Patent ID: 12228779

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS.1-9depicts various different example enclosure module frames that can be coupled with one or more of the covers of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1-9, the enclosure module frame10includes a top11, a bottom12, a front13, a back14, and opposing sides15and16, which together define an interior volume17. The top11is open, and the front13has an opening9. The back14has a port19. The port19can be adapted to receive any one of a non-connectorized portion of a cable, a connector, an adapter, or any other element to facilitate coupling of a cable or optical fiber external to the module frame10to the module frame10. A groove18on the bottom12is adapted to receive a coupling element (not shown) to couple the module frame10to another module frame.

The module frame20is identical to the module frame10, except that the module frame20has a completely closed off back24without the port19of the module frame10.

The example enclosure module frame30includes a top31, a bottom32, a front33, a back34, and opposing sides35and36, which together define an interior volume37. The top31is open, and the front33has an opening39larger than the opening9. The back34has a port40. The port40can be adapted to receive any one of a non-connectorized portion a cable, a connector, an adapter, or any other element to facilitate coupling of a cable or optical fiber external to the module frame30to the module frame30.

The module frame50is identical to the module frame30, except that the module frame50has a completely closed off back54without the port40of the module frame30.

The example enclosure module frame60includes a top61, a bottom62, a front63, a back64, and opposing sides65and66, which together define an interior volume67. The top61is open, and the front63has a pair of openings69aand69b, which can be of the same size, or as shown, of different sizes. The back64has a port70. The port70can be adapted to receive any one of a non-connectorized portion of a cable, a connector, an adapter, or any other element to facilitate coupling of a cable or optical fiber external to the module frame60to the module frame60.

The module frame80is identical to the module frame60, except that the module frame80has a completely closed off back84without the port70of the module frame60.

Each of the openings of the module frames (e.g., the openings9,39,69a,69b) can be adapted to receive a cover, which will be described in more detail below. The cover can be selectable from a plurality of cover configurations depending on the intended application/use for the module frame. Moreover, a cover can be substituted for another cover as the application/use of the module frame changes.

It should be appreciated that the module frames shown throughout the drawings are just some of many possible variations in, e.g., frame proportions, shape of the frame, shape of the interior volume defined by the frame, number of openings, positioning of the opinions, and number and positioning of the ports.

FIG.10depicts an example covered enclosure module frame100in accordance with the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.10, the frame100includes a back101, a top102, a bottom103, a side104, and a front105, which together define an interior volume. The front105can include a coverable opening. The back101can be configured to abut a structure, e.g., a wall or other surface, for mounting the frame100to that structure. In this example, an opening of the front105is covered with a cover106, the cover including one or more ports108on a plate107. Each of the ports108can be adapted to receive one or more fiber optic components such as a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic ferrule, a fiber optic adapter, etc.

The ports108can provide an interface between fiber optic components interior to the frame100and fiber optic components exterior to the frame100.

In the example frame100, the front105is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the back101, i.e., relative to the side that mounts the frame to a structure. Thus, the central axis of each of the ports108in the cover106is at an oblique angle relative to the side of the frame that mounts the frame to the structure. This configuration can enhance a technician's visibility with respect to cables terminated at the cover106.

The frame100also includes a port109in communication with the interior volume. The central axis of the port109is parallel or approximately parallel to the back101. In some examples, the port109can include a cable seal and be adapted to receive a non-connectorized portion of an optical cable entering the interior volume defined by the frame100.

It should be appreciated that the port109can be considered as a cable input port and the ports108can be considered as cable output ports, or vice versa. For example, a feeder cable or ruggedized fiber connector can interface with the interior volume of the frame100via the port109, and fibers from the feeder cable can be spliced, split, indexed, fanned out, or otherwise routed in the interior volume to the ports108, to which, e.g., connectorized drop cables can be connected. The connectors of the connectorized drop cables can be ruggedized or non-ruggedized. In addition, one or more of the ports108can be plugged and one or more fibers can be stored within the interior volume defined by the frame.

