WO2014122104A2

WO2014122104A2 - Management tray with fiber bundle locking arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2014122104A2
Application number: PCT/EP2014/052082
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bart Mattie Claessens; Erwin Beckers; Wouter Jan Renild Foulon; Patrick Jacques Ann Diepstraten; Dirk Kempeneers
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba
Priority date: 2013-02-05
Filing date: 2014-02-04
Publication date: 2014-08-14
Also published as: WO2014122104A3

Abstract

A fiber management tray (100A, 100B, 100C) for use with blown fiber cables includes a tray body (110) and a locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C). The locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) includes at least one trough member (210, 240, 260) defining an open-topped, longitudinally extending channel (213, 243, 263) sized to hold an optical fiber bundle (305). The trough member (210, 240, 260) retains the optical fiber bundle (305) against axial pull-out. Certain types of trough members (260) are wedge-shaped so that the trough member (260) squeezes the optical fiber bundle (305) within the channel (263) when the trough member (260) is pressed into the tray (110). Certain types of trough members (210) include clips (220) that mount to the trough members (210) to enclose the channels (213). Certain types of trough members (240) include teeth (244, 245) extending inwardly at an open top (247) of the channel (243).

Description

MANAGEMENT TRAY WITH FIBER BUNDLE LOCKING ARRANGEMENT

Background

Some optical fiber networks use blown fiber cables to route optical fibers between locations. Blown fiber cables can be used outdoors (e.g., in aerial applications where the cables are strung between poles). However, exposure to the outdoors can negatively impact the blown fiber cables. For example, weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold can elongate and shrink the blown fiber cables. Elongation also can occur in aerial applications due to ice load, wind load, etc. Elongation of the blown fiber cables can result in the application of an elongation force on the optical fibers contained within the cables. Such an elongation force can disconnect optical splices, unplug optical termination connections, or even pull the optical fibers out of enclosures. Improvements are desired.

Summary

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a fiber management tray including a tray body defining a transition region, a splicing region, a locking region, a tube storage region extending from the transition region to the locking region, and a fiber storage region extending from the transition region to the splicing region. The fiber storage region also is accessible from the locking region. A splice holder arrangement is mounted to the splicing region of the tray body. A locking arrangement is configured to be mounted to the tray body at the locking region. The locking arrangement includes at least one trough member defining a longitudinally extending channel sized to hold an optical fiber bundle. The channel has an open top. The trough member retains the optical fiber bundle against axial pull-out.

In some examples, the trough member is generally wedge shaped so that the trough member is configured to squeeze the optical fiber bundle within the channel when the trough member is pressed into the recess, aperture, or cavity. In other examples, the locking arrangement also includes a clip that mounts to the trough member to enclose the channel, thereby locking the optical fiber bundle within the locking arrangement. In still other examples, the trough member includes teeth extending inwardly at the open top of the channel. The teeth are oriented to point away from an axial pull-out direction.

In certain examples, the tray body locking region includes latching fingers configured to snap over the locking arrangement to hold the locking

arrangement to the tray body. In certain examples, the tray body locking region includes projections that extend between and support at least some of the teeth against the axial pull-out force.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method of locking a blown optical fiber bundle to a management tray. The method includes providing a transition tube and a management tray body; positioning the optical fiber bundle in the transition tube so that the optical fiber bundle protrudes from the transition tube; coiling the transition tube within a tube storage region so that the transition tube terminates before a locking region of the management tray body; feeding the optical fiber bundle into a channel of a trough member of a locking arrangement; and mounting the trough member to the locking region of the management tray body. The channel has an open top. The trough member is configured to hold the optical fiber bundle against a pull-out force of at least 7.5N.

According to one example aspect, the disclosure relates to a fiber management tray for use with blown fiber cables, the fiber management tray comprising a tray body defining a locking region including a trough structure. A locking arrangement is configured to be mounted to the tray body at the locking region, the locking arrangement defined at least in part by the trough structure, a clip member, and a tubular seal member configured to be captured between the trough structure and the clip member. The seal member defines a water-seal portion configured to receive and seal with a water-tight seal a tube surrounding an optical fiber bundle and a fiber locking portion configured to slidably receive and lock against axial pull-out a portion of an optical fiber bundle when captured between the clip member and the trough structure. According to another example aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of locking a blown optical fiber bundle to a management tray comprising pushing the blown optical fiber bundle through a transition tube so that the optical fiber bundle protrudes from the transition tube, sliding a seal member over an end of the protruding optical fiber bundle and over a portion of the transition tube, wherein the seal member defines a water-seal portion configured to receive and seal with a water-tight seal a portion of the transition tube and a fiber locking portion configured to slidably receive the optical fiber bundle. The method further comprises placing the seal member into a trough structure on the management tray having an open top and clamping the fiber locking portion of the seal member against the trough structure with a clip member to lock the optical fiber bundle against an axial pull-out force of at least 7.5N with respect to the management tray.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example fiber management tray including a first locking arrangement exploded outwardly from a tray body;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a section of the fiber management tray of FIG. 1 in which a locking region of the tray body is visible;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first locking arrangement of FIG. 1 including a clip member shown exploded from a trough member; FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the fiber management tray of FIG. 1 in which a transition tube is shown coiled around the tray, a fiber bundle is shown locked to the tray using the first locking arrangement, and optical fibers are shown extending from the bundle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fiber management tray of FIG. 1 and the first locking arrangement mounted to the tray in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another fiber management tray including a second locking region;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fiber management tray of FIG. 6 in which the second locking region is visible;

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate a second example locking region of a management tray and a second example locking arrangement configured to be mounted thereto;

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate a third example locking region of a management tray and a third example locking arrangement configured to be mounted thereto;

