Patent Description:
Patch panels have shrunken in size over time in order to conserve space. However, as the patch panel shrinks in size, it also becomes increasingly difficult to maintain the patch panel and manage the cable connections. The cables are connected and disconnected by manual latching mechanisms, and a user must be able to access the latching mechanisms in order to latch or unlatch a cable with its corresponding connection port.

In order to make the cable connections more accessible, the patch panel may be designed with sliding trays. The connection ports are built into the sliding trays, so that when a tray is slid out, the connection ports slide out with the trays. The sliding trays make the connection ports much more accessible since a single row of ports can be slid out of the array at a time, so that the rows of connection ports immediately above and below no longer interfere with access to the row of connection ports on the slid-out tray.

One tradeoff of the sliding tray design is that the cables connected to the connection ports must be extra-long in order to move in and out with the sliding tray, such that undesired bending stresses on cables caused by pulling on cables with the movement of the trays may be avoided. This excess length in the cables can itself make accessing the connection ports more difficult, especially in a high density patch panel configuration where space for running the lengths of cables extending from the connection ports is limited. Additionally, longer length cables are more liable to become tangled with one another.

Ultimately, access to the cable connections to manually latch and unlatch cables is an important feature of a patch panel, and providing cables that are as short as possible and do not have slack is also an important feature of the patch panel. But there is a tradeoff between these features, since the cable slack is needed in order to pull a row of connection ports out to make them more accessible.

According to its abstract, <CIT> discloses a modular optical connector including a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.

Therefore, an improved patch panel is desired that provides for ease of access to cable connections to connectors of the patch panel while minimizing lengths of cables extending from the connectors at the patch panel.

The present disclosure is directed to a patch panel and patch panel rack that permit for improved access to the cable connection ports while also providing as little slack as possible in the connected cables.

The invention is directed to a patch panel as defined by the claims.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a patch panel <NUM> from various angles. <FIG> is a perspective view of the patch panel. <FIG> is a top view of the patch panel. <FIG> is a front view of the patch panel. Each of <FIG> is provided with a coordinate space key [x,y,z] to clarify the relationships between the relative views.

The patch panel <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> having a frame-depth in a direction of axis x, a frame-width in a direction of axis y, and a frame-height in a direction of axis z. The frame <NUM> may be made of a sturdy supporting material such as metal or a heavy-gauge plastic.

The patch panel <NUM> further may include a plurality of trays <NUM> supported by the frame <NUM> and stacked vertically in the frame-height direction. In the present example, the trays <NUM> do not rest directly on top of each other or otherwise directly touch one another, such that any one tray may be pulled out of the patch panel <NUM> array without moving or touching the other trays. In the present example, three trays are stacked one on top of another, although in other examples more or fewer trays may be stacked. Additionally, in the present example, the two stacks of trays are arranged adjacent to one another, although in other examples, there may be only one stack of trays, or there may be more than two adjacent stacks of trays.

Each of the trays <NUM> may be substantially the same as one another. For purposes of clarity, the description below explains the structure and function of a single tray <NUM> in the middle of a vertical stack of trays, but it should be understood that the same structure and function may apply to each of the trays in the vertical stack.

The tray <NUM> may be positioned inside the frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is open on each of a first side <NUM> and an opposing second side <NUM> along the frame-depth direction, such that the tray may be accessed from either side of the frame <NUM>.

A plurality of connection ports <NUM> may be connected to the tray <NUM>. In the present example, the tray may include a row of twelve connection ports <NUM> aligned in the frame-width direction, although more or fewer connection ports may be included in other examples. The connection ports are two-sided and configured to receive cable connection terminals <NUM> from either side <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

Each of the connection ports <NUM> and cable connection terminals <NUM> may be substantially the same as one another. For purposes of clarity, the description below explains the structure and function of a single connection port <NUM> and a single cable connection terminal <NUM>, but it should be understood that the same structure and function may apply to each of the connection ports and connection terminals included in the tray.

The cable connection terminal <NUM> may include a rigid housing <NUM> configured to attach to and partially house a cable <NUM>. The rigid housing <NUM> may be adapted to fit into an opening in the connection port <NUM>. In the present example, fitting cable connection terminals into opposite sides of a connection port <NUM> causes the cables housed by the respective cable connection terminals to be communicatively coupled to one another.

The cable connection terminal <NUM> may also include a dis-latching mechanism <NUM> or more generally a latch. The dis-latching mechanism <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of the rigid housing <NUM>. The dis-latching mechanism <NUM> may be a depressible finger adapted to engage a recessed edge of an inner surface of the connection port <NUM>. When the dis-latching mechanism <NUM> is engaged, it may prevent the cable connection terminal <NUM> from disconnecting from the connection port <NUM>. The dis-latching mechanism <NUM> may be disengaged manually, such as by a user pressing, pulling, or twisting the dis-latching mechanism <NUM>. Screws, bolts, springs, or other well-known cable locking devices and mechanisms may be used to achieve similar results. Further, in other examples, the latch may be provided on the connection port <NUM> itself, such that disengaging the latch on the connection port may cause a cable connection terminal inserted in the connection port to become disconnected.

The cable connection terminal <NUM> may further include a flexible boot <NUM> positioned between the rigid housing <NUM> and an exposed, non-housed portion of the cable <NUM>. The boot may be flexible in order to improve durability of the cable connection terminal <NUM> and ensure that the cable <NUM> does not become disconnected from the patch panel <NUM>. The boot provides strain relief, preventing the cable <NUM> from being bent sharply as such sharp bending could cause the inner fiber to be broken and result in transmission loss.

When inserted into the connection port <NUM>, the cable connection terminals <NUM> on either side of the connection port <NUM> may extend away from the connection port <NUM> along a first axis. In the example of <FIG>, the first axis may be the same as the frame-depth direction x. However, in other examples, the first axis may be angularly offset from the frame-depth direction, such that the cable connection terminals enter the connection ports at an angle relative to the frame depth direction.

Returning to the tray <NUM>, the tray may be supported by guides <NUM> on one or both sides of the frame <NUM>. The guides <NUM> may extend along a second axis angularly offset from the first axis. In <FIG>, a second axis x' is shown, and is angularly offset from the frame-depth direction x. However, in those examples where the first axis is itself angularly offset from the frame-depth direction x, the second axis may be the same direction as the frame-depth direction.

The tray <NUM> may be adapted to slide along the guides <NUM>, such that the tray moves in either direction in the direction of axis x'. This is noticeable from the top view illustration of <FIG>, in which the tray <NUM> is parallelogram-shaped such that the side edges of the tray extend in the x' axis direction and may slide in the direction x' offset from the frame-depth direction x. It can be further seen from <FIG> that the side edges of the frame <NUM> (and impliedly the guides <NUM> of the frame) may extend in the same direction as the side edges of the tray <NUM>, as opposed to the direction in which the cable connection terminals <NUM> extend. As explained in greater detail below, the angling of the frame <NUM>, guides <NUM> and tray <NUM> are important for making the dis-latching mechanism <NUM> on the cable connection terminal <NUM> accessible without having to pull the tray from an interior of the patch panel frame to a position where the cable connection terminal <NUM> is completely out of the patch panel <NUM>.

The cable connection terminals <NUM> in the present illustrated example are multi-fiber push-on (MPO) cable terminals (also referred to as MTP cables), and the cables <NUM> connected to the terminals are multi-fiber cables. In the example of MPO cable terminals, the connection port may include a hook affixed to an inner surface of the port, and the cable connection terminal may include a corresponding latch configured to be secured by the hook. Securing the latch to the hook may result in the cable connection terminal being operatively connected to the patch panel connection port. The connection port may further be configured to release the latch when the latch is slid out of the hook. In other examples, other types of cables and terminals may be used. For instance, any known fiber cable (e.g., single core fiber cable) and any known connector having a latch or other mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the cable from a port (e.g., an SC connector) may be compatible with a patch panel designed according to the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example tray <NUM> and shows the structure of the tray in greater detail. The tray <NUM> includes a surface <NUM> defining a surface plane. The surface plane may be a plane in the frame-width and frame-depth directions. A vertical member <NUM> may extend vertically from the surface in the frame-height direction, separating the first side <NUM> from the second side <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. The vertical member <NUM> may span the entire or close to the entire width of the surface <NUM>, and may include apertures <NUM> aligned in a single row across the width of the surface <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> may be occupied by a respective two-sided connection port <NUM>, such that a first side of the connection port <NUM> is positioned on the first side <NUM> of the tray <NUM>, and a second side of the connection port <NUM> is positioned on the second side of the tray <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the vertical member <NUM> extends upward and the connection ports <NUM> are positioned above the surface <NUM>, although in other examples the vertical member may extend downward with the connection ports positioned below the surface.