FIGS.11A and11Bdepict a further example of a covered enclosure module frame120in accordance with the present disclosure. The frame120is a variation of the frame100, including an extension121. The back of the module frame120is mounted to a vertical wall2ainFIG.11Bor other structure, e.g., a horizontal structure such as a ceiling2binFIG.11A. A feeder cable3is parallel to the wall/structure2a,2band interfaces with the frame120at the extension121via a port in the frame adapted to receive a non-connectorized portion of a cable. Drop cables4are connectorized with hardened connectors5that mate with the ports of the106. The central axis of the feeder cable3is indicated as A and the central axis of one of the drop cables4is indicated as B. As shown, the central axes of the feeder cables3are oblique to the plane (into and out of the page) defined by the wall/structure2a,2b.

FIG.12depicts a further example covered enclosure module frame150in accordance with the present disclosure. The frame150includes a curved back151, a front152, opposing sides153and154, a top155, and a bottom156, defining an interior volume for, e.g., storing, splicing, indexing, splitting, or fanning out optical fibers. The front152has an opening that is covered by the cover106with ports108. The side153is mounted to a wall or other surface2. A feeder cable3is curved around the frame150and interfaces with the frame150at extension121via a port in the extension121adapted to receive a non-connectorized portion of a cable, and where fibers from the feeder cable3can enter the interior volume defined by the frame150. A recessed platform159facilitates routing of the feeder cable3around the curved back151and towards the front152in a compact manner. A groove158on the top155is adapted to receive a coupling element (not shown) to couple the module frame150to another module frame.

FIGS.13-16depict further example enclosure module frames (160,170) that can be coupled with one or more of the covers of the present disclosure. Each module frame includes, respectively, an open coverable front (162,172) having an opening, respectively (161,171).

A stacking element199can be used between adjacent frames to couple adjacent frames together. Thus, for example, a stacking element199can be used to couple an open top of a first frame with an open bottom of a second frame. Coupled adjacent frames can be of the same type or different types.

In addition to the fronts (162,172), one or more other sides of the frames can include openings, such as the top or the bottom, or the coverable openings182and192on the back of the module frames160and170, respectively. One or more of the coverable openings of the module frames can be used to provide an interface for optical connection between an outside of the frame and the interior volume defined by the frame.

FIG.17depicts an example cover200in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover200can be used to cover an opening of a module frame of the present disclosure, such as the opening171, the opening,9, or the opening69a. The cover200does not include any ports and can be used to close off the frame opening rather than providing an interface for a fiber optic connection. The cover200includes a plate202having an outward facing side203. By outward is meant that when the cover200is properly mounted to the module frame, the outward facing side203faces away from the interior volume defined by the frame. Extending from the plate202at different sides of the plate202are wings204that can be pressed around a rim of the opening on the frame to help mount the cover to the frame.

FIG.18depicts a further example cover210in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover210can be used to cover an opening of a module frame of the present disclosure, such as the opening171, the opening9, or the opening69a. The cover210includes a plate212. Extending from the plate212at different sides of the plate212are wings204that can be pressed or otherwise positioned around a rim of the opening on the frame to help mount the cover to the frame. Ports216through the plate212are adapted to receive one or more optical connection components, the ports216providing an interface between the exterior of the module frame and the interior volume defined by the module frame.

FIG.19depicts an example optical termination unit pair220that can be coupled to at least one of the covers of the present disclosure. Each optical termination unit222in the pair220includes a fiber optic connector224, a fiber optic adapter226, and a plug228. The units222can be mounted, respectively, e.g., in the ports216of the cover210. The plugs228are coupled to the adapters with tethers229. To provide an optical connection via a unit222, the plug228can be removed from the adapter226and another fiber optic connector or other optical coupling device can be installed in the portion of the adapter that had been occupied by the plug228.

FIG.20depicts a further example cover230in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover230includes a plate231and a block insert232for inserting into the interior volume defined by a module frame. The block insert232is inserted through an appropriately sized opening in a module frame. Ports233are adapted to receive hardened connectors, e.g., hardened connectors that terminate drop cables. A cable seal234is positioned at another port on the plate231and is adapted to receive and seal off a non-connectorized portion of a cable, e.g., a feeder cable, as the cable enters the interior volume defined by the module frame.

FIG.21depicts a further example cover240in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover240includes a plate241and wings242, which can function as the wings described above. A further configuration of ports243is provided in the plate241for receiving optical connectorizing components of a further configuration.