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of a fiber management tray including a fourth example locking region and a fourth example locking arrangement mounted to the tray in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 15 illustrates the tray of FIG. 14 and the fourth example locking arrangement of the tray, wherein the fourth example locking arrangement is shown without the transition tube and the optical fiber bundle;

FIG. 16 is a cross-section taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15; FIG. 17 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the fiber management tray of FIGS. 14-15 in which the fourth locking region is visible;

FIG. 18 illustrates the fourth locking region of FIG. 17 without the seal member of the fourth locking arrangement;

FIG. 19 illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of the fourth locking arrangement of FIG. 17 with the fiber bundle locked using the fourth locking arrangement;

FIG. 20 illustrates the seal member of the fourth locking arrangement of FIG. 17 in isolation; FIG. 21 illustrates a blown fiber tube fixation system according to another inventive aspect of the disclosure, the blown fiber tube fixation system shown mounted adjacent the ports of a telecommunications enclosure;

FIG. 22 illustrates a close-up view of the blown fiber tube fixation system of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 23 illustrates a tray configured for fixation to the

telecommunications enclosure shown in FIG. 21, the tray configured for mounting the blown fiber tube fixation system shown in FIG. 21, the tray shown with three tube holders of the blown fiber tube fixation system shown in FIG. 21 mounted to the tray;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the tray of FIG. 23 in isolation;

FIG. 25 illustrates a portion of the tray of FIG. 24 in isolation;

FIG. 26 illustrates the tray of FIGS. 24-25 with one of the tube holders of the blown fiber tube fixation system shown in FIG. 21 mounted to the tray;

FIG. 27 illustrates the tray of FIGS. 24-25 with two tube holders of the blown fiber tube fixation system shown in FIG. 21 mounted to the tray;

FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of one of the tube holders of the blown fiber tube fixation system of FIG. 21;

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of the tube holder of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a rear view of the tube holder of FIG. 28; and

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 30.

Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Referring to FIGS. 1-13 in general, a fiber management tray 100 A, 100B, lOOC for use with blown fiber cables includes a tray body 110 and a locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C configured to mount to the tray body 110. Optical fibers (e.g., distribution fibers and blown optical fibers) are routed onto the tray body 110 at a transition region 120 and stored on the tray. The tray body 110 defines at least part of a pivot hinge 112 at the transition region 120. In some implementations, the tray body 110 also includes a splice holder arrangement 135 at which blown optical fibers can be optically spliced to distribution fibers. In certain implementations, the splice holder arrangement 135 is spaced across at least half of the tray body 110 from the transition region 120.

The locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C is mounted to a locking region 140A, 140B, HOC of the tray body 110. The locking region 140A, 140B, HOC is disposed at a location spaced from the transition region 120. The locking region HOA, HOB, HOC of each tray body 110 includes a recess 142, aperture, or cavity 143 at which the locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C is disposed. At least part of the locking arrangement 200 A, 200B, 200C extends into the recess 142, aperture, or cavity 143. The locking region HOA, HOB, HOC of the tray body 110 also includes a lip 145 that holds the locking arrangement 200 A, 200B, 200C to the tray body 110.

The locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C includes at least one trough member 210, 240, 260 configured to be mounted to the tray body 110. The trough member 210, 240, 260 defines an open-topped, longitudinally-extending channel 213, 243, 263 sized to hold an optical fiber bundle 305 (e.g., one or more feeder fibers 302 optionally contained within a sheath 304). The trough member 210, 240, 260 retains the optical fiber bundle 305 against axial pull-out. For example, the trough member 210, 240, 260 is formed from a flexible material (e.g., rubber, foam, plastic, etc.) that can be squeezed around the fiber bundle 305. In some implementations, the locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C is configured to counteract an axial pull-out force of at least 7.5N.

A tube storage region 150 extends from the transition region 120 to the locking region HOA, HOB, HOC of the tray body 110. A fiber storage region 160 extends from the transition region 120 to the splice region 130. The fiber storage region 160 also is accessible to the locking region HOA, HOB, HOC. In certain

implementations, the fiber storage region 160 is located at an inner portion of the tray body 110 and the tube storage region 150 defines an outer boundary of the tray body 110. In certain implementations, the splice region 130 and the locking region 140A, 140B, HOC are disposed between the fiber storage region 160 and part of the tube storage region 150 (see FIGS. 1 and 6).

In use, distribution fibers extend through the fiber storage region 160 to the splice region 130. An optical fiber bundle 305 can be blown towards the tray 110 through a blown fiber cable. The optical fiber bundle 305 will be pushed through a transition tube (e.g., a low-friction or frictionless tube) 310. The transition tube 310 terminates at a tube holding section 155 adjacent the locking region 140 of the tray body 110. The optical fiber bundle 305 is axially locked to the tray body 110 by the locking arrangement 200 A, 200B, 200C as will be described in more detail herein (e.g., see FIG. 4). In certain implementations, the sheath 304 of the bundle 305 terminates beyond the locking region 140 A, 140B, HOC (e.g., see FIG. 4) and the blown fibers 302 extend through the fiber storage region 160 to the splice region 130 for splicing with the distribution fibers.

In some implementations, the tube storage region 150 enhances the axial pull-out protection of the locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C. For example, the tube storage region 150 can include a spiral channel 151 within which a blown fiber transition tube 310 can be coiled (e.g., see FIG. 4). The optical fiber bundle 305 is configured to move within the transition tube 310. In certain implementations, the spiral channel 151 enables the blown fiber transition tube 310 to be coiled in at least one loop within the tray body 110. In certain implementations, the spiral channel 151 enables the blown fiber transition tube 310 to be coiled at least twice within the tray body 110. In an example, the spiral channel 151 is sufficiently long to enable the transition tube 310 to coil about 2.5 times within the tray body 110.

