High density fiber splice holder

Details High density fiber splice holder High density fiber splice holder

1999-09-17

2001-07-10

Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

Splice box and surplus fiber storage/trays/organizers/ carriers

C385S137000, C174S07400A

Reexamination Certificate

active

06259851

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to peripherals for optical fibers and, more specifically, to structures for holding a plurality of optical fiber splices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Due to the nature of optical fibers, joining two ends requires splices which are of significantly greater size than the fiber itself. The splices create physical conditions which can lead to damage of the fiber optic cable entering and leaving the splice. As such, devices have been designed for holding splices, thereby limiting the movement of the splice and potential damage to the fiber.
Many of the splice holders presently used are high density holders, capable of holding multiple splices. Generally, these comprise a number of adjacent vertical ribs extending upwardly from a base with spaces therebetween for the splices to be inserted. The space between the vertical extensions is determined by the thickness of the splice so that a friction fit is achieved when the splice is inserted into the splice holder.
An additional consideration in retaining splices is the type of fiber spliced. Generally, optical fiber is available in single fiber format and a ribbon of 12 fibers connected together. The standard splice for a fiber ribbon is about 1.6″ long and about 0.2″ wide, shorter and wider than the standard single fiber splice which is about 2.35″ long and about 0.12″ in diameter. As such, splice holders are typically made in two different dimensions depending on whether they hold single fiber splices or ribbon splices, the distance between the vertical ribs being farther apart to fit the thicker but shorter ribbon splices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a multiple splice holder comprising a base member, at least two opposed rows of a plurality of adjacent retention members extending upwardly from said base member, said retention members each having at least one lateral opening therein for accepting at least a portion of a single fiber splice, and a plurality of lateral members in an area between the rows of opposed retention members for accepting at least a portion of a fiber ribbon splice, wherein adjacent retention members are separated by a space for a fiber ribbon to pass through when a fiber ribbon splice is engaged by the lateral members.
Preferably, the lateral members extend from the retention members in the direction of the corresponding opposed retention members. Most preferably, the lateral members extend inwardly from each of the opposed retention members.
Also preferred are lateral openings on the retention members which are defined by walls extending greater than 180° about the opening. This configuration provides a contoured fit for retaining the single fiber splices.
The base is preferably attached to a splice tray or other known element by known means such as adhesive or double sided tape or tabs which are accepted by engagement means on a splice tray.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5515472 (1996-05-01), Mullaney et al.
patent: 5530786 (1996-06-01), Radliff et al.
patent: 5566269 (1996-10-01), Eberle, Jr. et al.

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