Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-19
2001-09-25
Ullah, Akm E. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
active
06293707
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to patch panels for communications use and, more particularly, to patch panels which incorporate pivoting bracket assemblies that direct optical fiber patch cord cables toward the mounting surfaces to which the patch panels are mounted.
2. Description of the Related Art
In buildings and, more particularly, within communications connection closets in buildings, various transmission media typically are connected to each other and to incoming and outgoing lines by means, such as couplings, which are mounted to patch panels. Patch panels generally are mounted within a communications closet, such as to a wall or other mounting surface, and incorporate a series of couplings for interconnecting the various transmission media. Transmission media, such as buffered optical fibers formed into patch cords, for instance, often incorporate connectors at their ends. These connectors are configured for mating with, for example, the couplings of a patch panel.
Optical couplings come in a variety of types, each having a unique interface designed to mate with an optical fiber connector of like type. One frequently used coupling is referred to as an ST® coupling, which is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,785 to Mathis et al. ST is a registered trademark of Lucent Technologies, Inc. Another common type of optical fiber coupling is the SC type coupling that is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,752 to Stephenson et al. Other types of optical fiber couplings include the FC type coupling and the LC type coupling. U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,729 to King et al. shows examples of couplings for the ST, SC and the FC types of couplings.
Heretofore, it has been commonplace to orient patch panel couplings within a patch panel so that the couplings face forward, e.g. away from the mounting surface to which the patch panel is mounted. So configured, transmission media connectors, such as the connectors of optical fiber patch cords, typically have an insertion direction for mating with the couplings that is perpendicular with and toward the mounting surface of the patch panel, thereby providing a technician with convenient access for connecting the connectors to and removing the connectors from the various couplings. Since the cable of an optical fiber patch cord typically extends from its connector in a direction which is approximately 180 degrees from its insertion direction, the aforementioned patch panel configuration presents patch cord cables which extend away from the patch panel couplings and the patch panel mounting surface. The patch cords then tend to hang downwardly in front of the patch panel. When carefully dressed, these cords appear neat and orderly and can facilitate efficient patching efforts by a technician, because the patch cords and the patch panel couplings are readily accessible. However, when the patch cords are not carefully dressed, a general appearance of disorder can result as the patch cords inherently tend to form loops in front of the couplings that can be subject to snagging, for example. In extreme cases, the cords may become entangled or snarled with adjacent cords, thereby potentially hindering a technician's patching efforts, plus placing undesirable strains on the cords.
Therefore, there is a need to provide patch panels which address these and other shortcomings of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Certain objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
The present invention is generally directed to an improved patch panel which reduces the tendency for optical fiber patch cords to entangle or snarl in front of the couplings of the patch panel. In a preferred embodiment, the patch panel incorporates a plurality of couplings, with each of the couplings configured to communicate optically with an optical fiber cable. Each of the couplings is moveable between a patching position and a stowed position by use of a pivoting bracket assembly so that, in the patching position, each of the couplings are configured to receive a patch cord connector in a first direction, thereby allowing the patch cord to optically communicate with an optical fiber cable. In the stowed position, the cables of patch cords engaging the couplings are directed in a second direction. In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are oriented toward the mounting surface, while, in other embodiments, the first direction is oriented away from the mounting surface.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the patch panel incorporates first and second bracket assemblies which each include an opening formed therethrough. Jack assemblies are selectively mountable to the bracket assemblies in either a forward-facing configuration or a rear-facing configuration depending on the particular application. In the forward-facing configuration, a jack assembly preferably cooperates with the opening of its bracket assembly to provide a visual indication of being mounted in the forward-facing configuration. Additionally, each of the jack assemblies includes a plug-receiving cavity which cooperates with inclined surfaces of the jack assembly so that a patch cord connector being directed toward engagement with the plug-receiving cavity engages the inclined surfaces and is urged into alignment with the plug-receiving cavity.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first bracket assembly incorporates a slack tray which is configured to store fibers of an optical fiber cable therein. Preferably, the slack tray is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position so that, in the extended position, access is provided to the couplings for engaging optical fiber cables with and disengaging optical fiber cables from the couplings. Preferably, each of the bracket assemblies includes a lid, with the second bracket assembly forming a slot with its lid when its lid is in a closed position. The slot is adapted to engage a protrusion of the slack tray of the first bracket assembly so that engagement of the protrusion and the slot supports the slack tray in its extended position.
Additionally, a preferred method aspect of the present invention includes: providing a first coupling and a second coupling, with the couplings being oriented in a vertically spaced relationship with each other, the first coupling being moveable between a stowed position and a patching position; moving the first coupling from the stowed position to the patching position and engaging the first coupling with an optical fiber patch cord in a first direction; and, moving the first coupling from the patching position to the stowed position so that the patch cord is directed in a second direction.
The numerous features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4611875 (1986-09-01), Clarke et al.
patent: 4944568 (1990-07-01), Danbach et al.
patent: 5167530 (1992-12-01), Wallgren
patent: 5362254 (1994-11-01), Siemon
patent: 5773763 (1998-06-01), Stachulla
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Thomas Kayden Horstemeyer & Risley LLP
Ullah Akm E.
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