Patent ID: 12235506

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the 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 structure.

Referring now toFIG.1, a schematic representation of a fiber optic network, generally designated11, in a facility13(e.g. individual residence, apartment, condominium, business, etc.) is shown. The fiber optic network11includes a feeder cable15from a central office (not shown). The feeder cable15enters a feeder cable input location17(e.g., a fiber distribution hub, a network interface device, etc.) having one or more optical splitters (e.g., 1-to-8 splitters, 1-to-16 splitters, or 1-to-32 splitters) that generate a number of individual fibers. In the present disclosure, the feeder cable input location17will be referred to as a fiber distribution hub17. It will be understood, however, that the feeder cable input location17is not limited to being a fiber distribution hub17. In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only, the fiber distribution hub17is located on a lower level19of the facility13. Each unit in the facility13includes a fiber optic enclosure, generally designated21, mounted to a structure or mounting location (e.g., a wall, etc.). Each of the fiber optic enclosures21includes a first cable22(e.g., a subscriber cable) extending from the fiber optic enclosure21to the fiber distribution hub17. The subscriber cable22extending between the fiber distribution hub17and the fiber optic enclosure21typically includes multiple optical fibers.

Referring now toFIG.1A, each of the fiber optic enclosures21includes optical connections between an end of the first cable22and an end of a second cable23. The second cable23extends from the fiber optic enclosure21to an end location24. In the depicted embodiment, the end locations24are disposed in rooms of a unit of the facility13.

Referring now toFIGS.2and2A, the fiber optic enclosure21will be described. The fiber optic enclosure21includes a housing, generally designated25having a cover27, which is pivotally engaged with the housing25. The housing25and the cover27from an enclosure28. In the subject embodiment, the housing25includes a termination module, generally designated29, and a base, generally designated31.

The termination module29of the fiber optic enclosure21serves as the dividing line between incoming fibers of a first cable (e.g., the subscriber cable22) and outgoing fibers of the second cable23. As the termination module29has been described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/762,427, entitled “Modular Optical Wall Box Enclosure”, filed on Jun. 13, 2007 and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the termination module29will only be briefly described herein. The termination module29includes a frame, generally designated37, that includes a plurality of sidewalls39. In the subject embodiment, two of the sidewalls39include cable ports40which allow fiber optic cables to be routed out of the housing25to a desired end location. The frame37has a front portion41and a back portion43. The termination module29further includes a front panel45, a rear panel47, and a stepped panel portion, generally designated48. In the subject embodiment, the front panel45is generally parallel to the rear panel47and is located adjacent the front portion41of the frame37. The stepped panel portion48extends from the front panel45to the rear panel47and includes first and second intermediate panels49,51that are separated by a step53. In the subject embodiment, the first and second intermediate panels49,51angularly extend between the front panel45and the rear panel47.

Referring now toFIGS.2A and3, the first intermediate panel49defines a termination bank opening55and a plurality of termination bank fastener openings57, which are disposed adjacent to the termination bank opening55. A termination bank, generally designated59, is inserted through the termination bank opening55and mounted to the first intermediate panel49using the termination bank fastener openings57. The second intermediate panel51defines a storage bank opening61and a plurality of storage bank fastener openings63, which are disposed adjacent to the storage bank opening61. A storage bank65is inserted through the storage bank opening61and mounted to the second intermediate panel51using the storage bank fastener openings63. An exemplary storage bank65that is suitable for use with the fiber optic enclosure21has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,218,827, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring now toFIGS.4and5, the termination bank59is adapted to receive a plurality of adapters, generally designated401. The adapters401are SC-type adapters401, although it will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to SC-type adapters401. As the SC-type adapter401was described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,663, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the SC-type adapter will only be briefly described herein. The SC-type adapter includes a main body403with a pair of tabs405,407located on the exterior of the main body403. The tabs405,407serve to support the adapter401in the termination bank59. The adapter401further includes a pair of retaining clips409,411, with one retaining clip409,411associated with each tab405,407. A front side413of the adapter401is inserted into the termination bank59. As the adapter401is inserted through the termination bank59, the retaining clips409,411compress against the main body403. The adapter is inserted into the termination bank59until the tabs405,407abut the termination bank59. With the tabs405,407abutting the termination bank59, the retaining clips409,411decompress on the opposite side of the termination bank59, thereby retaining the termination bank59between the retaining clips409,411and the tabs405,407.

