Patent Description:
A FTTH ("Fiber To The Home") network is an optical access network providing a number of end customers with broadband communication services from operators, i.e. with services requiring data transmission at a very high rate, for example of some Mbit/s.

Typically, a FTTH network comprises a termination box or cabinet which cooperates with an access network and which is typically located in the basement of the building where the end users reside. An optical trunk cable, hereinafter referred to as "riser cable", exits the termination box and runs through the building from the basement up to all the building floors.

At each floor of the building, the riser cable may be optically connected to one or more optical cables, hereinafter referred to as "drop cables". Each drop cable typically terminates at its far end into a respective customer optical termination box located within or in proximity of the apartment or office of an end user.

There is a demand from end users for thinner optical termination boxes having reduced thickness, comparable with the thickness of power sockets. Typically, even if a reduced thickness of the optical termination box is provided, the connection element to the wall mounting element affects increases the thickness of the optical termination box projecting from the wall. Furthermore, after attaching the connection element to the wall mounting element, installation operations of the optical termination box are difficult since screws or other attaching members are needed.

<CIT> disclose a switchgear having a projecting part on a fixing plate of an embedded part carried out by an intermediary of a mounting clamp with elastic deformation, of the projecting part. The projecting part penetrates into a corresponding opening of the plate. The clamp equipped with a blocking unit in assembled position forms a theft-prevention device.

<CIT> discloses a universal bracket provided for mounting electrical boxes. The bracket includes a generally rectangular first plate having at least one aperture defined within the first plate. The aperture is shaped to provide access to an electrical box mounted to the first plate, and further includes first and second pairs of diagonally opposite corners. A second plate extends rearward and substantially perpendicular to the first plate and located proximate a first side of the aperture. The first plate further includes one or more fastening portions and a plurality of mounting holes disposed about the fastening portions. One or more of the mounting holes are positioned for mounting the bracket to a vertical structural member adjacent either of two opposite sides of the bracket or a horizontal element adjacent a third side of the bracket, maintaining a particular bracket orientation.

<CIT> discloses a support for an electrical box having a returning unit e.g. spring-blade, for returning a claw into a retracted position. The frame of the support comprises a return unit, which has an opening through which a screw is engaged. The returning unit comprises a mounting portion, which is movably mounted relative to the frame between a nut and the returning unit. The returning unit comprises an actuating portion e.g. branch, which cooperates with the claw to bring the claw into the retracted position during unscrewing of the screw.

Further support devices for attaching an optical termination box to a wall mounting element are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

The above mentioned support devices increase the overall thickness of an optical termination box connected thereto.

The Applicant has tackled the problem of providing a support device capable of attaching an optical termination box to different types of wall mounting elements, while keeping the thickness of the optical termination box projecting from the wall mounting element as small as possible.

The Applicant has found that a removable attachment between the optical termination box and the wall mounting element is achieved by providing a support device with a resilient deformable frame.

Therefore, the present invention relates to a support device for attaching an optical termination box to a wall mounting element according to claim <NUM>.

The second attachment members are configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable portion. In detail, the first and second attachment members moves in antagonist way upon application of forces on the walls. Preferably, the frame has a lower portion configured to be arranged adjacent to the wall mounting element, when the frame is attached to the wall mounting element, the frame has an upper portion configured to be arranged adjacent to the optical termination box, when the frame is attached to the optical termination box.

Preferably, the first attachment members are formed on the upper portion of the frame, the second attachment members are formed on the lower portion of the frame.

The at least one wall is resiliently deformable.

Preferably, the frame has a plurality of resiliently deformable walls defining the opening.

Preferably, the first attachment members comprise first protrusions formed on opposite first portions of the frame, the first portions being spaced apart along a first direction passing through the frame, the second attachment members comprise second protrusions formed on opposite second portions of the frame, the second portions being spaced apart along a second direction passing through the frame and transversal to the first direction.

Preferably, the frame is configured to reversibly switch between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the frame is configured to switch from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration upon application of forces on the walls of the frame, the frame is configured to switch back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration upon release of the forces.

Preferably, the first attachment members are configured to engage a portion of the optical termination box when the frame is in undeformed configuration, engage a remaining portion of the optical termination box when the frame switches from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration, and attach the frame to the optical termination box when the first attachment members engage respective portions of the optical termination box and the frame switches back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration.

