Optical waveguides – Accessories
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-08
2001-05-08
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
Accessories
C385S136000, C385S137000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229948
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to optical fiber cable splice closures and, in particular, to devices for mounting such splice closures to above-ground poles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Optical fibers, which are utilized as transmission media for the transmission of communications signals, typically are combined to form cables, with each of the optical fibers of such a cable being protected by at least one layer of coating material. Typically, the optical fibers are arranged in groups which are held together by tubes to form a core of the cable. This core or core tube typically is then enclosed in a protective jacket which oftentimes is formed of metal or plastic.
Regardless of the particular cable configuration utilized, it usually is necessary to splice together the ends of cables, which entails splicing together each of the individual fibers of a first cable to be spliced with a corresponding individual fiber of a second cable to be spliced. To this end, a splice closure typically is provided to retain the ends of the fibers and to protect the splices of the various fibers, such as from moisture, as well as other physical forces. Such a splice closure is presented, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,862,290, issued to Burek et al., and which is assigned to Lucent Technologies, Inc. In that arrangement, a base portion and a cover portion of the splice closure define an enclosure having open ends for cable entrance and exit. The base and cover portions preferably are substantially identical in shape and are formed of molded plastic material, with the portions being securable to each other by means of flanges, which extend outwardly from their respective portions, and which typically are secured to each other by bolts. A grip block is mounted within the enclosure for securing the cables to be spliced in place within the splice closure. Additionally, the splice closure preferably includes one or more ribs extending from the aforementioned flanges that are adapted to cooperate with fastening hardware for allowing the splice closure to be racked in a manhole or hung on an aerial strand.
In particular applications, it may be desirable to mount such a splice closure to a pole, in which case, the use of a pole-mounting device that is adapted to secure the splice closure to the pole is required. Such a device, however, has been heretofore unavailable.
Therefore there is a need for improved devices which address these and other shortcomings of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a bracket for mounting a splice closure, such as, for instance, a 3000 splice closure, manufactured by Lucent Technologies, Inc., to a pole. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is configured with a longitudinal axis, and incorporates means for aligning the longitudinal axis in a parallel relationship with the longitudinal axis of the pole. Preferably, the means for aligning includes a base member with first and second base portions that are angled relative to each other along a centerline of the base member.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a preferred embodiment includes first and second side walls extending outwardly from the base member, and means for engaging the splice closure. Preferably, the means for engaging the splice closure includes first and second arm segments extending outwardly from each of the first and second side walls, with each of the arm segments being adapted to engage one of the mounting ribs of the splice closure. In a preferred embodiment, the arm segments are adapted to receive the mounting ribs of the splice closure in a straddled configuration, with the arm segments being arranged between the mounting ribs.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a preferred embodiment
0
incorporates a base member with first and second side walls extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably, each of the side walls include first and second arm segments that are spaced from each other to define a nesting area therebetween which is adapted to receive at least a portion of the splice closure.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such objects, features, and advantages be included herein within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3921949 (1975-11-01), Coon
patent: 4805979 (1989-02-01), Bossard et al.
patent: 5702081 (1997-12-01), Gallemore, II
patent: 5862290 (1999-01-01), Burek et al.
patent: 5897081 (1999-04-01), Dechen
Blee John James
Burcum Leon J.
Burek Denis Edward
Jones Marc Duane
Jones Wesley Willing
Cherry Euncha
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Spyrou Cassandra
Thomas Kayden Horstemeyer & Risley LLP
LandOfFree
Apparatus for pole-mounting an optical fiber splice closure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Apparatus for pole-mounting an optical fiber splice closure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Apparatus for pole-mounting an optical fiber splice closure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2449060