In some implementations, the transition tube 310 can be pre-installed within the tray body 110. When the fiber bundle 305 is blown to the tray 110, the transition tube 310 is removed from the tray body 110 and the fiber bundle 305 is pushed through the transition tube 310. Thereafter, the transition tube 310 (with the fiber bundle therein) is coiled within the tray body 110. Coiling the transition tube 310 and fiber bundle 305 around the tray body 110 and locking the optical fiber bundle 305 at the locking region 140 A, 140B, HOC with the locking arrangement 200 A, 200B, 200C enables the optical fiber bundle 305 to withstand an axial pull-out force of at least 10N. In an example, the optical fiber bundle 305 is capable of withstanding an axial pull-out force of at least 15N when coiled through transition tube 310 and held at the locking arrangement 200A, 200B, 200C.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first example locking arrangement 200A configured to mount to the locking region 140A of the management tray body 110. The locking region 140A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a recessed portion 142 sized to receive the first example locking arrangement 200 A. The lip 145 at the locking region 140A includes flexible latching fingers 144 that extend upwardly from the tray body 110. Each latching finger 144 includes a latching hook extending inwardly over the recessed portion 142 (see FIG. 1).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first example locking arrangement 200A includes the trough member 210 and a clip member 220. The trough member 210 includes a trough body 211 having a mounting portion 212 sized and configured to extend into the recessed portion 142 of the locking region 140A of the tray body 110. The trough body 211 also defines a channel 213 extending axially between opposite ends 217, 218 of the trough body 211. The channel 213 defines an open top 216 providing access to the channel 213. The trough body 211 also includes sidewalls 214. At least portions of the exterior surfaces of the sidewalls 214 taper inwardly as the sidewalls 214 extend away from the mounting portion 212 and towards the open top 216 of the channel 213. Corners 215 of the trough body 211 extend upwardly beyond the tapered sidewalls 214.

The clip member 220 is configured to slide over the trough member 210 to cover the open top 216 of the channel 213. The clip member 220 includes a cover 221 that is sized to extend across the open top 216 of the channel 213 and across the tops of the sidewalls 214. The cover 221 also extends between the corners 215 of the trough body 211 so that the corners 215 retain the clip member 220 in a fixed axial position relative to the trough member 210. Sidewalls 222 extend downwardly from the cover 221 to fit over the sidewalls 214 of the trough body 211. At least portions of inner surfaces 223 of the sidewalls 222 taper outwardly as the sidewalls 222 extend downwardly away from the cover 221.

To assemble the locking arrangement 200A, the clip member 220 is pressed onto the trough member 210 to cover the open top 216 of the channel 213. When the clip member 220 is initially mounted to the trough body 210, the tapered portions of the inner surfaces 223 ride over the tapered portions of the sidewalls 214. As the clip member 220 continues to be pressed against the trough body 211, untapered portions of the inner surfaces 223 ride over the tapered portions of the sidewalls 214, thereby squeezing the sidewalls 214 together.

In some implementations, the clip member 220 is configured to be held at the locking region 140 A of the tray body 110. For example, the cover 221 or edges of the clip member 220 can define latching recesses 224 that are sized and positioned to engage the latching hooks of the latching fingers 144 when the assembled locking arrangement 200A is mounted to the locking region 140A of the tray body 110. In the example shown, one latching recess 224 is provided above each sidewall 222 of the clip member 220. In other implementations, the clip member 220 can include a greater or lesser number of latching recesses 224 in the same or different positions. Certain types of clip members 220 also can include additional protrusions 225 for engagement with features of the locking region 140A.

In use, the optical fiber bundle 305 is blown to the tray body 110 (or enclosure holding the tray) and fed into the transition tube 310 so that a portion of the bundle 305 protrudes from a terminated end of the transition tube 310. The transition tube 310 is routed through the spiral channel 151 of the tube storage region 150 and the terminated end of the transition tube 310 is retained at a tube holding section 155 of the tube storage region 150 by teeth 156 (see FIG. 4). In some implementations, the bundle 305 is inserted into the channel 213 of the trough member 210 at the locking region 140A (see FIG. 4). In other implementations, the bundle 305 is inserted into the channel 213 of the trough member 210 before the trough member 210 is mounted to the tray 110. The clip member 220 is mounted onto the trough member 210 to enclose the bundle 305 (see FIG. 5). The sheath 304 of the bundle 305 is terminated at a location beyond the locking region 140A (FIG. 4). Optical fibers 302 held by the sheath 304 can be routed into the fiber storage region 160 of the tray body 110 and routed to the splice region 130.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a second example locking arrangement 200B configured to mount to the locking region 140B of the management tray body 110. The locking region 140B shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a recessed portion 142 sized to receive the second example locking arrangement 200B. The lip 145 at the locking region 140B includes flanges 146 that extend inwardly over the recessed portion 142 (see FIG. 7). The locking region 140B also includes a seat 148 disposed adjacent the recess 142 and a tapered sidewall 149 extending upwardly from the seat 148. The tapered sidewall 149 tapers away from the flanges 146 as the sidewall 149 extends upwardly from the recess 142.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second example locking arrangement 200B includes the trough member 240 including a trough body 241 extending from a first end 248 to a second end 249. The trough body 241 is coupled to the tray 110 so that the first end 248 faces towards the spiral channel 151 and the second end 249 faces towards an entrance to the fiber storage region 160. The trough body 241 defines a notch 242 along one side edge so that a portion of the trough body 241 is sized and configured to extend into the recessed portion 142 of the locking region 140B and another portion is sized to fit over the seat 148 at the locking region 140B.