Referring now toFIGS.2and6, the base31will be described. In the subject embodiment, the base31includes a panel, generally designated71, having a front side73and a back side75. The panel71of the base31further includes a plurality of sides77. In the subject embodiment, the base31is pivotally engaged to the back portion43of one of the sidewalls39of the termination module29. In the subject embodiment, the pivotal engagement is accomplished by a hinge79disposed on the back portion43of one of the sidewalls39of the termination module29and one of the sides77of the base31. The pivotal engagement between the termination module29and the base31allows the interface between the termination module29and the base31to be selectively opened and closed. In the open position (shown inFIGS.2and6), the termination module29can be pivoted away from the front side73of the panel71to provide access to the back portion43of the termination module29. In the closed position (shown schematically inFIG.7), the front side73of the panel71and the interior surfaces of the sidewalls39of the frame37define an interior region83of the housing25. In addition, the back side75of the base31and the outer surfaces of the sidewalls39of the frame37define the exterior surfaces of the housing25.

The panel71of the base31defines a cable passage85that extends through the back side75and front side73. In a preferred embodiment, the cable passage85is chamfered with the opening of the cable passage85at the front side73of the base31being larger than the opening of the cable passage85at the back side75. The chamfer provides bend radius protection for cable passing through the cable passage85by eliminating perpendicular corners. The panel71further defines a plurality of mounting holes87.

Referring now toFIG.7, a cable spool, generally designated89, is disposed on the back side75of the base31such that the cable spool89is disposed on the exterior surface of the housing25. The cable spool89includes a first axial end91, an oppositely disposed second axial end93, and a spooling portion95disposed between the first and second axial ends91,93. The first axial end91is rigidly engaged with the back side75of the base31. In the subject embodiment, the rigid engagement of the base31and the first axial end91of the cable spool89is provided by a plurality of fasteners97(e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners97are countersunk into the first axial end91so as not to interfere with the payout of the subscriber cable22. The fasteners97extend through the first axial end91of the cable spool89and through the mounting holes87in the panel71such that ends of the fasteners are disposed within the interior region83of the housing25when the base31and termination module29are in the closed position. In the subject embodiment, retainers99(shown inFIG.6), such as nuts, rivet heads, cotter pins, etc., maintain the fasteners97in the mounting holes87and thereby rigidly retain the cable spool89to the back side75of the base31.

In one embodiment, outer diameters of the first and second axial ends91,93of the cable spool89are greater than or equal to a height H of the fiber optic enclosure21. In another embodiment, outer diameters of the first and second axial ends91,93of the cable spool89are greater than or equal to a length L of the fiber optic enclosure21. In another embodiment, outer diameters of the first and second axial ends91,93of the cable spool89are less than the length L of the fiber optic enclosure21. In another embodiment, outer diameters of the first and second axial ends91,93of the cable spool89are less than the height H of the fiber optic enclosure21.

In the subject embodiment, the cable spool89defines an axial bore101that extends through the first and second axial ends91,93. The axial bore101is adapted to receive a spindle103having a central axis105. The spindle103includes a mounting plate107having a plurality of mounts109for mounting the mounting plate107to a wall. As the cable spool89is connected to the housing25, the engagement between the axial bore101of the cable spool89and the spindle103allows the cable spool89and the housing25of the fiber optic enclosure21to rotate unitarily about the central axis105of the spindle103. It will be understood that the term “unitarily” as used in the specification and the claims to describe the rotation of the cable spool89and the enclosure28, or components of the enclosure28, means that the cable spool and the enclosure28rotate in unison. In a preferred embodiment, a bearing (e.g., a needle bearing, ball bearing, roller bearing, bushing, etc.) is disposed between the axial bore101and the spindle103.

Referring still toFIG.7, the subscriber cable22is coiled around the spooling portion95of the cable spool89. In order to protect the subscriber cable22from attenuation resulting from the coiling of the subscriber cable22around the spooling portion95, the cable spool89has an outer circumferential surface111having a radius that is greater than the minimum bend radius of the subscriber cable22. The subscriber cable22includes a first end113(shown inFIG.6), which is inserted through the cable passage85(shown inFIG.6) in the panel71, and a second end115. As previously stated, the subscriber cable22can include multiple optical fibers. In the subject embodiment, each of the multiple optical fibers of the first end113of the subscriber cable22would have a connectorized end that is in connected engagement with the rear side of the termination bank59. The connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22would be adapted for optical connection with connectorized ends of the second cable23(shown inFIG.1A). It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the first end113having connectorized ends since the optical fibers of the first end113of the subscriber cable22could be spliced to a plurality of pigtails having connectorized ends. In an alternate embodiment, the first end113could be optically connected to the second cable23by a splice connection disposed within the enclosure28.

The second end115of the subscriber cable22is configured for connectivity with the fiber distribution hub17. However, as shown inFIG.1, the length of subscriber cable22needed between each of the fiber optic enclosures21in the facility13and the fiber distribution hub17will vary depending upon the location of each fiber optic enclosure21with respect to the fiber distribution hub17.

