Patent Description:
Fiber optic networks utilize fiber optic cables that often require optical fiber splicing and storage. Typically, as is disclosed in <CIT> one or more feeder cables from a service provider enter a telecommunications closure for splicing with one or more distribution cables. A plurality of splice trays store the splices inside the telecommunications closure. The one or more distribution cables exit the telecommunications closure to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities to one or more subscriber locations.

This disclosure relates generally to devices used in the telecommunications industry. More particularly, this disclosure relates to devices for routing optical fibers inside a telecommunications closure.

One aspect relates to a cable guide for a telecommunications closure as specified in claim <NUM>.

Another aspect relates to a telecommunications closure as specified in claim <NUM>.

Another aspect relates to a method of routing cables as specified in claim <NUM>.

In one example embodiment of the cable guide, one or more of the openings can be initially closed, and selectively opened, as desired. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the openings can be initially open, and selectively closed, as desired.

Another aspect relates to a cable guide including an arcuate pathway positioned along a minor side of the cable guide.

The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of the described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

<FIG> and <FIG> are isometric and front views, respectively, of a panel <NUM> of a telecommunications closure. The telecommunications closure houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The panel <NUM> includes one or more projecting edges <NUM> that support attachment to additional panels of the telecommunications closure. The additional panels such as side panels, top and bottom panels, front panel, door panel, etc. are not shown.

It is contemplated that the telecommunications closure including the panel <NUM> can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. For example, in some embodiments, the panel <NUM> can be mounted upside down relative to the orientation shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some further embodiments, the panel <NUM> can be mounted horizontally. Thus, references to orientation including above, below, up, down, left side, right side, and the like are relative.

The panel <NUM> includes a cable entry portion <NUM> next to one or more connector ports in the closure. The connector ports receive one or more fiber optic cables including feeder cables and distribution cables that run inside and outside of the telecommunications closure.

In the example depicted in the figures, the panel <NUM> includes a first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> and a second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the panel <NUM> may include only one column of groove plates. In further embodiments, the panel <NUM> may include more than two columns of groove plates such as three or more columns.

As shown in <FIG>, the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> each include a plurality of groove plates <NUM>. In some embodiments, the groove plates <NUM> are similar to the groove plates described in <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG>, each groove plate <NUM> holds a plurality of trays <NUM>. Each tray <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the groove plates <NUM>. Each tray <NUM> can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays <NUM> held by the groove plates <NUM> include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

In some examples, the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> holds a first type of tray while the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> holds a second type of tray that is different from the first type of tray. In alternative examples, the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> each hold the same type of tray. In further examples, the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> each hold a plurality of different types of trays.

In one example, one column of groove plates <NUM> holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing incoming cables such as feeder cables from a service provider while the other column of groove plates <NUM> holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing outgoing cables such as distribution cables routed to one or more subscriber locations.

The panel <NUM> includes one or more apertures <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> includes a tab <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tabs <NUM> have a substantially "T" shape. One or more clamps <NUM> are attachable to the tabs <NUM> to fix one or more cables to the panel <NUM>. The one or more clamps <NUM> can be in the form of a hose clamp, zip tie, clip, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more clamps <NUM> slide over the tabs <NUM>. In other embodiments, the clamps <NUM> clip onto the tabs <NUM>. The one or more clamps <NUM> can help to position one or more cables from the cable entry portion <NUM> toward the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>.

Funnels <NUM> direct the one or more cables from the cable entry portion <NUM> toward the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. Also, the funnels <NUM> can direct one or more cables from the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> toward the cable entry portion <NUM>. The funnels <NUM> are attached to the panel <NUM> by a plate shaped elbow <NUM>. A funnel <NUM> is positioned above each side of each column of groove plates <NUM>.

Below the funnels <NUM> are grooves <NUM> positioned on each side of the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> guide one or more cables between the funnels <NUM> and cable managers <NUM>. For example, the grooves <NUM> can guide one or more cables from the funnels <NUM> toward the cable managers <NUM>. Also, the grooves <NUM> can guide one or more cables from the cable managers <NUM> toward the funnels <NUM>. In the depicted example, the cable managers <NUM> are positioned above the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. Alternatively, the cable managers <NUM> can be positioned below the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. The cable managers <NUM> each have a removable cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed front view of the panel <NUM> showing the cable managers <NUM> without the removable covers <NUM>. <FIG> is an isometric rear view of the panel <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, each cable manager <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> that provides access from a front portion to a rear portion of the panel <NUM>. The apertures <NUM> enable the one or more cables to go from the front portion to the rear portion of the panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the telecommunications closure can include a second panel behind the panel <NUM> such that one or more cables can be routed through the aperture <NUM> to the second panel.