The trough body 241 also defines a channel 243 extending axially between the first and second ends 248, 249 of the trough body 241. The channel 243 defines an open top 247 providing access to the channel 243. Sides of the trough body 241 define grip teeth 244, 245 extending laterally into the channel 243. The teeth 244,

245 point towards the second end 249 of the trough body 241 (i.e., against the pull-out force that would be applied to the fiber bundle 305). The side defining teeth 244 engages the tapered sidewall 149 of the locking region 140B to flex the teeth 244 towards the channel 243 (see FIG. 11). The side defining teeth 245 also define recesses

246 sized to receive the flanges 146 of the locking region 140B. The flanges 146 hold the trough body 241 to the tray body 110 (see FIG. 11). In use, the optical fiber bundle 305 is fed into the transition tube 310 and routed through the spiral channel 151 as described above. In some implementations, the bundle 305 extending from the transition tube 310 is inserted into the channel 243 of the trough member 240 at the locking region 140B. In other implementations, the bundle 305 is inserted into the channel 243 of the trough member 240 before the trough member 240 is mounted to the tray 110. Mounting the trough member 240 to the locking region 140B of the tray 110 causes the trough body 241 to squeeze the optical bundle 305. The sheath 304 of the bundle 305 is terminated at a location beyond the locking region 140B and the optical fibers 302 held by the sheath 304 are routed through the fiber storage region 160 of the tray body 110 to the splice region 130.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a third example locking arrangement 200C configured to be mounted to the locking region HOC of a tray body 110. As shown in FIG. 12, the locking arrangement 200C includes a trough member 260 having a wedge- shaped trough body 261. The trough body 261 defines an axially-extending channel 263 having an open top 264. Axially extending sides 262 of the trough body 261 taper outwardly as the sides 262 extend towards the open top 264 of the channel 263.

Wedge-shaped retention members 266 extend laterally outwardly from the tapered sides 262 at opposite axial ends of the trough body 261. Inner surfaces of the trough body 261 define bulged sections 265 extending laterally into the channel 263.

As shown in FIG. 13, the locking region HOC of the management tray lOOC includes a cradle 141 defining a cavity 143 sized to receive the trough member 260 of the third locking arrangement 200C. In some implementations, the trough member 260 can be mounted at the cradle 141 to move between a loading position and a locking position. When in the loading position, the retention members 266 of the trough body 261 engage the cradle 141 and the bulged sections 265 of the sides 262 extend upwardly from the cradle 141. When in the locking position, the tapered sidewalls 262 of the trough body 261 are substantially contained within the cradle 141 (see FIG. 13). In an example, the cradle 141 is sufficiently deep to enable the top 264 of the channel to be generally flush with the top of the cradle 141. The cradle defines notches or openings that align with the axial ends of the channel 263 of the trough body 261 when the trough member 260 is disposed in the cradle 141 in either position.

In use, the trough member 260 is mounted within the cavity 143 defined by the cradle 141. The fiber bundle 305 extending from the transition tube 310 can be inserted into the channel 263 through the open top 264 when the trough member 260 is in the loading position. Alternatively, the fiber bundle 305 can be loaded into the trough member 260 before the trough member 260 is mounted to the tray 100C. The fiber bundle 305 is pressed past the bulged sections 265 and towards a bottom of the channel 263. After inserting the bundle 305, the trough member 260 can be pushed into the locking position to secure the bundle 305 within the trough body 261. Pushing the trough member 260 into the locking position presses the sidewalls 262 towards each other. Accordingly, the bulged portions 265 of the sidewalls 262 press over the fiber bundle 305 to inhibit removal of the fiber bundle 305 from the channel 263.

FIGS. 14-20 illustrate a fourth example locking arrangement 200D configured to mount to a locking region 140D of the management tray body 110. The locking region 140D, as shown in FIG. 18, includes a recessed portion 442 sized to receive the fourth example locking arrangement 200D. Similar to previous examples discussed, a lip 445 at the locking region 140D is defined by flexible latching fingers 444 that extend upwardly from the tray body 110. Each latching finger 444 includes a latching hook 446 extending inwardly over the recessed portion 442 (see FIGS. 15 and 17-19).

The fourth example locking arrangement 200D is defined by a trough structure 410 of the tray that may be formed integrally with the tray body 110 at the recessed portion 442. The fourth example locking arrangement 200D also includes a clip member 420 that is configured to cooperate with the trough structure 410 in capturing an optical fiber bundle 305 in the locking region 140D of the tray. As will be discussed in further detail below, the clip member 420 is configured to be clamped against the trough structure 410 within the recessed portion 442 via the latching hooks 446. The fourth example locking arrangement 200D also includes a seal member 500. The seal member 500, in the depicted embodiment, is defined by a generally tubular member that extends between a first end 510 and a second end 512. The seal member 500 may be manufactured from a polymeric material. The tubular seal member 500 defines a water-seal portion 501 and a fiber locking portion 503. The water-seal portion of the seal member 500 extends from the first end 510 to a transition region 511 and the fiber locking portion 503 extends from the transition region 511 to the second end 512. In the depicted embodiment, the water-seal portion 501 of the seal member 500 defines an exterior having a larger cross-dimension (e.g., diameter) than the fiber locking portion 503.

The seal member 500 defines a tube cavity 502 within the water-seal portion 501 and a fiber bundle cavity 504 within the fiber locking portion 503 that communicates with the tube cavity 502. The tube cavity 502 defines an internal cavity cross-dimension (e.g., diameter) 506 that is sized to slidably receive and form a seal around the transition tube 310. The fiber bundle cavity 504 defines an internal cross- dimension (e.g., diameter) 508 that is sized to slidably receive the optical fiber bundle 305 including the sheath 304 thereof. The transition at a transition region 511 between the tube cavity 502 and the fiber bundle cavity 504 defines an annular flange 514 that is configured to abut the transition tube 310 and to prevent further insertion of the transition tube 310 into the seal member 500 from the first end 510 thereof.