In each of <FIG>, all of the trays <NUM> of the patch panel <NUM> are in a tray-in position. Each of the rows of cable connection terminals <NUM> are aligned vertically in the frame-height direction with one another. The tray-in position is generally suitable for storage of the trays, with each of the cable connection terminals <NUM> being made inaccessible such that the terminals are not readily disconnectable from the patch panel <NUM> in such position.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the patch panel <NUM> having a tray <NUM> in a tray-out position from various angles. <FIG> is a perspective view of the patch panel. <FIG> is a top view of the patch panel. <FIG> is a front view of the patch panel. Each of <FIG> is provided with a coordinate space key [x,y,z] to clarify the relationships between the relative views.

As described below, the tray-out position is a position of the tray that is generally suitable for accessing the cable connection terminals <NUM> of the slid-out tray, provided that the trays immediately above and below the slid-out tray <NUM> are still in the tray-in position or otherwise not aligned vertically with the slid-out tray. Sliding out the tray <NUM> may involve pulling or pushing the tray <NUM> from the first side <NUM>, or pulling or pushing the tray <NUM> from the second side <NUM>. The tray <NUM> may be adapted to glide or roll or otherwise slide on the guides <NUM> to move between the tray-in and tray-out positions.

The tray <NUM> slides from the tray-in position to the tray-out position along an axis that is parallel with the second axis (e.g., x' in <FIG>) along which the opposing side edges of the tray <NUM> extend and parallel with the surface of the tray <NUM>, where the second axis is angularly offset from the first axis (e.g., x in <FIG>). This results in the cable connection terminals of the slid-out tray being laterally displaced relative to their position in the tray-in position. Stated another way, any given cable connection terminal may be thought of as extending co-extensively with a first line in the direction of the first axis when in the tray-in position, and as extending co-extensively with a parallel but offset second line in the direction of the first axis when in the tray-out position. When the tray is in the tray-out position, the distance between the first line and the second line may be d/<NUM>, which is half the distance d between adjacent cable connection terminals.

In particular, in the example of <FIG>, the tray <NUM> is adapted to slide at an angle relative to the frame-depth direction. This results in the cable connection terminals becoming displaced in each of the frame-width direction and the frame-depth direction when the tray moves from the tray-in position to the tray-out position. Additionally, when the tray reaches the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals <NUM> of the slid-out tray <NUM> may become laterally offset in the frame-width direction relative to the cable connection terminals of the trays immediately above and below the slid-out tray <NUM>. To obtain the tray at the tray-out position from the tray-in position, the tray is slid a minimum distance that the tray needs to be slid from the tray-in position in a direction along an axis parallel to the second axis, to provide that the tray is positioned to permit access to its cable connection terminals. Thus, at the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals of the tray may be accessed, such that there is no need to slide the tray a further distance along the guides out of the patch panel to provide for access to the cable connection terminals. At the tray-out position, the lateral offset may be half (d/<NUM>) the lateral distance between adjacent cable connection terminals (d).

Thus, as shown in each of <FIG> and <FIG>, when the tray <NUM> reaches the tray-out position, the cable connection terminals <NUM> of the slid-out tray <NUM> are laterally positioned above and beneath the gaps between cable connection terminals of the trays immediately above and below. This makes accessing the cable connection terminals <NUM> of the slid-out tray <NUM> possible.

Since the cable connection terminals <NUM> of the slid-out tray <NUM> at the tray-out position can be accessed through gaps immediately above and below, it is not necessary for the tray <NUM> to slide out very far. In particular, the displacement of the tray between the tray-in and tray-out positions may be less than the length of the cable connection terminals in the direction of the first axis. For example, if each cable connection terminal is <NUM> millimeters long, the displacement between the tray-in and tray-out positions may be less than <NUM> millimeters long, and in some examples, <NUM> millimeters or less.

In one example, the frame <NUM> shown in the example of <FIG> may be between about <NUM> millimeters to about <NUM> millimeters wide, and each tray <NUM> may be about <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters wide. The twelve cable connection terminals <NUM> may be spaced apart by about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters (including the width of the cable connection terminals themselves). The spacing may be the same or similar for trays having a different number of cable connection terminals. The height of the frame may be between about <NUM> millimeters and about <NUM> millimeters, meaning that each tray is separated by a gap of less than <NUM> millimeters. This makes it difficult for a user to access the latches on the cable connection terminals <NUM> without moving the tray <NUM> to a tray-out position.

Generally, the tray <NUM> may have two tray-out positions, a first tray-out position in which the cable connection terminals on the first side <NUM> of the tray <NUM> are made accessible, and a second tray-out position in which the cable connection terminals on the second side <NUM> of the tray <NUM> are accessible. The tray may slide from the tray-in position to either one of the tray-out positions depending on the direction (e.g., forward vs. back) that the tray is slid. In either case, the position of the tray may be moved in a direction of the second axis angularly offset from the first axis (e.g., in the case of <FIG>, moved in both the frame-depth direction and the frame-width direction) in order to make the cable connection terminals at respective sides of the tray more accessible.

The patch panel may include additional features to improve its function and operation, as well as the accessibility of the cable connection terminals. <FIG> is a perspective view of an underside <NUM> of the tray <NUM> from <FIG>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the surface <NUM> of the tray <NUM> may include a pair of slot-shaped openings <NUM> and <NUM> extending in the frame-width direction. A first opening <NUM> may be positioned directly underneath the rigid housing of the cable connection terminal on the first side <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. A second opening <NUM> may be positioned directly underneath the rigid housing of the cable connection terminal on the second side <NUM> of the tray <NUM>.

In the example of <FIG>, the second opening <NUM> is made large enough for the vertical member <NUM> to be vertically aligned in the frame height direction with an inside edge <NUM> of the second opening <NUM>. However, in other examples, the second opening may be made smaller, so long as the opening remains large enough to permit access to the latch or other connection/disconnection mechanism on the rigid housing of the cable connection terminal.

Additionally, in the example of <FIG>, the openings <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned underneath the rigid housings of the cable connection terminals. However, in those examples where the connection/disconnection mechanisms are positioned elsewhere, such as on the connection port, the openings in the tray surface may be positioned differently in order to be properly aligned with the respective connection/disconnection mechanisms. In the example of <FIG>, the opening <NUM> is purposely aligned with dis-latching mechanism <NUM> to allow for easy dis-latching of the cable connection terminal <NUM> from the connection port <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> also show a mechanical stopper <NUM> configured to prevent the trays from accidentally sliding out of the frame. A close-up of the mechanical stopper is shown in each of <FIG> and <FIG>.

The mechanical stopper <NUM> may be mounted to an outer surface of the frame <NUM> and extending from the frame in a frame-depth direction. The mechanical stopper <NUM> may include one or more notches <NUM> notched into the body of the stopper in the frame-width direction such that the width of the mechanical stopper <NUM> in the frame-width direction is shorter at the location of the notches <NUM> than at portions of the stopper <NUM> above and below the notches. In this regard, the mechanical stopper <NUM> may have an overall width that overlaps in the frame-width direction with at least a portion of the trays <NUM>, but the width of the mechanical stopper <NUM> at the location of the notches does not overlap in the frame-width direction with the trays <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the mechanical stopper <NUM> is in a locked position. The notches <NUM> are vertically out of alignment with the guides <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, thus preventing each of the trays <NUM> from sliding between the tray-in position and a tray-out position. In <FIG>, the mechanical stopper <NUM> is in an unlocked position. The notches are vertically aligned in the frame-height direction with the guides <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, leaving each of the trays <NUM> free to slide between the tray-in position and a tray-out position.

In the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, moving the mechanical stopper <NUM> between the locked and unlocked positioned may involve displacing the mechanical stopper <NUM> vertically in a frame-height direction. The mechanical stopper <NUM> may be biased to the locked position by a biasing element, such as a bias spring <NUM>. The bias spring <NUM> may exert a force on the mechanical stopper <NUM> in the vertical frame-height direction. The bias spring <NUM> may be configured to be depressible, such that an opposing force (in the example of <FIG>, an upward force) compresses the bias spring <NUM> and displaces the mechanical stopper <NUM> along the axis of the bias spring force until the notches <NUM> become aligned with one or more trays <NUM> in the frame <NUM>.

Additionally, the trays <NUM> may be configured to overlap with the mechanical stopper <NUM> in the frame-height direction when slid to a tray-out position, but not in the tray-in position. Because of the overlap, a tray <NUM> in a tray-out position may block the mechanical stopper <NUM> from returning to its biased locking position. The mechanical stopper <NUM> would then return to the locking position only after the tray <NUM> has been returned to its tray-in position and no longer overlaps with the mechanical stopper in the frame-depth direction, leaving the bias spring <NUM> free to bias the mechanical stopper <NUM> into the locking position.