Each cable manager <NUM> includes one or more spools <NUM>. The spools <NUM> can be used to route cables between opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of a column of groove plates <NUM>. Also, the spools <NUM> can be used to change the direction of the cables. In some examples, excess cable can be looped around the spools <NUM> for storage. Outlets <NUM> on opposite sides of the cable managers <NUM> guide the cables to one side (e.g., left or right side) of a first groove plate in a column of groove plates. A plurality of tabs <NUM> manage the cables inside the cable managers <NUM> such as around the spools <NUM> and in the outlets <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed front view of a bottom portion of the panel <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a first cable guide 200a and a second cable guide 200b are attached to the panel <NUM> below the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the first cable guide 200a and a second cable guide 200b are attached to the panel <NUM> above the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are attached to the panel <NUM> by one or more fasteners <NUM> including rivets, screws, and the like. In other embodiments, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are attached to the panel <NUM> by a snap-fit. The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b can be molded from plastic or similar material.

The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are mirrored parts and share the same features. In a preferred embodiment, the panel <NUM> includes both the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments the panel <NUM> may include only one of the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b. Additionally, it is contemplated that the panel <NUM> may include three or more cable guides.

The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a smooth transition for cables <NUM> from at least one of the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. In some examples, a single cable guide 200a, 200b can provide a transition for cables from one of the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> to another portion of the panel <NUM>. In such examples, the single cable guide 200a, 200b eliminates a stepped transition for the cables from the groove plates <NUM> to the other portion of the panel <NUM>.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a smooth transition for cables between the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> such that cables can smoothly transition from the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> to the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>, or alternatively, from the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> to the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a first side of the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> is labeled "A", a second side of the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> is labeled "B", a first side of the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> is labeled "C", and a second side of the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> is labeled "D". The first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a plurality of fiber routing options for cables <NUM> between the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b provide a plurality of fiber routing options for cables <NUM> including, but not limited to, fiber routing options between (<NUM>) A-A; (<NUM>) A-B; (<NUM>) B-A; (<NUM>) A-C; (<NUM>) C-A; (<NUM>) A-D; (<NUM>) D-A; (<NUM>) B-B; (<NUM>) B-C; (<NUM>) C-B; (<NUM>) B-D; (<NUM>) D-B; (<NUM>) C-C; (<NUM>) C-D; (<NUM>) D-C; and (<NUM>) D-D.

<FIG>, <FIG> are isometric, front, and top views of the first cable guide 200a. The first cable guide 200a includes a first opening 202a to receive one or more cables <NUM> from the first side of the first column <NUM> of groove plates (labeled "A" in <FIG>), a second opening 202b to receive one or more cables <NUM> from the second side of the first column <NUM> of groove plates (labeled "B" in <FIG>), and a third opening 204a to transfer and/or receive one or more cables <NUM>. For example, the third opening 204a transfers one or more cables <NUM> from the first cable guide 200a to the second cable guide 200b. In another example, the third opening 204a receives one or more cables <NUM> from the second cable guide 200b or from elsewhere on the panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first opening 202a is on a first side <NUM> of the first cable guide 200a, and the second opening 202b is opposite the first opening 202a on the first side <NUM>. The third opening 204a is on a second side <NUM> that is orthogonal to the first side <NUM>.

Additionally, the first cable guide 200a includes a projection <NUM> on the second side <NUM>. The third opening 204a is at a distal end of the projection <NUM>. In some examples, the projection <NUM> extends in a direction parallel to the first side <NUM>. In some further examples, a transition <NUM> between the second side <NUM> and the projection <NUM> is curved such that cables routed between the second opening 202b and the third opening 204a have a smooth transition without any sharp turns or bends that can damage the optical fibers within the cables.

The first cable guide 200a includes one or more arcuate features 140a, 140b that project from a base <NUM> of the cable guide to define cable passageways inside the first cable guide 200a. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes only a first arcuate feature 140a. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes a second arcuate feature 140b such that the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b together define the cable passageways. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b each have a different shape. For example, the first arcuate feature 140a has a circular shape whereas the second arcuate feature 140b has a tear drop shape. In this example, a cable passageway is defined between the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b. In an alternative example illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b each have the same circular shape.

The first arcuate feature 140a defines cable passageways proximate the first opening 202a, and the second arcuate feature 140b defines cable passageways proximate the second opening 202b. As an illustrative example, and with reference now to <FIG>, a cable <NUM> can be routed from the second opening 202b around the second arcuate feature 140b, through a passageway between the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b, around the first arcuate feature 140a, and past the second arcuate feature 140b for routing back to the second opening 202b such that the fiber route is B-B (see above description of fiber routing options).