A method of installing and using the fiber optic enclosure21to account for the varying lengths of subscriber cable22needed between the fiber optic enclosure21and the fiber distribution hub17will now be described. The fiber optic enclosure21provides dual functionality by serving as a storage location for the subscriber cable22and by selectively paying out a desired length of the subscriber cable22.

A first length of subscriber cable22is stored in the fiber optic enclosure21by coiling the length of subscriber cable22around the cable spool89. The first length of subscriber cable22includes an installation length, which is sufficiently long to extend from the mounting location of the enclosure28to the fiber distribution hub17, and an excess length, which is the length of subscriber cable22remaining on the cable spool89after the installation length has been paid out. In one embodiment, the first length is greater than or equal to about 100 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is greater than or equal to about 200 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is greater than or equal to about 300 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is greater than or equal to about 400 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is greater than or equal to about 500 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is in the range of about 100 to about 2,000 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is in the range of about 100 to about 1,500 feet. In another embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22is in the range of about 500 to about 1,500 feet. In a preferred embodiment, the first length of subscriber cable22, which is coiled around the cable spool89, is in the range of 100 to 500 feet. With the cable spool89disposed on the exterior surface of the housing25, the interior region83of the housing25can be much more compact since a cable storage area is not required in the interior region83. In addition, the fiber optic enclosure21with the cable spool89can provide more effective cable management for a greater length of subscriber cable22than a fiber optic enclosure without the cable spool89.

In one embodiment, a second length, or the excess length, of subscriber cable22is stored around the cable spool89after the first length of subscriber cable22has been paid out. If the first length of subscriber cable22is greater than the installation length of subscriber cable22, the second length, or excess length, is stored around the cable spool89.

The second function of the fiber optic enclosure21involves the selective payout of the subscriber cable22. As previously mentioned, the first end113of the subscriber cable22is in connected engagement with the termination bank59, which is disposed in the interior region83of the housing25. In one embodiment, the first end113of the subscriber cable22is in connected engagement with adapters401. Yet, even with this engagement between the first end113of the subscriber cable22and the termination bank59, the subscriber cable22can still be paid out without disrupting the connection between the first end113and the adapter401as the cable spool89and the adapters rotate about an axis in unison. As previously stated, the cable spool89is rigidly engaged with the housing25and the axial bore101of the cable spool89is engaged with the spindle103such that the cable spool89and housing25can selectively rotate about the central axis105of the spindle103. Therefore, with the spindle103mounted to the wall and the fiber optic enclosure21engaged with the spindle103, the desired length of the subscriber cable22can be paid out from the fiber optic enclosure21by rotating the fiber optic enclosure21in a rotational direction117(shown as a dashed arrow inFIG.7) about the central axis105of the spindle103. Since the housing25and the cable spool89rotate unitarily about the central axis105of the spindle103, the second end115of the subscriber cable22can be paid out without the first end113of the subscriber cable22being pulled out of the termination bank59. Once the desired length of subscriber cable22has been paid out, the rotation of the fiber optic enclosure21is ceased. At this point, the position of the fiber optic enclosure21can be fixed such that it does not rotate relative to the spindle103. In the subject embodiment, a pin119is inserted through an opening121in the second axial end93of the cable spool89and through a corresponding opening123in the mounting plate107to fix the position of the fiber optic enclosure21. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure21is fixed in position when the fiber optic enclosure21is generally level.

An alternate method of selectively paying-out subscriber cable22from the fiber optic enclosure21will now be described. With the fiber optic enclosure21positioned near the fiber distribution hub17, the second end115of the subscriber cable22is unwound from the cable spool89. In one embodiment, the second end115is optically connected to the fiber distribution hub17. With the second end115of the subscriber cable22optically connected to the fiber distribution hub17and the first end113of the subscriber cable22in connected engagement with the termination bank59, the fiber optic enclosure21is transported away from the fiber distribution hub17. In one embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure21is carried away from the fiber distribution hub17by an installer. In another embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure21is transported away from the fiber distribution hub17in a wheeled cart (e.g., dolly, 4-wheeled cart, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure is disposed in a packaging enclosure (e.g., a box) during transport. As the fiber optic enclosure21is transported away from the fiber distribution hub17, the subscriber cable22unwinds from the cable spool89causing the cable spool89and the housing25to rotate within the packaging enclosure. When the fiber optic enclosure21has been transported to its mounting location, the fiber optic enclosure21is removed from the packaging enclosure, mounted to the mounting location and fixed in position.

Referring now toFIGS.8and9, an alternate embodiment of a fiber optic enclosure221is shown. The fiber optic enclosure221includes a housing, generally designated223a cable spool, generally designated227, a bearing mount, generally designated229(shown inFIG.9), and a mounting plate, generally designated231.