<FIG> and <FIG> also show an anchor member configured to anchor the tray to the frame. A close-up of the anchor member is shown in <FIG>. The anchor <NUM> may be appended to an edge of the tray surface <NUM> extending from the tray surface <NUM> in a frame-width direction. The anchor <NUM> may have a height in the frame-height direction that is greater than a thickness of the tray surface <NUM>. Additionally, the guides <NUM> in the frame <NUM> may be slots, whereby each slot has a width equal or greater than the thickness of the tray surface <NUM> but less than the height of the anchor <NUM>. In this regard, the tray <NUM> may slide forward and back along the x' axis along the slot <NUM>, but the anchor prevents from the tray <NUM> from rotating or otherwise sliding side-to-side in the frame-width direction out of the frame <NUM>.

In the instance of a patch panel with two-sided connection ports and trays that may slide out both forward and back, the mechanical stoppers and anchors may be provided on both sides of the patch panel. For instance, a first mechanical stopper on a first side of the frame may prevent the trays from sliding out in the direction of the first side, and a second mechanical stopper on a first side of the frame may prevent the trays from sliding out in the direction of the second side. Likewise, each tray surface may be equipped with two anchors, one anchor on the first side to prevent side-to-side sliding when one side of the tray is pulled out, and the other anchor on the other side of the tray for when the other side of the tray is pulled out.

<FIG> shows an alternative embodiment of a patch panel <NUM> according to the present disclosure. Like the prior embodiment, the patch panel <NUM> of <FIG> includes a frame, trays, connection ports (<NUM> ports in the example of <FIG>, just like the prior illustrated examples), and cable connection terminals for connecting cables to the connection ports. The patch panel <NUM> in <FIG> differs in that each of the trays is configured to both rotate and slide out.

The frame <NUM> may include a post <NUM> extending vertically in the frame-height direction. In some instances, the post <NUM> may be in proximity to a sidewall of the frame <NUM>. Each of the trays <NUM> may also include an elongated slot <NUM> etched into the surface of the tray <NUM>. The elongated slot <NUM> may be adapted for the post <NUM> to be inserted into the slot <NUM>, such that the tray <NUM> may rotate about a pivot point in the slot <NUM> (e.g., the post <NUM>) and may slide in the direction of the elongation of the slot. In this regard, the width of the slot <NUM> may be about or only slightly wider than the width of the post <NUM>, in order that the tray <NUM> neatly fits on and slides relative to the post <NUM>. In some instances, the slot <NUM> may be L-shaped.

The post <NUM> may further include a supporting feature such as a platform or spacer on which the weight of the tray may be supported and to provide that the trays <NUM> received by the frame <NUM> may be spaced apart vertically to avoid interference between adjacent ones of the trays.

The frame <NUM> may further include a shaft (not shown) or other cable routing location in proximity to the post <NUM>. One or more cables <NUM> from the patch panel <NUM> may be routed through the shaft. In this manner, for a given cable <NUM>, the distance from the cable connection terminal to the shaft does not significantly change as the tray <NUM> rotates about the post <NUM>. Additionally, since the tray <NUM> slides in and out only a short distance (e.g., fewer than <NUM> millimeters, about <NUM> millimeters), the positional translation of the tray <NUM> also does not significantly affect the distance from the cable connection terminal to the shaft.

In operation, moving a tray in the frame <NUM> of <FIG> from the tray-in position to the tray-out position may involve both rotating the tray around the post <NUM> and translating the tray in the direction of the slot <NUM> elongation along a plane defined by the tray surface. The purpose of rotating the tray is to move the cable connection terminals of the rotated tray out of vertical alignment with the cable connection terminals of the trays immediately above and below. The purpose of translating the tray is to create additional clearance and accessibility for the cable connection terminals closest to the post <NUM> (since rotating those terminals repositions them less than rotating the terminals farther from the post <NUM>).

The rotatable trays may be configured to rotate in opposing directions so that the cable connection terminals on either side of the corresponding connection ports may be made accessible. Each of the stacked trays may be configured to rotate about a pivot point (e.g., the post) and translate along an axis of a length of the elongated slot. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, a first tray <NUM> is shown rotated in one direction, and a second tray <NUM> is shown rotated in an opposite second direction. It may also be noted that the first tray <NUM> is also translated along the elongated slot, whereas the second tray <NUM> has not been translated.

As can be seen from <FIG>, the elongated slot <NUM> in the tray <NUM> may be formed in an extension of the tray surface that protrudes beyond the width of the frame <NUM>. This may allow for the post <NUM> to be formed close to an edge of the frame <NUM> in the frame-width direction, while maintaining only a small portion of the tray surface on an opposite side of the post <NUM> in the frame-width direction, while also providing for the tray <NUM> to be able to rotate about the post <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of a patch panel tray <NUM> according to an embodiment. The patch panel tray <NUM> is similar to each of the trays <NUM>, with the exception that tray <NUM> includes one or more handles <NUM>. In the figure, two handles <NUM> are depicted, one on the first side <NUM> of the tray and one on the second side <NUM> of the tray. However, it should be noted that the tray <NUM> may be configured to have a single handle on, for example, the first side <NUM> of the tray, or may be configured to have more than two handles. In any event, the handles facilitate positioning the tray <NUM> in the tray-in and tray-out positions by providing a place for a user to grab the tray <NUM>. A multiple of trays each configured like tray <NUM> may be substituted for each of the multiple of trays <NUM> in the embodiments of <FIG>, for example, to realize alternative embodiments. As in trays <NUM>, in tray <NUM> a vertical member <NUM> of may extend vertically from the surface in the frame-height direction, separating the first side <NUM> from the second side <NUM> of the tray <NUM>. The vertical member <NUM> may span the entire or close to the entire width of a surface <NUM>, and may include apertures <NUM> aligned in a single row across the width of the surface <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> may be occupied by a respective two-sided connection port <NUM>, such that a first side of the connection port <NUM> is positioned on the first side <NUM> of the tray <NUM>, and a second side of the connection port <NUM> is positioned on the second side of the tray <NUM>. In one configuration, the vertical member <NUM> extends upward and the connection ports <NUM> are positioned above the surface <NUM>, although in other examples the vertical member may extend downward with the connection ports positioned below the surface.

Turning to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of a patch panel configuration according to an embodiment having trays 1305a, 1305b, 1310a, 1310b, 1315a, and 1315b arranged in pairs. For example, trays 1305a and 1305b make up a pair. Each pair of trays has an associated multiple of intermediate cables, or "jumper" cables, although for clarity of presentation <FIG> shows only intermediate cables <NUM>, which are associated with tray pair 1305a, 1305b. Further, each two trays that make up a pair may be coplanar, or substantially coplanar, and the cables connecting such trays may be maintained in the plane, or substantially in the plane, of the trays by a support. For example, trays 1305a and 1305b may be coplanar in a plane parallel to the XY plane, and the cables <NUM> may be maintained in the plane of trays 1305a and 1305b by a support <NUM>. The support <NUM> may be mounted, for instance, on an enclosure that encloses the trays 1305a, 1305b, and cables <NUM>.

Each of the trays 1305a-1315b includes a respective multiple of ports. For example, tray 1305a includes ports 1340a, and tray 1305b includes ports 1340b. Each of the ports 1340a and 1340b may accept one or more connection terminals for coupling to respective external cables <NUM>. Moreover, cables <NUM> may themselves be coupled to the ports by respective connection terminals. Thus, in one embodiment, each of cables <NUM> has a connection terminal at a first end 1320a of the cable, e.g., cable <NUM>, and a connection terminal at a second end 1320b of the cable, e.g., cable <NUM>, and the connection terminal at first end 1320a is coupled to one of ports 1340a and the connection terminal at second end 1320b is coupled to a corresponding one of ports 1340b. Pairs of external cables, e.g., cables <NUM> and <NUM>, may then be coupled to each other through a respective one of cables <NUM>, e.g. through the one of ports 1340a and the corresponding one of ports 1340b.

In the arrangement of <FIG>, the connection terminal attached to cable <NUM> may be easily accessed by moving tray 1305a along the Y direction to a tray-out position, without disturbing cable <NUM>. That is, the intermediate cables <NUM> are provided in sufficient length to accommodate movement of tray 1305a without exposing cable <NUM> or tray 1305b to any significant force resulting from such movement. Similarly, the connection terminal attached to cable <NUM> may be easily accessed by moving tray 1305b along a direction opposite the Y direction to a tray-out position, without disturbing cable <NUM> or tray 1305a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the patch panel configuration of <FIG> as arranged in an enclosure <NUM>. The enclosure may enclose all of trays 1305a-1315b and may include one or more guides, e.g., guides 1405a, 1405b, 1410a, and 1410b, for guiding the trays during movement between a tray-in position and a tray-out position. For example, tray 1305a may be guided between a tray-in position and a tray-out position by guides 1405a and 1410a. In addition, the guides may be associated with respective stops, e.g., stops 1420a, 1420b, 1425a, and 1425b. The stops are provided for limiting movement of the trays past a designated tray-in position. For example, stops 1420a and 1425a prevent tray 1305a from moving past a designated tray-in position.