The tube cavity 502 defines an inwardly tapering configuration as it extends from the first end 510 of the seal member 500 toward the transition region 511. As such, as the transition tube 310 is inserted into the tube cavity 502 from the first end, the seal member 500 starts to form a water-tight seal against the transition tube 310. At the transition region 511, the internal cavity cross-dimension 506 of the tube cavity 502 is sized slightly smaller than the exterior cross-dimension of the transition tube so as to compress and form a water-tight seal with the transition tube 310 when the tube 310 has been inserted all the way to the annular flange 514. In this manner, the water blocking portion 501 defining the tube cavity 502 of the seal member 500 forms a water-blocking function for the fourth example locking arrangement 200D. The fiber locking portion 503 defining the fiber bundle cavity 504 of the seal member 500, on the other hand, is configured to form the locking function of the fourth example locking arrangement 200D that retains the optic fiber bundle 305 against axial pull-out.

The internal cavity cross-dimension 508 of the fiber bundle cavity 504 is sized such that it allows the fiber bundle 305 including the sheath 304 thereof to slide within the fiber bundle cavity 504 before the locking arrangement 200D has been activated. As will be discussed in further detail below, when activated, the fiber locking portion 503 of the seal member 500 deforms to compress the fiber bundle 305 within the fiber bundle cavity 504 and to retain the bundle 305 against axial pull-out.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17 and 19, the clip member 420 is configured to be mounted into the recessed portion 442 of the tray body 110 and to cooperate with the trough structure 410 in compressing the fiber locking portion 503 of the seal member 500 around the fiber bundle 305. Both the clip member 420 and the trough structure 410 define ribs 516, 518 that are configured to axially align when the clip member 420 has been mounted in the recessed portion 442. As shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 19, the ribs 516, 518 press against the exterior surface of the fiber locking portion 503 of the seal member 500 to provide a clamping action. When activated, the fiber bundle cavity 504 is reduced in size to the point where the fiber bundle 305 is limited in or prevented from axial movement with respect to the seal member 500.

The clip member 420, when mounted within the recessed portion 442 of the locking region 140D of the tray body 110, is retained against the trough structure 410 via the latching hooks 446 of the flexible latching fingers 444 that extend inwardly over the clip member 420.

According to certain embodiments, when activated, the fourth example locking arrangement 200D may hold the optical fiber bundle 305 against a pull-out force of at least 7.5N. According to certain embodiments, the locking arrangement 200D is configured to withstand between 1 ON and 20N of axial pull-out force.

According to certain embodiments, the locking arrangement 200D is configured to withstand about 15N of axial pull-out force. After a portion of the fiber bundle 305 is locked using the fourth locking arrangement 200D, as noted above, the sheath 304 of the bundle 305 may be terminated at a location beyond the locking region 140D. For example, optical fibers 302 held by the sheath 304 can be routed into the fiber storage region 160 of the tray body 110 and routed to the splice region 130.

As shown in FIGS. 15, 17, and 18, according to certain embodiments, the clip member 420 may be integrally molded with the tray body 110 when the tray body 110 is molded during an injection molding process. The clip member 420 may be molded so as to be initially attached to the tray body 110. The attachment of the clip member 420 to the tray body 110 is provided by breakable tabs 520. As such, when the clip member 420 is needed to be used to provide axial locking and water sealing of the fiber bundle 305, the clip member 420 may be separated from the tray body 110 by twisting the clip member 420 with respect to the tray body to break the tabs 520. In other embodiments, the tabs 520 may be severed by other methods. In this manner, the clip member 420 does not have to be provided as a separate piece that may get lost or misplaced during transport or usage of the locking arrangement 200D. For example, in FIGS. 15 and 17, the tray is shown with an extra clip member 420 molded to the tray body 110. In these figures, the clip member 420 that is molded to the tray body 110 is an additional one waiting to be used in case the one already locked with the latching hooks 446 gets misplaced. In FIGS. 14 and 18, the integrally molded clip member 420 is the clip member that is used with the locking arrangement 200D.

The integrally molded clip member feature of the fourth locking arrangement 200D may be applicable to other separable structures of the other examples of the locking arrangements 200A-200C of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-31, another aspect of the disclosure is illustrated. FIGS. 21-31 illustrate a blown fiber tube fixation system 600 that is configured for fixing a tube 602 surrounding a blown optical fiber bundle 305 within a fiber optic enclosure 604. The fiber tube fixation system 600 is configured to fix the tubes 602 surrounding the blown fiber bundle 305 adjacent the ports 606 of the fiber optic enclosure 604 rather than at the termination trays 100A, 100B, lOOC. The blown fiber tube fixation system 600 is defined by at least one tube holder 608 that is mounted to an interior of the fiber optic enclosure 604. In the given embodiment, three tube holders 608 are illustrated as part of the system 600. In the depicted example, the tube fixation system 600 utilizes a mounting tray 610 for receiving the tube holders 608 with a snap-fit interlock and mounting the tube holders 608 to the enclosure 604 as will be discussed in further detail.

As shown in FIG. 21, the fiber optic enclosure 604 defines a plurality of ports 606 where blown optical fiber bundles 305 can exit the enclosure 604. According to one example embodiment, the optical fiber bundles 305 can be blown away from the enclosure 604 through tubes having a 4 mm outer diameter. In certain examples, the tubes having a 4 mm outer diameter may not be flexible enough to bend in transitioning from the ports 606 to the tube holders 608. Thus, normally, a 3 mm tube 602, which is more flexible, may be used between the ports 606 and the tube holders 608. As shown, a transition connector 612 may be used in connecting the 3 mm tubes 602 to the 4 mm tubes. The transition connector 612 may provide a waterblocking function to prevent water from entering the interior of the tubes 602.