FIGS.22-25show further example covers (250,260,270, and280), varying in the size and/or shape of the plate, as we all is in the type, number and/or distribution of the ports disposed in the plate. For example, the cover250: is adapted to cover the same size opening as the cover240, the cover230, the cover210, or the cover200; is rectangular in shape, and includes a single row of four ports251of a configuration adapted to receive non-ruggedized fiber optic connectors and/or adapters. The cover260is square-shaped, larger than the cover250, and includes two rows, each of four of the ports251. The cover260is sized to cover, e.g., the opening161. The cover270is adapted to cover the same size opening as the cover250and includes four of the ports243(discussed above) arranged in two rows of two. The cover280is adapted to cover the same size opening as the cover250and includes four of the ports233(discussed above) arranged in two rows of two.

FIGS.26A-260(collectively,FIG.26) show various views of a further example cover290in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover290includes a plate291and a row of four ports292in the plate adapted to receive ruggedized optical connectors/adapters. Each of the ports292includes a ring293protruding from the plate291, with screw threads294disposed on an inner surface of the ring293, the screw threads adapted to receive corresponding threads of an optical connection component, such as a ruggedized connector or adapter. The cover290is sized to cover the same size opening as any of the covers210,230,240, or250. The cover290does not have wings, but rather a block insert295that enters the interior volume defined by the module frame to help mount the cover to the frame.

FIG.29shows a front view of the cover290ofFIG.26. The shape of the aperture297in each of the ports292indicates the form factor of the optical connecting component that can be received by the port292.

FIG.27shows the cover290ofFIG.26in a partially connectorized configuration. Optical connectorizing components299for placement within the interior volume defined by the module frame are partially disposed within the block insert295.

FIG.28shows a front view of the cover230ofFIG.20. The form factor of the apertures237of the ports233is different from, e.g., the form factor of aperture297of the ports292.

FIG.30shows a partially connectorized further example cover300in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover300has a plate301and is sized to cover the same size frame opening as, e.g., any of the covers210,230,240,250, or290. The cover300includes three ports through the plate301, each of the ports receiving a pluggable adapter unit304. The three adapter units304can optionally form an integral piece for mounting to the cover300. Partial cylinders305can mate with rings (e.g., the rings293) protruding from the face plate301to help secure the adapter units304to the cover300.

FIG.31shows the cover210ofFIG.18partially connectorized with the optical termination unit pair220ofFIG.19. The partially connectorized cover210thus forms an assembly320. The wings214are configured to hug a rim of a module frame opening exteriorly, while the interiorly protruding wall217is adapted to hug the opening in the module frame on the interior. Thus, the protruding wall217can function in a way that is similar to that of the block inserts (e.g., the block insert232,295) of some of the other module configurations, the protruding wall217cooperating with the module frame to provide a secure covering of the frame opening.

FIG.32shows a partially connectorized example hybrid cover340in accordance with the present disclosure. The hybrid cover340includes the cover320discussed above coupled to a cover330. The cover330is a modified version of the cover300, in that the cover330includes wings341. The hybrid cover340is partially connectorized with the optical termination unit pair220. By combining covers of different configurations into a hybrid configuration such as the hybrid cover340, the type of port availability and connectorization available at the opening of a module frame can be changed without removing a cover already in place on the module frame.

FIG.33shows a further partially connectorized example cover350in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover350includes a plate351and an interiorly protruding wall357extending from an interior facing surface of the plate351. A pair of the optical termination unit pairs220are shown installed in the four ports of the cover350.

FIG.34is a further view of the partially connectorized cover290ofFIG.27.

FIGS.35-38include front views of four different covers (400,410,420,430) in accordance with the present disclosure. Each of the covers (400,410,420,430) can be used to cover an appropriately sized and configured opening in a module frame. Respectively, each of the covers (400,410,420,430) includes a plate (401,411,421,431) in which zero or more ports are disposed.

The plate401includes two ports402adapted to receive a first type of optical connection component, and a cable entry port403. The cable entry port403includes a cylindrical cable seal404protruding outward (relative to the interior of a module frame) from the plate401.

The plate411includes zero ports.

The plate421includes only a cable entry port403having a cable seal404.

The plate431includes four ports432adapted to receive a second type of optical connection component. That is, the ports432are configured differently than the ports402, and the ports432are identical to the ports292discussed above.