Referring now toFIG.10, the housing223includes a cover225, a base233, a first sidewall235, and an oppositely disposed second sidewall237. The first and second sidewalls235,237extend outwardly from the base233such that the base233and the first and second sidewalls235,237cooperatively define an interior region239.

A termination module, generally designated241, is disposed in the interior region239of the housing223. The termination module241of the fiber optic enclosure221serves as the dividing line between the incoming fibers and the outgoing fibers. In the subject embodiment, the termination module241is mounted to the base233of the housing223.

In the subject embodiment, the termination module241includes an adapter plate243having adapter slots245. The adapter slots245are adapted to receive the plurality of adapters401(shown inFIGS.3and4).

Referring now toFIG.11, the base233of the housing223defines a cable passage247through which incoming optical fibers pass. The interior region239of the housing223includes a slack storage area249in which is disposed a plurality of bend radius protectors251. Each of the bend radius protectors251is sized such that an outer radius of the bend radius protector251is larger than the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber so as to avoid attenuation damage to the optical fibers during storage. In the subject embodiment, the cable passage247is disposed between the slack storage area249and the termination module241. As incoming optical fibers pass through the cable passage247, the incoming optical fibers are routed to the slack storage area249. Connectorized ends of the incoming optical fibers are then routed from the slack storage area249to the front sides413of the adapters401. Connectorized ends of outgoing optical fibers are routed from the back sides of the adapters401and through fiber exit ports253which are disposed in the first and second sidewalls235,237.

Referring now toFIG.9, the cable spool227is disposed on an exterior of the housing223. In the subject embodiment, the cable spool227is disposed on the back side of the base233. The cable spool227includes a first axial end255, an oppositely disposed second axial end257, and a spooling portion259disposed between the first and second axial ends255,257. The first axial end255is rigidly engaged (i.e., non-rotatable) to the back side of the base233. In the subject embodiment, the rigid engagement of the base233and the first axial end255of the cable spool227is provided by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). In one embodiment, the fasteners are countersunk into the first axial end255so as not to interfere with the payout of a subscriber cable222. The fasteners extend through the first axial end255of the cable spool227and through a plurality of mounting holes261(shown inFIG.11) in the base233such that ends of the fasteners are disposed within the interior region239of the housing223. In order to retain the cable spool227to the back side of the base233, the fasteners may be threaded into the base233or retained by a plurality of retainers, such as nuts, rivet heads, cotter pins, etc.

The first axial end255of the cable spool227includes a passage262. During engagement of the first axial end255and the back side of the base233of the housing223, the first axial end255of the cable spool227is mounted to the base233such that the passage262is aligned with the cable passage247. With the passage262of the cable spool227and the cable passage247of the base233aligned, incoming optical fibers, which are coiled around the spooling portion259of the cable spool227, can enter the housing223.

The bearing mount229includes a first plate263and a second plate265. In the subject embodiment, each of the first and second plates263,265of the bearing mount229includes a central hole267having a central axis269(shown as a dashed line inFIG.3). The first and second plates263,265are connectedly engaged through a bearing, such as a ball bearing. The bearing allows the second plate265to rotate about the central axis269when the first plate263is fixed.

The first plate263of the bearing mount229is rigidly engaged to the second axial end257of the cable spool227. In the subject embodiment, the rigid engagement of the first plate263of the bearing mount229and the second axial end257of the cable spool227is provided by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). The fasteners extend through a plurality of mounting holes271in the first plate263of the bearing mount229and through a plurality of mounting apertures273in the second axial end257of the cable spool227.

The second plate265of the bearing mount229is rigidly engaged to the mounting plate231. The mounting plate231includes a base panel275and a plurality of sidewalls277that extend outwardly from the base panel275. The base panel275includes a plurality of holes279for rigidly engaging the base panel275to the second plate265of the bearing mount229. In the subject embodiment, a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.) provides the rigid engagement of the base panel275and the second plate265. The base panel275further includes a plurality of apertures280for mounting the fiber optic enclosure221to a wall.

Referring now toFIGS.1,12and13, the subscriber cable22, which includes multiple optical fibers, is coiled around the spooling portion259of the cable spool227. In order to protect the subscriber cable22from attenuation resulting from the coiling of the subscriber cable22around the spooling portion259, the cable spool227has an outer circumferential surface281having a radius that is greater than the minimum bend radius of the subscriber cable22. The subscriber cable22includes a first end having connectorized ends, which are inserted through the passage262and the cable passage247and connectedly engaged with the first end413of the adapter401. The second end of the subscriber cable22is configured for connectivity with the fiber distribution hub17. However, as shown inFIG.1, the length of subscriber cable22needed between each of the fiber optic enclosures221in the facility13and the fiber distribution hub17will vary depending upon the location of each fiber optic enclosure221with respect to the fiber distribution hub17.