In assembling the fixation system 600, once the optical fibers bundles 305 are blown away from the enclosure 604, the 3 mm tubes 602 are inserted over the ends of the fiber bundles 305 within the enclosure 604 and are connected at their ends to the 4 mm tubes via the transition connectors 612. After the 3 mm tubes 602 are inserted over the fiber bundles 305, a large portion of the bundles 305 protrude from the tubes 602 and continue into the enclosure 604 for further termination. The blown fiber tube fixation system 600 shown in FIGS. 21-31 provides a way to fix and secure the 3 mm tubes 602 within the enclosure 604.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-27, the mounting tray 610 configured for mounting the tube holders 608 to the fiber optic enclosure 604 is shown in isolation from the enclosure 604. In FIG. 23, the mounting tray 610 is shown with three tube holders 608 of the blown fiber tube fixation system 600 mounted to the tray 610.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the mounting tray 610 in isolation and FIG. 25 illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the mounting tray 610. FIG. 26 illustrates the mounting tray 610 with one of the tube holders 608 of the blown fiber tube fixation system 600 mounted to the tray 610 and FIG. 27 illustrates the mounting tray 610 with two tube holders 608 of the blown fiber tube fixation system 600 mounted to the tray 610.

The tray 610 defines snap-fit interlock structures 614 having dove-tail profiles for receiving snap-fit interlock structures 616 of the individual tube holders 608. In the given embodiment, the tray 610 is configured to receive three of the tube holders 608. The tray 610 can be configured to receive other numbers. The interlock structures 614 on the tray are oriented such that when the tube holders 608 are mounted to the tray 610, each tube holder 608 extends at a slightly different angle relative to the ports 606 of the enclosure 604 (see FIGS. 21-23). In this manner, as shown in FIG. 21, sharp bending of the 3 mm tubes 602 and the fiber bundles 305 therein as they extend from the ports 606 of the enclosure 604 to the tube holders 608 is prevented or minimized. The angles at which the tube holders 608 are mounted provide a gradual transition from the ports 606 to the tube holders 608 associated with a given set of ports 606. The orientation of the tube holders 608 provides a gradual S-shaped curved routing path for the tubes 602 and the fibers 305.

Still referring to FIGS. 23-27, the mounting tray 610 also includes a fiber guide 618 for guiding the optical fiber bundles 305 that protrude out from the 3 mm tubes 602. In the given embodiment, the fiber bundles 305 are routed underneath the fiber guide 618 as they exit the tube holders 608 and are routed toward the termination trays 100A, 100B, lOOC. The fiber guide 618 is configured to extend from a fixed end 620 to a free end 622 and the optical fiber bundles 305 can be routed underneath the fiber guide 618 from the free end 622.

The fiber guide 618 defines a lip 624 under which the optical fiber bundles 305 extend. The fiber guide 618 is configured with a twist as it extends from the fixed end 620 to the free end 622 such that optical fiber bundles 305 are easier to pass underneath the lip 624 defined by the guide 618. As shown, the fiber guide 618 is bent upwardly from a front to back direction, with the free end 622 being bent slightly more than the fixed end 620, providing a twisted configuration. The shape of the fiber guide 618 makes it easier to pass the optical fiber bundles 305 underneath the guide 618 once they protrude from the tube holders 608.

One of the individual tube holders 608 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 28- 31. In the given embodiment, each tube holder 608 defines three columns 626 of cavities 628 for receiving and fixing the tubes 602. In the depicted embodiment, each of the cavities 628 making up a column 626 of cavities 628 are open to adjacent cavities 628 such that a fiber bundle 305 can be inserted into a column 626 from a top 630 of the column 626 and slid all the way to the bottom 632 of the column 626.

The interconnected configuration of the cavities 628 is designed to increase the density of the tubes 602 that can be stacked within the columns 626. Each cavity 628, even though open to adjacent cavities 628, is still configured to provide discrete locking positions to the individual tubes 602. The transition regions 633 between the cavities 628 in a given column 626 are sized so as to not allow the tubes 602 to be slid upwardly or downwardly and are sized to receive the tubes 602 in an axial direction. In the given embodiment, each tube holder 608 is designed to receive seventeen tubes 602. Other numbers are certainly possible.

In this manner, when mounting the tube 602 to the tube holders 608, when a 3 mm tube 602 has been inserted over a fiber optic bundle 305, the bundle 305 that protrudes from the 3 mm tube 602 is first inserted into a fiber feed thru cavity 634 located at the top 630 of the column 626 and slid toward the bottom 632 of the column 626. The 3 mm tube 602 is then inserted axially into and through a given cavity 626 of a tube holder 608. Each cavity 628 defines a funnel-like, tapered entrance for facilitating insertion of the tubes 602 thereinto. Transverse ribs 636 are provided within each cavity 628 for fixing the tubes 602 thereto with a friction fit. In a preferred embodiment, when the tubes 602 are being inserted into the individual cavities 628 in an axial direction, the tubes 602 are stacked in a bottom to top sequence to facilitate mounting and handling of the tubes 602. As shown in FIGS. 26, 28, and 31, the rear faces 638 of the tube holders 608 are at an angled configuration. The angling visually helps a technician in seeing the cavities 628 along a top to bottom direction. As shown FIGS. 28-31, each tube holder 608 also defines an inset portion 640 adjacent the fiber feed thru cavities 634 toward the top of the tube holder 608. The inset portion 640 facilitates handling and manipulation of the optical fiber bundles 305 as they are initially inserted into the fiber feed thru cavities 634 and slid downwardly.

