Optical waveguides – Accessories
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-16
2001-03-13
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2877)
Optical waveguides
Accessories
C385S135000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201919
ABSTRACT:
I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention pertains to the telecommunications industry. More particularly, this invention pertains to a high-density fiber distribution frame for use in the telecommunications industry.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the telecommunications industry, the use of fiberoptic cables for carrying transmission signals is rapidly growing. To interconnect fiberoptic equipment, fiber distribution frames have been developed. An example of a prior art fiber distribution frame is shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,688.
With the increase in the use of fiberoptic cables in the telecommunications industry, it has become desirable to provide fiberoptic distribution frames with increased density. By density, it is meant the number of locations per unit volume or unit area for providing connection on the fiber distribution frame.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,003 teaches a high density fiber distribution frame for increasing the density of fiber connector locations on a frame. The '444 patent teaches a plurality of assemblies each containing a plurality of side-by-side linear arrays of fiberoptic adaptors. Each of the linear arrays moves independent of other arrays in a linear path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis of the linear array. As a result, access to a particular adaptor can be achieved by moving only a small number of adaptors a small distance. Therefore, the probability of damage or undue displacement or bending of a fiberoptic cable is avoided in a high density application.
Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,003 teaches a fiber management system for a high density fiber distribution frame having adaptor assemblies such as those shown in the '444 patent. The management system of the '003 patent mounts assemblies of the sliding adaptor arrays of the '444 patent in two vertical arrays on opposite sides of a fiber distribution frame. The assemblies of the arrays are spaced apart to provide a gap between adjacent assemblies of an array. A plurality of troughs extend between the gaps of the arrays to provide organized routing of fiberoptic cables between the assemblies.
While high density fiber distribution frames such as those disclosed in the '444 patent and the '003 patent have greatly enhanced the density, performance and fiber management of high density fiber distribution frames, from time to time it is desirable to provide a fiber distribution frame which is susceptible of low cost manufacture and ease of installation and use. It is an object of the present invention to provide a high density fiber distribution frame which meets such criteria.
II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fiber distribution frame is disclosed which includes a support structure having a wall with a vertical forward face. A plurality of bulkhead assemblies are secured to the wall. Each of the assemblies has opposing and spaced-apart slide plates which are secured to the wall. The slide plates extend substantially perpendicular to the front face from a rear edge of the slide plates adjacent the forward face of the support structure to a forward edge of the slide plates spaced from the forward face of the support structure. A connector support rod is positioned between the slide plates. The rod is slidably connected to each of the slide plates for the rod to slide along a linear and horizontal path of travel extending substantially perpendicular to the forward face. The rod is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, a rear end of the rod is positioned adjacent the forward face. In the extended position, the rear end of the rod is positioned adjacent the forward edge of the slide plates. The rod carries a plurality of fiberoptic adaptors. Each of the adaptors may receive an individual coupled pair of fiberoptic connectors. A plurality of adaptors are disposed on the rod in a linear array extending along the path of travel. The adaptors are aligned for coupled connectors to extend transversely away from the path of travel on opposite sides of the rod.
Each plate preferably snaps and is held by at least one fastener to the support structure. Each plate is further constructed from separate halves in the preferred embodiment. Each plate includes a dove tail arrangement between each plate and the rod, wherein each plate has a rod positioned on either side. A stop limits the rod from sliding beyond the extended position. The stop may be mounted on a flexible tab.
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Dusterhoft Gary E.
Puetz Curtis Lee
ADC Telecommunications, Inc
Font Frank G.
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Nguyen Sang H.
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