Patent Description:
The capabilities of fiber optic connectors, fiber optic cable and fiber optic hardware have been continuously advanced to meet the demands of increasing numbers of users and high transmission rate requirements. Fiber optic hardware is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, such as data transmission, video, broadband voice and the like. The fiber optic cable, connectors or electrical cables are connected to a fiber optic module mounted in a panel assembly disposed in a cable management rack located in a data distribution center or a server room. The fiber optic module provides cable-to-cable fiber optic connections and manages the polarity of fiber optic cable connections. The fiber optic module is mounted to a tray that may be further mounted to the panel assembly. The tray may be extended from the panel assembly like a drawer to allow technicians or operators to access to the fiber optic components, connectors, or fiber optic cables connected to the fiber optic module without, removing the fiber optic module from the panel assembly. <INSERT DESCRIPTION PAGE 1A HERE>.

Due to the increasing demand of bandwidth, a higher density connection with an increased number of fiber optic components and connectors in the fiber optic module is desired within a given space in the panel assembly. However, such higher density connection often makes it difficult to access the fiber optic components and connectors in the fiber optic modules with multiple trays mounted in the panel assembly in a closely packed arrangement. Conventional tray pull-out configurations often only allow pulling out one tray at a time. Thus, the higher density horizonal connection utilizing the multiple tray arrangement often results in a time-consuming process for the technicians or operators to pull out the trays individually for inspection when needed. Furthermore, the proper organization of the cable connections in the panel assembly in the cable management rack also becomes a difficult task.

The present invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>.

Document <CIT> discloses an adapter panel arrangement including a chassis and a panel of adapters. The adapters define open rearward cable connections and open forward cable connections of the panel arrangement. The adapters are arranged in arrays that slide independently of other arrays to provide access to the open rearward and open forward cable connections.

Furthermore, there is disclosed a cable management system including a fiber optic panel assembly according to the claimed invention and disposed in a cable management system.

In one example, the fiber optic panel assembly is mounted on a rack in the cable management system.

This disclosure provides a fiber optic panel assembly for fiber optic interconnection. The fiber optic panel assembly provides a sliding tray that can slide selected fiber optic modules outward from other non-selected fiber optic modules disposed in the fiber optic panel assembly. Each fiber optic module is disposed vertically side by side in a multiple array configuration in the fiber optic panel assembly. According to the claimed invention, every other fiber optic module, such as a first set of fiber optic modules, is staggered in a longitudinal direction from a front end to a rear end of the fiber optic module, with respect to an adjacent fiber optic module, such as a second set of fiber optic module. For example, the first set of fiber optic module is disposed rearwardly at a depth from the second set of the fiber optic module. The sliding tray may selectively pull out the first set or the second set of the fiber optic module outwardly relative to the other set so as to allow the technicians or operators to access to the fiber optic connectors in the fiber optic module with ease and reduced interference from the adjacent connectors. Furthermore, the sliding tray is also configured to pull out multiple selected fiber optic module simultaneously at one time so that a technician or an operator may visually identify and locate a target connector or cable in the fiber optic panel assembly efficiently and quickly with minimum search time. As the fiber optic modules are vertically disposed side by side in a closely packed arrangement, good utilization of the space defined in the fiber optic panel assembly may be obtained. Thus, the fiber optic module assembly disclosed herein provides a high density, ease and quick of access, and a small footprint for the desired cable and connector management and organization.

<FIG> depict an example of a fiber optic connector <NUM> that provides dual polarity configurations. <FIG> depicts a top view of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. The fiber optic connector <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> that has two connector assemblies <NUM> (shown as 110a, 110b) connected thereto.

