Patent Description:
There are systems that take in subscriber or distribution cables, splice them to a pigtail cable, and then connect the cable to equipment. A number of cables entering the systems and managed in dense configurations. Improvements in increasing cable holding capacities in a minimum footprint, without losing functionality, are desirable. US patent publications - <CIT> and <CIT> - may be useful for understanding the present invention.

In general terms, the present disclosure relates to a cable attachment system. In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, the system includes one or more cable clamping brackets for securing a plurality of cables. Various aspects are described in this disclosure, which include, but are not limited to, the following aspects.

<FIG> illustrates a cable attachment system <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The cable attachment system <NUM> can be part of a telecommunications system <NUM> and configured to secure a plurality of cables <NUM> to a desired location. In the illustrated example of <FIG>, the cable attachment system <NUM> is provided to a cabinet <NUM> of the telecommunications system <NUM>, an example of which is illustrated and described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The cable attachment system <NUM> may include one or more cable clamping brackets <NUM>. As described herein, the cable clamping brackets <NUM> allow an increasing number of cables to be secured to the cabinet <NUM> in a dense configuration, such as at a cable clamping area in the cabinet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an example of the telecommunications system <NUM> is described. The system <NUM> includes the cabinet <NUM> that includes a rack or framework <NUM> for holding or mounting telecommunications equipment. Many embodiments are possible. In the example illustrated, the framework <NUM> is generally rectangular defining an interior holding the interior components, to be described further below.

The system <NUM> includes telecommunications equipment <NUM>. The equipment <NUM> can be many different types of equipment that is used in fiber optic systems. For example, the equipment <NUM> can include active or passive equipment, including, e.g., an amplifier, etc..

In the illustrated example, the telecommunications equipment <NUM> is arranged in a vertical column. In general, fiber optic cables (such as the cables <NUM>) can be routed from a central office to the system <NUM> and into the cabinet <NUM> via a cable clamping area <NUM>, and then be connected to the equipment <NUM>.

The system <NUM> further includes a plurality of slack storage members or spools <NUM>. The spools <NUM> are mounted within the cabinet <NUM> to manage overlength slack in the fiber optic cables within the cabinet <NUM>. The spools <NUM> organize and take up overlength or slack in the cables from the equipment <NUM>. The spools <NUM> may be the types that are described in <CIT>.

In the illustrated example, the spools <NUM> are arranged in a vertical column adjacent to the column of telecommunications equipment <NUM>.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the system <NUM> includes a patch panel <NUM> mounted within the cabinet <NUM>. The patch panel <NUM> is provided as is well known in the art and defines a plurality of cable termination locations for receiving at least some of the fiber optic cables in the system <NUM>, as the cables are connected between the equipment <NUM> and the patch panel <NUM>.

The patch panel <NUM> is mountable on a pivotable frame <NUM>. The pivotable frame <NUM> is movable between a storage position (<FIG> and <FIG>) and an access position (<FIG> and <FIG>). As can be seen in <FIG>, the plurality of spools <NUM> is positioned intermediate the telecommunications equipment <NUM> and the patch panel <NUM>. As can also be realized from a review of <FIG>, the pivotable frame <NUM> is adjacent the column of spools <NUM>, and the column of spools <NUM> is between the column of telecommunications equipment <NUM> and the pivotable frame <NUM>.

A plurality of cable radius limiters <NUM> can be mounted on the pivotable frame <NUM> to help manage the cable and protect the fibers in the cable. The radius limiters <NUM> are positioned between the patch panel <NUM> and a splice area. The splice area can be mounted within the cabinet <NUM> (e.g., on a wall <NUM> thereof) and is accessible when the pivotable frame <NUM> is in the access position. The splice area receives fiber optic cables from the patch panel <NUM> and is for splicing to additional cables. In many systems, the cables then exit the cabinet <NUM> and are directed to customers. The splice area can be many different embodiments including splice trays, such as those described in <CIT>. The cables may enter the splice area via troughs. Optionally, the cables may include a cable clamping device, and there may be a termination unit associated with the tray.

In the some embodiments, the splice area is mountable on the pivotable frame <NUM> on a side of the pivotable frame <NUM> that is opposite from the side holding the patch panel <NUM>. It can be appreciated that the plurality of cable radius limiters <NUM> are positioned along the edge of the pivotable frame <NUM> between the side holding the patch panel <NUM> and the side holding the splice area. In this example, the radius limiters <NUM> are arranged in a column along the edge.