A method of selectively paying-out the subscriber cable22will now be described. As previously mentioned, the first end of the subscriber cable22is in connected engagement with the termination module241, which is disposed in the interior region239of the housing223. With the first end of the subscriber cable22in connected engagement with the front sides413of the adapters401and the outgoing optical fibers disengaged from the back sides of the adapters401, the subscriber cable22can be paid out. As previously stated, the first axial end255of the cable spool227is rigidly engaged to the housing223and the second axial end257of the cable spool227is engaged with the first plate263of the bearing mount229such that the cable spool227and housing223can selectively rotate about the central axis269of the bearing mount229. Therefore, with the second plate265of the bearing mount229mounted to the mounting plate231, which is mounted to a wall, the desired length of the subscriber cable22can be paid out from the fiber optic enclosure221by rotating the fiber optic enclosure21in a rotational direction about the central axis269of the bearing mount229. Since the housing223and the cable spool227rotate unitarily about the central axis269of the bearing mount229, the second end of the subscriber cable22can be paid out without the first end of the subscriber cable22being pulled out of the termination module241. Once the desired length of subscriber cable22has been paid out, the rotation of the fiber optic enclosure221is ceased. At this point, the position of the fiber optic enclosure221can be fixed such that it does not rotate relative to the bearing mount29.

Referring now toFIG.14, a bracket283can be used to secure the position of the fiber optic enclosure221after the rotation of the fiber optic enclosure221has ceased. In the subject embodiment, the bracket283is an L-shaped bracket having an upper portion285and a lower portion287. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the bracket283being an L-shaped bracket. A plurality of thru-holes289are defined in the upper and lower portions285,287of the bracket283. The thru-holes289in the lower portion287of the bracket283align with holes291in the sidewalls277of the mounting plate231while the thru-holes289in the upper portion285of the bracket283align with holes293in the first and second sidewalls235,237. In the subject embodiment, fasteners are inserted through the thru-holes289in the upper and lower portions285,287of the bracket283and connectedly engaged to the housing223and the mounting plate231, respectively. With the bracket283engaged with the housing223and the mounting plate231, the housing223and cable spool227cannot move relative to the mounting plate231, thereby fixing the position of the fiber optic enclosure221.

In an alternative method of installing and using the fiber optic enclosure221to account for varying lengths of subscriber cable22, the cable spool227is disengaged from the housing223. The subscriber cable22is then paid out from the cable spool227such that the cable spool227rotates about the central axis259of the bearing mount229. With the desired length of subscriber cable22paid out, the housing223is then engaged to the first axial end255of the cable spool227. The connectorized ends of the first end of the subscriber cable22are passed through the passage262in the first axial end255of the cable spool227and through the cable passage247in the base233of the housing223. With the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22disposed in the interior region239of the housing223, the connectorized ends are connectedly engaged with the first ends413of the adapters401in the termination module41.

In an alternate method of installing the fiber optic enclosure221, the cable spool227is uncoupled from the housing223such that the cable spool227can rotate independently from the housing223. In this alternative method, the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22are disengaged from the first ends413of the adapters401in the termination module41. With the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22disengaged from the termination module41, the cable spool227is rotated relative to the housing223so as to pay out the subscriber cable22. In one embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure221is mounted to a mounting location. In another embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure221is positioned adjacent to the mounting location. In another embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure221is positioned adjacent to the mounting location and disposed in a packaging enclosure (e.g., a box).

When a desired length of the subscriber cable22has been paid out, the cable spool227is coupled to the housing223and the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22are engaged to the termination module41. In one embodiment, the fiber optic enclosure221is then mounted to the mounting location.

Referring now toFIGS.15-19, an alternate embodiment of a fiber optic enclosure421is shown. The fiber optic enclosure421includes a housing, generally designated423, a cover425, a cable spool, generally designated427, the bearing mount229, and a mounting plate, generally designated431.

In the subject embodiment, the housing423includes a base433, a first sidewall435, and an oppositely disposed second sidewall437. The first and second sidewalls435,437extend outwardly from the base433such that the base433and the first and second sidewalls435,437cooperatively define an interior region439.

A termination module, generally designated441, is disposed in the interior region439of the housing423. In the subject embodiment, the termination module441is mounted to the base433of the housing423. The termination module441includes a plurality of sliding adapter modules442. Similar sliding adapter modules442have been described in detail in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,444; 5,717,810, 6,591,051 and U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2007/0025675, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The interior region439of the housing423includes a slack storage area449in which is disposed a cable management spool451. The cable management spool451includes a passage447that extends through the center of the cable management spool451and through the base433of the housing423. The passage447allows the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22to pass into the housing423.

