Patent Description:
The increasing need to manage signal distribution is particularly acute with respect to fiber optic communications. For example, fiber optic communication signals between individual homes and a fiber network may be implemented through an Outside Plant (OSP) terminal, such as a drop box. In such a system, the terminal may couple a high capacity main cable to a multiple of lower capacity cables so that communication signals for each home may be delivered via the corresponding low capacity dedicated cable. In this manner, there is no need to run a high capacity cable to each home. Moreover, the terminal may be constructed so as to allow cables to be easily connected to the terminal and easily disconnected from the terminal, as dictated by circumstance. For instance, if a home's dedicated cable is damaged the cable may be readily disconnected from the terminal and replaced with a new cable.

According to its abstract, <CIT> relates to a modular fiber optic distribution system for enhancing installation flexibility and for facilitating adding components to a terminal housing over time so as to delay cost. The system is configured to allow components (e.g., inserts, add-on modules, etc.) to be readily added to the terminal housing over time to expand capacity, provide upgrades and to provide forward and backward compatibility.

According to its abstract, <CIT> relates to extender ports comprising one or more connection ports with associated securing features and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a shell, a first and second connection port, at least one securing feature passageway, and at least one securing feature. The first and second connection ports are disposed on the extender port and aligned for making an optical connection between external fiber optic connectors inserted into respective connection ports. The securing features are associated with the connection port passageway, and are suitable for retaining and releasing the external fiber optic connectors.

According to its abstract, <CIT> relates generally to fiber wall jacks including connector covers for protecting mating fiber optic connectors or adapters that prevent light emissions from the fiber-optics of the connectors when the adapter is open (i.e., when no mating connector is inserted). The connector covers providing protection of the open end from environmental contamination.

In creating the technology described in this disclosure, it was recognized that a desirable feature of multi-cable terminals is an optimized combination of ease-of-use and component protection. Such optimization is among the advantages of the technology.

In accordance with an aspect of the technology described in this disclosure, a multi-cable terminal according to appended claim <NUM> is provided.

Also, for purposes of clarity not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

Examples of systems and methods are described herein. It should be understood that the words "example" and "exemplary" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. " Any embodiment or feature described herein as being an "example" or "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates.

The example embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

<FIG> is a perspective view, from a first viewpoint, of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and a multiple of sub-structures <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is configured to secure the sub-structures <NUM> and to accommodate a main cable <NUM> and a main cable seal <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view, from a second viewpoint, of the multi-cable terminal <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the sub-structures <NUM> is configured to accommodate a respective one of a multiple of service cables <NUM> and a respective one of a multiple of cable seals <NUM> for the service cables <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the multi-cable terminal <NUM> of <FIG> showing one the sub-structures <NUM> (designated as sub-structure 110a) of the terminal in an open position. As can be seen from <FIG>, the substructure 110a may include a lid <NUM> and a base <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may be movably connected to the base <NUM> by, for example, a hinge <NUM>. The lid <NUM> and base <NUM> together define a sub-enclosure <NUM>, with the sub-enclosure <NUM> configured to accommodate at least an end <NUM> of an internal cable <NUM> and an end <NUM> of the corresponding one of the service cables (designated as service cable 125a). Also, the lid <NUM> and base <NUM> are configured to accommodate a corresponding one the cable seals <NUM> (designated as cable seal 130a) for the service cable 125a.

The sub-enclosure <NUM> is further configured to accommodate a multiple of cable connection elements <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the cable connection elements <NUM> include a first connector <NUM> for the end <NUM> of the internal cable <NUM>, a second connector <NUM> for the end <NUM> of the service cable 125a, and an adaptor <NUM> for coupling the first connector <NUM> to the second connector <NUM>. In this manner, the internal cable <NUM> and service cable 125a may be coupled to one another by way of the first connector <NUM>, second connector <NUM> and adaptor <NUM>.

In addition, the sub-enclosure <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a support member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be used to secure one or more of the cable connection elements <NUM>, e.g., to secure adaptor <NUM>, as shown. Moreover, the support member <NUM> may be movable so that the secured connection elements are movable with the support member <NUM> when the sub-structure 110a is in an open position. For instance, the support member <NUM> may be connected to the sub-enclosure <NUM> by a hinge (not shown). Further, the support member <NUM> may be arranged to move automatically into an exposed position (as shown in <FIG>) when the sub-structure 110a is opened.