As discussed previously, each tube holder 608 defines a snap-fit interlock structure 616 configured for mounting the tube holders 608 to the mounting tray 610. At the bottom of each tube holder 608 are a pair of slides 642 that slidably receive the dovetail shaped interlock structures 614 of the mounting trays 610. At the end of the slides 642 are flexible latching hooks 644 that are configured to snap over front lips 646 defined on the tray 610 in retaining the tube holders 608 on the tray 610.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the inventive aspects. Since many embodiments of the disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the inventive aspects reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

List of Reference Numerals and Corresponding Features

100A, 100B, lOOC fiber management trays

110 tray body

112 pivot hinge

120 transition region

130 splice region

135 splice arrangement

140A, 140B, 140C, 140D locking regions

141 cradle

142 recessed section

143 cavity

144 latch finger

145 lip

146 flanges

148 seat

149 tapered sidewall

150 tube storage region

151 spiral channel

155 tube holding section

156 teeth

160 fiber storage region

200A, 200B, 200C, 200D locking arrangements

210 trough member

211 trough body

212 mounting portion

213 channel

214 sidewalls

215 corners

216 open top of channel 217 first axial end

218 second axial end

220 clip member

221 cover

222 sidewalls

223 tapered inner surfaces

224 latching recesses

225 additional protrusions

240 trough member

241 trough body

242 notch

243 channel

244, 245 teeth

246 recesses

247 open top of channel

248 first axial end

249 second axial end

260 trough member

261 trough body

262 wedge-shaped sides

263 channel

264 open top of channel

265 bulged portions

266 retention members

302 blown optical fibers

304 sheath

305 optical fiber bundle

310 transition tube

410 trough structure

420 clip member 442 recessed portion

444 flexible latching fingers

445 lip

446 latching hooks

500 seal member

501 water-seal portion

502 tube cavity

503 fiber locking portion

504 fiber bundle cavity

506 internal cavity cross-dimension of tube cavity

508 internal cavity cross-dimension of fiber bundle cavity

510 first end of seal member

511 transition region

512 second end of seal member

514 annular flange

516 ribs of clip member

518 ribs of trough structure

520 tabs

600 blown fiber tube fixation system

602 tube

604 fiber optic enclosure

606 port

608 tube holder

610 mounting tray

612 transition connector

614 snap-fit interlock structure of tray

616 snap-fit interlock structure of tube holder

618 fiber guide

620 fixed end of fiber guide

622 free end of fiber guide 626 column of cavities

628 cavity

630 top of the column

632 bottom of the column

633 transition region between cavities

634 fiber feed-thru cavity

636 transverse rib

638 rear face of tube holder

640 inset portion of tube holder

642 slides

644 flexible latching hooks

646 front lips of tray

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) for use with blown fiber cables, the fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) comprising:

a tray body (110) defining a transition region (120), a splicing region (130), a locking region (140A, 140B, HOC), a tube storage region (150) extending from the transition region to the locking region, and a fiber storage region (160) extending from the transition region to the splicing region, the fiber storage region (150) also being accessible from the locking region (140A, 140B, HOC);

a splice holder arrangement (135) mounted to the splicing region (130) of the tray body (110);

a locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) configured to be mounted to the tray body (110) at the locking region (140A, 140B, HOC), the locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) including at least one trough member (210, 240, 260) defining a longitudinally extending channel (213, 243, 263) sized to hold an optical fiber bundle, the channel (213, 243, 263) having an open top (216, 247, 264), wherein the trough member (210, 240, 260) retains the optical fiber bundle against axial pull-out.

2. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 1, wherein the tray body (110) defines at least part of a pivot hinge (112) and wherein the transition region (120) is defined at the pivot hinge (112).

3. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the fiber storage region (160) is located at an inner portion of the tray body (110), the tube storage region (150) defines an outer boundary of the tray body (110), and the splice region (130) and locking region (140 A, 140B, HOC) are disposed between the fiber storage region (160) and part of the tube storage region (150).

4. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1-3, wherein the tube storage region (150) provides a spiral channel (151) within which a blown fiber transition tube can be coiled.

5. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 4, wherein the spiral channel (151) enables the blown fiber transition tube to be coiled 2.5 times within the tray body (110).

6. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1-5, wherein the locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) is configured to withstand at least about 7.5N of axial pull-out force.

7. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 6, wherein the locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) is configured to withstand between ION and 20N of axial pull-out force.

8. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 7, wherein the locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) is configured to withstand about 15N of axial pull-out force.

9. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1-8, wherein the locking region (140A, 140B, HOC) of the tray body (110) includes a lip (145) that holds the locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C) to the tray body (110).

10. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1-9, wherein the tray body (110) defines a recess (142) at the locking region (140A, 140B, HOC); and wherein the trough member (210, 240, 260) is sized to extend partially into a recess (142), aperture, or cavity (143) when mounted to the tray body (110).

11. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 10, wherein the trough member (260) is generally wedge shaped so that the trough member (260) is configured to squeeze the optical fiber bundle within the channel (263) when the trough member (260) is pressed into a cavity (143) at the locking region (HOC).

12. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1-11, wherein the locking arrangement (200A) also includes a clip (220) that mounts to the trough member (210) to enclose the channel (213), thereby locking the optical fiber bundle within the locking arrangement (200 A).

13. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 1-12, wherein the lip (145) of the tray body locking region (140A) includes latching fingers (144) configured to snap over the locking arrangement (200A).

14. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of any of claims 1-10, wherein the trough member (210, 240, 260) includes teeth (244, 245) extending inwardly at the open top (247) of the channel (243), the teeth (244, 245) being oriented to point away from an axial pull-out direction.

15. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 14, wherein the lip (145) of the tray body locking region (140B) includes projections (146) that extend between and support at least some of the teeth (245) against the axial pull-out force.

16. A method of locking a blown optical fiber bundle to a management tray (100A, 100B) comprising:

pushing the blown optical fiber bundle (305) through a transition tube (310) so that the optical fiber bundle (305) protrudes from the transition tube (310);

coiling the transition tube (310) within a tube storage region (150) so that the transition tube (310) terminates before a locking region (140A, 140B, HOC) of the management tray body (110); feeding the optical fiber bundle (305) into an open-topped channel (213, 243, 263) of a trough member (210, 240, 260) of a locking arrangement (200A, 200B, 200C), the channel (213, 243, 263) having an open top (216, 247, 264); and

mounting the trough member (210, 240, 260) to the locking region (140A, 140B, HOC) of the management tray body (110), wherein the trough member (210, 240, 260) is configured to hold the optical fiber bundle (305) against a pull-out force of at least 7.5N.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising routing the optical fiber bundle within the management tray body (110) to a splice region (130).