Referring now toFIGS.15,18and19, the cable spool427is disposed on the exterior of the housing423. In the subject embodiment, the cable spool427is disposed on the back side of the base433. In this alternate embodiment of the fiber optic enclosure421, the cable spool427is integrally formed or molded with the housing423such that a spooling portion429of the cable spool427protrudes from the base433of the housing423. With the cable spool427integrally formed with the housing423, the base433serves both as the base433of the housing423and as a first axial end of the cable spool427. The cable spool427further includes a second axial end457, which is oppositely disposed from the base433.

The first plate263of the bearing mount229is rigidly engaged with the second axial end457of the cable spool427. In the subject embodiment, the rigid engagement of the first plate263and the second axial end457is provided by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.). The fasteners extend through the plurality of mounting holes271in the first plate263of the bearing mount229and through a plurality of mounting apertures473in the second axial end457of the cable spool427.

The second plate265of the bearing mount229is rigidly engaged with the mounting plate431. In the subject embodiment, the mounting plate431includes a base panel475having a plurality of holes479for rigidly engaging the base panel475to the second plate265of the bearing mount229. In the subject embodiment, a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, etc.) provides the rigid engagement of the base panel275and the second plate265. The base panel475further includes a plurality of apertures480for mounting the fiber optic enclosure421to a wall.

As previously stated, while the cable spool427has been described as extending from the back side of the base433of the housing423, it will be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. In an alternate embodiment of the fiber optic enclosure, a spooling portion of a cable spool could provide sidewalls of a housing, where the spooling portion and a base cooperate to define an interior region of the housing.

Referring now toFIG.20, a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment of a fiber optic enclosure651is shown. The fiber optic enclosure651includes a housing653having a first portion655and a second portion656. In one embodiment, the first portion655and the second portion656are engaged by a hinge.

The first portion655includes a first slack storage area657and a termination module658. The slack storage area657includes a first plurality of bend radius protectors659, which provides organization of the incoming and outgoing cable within the first portion655and avoids attenuation damage to the optical fibers during storage, and a first fanout661. The termination module658of the first portion655includes an adapter module663and a second fanout665.

The second portion656includes a second slack storage area666having a second plurality of bend radius protectors667and a splice module669. The splice module669includes a splice tray670for optically connecting optical fibers.

Disposed on an exterior surface of the housing653is a cable spool assembly701. The cable spool assembly701includes a first end703a, an oppositely disposed second end703b, and a drum portion705around which the subscriber cable22is coiled or wrapped.

A first end of the subscriber cable22is optically connected with the fiber distribution hub17. The second end of the subscriber cable22is routed through a first passage671in the first portion655of the housing653and into the first fanout661where individual fibers673of the subscriber cable22are separated from one another. The individual fibers673include connectorized ends that are routed and connected to a first side of the adapter module663.

Connectorized ends of individual fibers675of a drop cable677are connected to a second side of the adapter module663and routed to the second fanout665where the individual fibers675are rejoined into the drop cable677. The drop cable677is then routed through a second passage679into the second portion656of the housing653.

The drop cable677is routed around the second plurality of bend radius protectors667and into the splice tray670of the splice module669where the drop cable677can be connected with a first end of the second cable23, where the second end of the second cable is adapted for connection at the end location in the facility13(shown schematically inFIG.1).

Before the second cable23is spliced to the drop cable677at the splice module669in the second portion656of the housing653, the first end of the subscriber cable22is paid out from the cable spool assembly701and routed to the fiber distribution hub17. As the second end of the subscriber cable22is connected to the first side of the adapter module663in the first portion655of the housing653, a cable strain relief member735is disposed along an intermediate portion of the subscriber cable22between the first and second ends of the subscriber cable. The cable strain relief member735is adapted to relieve tensile forces that can act on the connectorized ends of the second end of the subscriber cable22, which are connected to the first side of the adapter module663inside the housing653of the fiber optic enclosure651, when an installer tries to pull more subscriber cable22from the cable spool assembly701than is available.

Referring now toFIGS.21and22, the cable spool assembly701is shown. In the subject embodiment, the first and second spool ends703a,703bof the cable spool assembly701are substantially similar. As the first and second ends703a,703bin the subject embodiment are substantially similar, the first and second ends703a,703bshall be referred to as spool end703in both singular and plural tense as required by context. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the first and second ends703a,703bbeing substantially similar.

Each spool end703is adapted to be a tear-away end. As a tear-away ends, the spool end703includes a line of weakness709. In the subject embodiment, the line of weakness709extends from an inner diameter711of the spool end703to an outer diameter713of the spool end703.

Each of the spool ends703defines an access notch715that extends outwardly in a radial direction from the inner diameter711and a tab717that extends inwardly in a radial direction. The access notch715is adapted to provide access to cable wound around the drum portion705of the cable spool assembly701. The access notch715is also adapted to provide a location through which the subscriber cable22can pass to get access to the passage447in the housing223of the fiber optic enclosure421. The tab717is adapted for engagement with the drum portion705in order to prevent rotation of the spool ends703relative to the drum portion705.