Notably, in some embodiments, when the end <NUM> of the internal cable <NUM>, the end <NUM> of the service cable 125a, and the cable connection elements <NUM> are positioned in the sub-enclosure <NUM>, the cable seal 130a of service cable 125a is positioned in the sub-structure 110a, and the lid <NUM> of the sub-structure 110a is closed against the base <NUM> of the sub-structure 110a, a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements <NUM>. Further, a fastener <NUM> may be provided for securing the sub-structure 110a in the closed position. In the <FIG> configuration, the fastener <NUM> is threaded for engagement with a threaded end <NUM> of the sub-structure 110a, and the service cable 125a passes through the fastener <NUM> when the end <NUM> of the service cable 125a is positioned in the sub-enclosure <NUM>, the cable seal 130a of service cable 125a is positioned in the sub-structure 110a, and the sub-structure 110a is secured in the closed position.

Additional views of sub-enclosure 110a are provided in <FIG>, and <FIG>, to be described later.

Referring back to the multi-cable terminal <NUM> in general, each of the sub-structures <NUM> may take the same form as sub-structure 110a. However, it should be noted that it is not necessary for the sub-structures <NUM> to have the same form as each other, or to take the form of sub-structure 110a. For example, the multi-cable terminal <NUM> may include some sub-structures having the form of sub-structure 110a and other sub-structures that take a different form. Or the multi-cable terminal <NUM> may include only sub-structures having a form different from the form of sub-structure 110a.

Turning now to <FIG>, a perspective view is provided showing a main enclosure <NUM> of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> according to an embodiment. The main enclosure <NUM> is formed when the frame <NUM> and sub-structures <NUM> are in a closed position relative to each other, as shown for example, in <FIG>, and may be a watertight enclosure. The depiction of <FIG> is provided for purposes of envisioning the main enclosure <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the main enclosure <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a multiple of internal cables <NUM> and an end <NUM> of main cable <NUM>. According to the claimed invention, internal cables <NUM> may be respectively provided to the sub-enclosures of the sub-structures <NUM> through ports <NUM>, the ports <NUM> being respective parts of the sub-structures <NUM> and including port openings <NUM> and port seals <NUM>. For example, internal cable <NUM> may be provided to sub-enclosure <NUM> of sub-structure 110a via port 220a. According to the claimed invention, the ports <NUM> provide respective watertight seals between the internal cables <NUM> and respective watertight seals between the sub-enclosures and the main enclosure <NUM>. For example, port 220a may provide a watertight seal about internal cable <NUM> and may provide a watertight seal between sub-enclosure <NUM> of sub-structure 110a and main enclosure <NUM>.

As can be further seen from <FIG>, the internal cables <NUM> may be fanned out from the end <NUM> of main cable <NUM>. That is, in some embodiments the main cable <NUM> may be made up of a group of individual cables and the individual cables may be split off from the main cable <NUM> within the main enclosure to form the multiple of internal cables <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the frame <NUM> and sub-structures 110a are permanently or semi-permanently sealed into the closed position relative to each other, as depicted in <FIG>, before the multi-cable terminal <NUM> is deployed. For example, the frame <NUM> and sub-structures 110a may be glued or welded into position, or fixed into position with one or more screws. However, in other embodiments, a multi-cable terminal is formed so that the structure formed by the closed frame and sub-structures is openable so that the main enclosure may be accessed at any time. <FIG> depicts one such embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a main enclosure <NUM> of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> having an openable frame <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the openable frame <NUM> may be made up of a first primary portion <NUM>, a second primary portion <NUM>, and a main cable section <NUM>. The first primary portion <NUM> may be configured to support a first group of sub-structures <NUM>, and the second primary portion may be configured to support a second group of sub-structures <NUM>. By way of example, each of the sub-structures in the first group of sub-structures <NUM>, and each of the sub-structures in the second group of sub-structures <NUM> may be in the form of sub-structure 110a. As can be further seen from the figure, the first primary portion <NUM> and the second primary portion <NUM> may be connected to each other by a hinge <NUM>, and the main cable section <NUM> may be connected to one of the primary portions (primary portion <NUM> in the depicted embodiment) by a hinge <NUM>. When the first primary portion <NUM> and/or second primary portion <NUM> are rotated about hinge <NUM> so that they contact each other, and the main cable section <NUM> is rotated about hinge <NUM> to contact the two primary portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the openable frame <NUM> is in a closed position and a main enclosure <NUM> is defined by first primary portion <NUM>, second primary portion <NUM>, main cable section <NUM>, sub-structures <NUM> and sub-structures <NUM>. Such main enclosure <NUM>, with main cable <NUM> and main cable seal <NUM> positioned in the main cable section, may be a watertight enclosure. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners, such as one or more screws, may be used to hold the openable frame <NUM> in a watertight closed position. Moreover, in the embodiments using one or more screws to hold the openable frame <NUM> in a watertight closed position, gaskets (not shown) may be included between the first primary portion <NUM> and the second primary portion <NUM>, and between the main cable section <NUM> and the first and second primary portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