18. The method of either of claims 16 or 17, wherein feeding the optical fiber bundle into the channel (213, 243, 263) of the trough member (210, 240, 260) comprises inserting the optical fiber bundle through an open top (216, 247, 264) of the channel (210, 240, 260).

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising pushing a clip (220) onto the trough member (210) to close the open top (216, 247, 264) of the channel (210, 240, 260).

20 The method of either of claims 16 or 17, wherein feeding the optical fiber bundle into the channel (210, 240, 260) of the trough member (210, 240, 260) comprises threading the optical fiber bundle into the channel (210, 240, 260) through an axial end of the channel (210, 240, 260).

21. A fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) for use with blown fiber cables, the fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) comprising:

a tray body (110) defining a locking region (140D) including a trough structure

(410);

a locking arrangement (200D) configured to be mounted to the tray body (110) at the locking region (140D), the locking arrangement (200D) defined at least in part by the trough structure (410), a clip member (420), and a tubular seal member (500) configured to be captured between the trough structure (410) and the clip member (420), wherein the seal member (500) defines a water-seal portion (501) configured to receive and seal with a water-tight seal a tube (310 ) surrounding an optical fiber bundle (305) and a fiber locking portion (503) configured to slidably receive and lock against axial pull-out a portion of an optical fiber bundle (305) when captured between the clip member (420) and the trough structure (410).

22. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 21, wherein the water seal portion (501) defines a tube cavity (502) having an internal cavity cross-dimension (506) sized to seal against the tube (310) when the tube (310) is slidably inserted therein and the fiber locking portion (503) defines a fiber bundle cavity (504) having an internal cavity cross-dimension (508) sized to initially slidably receive and then lock against axial pull-out the optical fiber bundle (305) when captured between the clip member (420) and the trough structure (410).

23. The fiber management tray ( 100A, 100B , 100C) of either claim 21 or 22, wherein the seal member (500) defines a transition region (511) between the water-seal portion (501) and the fiber locking portion (503), wherein the transition region (511) defines an internal annular flange (514) configured to abut the tube (310) to prevent further insertion of the tube (310).

24. The fiber management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) of claim 23, wherein the tube cavity (502) defines an inwardly tapering configuration as it extends from a first end (510) of the seal member (500) toward the transition region (511).

25. A method of locking a blown optical fiber bundle to a management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC) comprising:

pushing the blown optical fiber bundle (305) through a transition tube (310) so that the optical fiber bundle (305) protrudes from the transition tube (310); sliding a seal member (500) over an end of the protruding optical fiber bundle (305) and over a portion of the transition tube (310), wherein the seal member (500) defines a water-seal portion (501) configured to receive and seal with a water-tight seal a portion of the transition tube (310) and a fiber locking portion (503) configured to slidably receive the optical fiber bundle;

placing the seal member (500) into a trough structure (410) on the management tray (100 A, 100B, lOOC) having an open top; and

clamping the fiber locking portion (503) of the seal member (500) against the trough structure (410) with a clip member (420) to lock the optical fiber bundle (305) against an axial pull-out force of at least 7.5N with respect to the management tray (100A, 100B, lOOC).

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the water seal portion (501) defines a tube cavity (502) having an internal cavity cross-dimension (506) sized to seal against the transition tube (310) when the transition tube (310) is slidably inserted therein and the fiber locking portion (503) defines a fiber bundle cavity (504) having an internal cavity cross-dimension (508) sized to initially slidably receive and then lock against axial pull- out the optical fiber bundle (305) when captured between the clip member (420) and the trough structure (410).

27. The method of either claim 25 or 26, wherein the seal member (500) defines a transition region (511) between the water-seal portion (501) and the fiber locking portion (503), wherein the transition region (511) defines an internal annular flange (514) configured to abut the transition tube (310) to prevent further insertion of the transition tube (310).

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the tube cavity (502) defines an inwardly tapering configuration as it extends from a first end (510) of the seal member (500) toward the transition region (511).

29. A fiber tube fixation system (600) that is configured for fixing a tube (602) surrounding a blown optical fiber bundle (305) to a fixture (604), the fiber tube fixation system (600) comprising:

a tube holder (608) configured for attachment to the fixture (604), the tube holder (608) defining at least one column (626) of cavities (628) for receiving and fixing the tubes (602) with a friction fit to the tube holder (608), wherein each cavity (628) is open to an adjacent cavity (628) such that a fiber bundle (305) surrounded by a tube (602) can be inserted into a cavity (628) of the at least one column (626) and slid to another cavity (628) and wherein the cavities (628) define transition regions (633) therebetween along a given column (626) that are sized so as to not allow the tubes (602) to be slid upwardly or downwardly and are sized to receive the tubes (602) only in an axial direction, the transition regions (633) configured to define discrete locking positions for the individual tubes (602).

30. A fiber tube fixation system (600) according to claim 29, wherein the tube holder defines three of the columns (626).

31. A fiber tube fixation system (600) according to claim 29, wherein the tube holder (608) is configured to be removably attached to the fixture (604).

32. A fiber tube fixation system (600) according to claim 29, wherein the fixture (604) is a telecommunications enclosure.

33. A fiber tube fixation system (600) according to claim 29, wherein the tube holder (608) defines transverse ribs (636) within each cavity (628) for fixing the tubes (602) thereto with a friction fit.

34. A fiber tube fixation system (600) according to claim 29, further comprising a plurality of the tube holders (608) that are attached to the fixture (604).

35. A fiber tube fixation system (600) according to claim 29, wherein the tube holder (608) is configured to be slidably attached to the fixture (604) via dove-tail shaped interlock structures (614/616).