<FIG> show two paired tray patch panel arrangements 1500A and 1500B in a side by side configuration, with paired tray patch panel arrangement 1500A having both trays 1505a and 1505b in a tray-in position and paired tray patch panel arrangement 1500B having a tray 1510a in a tray-in position and a tray 1510b in a tray-out position. The two paired tray patch panel arrangements 1500A and 1500B may be included in a frame (not shown), which may be integral with a panel enclosure (not shown), attached to the panel enclosure, or separate from the panel enclosure. Each of arrangements 1500A and 1500B may be supported by the frame and stacked in a first direction, e.g., the Z direction, with other paired tray arrangements. Further, each of arrangements 1500A and 1500B are configured to receive respective pairs of cable connection terminals so that, for each pair of cable connection terminals received by the arrangement, one of the cable connection terminals is received by a first tray of the pair of trays, a second of the cable connection terminals is received by a second tray of the pair of trays, and the first cable connection terminal and the second cable connection terminal are configured to be communicatively coupled to each other by an intermediate cable such that the cable connection terminals extend outward from each other in a direction of a first axis. For example, arrangement 1500A is configured to receive a first cable connection terminal 1512a at a port of tray 1505a and receive a second cable connection terminal 1512b at a port of tray 1505b, and cable connection terminal 1512a and cable connection terminal 1512b are communicatively coupled to each other by an intermediate cable <NUM> such that the cable connection terminals 1510a and 1510b extend outward from each other along the Y axis.

In the <FIG> embodiment, first cable connection terminals, e.g., first cable connection terminal 1512a, are coupled to respective ports of tray 1505a, e.g., port 1525a, and second cable connection terminals, e.g., second cable connection terminal 1512b, are coupled to respective ports of tray 1505b, e.g., port 1525b. Also, a first end of each intermediate cable, e.g., end 1520a of cable <NUM>, is coupled to a first intermediate cable connection terminal, e.g., first intermediate cable connection terminal 1530a, which is in turn coupled to a respective port of tray 1505a, e.g., port 1525a; and a second end of each intermediate cable, e.g., end 1520b of cable <NUM>, is coupled to a second intermediate cable connection terminal, e.g., first intermediate cable connection terminal 1530b, which is in turn coupled to a respective port of tray 1505b, e.g., port 1525b. In this manner a cable connected to one of the first cable connection terminals may be coupled to a cable connected to one of the second cable connection terminals by way of an intermediate cable. For example a cable coupled to first cable connection terminal 1510a may be coupled to a cable connected second cable connection terminals 1510b by first cable connection terminal 1510a, port 1525a, first intermediate cable connection terminal 1530a, intermediate cable <NUM>, second intermediate cable connection terminal 1530b, port 1525b, and second cable connection terminal 1510b.

Portions of the intermediate cables <NUM> of the <FIG> embodiment are positioned within a cable jacket <NUM>. The jacket <NUM> facilitates coordinated positioning of the intermediate cables <NUM> in a space between trays 1505a and 1505b. Further, the jacket is held by a support <NUM>, which restrains the jacket and, in turn, the intermediate cables in at least one direction.

Referring now to <FIG>, paired tray patch panel arrangement 1500B is shown with tray 1510a in a tray-in position and tray 1510b in a tray-out position. Arrangement 1500B is the same as arrangement 1500A, except with respect to the X axis. Along the X axis, arrangement 1500B mirrors arrangement 1500A. As can be seen from <FIG>, movement of tray 1510b to the tray out position does not cause any significant force to be exerted on tray 1510a due to the slack in intermediate cables <NUM>. That is, as tray 1510b is moved in the Y direction, intermediate cables <NUM> and associated jacket <NUM> accommodate such movement. Moreover, a support <NUM> support cables <NUM> and jacket <NUM> along the Z direction. The support <NUM> holds the cables <NUM> and jacket <NUM> and is free to move in an XY plane but not along the Z axis such that cables <NUM> and jacket <NUM> are free to move in an XY plane but restrained from movement along the Z axis.

Arrangement 1500B may be stacked in a first direction, e.g., the Z direction, with other paired tray arrangements. In such configuration, tray 1510b may be adapted to slide between a first tray-in position and at least one first tray-out position by sliding parallel to, or substantially parallel, to trays in the other paired tray arrangements while the tray 1510a does not move.

Referring now to <FIG> are perspective views of a paired tray patch panel <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> shows an enclosure <NUM> of the patch panel <NUM>. The enclosure includes a top <NUM>, cable hangers <NUM>, and doors <NUM>. The cable hangers <NUM> are provided for securing cables running to and from the patch panel. The doors <NUM> are provided to secure slidable trays within the enclosure <NUM>, and may be opened to allow the trays to slide outward from the enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the patch panel of <FIG> with portions, including top <NUM>, removed. The patch panel includes a first paired tray patch panel arrangement 1625A and a second paired tray patch panel arrangement 1625B. In one possible embodiment the arrangements 1625A and 1625B may respectively take the form of arrangements 1500A and 1500B (as shown in <FIG>). In any event, arrangement 1625A includes a first tray 1630a, a second tray 1630b and intermediate cables (not shown) which run through a cable jacket <NUM>. Similarly, arrangement 1625B includes a first tray 1640a, a second tray 1640b and intermediate cables (not shown) which run through a cable jacket <NUM>. In addition, each of trays 1630a, 1630b, 1640a, and 1640b includes a handle, e.g., handle <NUM>, for easy manipulation of the tray. As can be seen in <FIG>, the patch panel includes sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM>, and a middle wall <NUM>. The walls <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> have corresponding guides, e.g., multiple guides <NUM> on sidewall <NUM>, which guide movement of the trays of the patch panel, e.g., trays 1630a and 1630b, between tray-in positions and tray-out positions. In <FIG> only two paired tray patch panel arrangements are shown, however the patch panel of the figure is configured to include six paired tray patch panel arrangements, stacked in three layers with two paired tray arrangements configured side by side in each layer. The layers proceed upwards from arrangements 1625A and 1625B toward the top of the enclosure such that each layer corresponds to one of guides <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternate view of the layout of <FIG>. As can be seen from <FIG>, middle wall <NUM> includes guides 1680a, 1680b, and 1680c. Each of guides 1680a, 1680b, and 1680c each correspond to a layer of two paired tray arrangements. Thus, for example, guide 1680a corresponds provides guidance for trays 1630a and 1630b of arrangement 1625A. As can be further seen from <FIG>, each of the cable jackets, e.g., cable jacket <NUM>, are supported by respective pairs of supports, e.g., supports 1685a and 1685b, which restrain the cable jacket, and intermediate cables inside the jacket, from moving in a direction along the top to bottom direction of the enclosure <NUM> while allowing the jacket and cables to move in a direction perpendicular to the top to bottom direction of the enclosure <NUM>. <FIG> also shows a center stopper <NUM> on sidewall <NUM>. The center stopper <NUM> is provided to limit movement of trays guided by guides <NUM>, e.g., tray 1640a, when the trays are moved toward the enclosure <NUM>. <FIG> provides a detail view of a center stopper <NUM> on sidewall <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternate view of the layout of <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG> tray 1640b appears at the lower left portion of the figure. Tray 1640b is shown in isolation in <FIG>. As can be seen from <FIG>, tray 1640b includes a lid 1640b' which may be opened to expose a multiple of ports 1640b". In one embodiment, each of the ports 1640b" may be the same as port 1525a (shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a top view of a paired tray patch panel configuration <NUM> according another embodiment. The <FIG> configuration is similar to the embodiment discussed in connection with <FIG>, except with regard to intermediate cable management. The embodiment of <FIG> further reduces the risk that movement of one tray in a pair will interfere with cable connections on the other tray in the pair. For example, the embodiment features cable management that further reduces the risk that movement of tray 1640b from its tray-in position (shown) to its tray-out position (not shown) will interfere with cable connections on tray 1640a. More specifically, intermediate cables that couple connection terminals on tray 1640b to connection terminals on 1640a are routed through a cable jacket <NUM> which is secured to a wall <NUM> of the patch panel configuration by a sleeves 1715a and 1715b. Thus, when either, or both, of trays 1640a and 1640b move the jacket and cable portions farthest from the trays 1640a and 1640b do not move, thereby insulating movement of the trays 1640a and 1640b from each other. In addition, the <FIG> embodiment includes pivoting supports 1720a and 1720b to support the cable jacket <NUM> such that the jacket can move in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to a floor <NUM> of the patch panel configuration <NUM> but not in a direction perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to the floor <NUM>.

is a top view of a paired tray patch panel configuration <NUM> according to an embodiment in which all cable access is from the front of the patch panel. The <FIG> configuration includes first tray 1805a having cable connection terminals 1810a and a second tray 1805b having cable connection terminals 1810b. The trays 1805a and 1805b are positioned such that both terminals 1810a and 1810b face a same side of the configuration <NUM>, e.g., a front side <NUM> of the configuration <NUM>. Cables connected to respective ones of terminals 1810a are communicatively coupled to cables connected to respective ones of terminals 1810b via ports 1825a of tray 1805a, intermediate cable connection terminals 1830a, intermediate cables <NUM>, intermediate cable connection terminals 1830b, and ports 1825b of tray 1805b. The embodiment of <FIG> allows each of tray 1805a and 1805b to be moved from their tray-in position (shown) to a tray-out position without disturbing the other tray. In the embodiment as depicted, moving either of tray 1805a or 1805b to a tray-out position involves moving tray 1805a or 1805b along the Y direction.