In further regard to <FIG>, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to including hinge <NUM> and/or hinge <NUM>. The wide range of elements that may be used in lieu of hinge <NUM>, and the wide range of elements that may be used in lieu of hinge <NUM>, will be readily apparent upon reading this description.

Having described some embodiments that appear to have the same overall form factor, it should be noted that the present technology is not limited to such form factor. For example, <FIG> shows a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> which is in accordance with the technology and which can accommodate a larger number of service cables. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that secures a multiple of sub-structures <NUM> and is configured to accommodate a main cable <NUM> and a main cable seal <NUM>. Each of the sub-structures <NUM> is configured to accommodate a respective one of a multiple of service cables <NUM> and a respective one of a multiple of cable seals <NUM> for the service cables <NUM>. As in the embodiments of <FIG>, in the embodiment of <FIG> the sub-structures <NUM> are openable and may define respective sub-enclosures (not shown). Also, as in the case of the embodiments of <FIG>, in the <FIG> embodiment the frame <NUM> and sub-structures <NUM> may define a main enclosure (not shown). In one possible implementation, each of the sub-structures <NUM> have the same form as the sub-structure 110a, although in other implementations all of the sub-structures <NUM> may have a different form than that of sub-structure 110a or some of the sub-structures <NUM> may have a different form than that of sub-structure 110a.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> including an accessory section <NUM>. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that secures a multiple of sub-structures <NUM> and is configured to accommodate a main cable <NUM> and a main cable seal <NUM>. Each of the sub-structures <NUM> is configured to accommodate a respective one of a multiple of service cables <NUM> and a respective one of a multiple of cable seals <NUM> for the service cables <NUM>. As in the embodiments of <FIG>, in the embodiment of <FIG> the sub-structures <NUM> are openable and may define respective sub-enclosures (not shown). Further, the frame <NUM>, accessory section <NUM>, and sub-structures <NUM> may define a main enclosure (not shown). In one possible implementation, each of the sub-structures <NUM> has the same form as that of sub-structure 110a, although in other implementations all of the sub-structures <NUM> may have a different form than that of sub-structure 110a or some of the sub-structures <NUM> may have a different form than that of sub-structure 110a.

The accessory section <NUM> of the <FIG> configuration may include a portion of the main enclosure or may be separated from the main enclosure. In any event, the accessory section <NUM> may provide watertight housing for one or more accessories. By way of illustration, the accessories housed in the accessory section <NUM> may include one or more splitters, splice trays, tap modules, wavelength division multiplexors (WDMs), and/or monitoring systems. For example, the accessory section <NUM> may house a tap module and a monitoring system, with the tap module used to split off a small percentage of signals carried by one of service cables <NUM> and the monitoring system used to analyze the split off portion of a signal. In one such application, the monitoring system may be used to determine the strength of a monitored signal.

<FIG> are perspective views of multi-cable terminals having different main cable accommodations. <FIG> shows a multi-cable terminal <NUM> having a frame <NUM> that includes a less prominent main cable section <NUM> for accommodating a main cable <NUM>. The multi-cabler terminal <NUM> also includes a multiple of sub-structures <NUM> and an accessory section <NUM>. By way of example, the sub-structures <NUM> are illustrated as taking the form of a sub-structure like that illustrated in <FIG> (to be described later). In any event, the frame <NUM>, sub-structures <NUM>, and accessory section <NUM> define a main enclosure (not shown).

