High density fiber management

• US 5,758,003 A
• Filed: 08/05/1997
• Issued: 05/26/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ADC Telecommunications Incorporated (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Kmit, Paul M., Haataja, Timothy J., Wheeler, Todd A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, John D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): KIM, ELLEN E
• Application Number:
  US08/906,125
• Time in Patent Office: 294 Days
• Field of Search: 385/134, 385/135
• US Class Current: 385/134
• 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 6/4454 with splices

Abstract

A fiber distribution frame includes a support structure having a plurality of connector module assemblies mounted in first and second vertical arrays on opposite sides of the support structure. Assemblies of each of the arrays are spaced from one another in a vertical spacing to define a plurality of troughs between each of the assemblies with a plurality of troughs extending rearwardly into rear troughs. A central trough is provided for taking up an excess of fiber extending between the plurality of connector assemblies.

Claims

1. A fiber distribution frame comprising:

an open support frame defining a vertical support;

a plurality of fiber optic connector assemblies having a rear end adjacent said frame and extending generally perpendicular from said frame to a front end, said assemblies having sides between said rear and front ends with fiber optic contents including fiber optic connectors contained within said assemblies accessible through said sides without substantial movement of said assemblies;

said assemblies secured to said support frame with a first plurality of said assemblies mounted in a generally vertical array on a first side of said frame and with a second plurality of said assemblies mounted in a second vertical array on a second side of said frame;

said assemblies of said first plurality supported in spaced-apart relation to contiguous others of said assemblies of said first plurality to define a first plurality of vertically spaced-apart fiber pathways between contiguous ones of said assemblies of said first plurality and with said fiber pathways extending generally perpendicular to said vertical support plane;

said assemblies of said second plurality maintained in spaced-apart relation to contiguous others of said assemblies of said second plurality to define a second plurality of vertically spaced-apart fiber pathways between contiguous ones of said assemblies of said second plurality and with said second plurality of fiber pathways extending generally perpendicular to said vertical support plane;

said assemblies of said first plurality spaced from said assemblies of said second plurality for opposing sides of said assemblies to define a generally unobstructed vertical passage therebetween with said passage sized to permit direct access to said sides of said assemblies;

a generally vertical array of fiber supports secured to said frame between said first and second pluralities of assemblies with each of said supports adapted to receive a loop of a fiber cable and with said supports accessible through said vertical passage;

a plurality of fiber distribution troughs within said first and second plurality of fiber pathways and extending from said front ends to said rear ends of said first and second pluralities of assemblies;

a plurality of branch troughs at said rear ends and extending from said fiber distribution troughs toward said fiber supports;

a plurality of vertical runs in communication with said branch troughs and in communication with said fiber supports.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 where each of said troughs includes a radius limiter at a point of transition from said troughs.

3. A fiber distribution frame according to claim 1 wherein said support includes a base member having a trough defined therein beneath said fiber supports and beneath said vertical runs.

4. A fiber distribution frame according to claims 1 including a plurality of horizontal troughs connecting horizontally aligned ones of said distribution toughs.