<FIG>, <FIG> are isometric, front, and top views of the second cable guide 200b. The second cable guide 200b includes a first opening 202c to receive one or more cables <NUM> from the first side of the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> (labeled "C" in <FIG>), a second opening 202d to receive one or more cables <NUM> from the second side of the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> (labeled "D" in <FIG>), and a third opening 204b to transfer and/or receive one or more cables <NUM>. For example, the third opening 204b transfers one or more cables <NUM> from the second cable guide 200b to the first cable guide 200a. In another example, the third opening 204b receives one or more cables <NUM> from the first cable guide 200a.

As shown in <FIG>, the first opening 202c is on a first side <NUM> of the second cable guide 200b, and the second opening 202d is opposite the first opening 202c on the first side <NUM>. The third opening 204b is on a second side <NUM> that is orthogonal to the first side <NUM>.

Additionally, the second cable guide 200b includes a projection <NUM> on the second side <NUM>. The third opening 204b is at a distal end of the projection <NUM>. In some examples, the projection <NUM> extends in a direction parallel to the first side <NUM>. In some further examples, a transition <NUM> between the second side <NUM> and the projection <NUM> is curved such that cables routed between the first opening 202c and the third opening 204b have a smooth transition without any sharp turns or bends that can damage the optical fibers within the cables. Also, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b are mirrored parts such that the projections <NUM> abut one another on the panel <NUM> for transferring and receiving cables through the third openings 204a, 204b of each of the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b.

The second cable guide 200b includes one or more arcuate features 140a, 140b that project from a base <NUM> of the cable guide to define cable passageways inside the second cable guide 200b. In some examples, the second cable guide 200b includes only a first arcuate feature 140a. In some examples, the second cable guide 200b includes a second arcuate feature 140b such that the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b together define the cable passageways. In the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b each have a different shape. For example, the first arcuate feature 140a has a circular shape whereas the second arcuate feature 140b has a tear drop shape.

The first arcuate feature 140a defines cable passageways proximate the second opening 202d, and the second arcuate feature 140b defines cable passageways proximate the first opening 202c. As an illustrative example, and with reference now to <FIG>, a cable <NUM> can be routed from the second opening 202b in the first cable guide 200a, through the third opening 204a in the first cable guide 200a, and into the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b. Thereafter, in the second cable guide 200b, the cable <NUM> can be routed around the second arcuate feature 140b, through a passageway between the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b, around the first arcuate feature 140a, and past the second arcuate feature 140b for routing the cable <NUM> back through the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b and into the third opening 204a of the first cable guide 200a. Thereafter, in the first cable guide 200a, the cable <NUM> can be routed back to the second opening 202b such that the fiber route is B-B.

In another illustrative example, a cable <NUM> can be routed from the second opening 202b in the first cable guide 200a, through the third opening 204a in the first cable guide 200a, and into the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b. Thereafter, the cable <NUM> can be routed to the first opening 202c of the second cable guide 200b such that the fiber route is B-C.

In yet another illustrative example, a cable <NUM> can be routed from the second opening 202b in the first cable guide 200a, through the third opening 204a in the first cable guide 200a, and into the third opening 204b of the second cable guide 200b. Thereafter, the cable <NUM> can be routed past the second arcuate feature 140b, and around the first arcuate feature 140a to the second opening 202d of the second cable guide 200b such that the fiber route is B-D.

In some examples, the cable guides 200a, 200b can include one or more doors (such as the doors <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described in more detail below with respect to the embodiment of <FIG>) for blocking cable routing in the cable guides 200a, 200b so as to prevent a technician from misrouting the cables in the panel <NUM>. The doors are removable as desired to unblock the openings for cables to go into and out of cable guides 200a, 200b. For example, the doors can be breakout or knock out style doors that can be snapped off, or can be inserted and retained by the cable guides 200a, 200b, and can be added or removed as desired. Benefits of the doors may include preventing improper routing around a sharp edge within panel <NUM>. Another benefit may be to assist the technician with proper fiber routing.

Referring now to <FIG>, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b each include a plurality of tabs <NUM> to manage the cables <NUM> inside the passageways defined by the first and second arcuate features 140a, 140b. Also, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b include apertures <NUM> that are able to receive tabs from covers (not shown) attachable to the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b to protect the one or more cables <NUM> routed therein.

Additionally, the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b each include one or more slots <NUM> to fix one or more supports <NUM> (see <FIG>). The supports <NUM> snap-fit into the slots <NUM> for attachment to the cable guides. The supports <NUM> extend from the first and second cable guides 200a, 200b at a <NUM> degree angle to support the trays <NUM> that pivot with respect to the groove plates <NUM>. The supports <NUM> are made from a material able to support the weight of the trays <NUM>. In one example, the supports <NUM> are made from aluminum or similar material.