<FIG> shows a multi-cable terminal <NUM> having a frame <NUM> accommodating a main cable <NUM> and a main cable seal <NUM>. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes sub-structures <NUM> which are oriented to accommodate a multiple of service cables <NUM> along a first side <NUM> of frame <NUM>. As shown, the main cable <NUM> and main cable seal <NUM> are accommodated on a second side <NUM> of frame <NUM>, with the second side <NUM> being opposite the first side <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of the sub-structure 110a of <FIG> in an open position. Further, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the sub-structure 110a. As can be seen from <FIG>, sub-structure 110a may include an anchoring portion <NUM> made up of an upper cable anchor <NUM> and a lower cable anchor <NUM>. Each of the upper cable anchor <NUM> and lower cable anchor <NUM> may be an integral part of the sub-structure 110a, such as a molded part, or may be removable part. In either case, the anchoring portion <NUM> acts to inhibit movement of service cable 125a, relative to the sub-structure 110a, in a direction along the axis of service cable 125a when the end <NUM> of cable 125a is positioned in the enclosure <NUM> and the sub-structure 110a is closed.

<FIG> also show a hinge <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> movably couples the sub-structure 110a to the frame <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) so that the main enclosure <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) can be accessed by moving the sub-structure 110a about the hinge <NUM>. Notably, hinge <NUM> is distinct from hinge <NUM>, with hinge <NUM> allowing access to the main enclosure <NUM> independent of access to the sub-enclosure <NUM>. Further, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to including a hinge, such as hinge <NUM>. For example, a stopper may be used in lieu of hinge <NUM>, with the stopper functioning to limit movement of the sub-structure 110a relative to the frame <NUM>.

In addition, <FIG> show a gasket <NUM> positioned in the base <NUM> of the sub- structure 110a and a lip <NUM> that is part of the lid <NUM> of the sub-structure 110a. The gasket <NUM> contacts the lip <NUM> and cable seal 130a when the cable seal 130a is positioned in the sub-structure 110a and the sub-structure 110a is in a closed position. Moreover, it is noted that the cable seal 130a may be provided apart from the service cable 125a and placed on service cable 125a, followed by placement of the end <NUM> of service cable 125a in sub-enclosure <NUM> and the placement of the cable seal <NUM> in the sub-structure 110a. It is also noted that the cable seal 130a may be provided with a slit <NUM> to facilitate placement of the cable seal 130a on the service cable 125a. That is, the cable seal 130a may be held in a manner that a gap is created along the slit <NUM>, the service cable 125a placed in the gap and moved toward the center of the cable seal <NUM>, and the cable seal <NUM> released to close the gap.

Another view of sub-structure 110a is shown in <FIG> is a detailed view a portion of the substructure of <FIG>. In <FIG>, a port sealer 224a and a port opening of port 220a can be seen. In some embodiments, the port sealer 224a creates a watertight seal between the port opening 222a and the internal cable <NUM>. In other embodiments, the sealer 224a does not create a watertight seal between the port opening 222a and the internal cable <NUM>, but still serves to hold the end <NUM> of cable <NUM> within enclosure 220A. The sealer 224a may be cylindrically shaped piece of plastic with an O-ring positioned on its outer surface and a hole for allowing the internal cable <NUM> to pass through. In other configurations, the sealer 224a may be a cylindrically shaped piece of rubber having a hole for allowing the internal cable <NUM> to pass through. In still other configurations, the sealer 224a may be poured silicone. An alternative to sub-structure 110a is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a sub-structure <NUM> in an open position. The sub-structure <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> and a base <NUM> and may be employed, for example, as one of the sub-structures <NUM> in the <FIG> embodiment. The sub-structure <NUM> defines an enclosure <NUM>. The sub-enclosure <NUM> is configured to accommodate at least an end <NUM> of internal cable <NUM>, an end <NUM> of a service cable <NUM>, a cable anchor <NUM>, and a cable seal <NUM>. The sub-enclosure <NUM> is further configured to accommodate cable connection elements <NUM> including first connector <NUM> for the end <NUM> of the internal cable <NUM>, second connector <NUM> for the end <NUM> of the service cable <NUM>, and an adaptor <NUM> for coupling the first connector <NUM> to the second connector <NUM>. In this manner, the internal cable <NUM> and service cable <NUM> may be coupled to one another by way of the first connector <NUM>, second connector <NUM> and adaptor <NUM>. In addition, the sub-enclosure <NUM> may be configured to accommodate support member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, when the end <NUM> of the internal cable <NUM>, the end <NUM> of the service cable <NUM>, the cable anchor <NUM> and cable seal <NUM>, and the cable connection elements <NUM> are positioned in the sub-enclosure <NUM>, and the lid <NUM> of the sub-structure <NUM> is closed against the base <NUM> of the sub-structure <NUM>, a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements <NUM>. Further, a fastener <NUM> may be provided for securing the sub-structure <NUM> in the closed position. In the <FIG> configuration, the fastener <NUM> is threaded for engagement with a threaded end <NUM> of the sub-structure <NUM>, and the service cable <NUM> passes through the fastener <NUM> when the end <NUM> of the service cable <NUM> is positioned in the sub-enclosure <NUM> and the sub-structure <NUM> is secured in the closed position.