<FIG> depicts a front view of the fiber optic connector <NUM> illustrating the two connector assemblies <NUM> (shown as 110a, 110b) formed at a front section <NUM> of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. Connector polarity indicia <NUM> is formed in the body <NUM> that indicates the polarity of the connector <NUM>. The body <NUM> encases two optic fibers connecting to the two connector assemblies 110a, 110b respectively. The two optic fibers enclosed in the body <NUM> are connected to a cable <NUM> connected to the body <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. A latch <NUM> has a first end <NUM> connected to the connector assemblies 110a, 110b through a spring latch arm <NUM> and a second end <NUM> connected to the body <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is used to secure the fiber optic connector <NUM> to an adaptor. The spring latch arm <NUM> releasably engages the latch <NUM>. The spring latch arm <NUM> may be pressed to disengage from the latch <NUM>. When the spring latch arm <NUM> is released and disengaged from the latch <NUM>, the connector assemblies 110a, 110b may be inserted into an adapter in a predetermined insertion direction. The adaptor may be disposed in a fiber optic module (not shown) mounted in a fiber management system. The latch <NUM> abuts against the spring latch arm <NUM> connected to the connector assemblies 110a, 110b for manually pressing the latter to move downwardly to allow disengagement between the connector assemblies 110a, 110b and the adapter and removal of the connector assemblies 110a, 110b out of the port. When a reversal of the polarity configuration is desired, the spring latch arm <NUM> may be pressed to discharge the connector assemblies 110a, 110b from the body <NUM>. The connector assemblies 110a, 110b may then be flipped and rotated for <NUM> degrees for polarity reversal and the latch <NUM> will then be re-attached to the opposite site of the body <NUM>. Details of the adaptor that may be utilized to mate with the fiber optic connector <NUM> with dual polarity is illustrated below in detail with references to <FIG>.

<FIG> depict a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of an adaptor module <NUM> that may be mounted in a fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>, which will be described later below with reference to <FIG>. The adaptor module <NUM> includes a plurality of adaptors <NUM>. The adaptor <NUM> is a dual polarity adaptor that may accommodate different orientations and geometrical configurations of the fiber optic connector <NUM> with different polarity configurations. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the adaptor module <NUM> includes four adaptors <NUM> connected together, such as in a line or stack, so as to save space and maximize the usage of the space among the adaptors <NUM>. It is noted that the adaptor module <NUM> may have any numbers of the adaptors <NUM>, such as at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or other numbers, as needed for different configurations of the patch panel on where the adaptor module <NUM> is configured to be mounted. It is noted that the density of fiber interconnection may be maximized by utilizing multiple adaptor modules <NUM> to be disposed side-by-side with multiple arrays. In this manner, the adaptor modules <NUM> are abutting one another in adjacent rows and adjacent columns, thus eliminating wasted space from between adjacent rows and adjacent columns, and providing a maximum density of connection adaptors <NUM> for the available opening space in the patch panel. In one example, the adaptor module <NUM> may be configured with any angular configuration to provide any connection orientation angle with respect to the patch panel.

The adaptor <NUM> is configured to mate with a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> depicted in <FIG> with different polarity configurations. It is noted that the adapter <NUM> may be mated with other types of the fiber optic connector as needed when the geometric configurations of the fiber optic connector can fit in the slot and/or ports defined in the adaptor <NUM>.

In one example depicted in <FIG>, the adaptor module <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having a top wall <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM>, a first sidewall 212a, and a second sidewall 212b connecting the top wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM>. The top wall <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, the first and second sidewall 212a, 212b define an interior region <NUM>, such as a passage. The interior region <NUM> of the housing <NUM> is divided by a plurality of partition walls <NUM>, defining multiple adaptors <NUM> with multiple connector connection ports <NUM> therein. The partition wall <NUM> is connected from the top wall <NUM> to the bottom wall <NUM>. Each connector connection port <NUM> is configured to receive a fiber optic connector, such as the fiber optic connector <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Each adaptor <NUM> defined in the adaptor module <NUM> may be symmetrically identical, and the first and second sidewalls 212a, 212b may also be symmetrically identical, such that upon rotation of the adaptor module <NUM> along with its longitudinal axis, the tops and bottoms are interchangeable.