<FIG> is a front view of an alternative example of a cable guide 200c. In this example, the cable guide 200c includes a first opening 206a, a second opening 206b, a third opening 206c, and a fourth opening 206d. The cable guide 200c can be used in examples where the panel <NUM> includes three columns of groove plates such that the cable guide 200c can be positioned relative to a middle column of groove plates, and the first opening 206a can receive and/or transfer cables to a first side of the middle column of groove plates and the second opening 206b can receive and/or transfer cables to a second side of the middle column of groove plates. The third opening 206c can receive and/or transfer cables to a cable guide corresponding to a first side column of groove plates, and the fourth opening 206d can receive and/or transfer cables to a cable guide corresponding to a second side column of groove plates.

As shown in <FIG>, the cable guide 200c includes one or more arcuate features 140a that project from a base <NUM> of the cable guide to define cable passageways inside the cable guide 200c. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes only a one arcuate feature 140a. In some examples, the first cable guide 200a includes more than one arcuate feature 140a (such as two arcuate features 140a) that define the cable passageways. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the arcuate features 140a each have the same circular shape. In alternative examples, the arcuate features 140a can each have a different shape to define the cable passageways.

In another aspect, a method of routing cables inside a telecommunications closure includes routing a cable <NUM> from the first column <NUM> of groove plates to the second column <NUM> of groove plates. In one example, the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing incoming cables such as feeder cables from a service provider while the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> holds a plurality of trays for managing and splicing outgoing cables such as distribution cables routed to one or more subscriber locations.

The method includes routing the cable <NUM> though a first or second opening 202a, 202b of the first cable guide 200a. The method further includes routing the cable <NUM> around at least one arcuate feature 140a, 140b of the first cable guide 200a. The method further includes routing the cable <NUM> through a third opening 204a of the cable guide to the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>, the third opening 204a being orthogonal to the first and second openings 202a, 202b. In some examples, the method further includes routing the cable <NUM> to the second cable guide 200b before routing the cable <NUM> to the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. In some examples, the method further includes routing the cable <NUM> around at least one arcuate feature 140a, 140b of the second cable guide 200b, and routing the cable <NUM> to a first or second opening 202c, 202d of the second cable guide 200b. In one example, the cable <NUM> is routed to the first opening 202c of the second cable guide 200b to reach a first side of the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. In another example, the cable <NUM> is routed to the second opening 202d of the second cable guide 200b to reach a second side of the second column <NUM> of groove plates.

Referring now to <FIG>, a panel <NUM> of a telecommunications closure is shown similar in some respects to panel <NUM> noted above. The panel <NUM> is typically contained within a closure that houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The back panel and other panel portions of the closure are not shown in <FIG>. The panel <NUM> can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. Cables enter and exit the panel <NUM> and are managed by the various structures associated with panel <NUM>.

In the example panel <NUM>, the panel <NUM> includes first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>, similar to the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> noted above. The groove plates <NUM> hold a plurality of trays (not shown) similar to trays <NUM> noted above. Each tray is pivotable with respect to the groove plates <NUM>. Each tray can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays on the groove plates <NUM> can include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

Cable managers <NUM> guide cables toward and away from the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> includes a first cable manager 116a below the first column <NUM> of groove plates, and a second cable manager 116b below the second column <NUM> of groove plates. Alternative arrangements are possible.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, panel <NUM> includes a plurality of cable guides <NUM>. In the example shown, four cable guides <NUM> are shown, one cable guide <NUM> on each end of each column <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates. Cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are mirrored parts and share the same features. Cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are identical to cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The cable guides <NUM>-<NUM> provide a smooth transition for cables being managed by the one or more columns of groove plates to the cable managers <NUM> or other cable guides <NUM>-<NUM>.

The cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned between the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates and the cable managers 116a, 116b, respectively. The cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on opposite ends of the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