Notably, the sub-structure <NUM> differs from the sub-structure 110a in that sub-structure <NUM> does not include an anchoring portion like anchoring portion <NUM> of sub-structure 110a. That is, sub-structure <NUM> does not include and anchoring portion that is an integral part or removal part to the sub-structure <NUM>. Rather, cable anchoring is provided in the <FIG> configuration by cable anchor <NUM>, which may be placed onto the service cable <NUM> or may be an integral part of the cable <NUM>. The cable anchor <NUM> is operable to inhibit movement of service cable <NUM>, relative to the sub-structure <NUM>, in a direction along the axis of service cable <NUM> when the end <NUM> of service cable <NUM> and cable anchor are positioned in the enclosure <NUM> and the sub-structure <NUM> is closed.

<FIG> shows sub-structure <NUM> as incorporated into a multi-cable terminal <NUM>. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> and a multiple of sub-structures <NUM>, including sub-structure <NUM>. The frame <NUM> includes a main cable section <NUM> and an accessory section <NUM>. The sub-structures <NUM> are configured to accommodate respective service cables <NUM>, including service cable <NUM>. The main cable section <NUM> is configured to accommodate a main cable <NUM> and a main cable seal <NUM>. The accessory section <NUM>, by way of example, may house one or more accessories such as one or more splitters, splice trays, tap modules, wavelength division multiplexors (WDMs), and/or monitoring systems. For example, the accessory section <NUM> may house a tap module and a monitoring system, with the tap module used to split off a small percentage of signals carried by one of service cables <NUM> and the monitoring system used to analyze the split off portion of a signal.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a sub-structure <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment. The sub-structure <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> and a base <NUM> and is configured to accommodate a service cable <NUM> and a cable seal <NUM>. The sub-structure <NUM> is shown in the closed position. To secure the sub-structure <NUM> in the closed position a hose clamp <NUM> is tightened about an unthreaded end <NUM> of the sub-structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the hose clamp <NUM> demonstrates an alternative type of fastener that may be used to secure closure of the sub-structures of the present technology. For example, the hose clamp <NUM> and unthreaded end <NUM> may be used in lieu of the fastener <NUM> and threaded end <NUM> of the <FIG>, or the fastener <NUM> and threaded end <NUM> of <FIG>. Further, it should be noted that a wide range of possible configurations for securing closure of the sub-structures are not explicitly described in this description but will be readily appreciated in view of this description.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> according to an embodiment. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> having a primary section <NUM> and an openable main cable section <NUM>, and a multiple of sub-structures <NUM>. The openable main cable section <NUM> is configured to accommodate a main cable <NUM> and a main cable seal <NUM>. The sub-structures <NUM> are configured to accommodate respective ones of service cables <NUM>. The frame <NUM> and sub-structures <NUM> define a main enclosure <NUM> when they are closed relative to one another, with the openable main cable section <NUM> defining a main sub-enclosure <NUM> portion of the main enclosure. More specifically, the main enclosure <NUM> is formed when the sub-structures <NUM> are in a closed position relative to the primary section <NUM> and the openable main cable section <NUM> is closed relative to the primary section <NUM>. Notably, the main enclosure <NUM> may be a watertight enclosure.

The multi-cable terminal <NUM> is configured so that the openable main-cable section <NUM> is readily openable and re-closable when the main-cable terminal <NUM> is deployed in the field. In this regard, the multi-cable terminal <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM>, a gasket <NUM>, and fastening points <NUM>. The openable main cable section <NUM> may be closed against the primary section <NUM> by moving the openable main cable section <NUM> about the hinge <NUM> to contact the gasket <NUM>. Further, the openable main cable section <NUM> may be secured in the closed position my inserting fasteners, such as screws, into the fastening points <NUM>. Accordingly, the openable main cable section <NUM> may be readily opened by loosening or removing the fasteners.