The adaptor <NUM> may serve as a termination point between an incoming fiber optic cable connected through a rear section <NUM> of the adaptor module <NUM> and an outgoing fiber optic cable, such as the cable <NUM>, connected through the fiber optic connector <NUM>.

Although the example depicted herein has four adaptors defined in an adaptor module, it is noted that the numbers of the adaptors formed, configured in, or connected to form an adaptor module may be in any numbers as needed.

The top wall <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, the first and second sidewalls 212a, 202b of the housing <NUM> as well as the partition walls <NUM> may be integrally formed as an integral body from a polymeric material, such as molded plastic.

<FIG> depicts a front top view the adaptor module <NUM> that includes four adaptors <NUM>. The partition wall <NUM> positioned in the interior region <NUM> defines the connector connection ports <NUM> in the adaptor <NUM>. Each partition wall <NUM> has three portions, a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> with a center portion <NUM> sandwiched therebetween. The first portion <NUM> formed in each partition wall <NUM> horizontally defines a first slot <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> formed in each partition wall <NUM> horizontally defines a second slot <NUM> while the center portion <NUM> horizontally defines a center slot <NUM>, as shown in the dotted lines, in the connector connection ports <NUM>. The center slot <NUM> is configured to receive the connector assemblies <NUM> from the fiber optic connector <NUM> while the first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> are configured to receive the latch <NUM> from the fiber optic connector <NUM>. In one example, when the fiber optic connector <NUM> is in a standard polarity configuration, the latch <NUM> may be engaged with the first slot <NUM>. In contrast, in a reversed polarity configuration, the position of the latch <NUM> may be rotated for <NUM> degrees relative to the position of the latch <NUM> in a standard or straight polarity configuration. In this regard, the latch <NUM> may be then engaged with the second slot <NUM> instead in light of the rotation of the fiber optic connector <NUM>.

In other examples, when standard polarity is configured to have the latch <NUM> positioned downward, the latch <NUM> may be engaged in the second slot <NUM> while the connector assemblies <NUM> are engaged with the center slot <NUM>. In contrast, when reversed polarity is configured to have the latch <NUM> flipped-oppositely and positioned upward, the latch <NUM> may be engaged in the first slot <NUM> while the connector assemblies <NUM> are engaged with the center slot <NUM>. A marking section <NUM> may be formed either at an upper end of the partition wall <NUM>, such as in the first portion <NUM>, or at a lower end of the partition wall <NUM>, such as in the second portion <NUM>, or other suitable places to provide a bold visual indication to the technician of the polarity configurations. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the marking section <NUM> indicates standard polarity of the fiber optic connector <NUM> when the latch <NUM> is engaged with the first slot <NUM>. It is noted that the marking section <NUM> may be formed at different locations of the adapter <NUM> as needed to facilitate indication of polarity configurations for the technician and operator.

Thus, by configuring the connector connection port <NUM> with the first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> formed adjacent to or connected to the center slot <NUM>, the fiber optic connector <NUM> with different polarity configurations may be easily installed and inserted into the adaptor <NUM> without additional direction changes, orientation alternation, or rotation flip either to the fiber optic connector or to the adaptor. When the fiber optic connector <NUM> is flipped oppositely for polarity change, the two additional slots, such as the first and the second slots <NUM>, <NUM>, formed laterally to the center slot <NUM>, may accommodate different orientations and geometrical configurations of the fiber optic connector <NUM>. Accordingly, the labor and cost for fiber optic management is reduced and the footprint required to place adaptors with different polarity configurations may be reduced.