Referring now to <FIG>, the cable guide <NUM> is shown. The cable guide <NUM> is identical to the cable guide <NUM>, and is a mirror image of the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown, the cable guide <NUM> has four openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are shown with covers or doors <NUM> in place. The doors <NUM> are removable as desired to unblock the openings for cables to go into and out of cable guide <NUM>. The doors <NUM> can be breakout or knock out style doors that can be snapped off. Alternatively, the doors <NUM> can be inserted and retained by a body <NUM> of cable guide <NUM>, and can be added or removed as desired. In some examples, the doors <NUM> can also be included in the cable guides 200a, 200b described above.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable guide <NUM> includes an arcuate pathway <NUM> formed by a projection <NUM> for cables entering and exiting the cable guide <NUM> from a minor side <NUM> of the cable guide <NUM>. The minor side <NUM> is orthogonal to major sides <NUM>, <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, further features of cable guide <NUM> are shown. The cable guide <NUM> can include an internal arcuate passageway <NUM> and retention fingers or tabs <NUM> internal to the body of cable guide <NUM> to retain cables inside the internal arcuate passageway <NUM>. The arcuate pathway <NUM> also includes cable retention fingers or tabs <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, various cable routing pathways can be defined by panel <NUM>. As noted above, the pivoting trays communicate with cable routing pathways on the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates. A feeder cable <NUM> enters through cable manager 116b and can be spliced to a point-to-point fiber <NUM> or a splitter input fiber <NUM>. The feeder cable <NUM> can be a multi-fiber cable wherein different splices can connect to the point-to-point fiber <NUM> or the splitter input fiber <NUM>. Alternatively, the point-to-point fiber <NUM> and splitter input fiber <NUM> can be multi-fiber cables themselves which can be mass fusion spliced to feeder cable <NUM>. A splitter <NUM> includes two example splitter output fibers <NUM>, <NUM> which are routed to two different columns, <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates. In the case of the splitter output fibers <NUM>, <NUM> and the point-to-point fiber <NUM>, the fibers are spliced to different customer cables <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> which exit the panel <NUM> through one of the cable managers 116a, 116b.

As shown, panel <NUM> includes various open passageways in cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In addition, various blockers (i.e., the doors <NUM>) are illustrated for blocking cable routing so as to prevent a technician from misrouting the cables in the panel <NUM>. One benefit of the blocker or door feature may be to prevent improper routing around a sharp edge within panel <NUM>. Another benefit may be to assist the technician with proper fiber routing. In the example shown in <FIG>, open passages are labeled O, and blocked or closed passages are labeled B. The panel <NUM> is just one example of an arrangement for the cables, trays, and columns. Other variations and combinations are possible.

<FIG> are front isometric, side, exploded front isometric, and exploded rear isometric views, respectively, of a panel <NUM> for a telecommunications closure. The panel <NUM> as shown is similar in some respects to panel <NUM> noted above. The panel <NUM> is typically part of a closure that houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The other panel portions of the closure are not shown in <FIG>. The panel <NUM> can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. Cables enter and exit the panel <NUM> and are managed by the various structures associated with panel <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> includes a back plate <NUM> and rails 604a-604d mounted thereto. The rails <NUM> are substantially L shaped and have a plurality of holes for receiving fasteners such as screws, threaded bolts, and the like. A first side of each rail <NUM> is fixed to the back plate <NUM> while an orthogonal, second side of each rail <NUM> projects from the back plate <NUM> when the rails <NUM> are fixed to the back plate <NUM>. The rails <NUM> can be fixed to the back plate <NUM> by one or more fasteners that are passed through the holes on the rails <NUM> and through corresponding holes on the back plate <NUM>. In some examples, the fasteners are threaded bolts such that a nut can be secured to the end of each threaded bolt after it has passed through the corresponding holes on the rails <NUM> and back plate <NUM> to secure the rails <NUM> to the back plate <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> further includes one or more columns of groove plates. In the illustrated example, the panel <NUM> includes first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> that are similar to the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> described above. The groove plates <NUM> are attached to the panel <NUM> between the rails <NUM>. For example, the groove plates <NUM> in the first column <NUM> are fixed between rails 604a and 604b while the groove plates <NUM> in the second column <NUM> are fixed between rails 604c and 604d. In some examples, the groove plates <NUM> are secured to the rails <NUM> using one or more fasteners such as screws for attachment to the panel <NUM>. In other examples, the groove plates <NUM> are snap-fitted between the rails <NUM> for attachment to the panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the groove plates <NUM> can be attached directly to the back plate <NUM> without attachment to the rails <NUM> by one or more fasteners that attach the groove plates <NUM> directly to the back plate <NUM>. The groove plates <NUM> are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the groove plates <NUM> as well as other components can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>.

The groove plates <NUM> each hold a plurality of trays <NUM> that are similar to the trays <NUM> described above (only a few trays <NUM> being shown in <FIG>). The trays <NUM> are pivotable with respect to the groove plates <NUM>. Each tray <NUM> can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays <NUM> on the groove plates <NUM> can include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

The panel further includes cable managers <NUM> that can be mounted to the rails <NUM> of the panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the cable managers <NUM> can be attached directly to the back plate <NUM>. The cable managers <NUM> are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the cable managers <NUM> can be rearranged to modify the configuration of the panel <NUM>.