In some embodiments, there can be a storage arrangement or "parking area" <NUM> for holding one or more unconnected cables that are not connected into the patch panel termination locations. The parking area <NUM> can include, for example, a housing or arrangement such as described in <CIT>. The parking area <NUM> can also include, for example, any type of structure (e.g., a foam block) that uses friction to hold the unconnected cables.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> may include various structures for managing cables for routing, organizing, and preventing sharp radii. For example, cable managers <NUM> are adjacent to the equipment <NUM>, and they are along opposite sides of the equipment <NUM>. There are also cable managers <NUM> located between the patch panel <NUM> and the spools <NUM>. Access openings <NUM> are also provided below the patch panel <NUM> and adjacent to the spools <NUM>.

A cable clamping area <NUM> is provided between a cable port area <NUM> in the cabinet <NUM> and the splice area. The cable clamping area <NUM> can be provided to the wall <NUM> (e.g., a back plate of the cabinet <NUM>) and configured to attach a plurality of cables <NUM> entering the cabinet <NUM> through the cable port area <NUM>. As described herein, the cable clamping area <NUM> can be used to mount the cable clamping brackets <NUM>. An example of the cable clamping area <NUM> is further illustrated and described with reference to <FIG>.

The system <NUM> may have other cable management features, example of which are described in <CIT>.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of the cable clamping area <NUM> is further illustrated and described. The cable clamping area <NUM> is configured to directly secure a plurality of cables <NUM> entering or exiting the cabinet <NUM> through the cable port area <NUM>. As described herein, the cable clamping area <NUM> can be used to mount a plurality of cable clamping brackets <NUM> that is configured to secure a plurality of cables <NUM> thereto.

In some embodiments, the cable clamping area <NUM> can be provided to a wall of the cabinet <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the cable clamping area <NUM> is arranged at the wall <NUM>. Other locations are also possible for the cable clamping area <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cable clamping area <NUM> includes a retention opening <NUM> defined in the wall <NUM>. The retention opening <NUM> has a lower edge <NUM> and an opposite upper edge <NUM>.

The cable clamping area <NUM> can include a plurality of cable retention tabs <NUM> extending from either or both of the lower edge <NUM> and the upper edge <NUM> of the retention opening <NUM>. Each of the cable retention tabs <NUM> is configured to retain a cable <NUM> with a cable fastening element, such as a tie wrap or a cable clamp. For example, a tie wrap can wrap around the cable <NUM> and the cable retention tab <NUM> together so that the cable <NUM> is abutted at least to the cable retention tab <NUM>, thereby securing the cable <NUM> to the cable clamping area <NUM>. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the cable retention tab <NUM> is configured as a T-shaped tab having a head portion <NUM> wider than a neck portion <NUM> so that the fastening element (e.g., the tie wrap) is contained around the neck portion <NUM> under the head portion <NUM> when the fastening element fastens the cable <NUM> to the cable retention tab <NUM>.

The cable clamping area <NUM> further includes a plurality of holes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holes <NUM> can be used to fix a strength member of the cable <NUM>. For example, a bolt passes through the hole <NUM> and presses the strength member of the cable <NUM> against the wall of the cable clamping area <NUM>. In some embodiments, a nut can be positioned at the back of the cable clamping area <NUM> and tighten the bolt to fasten the strength member. In some embodiments, a fixation bracket can be additional used for strength member fixation.

In some embodiments, the holes <NUM> are aligned with the cable retention tabs <NUM> in a longitudinal direction D2.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of the cable clamping bracket <NUM> is described. In some embodiments, the cable clamping bracket <NUM> is configured to detachably mount to the cable clamping area <NUM>. The cable clamping bracket <NUM> can include a base plate <NUM> and a cable holding plate <NUM>.

The base plate <NUM> is configured to mount to the cable clamping area <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> opposite to the first end <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> further has opposite side ends <NUM> extending between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> has a front face <NUM> and an opposite rear face <NUM> (<FIG>). As described herein, the cable holding plate <NUM> extends from the front face <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>, and the rear face <NUM> of the base plate <NUM> is configured to abut, or arrange adjacent, the cable clamping area <NUM>.