Also shown in <FIG> is an alternative internal cabling structure. In the <FIG> embodiment, the multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes an internal distribution cable <NUM> from which a multiple of internal cables (not shown) are fanned out. In the depicted configuration, the fanning out is implemented within the primary section <NUM>, although other implementations are possible, such as fanning out the internal cables in the openable main cable section <NUM>. In any event, the main sub-enclosure <NUM> is configured to accommodate an end <NUM> of the internal distribution cable <NUM>, a first connector <NUM> (e.g., a Multi-fiber Push On, MPO, connector) for the end <NUM> of the internal distribution cable <NUM>, an end <NUM> of the main cable <NUM>, a second connector <NUM> (e.g., an MPO connector) for the end <NUM> of the main cable <NUM>, and an adaptor <NUM> (e.g., an MPO adaptor). As shown, the first connector <NUM> and second connector <NUM> may be plugged into the adaptor <NUM> to communicatively couple the main cable <NUM> to the internal distribution cable <NUM>. As also shown, when the end <NUM> of the main cable 925is positioned in the main sub-enclosure <NUM>, the main cable seal is positioned in the openable main cable section <NUM>, and the openable main cable section <NUM> is in the closed position, a seal is created around the end <NUM> of the main cable <NUM>, the first connector <NUM>, the second connector <NUM>, and the adaptor <NUM>. Notably, such seal may be a watertight seal.

Having described several multi-cable terminal embodiments with frames having a distinct main cable section, it is noted that the present technology does not require a frame having a distinct main cable section.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a multi-cable terminal <NUM> of an embodiment that does not include a distinct main cable section. The multi-cable terminal <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> made up of a first frame portion <NUM> and a second frame portion <NUM>, and a multiple of sub-structures <NUM>. The sub-structures <NUM> are configured to accommodate respective ones of service cables <NUM>. By way of example, each of sub-structures <NUM> may be in the form of sub-structure 110a, although the sub-structures <NUM> are not limited to the form of sub-structure 110a. The sub-structures <NUM> may include some sub-structures having the form of sub-structure 110a and other sub-structures that take a different form. Or the sub-structures <NUM> may include only sub-structures having a form different from the form of sub-structure 110a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the multi-cable terminal <NUM> of <FIG> with the frame <NUM> in an open position. As can be seen from <FIG>, the first frame portion <NUM> may be configured to support a first group of sub-structures <NUM> from among sub-structures <NUM>, and the second frame portion <NUM> may be configured to support a second group of sub-structures <NUM> from among sub-structures <NUM>. By way of example, each of the sub-structures in the first group of sub-structures <NUM>, and each of the sub-structures in the second group of sub-structures <NUM> may be in the form of sub-structure 110a. As can be further seen from <FIG>, the first frame portion <NUM> and the second frame portion <NUM> may be connected to each other by a hinge <NUM>, and when the first frame portion <NUM> and/or second frame portion <NUM> are rotated about hinge <NUM> so that they contact each other, the frame <NUM> is in a closed position and a main enclosure <NUM> is defined by first frame portion <NUM>, second frame portion <NUM>, and sub-structures <NUM>. Such main enclosure <NUM> may be a watertight enclosure. Further, in some embodiments, the frame <NUM> and sub-structures <NUM> may be held in a watertight closed position by one or more types of fastening, including, for example, screwing, gluing, and welding.