Preferably, the second attachment members are configured to engage attaching portions of the wall mounting element when the frame switches from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration, and to attach the frame to the wall mounting element when the frame switches back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration.

Preferably, the second attachment members are configured to engage a portion of the wall mounting element when the frame is in undeformed configuration, engage a remaining portion of the wall mounting element when the frame switches from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration, and attach the frame to the wall mounting element when the second attachment members engage respective portions of the wall mounting element and the frame switches back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an optical termination assembly comprising an optical termination box, a wall mounting element, and a support device according to anyone of claims <NUM>-<NUM> attached to the optical termination box and the wall mounting element.

Preferably, the wall mounting element comprises a wallbox embedded in a wall, the wallbox having mounting members, the support device comprises third attachment members formed on the frame to attach the frame to the wallbox through fastening members attaching the third attachment members to the mounting members of the wallbox.

Preferably, the wall mounting element comprises a rail extending along a longitudinal axis, the rail having attaching portions coupled with the second attachment members for removably attaching the frame to the rail.

The present invention will now be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments of the invention are shown.

<FIG> shows an optical termination assembly <NUM> comprising an optical termination box <NUM>, a wall mounting element and a support device <NUM> configured to attach the optical termination box <NUM> to the wall mounting element.

The optical termination box <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> having connecting portions adjacent to the support device <NUM> when the optical termination box <NUM> is attached to the support device <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> removably attached to the base <NUM>.

According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the wall mounting element comprises a wallbox <NUM> mounted in a wall and having mounting members <NUM> for removably attaching the support device <NUM> to the wallbox <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a wall mounting element and a support device <NUM> configured to attach an optical termination box, such as the optical termination box <NUM> of <FIG>, to the wall mounting element. According to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the wall mounting element comprises a rail <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis Z-Z and having attaching portions <NUM> for removably attaching the support device <NUM> to the rail <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the support device <NUM> comprises a frame <NUM> and attachment members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> projecting from the frame <NUM> to attach the frame <NUM> to the optical termination box <NUM> and to the wall mounting element.

The attachment members comprise first attachment members <NUM> configured to attach the frame <NUM> to the optical termination box <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the attachment members comprise second attachment members <NUM> configured to attach the frame <NUM> to the rail <NUM>.

According to an alternative embodiment, the attachment members comprise third attachment members <NUM> configure to attach the frame <NUM> to the wallbox <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment members comprise the second attachment members <NUM> and the third attachment members <NUM> so that the frame <NUM> can be attached to different types of wall mounting elements respectively through the second attachment members <NUM> or the third attachment members <NUM>. With this arrangement, the support device <NUM> increases the mounting flexibility for the operator.

The frame <NUM> has a plurality of walls <NUM> and the attachment members project from the walls <NUM>. The walls <NUM> define an opening <NUM> and surround the opening <NUM>.

Preferably, the frame <NUM> has a lower portion 2a configured to be arranged adjacent to the rail <NUM>, when the frame <NUM> is attached to the rail <NUM>. Moreover, the frame <NUM> has an upper portion 2b configured to be arranged adj acent to the optical termination box <NUM>, when the frame <NUM> is attached to the optical termination box <NUM>.

The lower portion 2a and the upper portion 2b define respectively a lower port 3a and an upper port 3b and the opening <NUM> extends between the lower port 3a and the upper port 3b along a longitudinal direction A-A. Preferably, lower portions 3c of the walls <NUM> and upper portions 3d of the walls <NUM> define respectively the lower port 3a and the upper port 3b. More preferably, the walls <NUM> extends along the longitudinal direction A-A between the respective lower portions 3c and upper portions 3d.

According to one embodiment, the first attachment members <NUM> are formed on the upper portion 2b of the frame <NUM> and the second attachment members <NUM> are formed on the lower portion 2a of the frame <NUM>. The second attachment members <NUM> formed on the lower portion 2a of the frame <NUM> are configured to attach the frame <NUM> to the rail <NUM> of <FIG>.

Preferably, the frame <NUM> has opposite first portions <NUM> spaced apart along a first direction X-X passing through the frame <NUM>. Moreover, the frame <NUM> has second portions <NUM> spaced apart along a second direction Y-Y passing through the frame <NUM> and transversal to the first direction X-X. Namely, first portions <NUM> are alternated to second portions <NUM> along the frame <NUM>.

