced bend is required for output fibers to transition to a lateral direction toward their respective destinations.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic parking device (<NUM>, 60a) comprising:
a support wall (<NUM>, 70a) having front (<NUM>, 72a) and rear (<NUM>, 74a) sides;
at least one mount (<NUM>, 80a) for mounting the fiber optic parking device (<NUM>, 60a) to a mounting structure (<NUM>) of a terminal frame (<NUM>), the at least one mount (<NUM>, 80a) extending outwardly from the rear side (<NUM>, 74a) of the support wall and defining a first plane (P1), wherein the support wall (<NUM>, 70a) and the at least one mount (<NUM>, 80a) are formed integrally as a unitary piece;
a platform (<NUM>, 76a) extending outwardly from the front side (<NUM>, 72a) of the support wall (<NUM>, 70a) and defining a second plane (P2), the platform including a plurality of connector slips (<NUM>, 100a), wherein each of the connector slips (<NUM>, 100a) extends along a corresponding axis parallel to the second plane (P2) and intersecting the first plane (P1) at an acute angle; and
a plurality of partitions (<NUM>, 102a) spaced apart from each other to at least partially define the plurality of connector slips (<NUM>, 100a).