<FIG> depicts an example of the adaptor modules <NUM> positioned in a fiber optic module <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the fiber optic module <NUM> is configured to receive multiple adaptor modules <NUM>, shown as 200a, 200b, 200c, aligned in a linear configuration. The fiber optic module <NUM> may be mounted inside the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) in a vertical configuration. The fiber optic module <NUM> may be disposed in a tray <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) that may be extendable and slidable from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> like a drawer to allow technicians access to the adaptor <NUM> provided by the adaptor module <NUM> and any fiber optic cables or connectors connected to the adaptors <NUM> without removing the adaptor module <NUM> from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, three adaptor modules 200a, 200b, 200c are mounted in the fiber optic module <NUM>, thus in total providing twelves adaptor ports <NUM> in one fiber optic module <NUM>. It should be understood that in other examples the number of adapters and/or adaptor ports may be varied. It is noted that multiple fiber optic modules <NUM> may be connected side by side, end to end, in multiple arrays or columns, or any suitable configurations as needed.

<FIG> depicts an example of the two fiber optic connectors 100a, 100b with different polarity configurations connected to the adaptor modules 200a mounted in the fiber optic module <NUM>. As both the first and the second slots <NUM>, <NUM> are defined in the adaptor <NUM>, the two fiber optic connectors <NUM> with different polarity, such as the first fiber optic connector 100a with the latch <NUM> positioned upward from the housing and the second fiber optic connector 100b with the latch <NUM> positioned downward from the housing (not shown in Figure 4B), may be both engaged in the adaptor module <NUM> through the first slot <NUM> and the second slot <NUM> formed in the adaptor <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a plurality of the fiber optic module <NUM> (shown as 350a, 350b) disposed side by side in an array and vertical configuration. The plurality of the fiber optic module <NUM> may be further placed and mounted into the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, each fiber optic module <NUM> may include three adaptor modules 200a, 200b 200c mounted therein. As discussed above, the partition walls <NUM> define four connector connection ports <NUM> in each adaptor modules 200a, 200b 200c. The first, center and second slots defined in the connector connection ports <NUM> is not shown and is eliminated in this example for ease of description. The marking section <NUM> is formed on one side of the partition wall <NUM> to provide a visual indication of the polarity configurations.

The fiber optic module <NUM> has a front end <NUM>, a back end <NUM> and two flat opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM>. A top edge <NUM> and a bottom edge <NUM> are connected among the front end <NUM>, the back end <NUM> and the opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM>. Catches <NUM>, <NUM> are formed on the top edge <NUM> and the bottom edge <NUM> respectively for securing the fiber optic module <NUM> to a mounting feature (such as the mounting feature <NUM> depicted in <FIG>) from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The catches <NUM>, <NUM> are a protrusion having a round shape and have a corresponding shaped portion located in the mounting feature from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> to enable engagement therewith. Consequently, the fiber optic module <NUM> is slid within the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> upon installation until the catch <NUM>, <NUM> aligns with and is seated within a corresponding portion of the mounting feature from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>, thus inhibiting inadvertent removal of the fiber optic module <NUM> from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. In one example, the catches <NUM>, <NUM> are vertically aligned across the body of the fiber optic module <NUM>.

In one example, a pair of finger hooks <NUM> is provided and disposed on the back end <NUM> of the fiber optic module <NUM> so as to allow easy grabbing of the respective fiber optic module <NUM> from the arrays.

