Optical Fiber Management Shelf for Optical Connection Terminals

• US 20100092146A1
• Filed: 11/25/2008
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Inventors: Conner, Mark E., Schnick, Gary B.
• Application Number:
  US12/323,373
• Publication Number:
  US 20100092146A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/135
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4452 Distribution frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44524 with frame parts or auxiliary devices mounted on the frame and collectively not covering a whole width of the frame or rack cassettes G02B6/4453
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44528 Patch-cords; Connector arrangements in the system or in the box routing arrangements H04Q1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4453 Cassettes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4472 Manifolds
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4475 with provision for lateral branching G02B6/4431 takes precedence

Abstract

A shelf for a fiber optic network device is disclosed. The shelf comprises a platform having a top side and a bottom side. The platform is adapted to removably affix to a base of an optical connection terminal having a port disposed through the base such that the platform positions above the port. The shelf includes an access opening extending through the platform from the top side to the bottom side. The access opening provides access to the port from the top side. A transition area extends from the access opening. The transition area is adapted for routing optical fibers disposed in the optical connection terminal between a space under the platform and the top side. A component area is located on the top side, and adapted for mounting a component. At least one of the optical fibers disposed in the optical connection terminal extends from the component.

Claims

1. A shelf for a fiber optic network device, comprising:

a platform having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the platform is adapted to removably affix to a base of an optical connection terminal having a port disposed through the base, and wherein the platform positions above the port;

an access opening extending through the platform from the top side to the bottom side, wherein the access opening provides access to the port from the top side,

a transition area extending from the access opening, wherein the transition area is adapted for routing optical fibers disposed in the optical connection terminal between a space under the platform and the top side;

a component area located on the top side, and adapted for mounting a component, wherein at least one of the optical fibers disposed in the optical connection terminal extends from the component.

2. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the component area is located proximate to the transition area.

3. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the component area comprises a plurality of component areas.

4. The shelf of claim 1, further comprising a routing area on the top side positioned at least partially around the access opening and adapted for routing slack in the optical fibers and assuring appropriate bending of the optical fibers.

5. The shelf of claim 1, further comprising an inner wall formed on edges of the access opening, wherein the inner wall protects the optical fibers from falling through the access opening.

6. The shelf of claim 1, further comprising an outer wall formed on the edges of the platform, wherein the outer wall protects the optical fibers from falling into the base along a side of the base.

7. The shelf of claim 1, wherein one of the optical fibers is a pigtail extending from inside of the component, and wherein the pigtail has a connectorized end and routes to the port.

8. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the component is a splice protector.

9. The shelf of claim 1, and wherein the component is a splitter, and wherein the splitter splits the optical signal carried by an optical fiber into multiple optical signals each carried by a split optical fiber in the form of the pigtail.

10. The shelf of claim 1, wherein the component comprises a first component and a second component, and wherein one of the optical fibers is a pigtail extending from the inside of the first component, and wherein the pigtail has a connectorized end and routes to the second component.

11. The shelf of claim 1, further comprising a cover, wherein the cover is adapted to position over the platform and secure the optical fibers and the components in place.

12. The shelf of claim 11, further comprising a foam pad positioned between the cover and the platform.

13. The shelf of claim 1, further comprising a tab, wherein the tab extends from the platform, and wherein the platform is adapted to removably affix to the base by the tab inserting into a respective slot in the base.