Each cable manager <NUM> includes grooves <NUM> to guide cables toward and away from the first and second columns of groove plates. In the illustrated examples, a cable manager <NUM> is position above the first column <NUM> of groove plates, and another cable manager <NUM> is positioned above the second column <NUM> of groove plates. Alternative arrangements are possible.

Each cable manager <NUM> includes one or more spools <NUM>. The spools <NUM> can be used to route cables between opposite sides (e.g., left and right sides) of a column of groove plates. Also, the spools <NUM> can be used to change the direction of the cables. In some examples, excess cable can be looped around the spools <NUM> for storage.

<FIG> shows the panel <NUM> inverted upside down (i.e., rotated <NUM> degrees) with respect to the orientation shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the cable managers <NUM> are positioned toward the bottom of the panel <NUM> such that the cable managers <NUM> are positioned below the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the spools <NUM> support the trays <NUM> when the cable managers <NUM> are located towards the bottom of the panel <NUM>. When inverted upside down, the trays <NUM> are pivoted about the groove plates <NUM> in a direction towards the cable managers <NUM> by gravity. The spools <NUM> each have an angled surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) running along a length of each spool <NUM>. The angled surface <NUM> of each spool <NUM> can support the trays <NUM> when the trays <NUM> are pivoted toward the cable managers <NUM>. In some examples, the angled surface <NUM> supports the trays <NUM> in a substantially <NUM> degree angle. In some examples, a cover (such as the one shown in <FIG>) is attached to the cable managers <NUM> and thereby covers the spools <NUM> such that the cover contacts the trays <NUM> when the trays <NUM> are supported by the spools <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> includes cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, similar to the cable guides 200a, 200b described above. In the example shown, two cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are shown, with a first cable guide <NUM> at the end of the first column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> and a second cable guide <NUM> at the end of the second column <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. Cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are mirrored parts and share the same features. The cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> provide a smooth transition for cables being managed by the one or more columns of groove plates on the panel <NUM>.

The cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> include an angled projection <NUM> (see <FIG>) that supports the trays <NUM> when the trays <NUM> are pivoted toward the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the angled projection <NUM> supports the trays <NUM> in a substantially <NUM> degree angle.

The cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>. Thus, the configuration of the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, cable managers <NUM>, and groove plates <NUM> can be rearranged on the panel <NUM> in the field, as needed. For example, the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are shown located towards the bottom of the panel <NUM> in <FIG>, however, in other examples the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> can be located towards the top of the panel <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are front isometric and side views, respectively, of a panel <NUM> for a telecommunications closure. The panel <NUM> as shown is similar in some respects to panel <NUM> noted above. The panel <NUM> is typically part of a closure that houses fiber optic equipment in a telecommunications network. The other panel portions of the closure are not shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The panel <NUM> can be mounted in a variety of vertical and horizontal positions. Cables enter and exit the panel <NUM> and are managed by the various structures associated with panel <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> includes first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>, similar to the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM> noted above. The groove plates <NUM> hold a plurality of trays <NUM> similar to trays <NUM> noted above. Each tray is pivotable with respect to the groove plates <NUM>. Each tray <NUM> can be used to manage optical fibers and store splices. The plurality of trays <NUM> on the groove plates <NUM> can include splice trays, splitter trays, wave division multiplexer trays, storage trays, and the like.

The groove plates <NUM> are attached to the panel <NUM> between rails 710a-710d that are substantially similar to the rails 604a-604d described above with respect to <FIG>. For example, the groove plates <NUM> in the first column <NUM> are fixed between rails 710a and 710b while the groove plates <NUM> in the second column <NUM> are fixed between rails 710c and 710d. In some examples, the groove plates <NUM> are secured to the rails <NUM> using one or more fasteners such as screws for attachment to the panel <NUM>. In other examples, the groove plates <NUM> are snap-fitted between the rails <NUM> for attachment to the panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the groove plates <NUM> can be attached directly to a back plate <NUM> without attachment to the rails <NUM>. The groove plates <NUM> are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the groove plates <NUM> as well as the other components of the panel <NUM> can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>.

Cable managers 716a, 716b guide cables toward and away from the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. The panel <NUM> includes a first cable manager 716a below the first column <NUM> of groove plates, and a second cable manager 716b below the second column <NUM> of groove plates. Alternative arrangements are possible.

The cable managers 716a, 716b can be mounted to the rails <NUM> of the panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the cable managers 716a, 716b can be attached directly to the back plate <NUM>. The cable managers 716a, 716b are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the cable managers 716a, 716b can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>.

The panel <NUM> has a plurality of cable guides 720a-720d. In the illustrated example, four cable guides 720a-720d are shown. Each cable guide 720a-720d is positioned at an end of each column <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates <NUM>. Alternative configurations are contemplated.