According to the claimed invention, every other fiber optic module <NUM> is staggered in a front end to a back end direction, such as a horizonal direction, with respect to an adjacent fiber optic module <NUM>. The staggering of the fiber optic module <NUM> alternates across the arrays formed among the fiber optic module <NUM>. In one example, a vertical surface of a first front end <NUM> of a first set of the fiber optic module <NUM>, such as the first front end 402a of the fiber optic module 350a in odd numbers including a first, third and fifth fiber optic module and so on, are aligned. In contrast, a second vertical surface of the second front end <NUM> of a second set of the fiber optic module <NUM>, such as the second front end 402b of the fiber optic module 350b in even numbers including a second, fourth and sixth fiber optic module and so on, are aligned. It is noted that the numbering of the fiber optic module <NUM> is started from a leftmost fiber optic module <NUM> disposed in the array, when viewing the array from the front end <NUM> of the fiber optic modules <NUM>. Accordingly, the leftmost fiber optic module <NUM> is considered as the first fiber optic module, such as a first odd number fiber optic module. Thus, the fiber optic module abuts the leftmost fiber optic module <NUM> is considered as the second fiber optic module, such as a first even number fiber optic. The numbering of the fiber optic module continues until a desired number of the fiber optic modules is reached to form the array. In one example, the array may include <NUM> fiber optic modules, with a first fiber optic module disposed as the leftmost fiber optic module in the array and a twelfth fiber optic module disposed as the rightmost fiber optic module in the array. In one example, the first set of the fiber optic module 350a includes odd number fiber optic modules in the array while the second set of the fiber optic module 350b includes even number fiber optic modules.

The first front end 402a of the first set of fiber optic module 350a and the second end 402b of the second set of the fiber optic module 350b are configured to be staggered in a front end to rear end direction at a depth <NUM>. In other words, the second set of the fiber optic module 350b extends outwardly from the first set of fiber optic module 305b at the predetermined depth <NUM> so as to provide ample room to expose the connectors disposed in the fiber optic module <NUM> with relatively easy access for the technician to remove or install connectors as needed. Although the example in <FIG> shows the second set of the fiber optic module 350b extended and protruded outward from the first set of fiber optic module 305a, it is noted that the protrusion of the set of the fiber optic module may be in different arrangements, such as the first set of fiber optic module 350a extends outward from the second set of the fiber optic module 350b instead. In one example, the depth <NUM> may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

According to the claimed invention, the array of the first and the second set of fiber optic modules 350a, 350b is arranged in a predetermined staggering manner. The first set of fiber optic modules 350a extends outward from the second set of fiber optic modules 350b, when positioned into the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The rail channel and the sliding tray disposed in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> is configured to slide out the second set of fiber optic modules 350b with multiple fiber optic modules <NUM>. Thus, access of multiple connectors disposed in the fiber optic module at a time provides an efficient operation for technician and/or the operator to inspect multiple connectors and/or cables in the fiber optic module simultaneously. Furthermore, the staggering configuration between the first and the second set of the fiber optic modules 350a, 350b also allows the technician and/or the operator to easily install the connectors and/or cables in the fiber optic module with ample room, thus reducing unwanted removal of an adjacent connector. Thus, installation efficiency is enhanced and operating cost is reduced.

<FIG> depicts a side view of the fiber optic module <NUM> of <FIG>. A plurality of cables <NUM> each connects to a respective fiber optic connector through the adaptors in each adaptor modules 200a, 200b, 200c. It is noted that a portion <NUM> of the side <NUM> utilized to enclose the adaptor modules 200a, 200b, 200c and the cables <NUM> is cut off in <FIG> to show how the cables <NUM> are positioned in the interior opening defined in the fiber optic module <NUM> under the side <NUM>. The plurality of cables <NUM> may be collected in an optic fiber ribbon <NUM> through an adaptor <NUM> or a connector for further connection. The catches <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on the top edge <NUM> and the bottom edge <NUM> respectively. The pair of the finger hooks <NUM> is provided and disposed on the back end <NUM> of the fiber optic module <NUM> to grab and pull the fiber optic module <NUM> for installation or uninstallation to and from the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a side view of another example of a fiber optic module <NUM>. In this example, more than three adaptor modules 200a, 200b, 200c may be disposed in the fiber optic module <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG>, nine adaptor modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f, in total are disposed in the fiber optic module <NUM>. As each adaptor module 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f has four adaptor ports to receive connectors, the fiber optic module <NUM> depicted in <FIG> may accommodate thirty six connectors (e.g., <NUM> x <NUM> = <NUM>) connected thereto as needed. In this configuration, when a high number of the connectors are required in a fabric optic cable management system, the closely packed adaptor modules 200a, 200b, 200c, 602a, 602b, 602c, 602d, 602e, 602f, such as stacking up vertically top to end, as depicted in <FIG>, can provide connector connection with high density.