Various methods can be used to mount the base plate <NUM> to the cable clamping area <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the base plate <NUM> includes a base retention leg <NUM> and a base fastening tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base plate <NUM> is mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM> using both of the base retention leg <NUM> and the base fastening tab <NUM>.

The base retention leg <NUM> is configured to engage with the cable clamping area <NUM>, as further described with reference to <FIG>. The base retention leg <NUM> can extend from the second end <NUM> of the base plate <NUM> and configured to engage with an opening of the cable clamping area <NUM>.

The base fastening tab <NUM> is configured to fasten to the cable clamping area <NUM>, as further described with reference to <FIG>. In some embodiments, the base fastening tab <NUM> includes one or more holes <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a fastener <NUM>, such as a screw, can pass through the hole <NUM> and press the base fastening tab <NUM> against the cable clamping area <NUM>, thereby fastening the base fastening tab <NUM> to the cable clamping area <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the base plate <NUM> is mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM> using both of the base retention leg <NUM> and the base fastening tab <NUM>. In other embodiments, only one of the base retention leg <NUM> and the base fastening tab <NUM> is used to mount the base plate <NUM> to the cable clamping area <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the base plate <NUM> has the base fastening tabs <NUM> at both of the first end <NUM> and the second <NUM> to mount the base plate <NUM> to the cable clamping area <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the base plate <NUM> has the base retention tabs <NUM> at both of the first end <NUM> and the second <NUM> to mount the base plate <NUM> to the cable clamping area <NUM>. Other alternatives are also possible in other embodiments.

Referring still to <FIG>, the cable holding plate <NUM> extends from the base plate <NUM> and includes a plurality of cable clamping devices or structures <NUM> configured to retain cables <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cable holding plate <NUM> extends from the base plate <NUM> (e.g., the front face <NUM> thereof) such that the cable holding plate <NUM> extends away from the cable clamping area <NUM> when the cable clamping bracket <NUM> is mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>.

The cable holding plate <NUM> has a proximate end <NUM> and an opposite distal end <NUM>. The cable holding plate <NUM> is connected to the base plate <NUM> at the proximate end <NUM>. The cable holding plate <NUM> further has a first end <NUM> and an opposite second end <NUM>, which extend between the proximate end <NUM> and the distal end <NUM>.

The cable holding plate <NUM> includes a main plate portion <NUM> and opposite side portions, such as a first side portion <NUM> and a second side portion <NUM>. The first side portion <NUM> extends from the main plate portion <NUM> at the first end <NUM>, and the second side portion <NUM> extends from the main plate portion <NUM> at the first end <NUM>. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the first side portion <NUM> and the second side portion <NUM> are arranged to be generally perpendicular to the main plate portion <NUM>, and generally parallel to each other.

The first side portion <NUM> includes a plurality of cable alignment structures <NUM> configured to align the cables <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and generally in a cable extension direction D1 along which the cable <NUM> is arranged relative to the cable clamping bracket <NUM>.

Each of the cable alignment structures <NUM> includes a first groove <NUM> provided in the first side portion <NUM> and a second groove <NUM> provided in the second side portion <NUM>. The first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are aligned in the cable extension direction D1. The first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are configured to at least partially receive the cable <NUM> thereon. In some embodiments, the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are configured to have a curvature that generally matches a curvature of a diameter of the cable <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> can be dimensioned identically. In other embodiments, other configurations of the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM> are possible.

The cable alignment structures <NUM> (e.g., sets of the first groove <NUM> and the second groove <NUM>) can be arranged between the proximate end <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the cable holding plate <NUM> and spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the cable alignment structures <NUM> are equally spaced. In other embodiments, the cable alignment structures <NUM> are spaced at different distances. In the illustrated example, the cable holding plate <NUM> has five cable alignment structures <NUM>, although other numbers of cable alignment structures <NUM> can be provided to the cable holding plate <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the main plate portion <NUM> includes a plurality of cable securing devices <NUM> configured to secure the cables <NUM> to the main plate portion <NUM>. The cable securing device <NUM> can have various configurations for securing the cable <NUM> to the main plate portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, a fastening element, such as a tie wrap or a cable clamp, is used with the cable securing device <NUM> to retain the cable <NUM> to the main plate portion <NUM>. Other configurations can be used in other embodiments.

