Optical waveguides – Accessories – External retainer/clamp
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-02-27
Palmer, Phan T. H. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
Accessories
External retainer/clamp
C385S134000, C385S136000, C385S095000, C385S098000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195496
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a device for securing and retaining fiber optic splices which accommodates a high density of splices, facilitates access to individual splices and minimizes interference with adjacent splices during removal of an individual splice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Telecommunications utilizing fiber optic technology improves the quality of communications and can handle a higher volume of voice and data transfer than similar sized copper electrical wiring and cables. To provide interconnections between widely separated points, splicing is required to join cables and wires. For example, splices are used commonly, in part, to interconnect subscribers to a telecommunication provider, such as a telephone service provider.
Two common types of fiber optic splices are the single fusion splice and the mass fusion splice, both generally known in the art of fiber optic technology. Single fusion splices have a smaller cross-sectional area and are longer in length than mass fusion splices. Due to the need to maintain the quality of transmission over the spliced connection, splices are secured in some manner, such as in a splice holder, to prevent undesired agitation, strain and/or damage. A splice holder also organizes and arranges the splices to facilitate identification and servicing by a technician whenever required. Splice holders are typically made of a foam material and placed on a fiber optic tray forming part of a distribution panel, usually located in a basement of a subscriber.
A prior art single fusion splice holder may be further described with reference to FIG.
1
.
FIG. 1
shows a splice holder
10
comprising nine parallel, spaced apart members
11
1
. . .
11
9
extending upwardly from an integral base
12
. Each adjacent pair of members, such as
11
1
-
11
2
, defines a channel
13
therebetween having a constricted neck
14
for retaining and securing a corresponding splice. Each channel
13
has a cross-sectional area corresponding to that of a corresponding splice for frictional hold. Each constricted neck
14
has a width slightly narrower than the width of a corresponding splice for additional frictional hold and prevents inadvertent dislodgment.
Splice holder
10
typically further comprises a plastic housing (not shown) for mounting the base
12
to provide further structural support to splice holder
10
. Splice holder
10
is flat, with each channel
13
being on a plane parallel to base
12
and near the bottom mounting surface
15
of splice holder. Having channels
13
on the same plane prevent them from being closely adjacent each other without altering the holding resiliency and structural integrity of members
11
. The position of channels
13
near the bottom mounting surface
15
limit access to the underside
16
of a splice
17
for its removal. Furthermore, removal of one splice may interfere with and cause dislodgment of closely positioned adjacent splices.
Therefore, there is a need for an improved splice holder for securing a higher density of splices that facilitates access to individual splices and minimizes interference to neighboring splices during removal of the individual splice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a holder for securing and retaining fiber optic splices. The improved splice holder of the present invention accommodates a higher density of splices than prior art splice holder, improves access to individual splices, when required, and minimizes interference to adjacent splices during its removal.
The splice holder of this invention comprises a base having at least one set of a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, longitudinal extending members. Each adjacent pair of members defines a channel therebetween, extending from a transverse front surface to a transverse rear surface of the members, for situating and retaining a splice. The base has front and rear edges, with the front surface of a member adjacent the front edge and with the rear surface of a member adjacent the rear edge. Each channel has a cross-sectional area corresponding to that of a splice to provide frictional hold. Each channel also has a constricted neck dimensioned to be slightly narrower than the width of a splice for additional frictional hold and prevents accidental dislodgment of the splice.
Each channel defines a longitudinal axis that is tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the base such that a splice placed along a channel has one end farther away from the base than the opposite end. The plurality of adjacent channels are tilted in alternating directions relative to the plane of the base and each other so that at the front edge of the base, the ends of one set of alternating angled channels are at a greater distance from the base than adjacent channels and hence have shorter constricted necks, while at the rear edge of the base, these alternating channels are closer to the base and hence have longer constricted necks. Alternating longer and shorter constricted necks at the front and rear edges, respectively, of the base allows adjacent channels to be staggered and placed closely adjacent each other without detrimentally interfering with the resiliency or structural integrity of the members. In addition, every splice placed along the channels advantageously has one end positioned further away from the base than the opposite end to provide more room for accessing the underside of the splice for removal and with minimal interference to displacement of adjacent splices having the same end positioned closer to the base.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5530786 (1996-06-01), Radliff et al.
patent: 5566268 (1996-10-01), Radliff et al.
patent: 5566269 (1996-10-01), Eberle, Jr. et al.
Lucent Technologies - Inc.
Miskin Howard C.
Palmer Phan T. H.
Tsui-Yip Gloria
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