<FIG> depicts a top exploded view of an example of a fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> may accommodate the fiber optic module <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> to be disposed in an interior opening <NUM>, as shown by the arrow <NUM>, defined in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. It is noted that when the high density fiber optic module <NUM> of <FIG> is configured to be installed in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>, the dimension of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> may be proportionally increased to accommodate the high density fiber optic module <NUM> of <FIG> with the larger dimension.

The fiber optic module <NUM> is disposed vertically in the interior opening <NUM> relative to a horizonal plane defined by a top front cover <NUM> or a bottom cover <NUM> of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The top front cover <NUM> and a top rear cover <NUM> in combination define a top ceiling of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. Two opposing side panels <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed in parallel connected between the top front cover <NUM>, the top rear cover <NUM> and the bottom cover <NUM>, defining the interior opening <NUM> therein. A mounting structure <NUM> may be disposed on the side panels <NUM>, <NUM> that can assist mounting the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> to a cable management system , such as a cable rack located in a server room or a data center.

A sliding (or extendable) tray <NUM> is mounted in the interior opening <NUM> of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The sliding tray <NUM> carries a plurality of fiber optic modules <NUM> so as to slide or pull a predetermined set of the fiber optic modules <NUM> outwardly relative to the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The sliding tray <NUM> has a front housing <NUM> configured to slide in and engage with a rail channel <NUM> defined in the side panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. A pull tab <NUM> is formed on sidewalls <NUM> of the front housing <NUM> to provide a gripping structure to allow the sliding tray <NUM> to easily be pulled out from and pushed into the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>.

A mounting bracket <NUM> is disposed on the bottom cover <NUM> having a rear housing <NUM> in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> has a plurality of protruding posts <NUM> and a plurality of apertures <NUM> therebetween. The plurality of the protruding posts <NUM> extends from an inner surface of a supporting structure <NUM>. The plurality of apertures <NUM> is defined against and above the inner surface of the supporting structure <NUM>. A space defined in the front housing <NUM> under each of the protruding posts <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> is configured to encase one fiber optic module <NUM> therein.

The plurality of apertures <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> receive a plurality of protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM>, allowing the sliding tray <NUM> to engage with the mounting bracket <NUM> when the sliding tray <NUM> is retracted in a non-extended position. The plurality of protruding posts <NUM> may include tray channels <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>) configured to receive the plurality of protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> slid therein. A tip end <NUM> of the protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> abuts the inner surface of the mounting bracket <NUM>. When retracted in the non-extended position, each of the protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> abuts against and is interleaved with the respective protruding post <NUM> from the mounting bracket <NUM> with the tip end <NUM> mating with the inner surface. A space in the rear housing <NUM> defined under each of the protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> is configured to encase one fiber optic module <NUM> vertically disposed therein. Accordingly, the plurality of the protruding posts <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> encases a first set of fiber optic module <NUM>, such as a first, third, fifth fiber optic modules <NUM> (the odd number fiber optic modules 350a as shown in <FIG>) and so on while the plurality of protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> encases a second set of fiber optic module <NUM>, such as a second, fourth, sixth fiber optic modules <NUM> (the even number fiber optic modules 350b as shown in <FIG>) and so on. Thus, the first set of fiber optic module 350a encased under the protruding posts <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> and the second set of fiber optic module 350b encased under the protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> are disposed against each other, but connected to different elements, such as the mounting bracket <NUM> and the sliding tray <NUM> respectively. When the sliding tray <NUM> is slid and pulled outwardly to an extended position, only the second set of the fiber optic module 350b connected to the sliding tray <NUM> is pulled out, leaving the first set of the fiber optic module <NUM> remained at the non-extended position.