To reduce risk that movement of tray 1805a or 1805b will interfere with cable connections on the other tray, the intermediate cables <NUM> are routed through cable jackets 1840a and 1840b which are secured to a wall <NUM> of the patch panel configuration <NUM> by respective sleeves 1850a and 1850b. Thus, when either, or both, of trays 1805a and 1805b move the jackets 1840a and 1840b and cable portions farthest from the trays do not move, thereby insulating movement of the trays 1805a and 1805b from each other. In addition, the <FIG> embodiment includes pivoting supports 1855a and 1855b to respectively support the cable jackets 1840a and 1840b such that the jackets can move in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to a floor <NUM> of the patch panel configuration <NUM> but not in a direction perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to the floor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the paired tray patch panel of <FIG> with tray 1805b in a tray-out position. As can be seen by from the figure, pivoting support 1855b has pivoted to accommodate the tray-out position of tray 1805b and attendant position of cable jacket 1840b while supporting the cable jacket 1840b in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to floor <NUM>. As can be further seen from the figure, when tray 1805b is in the tray-out position the cable jacket 1840b remains secured to the wall <NUM> by sleeve 1850b.

<FIG> is a top view of the paired tray patch panel of <FIG> with a tray 1640c in a tray-out position. As can be seen by from the figure, a pivoting support 1720c has pivoted to accommodate the tray-out position of tray 1640c and attendant position of cable jacket <NUM> while supporting the cable jacket <NUM> in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to a floor <NUM> of the patch panel configuration <NUM>. As can be further seen from the figure, when tray 1640c is in the tray-out position the cable jacket <NUM> remains secured to the wall <NUM> by sleeve 1715c.

<FIG> is a top view of the paired tray patch panel of <FIG> with both tray 1805a and tray 1805b in tray-out positions. As can be seen, pivoting supports 1855a an 1855b have pivoted to respectively accommodate the tray-out positions of trays 1805a and 1805b while respectively supporting the cable jackets 1840a and 1840b in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to floor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the paired tray patch panel of <FIG> with both tray 1640c and a tray 1640d tray-out positions. As can be seen, pivoting supports 1720c and 1720d have pivoted to respectively accommodate the tray-out positions of trays 1640c and 1640d while respectively supporting cable jackets <NUM> and <NUM> in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to floor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a rack mount patch panel unit <NUM> according to an embodiment. The unit <NUM> includes three patch panel subassemblies 2105a, 2105b, and 2105c, stacked in a first direction, the Z direction in the figure. Each patch panel subassembly includes at least one mounting plate, which is a type of mounting means of this disclosure, and a plurality of port assemblies. For example, subassembly 2105a includes a plurality of port assemblies 2110a, 2110b. 2110n, and mounting plate 2115a. The mounting plate 2115a is configured to accommodate the port assemblies 2110a-2110n so that each port assembly can individually translate along a direction parallel to a surface of the mounting plate, parallel to the direction X in the figure, and can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate, about an axis in the direction Z in the figure. The port assemblies, e.g., port assemblies 2110a-2110n, are translatable and rotatable while keeping in contact with the mounting plates, e.g., mounting plate 2115a.

The rack mount patch panel unit <NUM> also includes a frame <NUM> and a cable support <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be used to secure the mounting plates, e.g., mounting plate 2115a, within the unit <NUM>, and to secure the unit <NUM> to a rack (not shown) via mounts 2130a and 2130b. The cable support <NUM> may be used to provide support in the Z direction for cables connected to the port assemblies, e.g. port assemblies 2110a to 2110n.

In the <FIG> configuration the port assembles, e.g. port assemblies 2110a to 2110n, have a common depth dimension <NUM>, shown by way of example in the figure. The depth dimension <NUM> defines one dimension of space <NUM> in which the port assemblies are arranged, The Y dimension of the space with reference to the figure. Accordingly, the Y dimension of the space is equal to depth dimension <NUM> when all the port assemblies are aligned with their depths extending in the Y direction. Nevertheless, regardless of the port assemblies' orientations, the depth of the space <NUM> (the Y extent of the space) is less than two times the depth dimension <NUM> of the port assemblies.

The elements of the rack unit <NUM> will be described in more detail below. In any event, it should be noted that the unit <NUM> is not limited to three subassemblies, and that the unit <NUM> may employee one subassembly, two subassemblies, or more than three subassemblies. Moreover, the unit <NUM> may not include cable support <NUM> or may include a cable support of a different configuration. Further, the unit <NUM> may include a frame having a configuration different from frame <NUM>.

It should be further noted that for clarity of presentation the port assemblies, e.g., port assembly 2130a, are depicted with cable connection terminals, e.g., cable connection terminals 2135a, 2140a, 2145a, and 2150a, inserted in the assemblies. The cable connection terminals are associated with respective cables (not shown) and each port assembly communicatively couples a cable connection terminal on one side of the assembly with a cable connection terminal on the other side of the assembly such that the cables corresponding to the two cable connection terminals are communicatively coupled. For example, port assembly 2130a communicatively couples cable connection terminal 2135a to cable connection terminal 2145a. Moreover, it is noted that while the port assemblies are depicted as accommodating two cable connection terminals on each side, the embodiments are not limited to such assemblies. For instance, the port assemblies may accommodate one cable connection terminal on each side, or more than two cable connection terminals on each side.

The port assemblies may be secured in an elongated space. For example, the port assemblies in <FIG> are secured in space <NUM>, which is elongated in the X direction (the longitudinal direction). The longitudinal direction may be referred to as a first direction. Each port assembly at least one pair of front and rear ports, or interfaces, for accepting cable termination assemblies. For example, port assembly 2130a includes front ports <NUM> and <NUM> for accepting cable connection terminals 2135a and 2140a, respectively, and includes rear ports <NUM> and <NUM> for accepting cable connection terminals 2145a and 2150a, respectively. The ports <NUM> and <NUM> make an energy conveying connection between cable connection terminals 2135a and 2145a, and the ports <NUM> and <NUM> make an energy conveying connection between cable connection terminals 2140a and 2150a. Further, the relative position of the front port <NUM> to rear port <NUM>, and from front port <NUM> to rear port <NUM>, defines a second direction. The angle between the first direction and the second direction may be between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, depending on how port assembly 2130a is rotated. Moreover, the port assembly 2130a may be translated at least along the first direction. Notably, the angle between the first direction and the second direction of between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees is applicable to all the port assemblies in <FIG>, as is the capability of being translated at least along the first direction.

In addition, it is noted that for any one of the patch panel subassemblies in <FIG>, e.g., subassembly 2105a, the port assemblies, e.g., port assemblies 2110a to 2110n, are individually translatable along a direction parallel to a surface of the mounting means, e.g., mounting plate 2115a. Further, since the port assemblies are individually translatable, a distance between a port of one of the port assemblies and a port of another one of the port assemblies is changeable by moving one or both of the one of the port assemblies and the another one of the port assemblies. Still further, it is noted that the port assemblies in <FIG> are individually rotatable such that for any one of the port assemblies, e.g. port assembly <NUM>, an axis, e.g., axis <NUM>, passing through the center of a front port of the one of the port assemblies and through the center of a corresponding rear port of the one of the port assemblies is positionable to be non-parallel with an axis, e.g., axis <NUM>, passing through the center of a front port of another one of the port assemblies, e.g., port assembly <NUM>, and through the center of a corresponding rear port of the another one of the port assemblies.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown a perspective view of a portion of the rack mount patch panel unit <NUM> of <FIG> with the depicted port assemblies in neutral positions. For example, ports 2160a to <NUM> of subassembly 2105b are evenly spaced along a mounting plate 2115b with their longitudinal axes parallel to one another. <FIG> shows how selected ones of the port assemblies depicted in <FIG> may be moved from their neutral positions to allow easy access to port assembly 2160f. As can be seen from <FIG>, port assembly 2160e has been translated in the -X direction and rotated clockwise when viewed from the +Z direction, and port assembly <NUM> has been translated in the +X direction and rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the +Z direction.

