WO2015095365A1

WO2015095365A1 - Fiber optic splice tray

Info

Publication number: WO2015095365A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/070914
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward Morris; Wilfred Courchaine; Roger Vaughn
Original assignee: Afl Telecommunications Llc
Priority date: 2013-12-17
Filing date: 2014-12-17
Publication date: 2015-06-25

Abstract

A fiber optic splice tray assembly comprises an organizer plate and an interconnection arrangement for attachment of the splice tray assembly to at least one other splice tray assembly in stacked fashion, the interconnection arrangement including a plurality of snap connectors. Preferably, the snap connectors are integrally formed with the organizer plate. For example, the snap connectors may be formed having an upper cup and a depending ball, the ball being sized to fit into a socket of an adjacent splice tray assembly.

Description

FIBER OPTIC SPLICE TRAY

Background of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fiber optic splice trays. More particularly, the present invention relates to splice trays used in fiber outside plant (OSP) applications.

The ability of high-quality optical fiber to transmit large amounts of information without appreciable signal degradation is well known. As a result, optical fibers have found widespread use in many applications, such as voice and data transmission. Optical fiber is typically supplied and installed as fiber optic cable. The term "fiber optic cable" refers to the combination of the actual optical fiber plus the structure in which it is carried and protected during and after installation. Generally, a fiber optic cable includes optical fibers, aramid fibers or other strength members, and an outer sheath.

In order to join optical fibers from two or more optical fiber cables, the optical fibers must be spliced to allow the optical signal to pass with minimal loss or reflection from one optical fiber to the next. Also, there are often many fibers in optical fiber cables. In order to join optical fiber cables, each optical fiber in an optical fiber cable must be individually spliced with a corresponding optical fiber of another optical fiber cable to form spliced pairs of optical fibers.

Fiber optic splice trays have been used to hold these spliced pairs together. Typically, fiber trays have splice capacities of 12, 24, 36, or 48 fibers. Fiber trays come in different sizes and are configured for use in a variety of enclosures.

Because fiber optic enclosures are compact to minimize size and volume, management of these trays becomes a challenge. Hinges and posts are a common method of restraining movement, but these methods also limit access.

The present invention recognizes the foregoing considerations, and others, of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a fiber optic splice tray assembly comprising an organizer plate and an interconnection arrangement for removable attachment of the splice tray assembly to at least one other splice tray assembly in stacked fashion. The interconnection arrangement includes a plurality of snap connectors which may be integrally formed with the organizer plate. In a preferred embodiment, the snap connectors are formed having a socket and an oppositely-directed ball, the ball being sized to fit into a socket of an adjacent splice tray assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a combination comprising a fiber optic enclosure having a plurality of first snap connectors in a splice tray mounting area thereof. At least one fiber optic splice tray assembly having a plurality of second snap connectors is also provided. The second snap connectors removably mate with the first snap connectors so that the splice tray assembly can be mounted in the fiber optic enclosure.

A still further aspect of the present invention involves a connection arrangement provided as part of a fiber optic splice tray assembly. The connection arrangement comprises a snap connector structure having a socket and an oppositely- directed ball. The socket is adapted to receive a ball of a first other adjacent splice tray assembly. The ball is adapted to be received in a socket of a second other splice tray assembly, such that the fiber optic splice tray assembly including the connection arrangement can be sandwiched between the first other adjacent splice tray assembly and second other splice tray assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a combination comprising a plurality of fiber optic splice tray assemblies in a stacked arrangement. The splice tray assemblies are removably connected by respective interconnection arrangements. The interconnection arrangements are configured to allow adjacent splice tray assemblies to pivot with respect to one another.

A method of attaching together a plurality of fiber optic splice tray assemblies in a stacked arrangement One step of the method comprises providing at least two splice tray assemblies, each having an organizer plate and an interconnection arrangement for removable attachment of the splice tray assembly to at least one other splice tray assembly in stacked fashion. The interconnection arrangement includes a plurality of ball and socket snap connectors integrally formed with the organizer plate. According to another step, balls of the snap connectors of a first one of the splice tray assemblies are inserted into sockets of the snap connectors of a second one of the splice tray assemblies, thereby attaching the splice tray assemblies together in a stacked arrangement.

Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are provided by various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed elements, as well as methods of practicing same, which are discussed in greater detail below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fiber optic splice tray assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the organizer plate of the splice tray assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged front elevation of a snap connector of the fiber optic splice tray assembly of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged side elevation of the snap connector of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an enlarged top elevation of the snap connector of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is an enlarged front elevation showing interconnected snap connectors of a plurality of stacked spice tray assemblies in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation showing interconnected snap connectors of a plurality of stacked spice tray assemblies in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figures 8A and 8B show the manner in which a pair of adjacent splice tray assemblies may be pivoted via interconnected snap connectors.

Figures 9A and 9B are enlarged views showing interconnected snap connectors during pivoting.

Figure 10 shows mounting inside an enclosure of a splice tray assembly in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 11 is an enlarged view showing interconnection of one of the snap connectors in Figure 10 with the enclosure. Figure 12 shows a splice tray assembly in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1 but having a raised lid.

Figures 13A and 13B are enlarged front and side elevational views, respectively, of a snap connector shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing stacking of various splice tray assemblies with both regular and raised lids.

Figure 15 is an enlarged side elevation of a plurality of interconnected snap connectors in the stacked arrangement of Figure 14.

Figures 16A and 16B show a holder in the organizer plate adapted to hold multiple sizes of various modules.

Figure 17A-B are top plan and side elevational views of the holder of Figures 16A and 16B.

Figure 17C-D are perspective views of the holder of Figures 16A and 16B.

Figure 18 illustrates the manner in which one splice tray assembly may be moved and retained in order to gain access to another splice tray assembly in a stack.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.

The present invention overcomes various fiber tray management issues and provides enhanced access in comparison with splice trays of the prior art. In particular, embodiments of the present invention include an interconnection arrangement that both allows the trays to be easily attached to the enclosure and allows each tray to be attached to one another. Access to individual trays is also facilitated. According to a preferred embodiment, the interconnection arrangement comprises a system of "ball and cup socket" attachment points (e.g. , 4 per tray) that allows for attachment to the enclosure and then mounting of each tray to the existing tray(s). The ball and cup attachment system allows for access to any tray. Top trays can hinge with two attachment points engaged to view the tray below or removed and set aside to facilitate full access to the tray below. The removed tray will snap into the attachment points on the opposite side of the lower tray. This provides a means of holding the removed tray in place while working on the lower tray.

Figure 1 illustrates a splice tray assembly 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 10 includes a bottom organizer plate 12 covered by a removable lid 14. In this embodiment, lid 14 is transparent so that a technician can easily see the spliced-connected optical fibers. Organizer plate 12 includes a plurality of retention tabs, such as tab 16, to hold lid 14 in place. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the splice tray assembly may typically be formed of suitable molded plastic, such as polycarbonate.

Referring now also to Figure 2, certain additional details regarding organizer plate 12 can be most easily explained. As can be seen, organizer plate 12 has a height defined by peripheral wall 18. End walls 20 and 22 are curved such that an optical fiber following along its radius will not be subject to sharp bends. A plurality of inwardly-directed extensions, such as extension 24, tend to hold the optical fibers in place on organizer plate 12. A series of gaps in the peripheral wall, such as gap 26, allow ingress and egress of the fiber optic cables.

Organizer plate 12 further defines a series of apertures, such aperture 28, which retain splice chip holders, module cradles, and other features in various positions. For example, a plurality of splice manifolds (e.g. , manifold 30) can be seen in Figure 1 under transparent lid 14.

Referring now to Figures 1-5, splice tray assembly 10 includes an interconnection arrangement that both allows connection to the enclosure and to other splice trays. In this embodiment, the interconnection arrangement comprises a plurality of "ball and cup" connectors 32. For example, four or more such connectors will generally be provided so that multiple connectors are located along each lateral side of organizer plate 12. In this case, for example, two connectors 32 are located on each lateral side of organizer plate 12. As will be more apparent from the discussion below, this allows two adjacent trays to be pivoted with respect to each other.