The cable guides 720a, 720b are mirrored parts and share the same features. Cable guides 720c, 720d are identical to cable guides 720a, 720b, respectively. The cable guides <NUM> provide a smooth transition for cables and fibers between the columns of groove plates, cable managers, and other cable guides mounted onto the panel <NUM>.

The cable guides <NUM> can be mounted to the rails <NUM> of the panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the cable guides <NUM> can be attached directly to the back plate <NUM>. The cable guides <NUM> are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the cable guides <NUM> can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>, and thereby the configuration of the cable guides <NUM>, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates <NUM> can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>, as needed in the field.

<FIG> are front isometric, front, and top views, respectively, of the cable guide 720a. The cable guide 720a is identical to the cable guide 720d, and is a mirror image of the cable guides 720b, 720c. As shown in <FIG>, the cable guide 720a has four openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are shown with doors <NUM> in place. The doors <NUM> are substantially similar to the doors <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The doors <NUM> are removable as desired to unblock the openings for cables to go into and out of cable guide 720a. The doors <NUM> can be breakout or knock out style doors that can be snapped off. Alternatively, the doors <NUM> can be inserted and retained by a body <NUM> of cable guide 720a, and can be added or removed from the body <NUM> as desired.

The cable guide 720a has an internal arcuate passageway <NUM> defined by an arcuate structure <NUM>. Retention fingers or tabs <NUM> retain cables inside the internal arcuate passageway <NUM>. The cable guide 720a also has an arcuate pathway <NUM> formed by a projection <NUM> for cables entering and exiting the cable guide 720a from a minor side <NUM> of the cable guide 720a. As shown in <FIG>, the minor side <NUM> is orthogonal to major sides <NUM>, <NUM>. The arcuate pathway <NUM> has cable retention fingers or tabs <NUM> to retain cables therein.

As shown in <FIG>, the cable guide 720a can include holes <NUM> each configured for receiving a fastener such as a screw, threaded bolt, and the like for securing the cable guide 720a to the back plate <NUM>. The cable guide 720a can also include pegs <NUM> that can be received by the holes in the rails <NUM> for securing at least one side of the cable guide 720a to a rail <NUM>.

The cable guide 720a further includes an angled surface <NUM> that projects from the body <NUM>, and that terminates at a planar surface <NUM> substantially orthogonal to the body <NUM>. The angled surface <NUM> is configured to support the trays <NUM> when the trays <NUM> are pivoted in a direction toward cable guide 720a (see, for example, cable guides 720b, 720d supporting the trays <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>). In some examples, the angled surface <NUM> supports the trays <NUM> in a substantially <NUM> degree angle. In some examples, the planar surface <NUM> has a slot <NUM> for attaching a long strap to hold the trays <NUM> down when the trays <NUM> are not being accessed. In some examples, the long strap is made from Velcro.

Referring now to <FIG>, the projection <NUM> that forms the arcuate pathway <NUM> is elevated with respect to the remainder of the body <NUM> by a distance D1 such that the projection <NUM> can pass over the rails <NUM>, and hence the arcuate pathway <NUM> is not obstructed by the rails <NUM> when the cable guide 720a is mounted to the rails <NUM>. For example, <FIG> and <FIG> show the cable guides 720b, 720d mounted to the rails <NUM> such that the arcuate pathways <NUM> in the cable guides 720b, 720d are operatively connected without obstruction from the rails <NUM> for providing a smooth transition between the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates.

<FIG> is a front view of the panel <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, the respective arcuate pathways <NUM> in cable guides 720a and 720c are operatively connected to provide a smooth transition between the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates, while the respective arcuate pathways <NUM> in cable guides 720b and 720d are operatively connected to provide a smooth transition between the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM>. As described above, the projection <NUM> in each cable guide 720a-720d is elevated with respect to the remainder of the body <NUM> such that the arcuate pathway <NUM> is not obstructed by the rails 710a-710d.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the groove plates <NUM>, cable guides 720b and 720d, and cable managers 716a, 716b are mounted to the rails 710a-710d. However, cable guides 720a and 720c are not mounted to the rails. Instead, cable guides 720a and 720c are mounted directly to the back plate <NUM>. The cable guides 720b, 720d are positioned between the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates and the cable managers 716a, 716b, respectively. The cable guides 720a, 720c are positioned on opposite ends of the columns <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

<FIG> is a front view of an alternative configuration for a panel <NUM> for a telecommunications closure. As shown in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> includes a combination of the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> (described above with respect to <FIG>) and the cable guides 720a-720d (described above with respect to <FIG>). In the illustrative example of <FIG>, cable guides 720a, 720b are positioned between the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates and the cable managers 716a, 716b, respectively, while cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on opposite ends of the columns <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Also, the cable managers 716a, 716b are positioned above the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates, while the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned below the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates. Alternative configurations for the placement of the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a, and 720b on the panel <NUM> are possible because, as described above, the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates are detachably mounted to the panel <NUM> such that the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates can be rearranged on the panel <NUM>, as needed in the field. The rearrangement of the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates typically occurs before any cables or fibers are routed in these structures.