In one example, the mounting bracket <NUM> may be fixedly mounted in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> by fastening features, such as bolts and nuts, screw fasteners and the like.

<FIG> depicts a top front end view of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> of <FIG> with multiple arrays of fiber optic modules 350a, 350b mounted therein in a non-extended position. As described above, the first set of the fiber optic modules 350a and the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b are disposed in a staggering manner that the first and the second set of the fiber optic modules 350a, 350b are staggered at a depth relative to each other. According to the claimed invention and as depicted in <FIG>, the first set of the fiber optic modules 350a is extended and protruded outward and forward from the second set of the fiber optic modules 350a at the predetermined depth. The first set of the fiber optic modules 350a is engaged under the plurality of protruding posts <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> respectively while the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b is engaged under the plurality of protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> respectively. When the pull tab <NUM> is pulled by a technician or an operator, the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b engaged under the plurality of protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> are being pulled out, extending the sliding tray <NUM> outward to an extended position while the first set of the fiber optic modules 350a remains unmoved in the un-extended position.

<FIG> depicts top views of the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> with the sliding tray <NUM> in an un-extended position and in an extended position respectively. In the non-extended position depicted in <FIG>, the tip end <NUM> of the protruding structures <NUM> abuts and engages with the inner surface <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>, which is also shown in <FIG>. The first front end 402a of the first set of the fiber optic modules 350a is extended outward from the second front end 402b of the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b. When the sliding tray <NUM> is pulled out into an extended position as depicted in <FIG>, the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b becomes extended outwardly from the first set of the fiber optic modules 350a with the predetermined depth <NUM>. When in the extended position, the tip end <NUM> of the protruding structures <NUM> is pulled out into a position away from the inner surface <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM>. A stopping member <NUM> may be disposed in the tray channel <NUM> in the mounting bracket <NUM> or to edge of the protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> to prevent the sliding tray <NUM> from extending over the stopping member <NUM> and outside of tray channel <NUM> defined in the mounting bracket <NUM>. The sliding tray <NUM> carries the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b, allowing the multiple connectors disposed in the second set of the fiber optic modules 350b to be pulled out simultaneously at one time, thus avoiding search time for a particular connector connected at a particular fiber optic module in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. Furthermore, the staggering configuration defined between the first and the second set of the fiber optic modules 350a, 350b may also provides an open space, defined by the depth <NUM>, to allow an easy access for the technician and operator to connect or remove the connectors thereof.

<FIG> depicts a top view, a perspective front view and a side view of the sliding tray <NUM> that may be mounted in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. The sliding tray <NUM> includes the plurality of protruding structures <NUM> extending outwardly from the housing <NUM>. A plurality of apertures <NUM> are defined between the protruding structures <NUM>. The pull tab <NUM> is attached to a side of the housing <NUM>. A guiding rail <NUM> is formed on the edges of the housing <NUM> configured to engage with the tray channel <NUM> in the mounting bracket <NUM>, when the sliding tray <NUM> is mounted in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>. A mounting feature <NUM> is formed on the protruding structures <NUM> that allows the catch <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, from the fiber optic module <NUM> to engage with the mounting feature <NUM> so as to secure the fiber optic module <NUM> in the sliding tray <NUM>. In this regard, the apertures <NUM> defined between the protruding structures <NUM> are configured to receive another set of the fiber optic module <NUM> that are not actuatable or slidable by the sliding tray <NUM>. Accordingly, the sliding tray <NUM> is configured to selectively pull out a predetermined set of the fiber optic module <NUM> while another set of the fiber optic module <NUM> not mounted in the sliding tray <NUM> remained intact without movement. In one example, the protruding structures <NUM> may have a width similar to, or slightly larger than, the width of the fiber optic module <NUM> so as to receive the fiber optic module <NUM> under the protruding structures <NUM> in the sliding tray <NUM>. In one example, the housing <NUM> and the protruding structures <NUM> of the sliding tray <NUM> may be formed as a unitary body that allows the pull tab <NUM> to be removably attached to the side of the sliding tray <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an example fiber optic cable management system <NUM> that my have the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> of <FIG> mounted on a rack <NUM>. After the first and the second set of the fiber optic module 350a, 350b are disposed in the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM>, the fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> may then be mounted on the rack <NUM> by a fastening features, such as bolts, nuts or fastening screws. The rack <NUM> may allow multiple fiber optic panel assembly <NUM> mounted thereon in the fiber optic cable management system.