In the illustrated example, each of the cable securing device <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> and a cable retention tab <NUM>. The cable retention tab <NUM> extends from an edge of the opening <NUM>. The cable retention tab <NUM> is configured to retain the cable <NUM> with a cable fastening element, such as a tie wrap (e.g., a tie wrap <NUM> in <FIG>) or a cable clamp. For example, a tie wrap can wrap around the cable <NUM> and the cable retention tab <NUM> together so that the cable <NUM> is abutted at least to the cable retention tab <NUM>, thereby securing the cable <NUM> to the main plate portion <NUM>. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the cable retention tab <NUM> is configured as a T-shaped tab having a head portion <NUM> wider than a neck portion <NUM> so that the fastening element (e.g., the tie wrap) is contained around the neck portion <NUM> under the head portion <NUM> when the fastening element fastens the cable <NUM> to the cable retention tab <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> prevents the tie wrap from sliding out from the neck portion <NUM> of the cable retention tab <NUM>.

The cable securing devices <NUM> can be arranged between the proximate end <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the cable holding plate <NUM> and spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the cable securing devices <NUM> are equally spaced. In other embodiments, the cable securing devices <NUM> are spaced at different distances. In the illustrated example, the cable holding plate <NUM> has five cable securing devices <NUM>, although other numbers of cable securing devices <NUM> can be provided to the cable holding plate <NUM>.

The cable securing devices or structures <NUM> is associated with the cable alignment structures <NUM>, respectively. In the illustrated example, the cable securing devices <NUM> are aligned with the cable alignment structures <NUM>, respectively, along the cable extension direction D1. As such, the cables <NUM> can be secured to the cable clamping brackets <NUM> (e.g., the cable holding plate <NUM> thereof) via the cable securing devices <NUM> while aligned by the cable alignment structures <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the base plate <NUM> can be separately made from the cable holding plate <NUM> and connected to the cable holding plate <NUM>. Various methods can be used to connect the cable holding plate <NUM> to the base plate <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the cable holding plate <NUM> includes one or more fastening tabs <NUM> at the proximate end <NUM>, which are configured to fit into corresponding slots <NUM> formed in the base plate <NUM>. In some examples, the fastening tabs <NUM> of the cable holding plate <NUM> are snap-fitted to the slots <NUM> of the base plate <NUM>. Other fastening mechanisms, such as using fasteners or adhesive materials or welding, can be used in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the base plate <NUM> is integrally formed with the cable holding plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base plate <NUM> and the cable holding plate <NUM> are assembled in manufacturing. In other embodiments, the base plate <NUM> and the cable holding plate <NUM> can be assembled at site, or at other suitable places.

<FIG> illustrates that the cable clamping bracket <NUM> is mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM>. As described herein, the base retention leg <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> is first inserted into the retention opening <NUM> and engaged with an edge (e.g., the lower edge <NUM>) of the retention opening <NUM>. Then, the base fastening tab <NUM> is fastened to the holes <NUM> of the cable clamping area <NUM> using the fasteners <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base retention leg <NUM> is inserted through the retention opening <NUM> and placed between adjacent cable retention tabs <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a plurality of cable clamping brackets <NUM> are mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM>, and a plurality of cables <NUM> are secured to the cable clamping brackets <NUM>.

As illustrated, the brackets <NUM> are mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM> side-by-side (in a row). In other embodiments, the brackets <NUM> are mounted to the cable clamping area <NUM> and arranged in a plurality of rows.

The cables <NUM> that are managed by the brackets <NUM> can be of various configurations. In the illustrated example, the cables <NUM> include cable tubes or pipes <NUM> which enter or exit the cabinet <NUM> through the cable port area <NUM>. In some embodiments, such tubes <NUM> are flexible and difficult to be held straight. As described herein, the alignment and securing features of the brackets <NUM> enable holding the tubes <NUM> in place.

Various sizes of the tubes <NUM> can be secured to the brackets <NUM>. For example, the tubes <NUM> have a diameter ranging from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Other sizes of the tubes can also be mounted to the brackets <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the cables <NUM> can include fiber optic cables, which includes, for example, cable jackets, cable strength members, and cable containment tubes.