<FIG> is a plan view of the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> of <FIG>. The figure shows uniform spacing of the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> along a longitudinal direction of the mounting plate 2115b when in the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> are in their neutral positions.

<FIG> is a plan view of port assemblies 2160e, 2160f, and <NUM> of <FIG>. The figure shows a width dimension A of port assembly <NUM>, although each of port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> has the same width, and thus the width dimension A is a common to the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM>. Further, FIG 2B shows a spacing distance B between port assemblies 2160e and 23160f, although the spacing distance between any two adjacent port assemblies of port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> is B, when the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> are in their neutral positions. In some embodiments, the spacing distance B is in the range of approximately two percent of the width dimension A and approximately twenty percent of the width dimension A.

<FIG> is a plan view of the middle row of <FIG>. The figure shows how the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> may be arranged to allow easy access to port assembly 2160f. As can be seen from the figure, port assemblies 2160a to 2160e and <NUM> to <NUM> have been moved from their neutral positions, and the port assemblies 2160a to <NUM> are no longer spaced from each other by a spacing distance B.

Referring now to <FIG>, there are shown perspective views of mounting plates 2400a to 2400f for use in patch panel subassemblies in accordance with embodiments. Each of the mounting plates <NUM> to <NUM> includes a multiple of openings for accommodating respective port assemblies. For example, mounting plate <NUM> includes a multiple of openings 2420a to <NUM>. Mounting plates like mounting plate <NUM> are used in the configuration of <FIG>, although in light of this description it is apparent how any of mounting plates <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may be employed in the context of the configuration of <FIG>.

Regarding the port assemblies in general, should be noted that the possible configurations include an integrated assembly in which a port assembly takes the form of single part and a two-piece assembly in which a port assembly takes the form of a port secured within a port holder. An example of a two-piece assembly is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are partial perspective views showing detailed examples of a port assembly <NUM> and port holders 2505a and 2505b secured to a mounting plate <NUM>. As shown in the figures, the port assembly <NUM> is a two-piece assembly including a port <NUM> and the port holder 2505a. The port assembly <NUM> is secured to the mounting plate <NUM> through an engagement member 2515a that engages with an opening 2520a that is one of a multiple of openings in the mounting plate <NUM>. The engagement member 2515a may translate along the opening <NUM> and rotate within the opening <NUM>, thereby allowing the entire port assembly <NUM> to translate along the opening <NUM> and rotate within the opening <NUM>.

<FIG> show port holder 2505a secured to a mounting plate <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> differs from the mounting plate <NUM> in that mounting plate <NUM> includes a multiple of openings intersect and edge of mounting plate <NUM> to facilitate insertion of port holders. For example, mounting plate <NUM> includes an opening 2530a having a thinned portion 2535a that connects the opening 2530a to an edge <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>. The port holder 2505a is easily secured to mounting plate <NUM> by moving a neck 2545a of the port holder 2515a through thinned portion 2535a.

Referring now to <FIG>, there are shown perspective views of port holders 2600a to 2600e in accordance with embodiments. For each of port holders 2600a to 2600e, the holder is shown both in isolation and in engagement a port to form a port assembly. Moreover, for each of port holders 2600a to 2600e two views are provided a view from an upper side and a view from a lower side. For instance, port holder 2600a is shown in isolation and in engagement with a port 2605a to form a port assembly 2610a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a port holder 2600f of embodiment. The port holder 2600f is configured to surround a corresponding port to provide more a more robust coupling of the port holder 2600f to the port. In the illustrated embodiment, port holder 2600f takes a form similar to port holder 2600d of <FIG> but including a top portion 2605f.

In some embodiments the port assemblies may include label tabs. <FIG> are perspective views of port holders and port assemblies including a label tabs according to embodiments. In the embodiments of <FIG> the label tabs may be part of a single part port assembly or a two-piece port assembly. Nevertheless, for conciseness of description only the two-piece configuration will be described. <FIG> shows a port holder <NUM> having a label tab <NUM>. <FIG> shows the port holder <NUM> with a port <NUM> secured with in the port holder <NUM> to form a port assembly <NUM>. The tab <NUM> provides a space that may be used to identify cable connection terminals 2720a and 2720b received at a first interface 2725a of the port <NUM> by, for example, writing on the tab <NUM> with ink. <FIG> shows a port holder <NUM> having two label tabs 2735a and 2735b, with port <NUM> secured within the port holder <NUM> to form a port assembly <NUM>. The tab 2735a provides a space that may be used to identify cable connection terminals 2720a and 2720b received at the first interface 2725a of the port <NUM> by, for example, writing on the tab 2735a with ink, and the tab 2735b provides a space that may be used to identify cable connection terminals 2720c and 2720d received at a second interface 2725b of the port <NUM> by, for example, writing on the tab 2735b with ink.

Turning now to <FIG>, and <FIG>, there are shown perspective views of arrangements port assemblies and mounting plates according to embodiments. <FIG> shows a portion <NUM> of a patch panel subassembly. The subassembly includes two mounting plates 2805a and 2805b placed next to each other such that they are coplanar. Mounting plate 2805a includes a multiple of openings 2810a, and mounting plate 2805b includes a multiple of openings 2810b. The mounting plate 2805a is used to secure port assemblies 2815a via every other opening 2810a beginning with the first opening along the X direction of the mounting plate 2805a, and the mounting plate 2805b is used to secure port assemblies 2815b via every other opening 2810b beginning with the second opening along the X direction of the mounting plate 2805b. Thereby, the port assemblies 2815a and 2815b are arrayed in a staggered formation with respect to the Y direction. Also, each of the port assemblies 2815a and 2815b are translatable and rotatable as mounted.

<FIG> shows a portion <NUM> of a patch panel subassembly. The subassembly includes two mounting plates 2835a and 2835b placed one above the other in the Z direction, with a multiple of port assemblies 2840a an 2840b between the mounting plates 2835a and 2835b. Mounting plate 2835a includes a multiple of openings 2845a for securing port assemblies 2840a via every other opening 2845a beginning with the first opening along the X direction of the mounting plate 2835a, and mounting plate 2835b includes a multiple of openings 2845b for securing port assemblies 2840b via every other opening 2845b beginning with the second opening along the X direction of the mounting plate 2835b. The arrangement of the openings <NUM> and 2845b provide for a staggered formation of the subassemblies 2840a and 2840b with respect to the Y direction. Also, each of the port assemblies 2840a and 2840b are translatable and rotatable as mounted.

<FIG> shows a portion <NUM> of a patch panel subassembly. The configuration of <FIG> is like that of <FIG> with the exception that mounting plates 2855a and 2855b are used instead of mounting plates 2835a and 2845b of the <FIG> configuration.

<FIG> is a profile view of the arrangement of <FIG>. As can be seen from the figure, the port assemblies have a width dimension A and a spacing distance B when in their neutral positions.

Turning now to <FIG>, there is shown is a perspective view of an arrangement <NUM> of port assemblies <NUM> and a mounting plate <NUM> according to an embodiment. The arrangement <NUM> may be used as port of a patch panel subassembly. The port assemblies <NUM> of the arrangement <NUM> are mounted such that they can translate along a surface <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>, while being able to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the surface <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>. The port assemblies <NUM> are two-piece port assemblies. For example, port assembly 3105a includes a port holder 3120a and a port 3125a. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the embodiment of <FIG> is not limited to a two-piece assembly.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the port holder 3120a of the <FIG> embodiment. As can be seen from <FIG>, the port holder 3120a includes an opening 3130a for securing the port holder 3120a to the mounting plate <NUM> in a translatable and rotatable fashion. In order to allow the port holder 3120a to translate and rotate when mounted, the opening 3130a is larger than the mounting plate in at least one dimension, the Y dimension in the <FIG> embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an arrangement <NUM> of port assemblies <NUM> and mounting plate <NUM> according to an embodiment. The arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> is like the arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> with the exception that the arrangement <NUM> includes a different type of port holder. For example, the arrangement <NUM> includes a port holder 3150a instead of port holder 3120a.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of the port holder 3150a of the <FIG> embodiment. The port holder 3150a includes an opening 3155a for securing the port holder 3150a to the mounting plate <NUM> in a translatable and rotatable fashion. In order to allow the port holder 3150a to translate and rotate when mounted, the opening 3155a is larger than the mounting plate in at least one dimension, the Y dimension in the <FIG> embodiment.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an arrangement <NUM> of port assemblies <NUM> and mounting plate <NUM> according to an embodiment. The arrangement <NUM> may be used as port of a patch panel subassembly. The port assemblies <NUM> of the arrangement <NUM> are mounted such that they can translate along a surface <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>, while being able to rotate in a direction perpendicular to the surface <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>. In the depicted configuration the port assemblies <NUM> may translate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate <NUM>. Also, the port assemblies <NUM> are two-piece port assemblies. For example, port assembly 3205a includes a port holder 3220a and a port 3225a. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the embodiment of <FIG> is not limited to a two-piece assembly.