The drum portion705is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a first axial end719and an oppositely disposed second axial end721. In the subject embodiment, the first axial end719is disposed adjacent to a bracket722that is adapted to receive the housing423while the second axial end721is disposed adjacent to the mounting assembly707. The drum portion further includes an inner bore723and an outer surface725.

Each of the first and second axial ends719,721defines a groove727. In the subject embodiment, each groove727extends from the inner bore723through the outer surface725and is adapted to receive the tab717from one of the spool ends703. As previously stated, the engagement of the tab717of spool end703in the groove727of the drum portion705prevents rotation of the spool end703relative to the drum portion705.

The second axial end721further defines a notch729. In the subject embodiment, the notch729extends from the inner bore723through the outer surface725and is disposed on the second axial end721opposite the groove727on the second axial end721. The notch729is adapted to engage a protrusion731on a first plate733of the mounting assembly707. The engagement of the notch729and the protrusion731of the first plate733of the mounting assembly707prevents relative rotation between the drum portion705and the first plate733of the mounting assembly707.

The drum portion705is adapted to receive the cable strain relief member735. As previously mentioned, the cable strain relief member735is adapted to relieve tensile forces that can act on the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22, which are connected to the adapter modules441inside the housing423of the fiber optic enclosure421, when an installer tries to pull more subscriber cable22from the cable spool assembly701than is available. In the subject embodiment, the cable strain relief member735reduces this force acting on the connectorized ends of the subscriber cable22by redirecting the force through the cable strain relief member735to the drum portion705of the cable spool assembly701.

In one embodiment, the cable strain relief member735is a cable tie. In another embodiment, the cable strain relief member735is a strip of adhesive. In another embodiment, the cable strain relief member735is a protrusion that extends outwardly from the drum portion705.

In the depicted embodiment ofFIG.22, the outer surface725of the drum portion705includes a plurality of thru-holes737. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the outer surface725including a plurality of thru-holes737. In the subject embodiment, and by way of example only, there are three thru-holes737disposed in the outer surface725of the drum portion705. The thru-holes737are adapted to receive the cable strain relief member735. In subject embodiment, the cable strain relief member735is a cable tie735.

Referring now toFIG.23, a strain relief arrangement739is shown. The strain relief arrangement739secures a portion of the subscriber cable22to the drum portion705of the cable spool assembly701. In the subject embodiment, the strain relief arrangement739secures the portion of the subscriber cable22to the drum portion705of the cable spool assembly701with the cable strain relief member735. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG.23, the cable strain relief member735is the cable tie735.

In the subject embodiment, a first end741(shown inFIG.22) of the cable tie735is inserted through one of the plurality of thru-holes737(shown inFIG.22) in the outer surface725of the drum portion705while a second end743(shown inFIG.22) of the cable tie735is inserted through another of the plurality of thru-holes737. With the cable tie735inserted through the thru-holes737, a first layer of subscriber cable22can be coiled or wound around the drum portion705. The first layer of subscriber cable22is a layer that is immediately adjacent to the outer surface725of the drum portion705. At an intermediate portion of the first layer of the subscriber cable22, the first and second ends741,743of the cable tie735are secured together around the subscriber cable22. In the depicted embodiment ofFIG.23, and by way of example only, the cable tie735secures a single row in the first layer of the subscriber cable22.

Referring now toFIG.24, an alternate embodiment of a cable tie arrangement801is shown. In this embodiment, the cable tie735is secured around a sleeve803. In the subject embodiment, the sleeve803is disposed around a portion of the subscriber cable22. The sleeve803can be a semi-rigid piece of tubing, such as tubing commercially available under the brand name TYGON® or any pneumatic tubing. In one embodiment, the sleeve803includes a longitudinal slit805through which the subscriber cable22can be inserted into the sleeve803. In one embodiment, the sleeve803protects the subscriber cable22from potential over tightening of the cable tie735. In another embodiment, the sleeve803can serve as a bend radius protector for the portion of the subscriber cable22secured by the cable tie735. As the subscriber cable22reaches its payout length, the cable tie735secures a portion of the subscriber cable22to the drum portion705. The sleeve803reduces the risk of the subscriber cable22bending beyond the minimum bend radius of the cable at the location of the cable tie735.

Referring now toFIGS.25and26, an alternate embodiment of a strain relief arrangement901is shown. The strain relief arrangement901includes a strain relief member903. In the subject embodiment, the strain relief member903is an adhesive sheet903having a high-strength adhesive on at least one side. In the subject embodiment, the adhesive sheet903includes a first side905and an oppositely disposed second side907. In one embodiment, only the first side905includes an adhesive layer. In another embodiment, the first and second sides905,907include an adhesive layer. A suitable example of an adhesive sheet903having an adhesive layer on the first and second sides905,907is produced by3M under the brand VHB™ Tape4932.