As illustrated, the cables <NUM> (e.g., the tubes <NUM>) can be secured to the brackets <NUM> using a fastening element, such as a tie wrap <NUM>. The tie wrap <NUM> can wrap around the cable <NUM> and the cable retention tab <NUM> together so that the cable <NUM> is abutted at least to the cable retention tab <NUM>, thereby securing the cable <NUM> to the main plate portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a foam tape <NUM> is used to provide additional friction between the cable <NUM> and the tie wrap <NUM>. For example, the foam tape <NUM> is first wrapped around the cable <NUM> and then the tie wrap <NUM> surrounds the foam tape <NUM> to tie the cable <NUM> to the cable retention tab <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example of the cable clamping bracket <NUM>. The cable clamping bracket <NUM> in this example is configured similar to the cable clamping device as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Thus, the same or similar reference numbers are used in this example to the extent possible, and the description thereof is omitted for brevity purposes.

In this example, the bracket <NUM> includes the cable securing devices <NUM> in two rows. Similarly, the bracket <NUM> can include more than two rows of cable securing devices <NUM> in other examples.

In this example, the bracket <NUM> further includes a plurality of strength member fixation holes <NUM>. Where the cables <NUM> include fiber optic cables having strength members, the strength member fixation holes <NUM> can be used to fix strength members of the cables <NUM> while the cable securing devices <NUM> secure the cables <NUM> (i.e., the outer jacket thereof) thereto in the manner described herein. For example, screws can pass through the strength member fixation holes <NUM> and press the strength members of the cables <NUM> against the cable holding plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, a nut can be positioned at the back of the cable holding plate <NUM> and tighten the screw to fasten the strength member. In some embodiments, a fixation bracket can be additional used for strength member fixation.

In some embodiments, the strength member fixation holes <NUM> are aligned with the cable securing devices <NUM> in the cable extension direction D1.

<FIG> illustrates yet another example of the cable clamping bracket <NUM>. The cable clamping bracket <NUM> in this example is configured similar to the cable clamping device as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and/or <FIG>. Thus, the same or similar reference numbers are used in this example to the extent possible, and the description thereof is omitted for brevity purposes.

Each of the cable securing devices <NUM> in this example includes two cable retention tabs <NUM> in each of the openings <NUM>, thereby providing more cable tying positions. As illustrated, the cable <NUM> can be secured to either or both of the two cable retention tabs <NUM> in each opening <NUM> using one or two tie wraps <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the two cable retention tabs <NUM> are arranged to face each other (or oppositely) in the opening <NUM>.

Further, the bracket <NUM> in this example includes the strength member fixation holes <NUM> arranged between two rows of the cable securing devices <NUM>. In some embodiments, the strength member fixation holes <NUM> are aligned with the cable securing devices <NUM> in the cable extension direction D1.

As illustrated, a strength member <NUM> of the cable <NUM> can be fixed to the cable holding plate <NUM> using a screw <NUM> engaged into the strength member fixation hole <NUM>. A strength member fixation bracket <NUM> can be additionally inserted between the screw <NUM> and the cable holding plate <NUM> to help fixing the strength member <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the cable <NUM> is secured to the cable securing device <NUM> in a lower row, and fiber loose tubes <NUM> from the cable <NUM> can be routed to a tube <NUM> that is secured to the cable securing device <NUM> in an upper row. The tube <NUM> can be flexible and similar to the tubes <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can be used to transition the cable to a fiber organizer in the cabinet <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cable clamping bracket (<NUM>) configured to detachably mount to a cable clamping area (<NUM>) in a telecommunications system (<NUM>) the cable clamping bracket including:
a base plate (<NUM>) configured to mount to the cable clamping area; and
a cable holding plate (<NUM>) extending from the base plate and including a plurality of cable clamping structures (<NUM>), wherein the cable holding plate includes a main plate portion (<NUM>) and opposite side portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged to be generally perpendicular to the main plate portion and generally parallel to each other, wherein each of the cable clamping structures includes:
a cable securing device (<NUM>) configured to secure the cable with a tie wrap (<NUM>); and
a cable alignment device (<NUM>) configured to align the cable in a cable extension direction;
wherein each cable clamping structure is configured to retain a cable (<NUM>) thereto; and
wherein the cable alignment device includes grooves (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided in the opposite side portions and configured to at least partially receive the cable.