<FIG> is a detail view of a portion of the <FIG> embodiment and includes a view of port holder 3220a of the embodiment in isolation. As can be seen from <FIG>, the port holder 3220a includes a circular engagement member 3230a, including a narrow portion 3232a, for securing the port holder 3220a within mounting plate <NUM> in a translatable and rotatable fashion. As can be further seen from <FIG>, the mounting plate <NUM> is formed to include constraining portions <NUM> for engaging the port assemblies <NUM> via engagement members, e.g., engagement member 3230a, while allowing the port assemblies to translate and rotate when mounted. The constraining portions <NUM> engage the engagement members, e.g., engagement member 3230a, to constrain translation of the port assemblies to translation along one direction, along the longitudinal axis of mounting plate <NUM> in the <FIG> configuration.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an arrangement <NUM> of port assemblies <NUM> and mounting plate <NUM> according to an embodiment. The arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the arrangement <NUM> of <FIG> with the exception that the arrangement <NUM> includes a different type of port holder. For example, the arrangement <NUM> includes a port holder 3250a instead of port holder 3220a.

<FIG> is a detail view of a portion of the <FIG> embodiment and includes a view of port holder 3240a of the embodiment in isolation. The port holder 3240a includes a includes a circular engagement member 3250a, including a narrow portion 3252a, for securing the port holder 3240a within mounting plate <NUM> in a translatable and rotatable fashion circular opening 3155a for securing the port holder 3150a to the mounting plate <NUM> in a translatable and rotatable fashion.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion of <FIG>.

<FIG> is a profile view of the port holder 3240a <FIG> engaged with the mounting plate <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> are perspective views of patch panel assemblies including arrangements like that shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows two views of a patch panel assembly <NUM> including two patch panel subassemblies 3305a and 3305b. Subassembly 3305a includes a mounting plate 3310a and port assemblies 3315a. Subassembly 3305b includes a mounting plate 3310b and port assemblies 3315b. The panel assembly <NUM> may be realized by attaching the patch panel subassemblies 3305a and 3305b to a first enclosure portion <NUM>, or by including mounting plates 3310a and 3310b as integral parts of the first enclosure portion <NUM>. In either case, the port assemblies 3315a may be coupled to port assemblies 3315b by intermediate cables <NUM>. Further, optical circuits, electronic circuits, or both may be included in a circuit section <NUM> of the assembly <NUM> to process signals passing through the intermediate cables <NUM>. In addition, a second enclosure portion <NUM> may be attached to the first enclosure portion <NUM> to help protect the intermediate cables <NUM> and circuit section <NUM>.

<FIG> shows two views of a patch panel assembly <NUM>. The assembly <NUM> is similar to the assembly <NUM> of <FIG> with the exception of how the two assemblies are put together. For assembly <NUM> the port assemblies 3315a and 3315b and the circuit section <NUM> are fixed on the second enclosure portion <NUM>, and then the first enclosure portion <NUM> with mounting plates 3310a and 3310b are slid over the port assemblies 3315a and 3315b to engage port assemblies 3315a and 3315b.

<FIG> shows two views of the patch panel assembly <NUM> in completed form. It should be noted that patch panel assembly <NUM> in completed form would appear the same as patch panel assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a patch panel assembly <NUM> in which patch panel arrangements 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c are mounted on respective patch panel frame portions 3510a, 3510b, and 3510c. Each of patch panel arrangements 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c is similar to the patch panel arrangement shown in <FIG>. The frame portions 3410a, 3410b, and 3410c may be portions of a single fame. In any event, the patch panel arrangements 3405a, 3405b, and 3405c are configured to slide on frame portions 3410a, 3410b, and 3410c, respectively. In <FIG> patch panel arrangement 3405b is depicted in a slid-forward position, while patch panel arrangements 3405a and 3405c are depicted in neutral positions.

<FIG> shows a patch panel assembly <NUM> in which patch panel arrangements 3420a and 3420b are mounted on respective patch panel frame portions 3425a and 3425b. The frame portions are configured to rotate about pivots 3430a and 3430b, respectively. The frame portions 3425a and 3425b may be portions of a single fame.

<FIG> shows a patch panel assembly <NUM> in which patch panel arrangements 3445a and 3445b are mounted on respective patch panel frame portions 3450a and 3450b. The frame portions are configured to rotate about pivots 3455a and 3455b, respectively. The frame portions 3450a and 3450b may be portions of a single fame.

Regarding the configurations of <FIG>, it should be noted that in view of this description it will be apparent that patch panel arrangements of this disclosure, other than arrangement of <FIG>, may be used in the configurations of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows perspective views of an arrangement <NUM> of port assemblies <NUM> and mounting plates 3510a and 3510b according to an embodiment. The port assemblies <NUM> each include two engagement portions and are each engaged by both mounting plates 3510a and 3510b, and may be translated along a surface of the mounting plates 3510a and 3510b, e.g., surface 3512b, and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the surface, e.g., surface 3512b, when mounted. For example, port assembly <NUM> includes engagement portion 3520a and engagement portion 3520b for respectively engaging mounting plates 3510a and 3510b. As seen in the figure, mounting plate 3510a may be formed to have a slot 3525a extending along its longitudinal axis for engaging with the port assemblies <NUM>, and mounting plate 3510b may be formed to have a slot 3525b extending along its longitudinal axis for engaging with port assemblies <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an arrangement <NUM> of port assemblies <NUM> and mounting plates 3540a and 3540b according to an embodiment. The port assemblies <NUM> each include an engagement portion and are each engaged by both mounting plates 3540a and 3540b, and may be translated along a surface of the mounting plates 3510a and 3510b, e.g., surface 3512b, and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the surface, e.g., surface 3512b, when mounted. For example, port assembly <NUM> engages mounting plate 3540a via an engagement portion <NUM> and engages mounting plate 3540b by abutting mounting plate 3540b. As seen in the figure, mounting plate 3540a may be formed to have a slot 3555a extending along its longitudinal axis for engaging with the port assemblies <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly <NUM> including three arrangements 3565a, 3565b, and 3565c like that shown in <FIG>. The arrangements are stacked one above the other. The assembly <NUM> includes frame pieces 3570a and 3570b which hold the arrangements 3565a, 3565b, and 3565c in place and serve to complete each of the mounting plates of the arrangements 3565a, 3565b, and 3565c.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly <NUM> including an arrangement <NUM> like that shown in <FIG>. The assembly <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> which holds the arrangement <NUM> and serves to complete the mounting plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a portion of a rack mount patch panel unit <NUM> according to an embodiment. The configuration of <FIG> includes three patch panel subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c. The subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c include respective mounting plates 3610a 3610b, and 3610c, and the mounting plates include respective pivot holes 3615a, 3615b, and 3615c. The subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c are mounted in a frame (not shown) such that an axial member (not shown) passes through pivot holes 3615a, 3615b, and 3615c. In this manner, the subassemblies 3605a, 3605b, and 3605c may be individually rotated about the axial member. In the figure subassembly 3605b has been rotated counter clockwise by about <NUM> degrees relative to subassemblies 3605a and 3605c.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a patch panel <NUM> and enclosure <NUM> according to an embodiment, in a fully closed state.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a patch panel <NUM> and enclosure <NUM> according to an embodiment, in a fully opened state. As can be seen from the figure, the patch panel <NUM> includes a multiple of port assemblies <NUM> that may be arranged in a manner similar to that shown in <FIG>, although upon review of this description it will be apparent that patch panel arrangements of this disclosure, other than arrangement of <FIG>, may be used in the configurations of <FIG>. In any event, in the configuration of <FIG> the patch panel <NUM> is formed as a multiple of patch panel subassemblies <NUM> stacked one above the other in a first direction, the Z direction.