In the configuration of <FIG>, one of the service cables <NUM> may function as a main cable. For purposes of illustration, <FIG> shows an embodiment in which service cable 1025a functions as a main cable. As can be seen from <FIG>, service cable 1025a is accommodated by a sub-structure 1035a of the second group of sub-structures <NUM>. In a sub-enclosure (not shown) of sub-structure 1035a the service cable 1025a is coupled to an internal cable <NUM> in a manner such as the manner in which service cable 125a is coupled to internal cable <NUM> (see e.g., <FIG>). The internal cable <NUM> is passed between a sub-enclosure (not shown) of sub-structure 1035a and the main enclosure <NUM> via a port <NUM> of sub-structure 1035a. In the main enclosure <NUM>, the internal cable <NUM> is coupled to a connecting module <NUM>. The connecting module <NUM> couples the internal cable <NUM> to other internal cables <NUM>, with the other internal cables <NUM> being respectively passed to sub-enclosures (not shown) of the other sub-structures <NUM>, i.e., the substructures <NUM> other than sub-structure 1035a. In this manner the service cable 1025a is communicatively coupled with the other service cables <NUM>, i.e., the service cables <NUM> other than service cable 1025a. The connecting module <NUM> may be, for example, a splitter, a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) module, a tap module, a monitoring system, or a fan-out assembly, with a fan-out assembly being particularly applicable when the service cable 1025a is a multi-fiber cable.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment employing a connecting module feature. <FIG> shows a multi-cable terminal <NUM> including a frame <NUM>, sub-structures <NUM>, and an accessory section <NUM>, with the frame <NUM> shown in an open position. The frame <NUM> is made up of a first frame portion <NUM>, a second frame portion <NUM>, and a main cable section <NUM>. The sub-structures <NUM> are configured to accommodate respective ones of service cables <NUM>. By way of example, each of sub-structures <NUM> may be in the form of sub-structure 110a, although the sub-structures <NUM> are not limited to the form of sub-structure 110a. The sub-structures <NUM> may include some sub-structures having the form of sub-structure 110a and other sub-structures that take a different form. Or the sub-structures <NUM> may include only sub-structures having a form different from the form of sub-structure 110a.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the first frame portion <NUM> may be configured to support the sub-structures <NUM>, and the second frame portion defines the accessory section <NUM>. As can be further seen from the figure, the first frame portion <NUM> and the second frame portion <NUM> may be connected to each other by a hinge <NUM>, and the main cable section <NUM> may be connected to one of the frame portions (first frame portion <NUM> in the depicted embodiment) by a hinge <NUM>. When the first frame portion <NUM> and/or second frame portion <NUM> are rotated about hinge <NUM> so that they contact each other, and the main cable section <NUM> is rotated about hinge <NUM> to contact the two frame portions <NUM> and <NUM>, the frame <NUM> is in a closed position and a main enclosure <NUM> is defined by first frame portion <NUM>, second frame portion <NUM>, main cable section <NUM>, and sub-structures <NUM>. Such main enclosure <NUM>, with a main cable <NUM> and main cable seal <NUM> positioned in the main cable section, may be a watertight enclosure. In some embodiments, the frame <NUM> and sub-structures <NUM> may be held in a watertight closed position by one or more types of fastening, including, for example, screwing, gluing, and welding. Further, it should be noted that the multi-cable terminal <NUM> need not include hinge <NUM> or hinge <NUM>. For example, the first frame portion <NUM>, second frame portion <NUM>, main cable section <NUM>, and sub-structures <NUM> may be positioned without the use of hinges <NUM> and <NUM> and then glued or welded into place, or fixed into place with one or more screws.

Claim 1:
A multi-cable terminal (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of sub-structures (<NUM>), each of the sub-structures (<NUM>) defining a sub-enclosure (<NUM>) and
being openable independent of the other sub-structures (<NUM>) to provide access to the sub-enclosure (<NUM>); and
a frame (<NUM>) that secures the plurality of sub-structures (<NUM>) such that the frame (<NUM>) and sub-structures (<NUM>) define a main enclosure (<NUM>),
wherein each of the sub-enclosures is configured to accommodate at least an end of an internal cable (<NUM>, <NUM>), an end of a service cable (125a), and a plurality of cable connection elements (<NUM>),
such that when the end of the internal cable (<NUM>), the end of the service cable (125a), and the cable connection elements (<NUM>) are positioned in the sub-enclosure (<NUM>) and a cable seal (130a) for the service cable (125a) is positioned in the corresponding sub-structure, a watertight seal is created around the cable connection elements (<NUM>) when the corresponding sub-structure is closed,
wherein each of the plurality of sub-structures (<NUM>) comprises a port (220a), which port
comprises a port opening (222a) and a port seal (<NUM>), and wherein, for each sub-structure, the port is configured such that the internal cable (<NUM>) may be provided to the sub-enclosure (<NUM>) of the sub-structure through the port (220a), the port providing a watertight seal between the internal cable (<NUM>) and the sub-structure and a watertight seal between the sub-enclosure (<NUM>) and the main enclosure (<NUM>).