Preferably, the first attachment members <NUM> comprise first protrusions 6a formed on opposite first portions <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and the second attachment members <NUM> comprise second protrusions 7a formed on opposite second portions <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

Preferably, each first protrusion 6a projects from the walls <NUM> and comprises a first part 6b projecting away from the opening <NUM> along a first direction parallel to the longitudinal direction A-A and a second part 6c, joined to the first part 6b, projecting outwardly along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. More preferably, each first protrusion 6a is L-shaped and extends between a first end portion attached to the wall <NUM> and a second free end portion. The second free end portions are removably attachable to the connecting portions of the optical termination box <NUM>.

Preferably, each second protrusion 7a projects from the walls <NUM> towards the opening <NUM>. Each second protrusion 7a has a tooth configured to engage with the attaching portions <NUM> of the rail <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the third attachment members <NUM> are formed on the frame <NUM> to attach the frame <NUM> to the wallbox <NUM> through fastening members, for example screws (not shown in the figures). Preferably, the third attachment members <NUM> comprise wings 8a which protrude from the walls <NUM> towards the opening <NUM>, more preferably along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction A-A and are provided with openings 8b for passage of fastening members.

Preferably, the second attachment members <NUM> are formed on the lower portion 2a and the third attachment members <NUM> are formed on the upper portion 2b.

According to one embodiment, the first attachment members <NUM> and the third attachment members <NUM> project from the upper portion 2b of the frame in order to install the optical termination box <NUM> flush with the wall when the frame is inserted in the wallbox <NUM>.

At least one wall <NUM> has a resiliently deformable portion which allows the deformation the frame <NUM> for facilitating the attachment of the optical termination box <NUM> and the wall mounting element to the support device <NUM>. At least one wall <NUM> is resiliently deformable. Preferably, resilient deformability of the deformable portions and the deformable walls <NUM> is obtained by choosing a resilient material for the walls <NUM> or controlling the thickness of the walls <NUM> during the moulding process.

According to the invention shown in the <FIG>, the frame <NUM> is resiliently deformable upon application of forces on the wall <NUM>. Preferably, the walls <NUM> are mutually connected. More preferably, each wall <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is resilient deformable. Even more preferably, the frame <NUM> comprises at least four walls and even more preferably eight walls.

The first attachment members <NUM> are configured to engage at least a portion of the optical termination box <NUM> and to attach the frame <NUM> to the optical termination box <NUM>. The second attachment members <NUM> and the third attachment members <NUM> are configured to engage at least a portion of the wall mounting element and to attach the frame <NUM> to the wall mounting element.

The first attachment members <NUM> are configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the deformable portions of the walls <NUM>. The second attachment members <NUM> are also configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable portions of the walls <NUM>.

According to one embodiment, the frame <NUM> is configured to reversibly switch between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration. Specifically, the frame <NUM> is configured to switch from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration upon application of forces on the walls <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and to switch back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration upon release of the forces.

The first attachment members <NUM> and the second attachment members <NUM> are movable in antagonist way upon application of forces on the walls <NUM>.

In particular, application of compression forces on the walls <NUM> along the first direction X-X causes deformation of the frame <NUM> and mutual moving apart of the second portions <NUM> along the second direction Y-Y and mutual approaching of the first portions <NUM> along the first direction X-X. Application of a compression forces on the walls <NUM> along the second direction Y-Y causes deformation of the frame <NUM> and mutual moving apart of the first portions <NUM> along the first direction X-X and mutual approaching of the second portions <NUM> along the second direction Y-Y. Moreover, the application of extension forces on the wall <NUM> along the first direction X-X causes deformation of the frame <NUM> and mutual moving apart of the first portion <NUM> along the first direction X-X and the mutual approaching of the second portion <NUM> along the second direction Y-Y.

In detail, the mutual moving apart of the first opposite portion <NUM> along the first direction X-X causes the mutual approach of the second attachment members <NUM> along the first direction X-X and the mutual moving apart of the second attachment members <NUM> along the first direction X-X.

With reference to <FIG>, the support device <NUM> is attached to the wallbox <NUM> having a cavity with a specific shape for example a rectangular shape or octagonal shape. Specifically, the frame <NUM> is at least partially inserted in the cavity of the wallbox <NUM>. According to one embodiment, the operator firstly attaches the third attachment members <NUM> to the mounting members <NUM> of the wallbox <NUM> through the fastening members, for example screws (not shown in the figures). Due to the fastening of the third attachment member <NUM>, deformation of the walls <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is limited by the shape of the wallbox <NUM>.