As can be most easily seen in Figures 3-5, each connector 32 defines a lower, depending ball 34 and an upper cup 36 (i.e. , the ball and cup are oppositely- directed). In this embodiment, upper cup 36 is formed by a pair of adjacent arms 38 and 40 (each in the shape of an inverted "U"), although other configurations are possible. Arms 38 and 40 flex outward to permit insertion and removal of a ball 34 from an adjacent splice tray assembly. When the ball is received in the cup, the ball can pivot in ball-in- socket fashion. Because the ball and cup are portions of one formation, compact nesting is facilitated. The formations may each also include a grab feature, such as protruding lip 42, to allow easier removal of ball from cup. Figures 6 and 7 illustrate connectors 32a, 32b, and 32c of respective splice tray assemblies 10a, 10b, and 10c interconnected with one another. As a result, splice tray assemblies 10a, 10b, and 10c will be maintained in this stacked arrangement, such as inside an environmental enclosure.

As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the interconnect assembly in this embodiment may advantageously allow pivoting from either side. This permits a technician to more easily access underneath trays without separating the stack. Figures 9A and 9B respectively illustrate partial and full pivoting of one tray with respect to another. It will be appreciated, as shown in Figure 9B, that arms 38 and 40 stop further rotation of the upper tray in this embodiment.

Referring now to Figure 10, an exemplary enclosure 44 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 11 , the enclosure may preferably be provided with a plurality of sockets 46 similar to those on the splice tray assemblies. In this way, the splice tray assemblies may be easily mounted to the enclosure using the connectors 32. The tray attached to the enclosure may serve as the base of a plurality of stacked trays. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the splice tray assemblies equipped with connectors 32 may be easily mounted to a variety of fixed structures.

Figure 12 illustrates a modified splice tray assembly 110 which is similar to splice tray assembly 10, but uses a modified lid 114. As can be seen, lid 114 has a raised height that can accommodate taller components such as WDM module 48. Depending arms 50 may be provided to attach lid 114 to plate 12. For example, each arm 50 may have a projection at its distal end which flexibly snaps into a horizontal slot defined in plate 12. Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, lid 114 may preferably define sockets 52 that overly the cups of respective connectors 32. This allows splice tray assemblies using regular lid 14 and those using raised lid 114 to be stacked together, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. In Figure 16A, lid 114 is removed to more clearly show WDM module 48. As can be seen, module 48 is retained in a rectangular holder 54 that attaches to plate 12. Figure 16B illustrates holder 54 being used to retain a smaller WDM module 48' . Referring now also to Figures 17A-D, holder 54 may have removable tabs (such as tab 56) to retain smaller modules. Larger modules may be retained by peripheral lips 58.

Figure 18 illustrates another advantage of the present embodiment. In particular, the interconnection arrangement allows an upper tray assembly 10 (or stack) to be attached temporarily to the other side of the tray to be serviced. As a result, the upper trays will be secure but out of the way while the technician works in the lower tray.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention offer various advantages in comparison with the prior art. For example, a splice tray embodiment as described above achieves the following advantages:

1) The new design uses "ball and cup" attachment points (4) to connect each tray to the closure and to other trays.

2) The new design facilitates direct and full access to the tray below it.

3) The new design allows trays to hinge when two ball and cup attachment points are engaged (linear to one side)

4) The new design allows a means to secure trays removed from the stack while working on the lower trays. 5) The new design includes multiple attachments points within the splice tray to attach a splice chip holder.

6) The new design includes a cradle to attach splitters or other optical modules within the tray.

The following prior art patents and published patent applications are incorporated fully herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes: U.S. Pat.

No. 7,340, 144, U.S. Pub. App. No. 2013/0188919A1, and U.S. Pub. App. No.

2011/0299820A1.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made thereto by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to be limitative of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fiber optic splice tray assembly comprising:

an organizer plate; and

an interconnection arrangement for removable attachment of said splice tray assembly to at least one other splice tray assembly in stacked fashion, said interconnection arrangement including a plurality of snap connectors.

2. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said snap connectors are integrally formed with said organizer plate.

3. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said snap connectors are formed having a socket and an oppositely-directed ball, the ball being sized to fit into a socket of an adjacent splice tray assembly.

4. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said organizer plate has a generally rectangular configuration with first and second lateral sides, at least one of said snap connectors being located at each of said first and second lateral sides.

5. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein at least two of said snap connectors are located on each of said first and second lateral sides.

6. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein said snap connectors on one of said first and second lateral sides are configured to provide a hinge connection allowing said at least one other spliced tray assembly to pivot.

7. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein said organizer plate includes respective side walls extending along said first and second lateral sides.

8. A fiber optic tray assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein said organizer plate includes curved end walls adjacent first and second ends thereof.

9. A fiber optic tray assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of said end walls defines at least one gap for ingress and egress of fiber optic cable.

10. A fiber optic tray assembly as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising at least one splice manifold located on said organizer plate.

11. A fiber optic tray assembly as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a module adapter located on said organizer plate.

12. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 1 , further comprising a lid attached to said organizer plate.

13. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth 12, wherein said lid is raised to provide additional interior space in said splice tray assembly.

14. A fiber optic splice tray assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein said lid is configured to connect to snap connectors of said at least one other splice tray assembly.

15. A fiber optic splay tray assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein said lid defines a plurality of sockets for receipt of balls of said snap connectors of said at least one other splice tray assembly.

16. A combination comprising:

a fiber optic enclosure having a plurality of first snap connectors in a splice tray mounting area thereof; and

at least one fiber optic splice tray assembly having a plurality of second snap connectors, said second snap connectors removably mating with said first snap connectors so that said splice tray can be mounted in said fiber optic enclosure.

17. A combination as set forth in claim 16, wherein said at least one fiber optic splice tray assembly comprises a plurality of said splice trays in stacked arrangement.

18. A combination as set forth in claim 17, wherein respective splice tray assemblies of said plurality of splice trays may be pivoted with respect to each other.

19. A combination as set forth in claim 17, wherein each of said splice tray assemblies in said stacked arrangement has identical second snap connectors, each of said second snap connectors having an upper socket and a depending ball, the ball being sized to fit into a socket of an adjacent splice tray assembly.

20. A combination as set forth in claim 16, wherein each of said first snap connectors defines a socket for receipt of balls of said second snap connectors.

21. A combination as set forth in claim 16, wherein said at least one fiber optic splice tray assembly includes an organizer plate, said second snap connectors being integrally formed with said organizer plate.

22. A connection arrangement provided as part of a fiber optic splice tray assembly, said connection arrangement comprising:

a snap connector structure having a socket and an oppositely-directed ball;

the socket adapted to receive a ball of a first other adjacent splice tray assembly; and

the ball adapted to be received in a socket of a second other splice tray assembly, such that the fiber optic splice tray assembly including said connection arrangement can be sandwiched between said first other adjacent splice tray assembly and second other splice tray assembly.

23. A connection arrangement as set forth in claim 22, wherein said socket is formed by a pair of lateral arms which flex outward to receive said ball.

24. A connection arrangement as set forth in claim 23, wherein said lateral arms each generally have an inverted U-shape configuration.

25. A connection arrangement as set forth in claim 22, wherein the snap connector has a grab feature in the form of a protruding lip to facilitate manual removal of said ball from a socket in which it is received.

26. A combination comprising:

a plurality of fiber optic splice tray assemblies in a stacked arrangement, said splice tray assemblies being removably connected by respective interconnection arrangements; and

said interconnection arrangements configured to allow adjacent splice tray assemblies to pivot with respect to one another.

27. A combination as set forth in claim 26, wherein each of said splice tray assemblies comprises an organizer plate and a removable lid attached to said organizer plate.

28. A combination as set forth in claim 26, wherein each of said interconnection arrangements comprises a plurality of snap connectors.

29. A combination as set forth in claim 28, wherein said snap connectors are formed having a socket and an oppositely-directed ball, the ball being sized to fit into a socket of an adjacent splice tray assembly.

30. A combination as set forth in claim 29, wherein the snap connectors of adjacent splice tray assemblies stop further rotation of adjacent splice tray assemblies at a predetermined maximum rotation.

31. A method of attaching together a plurality of fiber optic splice tray assemblies in a stacked arrangement, said method comprising:

providing at least two splice tray assemblies, each of said splice tray assemblies having:

an organizer plate; and

an interconnection arrangement for removable attachment of said splice tray assembly to at least one other splice tray assembly in stacked fashion, said interconnection arrangement including a plurality of ball and socket snap connectors integrally formed with said organizer plate; inserting balls of said snap connectors of a first one of said splice tray assemblies into sockets of said snap connectors of a second one of said splice tray assemblies, thereby attaching the splice tray assemblies together in a stacked arrangement.