It should be appreciated that, with respect to a given module frame having an appropriately sized opening into its interior volume (such as the opening9,69a,171,182, or92) the covers (400,410,420,430) and others described herein such as, but not limited to, the covers (106,200,210,230,240,250,290,300,320,340), can be interchangeable with one another depending on a specific connectorization scheme desired for the module frame. Thus, for example, each of the covers (400,410,420,430,106,200,210,230,240,250,290,300,320,340) can be configured to couple to the same module frame opening, and swapped out for one another. In the same manner, covers including but not limited to the covers (260,270,280) can be, with respect to a given module frame having an appropriately sized opening (such as the opening39,69b, or161) interchangeable with one another depending on a specific connectorization scheme desired for the module frame.

FIG.39depicts telecommunications module frame assembly including the telecommunications module frame170ofFIG.14coupled to the cover230ofFIG.20. The cover230covers at least a portion of an opening in the frame170, and a rear portion of the cover230is within the interior volume defined by the frame170. A stacking base500is coupled to the frame170. The stacking base500can facilitate construction, management, adjustment, or deconstruction of a stack of a plurality of the frames170, adjacent pairs of the plurality of the frames170being couplable with the stacking element199.

FIGS.40-43show front faces of four example telecommunications module frame assemblies (700,710,720,730), each coupled to one or more of the covers (250,270,300) in accordance with the present disclosure. The lids701can be adapted to stack multiple frames together, as depicted, e.g., in the assemblies720and730. Some of the covers are shown with plugs in the ports and some without plugs in the ports. Some of the frames include an expansion portion (703,713) to a side of the cover. The expansion portion (703,713) includes a port adapted to sealingly receive a non-connectorized portion of an input cable entering the interior volume defined by the respective module frame. Optical fibers from the input cable can be spliced, split, fanned out or otherwise routed within the interior volume of the respective module frame to connectorizing elements supported at the cover ports.

FIGS.44-63show twenty example combinations of various housing module frames (600a,600b,600c,600d,600e,600f) coupled to various connectorized or non-connectorized housing module frame covers (602a,602b,602c,602d,602e) in accordance with the present disclosure. Each of the module frames also includes a lid selected from a variety of configurations of lids (604a,604b,604c).

The frames (600c,600d,600e, and600f) correspond, respectively, to the frames (30,50,60and80), described above. The frames (600a,600b,600c,600d,600e,600f) can be interchangeable and differ from one another with respect to one or more of: the frame's size; the location, size, and number of openings in the frame that receive a cover; and the existence, nonexistence, and/or placement of a cable port in the frame itself. With respect to the cable ports disposed in the frames themselves, for example, the cable port can be an input or an output port and can be disposed on the same side of the frame as the cover or on a different side of the frame than the cover. In addition, a given module frame can be provided with zero, one or more cable ports.

The covers (602a,602b,602c,602d,602e) can correspond to covers described above. The covers (602a,602b,602c,602d,602e) can be interchangeable and differ from one another with respect to one or more of: the cover's shape; size; and number, placement and type of ports. The ports of some of the lids can be plugged with plugs. For example, the plugs610are each plugging multi-fiber connector output ports, while the plugs228(also discussed above) are plugging single-fiber connector output ports. It should also be appreciated that the ports disposed in the frames themselves can also be plugged as shown, e.g. with respect to the combination assembly650, which has four plugged single-fiber output ports disposed in a cover of the frame and one plugged input port in the frame itself.

The lids (604a,604b,604c) can be interchangeable and differ from one another with respect to size and function. Thus, for example, the lids604band604cdefine a substantial interior volume that effectively substantively extends the interior volume of the module to which it is coupled. In addition, for example, the lid604adoes not support a port for fiber optic connectivity; while the lid604bincludes a cable seal234at an input port on the same side of the frame as the output ports of the cover; and the lid604cincludes a first cable seal234aat an input/output port on the same side of the frame as the output ports and the cover, as well as two multi-fiber output ports adjacent the first cable seal234a, as well as a second cable seal234bat a different side of the frame.

The combinations ofFIGS.44-63represent particular non-limiting examples of how to combine a module frame, one or more covers, and a lid, for a given set of configurations of module frames, a given set of configurations of covers, and a given set of configurations of lids according to a desired application of input and output connectivity and the manner in which the interior volume of the module frame is to be used.

Although in the foregoing description, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “back”/“rear” were used for ease of description and illustration, no restriction is intended by such use of the terms. The modules and their components described herein can be used in any orientation, depending upon the desired application.

Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended that such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the claims which are appended hereto.