After attachment of the support device <NUM> to the wallbox <NUM>, the walls <NUM> can be deformed in order to attach the optical termination box <NUM> to the wallbox <NUM>. Specifically, the frame <NUM> is configured to engage at least one connecting portion of the optical termination box <NUM>, and then the walls <NUM> can be deformed in order to engage the remaining connecting portions of the optical termination box <NUM>.

Preferably, the first attachment members <NUM> formed on one of the first portions <NUM> are configured to engage corresponding connecting portions of the optical termination box <NUM>. Then, upon application of a force on the termination box <NUM> along the first direction X-X, the first attachment members <NUM> engaged with the optical termination box <NUM> approach the first attachment members <NUM> formed on the opposite first portions <NUM>. Mutual approaching of the first attachment members <NUM> allows to engage the first attaching members <NUM> formed on the opposite first portions <NUM> with corresponding connecting portions of the optical termination box <NUM>. After the engagement of the connecting portions of the optical termination box <NUM> with the first attachment members <NUM> on both first opposite portions <NUM>, the applied force is released and the frame <NUM> switches back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration. Specifically, upon release the forces, the optical termination box <NUM> becomes attached to the frame <NUM> through the first attachment members <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the support device <NUM> is mounted on the rail <NUM>, preferably a DIN rail.

According to a first embodiment, the operator can deform the frame <NUM> applying compression forces on the opposite second portions <NUM> along the second direction Y-Y. With this compression, the frame <NUM> switches from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration in which the second attachment members <NUM> are mutually approached along the second direction Y-Y and mutually moved apart along the first direction X-X. Specifically, the deformed configuration of the frame <NUM> allows the engagement of all second attachment members <NUM> with the respective connecting portions <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. More in detail, the frame <NUM> in the deformed configuration is arranged on the rail <NUM> with the second attachment members <NUM> at the respective connecting portions <NUM>. Then, upon positioning the frame <NUM> on the rail <NUM> and following releasing of forces, the frame <NUM> switches back from the deformed configuration to the undeformed configuration attaching the second attachment members <NUM> to connecting portions <NUM> of the rail <NUM> thereby attaching the frame <NUM> to the rail <NUM>.

According to a second embodiment, the operator can engage the second attachment members <NUM> formed on two opposite second portions <NUM> with a connecting portion <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. Then upon application of forces along the first direction X-X, the frame <NUM> switches from the undeformed configuration to the deformed configuration in which the second attachment members <NUM> are approached along the second direction Y-Y and moved apart along the first direction X-X. Consequently, the deformed configuration allows the second attachment members <NUM> formed on the opposite second portions <NUM> to respectively engage with the opposite connecting portions <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. When the second attachment members <NUM> are engaged with the respective connecting portion <NUM> of the rail <NUM>, the applied force is released and the frame <NUM> switches back from the deformed to the undeformed configuration attaching the support device <NUM> to the rail <NUM>.

After the attachment of the support device <NUM> to the rail <NUM>, the frame <NUM> is further deformed in order to attach the optical termination box <NUM> to the support device <NUM>.

According to a first embodiment, the optical termination box <NUM> can be attached to the frame <NUM> as disclosed with reference to the attachment of the optical termination box <NUM> to the wallbox <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A support device (<NUM>) for attaching an optical termination box (<NUM>) to a wall mounting element (<NUM>, <NUM>), the support device comprising:
- a frame (<NUM>) having one or more walls (<NUM>), the walls (<NUM>) defining an opening (<NUM>) and surrounding the opening (<NUM>);
- attachment members projecting from the frame (<NUM>) and comprising first attachment members (<NUM>) configured to attach the frame (<NUM>) to the optical termination box (<NUM>) and second attachment members (<NUM>) configured to attach the frame (<NUM>) to the wall mounting element (<NUM>, <NUM>),
characterised in that:
- at least one wall (<NUM>) has a resiliently deformable portion; and
- the first attachment members (<NUM>) are configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable portion;
- the second attachment members (<NUM>) are configured to mutually move upon resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable portion;
- the first attachment members (<NUM>) and the second attachment members (<NUM>) move in antagonist way upon application of forces on the walls (<NUM>)