Thus, a fiber optic panel assembly that has a sliding tray disposed therein that can slide out certain selected fiber optic modules outward from other non-selected fiber optic modules is provided. Each fiber optic module is disposed vertically side by side in a multiple array configuration in the fiber optic panel assembly. According to the claimed invention, every other fiber optic module, part of the first set of fiber optic modules, is staggered in a longitudinal direction from a front end to a rear end of the fiber optic module, with respect to an adjacent fiber optic module, part of the second set of fiber optic module. Furthermore, the tray is also configured to pull out multiple selected fiber optic module simultaneously at one time so that a technician or an operator may visually identify and locate the target connector or cable in the fiber optic module assembly efficiently and quickly with minimum search time. As the fiber optic modules are vertically disposed side by side in a closely packed arrangement, good utilization of the space defined in the fiber optic module assembly may be obtained. Thus, the fiber optic module assembly disclosed herein provides high density, ease and quick of access, and a small footprint for the desired cable and connector management and organization.

Claim 1:
A fiber optic panel assembly (<NUM>), comprising:
a ceiling (<NUM>), a bottom cover (<NUM>), and two opposing sides (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining an interior opening (<NUM>) therein;
a mounting bracket (<NUM>) disposed on the bottom cover (<NUM>) in the interior opening (<NUM>), the mounting bracket (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of protruding posts (<NUM>) extending outward from a supporting structure (<NUM>) of the mounting bracket (<NUM>);
a sliding tray (<NUM>) having a plurality of protruding structures (<NUM>), each protruding structure (<NUM>) having a tip end (<NUM>) configured to engage with an inner surface of the supporting structure (<NUM>);
characterized by the sliding tray (<NUM>) further comprising a plurality of apertures (<NUM>) defined between the plurality of protruding structures (<NUM>), wherein the apertures (<NUM>) are configured to receive the protruding posts (<NUM>) of the mounting bracket (<NUM>), the mounting bracket (<NUM>) further comprising
a plurality of second apertures (<NUM>) defined between the plurality of protruding posts (<NUM>), wherein the second apertures (<NUM>) are configured to receive the protruding structures (<NUM>) of the sliding tray (<NUM>) therein,
wherein each of the plurality of protruding posts (<NUM>) of the mounting bracket (<NUM>) is configured to engage with a fiber optic module of a first set of fiber optic modules (350a) and each of the plurality of protruding structures (<NUM>) of the sliding tray (<NUM>) is configured to engage with a fiber optic module of a second set of fiber optic modules (350b),
wherein the first set of fiber optic modules (350a) is engaged under the plurality of protruding posts (<NUM>) of the mounting bracket (<NUM>) and the second set of fiber optic modules (350b) is engaged under the plurality of protruding structures (<NUM>) of the sliding tray (<NUM>), and
wherein, when the sliding tray (<NUM>) is retracted in a non-extended position,
each of the protruding structures (<NUM>) of the sliding tray (<NUM>) abuts against and is interleaved with the respective protruding post (<NUM>) from the mounting bracket (<NUM>) with the tip end (<NUM>) mating with the inner surface,
wherein, in the non-extended position, the first set of fiber optic modules (350a) and the second set of fiber optic modules (350b) are staggered at a depth relative to each other, and
the first set of fiber optic modules (350a) is extended and protruded outward and forward from the second set of fiber optic modules (350b).