As can be further seen from the figure, the enclosure <NUM> includes a first hinged portion 3715a and a second hinged portion 3715b. The hinged portion 3715a includes a multiple of cable hangers 3720a and is openable to expose a first side 3725a of the port assemblies <NUM>. The hinged portion 3715b includes a multiple of cable hangers (not shown) and is openable to expose a second side 3725b of the port assemblies <NUM>. A first hinge 3735a for the first hinged portion 3715a has an axis of rotation that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first direction, and a second hinge 3735b for the second hinged portion 3715b has an axis of rotation that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first direction. The first hinge 3715a and second hinge 3715b are positioned at a same side of the patch panel <NUM>, with respect to the X direction.

It should be noted that in some embodiments the enclosure <NUM> may include a single hinged portion, or more than two hinged portions, instead of two hinge portions. It should also be noted that cable hangers may not be included on any hinged portions or may be included on less than all hinged portions. Still further, it should be noted that any hinged portion may be openable to expose only a portion of a side of the port assemblies rather than expose the entire side of the port assemblies.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the patch panel <NUM> and enclosure <NUM> according to an embodiment, in a fully opened state. The <FIG> embodiment includes a first hinged portion 3740a and a second hinged portion 3740b. A first hinge 3745a for the first hinged portion 3740a has an axis of rotation that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first direction, and a second hinge 3745b for the second hinged portion 3715b has an axis of rotation that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first direction. The first hinge 3745a and second hinge 3745b are positioned at opposite sides of the patch panel <NUM>, with respect to the X direction.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the patch panel <NUM> and enclosure <NUM> of <FIG> in a fully opened state and depicting examples of cable routing. As can be seen, cables <NUM> coupled to the first side 3725a of port assemblies <NUM> may be routed by cable hangers <NUM> on hinged portion 3740a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the patch panel <NUM> and enclosure <NUM> according to an embodiment, in a fully opened state and depicting examples of cable routing. In the <FIG> embodiment, the enclosure <NUM> includes a first hinged portion 3905a and a second hinged portion 3905b. The hinged portion 3905a includes a multiple of cable hangers 3910a and is openable to expose the first side 3725a of the port assemblies <NUM>. The hinged portion 3905b includes a multiple of cable hangers (not shown) and is openable to expose the second side 3725b of the port assemblies <NUM>. A first hinge 3915a for the first hinged portion 3905a has an axis of rotation that is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the first direction (the Z direction), and in the <FIG> embodiment, is parallel with the Y direction. A second hinge 3915b for the second hinged portion 3905b has an axis of rotation that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the first direction. As can be seen, cables <NUM> coupled to the first side 3725a of port assemblies <NUM> may be routed by the cable hangers <NUM> on hinged portion 3905a.

<FIG> is a plan view of a patch panel configuration <NUM> having a bi-directionally sliding tray <NUM> with the tray <NUM> in a neutral position. The tray <NUM> is operable to slide parallel to the X direction, and on the tray, one or more patch panel subassemblies <NUM> are mounted. One of the types of patch panel subassemblies that could be mounted on the tray <NUM> is a patch panel subassembly of the type shown in <FIG>, although configuration <NUM> is not limited to a subassembly of the type shown in <FIG>.

The patch panel configuration <NUM> further includes a first cable jacket 4015a for enclosing one or more cables 4017a extending from a first side 4020a of the patch panel subassemblies <NUM>, a first support 4025a for supporting the first cable jacket 4015a in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding tray <NUM> (the Z direction in the <FIG>) and allowing the first cable jacket 4015a to move in a plane parallel, or substantially parallel, to a plane in which the sliding tray slides (the XY plane in <FIG>), a first cable hanger 4030a for positioning one end of the first cable jacket 4015a, a second cable jacket 4105b for enclosing one or more cables 4017b extending from a second side 4020b of the patch panel assemblies <NUM>, a second support 4025b for supporting the second cable jacket 4015b in a direction perpendicular to a sliding direction of the sliding tray (the Z direction in the <FIG>) and allowing the second cable jacket 4015b to move in a plane parallel, or substantially parallel, to a plane in which the sliding tray slides (the XY plane in <FIG>), and a second cable hanger 4030b for positioning one end of the second cable jacket 4015b.

<FIG> is a plan view of the patch panel configuration <NUM> of <FIG> with the tray <NUM> in a tray-out position.

<FIG> shows an arrangement of port assemblies and mounting plates in two different positions 4100a and 4100b in accordance with an embodiment. The arrangement includes a first multiple of port assemblies 4105a attached to a first mounting plate 4110a, a second multiple of port assemblies 4105b attached to a second mounting plate 4110b. The first mounting plate 4110a may be moved with the direction of movement guided by a first guide pin 4115a on a tray, frame, or enclosure (not shown). The first guide pin 4115a is engaged with a first slot 4117a in the mounting plate 4110a so that the mounting plate 4110a can move only in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first slot 4117a. The second mounting plate 4110b may be moved according to a second guide pin 4115b and a second slot 4117b. In position 4100b, as compared to position 4100a, mounting plate 4110b and port assembles 4105b have been moved closer, along the Y direction, to mounting plate 4110a and port assemblies 4105a.

<FIG> shows an arrangement of port assemblies in two different positions 4130a and 4130b in accordance with an embodiment. The arrangement includes a multiple of port assemblies <NUM> attached to a segmented mounting plate <NUM>. The segmented mounting plate <NUM> is fixed to a frame or enclosure at pivot points <NUM> and is configured to move about the pivot points <NUM> to translate the port assemblies <NUM> along in the Y direction while allowing the X and Z coordinates of the port assemblies <NUM> to remain fixed. In the <FIG> configuration, adjacent ones of the port assemblies <NUM> move in opposite directions in response to movement of the mounting plate <NUM>. For example, the relative positions of port assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> has reversed in position 4130b relative to position 4130a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment. The patch panel assembly includes a multiple of cable support plates <NUM> and a multiple of intermediate cables <NUM>. The cable support plates <NUM> have openings <NUM> through which the intermediate cables <NUM> are passed such that the intermediate cables <NUM> are supported by the cable support plates <NUM>. The patch panel assembly <NUM> also includes a multiple of ports <NUM>, with respective pairs of the ports <NUM> being communicatively coupled to each other by respective ones of the intermediate cables <NUM>. Further, the patch panel assembly <NUM> includes a cable support <NUM> for supporting cables <NUM> coupled to the patch panel assembly.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly <NUM> according to an embodiment. The patch panel assembly <NUM> includes a multiple of patch panel subassemblies <NUM>, a frame <NUM>, and a multiple of cable hangers <NUM>. The patch panel subassemblies <NUM> are shown as being of the same type as the patch panel subassemblies 2105a, 2105b, and 2105c of the <FIG> configuration; however, it should be noted that upon review of this description it will be apparent that patch panel subassemblies of this disclosure, other than patch panel subassemblies of the type disclosed in <FIG>, may be used in the <FIG> embodiment. The frame <NUM> provides support for the patch panel subassemblies <NUM> and attachment points for the cable hangers <NUM>. The cable hangers <NUM> are provided at two ends of assembly <NUM>, a first multiple of cable hangers 4320a being provided at a first end 4325a of frame <NUM>, and a second multiple of cable hangers 4320b being provided at a second end 4325b of frame <NUM>, with the first end 4325a being opposite the second end 432b with respect to the X direction. As shown in the figure, each of cable hangers <NUM> may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the subassembly mounting plates. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the cable hangers <NUM> extend in a direction parallel to the Y direction, whereas mounting plate <NUM> has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the X direction. In addition, it should be noted that the cable hangers may be an integral part of the frame <NUM> rather than attached to the frame <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detail view of a portion of a patch panel subassembly of an embodiment, showing part of a mounting plate <NUM> and a port assembly <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> includes a cutout <NUM> having a dovetail cross-section. The port assembly includes an engagement member <NUM> having a dovetail shaped cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of cutout <NUM>.

The port assembly <NUM> is engaged with the mounting plate <NUM> by inserting engagement member <NUM> into cutout <NUM>. When engaged in this fashion, the port assembly free to translate along the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate <NUM> (parallel to the X direction in the figure) and free to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate <NUM> (parallel to the Z direction in the figure).

<FIG> is a profile view of the port assembly <NUM> of <FIG> engaged with the mounting plate <NUM> of FIG. As can be seen from <FIG>, in the configuration of <FIG>, when the port assembly <NUM> is engaged with the mounting plate <NUM> the port assembly is free to rotate about an axis <NUM> passing through the center of the engagement member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A patch panel (<NUM>) comprising at least one patch panel subassembly (2105a), the patch panel subassembly including at least one mounting plate (2115a) and a plurality of port assemblies (2110a, 2110b, 2110n), the at least one mounting plate being configured to accommodate the port assemblies so that each port assembly can individually translate relative to the mounting plate along a direction parallel to a surface of the mounting plate while keeping in contact with the mounting plate, and can individually rotate about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mounting plate while keeping in contact with the mounting plate.