<FIG> is a front view of another alternative configuration for a panel <NUM> for a telecommunications closure. As shown in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> has a plurality of cable guides 720a-720d. In the illustrated example, the cable guides 720a, 720c are positioned at the ends of the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates, respectively, while the cable managers 716a, 716b are positioned at opposite ends of the columns <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The cable guides 720b, 720d are positioned at intermediate positions in the columns <NUM>, <NUM> of groove plates, respectively.

Enabling the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates to be rearranged on the panel <NUM> enhances the flexibility and versatility of the panel. For example, the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> may allow for more fiber routing options in some embodiments by providing more access to the vertical channels in the groove plates. Alternatively, the cable guides 720a-720d, with one or more openings blocked by doors <NUM>, can help less experienced technicians by providing fewer fiber routing options so that the fibers do not get misrouted. Thus, by combining both types of cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d on a single panel, or by reconfiguring a panel from utilizing one type of cable guide to utilizing another type of cable guide, the flexibility and versatility of the system is enhanced.

<FIG> illustrates a method <NUM> for assembling a panel for a telecommunications closure. The method <NUM> can be performed to reconfigure the panel <NUM> of <FIG> into the panel <NUM> of <FIG>. Alternatively, the method <NUM> can be performed to reconfigure the panel <NUM> of <FIG> into the panel <NUM> of <FIG>. Additionally, it is contemplated that the method <NUM> can be performed to reconfigure the panel <NUM> of <FIG> into one of the panels <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, or to reconfigure one of the panels <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, into the panel <NUM> of <FIG>. Additional reconfigurations between the various panels that are described above and shown in the figures are contemplated.

The method <NUM> includes an operation <NUM> of removing one or more components from the panel, an operation <NUM> of rotating the panel, and an operation <NUM> of reassembling one or more components onto the panel. Preferably, the method <NUM> is performed before the various cables and fibers are routed through the components on the panel.

With respect to operation <NUM>, various components such as cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are removed from a back plate of the panel. As described above, these components can be detachably mounted to the rails <NUM>, <NUM> of the panel or can be detachably mounted directly to the back plate of the panel using one or more types of fasteners or snap-fit connections.

In some examples, operation <NUM> is optional. For example, when the panel is being installed for the first time in the field, there are no components for removal from the back plate.

With respect to operation <NUM>, the back plate is rotated <NUM> degrees. In some examples, the back plate is rotated to provide room at the top or bottom portions of the back plate to accommodate the various components that are reassembled during operation <NUM>. In some examples, operation <NUM> is optional such that the back plate is not rotated.

With respect to operation <NUM>, various components such as cable guides <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a-720d, cable managers 716a, 716b, and groove plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are detachably mounted to the panel. In some examples, new components that were not previously mounted on the panel are added, while components that were previously mounted on the panel are not added. As an illustrative example, in an example where the panel <NUM> of <FIG> is reconfigured into the panel <NUM> of <FIG>, the cables guides <NUM>, <NUM> are removed at operation <NUM> and are not added back in operation <NUM>. Instead, the cable guides 720a-720d which were not previously mounted on the panel, are added in operation <NUM>. Thus, the method <NUM> can be performed to reconfigure the various panels described above to enhance the flexibility and customization of the panels.

Claim 1:
A cable guide (200a, 200b, 200c, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, 720a, 720b, 720c, 720d) for a telecommunications closure comprising at least two columns of groove plates, the cable guide comprising:
a first opening (202a) on a first side (<NUM>) for receiving one or more cables (<NUM>) from a first side (A) of a first column (<NUM>) of groove plates;
a second opening (202b) opposite the first opening on the first side for receiving the one or more cables from a second side (B) of the first column of groove plates;
a third opening (204a) on a second side (<NUM>), the second side being orthogonal to the first side, the first, second, and third openings being positioned on a common plane for transferring the one or more cables from the first and second sides (A, B) of the first column (<NUM>) of groove plates to a second column (<NUM>) of groove plates; and
at least one arcuate feature (140a, 140b) projecting from a base (<NUM>) of the cable guide and defining a plurality of cable passageways between the first, second, and third openings, and
characterized in that
the first and second openings (202a, 202b) on the first side (<NUM>) face in a same direction, and the third opening (204a) on the second side (<NUM>) faces in an orthogonal direction.