The adhesive sheet903further includes a first end portion909and an oppositely disposed second end portion911. In one embodiment, the first side605of the first and second end portions909,911of the adhesive sheet903is adapted for affixation to the outer surface725of the drum portion705. In the subject embodiment, a portion of the first side905is adapted for affixation to the portion of the subscriber cable22. With the first and second end portions909,911of the adhesive sheet903affixed to the outer surface725of the drum portion705, the portion of the subscriber cable22disposed under the first side905between the first and second end portions909,911is secured to the drum portion705of the cable spool assembly701.

With the portion of the subscriber cable22secured to the drum portion705by the adhesive sheet903, a remaining portion of the subscriber cable22is coiled or wrapped around the drum portion705. In the embodiment in which the first and second sides905,907include the layer of adhesive, the remaining subscriber cable22that is positioned over the second end portion911of the second side907is releasably affixed to the drum portion705. This releasable affixation of the remaining portion of the subscriber cable22to the second side907of the adhesive sheet903decreases the spinning speed of the cable spool assembly701as the subscriber cable22approaches its total payout length by providing resistance to the removal of that remaining portion of the subscriber cable22from the drum portion705.

Referring now toFIGS.27and28, an alternate embodiment an adhesive strain relief arrangement1001is shown. The adhesive strain relief arrangement1001includes a first adhesive sheet1003and a second adhesive sheet1005. The first adhesive sheet1003includes a first adhesive side1007, which is disposed immediately adjacent to the outer surface725of the drum portion705, and an oppositely disposed second adhesive side1009. An inner portion of the first layer of subscriber cable22that is coiled or wrapped around the drum portion705is disposed on the second adhesive side1009and releasably affixed to the second adhesive side1009. This releasable affixation of the portion of the first layer of the subscriber cable22to the second adhesive side1009of the adhesive sheet1003decreases the spinning speed of the cable spool assembly701as the subscriber cable22approaches its total payout length by providing resistance to the removal of that remaining portion of the subscriber cable22from the drum portion705.

With the first layer of subscriber cable22coiled or wound around the drum portion705of the cable spool assembly701, the second adhesive sheet1005, having at least one side with an adhesive layer, is adhered to an outer portion of the first layer of subscriber cable22. In one embodiment, the second adhesive sheet1005is angularly offset from the first adhesive sheet1003.

Referring now toFIGS.22and29, the mounting assembly707will be described. The mounting assembly includes the first plate733, a second plate751, and a bearing assembly753.

In the subject embodiment, the bearing assembly753is a simple or plain bearing. It will be understood, however, that the bearing assembly753is not limited to being a simple or plain bearing. The bearing assembly753includes a ring member755and a puck member757. In one embodiment, the bearing assembly753is manufactured from a general purpose polycarbonate material. In another embodiment, the bearing assembly is molded from a thermoplastic polyester resin, such as Valox resins.

The ring member755includes a first surface759, an oppositely disposed second surface761. In the subject embodiment, the first and second surfaces759,761are generally planar. The second surface761is adapted for engagement with the second plate751of the mounting assembly707.

The ring member755defines an inner bore763having a bearing surface765. The bearing surface765is disposed at angle α, which is measured from the second surface761as shown inFIG.29. In the subject embodiment, the angle α is an oblique angle less than about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α is in the range of about 30 degrees to about 75 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α is in the range of about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.

The puck member757includes a first end surface767, an oppositely disposed second end surface769, and a mating bearing surface771. In the subject embodiment, the first and second end surfaces767,769are generally planar. The first end surface767is adapted for engagement with the first plate733of the mounting assembly707.

The mating bearing surface771is adapted to engage the bearing surface765of the ring member755in sliding contact. The mating bearing surface771is disposed at an angle β, which is measured from the plane in which the second end surface769is disposed as shown inFIG.29. In the subject embodiment, the angle β is about equal to the angle α. In another embodiment, the angle β is an oblique angle less than about 90 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle β is in the range of about 30 degrees to about 75 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle β is in the range of about 45 degrees to about 60 degrees.

In the subject embodiment, an outer periphery of the puck member757is sized slightly smaller than the inner bore763of the ring member755. This difference in size between the outer periphery of the puck member757and the inner bore763of the ring member755creates a clearance773between the ring member755and the puck member757. This clearance773allows for rotation of the puck member757in the ring member755following dimensional expansion of the outer periphery of the puck member757, which results from heat generated from rotation of the puck member757in the ring member755. In one embodiment, the clearance773is filled with silicon grease or other lubricant to reduce the amount of heat generated.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the inventive scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein.