Optical waveguides – Accessories – Splice box and surplus fiber storage/trays/organizers/ carriers
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-10-30
Palmer, Phan T. H. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
Accessories
Splice box and surplus fiber storage/trays/organizers/ carriers
C385S134000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311008
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus or enclosure for storing optical fibers and splices between optical fibers, in an optical fiber cable network.
It is known to provide optical fiber storage apparatus in the form of an enclosure which houses two stacks of storage trays, the two stacks being mounted back-to-back with space between them to accommodate the fibers running to the individual trays.
We have now devised a fiber storage apparatus which is able to enclose a larger number of storage trays whilst still affording a good degree of access to the cables and fibers leading to the individual trays.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber storage apparatus which comprises a base formed with one or more ports for the entry of cables, means for mounting a plurality of fiber storage trays on the base, arranged as three stacks having respective axes spaced at successive intervals around in a circle, at least part of at least one of the stacks of trays being able to move sidewards to afford access or increased access to a central space around which the three stacks are positioned.
In particular, at least one part of at least one stack may be arranged to swivel around on its axis to afford access or increased access to the central space behind the stacks of trays.
Preferably, each of the three stacks of trays is arranged that at least part of it can swivel on its axis. Thus, the trays in any two stacks can be swivelled away from each other to afford access, or increased access, to the central space behind the stacks of trays. The central space may be used to accommodate cables or fibers leading to the individual trays.
Preferably, the trays of each stack are mounted so as to project radially outwardly, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the central space of the apparatus, from the respective swivel axis of the stack. Preferably, the trays of each stack are further mounted for individual pivoting about respective axes transverse to the swivel axis of the stack. Preferably, the trays are normally inclined downwardly towards the base but can be pivoted upwardly to gain access to any selected tray.
Preferably, at least part of at least one of the stacks can be pivoted radially outwardly and downwardly. This movement also affords increased access to the central space behind the stacks of trays and also to any selected individual tray.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fiber storage apparatus which comprises an end portion formed with one or more ports for the entry of cables, means for mounting a plurality of fiber storage trays on the end portion, arranged as one or more stacks, at least part of the stack or at least one of the stacks being arranged for pivoting from a first position to a second position disposed outwardly of the axis of the stack and towards said end portion.
Preferably, the or each stack of trays comprises an elongate support which extends axially of the stack and which is pivoted at one end to said end portion.
In use, the apparatus can be mounted at any angle and thus means may be provided for locking the stack or stack portion in said second position, in order to prevent the stack from hinging back under gravity whilst work is being carried out inside the apparatus.
Also, means may also be provided for locking the stack or stack portion in said first position.
In one embodiment, the or each stack of trays are mounted inside a tubular cover which is closed at one end, the opposite end of the cover being engaged with said end portion which defines a base through which cables enter the apparatus, at least part of the stack or at least one of the stacks being arranged for pivoting outwardly and downwardly relative to the base.
In an alternative embodiment for mounting in-line with one or more cables, the apparatus comprises opposed first and second end portions each formed with one or more ports for the entry of cables, at least part of the stack or at least one of the stacks being arranged for pivoting outwardly of the axis of the stack towards a said end portion.
Preferably a cover fits between said opposed end portions.
Preferably the cover is tubular and is preferably split in two halves along the axis thereof.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood through consideration of the following detailed description.
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Connelly-Cushwa Michelle R.
Palmer Phan T. H.
Vedder Price Kaufman & Kammholz
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